Christ School’s Kokayi Cobb.

NCPreps.com has announced its preseason all-state football team for private-school football and three Christ School players made the list:

NCISAA Pre-Season All-State

OFFENSE

QB – Sam Hartman – Davidson Day

RB – Gabe Montgomery – Providence Day

RB – DeMarkes Stradford – Latin

WR – Brodus Roberson – Charlotte Country Day

WR – Deshon Holmes – Statesville Christian

WR – Julius Felder – Concord First Assemby

OL – Jack Mitchell – Charlotte Christian

OL – Luca Katz – Charlotte Country Day

OL – Jack Carter – Davidson Day

OL – Tyshawn Miller – Northside Christian

OL – Cameron Sedegren – Concord First Assembly

 

DEFENSE

DL – Eddie Crutchfield – Latin

DL – Austin Hendley – HP Christian

DL – Garrett Groulx – Davidson Day

DL – Sam Landis – Ravenscroft

LB – Seth Griswold – Christ School

LB – Chase Monroe – Davidson Day

LB – Don Banks – Harrells Christian

DB – Melvin Rouse – Latin

DB – Dre Davis – HP Christian

DB – Kokayi Cobb – Christ School

DB – Tanner Talley – Northside Christian

SPECIAL TEAMS

K – Christian Van Sickle – Charlotte Christian

P – Zach Murphy – Ravenscroft

ATH – Jared Letman-Gash – Christ School

Note: NCPreps is now taking pre-orders for its North Carolina Prep Football News Yearbook. More information is available at this link.

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Caleb Harbin

ASHEVILLE – Caleb Harbin sees a lot of himself in the baseball players he is about to coach at Erwin.

Harbin, 23, played three sports in high school before graduating from Pisgah in 2011. He has been announced as the Warriors’ new baseball coach.

“This is definitely an honor to be granted a head-coaching job this early in my career,” Harbin said.

“Erwin is a great community and they come out to support their teams in every sport. That passion reminds me a lot of growing up in Haywood County. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now.”

Harbin was an assistant coach for Roberson’s 24-4 Mountain Athletic Conference 4-A championship team this past season. He replaces Billy Shepherd who went 7-16 in his only season at Erwin.

Harbin played baseball, basketball and football for Pisgah before continuing his baseball career at Mars Hill University. Many of Erwin’s baseball players play multiple sports as well, which was endearing to Harbin.

Harbin has had the chance to coach two-time Citizen-Times All-WNC quarterback Damien Ferguson this summer as an assistant with the Asheville American Legion Post 70 baseball team.

“The attitudes of all the Erwin kids I’ve met is great, and it speaks volumes. We’re definitely going to be an athletic team with not a lot of guys who specialize in one sport. I feel that too many kids specialize these days. I’m looking forward to coaching a very athletic team.”

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NCHSAA

Special thanks to the NCHSAA for this press release:

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association has granted WMYA-TV the right to televise 10 live Thursday night high school football games during the upcoming 2016 high school football season within the Greenville-Spartanburg, SC-Asheville, NC television market. 

Charter Communications, through its acquisition of Time Warner Cable, is an 11-year NCHSAA television partner and the current exclusive rights holder of live Thursday night games across the state. The NCHSAA worked with Charter Communications to allow this one-year exception.   

“Charter/Time Warner Cable has been our partner for more than a decade and has helped increase exposure for our association and member schools,” said Que Tucker, NCHSAA Commissioner. “We are thankful to Charter and appreciative that this could be worked out so our student athletes and communities can benefit.”

Time Warner Cable SportsChannel is the official television partner of the NCHSAA and will air the “NCHSAA Game of the Week” live each Thursday from schools across the state as well as playoff and championship events in several sports. TWC SportsChannel is on channel 77 and 323 on Time Warner Cable’s legacy footprint across the Carolinas which historically did not include all of the Asheville market.

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The WNC Warriors will host the Hoop for Homeless basketball camp on July 30.

CAMPS, CLINICS AND TRYOUTS

To submit a sports camp, clinic or tryout listing with the Citizen-Times, please e-mail the information to apearson@citizen-times.com.

BASEBALL

ASHEVILLE BRAVES 12U TRYOUT: July 9 at Valley Springs Middle School. The tryout will begin at 4 p.m. For more information, contact coach Eric Kuehn at ericfkuehn@gmail.com.

ROBERSON RAMBLERS 11U TRYOUT: July 16 (10 a.m.), July 17 (3 p.m.) and July 31 at Valley Springs Middle School. Players cannot turn 12 prior to May 1, 2017 and are asked to choose one session. The Ramblers will play a tournament schedule from August to November. For more information, search for “Roberson Ramblers” on Facebook or e-mail them at RobersonRamblers@gmail.com.

NORTH BUNCOMBE CAMP: Aug. 8-11 at North Buncombe HS. Camp is open to players in the first through the eighth grade and will last each day from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The cost is $80 for pre-registered campers and $90 for first-day registrants. A t-shirt is included and there are sibling discounts available. Players should bring all their needed equipment. For more information, contact Black Hawks coach Matt Landreth at matthew.landreth@bcsemail.org.

D-BAT SPEED AND AGILITY CLASSES: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at D-BAT Asheville. The cost is $20 per session. Online registration is available at http://www.dbatasheville.com. For more information, call (828) 412-5050.

BASKETBALL

HOOP LAB SUMMER TRAINING ACADEMY – NIGHT PROJECT: Four different weeks are being offered at Carolina Day – July 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29 and Aug. 1-5. Camp is open to male and female players ages 14-21 and will last each day from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $35. For more information or to register, log onto www.hooplabo.com.

CROSSFIRE CAMPS: July 18-21 (full-day camp) and July 17-21 (overnight camp) at Mars Hill University Camp is open to boys and girls ages 9-18. Half-day camp lasts from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Full-day camp lasts from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $250 and includes lunch. The cost for the overnight camp is $375 and includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Online registration is available at https://crossfireministry.com. For more information, contact Crossfire at (828) 255-9111.

HOOP FOR THE HOMELESS: July 30 at Reynolds Middle School. Camp will last from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Camp is open to boys and girls of all ages and the first 200 to register will receive a $5 gift card from the Fun Depot. Lunch will be provided. The cost is $65 for Western North Carolina Warriors players and $75 for non-Warriors players. It includes a t-shirt. Online registration is available at https://wncwarrior.com/hoop-for-homeless. For more information, call (828) 216-8990 or send an e-mail to wncwarriors@gmail.com.

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY GIRLS CAMP: Aug. 1-4 (day camp) at Western Carolina University. For more information, contact Stacy Cantley, (828) 227-2031 or swmcdonald1@scantley@email.wcu.edu.

HOOP LAB SUMMER TRAINING ACADEMY – DAY PROJECT: Five different weeks are being offered at the Fairview Community Center – July 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29, Aug. 1-5 and Aug. 8-12. Camp is open to boys and girls ages 9-15 and will last each day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $65 per week. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. For more information or to register, log onto www.hooplabo.com.

ASHEVILLE HIGH CAMP: July 11-14 at Asheville HS. Camp is open to boys and girls ages 6-12. There are half-day and full-day options available. For more information, contact the Cougars at ashevillebball@gmail.com.

MADISON BOYS CAMP: July 25-28 at Madison HS. Camp is open to second through ninth-grade players and will last each day from 8 a.m. to noon. The cost is $55 and includes a t-shirt. For more information, contact Patriots coach Jonathan McDevitt  at mcdevittjonathan@gmail.commcdevittjonathan@gmail.com.

NIKE BASKETBALL CAMP: Aug. 1-5 at Asheville School. Camp is open to boys and girls ages 8-15. Camp will last each day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $295 and does not include lunch. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Group discounts are available. For more information, call 1-800-NIKE-CAMP.

CROSS COUNTRY 

ALL-AMERICAN CAMP: July 17-22 and July 24-29 at Christ School. Camp is open to boys and girls of all ages and headed up by N.C. State coach Rollie Geiger. The cost is $600 for overnight campers and $450 for day campers (meals are provided). There are team discounts. Online registration is available at http://www.crosscountrycamp.com. The deadline to register is July 1. For more information, send an e-mail to raleightrackclub@gmail.com or call (919) 332-6863.

FOOTBALL

REYNOLDS CAMP: July 11-13 at Reynolds HS. Camp is open to players in kindergarten through the eighth grade and will last each day from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The cost is $45 and includes a t-shirt. Registration forms are available at http://www.acreynoldsathletics.org/main/filesLinks.

ENKA CAMP: July 11-14 at Enka HS. Camp is open to first through eight-grade players and will last each day from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The cost is $40 and includes a t-shirt. For more information, contact Jets coach Jeff Frady at (828) 670-5000 or jeffrey.frady@bcsemail.org.

OWEN CAMP: July 18 and 19 at Black Mountain Veterans Park. Camp is open to players and cheerleaders in the kindergarten through eighth grade and will last each day from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. There is no cost to participate. For more information, call (828) 734-1635.

LACROSSE

CAROLINA GLADIATOR CLINICS: July 15 at Asheville Christian Academy and July 22 at TBA. There is no cost. For more information, e-mail Gladiators coach Mario Moraga at Mariojmoraga@gmail.com.

SOCCER

ASHEVILLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY CAMP: July 11-14 at ACA. Camp is open to boys and girls in the third through the eighth grade and will last each day from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The cost is $80. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Torri Render at (828) 581-2202 or torri.render@acalion.org.

ROBERSON CAMP: July 11-14 at Roberson HS. Two age-group options are available – camp for boys and girls in kindergarten through sixth grade will last each day from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and camp for boys and girls in seventh through the 12th grade will last each day from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The cost is $60 and includes insurance and a t-shirt. For more information or to register, contact Roberson assistant coach Josh Martin at joshua.martin@bcsemail.org.

MITCHELL GIRLS CAMP: July 12-14 at Mitchell HS. Camp is open to second through 12th grade players and will last each day from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The cost is $25. More camp information is available by calling (828) 766-3400.

REYNOLDS CAMP: Aug. 1-4 at Reynolds HS. Camp is open to players in kindergarten through the eighth grade and will last each day from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $60 and includes a t-shirt. Registration forms are available at http://www.acreynoldsathletics.org/main/filesLinks.

UNC ASHEVILLE BOYS HIGH SCHOOL CAMP: Aug. 6 at UNCA. Camp is open to players in the ninth grade and up and will last each day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $140 and includes lunch. Online registration is available at http://menssoccer.uncasportsacademy.com. For more information, contact Mick Gorodano at mgiordan@unca.edu.

SOFTBALL

ENKA CAMP: July 11-13 at Enka HS. Camp is open to kindergarten through fifth-grade players (from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) and sixth to 12th-grade players (from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.). The cost is $60. Campers are asked to pre-register by contacting Sugar Jets coach Jennifer Kruk at jennifer.kruk@bcsemail.org or arrive a half-hour early on the first day of camp.

ASHEVILLE THUNDER 12U TRYOUTS: July 12 and 14. To schedule a tryout for the upcoming fall season, contact Patrick McCall at (828) 776-5517. More information on the Thunder can also be found at http://www.facebook.com/AshevilleThunderSoftball.

ASHEVILLE THUNDER 14U TRYOUTS: July 12 and 14. To schedule a tryout, contact Patrick McCall at (828) 776-5517 or Robb Pinner at (828) 989-6555. More information on the Thunder can also be found at http://www.facebook.com/AshevilleThunderSoftball.

TENNIS

ASTON PARK CAMPS: July 18-21, July 25-28, Aug. 1-4 and Aug. 8-11 at Aston Park Tennis Center. Camp will last each day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is open to players ages 7-14. The cost is $100 for Asheville residents and $125 for non-city residents. Registration is only available online. Log onto www.ashevillenc.gov and click on Online Services. Then click on Recreation Program Registration. The tennis camps are listed under the activity type: Sports and Games. For more information, contact Laura Loftis at 828-251-4074 or lloftis@ashevillenc.gov.

REYNOLDS CAMP: July 11-14 at Reynolds HS. Camp is open to players in kindergarten through the eighth grade and will last each day from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $60 and includes a t-shirt. Registration forms are available at http://www.acreynoldsathletics.org/main/filesLinks.

VOLLEYBALL

ERWIN CAMP: July 11-13 at Erwin HS. Camp is open to boys and girls in the fourth through the ninth grade. Camp will last each day from 9 a.m. to noon and the cost is $50. For more information or to register, contact Rachel Miller at rachel.wells@bcsemail.org.

WEST HENDERSON CAMP: July 11-13 at West Henderson HS. Camp is open to girls in kindergarten through the ninth grade and will last each day from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $65 and includes a t-shirt. Registration forms are available in the main office. Parents are asked to either RSVP by July 10 by sending an e-mail to tiffanylowrance@me.com or arrive 30 minutes early for the first day of camp to register. For more information, contact Falcons coach Tiffany Lowrance at (828) 458-1895.

ENKA CAMP: July 25-27 at Enka HS. Camp is open to girls in kindergarten through the eighth grade and will last each day from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $60. For more information, contact Sugar Jets coach Jennifer Kruk at at jennifer.kruk@bcsemail.org.

UNC ASHEVILLE CAMPS: July 18-20 and Aug. 1-3 at UNCA. Camp is open to girls ages 10-18. Full-day camp lasts each day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the cost is $315. Overnight camp lasts from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the cost is $450. Online registration is available at http://volleyball.uncasportsacademy.com/?DB_OEM_ID=19200. For more information, contact Frederico Santos at (828) 232-5659 or fsantos@unca.edu.

ASHEVILLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY CAMP: Aug. 1-4 at ACA. Camp is open to girls in the third through the eighth grade and will last each day from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $80. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Torri Render at (828) 581-2202 or torri.render@acalion.org.

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Christ School graduate Champ Stuart is an outfielder in the New York Mets organization.

Christ School alum Champ Stuart has been promoted to the Double-A level for the first time in his professional baseball career.

Stuart, 23, is an outfielder in the New York Mets organization. He was 0-for-1 for Binghamton (N.Y.) in Thursday afternoon’s 5-2 home win over Hartford (Conn.).

Stuart is a 2010 Greenies graduate and later played for Brevard College. The Mets took him in the sixth round of the 2013 major league draft.

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Enka rising senior Tucker Kuykendall has committed to play college baseball for VMI.

Enka rising senior Tucker Kuykendall has committed to play college baseball for VMI.

Kuykendall is a right-handed pitcher who had a 3.12 earned-run average with 56 strikeouts in 49.1 innings for the Jets (8-16) last season. He plays showcase baseball for the Evoshield Canes organization.

Kuykendall is the second rising senior from Enka to make a college baseball commitment, joining Jack Ponder (UNC Greensboro), who is also a pitcher.

More on this story to come….

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Recent Asheville School graduate Gabi Davis has signed to run college track for Emory (Ga.).

As of today, there are 236 Western North Carolina athletes who have committed or signed to play college sports.

The following list includes scholarship and walk-on athletes.

Coaches, parents and athletes, if you know of anyone we have missed or have signing photos to share throughout the school year, please send an e-mail to apearson@citizen-times.com. All signing photos will be posted here on the High School Huddle and to our Instagram account.

BASEBALL

Garrett Blaylock, Roberson to Vanderbilt*

Kyle Cagle, Reynolds to Carson-Newman

Noah Cook, Asheville to Montreat

Trenton Davis, Roberson to Campbell

Ryan Decker, North Henderson to North Carolina Central

Cam Dotson, Rosman to Brevard College

J.D. Edwards, Polk County to Brevard College

Zack Epps, Swain County to Chattanooga State

Will Fleming, Christ School to Wake Forest*

Nate Fore, Roberson to Belmont Abbey

Bryce Foster, Brevard to Brevard College

Colton Garland, Mountain Heritage to South Carolina-Aiken

Langston Haden, Asheville to Millsaps

Noah Heatherly, Tuscola to Piedmont

Cole Hooper, Smoky Mountain to N.C. State*

Trystan Jones, Madison to Brevard College

Tucker Kuykendall, Enka to VMI*

Tyler Leek, Hayesville to North Greenville

Jared Patterson, Asheville to Methodist

Tyler Petit, Rosman to Brevard College

Jack Ponder, Enka to UNC Greensboro*

Michael Ponder, North Buncombe to Mars Hill

Michael Reynolds, Christ School to College of Charleston*

Josh Rice, Rosman to Central Alabama

Jake Sutton, Tuscola to Brevard College

Hunter Stewart, Blue Ridge to Mars Hill

Collin Watt, Roberson to East Carolina*

Collin Wheeler, North Buncombe to Hiwassee

Ryan Zwier, Christ School to Washington (Md.)

BASKETBALL

Tory Agrusa, Franklin to Catawba Valley

Brooklyn Allen, Pisgah to Appalachian State

Zach Cottrell, Hayesville to Appalachian State

John Fulkerson, Christ School to Tennessee

Kendra Griffin, Erwin to Charleston

Lauren Guthrie, North Buncombe to Montreat

Chapman Harwood, Temple Baptist to Bob Jones

Tess Harris, Carolina Day to Western Carolina

Jessica Hoilman, Avery County to Emory & Henry

Josh Jones, Reynolds to William Peace

Spencer Kirkpatrick, Carolina Day to North Greenville

Hayley Kropp, Polk County to Guilford Tech

LeLe Lossiah, Cherokee to Warren Wilson

Colby Maltry, North Buncombe to Brevard College

Cheyenne Matson, McDowell to Erskine

Jason McMillan, Cherokee to Western Carolina

Rachel Owen, Rosman to Brevard College

Mikayla Ray, Carolina Day to William Peace

Zach Reeves, Christ School to Lindsey Wilson

Ben Riddle, Blue Ridge to Central Carolina

Damon Scott, Asheville to Emory & Henry

Jordan Shepherd, Asheville Christian Academy to Oklahoma

Zach Stroup, Rosman to Brevard College

Jamal Tanner, Polk County to Catawba Valley

Jacob Waldroop, Avery County to Milligan

Kaitlyn Wood, Smoky Mountain to Montreat

CHEERLEADING & DANCE

Jessica Clifford, Tuscola to Wake Forest

Macey Davis, Tuscola to North Carolina

FIELD HOCKEY

Lia Messersmith, Asheville to Mount Holyoke

FOOTBALL

Isaac Allen, Mountain Heritage to Wingate

Tommy Apostolopoulos, North Buncombe to Centre

Najae Buchanan, Reynolds to Mars Hill

Bryson Buckner, Enka to Mars Hill

Tanner Bullock, West Henderson to Brevard College

Britt Burleson, Mountain Heritage to Lenoir-Rhyne

Wyatt Burnette, Franklin to Western Carolina

Chase Campbell, McDowell to Emory & Henry

Michael Cantrell, Enka to Mars Hill

Jordan Cody, Swain County to Mars Hill

Michael Cook, Hendersonville to Guilford

Trevor Craft, North Henderson to Brevard College

Jordan Davis, Tuscola to Carson-Newman

Rico Dowdle, Reynolds to South Carolina

Chase Fisher, Smoky Mountain to Western Carolina

Caleb Gilbert, Brevard to Brevard College

Trace Goldsmith, East Henderson to Mars Hill

Tanner Green, Rosman to Carson-Newman

Brent Hammer, Avery County to Averett

Austin Hedrick, Robbinsville to Limestone

Aundreas Hill, Reynolds to Mars Hill

Mason Isgrig, North Buncombe to Centre

Brandon Johnson, North Henderson to Brevard College

Pete Leota, Asheville to South Carolina

A.J. Logan, Reynolds to Appalachian State

David Mackey, Pisgah to Mars Hill

Jake Marr, Swain County to Carson-Newman

Cole McCarson, North Henderson to Centre

Rayonte Mills, Erwin to Maryville

Colton Millsaps, Robbinsville to Mars Hill

Drew Mitchell, North Henderson to Brevard College

Kennan Panther, Cherokee to Carson-Newman

Cameron Parker, Roberson to East Tennessee State

Blaise Parker, McDowell to Centre

Chase Parker, North Buncombe to Wingate

Michael Parrott, Pisgah to Alabama*

Stephen Perron, West Henderson to Centre

Marc Peterson, Erwin to Maryville

Clay Privette, West Henderson to Brevard College

Michael Schmidt, Hendersonville to Air Force

David Schill, Asheville School to Centre

Jay Spencer, East Henderson to Mars Hill

Hunter Stanley, Rabun Gap (Cashiers resident) to Gardner-Webb

Logan Teesateskie, Cherokee to Carson-Newman

Tristan Thomas, West Henderson to Carson-Newman

Ricky Thrash, North Buncombe to North Carolina Wesleyan

Eunique Waters, Reynolds to Shorter

Zach Webster, Tuscola to Carson-Newman

Ashton Woodring, North Henderson to Brevard College

GOLF

Chris Akers, Christ School to East Carolina

Nick Boone, Pisgah to Mars Hill

Ashley Cauthen, East Henderson to Milligan

Michael Freeman, Christ School to Davidson

Thomas Garbee, Christ School to Navy

Aaron Graham, Christ School to Appalachian State

Kelton Mills, Hendersonville to Alcorn State

Carson Ownbey, Christ School to Charlotte%

Callista Rice, North Buncombe to Clemson*

Candler Rice, Carolina Day to Berry

Matt Sharpstene, Roberson to West Virginia

Andrew Stewart, Erwin to Montreat

LACROSSE

Bailey Gentry, Franklin to Truett McConnell

Will Iorio, Christ School to VMI

Riley Smith, Christ School to High Point

ROWING

Jake Brock, Roberson to Jacksonville

Abby Hudspeth, Roberson to North Carolina

Caleigh Sewell, Roberson to North Carolina

SOCCER

Jeremy Allsbrook, Polk County to Gardner-Webb

Celine Jacobi Barham, Reynolds to Cape Fear

Corban Crosley, Asheville Christian Academy to Liberty

Kaley Cross, Reynolds to Lenoir-Rhyne

Alejandro Escobedo, Enka to Brevard College

Mac Gourlay, Carolina Day to N.C. State*

Nick Green, Avery County to Maryville

Karissa Grooms, Reynolds to Chowan

Elizabeth Guffey, home-schooled student to Taylor

Emma Hall, Asheville to Francis Marion*

Katlyn Hill, East Henderson to Brevard College

Austin Howard, Carolina Day to Denison

Emily Hull, Carolina Day to Davidson*

Will Jones, Asheville to Emory

Bryan Juarez, East Henderson to Brevard College

Caroline Lee, Polk County to Southeastern Louisiana

Joevell Lee, Enka to Brevard College

Ty Lenk, Owen to New Rochelle

Ashley Love, Polk County to Emory & Henry

Jordan Melvin, Reynolds to Tusculum

Urijah Morrison, Reynolds to North Caroina Wesleyan

River Naisang, Reynolds to Mars Hill

Ben Nickol, Tuscola to Wofford

Aidan O’Brien, Asheville to South Carolina*

Cassidy Pate-Moore, Tuscola to Queens

Ashlyn Perkins, Reynolds to Mars Hill

Young Perry, Christ School to Wofford

Abby Proben, Pisgah to Maryville

Wil Rimer, Polk County to Emory & Henry

Roberto Salazar, East Henderson to Brevard College

Christina Shimshock, Reynolds to Lenoir-Rhyne

Rachel Swaim, Tuscola to Greensboro

Massi Tager, Asheville to Emory & Henry

Ashley Weidlich, Tuscola to Tusculum

Sidnie Yanez, Cherokee to Brevard College

SOFTBALL

Cassidy Allen, North Buncombe to Mars Hill

Kloyee Anderson, Enka to Alabama%

Michalyn Bingham, McDowell to Indian River State

Alivia Brigman, Owen to Piedmont

Teegan Bullock, North Henderson to Brevard*

Casey Gilbert, Brevard to Walters State

Brittany Fletcher, Enka to Texas Woman’s

Samantha Gosnell, Madison to Milligan

Haley Gowan, McDowell to South Carolina-Aiken

Addison Harris, Enka to Mars Hill

Josie Harris, Reynolds to Montreat

Abigail Knight, Robbinsville to Virginia Tech#

Jordan Kielson, Pisgah to Lander%

Ashley Love, Polk County to Emory & Henry

Micayla McCoy, Smoky Mountain to Georgia Highlands

Makayla McNeill, Brevard to Brevard College

Michaela Morris, West Henderson to King

Autumn Owen, Polk County to Gardner-Webb%

Courtney Pearson, Enka to Queens

Olivia Presley, Owen to Brevard College

Samantha Schmidt, Roberson to Erskine

Mikki Shelton, McDowell to Montreat

Haylie Shope, Hiwassee Dam to Kennesaw State

Jaiden Tweed, Owen to Presbyterian%

Aly Woody, McDowell to Montreat

SWIMMING

Cora Dodson, Tuscola to Lenoir-Rhyne

Annie Ly, Tuscola to King

Jack MacDonald, Tuscola to Cleveland State

Emma May, Carolina Day to Centre

Tori Rigsby, Erwin to Mars Hill

TENNIS

Christine Osborne, Owen to Montreat

Savannah Smith, West Henderson to Belmont-Abbey

TRACK & FIELD

Jessica Bailey, Polk County to Salem

Jade Baldwin, East Henderson to Campbell

Mitchell Brown, Polk County to Winston-Salem State

Nathan Brown, East Henderson to Mars Hill

Tameeia Brown, Polk County to Western Carolina

Logan Burroughs, East Henderson to Pfeiffer

Lydia Cagle, Tuscola to Shippensburg

Skyler Cantrell, Madison to Mars Hill

Kaitlyn Carringer, Robbinsville to Milligan

Naomi Cartier, Asheville to Boston College

Gabi Davis, Asheville School to Emory

Jacob Davis, Roberson to Charlotte

Rylee Dean, West Henderson to Western Carolina

Sean Doyle, Polk County to Appalachian State

Jacob Franklin, Tuscola to Adams State

Mason Isgrig, North Buncombe to Centre

Hannah Jones, Tuscola to Gardner-Webb

Chesley Krug, Roberson to Navy

Shawnda Martin, Robbinsville to Western Carolina

Blakely Moore, Highlands to Lee

Noah Shore, Asheville to North Carolina

Brooke Turner, Tuscola to Liberty

Sage Turner, Enka to UNC Asheville

Adam Urbaniuk, Hayesville to Western Carolina

Anna Vess, Reynolds to N.C. State

Garret Welsh, Owen to Milligan

Amy Yarborough, Hendersonville to Western Carolina

VOLLEYBALL

Morgan Ballard, North Buncombe to Wofford

Alex Boone, Mountain Heritage to Charlotte*

Gracie Carrick, West Henderson to Winthrop

Liana Elliott, McDowell to Montreat

Ramsey Fullmer, Smoky Mountain to Catawba Valley

Destynee Galloway, West Henderson Francis Marion*

Taylor Houck, West Henderson to Tennessee Tech

SallyAnne Johnson, Enka to Mars Hill

Sierra Jones, West Henderson to Presbyterian*

Courtney Koehler, Reynolds to South Carolina

Caroline Marsh, North Henderson to UNC Wilmington*

Cameron McAbee, North Buncombe to Tusculum

Isabella Perron, West Henderson to Queens

Gabrielle Rancourt, Asheville School to Muhlenberg

Emily Russell, Reynolds to Towson

WRESTLING

Solomon Duncan, Mitchell to Johns Hopkins

Conor Fenn, Asheville School to Davidson

Jon Hall, Enka to Ferrum

Jeremiah Royer, Pisgah to Greensboro

Conan Wilson, Erwin to Greensboro

* – junior

% – sophomore

# – freshman

Note: Grade levels are based off of the 2015-16 school year.

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Tuscola’s Caleb Ferguson (1).

Athletic directors and coaches: please contact us with any corrections at apearson@citizen-times.com.

Unless noted, all kickoffs are at 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 19

Nonconference

Asheville at Franklin

Enka at Owen

Davidson Day at Erwin

North Buncombe at Pisgah

Reynolds at West Forsyth

R-S Central at McDowell

Roberson at North Henderson

East Rutherford at East Henderson

Patton at Tuscola

Smoky Mountain at Robbinsville

West Henderson at Madison

Brevard at Andrews

Murphy at Hendersonville

David Crockett (Tenn.) at Mountain Heritage

Polk County at Chase

West Wilkes at Mitchell

Avery County at Hampton (Tenn.)

Towns County at Hayesville

Hapeville Charter (Ga.) at Swain County

Cherokee at Trinity Academy (Tenn.)

Aug. 20

Nonconference

Winston-Salem Atkins at Christ School, 6 p.m.

Aug. 25

Nonconference

Hendersonville at West Henderson, 7 p.m. (WMYA-TV)

Aug. 26

Nonconference

Newton-Conover at Asheville

Pisgah at Enka

Mountain Heritage at Erwin

Madison at North Buncombe

Shelby at Reynolds

East Henderson at Roberson

McDowell at Avery County

Owen at Tuscola

Franklin at Murphy

North Henderson at Polk County

Swain County at Smoky Mountain

Brevard at Rosman

Mitchell at Cherokee

Andrews at Tellico Plains (Tenn.)

Hayesville at Copper Basin (Tenn.)

Robbinsville at Charlotte Country Day

Christ School at Davidson Day, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1

Nonconference

Asheville at Pisgah, 7 p.m. (WMYA-TV)

Sept. 2

Nonconference

Erwin at Ooltewah (Tenn.)

North Buncombe at Mountain Heritage

Owen at Reynolds

Smoky Mountain at Enka

East Rutherford at Roberson

Tuscola at McDowell

East Henderson at Hendersonville

North Henderson at Swain County

Madison at Rosman

Mitchell at Andrews

Avery County at Watauga

Polk County at R-S Central

Choctaw Central (Miss.) at Cherokee

Hayesville at Union County (Ga.)

Murphy at Carolina Wildcats (S.C.)

Asheville School at Tennessee Silverbacks (Tenn.), 7 p.m.

Christ School at Heathwood Hall (S.C.), 7 p.m.

Sept. 8

Nonconference

Robbinsville at Christ School, 7 p.m. (WMYA-TV)

Sept. 9

Nonconference

Asheville at Southern Lee

Science Hill (Tenn.) at Erwin

Watauga at Reynolds

McDowell at Mitchell

Roberson at Morganton Freedom

West Henderson at North Buncombe

Enka at Hayesville

Madison at Brevard

Hendersonville at North Henderson

Franklin at Swain County

Rosman at Mountain Heritage

Cloudland (Tenn.) at Avery County

Landrum (S.C.) at Polk County

Cherokee at Cosby (Tenn.)

North Georgia Falcons at Murphy

Union County (Ga.) at Andrews

Asheville Saints at Asheville School, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 15

Nonconference

Cherokee at Smoky Mountain, 7 p.m. (WMYA-TV)

Sept. 16

Nonconference

Erwin at Franklin

Enka at Brevard

Mitchell at North Buncombe

Reynolds at Hendersonville

McDowell at Owen

Roberson at Shelby Crest

Pisgah at Madison

Mountain Heritage at West Henderson

Swain County at Tuscola

Avery County at North Wilkes

Polk County at East Henderson

Murphy at Gilmer County (Ga.)

Fannin County (Ga.) at Andrews

Trinity Academy (Tenn.) at Rosman

Robbinsville at Rabun Gap (Ga.), 4:30 p.m.

Asheville School at Camden Military Academy (S.C.), 4 p.m.

Northside Christian at Christ School, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22

Mountain Athletic Conference

North Buncombe at Enka, 7 p.m. (WMYA-TV)

Sept. 23

Mountain Athletic Conference

Erwin at Reynolds, 7 p.m.

Roberson at McDowell, 7 p.m.

Western North Carolina Athletic Conference

Pisgah at East Henderson

Tuscola at Smoky Mountain

North Henderson at West Henderson

Brevard at Franklin

Western Highlands Conference

Avery County at Owen

Polk County at Madison

Hendersonville at Mountain Heritage

Smoky Mountain Conference

Cherokee at Murphy

Robbinsville at Andrews

Rosman at Hayesville

Nonconference

Winston-Salem Carver at Asheville

Christ School at Rabun Gap (Ga.), 4:30 p.m.

Asheville School at Statesville Christian, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29

Western North Carolina Athletic Conference

Brevard at Tuscola, 7 p.m. (WMYA-TV)

Sept. 30

Mountain Athletic Conference

Reynolds at Asheville, 7 p.m.

Enka at Erwin, 7 p.m.

McDowell at North Buncombe, 7 p.m.

Western North Carolina Athletic Conference

Franklin at Pisgah

West Henderson at Smoky Mountain

North Henderson at East Henderson

Western Highlands Conference

Owen at Mitchell

Madison at Hendersonville

Mountain Heritage at Polk County

Smoky Mountain Conference

Murphy at Robbinsville

Andrews at Rosman

Hayesville at Swain County

Nonconference

Rabun Gap (Ga.) at Asheville School, 4:30 p.m.

Statesville Christian at Christ School, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 6

Western Highlands Conference

Polk County at Mitchell, 7 p.m. (WMYA-TV)

Oct. 7

Mountain Athletic Conference

Asheville at Enka, 7 p.m.

Erwin at McDowell, 7 p.m.

North Buncombe at Roberson, 7 p.m.

Western North Carolina Athletic Conference

Pisgah at West Henderson

Smoky Mountain at Franklin

East Henderson at Brevard

Tuscola at North Henderson

Western Highlands Conference

Mountain Heritage at Owen

Hendersonville at Avery County

Smoky Mountain Conference

Andrews at Murphy

Rosman at Robbinsville

Swain County at Cherokee

Nonconference

Asheville School vs. Carolina Gladiators (at Memorial Stadium), 7 p.m.

Christ School at First Assembly Christian, 7 p.m.

Oct. 14

Mountain Athletic Conference

McDowell at Asheville, 7 p.m.

Enka at Reynolds, 7 p.m.

Roberson at Erwin, 7 p.m.

Western North Carolina Athletic Conference

Tuscola at Pisgah

Franklin at North Henderson

West Henderson at Brevard

Smoky Mountain at East Henderson

Western Highlands Conference

Owen at Madison

Mitchell at Hendersonville

Avery County at Polk County

Smoky Mountain Conference

Cherokee at Rosman

Swain County at Andrews

Robbinsville at Hayesville

Nonconference

Christ School at Hickory Grove Christian, 7 p.m.

Oct. 15

Nonconference

Anderson Cavaliers (S.C.) at Asheville School, 3 p.m.

Oct. 20

Western North Carolina Athletic Conference

East Henderson at Franklin, 7 p.m. (WMYA-TV)

Oct. 21

Mountain Athletic Conference

Asheville at Roberson, 7 p.m.

Erwin at North Buncombe, 7 p.m.

Reynolds at McDowell, 7 p.m.

Western North Carolina Athletic Conference

North Henderson at Pisgah

Brevard at Smoky Mountain

West Henderson at Tuscola

Western Highlands Conference

Hendersonville at Owen

Madison at Avery County

Mountain Heritage at Mitchell

Smoky Mountain Conference

Murphy at Hayesville

Andrews at Cherokee

Rosman at Swain County

Nonconference

Carolina Wildcats (S.C.) at Asheville School, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 27

Mountain Athletic Conference

Roberson at Reynolds, 7 p.m. (WMYA-TV)

Oct. 28

Mountain Athletic Conference

North Buncombe at Asheville, 7 p.m.

McDowell at Enka, 7 p.m.

Western North Carolina Athletic Conference

Smoky Mountain at Pisgah

Franklin at West Henderson

East Henderson at Tuscola

Brevard at North Henderson

Western Highlands Conference

Owen at Polk County

Mitchell at Madison

Avery County at Mountain Heritage

Smoky Mountain Conference

Cherokee at Robbinsville

Swain County at Murphy

Hayesville at Andrews

Nonconference

Rosman at Trinity Academy (Tenn.)

Oct. 29

Nonconference

Asheville School at Christ School, 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 3

Mountain Athletic Conference

Asheville at Erwin, 7 p.m. (WMYA-TV)

Nov. 4

Mountain Athletic Conference

Reynolds at North Buncombe, 7 p.m.

Enka at Roberson, 7 p.m.

Western North Carolina Athletic Conference

Pisgah at Brevard

Tuscola at Franklin

Smoky Mountain at North Henderson

West Henderson at East Henderson

Western Highlands Conference

Polk County at Hendersonville

Madison at Mountain Heritage

Mitchell at Avery County

Smoky Mountain Conference

Murphy at Rosman

Hayesville at Cherokee

Robbinsville at Swain County

Nonconference

First round of NCISAA playoffs

Nov. 11

First round of NCHSAA playoffs

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Christ School graduate Marshall Plumlee has signed a three-year contract with the New York Knicks.

Marshall Plumlee is officially locked in as a member of the New York Knicks for the 2016-17 NBA season.

The 2011 Christ School graduate signed a three-year deal with the Knicks on Thursday. The first year is guaranteed for $565,000, according to multiple reports, including from the New York Post.

Plumlee, who was on the Knicks summer league team in Orlando, told The Post he has been invited to Knicks training camp. Thursday, Plumlee signed a partially guaranteed three-year deal — the first year is fully guaranteed at the league minimum of $565,000 and the final two years are non-guaranteed, according to an NBA source. By extending a three-year offer, the Knicks are forced to dip into their eroding cap space for the money, but ensure his salary won’t skyrocket if he has success. On the flip side, Plumlee is the lone undrafted player to get a full guarantee off summer league.

Plumlee is one of three brothers from Indiana who played basketball for Christ School. Older brothers, Mason and Miles, are currently active in the NBA.

For more on this story, go here.

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Asheville High’s Devon Davidson (4) passed for more than 1,600 yards in 2015.

David Burdette doesn’t know exactly what to call Asheville High’s offense.

The “spread option?” he posited Friday.

Here is what we do know. The new, hard-to-classify attack being used by the Cougars and their first-year football coach has been patterned after UCLA’s scheme.

“It’s something new and something different for us. It’s basically option football with a passing game,” Burdette said.

“I think the kids are really excited about it. We’re going to spread the ball around to a lot of different people and we’re going to take advantage of mismatches when we can.”

Burdette had been an assistant for Asheville since 2000 before being hired in February to replace the winningest coach in school history. Danny Wilkins retired with 162 career victories.

The Cougars only have three starters back on both sides of the ball. They were 9-3 overall and 4-2 in the Mountain Athletic Conference last fall, and failed to win at least a share of a conference championship for the first time in 11 years.

Devon Davidson (1,632 yards and 13 touchdowns with 10 interceptions in 2015) should make the transition to a different offense go easier based off the numbers from his junior campaign. Davidson threw for more than 1,000 yards last year out of a Multiple I offense.

Other returning starters are linebacker/wide receiver Makaius Brewer, safety Micah Robertson and lineman/linebacker Andrew Leota.

Asheville captured last year’s MAC junior-varsity championship with a 5-1 mark in the league.

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Damien Ferguson (12) and Erwin will host next week’s Warrior 7-on-7 tournament.

Twelve football teams will be part of Tuesday’s Warrior 7-on-7 tournament at Erwin.

It is a round-robin tournament where every team will play five games to determine a winner. There is no admission charge for spectators.

Here is the schedule:

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Asheville School rising junior Isabella Brookshire.

Special thanks to Asheville School for this press release and the photos:

Asheville School Junior Isabella Brookshire Wins Silver and Bronze at National Championship

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (July 8, 2016) Asheville School rising junior and Twenty16 Junior Team member Isabella Brookshire (Hendersonville, N.C.) competed in the USA Cycling Amateur Road Nationals in Louisville, KY and earned two podium finishes.

Brookshire arrived to nationals with a few nerves but shook them off after the starting whistle blew. “Once you get going you get into race mode,” she said. She was excited to race against other top-ranked girls in her age range.  

On July 2 she competed in the Women’s Junior Road Race, placing second in the 15-16 age category with a time of 1:41:37. Brookshire described the course as having hills, downhills, twists, turns, and overall as “a lot of fun.” On July 3 she competed in the Women’s Junior Criterium Race, placing third in the 15-16 age category with a time of 28:22.

Brookshire will leave for Europe in two weeks to continue training and racing. She is excited for the challenge and intensity that cycling in Europe will provide. She also plans to stay focused on her academics this summer, adding, “I’m taking my SAT prep book.”

Next year she will fall in the oldest age category of junior racing (17-18), and she plans to have fun, work hard and make the most of it as she trains to continue and strengthen her cycling career.

“If you really want to do something you have to do it with your whole heart, and that is how it is with cycling,” Brookshire said.   

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Asheville School rising junior Isabella Brookshire.

Todd Anderson has resigned as Rosman’s athletic director.

Rosman athletic director Todd Anderson has resigned after serving two years in that role for the Tigers.

Anderson received an outstanding A.D. citation from the N.C. High School Athletic Directors Association last spring. He had previously been Rosman’s golf coach for three years as well as a baseball coach at Brevard College.

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Roberson graduate Cameron Maybin (4) is an outfielder for the Detroit Tigers.

Roberson alum Cameron Maybin’s second chance with the Detroit Tigers could not be going much better.

More from the Detroit News:

Toronto – Quite the batch of pepper-pot stew is this Cameron Maybin, a man with spice in his game and a certain sauciness to his personal style.

It’s no wonder Tigers fans have adopted him. In two short months, Maybin, who was drafted by the Tigers in 2005 then traded in a parcel that brought Miguel Cabrera to Detroit, has rejoined his old team and made nothing but friends, thanks to a .352 batting average and, just as much, because of his speed and zest for running the bases.

“It’s amazing the way they’ve embraced me since I got here,” Maybin said Thursday, digging through his locker in the visitor’s clubhouse at Rogers Centre, where the Tigers were about to begin a four-game series against the Blue Jays.  “It keeps me going. Fans acknowledge my effort and it makes you feel some days as if you’re doing something right.”

Maybin graduated from Roberson in 2005 and was the 10th overall pick in that year’s major league draft. He signed with the Tigers for a Western North Carolina-record $2.65 million. Maybin was traded to Detroit (from Atlanta) last November.

For more on this story, go here.

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Asheville Lightning athletes and coaches

Special thanks to the Asheville Lightning for this information and the photo:

Just a quick note to let you know that 16 Asheville Lightning Junior Olympic team athletes recently returned from the 2016 USATF Region 3 Junior Olympic Championships in Landover, Maryland.  To compete in the Region 3 Championships, athletes had to place in the top eight finishers in their event at the North Carolina USATF Junior Olympic State Championships.

Eight athletes ranging from ages 8 to 17 qualified in 11 events to advance to the USATF National Junior Olympic Championships to be held in Sacramento, California, July 25-31. To advance to the national meet, athletes had to place in the top five finishers in their event(s). Athletes qualifying for nationals include: Meredith Braxton (4th place, hammer throw); Andrew Byrd (2nd place, decathlon and 3rd place shot put); Michelle Cobb (2nd place, triple jump); Emily Kania (1st place, race walk), Lee Kania (3rd place, javelin), Chyance King (4th place, long jump and 2nd place, 200 meter run); Noela Moraga (2nd place, hammer throw); and Peter Szelwach (1st place, hammer throw and 2nd place, shot put). 

Since its inception in 1991, the team has trained thousands of area youth between the ages of 6 and 18 in track and field events. More information about the team can be found at www.ashevillelightning.org or contact head coach Richard Clarke, dickeclarke@gmail.com.

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Erwin’s Cameron Howell.

Three baseball players from Erwin and North Henderson have been named to the World Wood Bat Association National Championship’s all-tournament team.

The tournament was held July 1-8 in Emerson, Ga.

Erwin’s Cameron Howell pitched two wins for the Showcase Baseball Academy Marucci team. He had a 1.24 earned-run average and seven strikeouts in 11.1 innings pitched. Six of those innings came in a 2-1 win over Tri-State Arsenal Prime (N.J.).

North Henderson’s Ryan Decker had a 0.00 ERA and a win in his 5.2 innings on the mound. He struck out seven batters. The Knights’ Kyle Decker was 5-for-15 at the plate with two RBIs, four runs scored and a pair of stolen bases.

SBA Marucci, which is based out of Matthews, went 5-1-1 in pool play.

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Damon Harge Jr.

ARDEN – Over the years, YouTube basketball highlights of Damon Harge Jr. have racked up more than 15 million views.

Future video of the point guard will have him wearing a Christ School jersey.

Harge told USA TODAY High School Sports that he is transferring from Orlando Prep.

“I felt I needed to be pushed more in practice and learn the game from a coach that coached at the next level,” Harge told USA TODAY.

“And had a bigger expectation for me to come in and be a leader on and off the court.”

Greenies coach Scott Willard was formerly a college head coach at Lesley (Mass.) and director of basketball operations at Wisconsin.

As for Harge, the 5-foot-9 rising junior averaged 16 points and four assists per game last season. He has scholarship offers from DePaul, Memphis, Texas Tech, Pacific, Central Florida and North Carolina Central.

Harge’s primary claim to fame through the numerous YouTube videos is ball-handling, but his passing and shooting are showcased as well. A compilation of highlights from his sophomore year in Florida can be found here.

Christ School officials have declined comment since Harge is still in the process of enrolling for the 2016-17 school year. The Greenies went 23-9 last season and were the Carolinas Athletic Association regular-season and tournament champions.

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Reynolds football coach Shane Laws with Aundreas Hill and Najae Buchanan.

Here are the bios for every Western North Carolina player and coach involved in Wednesday night’s East-West All-Star football game in Greensboro. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. from Greensboro Grimsley.

PLAYERS

Isaac Allen

Isaac…Mountain Heritage…6-1, 260…DL…coached by Joey Robinson…as senior, named All-Conf, All-WNC…selected to play in the Blue/Gray game…87 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss…as junior, named All-Conf…72 tackles, 3 sacks, 10 tackles for loss…as soph, had 76 tackles, 1 sack, 4 tackles for loss…twice named Athlete of the Week…also played baseball for 3 years…3 times named Academic All-Conf…Farm City Youth Award recipient…member of Nat’l Honor Society, Nat’l Tech Honor Society, FBLA, Skills USA…scholarship to play at Wingate where he will major in accounting…wants to pursue a career in his community…Coach Joey Robinson is his role model…favorite college athlete is Joey Bosa…favorite pro is JJ Watt…says “ I am blessed to be chosen for this event. I will be only the 3rd player in my school’s history to play in this game.”

Najae Buchanan

Najae…A.C. Reynolds…6-0, 220…LB…coached by Shane Laws…as senior, named All-Conference…105 tackles, 2 forced fumbles…also named Most Outstanding Wrestler…scholarship with Mars Hill University where he will major in criminal justice…wants to pursue a career with the FBI…favorite college athlete is Shawn Oakman…favorite pro athlete is JJ Watt…says “I feel really good. Honestly, I did not know I would make it this far, and I want to show people how well I can play because I haven’t been playing for a long time.”

Wyatt Burnette

Wyatt…Franklin…6-4, 275…OL…coached by Josh Brooks….as senior, named All-Conf, Conf Lineman of the Year…as junior, named All-Conf…also played baseball and basketball…member of Tar Heels Boys State, Math Club…president of Nat’l Honor Society…Scholar Athlete…plans to attend and play for Western Carolina…his father is his role model…favorite college athlete is Leonard Fournette…favorite pro is Trai Turner…says “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to get to compete in this year’s all-star game. It is a great honor to get to represent Franklin High and Western NC.  This will be a great opportunity to prepare myself for a level of competition similar to college. I would like to thank everyone who has had a part in making this experience happen.”

Aundreas Hill

Aundreas…A.C. Reynolds…5-11, 215…LB…coached by Shane Laws…as senior, named All-Conference, All-Western NC, Defensive Player of the Year…159 tackles, 2 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles…as junior, had 105 tackles…scholarship to play at Mars Hill University where he will major in business…favorite college athlete is Braxton Miller…favorite pro athlete  is Cam Newton…says “I feel pretty good about playing in this game. This gives me a chance to show more people who I am and how I have worked to get in the position I’m in now.”

Chase Parker

Chase…North Buncombe…6-1, 170…QB…coached by Curtis Cagle…as senior, named All-Conf, All-WNC, Asheville Citizen Times / Ingles Student Athlete…passed for 2,117 yds, 19 TDs…as junior, named All-Conf, All-WNC.. . passed for 2,487 yds, 20 TDs…as sophomore, named All-Conf…passed for 1,250 yds, 15 TDs…also played baseball for 3 years and placed 1st in the regionals in the 4×200 relay in track…member of YoungLife…scholarship to play at Wingate  where he will major in business…wants to pursue a career in business and marketing…favorite college athlete is Josh Rosen…favorite pro is Tom Brady…says “I’m very excited about the opportunity to play with the best senior players in NC.  I hope to represent the West as best as I can and help bring back a win.  It will give me a jump start on playing at the next level and the very highest standards required to succeed.”

COACH

Curtis Cagle

West assistant coach  is entering his 5th season as head football coach at North Buncombe High where his teams have gone 14-27 and made one state playoff appearance in 4 seasons…previously coached at Pisgah High where he served as an assistant football coach for 15 years (compiling a record of 39-11 in 5 years as the head jv coach),  head swimming coach for 2 years (with first ever men’s regional qualifiers) and assistant and then head baseball coach and head golf coach (golf team was a 3-time regional qualifier) ….prior to that, he coached at West Henderson High, serving as an assistant football coach and head swimming coach (men’s and women’s teams twice won conference titles)…born in Waynesville, NC…1986 graduate of Pisgah High  where he was a 3-year letterman in football and baseball and a 2-year letterman in basketball and track…1993 graduate of  Western Carolina University…says “Coaching in this all-star game is a great honor and I am just glad to be a part of it.  I have watched this game played for 23 years and now I get to coach in it. I am truly blessed that I get to meet and talk football with so many great and accomplished coaches and coach some of the best football players in the state of North Carolina.  I am looking forward to this opportunity and can’t wait to get started.”

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Roberson rising senior Michelle Cobb won the NCHSAA 4-A championship in the triple jump back in May.

SKYLAND – The USA Track & Field National Junior Olympic meet is just another big jump for Michelle Cobb.

And the NCHSAA 4-A champion has made lots of those lately.

Cobb is a rising senior from Roberson who will compete in her best event (the triple jump) at next week’s national meet in Sacramento. Cobb has advanced as far as she can in her very first year of Junior Olympic competition. She’ll be joined out west by seven other athletes from the Asheville Lightning.

Cobb did not join the Lightning until this year.

“It’s going to be interesting. I’ve never been out of this area of the United States before so that is going to be an experience,” Cobb said.

“I definitely have more confidence in myself than ever before. I still feel like a normal girl (outside of track), but when random people know who I am and say they’ve heard about me, it’s a really cool feeling.”

Cobb’s personal record in the triple jump is 39 feet, 5 inches. Her winning jump at May’s 4-A state meet (38-8) was four inches better than the runner-up.

Pretty incredible considering Cobb did not qualify for the state meet at all as a sophomore.

“I’ve been tracking her the last couple of seasons and (Roberson teammate Elyse King) convinced Michelle to finally come out for our team,” said Gary Albrecht, who coaches Lightning jumpers.

“She has just blossomed this year. And she’s working hard for everything that she gets.”

The Lighting took 16 athletes to the USATF Region 3 meet which was July 7-10 in Landover, Md. Half that number will be making the trip to California for the national competition which begins Monday and runs through July 31.

Those boys and girls range in age from 8 to 17 and are Cobb, Meredith Braxton (hammer throw), Andrew Byrd (decathlon and shot put), Emily Kania (race walk), Lee Kania (javelin), Chyance King (long jump and 200-meter dash), Noela Moraga (hammer throw) and Pete Szelwach (hammer throw and shot put).

Like Cobb, Szelwach attends Roberson and was named to last month’s Citizen-Times All-WNC track team.

Many of the athletes are seeking support from the community to make the trip to Sacramento. Cobb has set up a GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/2bpxg57k. In her bio for the page, Cobb writes that she maintains a 3.9 grade-point average and wants to use her sport “to further my education as well as my cultural awareness.”

Cobb has been a track athlete since her seventh-grade year at Valley Springs Middle School.

“It’s a sport that I fell in love with immediately,” she said.

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Reynolds football players Jake Setterlind, Kyle McWhirt, Sean Jones and Keyal Talbert.

Here is the preseason coaches poll for Mountain Athletic Conference 3-A/4-A football:

• 1. Reynolds
• 2. Erwin
• 3. Asheville
• 4. Roberson
• 5. North Buncombe
• 6. McDowell
• 7. Enka

The poll was conducted for the N.C. Prep Football News Yearbook which is available for purchase here.

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