South Charlotte Sports Report “HOMETOWN TEAMS ... HOMETOWN KIDS” Volume 6, Issue 17 www.southcharlottesports.com December 15, 2011 - FREE MARK POLLACK PLAYS BASKETBALL BY THE BOOK baseball, basketball and football. As he grew taller, his interest became more centered on basketball. After one year of football at Catholic, Mark realized that Head Coach Jim Oddo wasn’t looking for a 6’7” quarterback to run his offense, so he dedicated himself to basketball. The year round training has certainly paid off as Mark has been a force for the Cougars early this season. His large frame combined with a deadly outside shot allows Mark the opportunity to score 20 points on any given night and also pick up 8-10 rebounds with a couple of assists and blocked shots. His numbers and achieve- ments come without the extra flare or unsportsmanlike gestures. Mark does his job and maintains a high level of professionalism on the court. His game is straight- laced with no room for showboating on the court. That workmanlike attitude will prove very attractive to col- BASKETBALL lege coaches over the next year. The hard work has been very helpful for Mark to CAMP # 1 raise his game to another level. “I have really focused on getting better in the paint. December 21 & 22 I’ve been known as a spot shooter and really worked hard to develop an inside game while being able to Ardrey Kell High School shoot from the outside as well. Also, I have worked on 10:00am-1:00pm my ball handling so I can attack the basket from the pe- rimeter and create for my teammates.” Mark has won many team championships over the years and has always preferred team success over per- sonal achievements. His team won the USBA National Championship in 2009 and this year. His squad fin- BASKETBALL ished in the final four at the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions event, a major stop on the college recruit- CAMP # 2 ing tour. December 28-30 This past spring Mark made a decision to work even harder to advance his skills and work for a college play- Providence ing opportunity. With consultation from his parents, Mark decided to join an AAU team based in South Car- Presbyterian Church olina, the SC Raptors Elite. This team played a national level schedule which allowed Mark to compete against 9:00am-12:00pm In today’s current high school basketball world the very best players in the nation and to learn what he of players being glorified for jumping from school to had to improve to earn a solid college opportunity. school with very little concern of academic success, it’s “Playing for the SC Raptors Elite was the highest refreshing to find talented student-athletes like Char- level of basketball I have ever played. I got to play with lotte Catholic’s Mark Pollack. The 17 year old, 6’7” and against the top players in the country. We traveled Choose both camps junior is the son of Mark and Angie Pollack. Mark is to various parts of the country including Indiana, Flori- both an excellent basketball player and a dedicated stu- da, Georgia, and Tennessee. I learned in order to be the for Huge Savings! dent-athlete. His everyday life is very grounded and he best, you cannot be one dimensional and you have to quietly goes to school every day to prepare himself for develop an all-around game.” college and a career. See MARK POLLACK, Page 6 Growing up Mark enjoyed playing three sports, BASKETBALL The South Charlotte Sports Report 5U-12U TOURNAMENT Winter Baseball Training Academy December 21-23 January 11 - February 29 (1pm-9pm) Every Wednesday Night at Champions Baseball Academy Weddington Middle School 6:00pm-7:00pm Session 1 Boys and Girls 7:00pm-8:00pm Session 2 Ages 8 - High School Space is very limited! (2 game guarantee)
Professional training for young baseball players! www.southcharlottesportscamps.com To enroll please visit www.southcharlottesportscamps.com Must enter by Saturday December 17th Page BEYOND THE GAME PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THEVolume 6, Issue 17 WITH TYLER EDWARDS SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Providence High What are your top three AT THESE LOCATIONS School senior athletic accomplish- Play It Again Sports Run For Your Life Tyler Edwards has ments? Community House Middle School Sports Orthopedic combined academic “My top 3 athletic accom- Dick’s Sporting Goods – Matthews SCRA Baseball Complex and athletic success plishments would be being Mathnasium Sam & Carlies Deli for the Panthers team captain this year, start- Southeastern Gymnastics Tutoring Club of Charlotte and Head Basket- ing on varsity both my junior Steps N’ Motion – The Fountains Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School ball Coach Myron and senior year, and also On Deck Baseball The Q Shack Lowery. Tyler was leading the team in FG% last Tokyo One Express The Bagel Bin elected as a team year.” Extreme Ice Center Charlotte Aquatics Dr. Sellers Orthodontics Waxhaw Family Physicians captain this season Weddington Activity Center Architech Sports & Physical Therapy for his leadership What is your favorite bas- Baskin Robbins (Highway 521) Winning Awards skills and dedica- ketball memory? Nothing But Noodles Ardrey Kell High School tion both inside the “My favorite basketball Carolinas Baseball Center Ameritrust Mortgage classroom and on memory would be when we International Sports Center Dynamic Sports Performance the basketball court. played Ardery Kell last year Try Sports South Library (Rea & 51) Let’s go Beyond The at home. They are our biggest Pet Essentials Matthews Motor Company Game with Tyler rivals. We were down by one Jesse Brown’s Adventure New Point Learning Edwards. with less than a minute to go Jersey Mike’s (Stonecrest) Grace Academy and we were shooting free CrossFit Charlotte SwimMac What is your role on the Provi- throws. My teammate missed the free Laxer, Long and Savage Gateway Travel dence team this year? throw and I got the offensive rebound Grand Slam USA Park Sharon Athletic Association “With our team lacking size, my role this and scored to put us up by one with less Tebby Sports Medicine Kinetic Spine Sports year on the team is mainly playing as than a minute to go. It was an amazing Meridian Medical Group Salsaritas (Blakeney) one of the “big guys” and also it allows feeling, especially after losing to them Quimby and Collins Orthodontics Showcase Baseball Academy me to play at any position. My main earlier in the season at their place.” Charlotte All-Stars Ciarla Fitness responsibilities are to get rebounds, at- Omega Sports Switchin Kitchens tack the basket in our offense, and play Do you play any other sports at Four Seasons Barber and Salon Jewish Community Center Dunkin Donuts (Highway 521) Waxhaw Family Physicians solid defense down low against much Providence? Fitness For Women Covenant Day School bigger kids.” “The only other sport I played was track Palone’s Pizza Beurlein Pro Fitness and field at Providence.” Sports Connection Ballantyne Carolina Courts What are your goals for the sea- Sports and Fitness- Ballantyne National Amateur Sports son? How well do you perform inside Sports Perf. Ctr. @ OrthoCarolina Velocity Sports Performance “My goals for the season are to compete the classroom? Presbyterian Urgent Care – Blakeney Goddard School (Waxhaw) with every team we play and to do well I have a cumulative high school gpa of Premier Soccer Subway (Camfield Corners) | enough in conference to get us a playoff 3.9. I am on National Honors Society, Charlotte Running Company Karate Charlotte spot.” and Math Honors Society. Sports Clips (Promenede) Flip’n Chicken Marvin Ridge High School Providence Day School Marvin Ridge Middle School Charlotte Latin School Charlotte Catholic High School K & W Cafeteria HAPPY HOLIDAYS Bird Dentistry Performance Unlimited Dr. Garden Dentistry HQ4 Baseball FROM Robek’s Juice Weddington Middle School SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT SOUTH CHARLOTTE REC Covering the Active Children and Families of Our Community The South Charlotte Sports Report is published twice a month by The South Charlotte Sports Report. The South Charlotte Sports Report is distributed free throughout our cover- age area in neighborhoods and local businesses. If you would like copies delivered to your SPRING BASEBALL ENROLLMENT business for distribution to customers, call 704-906-5466. Story ideas and photo submissions are welcome for use on our website and in our newspa- IS NOW OPEN! per, email to [email protected]. Advertising rates are available upon request.
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Rich Rushakoff - 704-821-0168 (former stringer for Players Loft) Volume 6, Issue 17 Page 6TH ANNUAL SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT CHRISTMAS BASKETBALL CAMP
DECEMBER 21 & 22 10:00am-1:00pm
ARDREY KELL HIGH SCHOOL
FEATURING ARDREY KELL HIGH SCHOOL HEAD BASKETBALL COACH MIKE CRAFT
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JOIN US FOR A 2ND WEEK OF BASKETBALL CAMP!
DECEMBER 28-30 9:00AM-12:00PM Providence Presbyterian Church (Near I-485 & Providence Road)
The After Christmas Camp is presented in partnership with Dynamic Performance Sports!
Attend one camp or combine both for greater savings! Page SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Volume 6, Issue 17 DAVID WEIDMAN MASTERS THE ROLE OF STUDENT-ATHLETE
With the perfection of a classical pianist, Marvin Ridge High School senior David Weid- man has perfected the role of a true student-ath- lete. The 18 year old son of Tom and Michelle Weidman has combined academics, football and baseball for the Mavericks to wrap up a brilliant high school career. David is never one to waste time as he is always looking for the opportunity for improvement inside the classroom and on the field of play. He recently wrapped up his football playing career at Marvin Ridge with a trip to the second round of the state playoffs. The South Charlotte Thunder Baseball Club is Growing! David has many fond memories of play- ing football over the last 10 years. His journey Our plans for the spring and summer season include: started in second grade and he always remem- bers trying to emulate the Oklahoma Sooner football players that he had watched throughout (2) 8U Baseball Club Teams & (1) 9U Baseball Club Team his childhood. Among his favorite memories are; “My Pop Warner team went to the Pop Warner Super Bowl where we lost in the semifinals. We were • Dedicated practice days! undefeated in the regular season, we won the Kumquat Bowl (Orlando football championship), beat the Jacksonville champions, Miami champions, and Hawaii champions. We lost to a team from California.” • Fun, Family Environment! He also has great memories of beating Berry Academy for his last home game in the playoffs and beating Ardrey Kell on the road at a point in the season when • Nations Baseball Weekend Tournaments! very few were predicting success for Marvin Ridge. David also will treasure his times off the field with teammates. “I personally will remember the friendships I have made over the last couple of years and the fun I had while playing football. The success my team had was Is your son ready for the next step in his baseball game? just icing on the cake.” It’s important to add that David is also a four year letterman with the Marvin Ridge Baseball Team. If so, please email Now David begins to focus on his future and thanks to his hard work in the [email protected] for more information. classroom, it’s a very bright future. “I have applied to seven colleges; West Point, Princeton, University of Okla- homa and 4 other universities in the Carolinas. I plan to study something in math or science. I will probably go to grad school in math, science or business as well. Hopefully I will work in a field that will allow me to travel a lot.” The universities are going to be very excited when they open his transcript and learn that David is a commended Merit Scholar and an AP Scholar with Dis- tinction. This goes to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. David was also named AP Chemistry Student of the Year at Marvin Ridge and he carries a 4.93 grade point average. David reached these honors by finding balance in his life. “The most important part of finding balance between sports and academics is making good use of your time. I attempt to make productive use of my time, whether it’s for athletics, academics or music. “ Yes, Music! In addition to all the success mentioned above, David studies classical piano and plays original pieces by Beethoven, Debussy, and Mozart. The South Charlotte Sports Report proudly salutes David Weidman for be- coming the best he can possibly be. His drive to succeed will carry David to great heights as he moves forward in his life.
The newly formed HQ4 9U Clippers enjoyed a winning first year season. Coach Ryan Morris led the new Clippers through a fun-filled successful Fall Season and look forward to continuing their training this winter and to re- turning to play this spring.
Front Row: (L-R) Jakob Dietrich, Andrew Sarno, Ryan Noon and Jake Knepp Middle Row: (L-R) Palmer Richardson, Matthew Ayer, Will Budnick, Max McGuire, Gavin Shelor, Vance Barnhill, Patrick Hyder Back Row: (L-R) Assistant Coach Jonathan Sisk, Head Coach Ryan Morris Volume 6, Issue 17 Page Wired for Excellence Award Recognizing Academic and Athletic Excellence MOLLY MANN
WeddingtonSarah MiddlePost School 8th grader Molly Mann has been named the Quimby and Col- linsOr Orthodonticsaut am duismodit “Wired aliquat for ad Excellence” ea facincilla Award faci eros Winner. ad dolorem Molly, ad the molorercilis daughter nis of doloreTim and Marytis dionsen Beth Mann iamcon is utan lorem outstanding do consectem basketball enis eugaitplayer nibh for theexeraesto Wildcats er se and conulputet, she also runs crossvelessi country onsen foriamco. her school.
Molly’sAliquisl top dunt athletic enim quatue memories tissecte include diat, velesenisit,earning a spotvelesto on eugaither middle velismod school do dunt team nim as a sev- enthverit grader lortie ex and esto attending odipisit prat basketball delisl et nibhcamps et, conseat NC mincilislState and del thedipsustrud University ex ex of endipit Virginia. augiamcon henim ad magnisci tat. Gait wis accum vulla feum nim quatem ipsumsan vel irit Mollyvullaore and feugiat the Wildcats luptat. Ut are nulland 4-4 early rerilit inat, the corem season dolore and erostio are lookingodit autem to peakilla facipit for the num confer - encedolore tournament. eum aliquisi Even eugait as adigna the youngest faccum dolore player duismod on her olessedteam, she diatums stands andrem nearly volorper 5’10” tall andsit ventthis praestohas helped dolestrud her to euguero block two et, conseto three core shots dui teper verosto game. odolestrud magna faccum nulputat, qui blam velessequam quis dolore tionse magna consect etueros nulla conulla feuisis sequat. Ut nullutpat, vercinibh exercip sustrud dionsed exeriustrud eui ex enim Molly is an excellent student and a member of the A Honor Roll. She is also in the Beta venibh esequis duisl et, commy nonullaore facilis nulput wis nulla faci tatetumsan hent iure Club and she helps teach Sunday School at her church. Molly also enjoys playing the flute consed delisci liquisc illummo lorper in vullam zzrilisl ea faccumsan ut irit la facidunt ipisim in band class. Congratulations to Molly Mann, the Quimby and Collins Orthodontics “Wired velesse quatinci. autem illa facipit num dolore eum aliquisi eugait adigna faccum dolore forduismod Excellence” olessed Award diatums Winner. andrem volorper sit vent praesto dolestrud euguero et, conse core dui te verosto odolestrud magna faccum nulputat, qui blam velessequam quis dolore Wouldtionse youmagna like consect to nominate etueros. an elementary or middle school student for The Quimby and Collins Orthodontics Wired For Excellence Award? Send your nominations to Tripp@ southcharlottesports.com
Winning Smiles 8125 Ardrey Kell Road Charlotte NC 28277 704-443-0006
www.quimbyandcollins.com Happy Holidays From All Of Us At
Winter Break Camp Starts Tuesday, Dec. 27th www.championsbaseballacademy.net Page SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Volume 6, Issue 17
The Charlotte Soccer Academy U9 Green Hornets are the 03 Female cham- pions from last Saturday’s (12/3) 3v3 kick it tournament hosted by Charlotte Athletes All Soccer Academy (CSA) at Crestdale Middles School in Matthews. The Green Hornets competed against five other teams in their division over six games to earn this award. The Green Hornets are part of the inaugural CSA Rec Select hAve One thing girls team that are now playing in the CSA Academy program. in COmmOn Pictured left to right: Nicole Perdomo, Olivia Malie, Alyssa Hackett, Grace Danon and Brooke Lavelle. They Can PreTTy MuCh eaT Like horses. MARK POLLACK Okay, so maybe they have more than one thing in common—like Continued from front page a drive for excellence, to deliver their best, all the time. Hey, looks Mark supplemented his school basketball training with regular visits to Ac- like we have a lot in common with them! And we understand that celerate Basketball, a training facility located just south of the NC/SC state line appeasing big appetites should be done with big, family style off Highway 521. portions made with delicious recipes, served up in a place that can “During the season, I participate in team practice which is 1.5 hours every day and I attend regular training sessions at Accelerate Basketball twice a week to accommodate and entertain just about any group or function. help retain strength. I also work on my shot daily taking hundreds of shots in preparation for games. During the summer, I attend Accelerate Basketball daily. In order to reach my college goals I need to improve my overall athleticism and continue to work on my strength.” Like many players Mark also focuses on his health and developing stronger teAm Of the Week muscles. Last year Mark broke his ankle in a Christmas Tournament, leading him WEDDINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL to dress in coat and tie for the remainder of Catholic’s games. “I broke my ankle during the Holy Angels Christmas Tournament. It was dev- CHEERLEADING TEAM astating to have to sit and watch my team and not be able to contribute. After my recovery, I appreciate my health more and enjoy every second of being on the The Weddington Middle School Wildcats have been named the Buca Di court.” Beppo Team of the Week. Under the direction of Coach Caitlyn Holton, Mark is as strong as he has ever been now and he is working hard in the class- the cheerleading team has worked hard to raise the spirit at basketball room and on the court to earn an exciting college opportunity. The daily shoot- games this season. ing, dribbling and speed drills continue as Mark understands that he can’t rest on his laurels in order to achieve the teams goals of reaching and advancing in the The team has improved with each practice and game performance. state playoffs. Off the court, Mark is an Honor Roll student and he is enrolled in pre-calculus Congratulations to the Weddington Middle School Cheerleading Team and honors physics classes. Mark volunteers at his church and has always been for being named the Buca Di Beppo Team of the Week. the kind of kid that would lend a hand when asked and reply with a yes sir or yes ma’am answer. The South Charlotte Sports Report salutes Mark Pollack for his dedication to serving as a successful student-athlete at Charlotte Catholic High School. His approach to the game and life will prove to be very valuable going forward. One college coach is going to be very thankful once they land Mark Pol- lack into their program.
Back Row: (L to R): Co-Captain: Rachel Caputo, Lara Fahr, Tristyn Holdren, Moriah Croffut, Claudia Todd, Eryn Paille, Lauren Hamilton, Captain: Lauren Label, Head Coach: Caitlyn Holton Front Row: (L to R): Kyndal Kuhn, Lizzie McDonnell, Patricia Kanos, Fallon Kennedy, Nicole Pagano, Haleigh Fields, Katie Paxton
>ÊÌÊLÊÞÕÀÊiÛiÌÊÌ`>Þ]Ê>`Ê>ÃÊ>LÕÌÊÕÀÊÕLi>Ì>LiÊ}ÀÕ«Ê«>V>}iÃ°Ê Pineville £ä£xÊ ," Ê* Ê*, 79ÊUÊÇä{°x{Ó°x£{È bucadibeppo.com Volume 6, Issue 17 JENNA THOMPSON RANKED # 1 IN TENNIS Page At only nine years old, In just a few short years, Jenna has accomplished weekends.” Jenna Thompson has a lifetime of achievements. She won the U10 State Away from the tennis court, Jenna is a very nor- achieved an honor that Championship in singles and doubles, she won the mal fourth grader at Smithfield Elementary. She many youth tennis play- NC State Clay Courts Championship and she built a enjoys playing soccer at the Y, football games with ers dream about. The won- loss record of 45 wins and 6 losses with 5 loss- the boys in the neighborhood and going to Panther daughter of Mark and es being in the U12. Jenna is undefeated in U10 for games with her Dad. She jumps rope and love to Shirley Thompson has 2011 in the South. In addition to her # 1 ranking in hang out with friends and go to the swimming pool. battled her way to the top North Carolina, she is ranked 12th in the Southern “Sometimes on weekends I put up a small net in of the U10 North Caroli- Region. Amazingly she began the 2011 year ranked our cul-de-sac and play matches against the neigh- na tennis rankings. After #46 in the state and rose to the top. bors (both kids/adults) and I also like to play/teach starting to play as a six Jenna has set her sights on another goal. my brother (4) and sister (6).” year old with Dad Mark “I want to win Southern’s and to get to No. 1 on Jenna also enjoys school and her math and writ- throwing balls her way, the Southern ranking and also to get a higher rank- ing classes with Mr. Oliver. Jenna has climbed all ing in the U12.” The South Charlotte Sports Report salutes Jenna the way to the top of the Jenna works 10-12 hours a week on her game for her outstanding accomplishments and we wish charts. Watching her with a mix of practice with Coach Chris at Charlotte her the best in reaching her future goals!” parents play became the Tennis Academy and playing with her Dad on the draw to lure Jenna into the game! “My parents played tournaments growing up, so they thought it would be fun for me to play too.” Jenna’s parents were also strong players grow- ing up. “My Mom played World Youth Cup for South Af- rica and coached in Charlotte and my dad had a ten- nis scholarship at Texas Tech University.” SCOTTIE MILLER SELECTED TO PLAY FOR NATIONAL TEAM
Covenant Day 8th grader Scottie Miller has been chosen to play foot- ball for the FBU National team. The son of Melissa Mann- Smith & Jonathan Smith has been playing football for six years and recently completed his season with the Carmel Covenant Cats Team and Coach Bill Smith. Scottie is a running back and also plays on special teams. His season for the Cats went really well this fall. “We had a great sea- son! We only lost one game which was our last game. We were Conference Champions, but we lost the Championship. I finished the season with 25 touchdowns!” Scottie earned the opportunity to play in the FBU games after attending a local tryout. He will par- ticipate in the Football University 40 state national championship. “After attending a camp held by Dynamic Sports and Mike Stricker, he suggested that I go to a com- bine that was held on November 20, 2011. We were informed that the FBU State team coaches were going to be scouting for players. This motivated me to work harder that day. I finished with MVP in the Middle School Elite Division and I was invited from the com- bine to play on the FBU –NC Team.” Scottie and his team will now begin a pursuit of games that will hopefully lead to three wins and an ap- pearance in the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Once complete with the national pursuit, Scottie will begin to decide on his future plans for high school football. In addition to football, Scottie also plays basketball and runs track. Page SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Volume 6, Issue 17 1st ANNUAL GREATER CHARLOTTE FOOTBALL AWARDS
Saturday, December 10th was a fantastic night for over 320 student-athletes, coaches, and their families in a celebration of the Greater Charlotte Football com- munity.
Dynamic Scholarship Fund and South Charlotte Sports Report combined to present the following scholarships and awards to outstanding student-athletes from the gridiron that are leading the way on and off the field:
Offensive Player of the Year: Lee McNeill, Porter Ridge High School Youth Football Team of the Year: WCWAA Titans Jr. Pee Wee Team (Case) Defensive Player of the Year: Tre Hunt, Davidson Day School DSF-SCSR College Scholarship: Jake Bishop, Randleman High School Gridiron (2-way) Player of the Year: Jack Brodowicz, Charlotte Catholic DSF-SCSR College Scholarship: Adam Nix , South Mecklenburg High School Spirit of the Game Player of the Year: Kyle Duke, Ardrey Kell High School DSF-SCSR College Scholarship: David Weidman, Marvin Ridge High School Contributions to Youth Football Award: Keith Register, South Park Falcons DSF-SCSR College Scholarship: Rich Sigmon, Western Carolina University High School Football Coach of the Year: Blair Hardin, Porter Ridge High School Dynamic Kicker of the Year: Caleb Kelly, Brookland-Cayce High School High School Football Team of the Year: Charlotte Catholic High School Dynamic Punter of the Year: Matt Wogan, Porter Ridge High School Middle School Football Coach of the Year: Bill Curry Marvin Ridge Middle School SCSR Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Brian Mittl, Charlotte Latin School Middle School Football Co-Teams of the Year: Marvin Ridge Middle School 8th Grade Team Community Outreach Leadership Award: Jordan Mosely, Johnson C. Smith University Carmel Middle School
South Charlotte Sports Report and Dynamic Scholarship Fund are proud to host the Greater Charlotte Football Awards Banquet and want to congratulate all of the 2011 Finalists that were selected. Be sure to join us December 8, 2012 for the 2nd Annual Greater Charlotte Football Awards Banquet.
For more photos from the banquet, please visit www.southcharlottesportsphotos.com
Marvin Ridge Middle School 8th Grade Football Carmel Middle School Football Team was a co-win- Greater Charlotte Football Awards Individual Finalists Team was a co-winner of the Middle School Foot- ner of the Middle School Football Team of the Year gather on stage. ball Team of the Year Award. Award.
Members of the Cuthbertson Middle School 7th The WCWAA Jr. Pee Wee Football Team won the Members of the WCWAA Jr. Pee Wee team enjoy Grade Football team enjoyed a night at the banquet. Youth Team of the Year Award. time before dinner.
Kyle Duke, Spirit of the Game Award Keith Register, Contributions to Youth Brian Mittl, Scholar-Athlete of the Jack Brodowicz, Gridiron Player of the Winner. Football Award with his son, Zach. Year Award Winner. Year Award Winner. Volume 6, Issue 17 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Page
The Marvin Ridge Middle School Swim and Dive Team is off to another fast start this year. The team is working hard for coach Craig Fisher.
First Row: (L-R) Kyle Schwartz, Shannon Cunningham, Amber Lewandowski, Logan Ladue, Kate Marshall, Mary Rothenberger, Sienna Haynes, Cayla Hashe, Head Coach: Craig Fisher Second Row: (L-R) Christian Hodges, Peter Dwyer, Adam Fisher, John Ranshaw, Nate Utesch, Jeffrey Fowler, Tyler Fant, Sawyer Newsome, Mason Bhatia, Samantha Bitter, Jenna Sparacio Third Row: (L-R) Maelee Williamson, Elle Wagner, Duke Baim, Emily Anderson, Alana Williams, Ashley Baum, Mary Steury, Quinn Feeley, Emily Whitehead, Lauren Rush, Morgan Sufnarski Fourth Row: (L-R) Grant Ell, Joey Fronzaglia, Kirsten Jones, Coleman Eberhardt, Katherine Rivers, Caroline Hauder, Alexandra Bonfilio, Sarah Corbi, Leah Kresser, Carly Bretschneider, Elizabeth Krug, D’mitri Emmanuel. Missing: Assistant Swim Coach: Bill Bretschneider, Diving Coach: Sharon Maleski Page 10 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Volume 6, Issue 17
Q SHACK COACH OF THE WEEK COACH PETER CASE WCWAA TITANS FOOTBALL Coach Peter Case is this week’s winner of the Q Shack Coach of CHRISTMAS BREAK the Week Award. Coach Case led the WCWAA Titans Jr. Pee Wee VOLLEYBALL CAMP football team to an undefeated season and a win in the Optimist Bowl and the Mid-South Regional Only 3 spots left! Championship. His team was also recognized by Pop Warner for their scholastic achievements December 21 & 22 this season. Congratulations to Coach Peter Case for being Ardrey Kell High School named the Q Shack Coach of the Week.
To nominate your coach for this award, please visit 5:30pm - 8:30pm The Q Shack or email [email protected]. Featuring State Championship Coaches
Located in The Providence Promenade Zoe Bell, Ardrey Kell High School 10822 Providence Road Karen Bradbury, Providence High School Charlotte, NC 28277 www.qshackclt.com 704-542-5959 www.southcharlottesportscamps.com Attention 13U and 14U Players
YardDawgs Baseball is Coming to The Charlotte Area in 2012
The YardDawgs is an amateur travel baseball program established in New Jersey and was recognized as one of the top programs in the state. YardDawgs developed a reputation for being well prepared, competitive and industrious, in an enthusiastic setting. Self discipline, leadership and respect for the game, along with skill development and knowledge is the cornerstone of the program. Coaches are part of the Charlotte Latin School baseball staff and are former players at East Carolina University and Western Carolina University.
We invite you to be part of the YardDawg experience today!
Call or email to schedule your tryout. All tryouts are free. For further information, contact [email protected] or ask for Pete at 973-296-7436 Volume 6, Issue 17 BEYOND THE MAT WITH AMIT NAIK Page 11 Providence Do you have a favorite move to use in a Evan Rodbell(‘11), and PJ Heacock(‘11) were my Day senior match? real motivators, the people I looked up to, and the wrestler “I like to use an elbow pass.” reason I am where I am today. They pushed me Amit Naik is hard and always gave me higher goals so I really busy work- How well do you perform in the classroom? owe them a lot and am so lucky to have been on a ing towards a “I’m no super star student as I maintain a 3.5 GPA team with them.” repeat of his but I try hard in all my classes. I am taking 3 AP’s 2011 North this year and 1 advanced/honors course. I am part “Also, my coaches taught me how to truly be a Carolina of Model UN, Key Club (community service around wrestler on the mat as well as off the mat, physi- State Wres- campus) and SOS (previously Beta Club - commu- cally and mentally, which is just as important. tling Cham- nity service off campus.)” They are amazing coaches and am lucky to have pionship. them.” The son of Would you like to thank anyone for helping Pandurang you to become a state champion? and Manisha “Providence Day School graduates Richie Erb(‘10), Naik has built quite a resume of state championships in multiple sports over the last year. Amit was a part of the 2010 cross country state championship team, a 2010-2011 112 pound state champion for wrestling, a part of the 2011 Golf State Championship team and the 2011 Cross Country state championship team, giving him four state championships in the last year and a half.
With more hard work and a little luck, Amit hopes to raise the gold in the 120 pound weight class this winter. Let’s go Beyond the Mat with Amit to learn more.
When did you begin to wrestle and why? “I started wrestling in 7th grade after I was cut from the basketball team. I still wanted to do a sport and some of my closer friends at the time told me to come out for the wrestling team, so I did.”
What do you consider as your top three ath- letic accomplishments? “The big jump in my wrestling career was when I knocked out the one seed at the Holy Angels tour- nament in January last year and ended up placing 2nd. It was my first time placing in a tournament and a huge confidence booster that I needed to turn into a decent wrestler.”
“Winning the state title at the 112 weight class last year which led me to qualifying for the National Prep Tournament, one of the more prestigious tournaments in the nation.”
Do you find it a struggle to stay at your weight limit and how do you maintain that weight? “I am not cutting as much weight as I did last year, so it is relatively easier but it is always tough to stay disciplined in my eating choices. I only drink water and gatorade during the season and stay away from “junk food” as much as I can. It’s tough to stay disciplined when all of my peers are drinking sodas and eating all this good fast food while I have to sit there and keep a balanced diet, but I know what I have to do and how it affects my success.”
Outside of school, do you wrestle with a club or other team? “I don’t wrestle outside of wrestling season be- cause I have other sports commitments during the year - cross country in the fall and golf in the spring.”
What are your goals for the season? “To just wrestle as hard as I can for every second I’m on the mat and go for another state title.”
Page 12 SWIMMAC FINISHES THIRD Volume 6, Issue 17 AT JUNIOR NATIONALS
Baseball & Softball Winter Training Still some space Saturdays – sign up now • Softball Training Groups: 8U, 10U, and 12-14U. Work on both defense and hitting. Led by Coach Banas & Coach Young. • Baseball Training Groups: 5&6, 7&8, 9&10, 11&12. Program focused on Fundamentals. Saturday groups After the final event finished and scores were tallied, SwimMAC Carolina led by Coach Grant. placed third at the 2011 Short Course Junior National Championship in Aus- • Middle School & High School Training starting in tin, Texas. SwimMAC showed what they are made of in the three-day event winning two national titles and 11 medals. January – space is limited! As a team, they combined to finish third overall, behind Bolles School. In- • Pitcher Clinics & Catcher Clinics starting in January. dividually, the men’s team placed second and the women’s team took fourth, respectively. Players grouped by age, 6 session program. The men’s 4x100 freestyle relay ended the meet and SwimMAC took full • Speed & Agility Training: dynamic program led by advantage of the being in the spotlight. The relay team of Peter Brumm, Logan Coach Shelton Grant – sign up now! Heck, John Manchester and Kyle Darmody (Providence) trailed Bolles through the 375 meters, but touched first with a .01s advantage. SwimMAC posted a time of 2:56.93 and Bolles came in at 2:56.94. The first and second place teams Call us at 704 423-0030 or register online at finished almost a full four seconds ahead of third place Dynamo. www.hq4baseball.com. The national title is the second in three days as the women’s group of Lau- ren Rhodes (Charlotte Catholic), Maija Roses, Caroline Bryant and Nora Mc- Cullagh (Charlotte Catholic) opened the meet by going gold in the 4x50 free Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/hqforbaseball relay.
The Providence Day seventh grade basketball team won the Golden Corral Christmas Classic.
Front row: (L-R) Matthew Hudson, Connor Rudy, Alex Featherstone Max Bowser, Madison Young, Parker Mosack, Max Lahn, Coach Robert Price Back row: (L-R) Jack Giardino, Kase Diehl, Coach Ed Prisco, Ben Ferris, Grant Buchmiller, Tommy Downing, Gabe Montgomery
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Page 14 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Volume 6, Issue 17 U13 PREDATORS STRIKE IN FLORIDA
While most were at home eating a traditional Thanksgiving Feast, the Charlotte Soccer Academy U13 Boys Predator team and their families were in Orlando at the Disney Junior Soccer Showcase Tournament. Held annually at Thanksgiving, the Disney Junior Soccer Showcase gives younger teams (U11-U14) the same great top level competition that the older teams get in December at the Disney Show- case. Teams must apply to the tournament committee for acceptance into these events. Thais year’s Junior Soccer Showcase hosted approximately 240 boys and girls teams from around the nation. Coached by Ray Fraser and assistant Neil Wlodyka, the team played 5 games throughout the weekend. They lost their first game 1-0 to the Chicago Fire Ju- niors. They went on to win 2-0 against Thunder United from Maryland and 2-1 against Jacksonville United FC from Florida. Sunday, the final day of competi- tion, the team won 2-0 against Alianza Elite from Georgia in the semi-finals and won 2-1 in a spectacular game against Weston FC Premier from Florida. Coach Ray said, “The boys didn’t let that loss deter them...they know they needed to take it one game at a time, and win. This Predator team played tough teams but played with heart...they wanted to win it all...Coach Neil and I are so proud of how they stayed focused and worked as a team.” Congratulations to CSA U13 Boys Predator: (front row) Aidan Smith, Zain Blackwood, Sam Wlodyka, Billy Fink, Reed Hunnicutt, Jake Kelly, Brooks Stock- ley. (back row) Coach Neil Wlodyka, Brandon Ramirez, Andrew Pannenberg, George Espina, Adam Watkins, Grant Kiker, Ethan Shoemaker, Tanner Jordi, Connor Demaine, Adrian Lopez, Coach Ray Fraser.
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Introducing the Soccer Performance University by Performance Unlimited. North Carolina’s first facility with programs designed specifically for the game of soccer! Located in our 10,000 square foot soccer performance center on Carmel Rd, we offer a one-of-a-kind program designed for every aspect of Congratulations to Harris YMCA Team #3 for winning the Mecklenburg Area Recreational Soccer Girls U14 League Championship. performance in the game (mental, physical and technical). Top Row: (L-R) Rebecca Murillo, Sarah Grossman, Kelly Eakes, Eliza Registration for Winter Speed School, Academy Training, as well as our College Off-Season Program Rich, Mackenzie Albert, Reid Koren, Olivia Hatton, are available at ThePerformanceU.com. Shelby Cane, Julia Walker, Emma Drake, Audrey Trollinger Middle Row: (L-R) Coach Chris Dietrich, Paige Davis, Mary Stenersen, Cameron Dietrich, Kristen Seibert, Margaret Grossman, Erin Lawrence Bottom Row: (L-R) Emily Brown, Ingrid Iverson, Catherine Getz, Ansley Cowan and Coach Frank Lawrence Volume 6, Issue 17 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Page 15
STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE WEEK AUSTIN SNYDER DACIA THOMPSON Providence High School senior swimmer Austin Snyder Providence Day School senior Dacia Thompson has been has been named the Architech Sports and Physical named the Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Stu- Therapy Student-Athlete of the Week. Austin is the dent Athlete of the Week. Dacia, the daughter of Devon son of Bobby and Natalie Snyder. He will continue his Thompson and Loran Peru, is a key player for the Char- academic and athletic career at North Carolina State gers Ladies Basketball Team. She is also an outstanding University next fall. discus and shot performer.
Austin set a senior national time in the 800 freestyle Dacia has two state championships with her basketball and he also won back to back North Carolina High team and she is aiming for a third consecutive title this School state championships. Austin has worked hard to year. In track and field, Dacia has made the state cham- become a college swimmer since he first began to com- pionships three years in a row. She finished third in pete at age five. In addition to competing for Providence the 3A State Championships in discus as a sophomore. High School, Austin also swims for SwimMac Carolina Last season she finished second in the 3A State Champi- throughout the year. He practices with the team six onships in the shot put. Dacia also owns the Providence days a week to improve his times. Austin enjoys com- Day School shot put record, throwing five feet further peting for the Panthers and he says the high school team than the previous record. is a lot of fun and they have great team spirit. The club swimming is more serious with higher goals to achieve. Inside the classroom, Dacia has earned a spot on the A/B Honor Roll. She is a member of the Cultural Club and has been so since the seventh grade. The club discusses ways Inside the classroom, Austin carries a 3.5 grade point average and he is a member of that diversity can be improved at the school which is very important to Dacia. Con- the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society. Congratulations to gratulations to Dacia Thompson, the Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Student Austin Snyder, this week’s Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Student-Athlete of Athlete of the Week. the Week.
ARCHITECH SPORTS AND PHYSICAL THERAPY Blakeney Office: 8918 Blakeney Professional Drive Suite 120 | Charlotte, NC 28277 | Ph. 704-900-8960 Indian Trail Office: 1001 Van Buren Avenue Suite 3 | Indian Trail, NC 28079 | Ph. 704-628-6053 www.architechsports.com Physical Therapy for Athletes and Weekend Warriors * Sports Performance * Soccer Speed and Agility Baseball Pitching Arm Care Evaluations * Female Jumpmetrics Training * Coaches Care Programs All programs in conjunction with Morrison Family YMCA
The Weddington Middle School Basketball Team is working hard to prepare for The Weddington Wildcats are working hard to prepare for the Union County the second half of their conference schedule. Middle School Basketball Championships in January.
Front Row: (L-R) Shawn Morrison Jr., Ryan Schwieger, Tyler Glass, Front Row: (L-R) Emma Wall, Jillian Paris, Laurel McCarthy, Taylor Joseph Bensch, Kyle Tackeberry Schuster, Olivia Odle, Haleigh Munao Back Row: (L-R) Michael Davidson , Coach Brad Rhodes , Timmy, Back Row: (L-R) Cyan Mercer, Cathleen Shafer, Elizabeth Staude, Havens, Ben Stein, Marcus Gill, Eric Schwieger, Josh Sam Wierzbicki, Molly Mann, Jardyn Brown, Emily Hollifield, Kyle Plante, Zack Zidaroff, Coach Jerrodd Clinton, Lindsay Jenkins, Coach Rich Livolsi Fant Missing: Coach Troy King Page 16 Volume 6, Issue 17
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