Other Sports

LADY GOLFERS JUMP FOR JOY AT ARDREY KELL

By Jen Rosene, Ardrey Kell High School

2008 created tons of opportunity, followed by an extraordinary amount of success for the Ardrey Kell High School women’s golf team. With an overall team record of 26 wins and 9 losses, there was a lot to be proud of when all was said and done. “One of our goals this year was to begin the process of building a program that the girls, their parents, the school and community could be proud of. It was great to see how this team came together, represented themselves and competed” said head Coach Bart Whitney.(complete story)

COMMITMENT TO SUCCESS PAYS OFF FOR ADAM BRAWLEY

…Ardrey Kell Senior awarded with prestigious Morehead-Cain Scholarship

After 12 years or hard work, 18 year old Adam Brawley has been rewarded with the announcement of this year’s list of Morehead-Cain Scholarship winners.  Adam is the son of David and Ladonna Brawley.  As a member of the first graduating class of Ardrey Kell High School, David will forever be known as the first Ardrey Kell Knight to receive the award.(complete story)

LAUREN WELLS RUNS FOR THE BEACH

South Mecklenburg High School Class of 2007 graduate Lauren Wells will soon depart for UNC-Wilmington and beaches of North Carolina.  After running her way to a very successful high school career, the daughter of Tom and Liz Wells committed to run track and cross country for UNC-Wilmington.(complete story)

CROSSFIT CHARLOTTE BRINGS A NEW KIND OF WORKOUT TO TOWN

Andy Hendel made it to the NFL due to hard work, commitment and desire to be the very best.  Hendel entered North Carolina State on a lacrosse scholarship, but the team was shut down after his first year on campus.  With experience in football, Hendel decided to walk onto the football squad.  That decision and commitment to not give up on sports, led him to achieve All-American status for the Wolfpack. (complete story)

ATTENTION, ROW!

Attention, ROW!  These are the first words that April Torres and her rowers hear at the beginning of their two kilometer race.  Torres, a recent graduate of Charlotte Catholic and a rising freshman at Appalachian State, has been a coxswain for Charlotte Youth Rowing all four years of high school and is the daughter of Joanne and William Torres. (complete story)

JEFF LEVASSEUR AMONG THE BEST YOUNG RUGBY PLAYERS IN AMERICA

Rugby?  Believe it or not, rugby has become one of the fastest growing sports in the area.  Rugby is a game played by two teams of 15 players each on a rectangular field 110 yards long with goal lines and goal posts at either end, the object being to run with an oval ball across the opponent's goal line or kick it through the upper portion of the goal posts, with forward passing and time-outs not permitted.(complete story)

NINTH GRADER FITS RIGHT INTO THE KNIGHT’S ROUNDTABLE

Moving to a new state can be a very traumatic experience for a teenage girl.  New school, new friends, new teams… it all sounds so scary to the typical high school freshman.  Fortunately for Jackie Sautter, she bypassed all the fears and walked into Ardrey Kell High School excited about the future. The rest is history as she enters her third sport of the season with a smile and a love for Ardrey Kell High School and her new hometown, Charlotte. (complete story)

Photos from Providence High School vs Ardrey Kell Wrestling

Country Boy Stuck in the City

By Lauren Boone

For many 7th graders, their life is filled with school work, busy social life, and demanding sport’s schedules, but for Jacob “BUG” Satterfield, he has an extra activity to think about.  As a 7th grade student attending Charlotte Country Day School, Jacob is one of the youngest professional hunters in the nation.  (complete story)

Charlotte Extreme All-Stars compete in Spirit of Hope National Championship

BRENT VINSON…SETTING AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW

Growing up as the son of a Police Officer, a child will quickly learn right from wrong.  Discipline, hard work, respect and dedication to the job also come into play for the children of police officers.  Such was the case for 16 year old Brent Vinson.  The Ardrey Kell High School Junior has used the lessons learned from his father Alex  to become one of the top student-athletes in the school.  Alex recently retired after 27 years with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and spends a lot of his free time mentoring Brent and other students at Ardrey Kell. Along with wife Betty, the Vinson’s have done a fine job raising Brent. (complete story)

MICHAEL ROWE PROVIDES SENIOR LEADERSHIP FOR PROVIDENCE WRESTLING TEAM

On a team filled with young wrestlers, Senior Michael Rowe is providing quality leadership for the Providence Panthers Wrestling Team.  Wrestling in the 152 pound class, Michael has put together a solid season and recently captured the 152 pound championship in the Mecklenburg County Tournament with three pins. (complete story)

ENDHAVEN ELEMENTARY CHESS CLUB MOVING FORWARD

The Endhaven Elementary School Chess Club has seen dramatic growth this school year.  Last season 65 young chess players were involved in the club, this year the number has grown to 112.  These young children, grades K-4, gather every Wednesday Morning in the media center at 7:30 AM.  The students participate in a mixture of challenge matches and lessons from a Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Chess Master. (complete story)

GREAT WOLF LODGE IN WILLIAMSBURG OFFERS UNIQUE FAMILY EXPERIENCE

Our family recently traveled to Williamsburg, VA to experience The Great Wolf Lodge, a family hotel with a 55,000 square foot indoor water park.  With three kids, ages 3-13, it can be a challenge to find a destination that will provide fun for everyone.  The Great Wolf Lodge was a Grand Slam Home Run for our family. (complete story)

JROTC DRILL TEAM COMPETITION

Two teams, Drill and Color Guard competed in the CMS JROTC Drill Competition on Saturday.  Fifteen (15) teams competed in all. (complete story)

CATHERINE SEABORN FINISHES SECOND IN STATE CROSS COUNTRY MEET

Run Catherine, Run! 

Catherine Seaborn has run cross country at Charlotte Christian since the sixth grade.  All that hard work paid off this season as she ran a personal best of 19:41.  Catherine finished 3rd at the CISAA conference meet at McAlpine Park on October 20th trailing seniors Jill Yandle and Sarah Cline. (complete story)

PETE MAYNARD…. HIS LEGACY LIVES ON IN SOUTH CHARLOTTE

Pete Maynard began his coaching career during his freshman year at Memphis State University at the age of eighteen. He coached football at the powerhouse Christian Brothers School and then moved on to Catholic High in Memphis. After a stint in the Air Force during the Korean War, where he learned to love boxing, he went on to win the Mid South Golden Gloves boxing title at the age of nineteen. (complete story)

ALEXIS RYAN LOVES HORSE VAULTING

By Maggie Hill, 7th Grade, Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School

Horse Vaulting? Yes, gymnastics on a real live, breathing, and moving horse. The sport of horse vaulting has grown so much in popularity it is becoming an Olympic sport. The sport has made it to our area in recent years. 

Alexis Ryan, one of South Charlotte’s own horse vaulters loves the sport. Alexis is the daughter of Bob and Cindy Ryan. She is in the fifth grade at Community House Middle School. The Ryan’s recently moved back to Charlotte from Richmond, VA where they had lived for three years. Alexis used to give all of her attention to both gymnastics and horse back riding. She went to a horse back riding camp  and they taught her how to vault and she has loved it ever since. (complete story)

ARDREY KELL MIGHTY KNIGHT BAND TAKES TO THE FIELD

The Ardrey Kell Mighty Knight Band, under the direction of Larry Shane, hit the field for their first halftime performance on October 20th.  After working hard to build a new band, the energetic members of the band were proud to march onto the playing field at halftime of the Ardrey Kell-South Meck football game.  The Mighty Knights performed an energetic set, highlighted by a saxophone solo from drum major Ryan Redd.  The packed house of Ardrey Kell fans gave the band a loud round of applause to recognize their hard work over the last few months. (complete story)

HAELLI OTT ENJOYS TIME ON COMMUNITY HOUSE VOLLEYBALL TEAM

The athletic teams at Community House Middle School have been at a major disadvantage this season.  With only seventh graders competing, the Cavaliers find themselves having to overcome a lack of depth and experience in each sport.  Despite the disadvantage, The Cavaliers give 110% in every sport.  Twelve year old Haelli Ott is one of the young leaders for the Cavaliers volleyball team.  (complete story)

TENNIS HAS BEEN A GOOD FIT FOR ERICA LUCAS           

Most high school students have grown up playing certain sports, rarely does one pick up a sport for the first time and find success in high school.  Erica Lucas, a Junior at Ardrey Kell High School found success on the tennis court. Since the summer between 9th and 10th grade,  Erica Lucas has been playing tennis.  Erica played soccer when she was 8 years old until she was 14 when she began to loose interest in the sport.  When Erica stopped playing soccer she knew she had to find something else to do. Erica’s mother Barbara Coward, suggested tennis and she decided to give it a try.  Little did Erica know that  suggestion would lead to her playing for the Ardrey Kell Varsity tennis team in 2006.  (complete story)

SOUTH MECKLENBURG SABRES MARCH TO VICTORY ONE STEP AT A TIME

All seventy four of the young men and women in The South Mecklenburg High School Band are “starters.”  There are no benchwarmers in this powerful and energetic band known as the Marching Sabres.  Band Director Richard Priode arrived this season from Radford, VA with 21 years of band experience.  His impact and attention to detail have been immediately felt as the band has given some of its top performances in years over the last two months.

The Marching Sabres rely on strong leadership from their senior class . Seniors Anna Hamlin and Caitlin Hughes are the Drum Majors and do a fantastic job of leading the band in both the Friday Night performances and in area band competitions.  Both young ladies prefer the drama and excitement of band competitions to the Friday Night football game halftime shows. (complete story)

TENNIS FEELS JUST RIGHT FOR BAILEY THOMAS

Ten year old Bailey Thomas tried many sports before she found the game of tennis two years ago.  Swimming, gymnastics, soccer, softball, and cheerleading were among the sports for daughter of Al and Lori Thomas.  Nothing seemed to excite her until one day, by accident, she discovered tennis. (complete story)

Student Writer

FRESHMAN SAMANTHA GOSTLING HELPING TO BUILD ARDREY KELL VOLLEYBALL TEAM

Written by Kalyn Reed, 9th Grade, Ardrey Kell High School

            “From the first day of open gym I noticed something special about Sam, she has a lot of natural talent.” said Ardrey Kell varsity volleyball Coach Katie Rice. (complete story)

YOUNG ARDREY KELL TENNIS TEAM IS THRIVING

The lack of a senior class can be a tough obstacle for high school teams. Ardrey Kell High School, in its first year of existence is battling hard in every sport to overcome that obstacle.  One team in particular, ladies tennis has bulldozed their way right through the barrier and instantly become one of the top teams in the area.  Head Coach Roy Hudson led his young netters to a 9-1 start in the first half of the season.

Led by top seed Christina Calott, the Knights are playing strong tennis both at home on the new Ardrey Kell tennis courts and away.  Calott, a junior is one of the top tennis players in the region and recently won the Concord Tennis Association Junior Open 18’s Division. (complete story)

CHARLOTTE LATIN CONTNIUES VOLLEYBALL DOMINANCE

When an opponent looks at the volleyball schedule and notices Charlotte Latin, some tend to grimace.  The sheer thought of having to play this volleyball powerhouse brings chills to some lesser teams.  The Hawks have won 54 straight volleyball matches as of September 7th.  That streak is the result of hard work and dedication by a group of very talented young ladies.

Head Coach Suzie Pignetti is in her sixth year of coaching at Latin and oversees a powerhouse team.  The 2006 Hawks are loaded with experience and start four seniors on the court.  (complete story)

PANTHER VOLLEYBALL PLAYER RETURNS FROM INJURY

Providence Panther senior Kelly Johnson made her successful return from an injured Achilles Tendon last week versus Ardrey Kell High School.  Kelly, suffered the injury at the James Madison University Volleyball Camp in late July.  Following successful rehabilitation and consultation with OrthoCarolina, Kelly rejoined the State Championship volleyball team.

“I really missed not being ready for the start of the season, but it’s good to be back playing now,” Kelly said. “I could feel the injury coming on in July and during the camp it really started hurting.” (complete story)

CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC CROSS COUNTRY TEAMS CONTINUE TO EXCEL

Dedication, Endurance and Inner Strength are three qualities every cross country runner must have to succeed on the race course.  At Charlotte Catholic High School, these qualities are shared by a large majority of the 95 members of the Men and Women’s teams.  Led by Head Coach Susan Airheart, The Cougar Men and Women teams are both currently ranked second in the NC High School 3A Cross Country Poll.  Coach Airheart, in her 11th year at Catholic has seen the program rise from having only a few members to become a state championship caliber team year in and year out.

“We have a very strong program here at Catholic. A lot of our kids are year round runners.  We have been building to this point for 11 years and I am really proud of our team.” (complete story)

Charlotte Catholic Cross Country Practice Photos

Charlotte Latin Volleyball Photos

PROVIDENCE VOLLEYBALL KICKS OFF THEIR DRIVE FOR THREE IN A ROW

While everyone talks about the dominance on The Independence High School football team, one shouldn’t forget about the Volleyball team from Providence High School.  Led by first year varsity head coach Karen Bradbury, the Panthers are aiming for their third consecutive 4A North Carolina State Championship.  With Lauren Swecker (this week’s athlete of the week) and Katie Dennehy leading the Panthers, the team hopes to match its 27-0 record from last season. (complete story)

CHERYL FEENEY LEADS ARDREY KELL KNIGHTS ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

 With less than two weeks before the opening of Ardrey Kell High School, the new athletic director, Cheryl Feeney, is busy at work.  One minute she is completing paperwork on a new football player, the next minute she is busy unloading a truck full of athletic equipment.  The work never ends for Feeney in the race against the clock at Ardrey-Kell High School.

Cheryl was kind enough to take a short break and answer a few questions on the new high school, its coaches and the challenges of opening a new high school. (complete story)

CORBAN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY OPENING SOON IN SOUTH CHARLOTTE

Daryl Givner, a dynamic and energetic educator is set to open Corban Christian Academy next month.  He and other board members met to discuss their concern about the education offered in the local schools. With concerns ranging from the lack of instruction in most schools, the lack of focus on basic curriculum, low test scores evidencing the lack of knowledge students are receiving, the overcrowding in schools, the lack of morals and respect our young people have, and constant absenteeism, the group entered into a period of prayer.  After much discussion, it was determined that a private Christian school would be created here in South Charlotte. Corban Christian Academy was formed to provide a solid Christian based education. The vision was to stand erect beside any school, both public and private. (complete story)

Matthews Rugby Club Opening Weekend Match Recaps:

Matthews Rugby Club opened their season for youth rugby players recently.  Thanks to the club for providing these game reports. (complete story)

NC Wildlife Federation Annual Canoe & Kayak-a-thon

 June 17, 2006

It is time again for our Annual Canoe & Kayak-a-thon! The event will be held at Riverbend Steam Station on Mountain Island Lake (Same location as last year). Specific directions and details will be provided to all registered participants. The event will begin @ 8:30am and last through lunch. All participants and volunteers will receive a free t-shirt, lunch, and snacks!! We have also added more prizes and giveaways (including and Early Bird Prize)!! (complete release)

LOCAL YOUTH ENJOY A DAY AT THE WACHOVIA CHAMPIONSHIP

The next Tiger Woods or Michelle Wie may be walking the grounds of Quail Hollow Country Club this week as the Wachovia Championship makes its annual visit to the Queen City. Tuesday, the course was full of parents and kids enjoying the beautiful weather and the chance to see the stars of the PGA Tour. With practice rounds dominating the day's action, many golfers were glad to sign autographs for the kids. Excited Fathers stood nearby as they "guided" their children to Sergio Garcia, Ernie Els and Vijay Singh for an autograph.

Tuesday gave parents a great chance to teach their kids the rules of golf in a relaxed atmosphere. Sure there were a few giggles during a backswing, but for the most part, the children in the crowd were well behaved and always made sure to say "Thanks," when they obtained an autograph.

The action will turn serious as the weekend rolls around. Vijay Singh will attempt to defend his 2005 Wachovia Championship against a steller field that includes 9 of the top 11 golfers in the world. For more information, please visit, www.wachoviachampionship.com