South Charlotte Sports Report “HOMETOWN TEAMS ... HOMETOWN KIDS” Volume 7, Issue 6 www.southcharlottesports.com July 12, 2012 - FREE THREE IS THE NUMBER FOR SAM WILSON ...Academics and Athletics are important for Latin Senior Written by Ryan Scott, Marvin Ridge High School

focus has helped Sam accumulate a right body for wrestling and told Sam 3.9 grade point average through three that he should try it. Just like all his years at Charlotte Latin. other sports, Sam was immediately Sam’s father started him in foot- hooked. From eighth grade on, Sam ball when he was in second grade. He won the conference championship in played Pop Warner football as a cen- his weight class. He was a captain on ter and has remained a center all the his wrestling team as a junior and was way up to his current starting position voted MVW (Most Valuable Wrestler). on his school’s varsity football team. His team won state championships Sam started with shotgun snaps in when he was a freshman and when Pop Warner, which is very unusual he was a junior. He currently wrestles for someone as young as he was. That in the 220-pound weight class. Even helped him become the center he is to- though he wrestles in the winter, wres- day. He builds on his talent for snap- tling practice gets very hot from the ping the ball and blocking by lifting combination of intense workouts and weights three days a week over the Sam’s coach cranking up the heater. summer with his team. “Wrestling is unique because it is “I like football because of the struc- only me playing. It is a chance for me ture we have on the offensive line. We to show people what I can do. I either have to all know our blocks and be able win or lose and it is all on me. There to work together as a unit. We do the aren’t any excuses.” grunt work even though we don’t al- Sam hopes to continue playing ways get recognized for it.” sports through college. Not only does Starting up lacrosse was a decision he love playing sports, but the strict influenced by Sam’s grandfather. He schedule forces Sam to manage his had been a high school standout play- time which helps him to do better in ing lacrosse. Sam started in second school. He is currently looking at play- grade when his team of 40 kids played ing football or lacrosse for Washington only one game all season. Despite min- & Lee, Middlebury, or Dartmouth. imal playing time, Sam was hooked “Wherever I go for college, I re- and has continued playing to earn ally want to play a sport. It creates a the starting role as a defender on his structure for my life and keeps me fo- school’s varsity lacrosse team. Today, cused.” Sam and his grandfather still practice Colleges are most likely impressed together when they get a chance. Team with Sam’s athletic achievements, but practices get very intense with a series his academic achievements will draw a of different workouts. They usually lot of attention as well. Sam’s 3.9 GPA start out with plyometric training, then at Charlotte Latin is impressive, but his move on to drills and finish with heavy perfect score of 800 on the math SAT conditioning. All the blood, sweat and will definitely show colleges how well tears of training paid off with a 17-2 re- rounded Sam is. As he enters his se- cord and a state championship. nior year, Sam hopes to lead his teams “Lacrosse is exciting because I to more success and continue his work Three sports, three seasons, three break. have the ability to make plays that di- in the classroom. The South Charlotte years, and three state championships. The obvious question is what sport rectly impact the game. As a defender Sports Report wishes good luck to Sam This is the bulky athletic resume of does he like the most? Sam loyally re- I have some control on the outcome of in all his sports as he continues down a Charlotte Latin’s Sam Wilson. Going plies that he enjoys each equally and the game. If I do my job right, we will successful path. from one sport to the next, Sam has they are all unique in their own ways. win.” Looking for players for your team found success in the sports he loves, He may not have a favorite, but Sam The decision to try out for wres- or league? football, wrestling, and lacrosse. Sam, focuses everything on the sport he tling was recommended by Sam’s sixth Let all of our readers know! the 17-year-old son of Chip and Cindy is playing that season. Sam also be- grade math teacher, who happened to Wilson, endures a nonstop athletic lieves that this strict athletic schedule be the middle school wrestling coach. Advertise in the South Charlotte schedule that hardly ever allows for a helps him focus more in school. This Sam’s math teacher noticed he had the Sports Report

Support the growth of youth sports Market your business or service to the families of South Charlotte and Northern Union County Advertise with very affordable rates from the South Charlotte Sports Report 704-906-5466 OR [email protected] Page  SOCIAL MEDIA PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THEVolume 7, Issue 6 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT …Friend or Foe of Student-Athletes? AT THESE LOCATIONS

Social Media has certainly taken over when it comes to letting the outside world Play It Again Sports Sam & Carlies Deli Community House Middle School Tutoring Club of Charlotte inside your life. First it was Facebook and now Twitter that seem to be the top Dick’s Sporting Goods – Matthews Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School websites in our universe. Over the last few months, like a lot of folks, I have Mathnasium The Q Shack moved my social media usage from Facebook to Twitter. I have found the site to Southeastern Gymnastics The Bagel Bin be a one-stop shop to gather information on topics that I am interested in. With Steps N’ Motion – The Fountains Charlotte Aquatics just one click of the mouse I can see the latest news on the New York Yankees or Tokyo One Express Waxhaw Family Physicians Extreme Ice Center Architech Sports & Physical Therapy my East Carolina Pirates. I can also see up to the minute reporting of local, re- Dr. Sellers Orthodontics Winning Awards gion, national and worldwide events. Within minutes, I know when something Weddington Activity Center Ardrey Kell High School good or bad has happened in the world. Baskin Robbins (Highway 521) Ameritrust Mortgage Nothing But Noodles Dynamic Sports Performance This column may sound like a sales pitch for Twitter, but my message is going to Champions Baseball Academy South Library (Rea & 51) focus on helpful hints for how Student-Athletes can make Twitter and Facebook International Sports Center Matthews Motor Company Try Sports New Point Learning their best friend and keep it from being their biggest foe. Pet Essentials Grace Academy Jesse Brown’s Adventure SwimMac • Be smart, do you really want to use foul language in front of the world and Jersey Mike’s (Stonecrest) Gateway Travel and college admission officers that use Twitter? CrossFit Charlotte Park Sharon Athletic Association Laxer, Long and Savage Kinetic Spine Sports • Do you really want to post that photo of you showing your middle finger to Grand Slam USA Salsaritas (Blakeney) Tebby Sports Medicine Showcase Baseball Academy the camera? Meridian Medical Group Ciarla Fitness Quimby and Collins Orthodontics Switchin Kitchens • Twitter has around 200 million users, Facebook has over 900 million, that’s Charlotte All-Stars Jewish Community Center a lot of people outside your neighborhood that can form a real quick opinion Omega Sports Waxhaw Family Physicians about you Four Seasons Barber and Salon Covenant Day School Dunkin Donuts (Highway 521) Beurlein Pro Fitness Fitness For Women Carolina Courts • After typing a post ask yourself: “Would it be ok to say this in front of my Sports Connection Ballantyne National Amateur Sports parents, my grandmother, or a current or future coach?” If the answer is no, Sports and Fitness- Ballantyne Velocity Sports Performance don’t post it. Sports Perf. Ctr. @ OrthoCarolina Goddard School (Waxhaw) Presbyterian Urgent Care – Blakeney Subway (Camfield Corners) • Take pride in who you represent, don’t embarrass your school, your family Premier Soccer Karate Charlotte Charlotte Running Company Flip’n Chicken or yourself with immature posts. Sports Clips (Promenede) Providence Day School Marvin Ridge High School Charlotte Latin School • Don’t use foul language, don’t ReTweet foul language, and don’t try to ab- Marvin Ridge Middle School K & W Cafeteria breviate dirty words. Charlotte Catholic High School Performance Unlimited Bird Dentistry HQ4 Baseball • Don’t try to be cute or dirty with your Facebook or Twitter names. Dr. Garden Dentistry Weddington Middle School Robek’s Juice Lorenzos Pizza Run For Your Life Stingrays Aquatic Center • Don’t post from social media sites during classes. Your coaches, coaches Sports Orthopedic Architech Sports and Physical Therapy that are recruiting you, teachers and family members also use social media. SCRA Baseball Complex (Indian Trail)

I used a lot of “don’ts” up above, now for a few things that I encourage all stu- dents to do with social media.

• Use Twitter as your own personal resume, share all the positives in your life. Tune up your racquet for

• If you are mature enough to follow the Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media, Queen City and USTA Leagues then follow the coaches and schools that you are most interested in. Learn about their programs and let them learn about you. Free pick up and delivery • Use proper spelling, take advantage of the 140 characters Twitter provides. in South Charlotte! How can you use Twitter to interact with the South Charlotte Sports Report? Rich Rushakoff - 704-488-2147 Please follow us on Twitter @SCSportsReport. Once you have followed us, please tweet us with any good news you have to share. Did you make your col- (former stringer for Players Loft) lege commitment? Are you down to 5 finalists? Did you get named all-confer- ence? Did you record a 4.5 grade point average and play three sports? Let us know, I have a lot of contacts that I want to share your news with. Please take the time to follow me and please, be smart about how you use social media. It SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT can be your friend or it can be your foe, your choice. 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 coverage area in neighborhoods and local businesses. If you would like copies delivered to your business for distribution to customers, call 704-906-5466.

Story ideas and photo submissions are welcome for use on our website and in our newspaper, email to [email protected]. Advertising rates are available upon request. The SCSR Team! @SCSportsReport PUBLISHER PHOTOGRAPHERS SALES REPRESENTATIVE Tripp Roakes Greg Arthur Kristy Maher Gerry Wall GRAPHIC DESIGNER Chip Auger INTERNS Frances Flowers Kelly MacDevette Amanda Wynn Volume 7, Issue 6 Page 

STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE WEEK ALEX FINK AMELIA PRUITT Rising senior at Myers Park High School, Alex Fink, has been named Amelia Pruitt has been named the Architech Sports and Physical this week’s Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Student Athlete of Therapy Student Athlete of the Week. The daughter of Wes Pruitt and the Week. The son of Jim and Libby Fink has worked very hard for all Kristen Beeman has experienced great success this past year after that he has accomplished as a baseball player. earning a spot on the Marvin Ridge High School Varsity Softball Team as a freshman. Alex began his baseball career playing recreational baseball at MARA and has been playing for local travel teams since then. In middle Amelia began playing softball when she was seven years old and school, he played for On Deck and for the past two years he has been played recreational ball for WCWAA. When she was eight, she was playing for the SBA Canes. Alex played in the Battle of the Border selected to play on her first travel team, the Outlaws. She continued showcase game this summer and was named the Most Valuable Player. playing with this team until she was ten. Since then she has played for At Myers Park, Alex was named pitcher of the year and also received the Charlotte Blaze as well as the Flight and she is currently finishing an all conference honorable mention award. her season with the Charlotte Terminators. After recently competing in the Battle of the Border Future Stars game, Amelia received the Most Alex has high hopes of continuing his baseball career past college. By Outstanding Player Award. One of her favorite softball memories is working so hard on and off the field, he can make this dream a real- when she threw a changeup for the first time in a game. After spending ity. Alex is currently in the prestigious International Baccalaureate so much time perfecting it, she was thrilled when her hard work finally program at Myers Park. He is a member of the National Honor Society paid off. and several other clubs. Alex has also accumulated over 300 hours of community service over the course of his high school career. Amelia has learned that balance is essential to doing well on the field and in the classroom. This year, she earned an academic letter and was on the A/B honor roll. Education is her main priority and she Congratulations to Alex Fink for being named Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Student Athlete works hard to get good grades in order to have choices of great colleges later down the road. of the Week. Congratulations to Amelia Pruitt for being named Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Student Athlete of 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

Is your son a Current 8U Baseball Player? Is he ready for the next step in his baseball game? The South Charlotte Thunder9U Baseball FALL Club BASEBALLmay be the perfect home for your son and family.

• Recent Major League Baseball Players As Hitting and Pitching Coaches! • Dedicated Practice Days! • Fun, Family-Based Team! • Nations Baseball Weekend Tournaments all within 30 minutes!

If you are interested in learning more about our Club Baseball Team, please email [email protected] Page  SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Volume 7, Issue 6 BEYOND THE GAME WITH JESSICA STEELE

Written by Amanda Wynn, University of South Carolina

Jessica Steele is a successful, rising senior at Mar- parents are from Ohio so they got to come down and watch me play. I’ve got vin Ridge High School. She has worked very hard some great memories from playing Char-Meck Softball. My Dad and Mom at both athletics and academics her past three coached me, and we had some great games against Pineville and South Park years. The daughter of Chuck and Vicki Steele that people still talk about today.” has been both a varsity cheerleader and a varsity softball player. After her sophomore year, Jessica Where else have you played softball? decided to focus only on playing softball. That de- “When I moved here from FL at 6, I played a summer for the old Char-Meck cision has led her to become an even better player Purple Blaze. It then became the Charlotte Blaze. I also played a couple years on the field. This past year, she was awarded of travel ball for the Outlaws based out of WCWAA.” offensive MVP and also made the All-Conference, All-District and All-State teams. Jessica has made How well do you perform in the classroom? many great memories throughout her time playing “I am a pretty good student. I had a good year with all A’s for my junior softball and is looking forward to enjoying her last year.” season at Marvin Ridge. What are your plans for next year? College? Let’s go Beyond The Game with Jessica Steele and “I plan to have a great senior year and then I plan to go to college and I’d like learn more about her memorable softball career. to become a dental hygienist. My Aunt, Debbie Aten, is a local dentist and she’s been very helpful to me in planning to achieve that goal.” What are some of your top athletic accom- plishments? What lessons have you learned from playing a high school sport? “This year we played a great 1-0 game against Porter Ridge this year, it was “Definitely time management! It’s tough to balance sports, schoolwork, fam- an exciting game against a really good team. Making All-State this year was ily time and fun! I also have learned about being a team player and the im- exciting. I also played in the Battle of the Border! Some people may have for- portance of teamwork. I always try to remember this quote when playing the gotten that I was a Varsity cheerleader my sophomore year, but due to sched- quote, “whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right”. It’s so impor- uling conflicts, I was unable to tryout as a junior. I also took a few years off tant to believe in yourself and your team, and if you do, you can do anything. from softball, and just came back as a sophomore to start playing again!” What will you miss most about Marvin Ridge athletics when you What would you consider as one of your favorite athletic memories? graduate? “One of my favorite memories is traveling with my team, the Charlotte Blaze “The atmosphere is great and the support of the parents, administration and to Ohio for the World Series when we played 12U. We had a great tourna- the Booster Club is like no other. We have great fans and we’ve been very suc- ment run, and had a great time hanging out in Columbus. Plus my grand- cessful for a school that is 5 years old.”

Schools and Athletic Associations: Are you looking for a depend- able, customer service based photo partner for your Team Photo Days?

The South Charlotte Sports Report Photography Division proudly offers a WIN-WIN program for your school or athletic association.

Call Tripp Roakes at 704-906-5466 or email [email protected] to learn more about our program. Volume 7, Issue 6 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Page  SWIMMING WITH ABBY ORMISTON

Abby Ormiston is working her way through the swimming pool at a fast pace. The 9 year old daughter of John and Kim Ormiston has worked hard to become a successful swimmer for the Stingrays.

What brought you to the sport and what do you most enjoy about it: “I thought my lessons were so much fun my mom suggested I try out for the Stingray Team. I most enjoy improving my technique because that is how I get faster!” What is your favorite stroke? Is this your best? Carolina Cougars Travel Baseball Team - 11U Tryouts “My favorite stroke is breaststroke, but I think my best is backstoke.” Carolina Cougars Who inspires you, and why? Carolina Cougars 11U travel baseball team will be having open “My mom, dad, teachers and coaches all inspire me because they encourage Travel Baseball Team - 11U Tryouts me. Even my little sister cheers me on and I like that too!” tryouts for the Fall (2012) and Spring (2013) Season on the

What is the most important thing a coach has ever taught you? Carolina Cougarsfollowing 11U travel days: baseball team will “To stay focused and to remember what I learned in practice so that I get be having open tryouts for the Fall (2012) and good times at meets.” Saturday,Spring (2013) August Season 4th onand the Sunday, following Augustdays: 5th What is your proudest accomplishment in and out of the pool? “ My proudest accomplishment was when I got my first “B” time.” If you are interested in learning more about our team, please emailSaturday, us: [email protected] August 4th and Sunday, August 5th Do you have any words of advice for someone just beginning to swim competitively? If you are interested in learning more about our team, “ I would tell them to concentrate, believe in yourself, and always try!” please email us: [email protected] Where do you think you will be in 5 years? “I hope that in 5 years I would like to be competing on both the Stingrays team and, of course, I hope I am swimming “A” and “AA” times!”

Do you have any other hobbies or are you involved in any other activities? “I am a dancer as well. Mostly I like to play in the neighborhood creek with Current openings for my friends.” student athletes ages 11-18 What is your favorite subject in school? Why? “My favorite subject is Science. I would like to be a Marine Biologist when I grow up because I love learning about whales, dolphins, Stingrays, and other ocean life! In fact, my favorite movie is Dolphin Tale.”

The Pineville Knights won the PCAA Minors Championship this season.

Bottom Row: (L-R) Ryan Morrison, Alex Zelenz, Anthony Nassar, Riley Christensen Middle Row: (L-R) Adam Morrison, Will Sitton, Michael Konopasek, Will Santucci, Maddox Pringle, Charlie Kirby, Jared Morales Top Row: (L-R) Bob Morrison, John Zelenz, Rick Santucci, Chris Kirby Page  SOUTH CHARLOTTE ATHLETES: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?Volume 7, Issue 6 In continuing with a six year summer tradition, The South Charlotte Sports Report takes a look at former South Charlotte Student-Athletes and how they are performing in college. To share the news of your son or daughter, please email [email protected] Jordan Darnell, Elon University Baseball (Ardrey Kell): Jordan is a pitcher Guiseppe Gentile, UNCC Soccer (Ardrey Kell): Giuseppe played in all 25 for the Elon baseball team. He appeared in 22 games for the team this spring. games this past year and started 19 of them. He was Charlotte’s leading scorer He is majoring in Sport and Event Management. with 10 goal and two assists for 22 points.

Damon Magazu, East Carolina University Football (Providence): Damon is Anthony Boone, Duke University Football (Weddington): Anthony is a a defensive back for the Pirates. In 2011, he was selected as a third-team reserve quarterback for the Blue Devils. He has worked hard in his first few preseason All-Conference USA performer by Phil Steele’s College Football Pre- years with the Blue Devils and is looking forward to a successful fall in view Magazine. He will begin his junior year in the fall and should be the leader Wallace-Wade Stadium. of an improved Pirate defense. Chelsea Stamey, UNCC Softball (Butler): Justin Cheek, High Point University Basketball (Ardrey Kell): Justin played Chelsea played 50 games this past season and 28 games as a sophomore, averaging 4.0 points. The rising junior has had a started at third base for 44 of the games. She successful two years as a guard for his team. was able to reach a career-high batting average as well. She will begin her senior year in the Samantha Gostling, Virginia Tech Volleyball (Ardrey Kell): This past year, fall. Samantha saw time in 28 matches and started 12 games. She will begin her junior year in the fall. Grant Fisher, Elon University Baseball (Myers Park): In 2011, Grant made 10 Alex Baker, Georgetown Baseball appearances as pitcher for Elon and threw 15.2 (Ardrey Kell): Alex is a pitcher for the Hoyas innings. He will begin his junior year in the fall. and he made four starts this past spring. He is studying Marketing and Economics in Thomas Allen, UNCC Soccer (Providence): school. Thomas started 22 of the 23 games he played in in 2011. The rising junior plays defense for Ryan Kilmartin, Tennessee Basketball the 49ers. (Charlotte Catholic): Ryan made his SEC debut in Tennessee’s win over Arkansas in Tyler Powell, Western Carolina University Chelsea Stamey 2012. Before moving to Tennessee, Ryan Baseball (Myers Park): In his freshman year, played for Appalachian State University. Tyler made 22 appearances as pitcher. He recorded 16 innings on the mound.

Kyle Searles, Belmont Abby College Soc- Jai Forney, UNCC Basketball (Butler): Jai will begin her senior year in the cer (Butler): The former Butler High School fall. In 2011, she played in a school-record tying 37 games. Soccer team captain and placekicker on Butler’s first State Championship Football team, Kyle just completed his sophomore ALEX JENSEN year at Belmont Abby as the starting center back for the soccer team. This past season United States Military Academy he led the team in minutes played, played 7 Alex Baker different positions and finished with 2 goals Charlotte Catholic High scored. Kyle is majoring in Sports Marketing & Management. School 2011 graduate Alex Jensen completed Lee Page, Wake Forest Soccer (Weddington): Lee, a rising junior, saw playing his first year as a Cadet time in six games this past season. She scored her first career goal and a member of the against UNC Greensboro and also found the back of the net against Loyola of baseball team. The son Maryland. of Mark and Cheryl Jensen started all 56 Allison Emery, Wake Forest Golf games at shortstop (Ardrey Kell): Allison was a regular starter for the Black Knights. for the Wake Forest Ladies Golf Team. She He recorded a batting recorded a 76 average on the season with a average of .264 with 23 season low score of 73. Allison also compet- RBI’s all while complet- ed in the ACC Championship and the NCAA ing a strenuous year East Regional. of academics at the Academy. The Black Katie Weigel, Western Carolina Soccer Knights won the Patriot (Covenant Day School): Katie appeared in League Championship 13 matches for the Catamounts this past and advanced to the season. She plays Defender for the soccer Regional Round of the team. NCAA Baseball Cham- pionships in Charlottes- Alex Leach, Appalachian State University ville, VA. Baseball (Ardrey Kell): Alex had a success- ful first season with the Mountaineers. He Alex recently completed helped his team advance to the regional his summer vacation in round of the NCAA Baseball playoffs this Charlotte before head- year. ing back for additional Army training. While Logan Ratledge, NC State Baseball Logan Ratledge in Charlotte, Alex worked on his baseball skills and also had the opportunity (Ardrey Kell): After such a successful high to give back by sharing his knowledge with the South Charlotte Thunder 8U school career, Logan has adjusted well to Baseball Club. playing for the Wolfpack. He started numerous games for the Wolfpack and helped the team advance to the Super Regional Round of the NCAA Baseball The South Charlotte Sports Report wishes our good friend Alex the very best Championship. in his second year at West Point and we thank him for serving our country. Volume 7, Issue 6 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Page 

Athletes All hAve One thing in COmmOn

They Can PreTTy MuCh eaT Like horses. Okay, so maybe they have more than one thing in common—like a drive for excellence, to deliver their best, all the time. Hey, looks like we have a lot in common with them! And we understand that appeasing big appetites should be done with big, family style portions made with delicious recipes, served up in a place that can accommodate and entertain just about any group or function.

teAm Of the Week SOUTH CHARLOTTE TSUNAMIS U-15 SELECT LACROSSE The South Charlotte Tsunamis U-15 select team has been named the Buca Di Beppo Team of the Week. The Tsunamis completed its season by winning the last two tour- naments. The Tsunamis traveled to Annapolis, Maryland for the Hogan’s Summer Exposure tournament June 16-17, and took the championship for U-15 B-division, facing tough competition from local Virginia and Maryland teams. The Tsunamis also took the championship at the Southern Sizzle Tournament in Charlotte, June 23-24, turning back teams from NC, Atlanta, and Tampa. The Tsunami’s finished the summer select season with a 20-3 record. Congratulations to the South Charlotte Tsunamis.

Bottom Row: (L-R) Dillon Goode, Gage Pulliam, Chase Monroe, Tommy Reddin, Smith Stackhouse, Max Spada, Paxton Laurie Middle Row: (L-R) Gus Jarosz, Bradley Ingersoll, Trip Sappenfield, Andrew Holland, Charles Roselle, Jake Swimmer, Owen Engel, The UC Storm 10U Fastpitch Softball Team has competed in eight tournaments Daniel Goode, Oscar Cranz, Jack Morelock, Dalton Kirby, this spring with great success.. The team will travel to Orlando, Florida the last John Schweitzer, Nick Radford, Thomas Harding, week in July to compete in the USSSA World Series. The team is coached by Christian Holland Craig Kearney and Melanie Allen. Back Row: (L-R) Matt Wiehl, Chase Monroe, Ben Blaisdell Team members include: Morgan Allen, Avery Bellai, Sydney Brown, >Ê̜ÊLœœŽÊޜÕÀÊiÛi˜ÌÊ̜`>Þ]Ê>˜`Ê>ÎÊ>LœÕÌʜÕÀÊ՘Li>Ì>LiÊ}ÀœÕ«Ê«>VŽ>}iÃ°Ê Brianna Grant, Brittany Gunter, Sarah Harkins, Pineville Chloe Kearney, Maddi Knight, Meghan O’Neil, £ä™£xÊ
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9ÊUÊÇä{°x{Ó°x£{È bucadibeppo.com Amber Parker, Solana Whitfield and Leah Young. Page  BEYOND THE GAME WITH LANDON KAY Volume 7, Issue 6 Written by Amanda Wynn, University of South Carolina Rising junior, Landon Kay, has already had two suc- How have you learned to balance your success both on the field and cessful baseball seasons at Charlotte Christian. The off the field? son of Mitch and Sonja Kay is a great example of a “I have always been a three-sport student athlete until this past year. I decid- successful student athlete. Landon has learned what ed this year to not play football and basketball for my school and concentrate it takes to find success both on and off the field. on baseball. I want to continue playing baseball in college. I knew I needed to keep my grades at a certain level and work on improving my baseball skills Let’s go Beyond the Game with Landon Kay to find and fitness level. I have to stay focused and organized to keep my balance.” out more about his experiences as a student athlete.

What are your top three athletic accomplishments? YOUTH BASEBALL & “Winning state championship this year at Charlotte Christian, making mid-Atlantic USA Baseball team in 2011, being the leading hitter my freshman year SOFTBALL SIGN-UPS with a batting average over .500”

What is one of your best baseball memories at Charlotte Christian? “During our home game against Richmond Senior this past season, I hit a walk off double in the bottom 7th inning to win the game. We won 6-5. This was big for me because two weeks prior I had gotten my cast off due to broken wrist. I broke my wrist in early February during 8 $20 mans.” Savings What are your plans for the summer? Next year? if Registered “This summer I will continue to play for Champions Baseball Academy by 1/31/12 on the East Coast Prospects Black 2014 team. We are traveling to At- lanta, Florida, Charleston and surrounding cities in NC for some great competition.”

Can you share your baseball history with our readers? “I have been playing baseball since I was 6 years old. I began playing competitive travel ball when I was 9 years old and lived in Atlanta. My family moved back to Charlotte in 2006, we moved to Ohio when I was Ages 4-18 years old three. I continued playing competitive travel baseball for the Charlotte Megastars and the Charlotte Hurricanes. At 14U I began playing for REGISTER ONLINE AT: SouthCharlotteRec.com On Deck Baseball Academy, which is now known as Champions Base- ball Academy.” T-Ball What would you consider your biggest responsibilities as a member of the team? “To always give 100% effort when I play so I don’t let my teammates Rookie Machine Pitch down.”

How well do you perform in the classroom? Machine Pitch “I am taking honors and AP classes and maintaining a 4.0 GPA.” Minors Majors Babe Ruth 13-14, 15-16, 17-18 & Softball U8 Modified Coach Pitch, U10, U12 & U16U15 This group of 2015 softball players competed in the Battle of the Border All Star Softball Showcase event at Weddington High School. The team competed as Team Carolinas and won the 2015 series. The team was coached by former high school stars Erin Kayton and Caitlin Kurtz of To Register or for More Information, Marvin Ridge High School. Please Visit: Players included: www.southcharlotterec.com Maddie Boigner Hannah Stokes Payton Taylor Samantha Newsome Rachel Gertzman Hannah Gordon For Any Questions Please Contact: Jayde Collins Ashley McGowan Julianna Bass

Regan Broome Amelia Pruitt Casey Bigham 6626341 [email protected] Volume 7, Issue 6 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Page 

Wired for Excellence Award Recognizing Academic and Athletic Excellence ALYSSA YON Sarah Post Community House Middle School 8th grader, Alyssa Yon, has been named the winner of the Quimby and Or aut am duismodit aliquat ad ea facincilla faci eros ad dolorem ad molorercilis nis dolore Collins Orthodontics “Wired for Excellence” Award. The 13 year old daughter of Howard and Yew Foong Yontis plays dionsen softball iamcon for Community ut lorem do House consectem Middle enis School eugait and nibh the exeraestoSouth Charlotte er se conulputet,Storm Travel Team. Shevelessi was awarded onsen iamco.for her success on the field with a spot in the 4th Annual Battle of the Border All Star Showcase Games in June. Aliquisl dunt enim quatue tissecte diat, velesenisit, velesto eugait velismod do dunt nim Alyssa’sverit lortie favorite ex estosoftball odipisit memory prat is delisl hitting et nibhher first et, conse home mincilislrun in her del second dipsustrud softball ex seasonex endipit in the 8U division.augiamcon Another henim top ad memorable magnisci tat.moment Gait wiswas accumher 10U vulla PCAA feum team nim going quatem undefeated ipsumsan for vel the irit season and winningvullaore the feugiat 10U tournament luptat. Ut nullandchampionship. rerilit at, corem dolore erostio odit autem illa facipit num dolore eum aliquisi eugait adigna faccum dolore duismod olessed diatums andrem volorper Awaysit ventfrom praestosports, Alyssadolestrud likes euguero hanging et, out conse with hercore friends dui te and verosto family. odolestrud She enjoys magna volunteering faccum at Forestnulputat, Hill Ballantyne qui blam velessequam and babysitting/pet quis dolore sitting tionse for her magna neighbors. consect Alyssa etueros is a straight nulla conulla A student at Communityfeuisis sequat. House Ut Middle nullutpat, School. vercinibh She is exercip a member sustrud of the dionsed CHMS exeriustrudPrincipal List eui and ex wasenim recently inductedvenibh into esequis the National duisl et, Junior commy Honor nonullaore Society. facilis nulput wis nulla faci tatetumsan hent iure consed delisci liquisc illummo lorper in vullam zzrilisl ea faccumsan ut irit la facidunt ipisim Congratulations to Alyssa Yon for being named the winner of the Quimby and Collins Orthodontics velesse quatinci. autem illa facipit num dolore eum aliquisi eugait adigna faccum dolore “Wired for Excellence” Award. duismod olessed diatums andrem volorper sit vent praesto dolestrud euguero et, conse Wouldcore you dui likete verosto to nominate odolestrud an elementary magna faccum or middle nulputat, school quistudent blam for velessequam The Quimby quis and doloreCollins Orthodonticstionse magna Wired consect For Excellence etueros. Award? Send your nominations to [email protected]

Winning Smiles 8125 Ardrey Kell Road Charlotte NC 28277 704-443-0006

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The WCWAA Warriors Allstars won the inaugural year for the District 3 Little League Tournament of Champions for age 7U. Coul Oak Little League hosted a fun filled week while Tournament Director Jeff Huggins was exemplary in teaching these young players the traditions of Little League baseball. The War- www.providenceveterinaryassociates.com riors look forward to the Little League District and State tournaments in July.

Front Row: (L-R) Alex Nunez, HaydenTuri, Dominick Kelley, Mark Lewis, Quinn Hilligoss, Jason Muglia, Matthew Grant, Max Floren, Clayton Kelley, Brian Gonzalez, Daniel 704.542.0049 Valentine, Bryson Austin Top Row: (L-R) Coaches Vince Muglia, Michael Gonzalez, Larry Valentine, and Manager Brock Austin Not pictured: Cooper Smetak Page 10 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Volume 7, Issue 6 CAROLINE BARNETT IS KAYLA WYNNE HONORED READY FOR HER SENIOR WITH SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD SEASON AT BUTLER

Written by Amanda Wynn, University of South Carolina

As a rising senior at Butler High School, Caroline Barnette has already had a great three years playing softball for the Bull- dogs. The daughter of Wilson and Laura and Barnette plays second and third base for her high school team and plays even more po- sitions for her travel team. Caroline has al- ways been very active in athletics, playing softball, soccer and basketball growing up. This past year, she was the Bulldog Weddington High School 2012 graduate, Kayla Wynne was chosen as the 2012 recipient of Award Winner for the Mike VanScoy Memorial Sportsmanship Award by the Charlotte Lacrosse Foundation. Butler softball and “Kayla is the ideal recipient for such an award – Principles and Sportsmanship, both on named to the 2012 Southwestern 4A All Conference team as and off the lacrosse field. We are proud to award the second annual Mike VanScoy Memorial well. She recently was selected to play in the Battle of the Border Sportsmanship Award to such a deserving young woman, who exhibits passion, commitment, All Star Showcase Games. Along with these accomplishments in and respect for her teammates, coaches, other players and peers,” said Joe Daziel, Vice Chair- softball, Caroline was also named MVP and leading scorer for man of the Charlotte Lacrosse Foundation. Butler JV basketball in 2011. She has surely proven that she has The award consists of a plaque, a new lacrosse stick and a check for $1,000.00. Kayla was what it take to be a successful high school athlete. recognized with the above honor during half time at the Charlotte Hounds MLL Lacrosse game Caroline began playing slow pitch softball in the fourth on June 16th. 2012 at The American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, NC. Kayla will use grade and two years later, moved up to fast pitch softball. She the check as she continues her education by playing lacrosse at Coastal Carolina University. worked very hard to catch up to people who had been playing Charlotte Lacrosse Foundation will also have a perpetual trophy, etched with the names of for much longer. After not making her middle school team her the winners from each year, to be displayed at tournaments and various functions. first year trying out, Caroline was determined to make herself a Annually, Charlotte Lacrosse Foundation will present the Mike VanScoy Memorial Sports- better player. All of her determination paid off when she made manship Award to a youth lacrosse player, in the Charlotte area, who has promoted the sport of the team the next year. Since then, she has played travel softball lacrosse through sportsmanship, integrity and a willingness to help other players. year round and excelled at playing for the Bulldogs. Because This award is funded by a special grant from the VanScoy family to honor the memory of she was juggling three sports at once, Caroline decided to focus Mike VanScoy. her time on playing softball and basketball. While devoting a lot of her time to sports, Caroline has still been able to succeed academically. She maintains a 4.29 GPA and has learned how to balance school and sports. Caroline says that a lot her success in both areas has come from the support she receives at home from her parents. “I don’t think I could have had the successes I have had so far without help from my parents. I am very diligent and hard- working which is a must when trying to balance school and sports.” This summer, Caroline plans to visit softball camps in North Carolina and continue playing with her travel team. She is also playing for Butler’s summer basketball league team. While stay- ing so busy with sports, Caroline still finds time to vacation and visit colleges. She hopes to eventually receive an athletic schol- arship and continue doing what she loves in college.

“CharlottePreps.tviswithouta doubtthearea’sdefinitive websiteforhighschoolfootball videosandgamenightscoring updatesinMecklenburgCounty.” €€Michael€Felder,€inthebleachers.net€

Join us this fall for great Charlotte prep football content and updates. Send us your idea for a video feature of your high school. (email [email protected])

@CharlottePreps Charlotte Preps TV Volume 7, Issue 6 Page 11

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Questions, please contact Abby: [email protected] Page 12 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Volume 7, Issue 6 MATT BALL STRIVES TO BE A TOP STUDENT-ATHLETE

Written by Amanda Wynn, University of South Carolina

Rising Providence High School junior, Matt Ball, has had a success- ful two years on the school’s junior varsity baseball team. Starting in nine games this past year, Matt has worked hard to become one of the team’s top starting pitchers. The son of Greg and Lisa Ball is hopeful that his determination will allow him to have a good chance of start- ing for the varsity team next spring. After playing baseball for so long, Matt has learned what it takes to succeed as a student athlete. When he was nine years old, Matt began playing baseball for the Olde Providence Cal Ripken youth baseball league. A few seasons after that, he began playing for his first travel team, the Carolina Stealth. His team played in USSSA and Na- tions Baseball tournaments for five years. After moving forward to play middle school ball at Jay M. Robinson, Matt’s eighth grade team won the conference championship. Since then, he has played for Providence’s JV team for two years and he also plays for the 2014 SBA ‘Canes showcase team this summer. Matt was selected to play in the 4th Annual Battle of the Border All Star Showcase Games in June. Inside the classroom, Matt has proven to be a huge success. His determination to be the very best Student-Athlete he can be is very easy to see. Matt has managed to main- tain a 4.67 GPA while taking mostly honors and AP courses. He made A Honor Roll his freshman year and A/B honor roll his sophomore year. Along with receiving such good grades, he participates in the Spanish Honor Society and even competes with the Technology Student Association, an engi- neering club that has led him to win many medals at regional and state level competi- tions. “I have learned that to succeed both on and off the field, I must devote almost all of my time to school and baseball. I have discovered that during the school season, there is almost no free time between practice and studying. I stay very organized because it is very important to me to be suc- cessful in both.” After all of the success we have seen from him so far, Matt surely has much more to offer his next two years at Providence. He has gained great experiences playing baseball over the years and works hard to keep school a top priority as well. Matt’s hard work and determination will provide him with a bright future. The SBA 12U Canes Black team finished 3rd in Cooperstown, NY. There were 104 teams competing from all over the US, Puerto Rico and Canada. The Canes posted a 9-1 record in pool/bracket play defeating teams from Kansas City, San Francisco, Atlanta, Massachusetts, Florida and Indiana. Great team work and hot bats carried the team into the final four. The Canes came up short against Santa Clarita (LA, California) 8-3 in the semi-finals.

The Canes have qualified for the Elite 32 @ Disney and will carry their 35-7 record to the Triple Crown Nationals in Myrtle Beach July 20-25. Coach Donathan will continue to develop these players at the @SCSportsReport highest levels. Congratulations to the team on an outstanding tour of Cooperstown Dreams Park.

Picture: (L-R) Tom Donathan, Trey Donathan, Logan Mullis, Jake Morgan, Brandon Craft, Jason Garfinkle, Gavin Williams, Duke Howell, Ryan Dula, Caleb Bruce, Cameron Brantley, Sam Howell, Josh Swartz, Mal Williamson Not pictured: Coach Brian Bruce Volume 7, Issue 6 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Page 13 The Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools/ Arbor Construction Group Custom Good Sport of the Week 2UWKRWLFV KELSIE ROPER for Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School 8th grader, Kelsie Roper, has been named the Mecklen- KIDS burg Area Catholic Schools / Arbor Construction Group Good DWNLGIULHQGO\SULFHV Sport of the Week. Kelsie, 13, is the daughter of Bill and Chris- tine Roper. At Holy Trinity she plays softball and basketball for the Bulldogs. Kelsie also plays softball for the Outlaws and she swims for Providence Country Club.

Her favorite sport is softball and her top memory is “when I hit it over the fence for the first time. In basketball, my favorite mem- ory was when we were tied with a team 17- 17 and there were thirty seconds left, and I made the winning shot on a free throw.” Proper arch support of Ballantyne When Kelsie thinks of good sportsmanship, she thinks of “keeping is key to helping your son or daughter your head up, even when it’s hard. Never talk trash to people you’re optimize their performance. 16131 Lancaster Highway playing, never walk around with a negative attitude, and always help Let Foot Solutions of Ballantyne 704-540-4664 up the person from the other team, even if you’re not the one that show you how! Mon-Fri: 10-6, Sat: 10-4 knocked them down.”

Kelsie is a straight A student and she loves Social Studies. Kelsie recently received a scholar award from the Duke TIP program for her score on the ACTs. Kelsie also plays piano, any song from Adele to Bach. She is a member of the Honors Chorus and also the Girl Scouts.

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Baseball . Lacrosse . Football Exercise/Fitness . Golf . Hockey 704-540-6339 8332 PINEVILLE-MATTHEWS ROAD Page 14 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Volume 7, Issue 6 QUEEN CITY HORNETS JOIN LADY BLUES, ANNOUNCE TRYOUTS The Queen City Hornets are proud to announce that they will be joining the Championship, the ASA Queen of the Hill Championship (qualifying for the ASA Lady Blues organization and moving to 16U this Fall! Eastern Nationals), the NSA Mighty Casey Championship, as well as seven ad- As part of this transition, the team will be holding tryouts on August 11th ditional tournament championships. For more information on the Lady Blues and 12th from 1-3 (both days) at Weddington Middle School. Interested players or on tryouts August 11th and 12th, please contact Head Coach Adam Martin at (97’s and 98’s) should plan to attend both sessions. We are interested in adding [email protected]. 3-4 players to the roster with all positions open to competition. The team will begin their tournament season in late September and will play in 3-4 tourna- ments including at least 1-2 showcase events. The Lady Blues are one of the best known and most respected organizations in the country and will provide a quality, supportive environment for young la- dies to pursue their dream of academic excellence and playing college softball. Since the fall of 2003, all Lady Blues high school seniors that had a desire to play softball at the next level, have signed or committed to play at a college or university. In total, 85 Lady Blues players have earned the opportunity to play at a college or university. Over the past 4 years, the Lady Blues have attended four ASA “A” Nationals, 1 Gold National, earned a berth to the prestigious Independence Tournament in Boulder, Colorado (by winning a qualifying tournament with 33 teams, many of them GOLD) and finishing 8th out of 80 teams in their first trip to the “big dance”. In 2008, the Lady Blues had its highest finish ever at the ASA 18U “A” Nationals by capturing 7th place out of 120 teams. The Blues followed the 2008 performance at Nationals with another 7th place finish at the 2009 ASA Nation- als held in Las Vegas, NV. In the summer of 2010, the Lady Blues captured 1st place out of 60 teams at the Hot Times Showcase in Florence, SC. The Lady Blues are welcomed at most major showcase events in the country and have been invited to Canada and Hawaii to play in invitational tournaments. Colleges that Lady Blues have committed to, or have had Lady Blues players include: Tennessee, UNC-Chapel Hill (2), North Carolina State University, Maryland, College of Charleston (2), Furman (3), UNC-Charlotte (4), Barry Uni- versity, Campbell (3), UNC-Wilmington (3), Gardner-Webb (3), USC Upstate (4), Longwood, Western Carolina, Appalachian State, Lenoir Rhyne (4), Wing- ate, Belmont Abbey (3), St. Andrews, Queens, Lees McRae, Tusculum, Lander, Picture of the Queen City Hornets after winning the Mighty Casey: Northwest Florida State (2), and Chipola Junior College. The Queen City Hornets are proud to now be a part of the Lady Blues or- Bottom Row: (L-R) Juliana Bass, Dharma Rosbrugh, Casey Bigham, ganization. The team looks forward to continued success on and off the field, Carrie Eberle, Maggie Cotter as well as enhanced opportunities as part of the Lady Blues organization. In Back Row: (L-R) Rachel Barber, Chelsie Grazier, Emily Clinton, Sarah their 2011/2012 season, the Hornets have captured the ASA Support Our Troops Martin, Samantha Grazier LADY BLUES SOFTBALL TRYOUTS

The Lady Blues Martin 16U team will be holding tryouts on August 11th and 12th from 1-3 pm at Weddington Middle School. Interested players (97’s and 98’s) should plan to attend both sessions. The Lady Blues are one of the best known and most respected organizations in the country and will provide a quality, supportive environment for young ladies to pursue their dream of academic excellence and playing college softball. Since the fall of 2003, all Lady Blues high school seniors that had a desire to play softball at the next level, have signed or committed to play at a college or university. In total, 85 Lady Blues players have earned the opportunity to play at a college or university. For information on tryouts or the Lady Blues please contact Head Coach Adam Martin at [email protected]. ATTENTION! SEND US YOUR TEAM NEWS, TEAM PHOTOS AND STUDENT-ATHLETE STORY IDEAS! [email protected] Volume 7, Issue 6 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Page 15

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Q SHACK COACH OF THE WEEK RYAN MORRIS

As a local baseball player, Ryan Morris found great success at South Meck High School. The Cleveland Indians drafted Ryan in the 4th round of the 2006 Ma- jor League Baseball Draft. After injuries derailed his climb to the top of the professional ranks, Ryan returned home and began life as a youth baseball coach for the HQ4 Clippers. Ryan and the 9U Clippers have enjoyed a suc- The WCWAA 8u Advanced Machine pitch Toronto Blue Jays finished the cessful season on the diamond regular season undefeated as American League Champions. this spring. Front Row: (L-R) Mike Robitaille (Asst. Coach), Tucker Wren, Congratulations to Coach Ryan Alex Rosen, Braden Eckert, A.J. Chavis, Evan Morris for being named the Q Rosen (Asst. Coach) Second Row: (L-R) Ronan McCabe, Greg Smith(Asst. Coach), Jackson Shack Coach of the Week. Mills, Vibhu Tummallapalli, Brady Villa, Ryan Smith, Junior Chavis, Ethan Robitaille, Greg To nominate your coach for this award, please visit Wren (Head Coach) The Q Shack or email [email protected]. We appreciate the support of our community! Located in The Providence Promenade 10822 Providence Road To help us grow and promote the student-athlete concept, Charlotte, NC 28277 www.qshackclt.com please advertise with us! 704-542-5959 [email protected] Page 16 Volume 7, Issue 6

www.ChampionsBaseballAcademy.net 704-889-2287