South Charlotte Sports Report “HOMETOWN TEAMS ... HOMETOWN KIDS” Volume 6, Issue 13 www.southcharlottesports.com October 20, 2011 - FREE LEARNING ON AND OFF THE VOLLEYBALL COURT
... Madeline Stefan learns from her mother’s battle with breast cancer. on breast cancer for my magazine at more than ever. Her sense of what the time. It was a surreal experience has real value in this world is ex- to be putting the finishing touches on tremely mature. Although this was a story called “The Girl Next Door” not an easy experience for us, both of because of the fact that one out of us have grown in wisdom and grace every eight women is diagnosed with and there is no richer gift.” Upcoming Events breast cancer and one out of every Madeline also lived the highs and four of those will die from the dis- lows with her mom’s fight. Oct 22-23 4th Annual Basketball ease.” “For some reason, in the begin- Boot Camp Needless to say, Madeline was ning of my mom’s battle I was em- very surprised by the diagnosis and barrassed about my situation and Nov 8-9 After School Basketball like most her age, she wasn’t quite kept it very secretive. I felt that by Prep Camp sure what was going to happen. sharing my struggles and stresses Nov 12 3rd Annual Carolinas “At first it was a little tough to un- with my friends that I was in some Gridiron Classic Pop Warner derstand. My mother did an amaz- way searching for pity. On Christmas Football Bowl Games ing job at shielding my brother and day I remember going off to my Dad’s I from unnecessary worry. I didn’t to open presents while my mom got Nov 19-20 2nd Annual Pre-Season know a whole lot about what was in her car to go to her radiation ses- Basketball Tournament going on but one thought I remem- sion and I thought “nobody should ber having is “well she doesn’t need have to spend Christmas doing that” Dec 3 3rd Annual Baseball chemo so it can’t be that bad” As It was tough for me to see my mom in Arm Care Clinic time went on and my mom began that situation but it makes me proud Dec 10 1st Annual Greater Charlotte her radiation treatments, I began to to know how well she handled it.” Youth Football Awards realize our situation. My mom was Katherine is now four years can- battling cancer, but I knew one thing cer free and she considers the breast Dec 21 & 22 6th Annual Christmas Break she might have been hesitant to ac- cancer to be the biggest blessing in Basketball Camp knowledge herself, She couldn’t lose. her life. It forced her to take a step My mom doesn’t lose.” back and see the true side of human Dec 21 & 22 3rd Annual Christmas Break Katherine began her fight and it kindness in life from friends, family Volleyball Camp wasn’t easy for anyone in her family. and strangers. Jan 11 - Feb 29 3rd Annual Winter Training “During diagnosis I was a single The fight also changed life for Academy for Baseball and mom and an entrepreneur. I didn’t Madeline in many ways. Softball (every Wednesday have much time to consider giving in “My mom’s fight has affected night at CBC Baseball) to the disease or allowing it to impact me in more ways than I would have my life. There were several parents initially thought. First off, the color February 11 5th Annual Greater Charlotte in my daughter’s grade that were los- pink took on a new meaning. To me, Hot Stove League Dinner ing their battle to cancer while I was it’s not so much the dainty fairy- going through treatment. I didn’t princess color everyone imagines, March 10-11 4th Annual South Charlotte want my son or daughter to worry so it’s pure strength and perseverance. Sports Report All Star Basketball Tournament Life can change without warning, I was very stoic and protective both And on the day of Serve For The no one knows this better than Kath- as a coping mechanism and to pro- Cure (a Charlotte Latin volleyball For more information erine Stefan. The mother of Char- tect my children from worry. At one fundraiser) the first thing I do when www.southcharlottesportscamps.com lotte Latin sophomore Madeline Ste- point during the process I had been I get there is grab my friend and run fan was diagnosed with breast cancer told the cancer may have spread to to the dedication board where I write in 2007. There was no warning, just my lymph nodes and they found ab- my moms name in big, pink letters. a few words from a doctor’s mouth. normal tissue in my first post treat- Cancer has become real to me and It placed her life and the life of Mad- ment mammogram which made my so has the driving force behind find- FAST BREAK eline into a whole different world. own mortality painfully real.” ing a cure, for more than just breast “I was at a routine physical with “I think this was hard on my cancer. It makes me proud to see that my primary physician when I was daughter to have a mom go through sea of pink on the day of the tourna- COUPON 42,” said Katherine. “He reminded this when she was in junior high and ment and the only thing I can think me that I should be getting annual entering her teen years. It’s natural is “strength in numbers.” Because of mammograms. It was the summer that a daughter pulls away from her my mom’s fight, I have decided that I Christmas of 2007 and I was in fantastic health, mother in her teens and I think it was WILL make time to find a cure and I ate well, and I was religious about ex- also hard for her to see classmates CAN make a difference in the lives of Basketball Camp ercising. I didn’t think of myself as losing their parents while her mom people affected by breast cancer.” in my forties and I was too busy run- seemed to be fine on the outside. We Strong and powerful words for ning a business and raising children struggled for a few years as a natu- this special young lady, Madeline December 21-22 to make time for mammograms.” ral part of the grieving and growing Stefan. Madeline brings the lessons “I had an aunt and a great aunt process, a lot of life changes were of life to the volleyball court and la- Fast Break Price: $55 that had breast cancer, both were forced upon us as a small family as a crosse fields where she enjoys com- post-menopausal, but that’s not con- result of my illness, but I believe my peting for the Hawks. She started (before November 15th) sidered a genetic connection, so I daughters life has been enriched by playing volleyball in the 7th grade for didn’t consider myself at risk. Mine this experience too. I lost my job and two reasons. was discovered as a result of my first had to take a job in another state but Enroll at: routine mammogram and I was actu- I think we are closer now and value See MADELINE STEFAN, Page 8 www.southcharlottesportscamps.com ally in the process of editing a story our relationship and time together Page GRADES + DESIRE PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THEVolume 6, Issue 13 + TALENT = OPPORTUNITY SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT
It’s a simple formula that I preach about all the time. If a high school stu- AT THESE LOCATIONS dent athlete can combine a solid grade point average with desire and talent, Play It Again Sports Dr. Garden Dentistry they will have every opportunity to play their chosen sport on the next level. Community House Middle School Robek’s Juice Dick’s Sporting Goods – Matthews Run For Your Life Without the first part of that combination, the ability to complete the formula Mathnasium Sports Orthopedic is much harder. Sure, there are opportunities in the higher profile sports to Southeastern Gymnastics SCRA Baseball Complex earn scholarships with extremely low grades, but those opportunities are hard Steps N’ Motion – The Fountains Sam & Carlies Deli to come by. The opportunities to compete on the college level for a student-ath- On Deck Baseball Tutoring Club of Charlotte lete with a grade point average above 3.0 is far greater. For a student-athlete Tokyo One Express Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School with a 4.0 or higher and a little talent and desire, the chance for that opportu- Extreme Ice Center The Q Shack nity is extremely high. Dr. Sellers Orthodontics The Bagel Bin As a student-athlete, you must first decide how bad do you want to keep Weddington Activity Center Charlotte Aquatics playing your sport? Would you attend a “smaller” school for a chance at schol- Baskin Robbins (Highway 521) Waxhaw Family Physicians PCAA Baseball Complex Architech Sports & Physical Therapy arship money and a position on the team? If so, you can find that opportunity Nothing But Noodles Winning Awards somewhere. Colleges and coaches want student-athletes that have proven aca- Carolinas Baseball Center Ardrey Kell High School demic resumes. Whether you are looking Division 1, 2 or 3,, the opportunity to International Sports Center Ameritrust Mortgage continue your athletic career can be found if you did your job in high school. Try Sports Dynamic Sports Performance The South Charlotte Sports Report has always advocated the term student- Pet Essentials South Library (Rea & 51) athlete and done our best to promote success in the classroom and on the field. Jesse Brown’s Adventure Matthews Motor Company We are not shy to admit that the first consideration we give in featuring area Jersey Mike’s (Stonecrest) New Point Learning athletes is their academic resume. We want to honor those kids that work hard CrossFit Charlotte Grace Academy in the classroom. Laxer, Long and Savage SwimMac Grand Slam USA Gateway Travel We also want to share the academic success stories with our readers. To do Tebby Sports Medicine Park Sharon Athletic Association that, we need your help, please email [email protected] when- Meridian Medical Group Kinetic Spine Sports ever your son or daughter makes a commitment to continue their academic and Quimby and Collins Orthodontics Salsaritas (Blakeney) athletic careers in college. Charlotte All-Stars Showcase Baseball Academy Going back to math class, Grades + Desire + Talent = Opportunity Omega Sports Ciarla Fitness Four Seasons Barber and Salon Switchin Kitchens Dunkin Donuts (Highway 521) Jewish Community Center Tripp Roakes Fitness For Women Waxhaw Family Physicians Palone’s Pizza Covenant Day School Publisher Sports Connection Ballantyne Beurlein Pro Fitness South Charlotte Sports Report Sports and Fitness- Ballantyne Carolina Courts [email protected] Sports Perf. Ctr. @ OrthoCarolina National Amateur Sports | 704-906-5466 Presbyterian Urgent Care – Blakeney Velocity Sports Performance Premier Soccer Goddard School (Waxhaw) Charlotte Running Company Subway (Camfield Corners) Sports Clips (Promenede) Karate Charlotte Marvin Ridge High School Flip’n Chicken Marvin Ridge Middle School Providence Day School BASEBALL PLAYERS DO THE Charlotte Catholic High School Charlotte Latin School DARNEDEST THINGS Bird Dentistry K & W Cafeteria SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT As many of you know, I enjoy coaching baseball and Covering the Active Children and Families of Our Community this year, I have formed an 8U The South Charlotte Sports Report is published twice a month by The South Charlotte club team, 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 Thunder. In our most recent business for distribution to customers, call 704-906-5466. tournament, a ground ball was hit to one of our outfielders, Story ideas and photo submissions are welcome for use on our website and in our newspa- Dylan Schaefer. With runners per, email to [email protected]. Advertising rates are available upon on base, it was important for request. Dylan to pick the ball up and The SCSR Team! throw it back in as quick as PUBLISHER WEBMASTER SALES REPRESENTATIVE possible to limit the damage. Tripp Roakes Scott Page Kristy Maher Instead of using his quick re- flexes, Dylan stalled and from GRAPHIC DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHERS my vantage point it appeared Frances Flowers Greg Arthur as if he was picking the wet Gerry Wall grass off of the baseball before he picked it up. He literally took 2-3 seconds before final- ly picking the baseball up. I Tune up your racquet for was bewildered by the move Queen City and USTA Leagues and shook my head, hoping we would soon record the final out and return to the dugout. Luckily out number three came on the next batter. Free pick up and delivery Dylan returned to the dugout and before I could ask him what was going on out there, Dylan replied, “Coach Tripp, look, I lost my tooth!” in South Charlotte! Dylan’s front tooth had somehow fallen out on the play and he wanted to make sure he didn’t lose it so he would get a visit from the Tooth Fairy that night. If only I could have recorded the move on video, we could have been on America’s Rich Rushakoff - 704-821-0168 Funniest Home Videos! You’ve gotta love coaching youth sports! (former stringer for Players Loft) Volume 6, Issue 13 www.southcharlottesportscamps.com Page 2011 CHRISTMAS BREAK BASKETBALL AND VOLLEYBALL CAMPS
December 21 & 22 Ardrey Kell High School
Basketball 10:00am - 1:00pm Volleyball 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Featuring the top coaches in the area: Mike Craft, Ardrey Kell High School Basketball Coach Karen Bradbury, Providence High School Volleyball Coach Zoe Bell, Ardrey Kell High School Volleyball Coach
Enjoy a few hours of Christmas shopping while we provide professional instruction to your children
Both of these camps sell out every year, so act fast to guarantee your space
Sibling discounts are available
www.southcharlottesportscamps.com
DON’T RISK AN ARM INJURY! Baseball Arm Care and Velocity Development Clinic Led by one of the top baseball arm specialists in the Southeast, Alan Tyson. 2nd ANNUAL PRE-SEASON December 3rd BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT 8:30am-12:30pm Ages 9-18 Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Training Center inside Morrison Y NOVEMBER 19 & 20
AGES 8-15
“Start your season off on the right foot!”
Special Guests: Current and Former Major League Pitchers and Pitching Coaches Limited spots available There will NOT be any live pitching at this clinic Parents attend free with their son Coaches attend free with three or more of your players! www.southcharlottesportscamps.com Enroll now at www.southcharlottesportscamps.com Page SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Volume 6, Issue 13 DEVIN JOHNSON IS FOCUSED ON SUCCESS
For some high school athletes, the term student- athlete is a useless term. Their concern is merely suc- ceeding on the field of play and letting their abilities hopefully carry them to the next level. Fortunately many students in South Charlotte realize that without the aca- demic success, the chance for success in life can dimin- ish. At Cuthbertson High School, eleventh grader, Devin Johnson, understands the value of success in the The Charlotte Soccer Academy Earthquakes are enjoying a fun fall season of classroom and he maintains soccer. Coach Animikh Sen leads the young players in their quest to improve a direct focus on the future. as soccer players. The bright football player is the son of Doyle (DJ) and “I have a very energetic group that is coming together for the first time and re- Jean Tamala Johnson. ally forming a great team. Courageous and spirited on the field, and respectful Devin has worked hard to of each other. It’s a pleasure to be on the field with them.” find a way to combine foot- ball, wrestling and track and Front Row: (L-R) Keylin Hernandez, Julia Gleason, Bailee Duncan, field with a 4.25 grade point Sarah Margaret Sandlin average. He has learned Second Row: (L-R) Isabel Chiseck, Caroline Alba, Quinn Pipitone the art of time management Missing: Sarah Brodin, Emma Hartpence, Anna Lee, and now he applies it in his Brooke Meginley, Gia Mendez, Sydney Rusgo pursuit to be the best pos- sible student-athlete that he can be. In football this season, Devin is playing the positions of cornerback, running back and also helping out on special teams as a kick returner. Football is his favorite sport among the three and he began playing as a six year old in a flag football league. He enjoys the team aspect of the game along with the big, hard hits during the game. Devin has built up a few favorite sports memories the last couple of seasons. “My top sports memories are just setting goals. Every sport I set goals and work really hard to achieve them. In football it was starting on varsity and get- ting my first interception. In wrestling, it was being the first Rocky River Confer- ence wrestling champion in school history and in track and field it was qualifying for the 2A regional’s in the pole vault.” As Devin moves into his junior year at Cuthbertson the awards are also start- ing to pile up. As a freshman Devin was the 112lb champion at the Rocky River Conference Wrestling Championship and he was named to the all conference team, He also has been awarded the Cuthbertson Pride Award which is given to the athlete who contributes the most to the team in every facet of the sport. Devin also discovered the unique talents required to be a pole vaulter. His hard work allowed him to place second in the conference meet last spring. Back to football, Devin was voted to the 2010-2011 Cuthbertson Football Leadership Council by his peers and he was given the 2011 Coastal Carolina University Foot- ball Camp Coaches Cornerback Award. His honors and hard work have been noticed on the campus of Cuthbertson High School. “Devin Johnson is a gifted athlete and an amazing student. He is currently maintaining a 4.25 GPA while taking Honors and Advanced Placement courses. Devin has a ready smile for all around him and has worked hard to help our new school develop a positive reputation for academics and athletics.,” said Rob Jackson, Principal at Cuthbertson High School. Inside the classroom, Devin has not only built the impressive grade point average, he has been inducted into the Beta Club and he is a member of the Fam- ily, Career and Community Leaders of America, Inc. Devin was also awarded the Cuthbertson Order of the Chevalier Award. The “Order of the Chevalier” is a legion of honor, for a chevalier is a French word equivalent of the English knight. Each semester, all nominations are reviewed, and each department selects one nominee for induction. The Social Studies Department selected Devin. Devin has set his focus on majoring in Chemical Engineering and astrophys- The Park Sharon Athletic Association U8 Girls Orange Crush is having an ics. He would like to attend one of these prestigious universities; Massachu- enjoyable season this fall. Coach Alan Hartman has worked hard with the setts Institute of Technology, Harvard, Duke, Princeton University, Ohio State young players to develop their soccer skills. or North Carolina State. The South Charlotte Sports Report salutes Devin Johnson for giving the extra L-R: Erin Hartman, Isabella Lowe, Lanie Kupreanik, Lilly Hollowell, Evie time needed to find a higher level of success on the field and in the classroom. Beverley Volume 6, Issue 13 Page Wired for Excellence Award Recognizing Academic and Athletic Excellence GABBY DUNCAN MarvinSarah Ridge PostMiddle School eighth grader Gabby Duncan has been named the Quimby and Collins “Wired for Excellence” Award Winner. The 13 year old daughter of Ed and Monica Or aut am duismodit aliquat ad ea facincilla faci eros ad dolorem ad molorercilis nis dolore Duncan plays volleyball for the Mavericks and she enjoyed a very successful season. tis dionsen iamcon ut lorem do consectem enis eugait nibh exeraesto er se conulputet,
velessi onsen iamco. Gabby plays volleyball year round and she says she “loves the game.” She enjoys being withAliquisl her teammatesdunt enim quatue and playing tissecte for diat, Coach velesenisit, Aten. velesto Gabby eugait says velismodthe teammates do dunt andnim coach madeverit lortieevery ex game esto odipisitone to pratremember delisl et this nibh season. et, conse mincilisl del dipsustrud ex ex endipit augiamcon henim ad magnisci tat. Gait wis accum vulla feum nim quatem ipsumsan vel irit Insidevullaore the feugiat classroom, luptat. GabbyUt nulland enjoys rerilit Science at, corem and dolore Math erostio as they odit are autem her illa best facipit subjects. num She hasdolore been eum named aliquisi Student eugait adignaof the Monthfaccum and dolore she duismod participates olessed in thediatums Beta andrem Club at volorper Marvin Ridge Middlesit vent School. praesto Gabbydolestrud also euguero is active et, consein her corechurch dui wherete verosto she odolestrud is in the Core magna Club faccum that does volunteernulputat, andqui blam charity velessequam work in the quis community. dolore tionse Congratulations magna consect toetueros Gabby nulla Duncan conulla for being namedfeuisis thesequat. Quimby Ut nullutpat, and Collins vercinibh “Wired exercip for Excellence” sustrud dionsed Award exeriustrud Winner. eui ex enim venibh esequis duisl et, commy nonullaore facilis nulput wis nulla faci tatetumsan hent iure Wouldconsed you delisci like liquisc to nominate illummo lorper an elementary in vullam zzrilisl or eamiddle faccumsan school ut iritstudent la facidunt for Theipisim Quimby andvelesse Collins quatinci. Orthodontics autem illa facipit Wired num For dolore Excellence eum aliquisi Award? eugait adignaSend faccumyour nominations dolore to [email protected] olessed diatums andrem volorper sit vent praesto dolestrud euguero et, conse core dui te verosto odolestrud magna faccum nulputat, qui blam velessequam quis dolore tionse magna consect etueros.
Winning Smiles 8125 Ardrey Kell Road Charlotte NC 28277 704-443-0006
www.quimbyandcollins.com
The 2012 Season Begins Now!
Tryout For The Top Development Academy in the South East!
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN: www.cbcbaseball.net Page SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Volume 6, Issue 13 BEYOND THE TRACK WITH JOSEPH STARR Joseph Starr is a 3rd grader at Rea View Elementary. The son of Mark and Amy Starr has been racing BMX bikes competitively for about a year and has won his first National #1 Title in the eight year old age group. Joseph won the Redline Cup Championship this past weekend in South Carolina against kids in his age group from all Athletes All over the country including Canada, Florida, Califor- nia, Louisiana, Texas and hAve One thing Ohio. Later this month Joseph will be competing in COmmOn in an Invitational race at Disney World named the “Disney Cup” and will be They Can PreTTy MuCh eaT Like horses. competing in the National Okay, so maybe they have more than one thing in common—like Championships in Tulsa a drive for excellence, to deliver their best, all the time. Hey, looks over the Thanksgiving weekend. like we have a lot in common with them! And we understand that appeasing big appetites should be done with big, family style Let’s go Beyond the Track portions made with delicious recipes, served up in a place that can with Joseph Starr. accommodate and entertain just about any group or function.
When did you start competing in BMX and why? “I started competing one year ago, I wanted to get more exercise and not just play video games.”
Where do you practice at? teAm Of the Week “I practice at Hornet’s Nest BMX track in Charlotte and I do sprint training SOUTH CHARLOTTE SLUGGERS in my neighborhood.” BASEBALL TEAM
What is the biggest thrill in the races for you? The South Charlotte Recreation Association Sluggers have been named the Buca Di “Getting ready at the starting gate, listening to the announcer and watching Beppo Team of the Week. Head Coach Scott Meckes and his baseball players have worked hard all fall to improve in the league’s minors division. the starting light.”
Coach Meckes enjoys working with the Sluggers. “I am fortunate to have a bunch of What is the next step for you? great kids and families. These kids play hard and compete. I hope the kids and parents “Winning the Race of Champions & the “Grands” ( the ABA National Cham- are enjoying this season as much as I am!” pionship) and eventually try for the junior development team that trains for the Olympics.” Congratulations to the South Charlotte Recreation Association Sluggers for being named the Buca Di Beppo Team of the Week. How often do you compete in a year? “Every week locally and six to ten National races per year.”
What is your favorite subject in school and why? “Math, because I am good at it and it is fun figuring out the problems.”
Bottom Row (L-R): Collin Quinlan, Jackson Meckes, Ryan Cort, Sam McLean, Julian Stevens, Kyle Thefaine Top Row (L-R ): Assistant Coach Adam Cort, Daniel Willis, Jeffrey Janson, Griffin Cotter, Sean Hines, Lucas Lyman, Head Coach Scott Meckes
>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 13 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Page BEYOND THE GAME WITH BRIANNA NORRIS What is your biggest strength and weakness Have you put any thought into a college on the court? future? “My biggest strength, and also my weakness, is my “I would have liked to play tennis in college, how- size. Because I am petite, I am very quick and can ever, due to a back injury my sophomore year I play defense well. However, my size also puts me was forced to quit tournaments. That ended my at a disadvantage when serving and when playing hopes of playing in college.” against girls who hit with a lot of pace.” How well do you perform in the classroom? Do you play any other sports? “I have a 4.97 weighted gpa and straight A’s. I “No, in order to focus on tennis I gave up playing have taken seven AP classes, and I am secretary other sports.” of the National Honors Society and president of French Club.”
With a strong backhand on the tennis court and a 4.9 grade point average, Brianna Norris is the perfect example of a true student-athlete. The Covenant Day School senior has worked hard to shine brightly on the tennis court and inside the classroom. The daughter of Jim and Kimberly Nor- ris has played varsity tennis for Covenant Day since the seventh grade. Let’s go Beyond the Game with Brianna to learn more.
When did you begin to play tennis and why? “I began playing tennis at the age of six and began tournaments at ten. My parents decided to put me in tennis because they wanted me to be able to enjoy a life-long sport, and once I got on the court I really loved it.”
What do you consider as your top three athletic accomplishments? “At age 14, achieving a USTA ranking in the top 5 in North Carolina and in the top 25 in the South. Competing in the National Junior Clay Court Championships, National Junior Hard Court Championships, Zone team championships, and the Southern Junior Tennis cup. Being named all- conference each year since I began playing on the Varsity team in seventh grade.” How has your season gone so far for Covenant Day School? “So far I have only lost one match from which I was forced to withdraw due to injury. My team as a whole has also done well, and we have yet to lose a conference match.”
What are your personal tennis goals for the future? “I want to finish out my season without losing any matches and then help my team go far in the state tournament. I also plan to play club tennis in col- lege.”
Do you prefer singles or doubles and why? “I prefer doubles because of the team aspect. It is more fun and also less pressure.” Page SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Volume 6, Issue 13 MADELINE STEFAN Continued from front page “One was to be with my friends and the other is a little more complex. Going into middle school after my three older brothers (two step brothers and one real brother) I had seen how most athletes had a specific sport that they put their heart and soul into, attending every practice and being fully dedicated during the season while training in the off season. I looked at all the fall sports and decided that I was not meant to be a runner on cross country, and field hockey was not my thing. So volleyball it was.” Volleyball has allowed Madeline to grow and develop over the last few years. Vol- leyball was the time of day when Madeline could leave her day behind. When she walked through the doors of the gym nothing else mattered but the net, the ball, and her teammates. “One of my favorite memories may seem small but to me it represents why I put my heart and soul out on the court. It was my freshman year and because of the large amount of sophomores on our jv team, I didn’t get much playing time. We had a gen- erous lead against a school outside of our conference so my coach put me in. I remem- ber my heart pounding and my fingers shaking as I waited for my teammate to serve the ball. The entire rally was pretty much a blur until I realized that the ball had landed on the other side of the court deep in the corner, and I was the one who put it there. It was my first high school point.” Madeline has continued to develop on the volleyball team and she has enjoyed a successful sophomore season. She has also found great success inside the class- The South Charlotte Recreation Association Purple Power 10U softball room. team is enjoying an exciting fall season. Coach Wendy McGuire “I put forth all of my effort when it comes to school, but it’s important for me to expressed her excitement for this year’s team. have a social life too! I’m currently enrolled in one honors course which is death..and I am placed in the second highest math class recommended for my grade level. I excel “The Purple Power are doing great this season. They are having fun as in classes like English because of my early exposure to writing (from my mother) and they learn the game of fastpitch softball. They are a great group of girls I find Spanish easy as can be. I work hard to earn straight A’s and uphold a gpa of and their coaches and parents are very proud of them.” around 3.8. I have of course, learned to keep a strong work ethic from my mother. Her dedication to building an entire magazine from the ground up gives me high goals to shoot for.” Front Row: (L-R) Holly Wade, Emily Lang, Allison Tyler, Dylan The South Charlotte Sports Reports salutes both Katherine and Madeline Stefan LeClair Middle Row: (L-R) Sierra LaFrenier, Sydney Yoder, Katrina for taking a very challenging situation and making the best of it. Both mother and McGuire, Bennita Bailey, Erin Gabriel daughter have grown from the cancer fight. Their journey through the last four years Back Row: (L-R) Coach Wendy McGuire, Coach Matt Yoder, will be something they always remember and we are thankful that it had a positive Coach Mark Gabriel ending. The South Charlotte Sports Report also encourages every female to have their Not pictured: Kate Hader annual mammograms and stay on top of their health. We continue to wish Madeline the very best as she continues her journey through high school and beyond.
EXPERIENCE MATTERS! INTEGRITY MATTERS! “Because Lacrosse is Not a Business... It’s a Tradition”
SELECT TRAVEL TEAMS / FALL CLINICS / INDOOR “BOX-LAX” / SPRING RECREATIONAL CSL SELECT TEAMS - 2012 TRYOUTS Registering Now for our Open Tryouts
Boys u11 & u13 — Sat. NOV 5 (Cuthbertson Middle School) Boys u15 & HS — Sat. DEC 10 (Cuthbertson Middle School) Girls u15 & HS— JAN 2012 (Details Coming Soon) CSL INDOOR LAX CSL Travel teams compete in the off-season as a complement to the traditional MS, HS and youth programs. The travel season typically runs from May through early July. Some teams also compete SIGNUPS in Fall events.
These are not recreational teams, they are designed for experienced laxers who want to take the Register Online for South Charlotte’s sport to the next level. All tryouts are open and our goal is to identify players that display the best Only Indoor Lacrosse League! mix of teamwork, coachability, advanced skills, and work-ethic. We do not simply look for "All- Sundays Dec 4th—Feb 5th Stars" and we are not the organization for players that do not believe in the "TEAM" concept. Boys Grades 3-HS Games Only For more Info on CSL Programs or to Register for 2012 TROUTS please visit: Indoor Turf Field (I-77 & I-485)
www.cslax.com Why FREEZE on the Field… When you can Email: [email protected] PLAY in the CAVE! Volume 6, Issue 13 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Page
The South Charlotte Thunder Baseball Club is Growing!
Our plans for the spring and summer season include:
(2) 8U Baseball Club Teams & (1) 9U Baseball Club Team
• Dedicated practice days! The South Charlotte Thunder 8U Club Baseball Team captured the Race Week- end Hardball Nations Baseball Championship this past weekend. The Thunder • Fun, Family Environment! recorded four straight wins to bring home the championship at Hornets Nest Park. • Nations Baseball Weekend Tournaments! Front Row: (L-R) J.D. Williams, Dylan Rawson, Dylan Schaefer, Brock Is your son ready for the next step in his baseball game? Rawson, Spencer Topiwala, Jakeman Pendleton, Emerson Monbarren Second Row: (L-R) Tyler Roakes, Charles Kennedy, Harrison Bouthillette, If so, please email Jarrett Kaeppler, Luke Barbaryka, Kevin Habluetzel [email protected] for more information. Third Row: (L-R) Tripp Roakes, Jody Pendleton, Fred Barbaryka, Jody Rawson
1st ANNUAL GREATER CHARLOTTE YOUTH FOOTBALL AWARDS “The top night of youth football in Charlotte!” DECEMBER 10TH Nominations are now open for: High School Football Offensive Player of the Year Defensive Player of the Year Special Teams Player of the Year Team of the Year Scholar-Athlete of the Year Coach of the Year Comeback Player of the Year Middle School and Youth Football Players of the Year Teams of the Year Coaches of the Year Contributions to the Game of Football Award Tickets are now on sale at www.charlottefootballawards.com Page 10 Volume 6, Issue 13 Q SHACK COACH OF THE WEEK Coach Mike Tanksley South Charlotte Recreation Association
Coach Mike Tanksley has been named the Q Shack Coach of the Week. Coach Tanksley leads the South Charlotte Recreation Associa- tion Knights in the minors baseball di- vision. Coach Tanksley has coached baseball for many years and enjoys working with the young baseball play- ers. The players have learned a great deal about the game from Coach Tanksley this year and they are hop- ing to close the season on a high note.
Congratulations to Coach Mike Tanksley for being named the Q Shack Coach of the Week.
To nominate your coach for this award, please visit The Q Shack or email [email protected].
Located in The Providence Promenade 10822 Providence Road BASKETBALL REGISTRATION Charlotte, NC 28277 www.qshackclt.com IS NOW OPEN! 704-542-5959 Registration for the 2011-2012 South Charlotte Recreation Association basketball season is now open. This is our 41st year of providing quality basketball to our youth in the South AFTER SCHOOL Charlotte community, ages 4-17. BASKETBALL CAMP
“Get ready for the Basketball Season!” Register online at southcharlotterec.com November 8th & 9th 3:30pm - 6:30pm
South Charlotte Middle School For more information, including important dates, please visit the basketball page at southcharlotterec.com
Enroll today at www.southcharlottesportscamps.com Volume 6, Issue 13 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Page 11 TAYLOR FISHER WILL PLAY BASEBALL AT GARDNER-WEBB
Covenant Day School senior baseball player Taylor Fisher will become the first player from his school to sign an NCAA Division 1 National Letter of Intent for baseball according to head coach David Houseton. The 18 year old son of Dean and Lisa Fisher chose to com- mit to the Bulldogs where he will hit the baseball field following his graduation next spring. Taylor is an out- fielder for Covenant Day and he also plays for the SBA Canes on the showcase baseball circuit. Taylor lists his top three accomplishments as verbal- ly committing to Gardner-Webb, being named MAC All -Conference player in 2011 and starting all four years for the Covenant Day School team. This past spring Taylor his .454 with 12 home runs and 33 rbi’s. He helped his team finish with a record of 21-10 and a second round playoff appearance. Taylor began to hear from colleges over the last year. Gardner-Webb was among the first schools to make con- tact. Taylor liked what he heard from the school and he quickly made a decision. “I first heard from Gardner-Webb in July of 2011 af- ter playing a showcase tournament at Gardner-Webb. I chose the Bulldogs because of the excellent coaching staff and their philosophy on baseball. Gardner-Webb as a whole is a great fit for everything I was looking for. Not just for baseball, but my college education.” Taylor also spoke with Wingate University and The Citadel during his recruitment. With this major decision now complete, Taylor can focus on the spring high school season. WILL YOU HELP US SHARE THE “My goals for the upcoming baseball season are to help lead the Covenant Day Lions to another winning STORIES OF THE OUTSTANDING YOUNG season which would include winning a first time state championship.” ATHLETES IN SOUTH CHARLOTTE? Taylor knows it will take hard work on his end as well as his teammates this offseason. Classroom work is also important for Taylor. He is PLEASE ADVERTISE an A/B Honor Roll student at Covenant Day School. “I value my academics just as much as I do my athlet- IN THE SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT ics.” The South Charlotte Sports Report salutes Taylor Fisher for working hard to reach his goals. We wish him the very best during his senior season and beyond at CALL TRIPP ROAKES AT 704-906-5466 Gardner-Webb University.
Page 12 KNIGHTS RUN FOR DAKOTA Volume 6, Issue 13
Baseball & Softball Winter Training
Sign up now for our 9 week training program de- signed to prepare your player for next spring. Each session lasts 1 hour, led by our great staff of coaches.
Parth Shah is a very dedicated young man. As the captain of the Ardrey Kell Players are group by age, with the softball groups (8U, High School Cross Country Team, Parth is called upon to serve as a leader for 10U, 12U & 14U) on Saturday mornings, and baseball his teammates. He must help the coach keep the team focused on their goal and provide coach Brian Zelk with a voice among the runners. Parth is also groups (5&6, 7&8, 9&10, 11&12) on Saturday and a dedicated person when it comes to his idea to help someone in need. Parth Sunday afternoons. Players will spend half their time has made friends with Dakota Price a twelve year old boy with Duchenne Mus- cular Dystrophy. As he has gotten to know Dakota, Parth has come to realize on hitting drills and half their time on throwing and how tough things can be in Dakota’s life. Parth has decided to stand up and fielding each week. The program starts in December help Dakota live a better life. and runs through mid-February. Early Bird pricing Dakota is in need of a wheelchair lift which will make it easier to be placed special if you register by October 31st. Call us at 704 into his van. These lifts are expensive and Parth has elected to raise the money to help Dakota’s family. Along with several of his Ardrey Kell team- 423-0030 or register online at www.hq4baseball.com. mates Parth is running in the Thunder Road Half Marathon to raise money. Simply by asking individuals and businesses to help, Parth has already raised over $1,700 before the race. He hopes to raise more so he can provide this Join us on Facebook: much needed help to his friend Dakota. www.facebook.com/hqforbaseball Let’s learn a little more about Parth and his efforts.
What led you to this cause? “Over this past summer, I volunteered at the Muscular Dystrophy Associa- tion summer camp, where I was a counselor for Dakota Price, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. At the camp, I saw many of the struggles that Dakota faced because of his disease and I decided that I wanted to help him in any way that I could. After I found out that Dakota was in need of a wheelchair lift, I made it my mission to help raise the money to get him his wheelchair lift, which I decided to do by running the Thunder Road Half Marathon.”
How did the team get involved? “Several members of the Ardrey Kell Cross Country Team and other runners in the community expressed desire to help me raise the money for Dakota. Many of the runners participating this year met Dakota last year when we raised money for the research of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by running in the Thunder Road Half Marathon, and wanted to help Dakota out this year.”
How have you raised over $1700? “I have raised over $1,700 so far by promoting awareness about what we are doing and asking for donations from people and businesses in the local community. Many members of our team have also raised money indepen- dently on their own by asking friends and relatives to make small donations to the cause.”
What have you learned from leading this effort? “I have learned from this experience that people are always willing to help and support you if you make it easy for them to do so. To do this, I created the website runfordakota.org for people to learn more about what I am doing and to donate to our cause. I have also learned that one act of char- ity often causes the others around you to act in a similar manner. In other words, if you do something good, then the people around you are likely to do something good.”
How can someone help your efforts? “People can help by donating to our cause. People can donate by going to runfordakota.org and clicking “donations” on the side of the screen. People can also donate by writing checks out to Victory Hill Baptist Church and writing Dakota Price in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to 10121 Para- dise Ridge Road, Charlotte, NC 28277.” Volume 6, Issue 13 Page 13 ARE YOU JUST PLAYING SPORTS ... OR ARE YOU TRAINING TO EARN A COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP ?
“Training athletes to reach their God-given potential on and off the field/court”
Who trains with Dynamic …. PRO athletes (NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, etc..) COLLEGE athletes
VARSITY athletes FUTURE VARSITY athletes RISING STAR athletes
Why choose Dynamic …. Professional Coaches Convenient Locations Best Value Sport-specific Training
College Recruiting Connections Mentoring/Scholarship Programs Friendships
Start with Dynamic today …. Sport-Specific Academy Training Elite Summer Camps/Events Dynamic Teams
Private & Small Group Training Dynamic Scholarship Fund Awards
Register online at www.DynamicPS.net Dynamic Performance Sports & Scholarship Fund – 704-737-7631 Page 14 Volume 6, Issue 13
Are you looking for a soccer training system that can get you faster, quicker, and stronger on and off the ball? Do you need a more intimate soccer environment, with expert coaching, to improve your technical skills? Do you want training, specific for you, that includes every aspect of soccer performance?
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 performance in the game (mental, physical and technical).
Registration for Winter Speed School, Academy Training, as well as our College Off-Season Program are available at ThePerformanceU.com. Volume 6, Issue 13 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Page 15
STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE WEEK BRIAN MITTL KATIE PORTER Charlotte Latin School senior Brian Mittl has been named the Providence High School senior Katie Porter has been named Architech and Physical Therapy Student-Athlete of the Week. The the Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Student Athlete 18 year old son of Bob and Val Mittl excels on the football and of the Week. The 17 year old daughter of Ed and Kathy Porter baseball fields at Charlotte Latin as well as inside the classroom. plays the number one line for the Panthers tennis team. She He plays running back and linebacker on the football team and has been a member of the varsity team since her freshman year centerfield on the baseball team. and she was undefeated this year in singles and doubles confer- ence and non-conference play. Katie captured the Southwest- Brian has led the Hawks to a 6-2 start and provided excellent ern 4-A Conference Singles Championship. Katie overcame an team leadership. He serves as team captain and he has also been ankle injury early in the season. selected to play in the All-Star Oasis Shrine Bowl Game this year. Brian also lists the 2009 state football championship among his The talented tennis player is ranked # 3 in the state by USTA, top accomplishments. Brian is doing all he can to make his senior # 35 in the Southern Region and # 154 Nationally by tennisre- year a special one. He also elected to grow his hair long to serve as a reminder of how Photo Credit: www.providencesportsphoto.com cruiting.com. Katie was selected to play in both the USTA Clay bad he wants to win another state championship. He has pledged to not cut the hair Court Nationals in Virginia Beach and USTA Hard Court Nationals in San Diego. She until he is celebrating under the goal posts at the state championship game. also played in two ITA college tournaments this past summer where she competed against college tennis players. Katie hopes to play collegiate tennis at a Division 1 Brian is among the top students at Charlotte Latin. He has been on the Headmaster’s school next year. List every year of school (all A’s and B’s) and he was inducted into the Cum-Laude Society his junior year, representing the top 10% of his class. Brian has served on the Katie has found a way to balance a rigorous travel schedule to earn a grade point aver- Student Council during his sophomore, junior, and senior years. He has also been a age above 4.0. Her schedule consists of many Honors and Advance Placement classes member of the Latin Band since 5th grade as a percussionist. Brian is also involved with and she was inducted into the National Honor Society her junior year. Katie is also a Teen Court, an alternative justice program that aids first-time offenders in the process member of the Senior Advisory Board at Providence High School. Congratulations to of discipline and correction through a jury of their peers, for 4 years. Congratulations Katie Porter, the Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Student Athlete of the Week. to Brian Mittl, the 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
Leading the school spirit at Community House Middle School is the cheerleading team. The Park Sharon Athletic Association Bombers Majors team is busy at This group of young ladies work hard each week to improve their skills and fire up the work this fall. The energetic baseball team is working hard to improve Cavalier fans. before the start of the playoffs.
Front Row: (L-R) Madeline Ponitz, Jenn Baldridge Front Row: (L-R) Grady Parks, Eric Gonzalez, Nick Reynosa, Second Row: (L-R) Sumner Hinton, Ally Sapyta, Kassidy Barrier, Taylor Napier, Aiden Healy, Cassius Ishmael Emme Halloran, Nicole Boccia Second Row: (L-R) Dominic Costantini, George Stevenson, Third Row: (L-R) Coach Tracy Parker, Sadie Guerena, Lexi Ortiz, Audrey Marshall Payne, Mike Galluci, Sam Hunt Williams, Lauren Dwyer, Lauryn Tillman, Peyton Holland, Coaches: (L-R) Jay Reynosa, Renee Gonzalez, John Parks, Zaria Hodges (manager) Phil Costantini Page 16 Volume 6, Issue 13
BUY . SELL . TRADE New & Used Equipment
We Pay Cash for Your Used Gear!
Baseball . Lacrosse . Football . Exercise/Fitness . Golf . Hockey 704-540-6339
8332 PINEVILLE-MATTHEWS ROAD