Menu

Wheatmore

WHS_Comer

Warriors maintain high level in tennis

, ,

Wheatmore girls hone in on another conference title

TRINITY — Some of the key players have changed from just a few months ago but the rate of success related to the Wheatmore girls’ tennis team remains at a high level.

“The key is having a solid team,” coach Doug Gore said. “The girls have worked really hard in the offseason.”

The Warriors entered the week on the verge of clinching a conference championship for the third year in a row.

Wheatmore is paced by returning starters Kara Comer in the No. 1 position and Kelly Carrick in the No. 3 slot. They’re both seniors.

That means there are others who’ve moved into key spots in the team’s lineup.

“Last season, we had girls in the (Nos.) 5 and 6 (position) all the way up to 10 who were pretty much equal,” Gore said. “The ones who’ve filled in (vacancies) weren’t quite as experienced. They’re all underclassmen so I think that’s a good set-up for next year.”

Wheatmore’s Mikalah Walls returns the ball against Providence Grove’s Allie Fraizer during their tennis match Oct. 5 in Climax. PJ WARD-BROWN/NORTH STATE JOURNAL

This season’s lineup also includes juniors Hannah Wilson, Elayna Brown and Mikalah Walls along with sophomore Carmen Turgeon.

Wheatmore entered the week with an 8-2-1 record, including a 7-0 mark in the Piedmont Athletic Conference.

Comer is a two-time participant in the state tournament, competing as a sophomore in singles and as a junior in doubles.

The 2020 season was shifted to this past spring because of the pandemic. The Warriors went 8-0 in league-only competition. Team members were a combined 70-1 in those matches.

“It hasn’t been as clean as we were last year, but we’ve been able to pull out the matches,” Gore said. “We’ve had a few matches that have been tight. It seems like when somebody has to pull out the big matches, they do.”

Gore said Wheatmore’s strong tradition means the players take out-of-season training seriously. He said players interested in making an impact tend to join the team.

“That’s the key to our program,” Gore said. “We try to get as many freshmen in.”

Monday’s weather-related postponement at Providence Grove nixed a potential league-clinching match. The Warriors are supposed to compete in three matches this week. They’ll be the hosts for next Tuesday’s conference tournament.

Wheatmore won last season’s Mideast Regional title, though the state duals weren’t contested because of the restructured season based on the pandemic.

With new conference alignments beginning this past summer, Wheatmore has shifted to the Midwest Region.

 

Trinity_Elementary

Randolph County School System announces STAR students

, , , , ,

ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Schools announced their “STAR 3” Students for September, 2021. STAR 3 students are recognized for being “Respectful, Responsible, and Doing the Right Thing.” The Board of Education recognizes these students and their accomplishments at a designated board meeting. A school-based committee handles the selection of each school’s awards recipient. Family members and school staff are invited to a student’s recognition at a Board of Education meeting. Three students per year, per school are recognized as STAR3 Students.

Selection criteria for the STAR 3 program include passing grades in spite of obstacles, returning to school after dropping out and is on track to graduating, having good attendance, overcoming struggles in life, earning all S’s in behavior, having academic and/or club accomplishments, receiving a nomination from faculty members.

Archdale Elementary School — Rylan Moody — 5th Grade

Rylan Moody is a role model to his peers both inside and out of the classroom! He takes pride in all of his schoolwork and seeks help when needed. Rylan wants to do well and please everyone. He does an amazing job in balancing academics and sports throughout the school year. Rylan exhibits perseverance with all tasks, even those that are challenging. Archdale Elementary School is proud and excited to have Rylan Moody as our STAR3 Student for September.

Hopewell Elementary School — Harper Cathell — 3rd Grade

Harper Cathell is a sweet, beautiful, and intelligent person. She works hard in every subject to improve academically. When in doubt, she asks questions and never gives up. In addition, Harper has had to overcome a difficult situation in her family; her grandmother passed away last school year. Her grandmother was very involved in Harper’s school life, especially since she was an employee at our school. Being back in school this year has been challenging for Harper, but she has proven that she is going to make the most of a traumatic situation. She has not allowed her grief to interfere with her academics; rather, it has strengthened her ability to persevere. We are proud to have Harper Cathell as a part of our family at Hopewell Elementary, and congratulate her on being selected our STAR3 Student for September.

John Lawrence Elementary — Kenedi Palmer — 5th Grade

Kenedi Palmer has a sweet personality and simply is a joy to teach. There are many positive ways to describe her character, but some qualities that stand out are her kindness, politeness, and friendliness to her classmates and her courteousness to her teachers and other staff. She always has a happy disposition and her gentle, quiet smile lights up a room. Kenedi works hard and puts forth her best effort when met with a challenge. She demonstrates a willingness to learn and has a growth mindset in the classroom. John Lawrence Elementary School is proud to present Kenedi Palmer as our STAR3 Student for September.

New Market Elementary School — Benjamin Wallace — 4th Grade

Benjamin Wallace is an extremely hard—working young man. He is an affable student and works well with everyone. Benjamin is persistent in meeting classroom goals, is always cheerful, and always has a smile on his face. He is a super sweet child with much personality and truly is the definition of Bobcat Pride. New Market Elementary School is honored to select Benjamin Wallace for the STAR3 Student for September.

Randolph Early College High School — Lindsay Kanipe — 11th Grade

Randolph Early College High School is thrilled to name Lindsay Kanipe as our first STAR3 Student for the 2021—2022 school year. The nominating teacher described Lindsay as “a joy to teach” and “an amazing student who consistently excels academically by always putting forth maximum effort.” Lindsay is respectful of others and exhibits a great attitude each day, both in and out of the classroom. All of these qualities make us proud to call Lindsay Kanipe a Raven and our STAR3 Student for September.

Trindale Elementary School — Christian Reyes Vicente — 4th Grade

Christian Reyes Vicente completely embodies what it means to be a STAR3 Student, by always showing responsibility, doing the right thing, and being respectful to everyone with whom he interacts. Christian comes to school each day ready to learn. He works hard, uses his time wisely, and asks questions when he needs help. Christian always has whatever he needs and can be counted upon to do the right thing and set an example for others. He always listens in class and is ready for whatever activity comes next. Christian is respectful of his classmates and all school staff, is well—mannered, and is always willing to lend a helping hand. He notices the little things that need to be done and is always willing to help out and do them. Christian Reyes Vicente is truly a joy to teach, and Trindale Elementary School is excited to select him as our STAR3 Student for September.

Trinity Elementary School — Kenzie Sheffield — 4th Grade

Kenzie Sheffield comes to school every morning with a positive attitude and ready to learn. She is always polite to anyone with whom she interacts and does not hesitate to help out a classmate. Kenzie is trustworthy, dependable, and reliable. Trinity Elementary School is proud to recognize Kenzie Sheffield as our STAR3 Student for the month of September.

Trinity High School — Bo Gibson — 11th Grade

Bo Gibson exemplifies what it means to be “Trinity Strong.” He is punctual, hardworking, and courteous. A leader on and off the field, Bo is a multisport athlete who excels in the classroom and lifts up his community. He has been a positive role model at both Freshmen Orientation and Open House leading up to this school year. Prior to the COVID—19 pandemic, Bo was heavily involved in the Bulldog Buddies program, in which he mentored students at Archdale Elementary School. Bo is mature beyond his years, which is why he was invited to serve as a Bulldog Buddy when he was only a ninth grader. Congratulations to Bo Gibson on being selected Trinity High School’s STAR3 Student for September.

Trinity Middle School — Mario Malaga—Pliego — 8th Grade

Trinity Middle School is a beautiful new school, but like the others in our system, it is just a building. A school is made great by the people within it. Our first—ever STAR3 Student is a great representation of the kind of student every teacher wants in class and loves to teach. Mario Malaga—Pliego is respectful and hard—working, is friendly to his peers, and offers help and assistance to others when needed. He follows directions and is an outstanding role model in the classroom. We appreciate the qualities that Mario possesses in becoming a future leader among his peers and eagerly anticipate his many future successes. Mario Malaga—Pliego is a great example of what it means to “Work Hard, Work Smart, and Work Together,” and we are thrilled to have him represent Trinity Middle School as our first—ever STAR3 Student.

Wheatmore High School — Sarah Smith — 10th Grade

Sarah Smith has an infectious personality and a spirit of kindness. As an applicant to the Student LIFT program, Sarah has organized a kindergarten book drive for the elementary schools in the Archdale—Trinity area. Her planning, organizing, and willingness to partner with our schools are traits that are needed to build strong communities. In addition to being an outstanding student, Sarah is a member of Wheatmore’s lady tennis team and the Class of 2021—2022 Student LIFT program. Wheatmore High School is proud to recognize Sarah Smith as our STAR3 Student for September.

Wheatmore Middle School — Riley Holden — 8th Grade

From day one of school, Riley Holden has shared a positive outlook and worked hard. He is always on task and strives to do his best work. He is respectful to his teachers and his peers and is willing to work toward any challenge. Wheatmore Middle School is proud to honor Riley Holden as our STAR3 Student for September.

Firetruck

Wheatmore volleyball looks to spike cancer

,

Annual “Volley for the Cure” raises funds, awareness for worthy cause

TRINITY — So many good vibes stemmed from last week’s volleyball match between Trinity and Wheatmore.

The occasion was dubbed “Volley for the Cure,” designated as an event to bring awareness to the fight against breast cancer and to raise funds for the cause. It’s a decade-long tradition connected to the Wheatmore team.

Wheatmore coach Sara Beth Campbell watches her team against Trinity during a match Sept. 23, 2021. PJ WARD-BROWN/NORTH STATE JOURNAL

“The whole gym is decked out in pink,” Wheatmore coach Sarah Beth Campbell said.

Breast cancer survivor Wendy Harmon gave a speech and delivered the ceremonial first serve. She’s a 1987 Trinity graduate, while her husband, Doug, has been a substitute teacher at Wheatmore.

The event provides a way to recognize the journey that many women have gone through because of cancer. A huge raffle and bake sale are part of the fund-raising effort.

One of the parent organizers is Christy Swaim Barker, who has been involved for several years. Her daughter Abbey Parrish is a former Wheatmore player, while daughter Norah Parrish is a freshman on the Wheatmore team.

Barker said “Volley for the Cure” began in 2010 as a school project by then-student Courtney Raines, who did so in honor of her mother’s fight with breast cancer. From there, the event grew and has taken place every year (except for 2020 because of the pandemic).

“It’s about awareness to help support local people who are fighting cancer,” Barker said. “It’s a big event and a lot of work, but very much worth it. We encourage others to support this cause.”

Barker and Campbell said the Wheatmore players’ involvement through the years has been an integral part of “Volley for the Cure.” They take part in securing funding for the event.

“It’s a good opportunity for players on the team to go out in the community,” Barker said. “It helps instill values of giving back to the community.”

Since the inception, more than $10,000 had been raised prior to this year. The tally from last week is still growing and as of the weekend nearly $3,000 had been raised. The funds will go to Rady Lady Foundation and Pink Cares Piedmont – a pair of local groups helping patients and their families deal with the disease.

Barker has been aided by parents Cindy Grubb (daughter Alliee) and Sandy Eidenberger (daughter Maci) on the organizing side. More than 60 items were part of the raffle. Cancer survivors in attendance are recognized and provided a gift.

Wheatmore’s student section showed up strong to support the volleyball team against Trinity on Sept. 23, 2021. PJ WARD-BROWN/NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Campbell said three Trinity players and up to nine of the Wheatmore players had special designations or connections to someone with breast cancer.

With the rival schools involved, the plan moving forward is for “Volley for the Cure” to switch back and forth between the schools. So next year’s designated match will be at Trinity.

On the court Thursday night, Wheatmore avenged an earlier loss by winning 25-19, 23-25, 25-23, 25-15. Taghan Mooney posted 15 service points, Taylor Richardson recorded 13 service points (including three aces), Gracie Hodgin had eight service points and seven kills, Haley Hedrick supplied five kills and five service points and Emma Atwell provided five kills.

“It was nice to play well,” Campbell said, noting the atmosphere. “Both schools had good-sized student crowds.”

For Trinity, Gracie Ballard’s 12 kills and two aces were among the highlights. Ella Johnson had 11 service points, Kaitlyn McCoy notched seven kills and Karrington Batten had five kills.

 

WHS_Hamilton

Prep Football Roundup: Cougars keep it going with strong offense

, , , , , , , , , ,

Southwestern Randolph’s football team kept the big offensive numbers coming.

The Cougars topped visiting Starmount 42-30 on Friday night in a non-league game.

The matchup was a late schedule addition when Southwestern Randolph’s scheduled matchup with Albemarle was nixed. The Cougars have scored more than 40 points in their last three games.

Southwestern Randolph has boosted its record to 4-0.

Keaton Reed accounted for 250 yards of total offense in the Starmount game. He rushed for two touchdowns and threw for another, with the pass going to Bryson Reid.

Adam Cole scored touchdowns on a punt return and an interception return. He also forced a fumble and came up with a fumble recovery. Easton Clapp scored a touchdown, but made a big impact on defense with 10 tackles (three of those for losses).

The Cougars overcame Luke Kimmer’s two touchdown passes and Zack Dezern’s 180 rushing yards for Starmount (1-3), which racked up more points than in its first three games combined.

Southwestern Randolph heads to Asheboro for Friday night’s game to conclude its non-conference schedule.

“Being unbeaten coming to us, they’re going to have a lot of confidence,” Asheboro coach Blake Brewer said.

Friday night’s games

Randleman at Montgomery Central, 6:30

Southwestern Randolph at Asheboro, 7:30

West Stanly at Eastern Randolph, 7:30

Ledford at Wheatmore, cancelled

Wheatmore 34, Asheboro 32: At Asheboro, Reece Linton’s pass to Jonathan Kelly for 31 yards resulted in the winning points with 25 seconds remaining.

Linton, normally a wideout, made the key pass. Starting quarterback Ben Walker exited with a knee injury earlier.

“We knew coming in it probably was going to be a shootout,” Wheatmore coach Philip Yarbrough said. “We got to stop them one more time than they stop us. We’ve got to score one more time than they score. I guess they made me a prophet.”

A potential winning touchdown catch for Asheboro was nullified by an offensive interference penalty.

Wheatmore (3-1), which pulled off several fourth-down conversions, also was boosted on offense by Walker’s three touchdown passes, with Dylan Weil catching two of those and Porter Grimes grabbing the other. Grimes also returned a fumble for a touchdown.

For Asheboro (1-3), Michael Brady and Khyland Hadley-Lindsay ran for two touchdowns apiece, while Tony McRae scored a touchdown on a reception.

“I thought this was a game we really had to win, looking at our schedule,” Brewer said. “I’m broken hearted for (our players).”

Ledford 34, Providence Grove 14: At Climax, the Patriots lost the home game in non-league play, unable to set a school record for most wins to begin a season.

Ledford (4-0) erased a 14-7 halftime deficit by posting 20 points in the third quarter. Alex Sanford rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns.

Caleb Rogers had 110 yards of total offense and Zane Cheek rushed for 73 yards for Providence Grove (4-1). Luke Thomas was intercepted three times, but threw for 112 yards. Chase Whitaker returned an interception for a Providence Grove touchdown.

Randleman 31, North Stanly 28: At New London, the Tigers pulled out their first victory of the season on Christian Long’s 18-yard go-ahead pass to Jozey Akines.

Thomas Dobias ran for touchdowns from 8 and 3 yards for Randleman (1-3), which was in a road game for the first time. Ervodd Cassady had a 3-yard scoring run and Chris Gentry kicked a 42-yard field goal.

Randleman’s defense intercepted three passes, two of those by Akines and the other by Micah Thurston. North Stanly fell to 1-3.

Trinity 48, Carrboro 8: At Trinity, the Bulldogs are 3-1 after the convincing home victory.

Trinity has won its past two games by a combined score of 96-14. The Bulldogs won a total of one game the past two seasons.

 

Wheatmore

Wheatmore aims to sustain athletics excellence

, ,

TRINITY – Wheatmore has set a standard in recent years for overall excellence in its athletics department.

Now with a slightly different mix of conference membership, the Warriors want to keep it going.

“We’ve been fortunate enough,” athletics director Rick Halo said. “You know this goes in peaks and valleys. When one program is down a little bit, there’s another that comes along and moves up.”

Wheatmore was the past school year’s Wells Fargo Conference Cup winner for the PAC-7. It marked the fifth year in a row that the school was atop the Conference Cup standings for its league.

“I think it’s a combination of good coaches and good players,” Halo said. “We’ve won five years in a row and we’re very proud of that. It’s pretty much a judgement on your overall program.”

During the 2020-21 school year, the Warriors won league championships in boys’ golf, boys’ tennis, boys’ and girls’ soccer, girls’ swimming and diving and volleyball.

So in the final Conference Cup standings, that helped Wheatmore to 98.5 points, with Providence Gove next at 85. The list also included Randleman (69), Trinity (67.5), Jordan-Matthews (60.5), Eastern Randolph (41) and High Point Andrews (27.5).

With new conference alignments in place, the Piedmont Athletic Conference now includes Southwestern Randolph and Uwharrie Charter Academy. Gone are Jordan-Matthews and High Point Andrews.

“It’s definitely tougher,” Halo said of the league additions. “They’ll be better than the two we lost.”

There are a few coaching changes for the Warriors for this school year. Michelle Hinson becomes the swimming and diving coach, while Trey Byrd will be the baseball coach. There’s also a vacancy for a wrestling coach, with Philip Yarbrough stepping aside. Yarbrough remains the school’s football coach.

 

END

 

AHS_graham

Big point totals become area theme

, , , , , ,

ASHEBORO — Big point totals were the order of the week for area high school football games.

Each of the Friday games involving Randolph County teams had at least one team reaching the 40-point mark.

Other than the only intra-county matchup that involved Eastern Randolph’s 49-7 whipping of host Asheboro, here’s a recap of games:

EAST DAVIDSON 37, WHEATMORE 22

Thursday at Trinity, the Warriors (1-1) couldn’t keep up in the home game despite 241 passing yards and two touchdown throws from Ben Walker. Cade Hamilton was charted with 102 receiving yards in the loss.

SOUTHWESTERN RANDOLPH 55, SOUTH STANLY 6

Southwestern Randolph’s QB Keaton Reed rushes the ball for 3 yard gain against South Stanly at Southwestern Randolph high school on August 27, 2021. PJ WARD-BROWN/NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Adam Cole scored six touchdowns for the Cougars in their home opener. Cole hauled in three touchdown receptions,, rushed for two more and added a defensive scored on an interception return.

Cole had two interceptions and a fumble recovery. Three of SWR’s Keaton Reed’s seven completions went for touchdowns to Cole. Easton Clapp produced two touchdowns.

Southwestern Randolph also scored 55 points in a victory two years ago against South Stanly.

PROVIDENCE GROVE 42, SOUTHERN GUILFORD 26

At Greensboro, Luke Thomas threw three touchdown passes and Zane Cheek scored three touchdowns.

Cheek caught a scoring pass from Thomas and added two rushing touchdown runs. Chase Whitaker, who made a touchdown grab, was credited with 17½ tackles on defense for the Patriots (2-0).

CENTRAL DAVIDSON 62, RANDLEMAN 33

At Randleman, Jaylyn Smith and Cory Casilac each ran for four touchdowns and all of Spartans’ offense came on the ground to the tune of 606 rushing yards. Central Davidson (2-0) didn’t attempt a pass.

It didn’t need to as Smith gained 262 yards and Casilac picked up 252 yards.

Randleman’s Thomas Dobias rushed for touchdowns from 4 and 23 yards out. Quarterback Christian Long was 10-for-16 for 100 yards and a touchdown, while he also ran for a touchdown for the Tigers (0-2).

FORBUSH 56, TRINITY 6

At East Bend, the Bulldogs (1-1) dropped the non-league road game.

**********************************

Friday’s schedule

Walkertown at Eastern Randolph, 7:30

Jordan-Matthews at Providence Grove, 7:30

Randleman at Montgomery Central, 7:30

Trinity at East Davidson, 7:30

Ledford at Wheatmore, 7:30

 

Masksign

County teams send strong opening messages

, , , , , , ,

ASHEBORO — What an opening week for Randolph County football teams.

The seven football-playing schools went a combined 6-1, with the lone loss coming in the only intra-county matchup (Asheboro defeating Randleman).

In the other five games, the county teams outscored their opponents by a combined score of 177-31.

The most notable might have been Eastern Randolph’s whipping of Eastern Alamance, which has been a Class 3-A power for most of the past decade.

And don’t discount what Trinity did, with its decision against Chatham Central marking its first triumph against an opponent other than Jordan-Matthews in its last 24 games.

Let’s take a look:

Eastern Randolph 34, Eastern Alamance 6: At Ramseur, Nahiem Lilly ran for 202 yards and three touchdowns to go with a touchdown reception as the host Wildcats rolled. Eastern Randolph has won its opener for the fourth season in a row.

Providence Grove 42, East Davidson 0: At Thomasville, Luke Thomas threw three touchdown passes. Two of the scoring strikes went to Caleb Rogers, who also scored on a carry.

Wheatmore 34, West Davidson 13: At Lexington, Ben Walker threw for three touchdowns as part of a 298-yard passing performance. Almost half of the passing yards went to Dylan Weil (four catches, 137 yards), who scored on two of those plays. Perry Welch raked up 104 rushing yards to go with a touchdown.

Trinity 22, Chatham Central 12: At Bear Creek, the Bulldogs snapped an 11-game road losing streak. Trinity hadn’t won away from home since Sept. 7, 2018, at North Moore.

Southwestern Randolph 45, Jordan-Matthews 0: At Siler City, Keaton Reed threw three touchdown passes and ran for a touchdown and Adam Cole scored three touchdowns as the Cougars won in a game that was completed Saturday afternoon after Friday night’s suspension early in the second quarter. Cole scored on a rush, a reception and a punt return.

 

******************************************

This week’s games

Thursday

East Davidson at Wheatmore

Friday

Eastern Randolph at Asheboro

Providence Grove at Southern Guilford

Central Davidson at Randleman

South Stanly at Southwestern Randolph

Trinity at Forbush