The Dickenson Star PAGE 1B WEDNESDAY ■ AUGUST 6, 2014 One final run The Clintwood backfield of Tyler Slemp (7), Chandler Mullins (35) and Dakota Dahley (18) are ready for the start of the season. The Greenwave kick off the season August 29 at Union. SAMMY BELCHER PHOTOS Greenwave begin last Clintwood four-year starter Austin Turner is one of 16 seniors on the final Greenwave football team. season on the gridiron being Clintwood. “We’re Clintwood and we are until of the year,” BY KEVIN MAYS Next school year, Clintwood will be consolidated with Mullins said. “That’s the way I think we have to approach ★ SPORTS EDITOR fellow Dickenson County high school, Haysi to form it and I think coach (James) Colley and Haysi will do the Ridgeview High School. same thing. CLINTWOOD — The Clintwood Greenwave took to With a program rich in tradition that includes numer- “We’re going to go out with Greenwave pride and con- the field in their green uniforms Saturday afternoon. ous state, region and district championships and tinue our tradition until the end of the year. Right now, It seemed just like every other football media day for Greenwave pride, emotions are high. we’re Clintwood.” the storied gridiron high school program. Players anxious “We’re no different than anybody else that has been The Greenwave tradition is not lost on Austin Turner to have on their game uniforms for the first time this sea- consolidated, I’m sure,” said Greenwave head coach Rick and the 15 other seniors on the Clintwood squad. son, parents and others milling around Ralph Cummins Mullins. “You hate to see your school lose it’s program. “We took it on ourselves to make this a good year,” Stadium to get a first look at the Wave, media members Particularly at Clintwood where the program has been Turner said of the Greenwave seniors. “Every kid that with cameras, notebooks and recorders at the ready. strong over a number of years and there’s just been a plays here knows what it means to play here and the But, there was something different about this Saturday tremendous amount of support. The support that we’ve coaches don’t let us forget it. They let us know what it afternoon. had here in this town if very unique. means every time you put a green jersey on.” Just like the mix of sunshine and dark clouds loomed On the positive side, Mullins said next year will be a Turner said he’s glad he’s part of the final graduating over the football field, there was a feeling of excitement dramatic change in more ways than one, including state of class of Clintwood High School. And, he’s honored to be and angst for the program that has produced four Group A the art athletic facilities for the Wolf Pack. a member of the senior class of the final Wave football state championship teams. “There ain’t no high schools around that’s going to team. While no one spoke of it openly, everyone was well anywhere close to what’s going be up there. It’s unbeliev- “We’ve got a lot of expectations just because of our aware that this is the final year for the Clintwood able,” he said. history and tradition and we want to go out strong and go Greenwave. For this year, however, the Greenwave will focus on out with a bang,” the four-year starter said. Johnson continues family tradition with hiring at Castlewood BY ANTHONY STEVENS been an assistant coaches.” who has not met the team yet. “We will ★ SPORTS WRITER coach and recruiting CASTLEWOOD HEAD Johnson will be utilize our strengths as best we can. My coordinator at the fourth new goals for the team are to play together and CASTLEWOOD — Casey Johnson Lynchburg College BASKETBALL coach at play hard. Most of all you need to guard was recently hired as head basketball in the Old COACHES Castlewood in the someone.” coach for the Castlewood Blue Devils. Dominion Athletic last six years. Castlewood compiled an 11-10 record Johnson is the son of legendary Emory Conference. SINCE 2000 Stability is needed last year, the only year with Mark & Henry College basketball coach Bob He has accumu- at a school known Dockery at the helm. The Blue Devils Johnson who passed away in 2009 after a lated 14 years of Mark Dockery 2013-14 for outstanding graduated Tyler Austin and four other sen- battle with cancer. The basketball court at coaching experi- basketball teams. iors. the King Center on the campus of E&H is ence, including Doug Campbell 2010-13 “I can bring Brad Traverse is the only returning named in Bob Johnson’s honor. head coaching stints Wayne Rasnick 2008-10 some consistency,” starter and he averaged seven points and “My dad taught me about discipline at two Virginia high he said. “Everyone five rebounds a game. It will be a rebuild- and structure,” Casey said. “Selflessness schools, Atlee and ★Aaron Williams 2001-08 has told me that ing process for the Blue Devils. was a word he used a lot, giving up your- Colonial Beach. Dennis Price 200-01 Castlewood is a “I’ve been through rebuilding situa- self so the team can be better.” Atlee set several basketball school tions,” commented Johnson. “Unlike col- Johnson graduated from Bristol’s scoring records dur- and that’s great to lege, you have to work with the hand Virginia High School in 1995, where he ing Johnson’s tenure there. hear. I want to work with the other coach- you’re dealt, so I don’t worry about things played for Mike Cartolaro who now The strong ties to southwest Virginia es to get the best out of our athletes. I’m a I can’t control. With the new rules, you coaches at Altavista High School and has pulled Johnson to this area. fan of kids playing multiple sports. I want can work with a team a lot in the off-sea- won state titles the last two years. “I wanted to get back where I grew to bring energy to the program and see son and that is huge for an inexperienced He played for Carlos Lee at VHS his up,” said Johnson. “I heard about the what happens.” team. senior year. Johnson spent four years opening at Castlewood and I’m very Johnson was noncommittal on the type “I love being in a gym and I hope to playing for his father and graduated from excited to be here. I’m familiar with the of play he would teach the Blue Devils. have some ‘gym rats’ in there besides E&H in 2000. area, I have recruited in this area, and “I’m not sure if we will be up tempo or myself. I’m excited and look forward to For the last three years, Johnson has know quite a few of the high school walk the ball up the floor,” stated Johnson, the opportunity to coach the Blue Devils.” Wellmont offers sports physicals at extended hours clinic Wellmont Health System is HUNTER EDUCATION SOCCER CAMP offering sports physicals for stu- OFFERED AT MECC PLANNED IN WISE dent-athletes at the Wellmont GAME PLANS A Basic Hunter Education Wise County Youth Soccer Medical Associates extended Class will be offered on Association is hosting a coed soc- hours clinic in Norton from 8 Saturday, August 16, 1 p.m. - 8 cer camp for players between 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.- 6 on August 8 at 8 p.m. on the cam- soccer referee training on p.m. at Mountain Empire and 14 years of age. The camp p.m. Saturdays and 1-6 p.m. pus of UVA-Wise. Register on- Saturday, August 16 from 8 a.m. Community College in Phillips- will meet daily 12 noon - 2:30 Sundays through Friday, Sept. 5. line @ networktiming.net or on to 5 p.m. at the L. F. Addington Taylor Hall Room 219. There is p.m. at Veldon Dotson Park in No appointment is necessary. The runtricites.com website. For Middle School gym in Wise. The no cost for the class but self- Wise. Camp trainer is Chris cost is $25. more information, contact Cindy course consists of both field and study is necessary prior to your Limle, head coach at Thiel Elkins at (276) 275-9675, or written work. Participants should attendance. This class is College in Pennsylvania. The CENTRAL BASKETBALL Robin Dotson at 276-393-3964 wear comfortable clothing and required for hunters age 12-15 camp is aimed at players with HOSTS 5K RUN, or [email protected]. shoes. For more information, and first-time hunters of any age prior playing experience that are 1-MILE WALK please call (276) 219-9966 or to purchase a hunting license. moving into more competitive The Central Lady Warriors SOCCER REFEREE email [email protected]. The course is open to all ages levels of play. Cost for the camp basketball team will host the TRAINING SCHEDULED Cost for the training is $65 and but any child under 10 years old is $30. For information, call inaugural Hot Summer Night 5K Wise County Youth Soccer includes USSF certification must be accompanied by an (276) 219-9966 or email wis- Glow Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk Association will a USSF Grade 9 through 2015. adult. [email protected]. PAGE 2B ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014 ■ THE DICKENSON STAR Send us results from your games and competitions.