South Charlotte Sports Reportsouthcharlottesportsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/... · 2019. 4....

South Charlotte Sports Report“HOMETOWN TEAMS ... HOMETOWN KIDS”

Volume 7, Issue 4 May 31, 2012 - FREEwww.southcharlottesports.com

June 11-14 Multi-Sport Camp of Champions

June 14-16 Volleyball Summer Camp (Less than 10 spots remaining)

June 25-28 Basketball Summer CampJuly 9-12 Future Stars Sports Camp (Only $99.00)

In middle school, lacrosse was the farthest thing from the mind of Charlotte Catholic senior Danielle Ruffalo. The 18-year-old daughter of Dan and Mary Jo Ruffalo had never played lacrosse, instead focus-ing her efforts into the sport of softball. A chance encounter with Catholic Lacrosse Coach, Dee Bier, in the ninth grade turned this outstanding student-athlete into a college lacrosse player. Let’s go back in time to follow the journey of Danielle Ruffalo.

Danielle had just walked in from Charlotte Cath-olic Field Hockey as a freshman. She was kneeling down to remove her shin guards when Charlotte Catholic Lacrosse Coach Dee Bier came up and asked if she was a soccer player. Danielle responded, “no, but I do play softball.” Coach Bier, always a promot-

er of her sport, suggested to Danielle that she should come out for lacrosse.

“ I went home and thought about it and decided to give it a try because I wanted to try something new and softball just wasn’t very fun for me anymore.”

Danielle went on that fall to complete a success-ful field hockey season, making the varsity team as a freshman. Danielle met a lot of the lacrosse players on the field hockey team, so she felt positive about giving lacrosse a go in the spring.

A player without a position and just learning the game, Danielle ended up being in the right place at the right time to start a career as a lacrosse goalie.

“When I was a freshman, the goalie at the time, Elyse Fitzpatrick, got appendicitis right after the season began and they needed someone to play the position. My dad said, ‘why not try out for the goalie position? You played short stop for so long, you have good reflexes, you aren’t scared of the ball, and you get to play the whole game.’ “I get to play the whole game,” I thought to myself. That sounded pretty good to me. So the following day at practice I vol-unteered and ended up just falling in love with the position.”

Her big chance came in the semi-final playoff game her freshman season.

“Our goalie, Bridget Hogan, twisted her knee five minutes before the game started. I was there to film the game for them and the coaches came and grabbed me out of the stands and gave me Bridget’s gear to put on.”

From that point forward, everything came up roses for Danielle, she went on to secure the position full time and helped Catholic win the state champi-onship in her sophomore season.

Danielle’s commitment to team play and her leadership on and off the field became so important for the Cougars. Teammate Megan Patterson took the time out of her schedule to email the South Charlotte Sports Report to promote Danielle’s leadership and importance to the team.

Megan said, “If it weren’t for Megan our team would not be where we are now. It really bothers me that she hasn’t had any press or notice because she deserves it more than anyone else. She works harder than anyone I know and is a great person over all.”

Danielle’s play began to attract the attention of college coaches over her last two seasons. When Bel-mont Abby came calling, Danielle found the comfort level she was looking for and she made her commit-ment to attend the school and continue her lacrosse career.

“I chose Belmont Abbey because I wanted to go to a smaller school, but I also wanted to play a sport in college because I have grown up playing sports my whole life. I also chose Belmont Abbey because it is a great atmosphere there and I felt like I fit in really well with the lacrosse team.

As Danielle looks back on her Charlotte Catho-lic career, she turns her attention to all of her team-mates.

“They are the greatest teammates anyone could possibly ask for in lacrosse. We are like a family. I always try to do my best to help my team succeed. But, my teammates are extraordinary on both of-fense and defense, which helps make my job a little easier. Everyone has really good games and some not so good. But, no one is ever negative and we al-ways have each others backs. We win as a team and lose as a team. It is really special.”

As Danielle begins to prepare for her graduation walk, she can also hold her head high with a 3.93 grade point average and membership in the Nation-al Honor Society. The South Charlotte Sports Re-port salutes Danielle Ruffalo for her hard work and dedication to teamwork. We wish her the very best at Belmont Abby!

DANIELLE RUFFALO FINDS A HOME INSIDE THE GOAL...Charlotte Catholic Senior Turns Lacrosse Into a College Opportunity

SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT

SUMMER BASKETBALL CAMP

JUNE 25-28

Ages 5-14Boys & Girls

Featuring Ardrey Kell Head Basketball Coach Mike Craft

Ardrey Kell High School

www.southcharlottesportscamps.comwww.southcharlottesportscamps.com

Volume 7, Issue 4

SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORTCovering 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.

PUBLISHERTripp Roakes

GRAPHIC DESIGNERFrances Flowers

PHOTOGRAPHERS Greg ArthurGerry WallChip Auger

SALES REPRESENTATIVE Kristy Maher

INTERNSKelly MacDevette

Amanda Wynn

The SCSR Team!

Tune up your racquet for Queen City and USTA Leagues

Free pick up and delivery

in South Charlotte!

Rich Rushakoff - 704-488-2147(former stringer for Players Loft)

Play It Again SportsCommunity House Middle SchoolDick’s Sporting Goods – Matthews

MathnasiumSoutheastern Gymnastics

Steps N’ Motion – The FountainsOn Deck Baseball

Tokyo One ExpressExtreme Ice Center

Dr. Sellers Orthodontics Weddington Activity Center

Baskin Robbins (Highway 521)Nothing But Noodles

Carolinas Baseball CenterInternational Sports Center

Try SportsPet Essentials

Jesse Brown’s AdventureJersey Mike’s (Stonecrest)

CrossFit CharlotteLaxer, Long and Savage

Grand Slam USATebby Sports Medicine

Meridian Medical GroupQuimby and Collins Orthodontics

Charlotte All-StarsOmega Sports

Four Seasons Barber and SalonDunkin Donuts (Highway 521)

Fitness For WomenSports Connection BallantyneSports and Fitness- Ballantyne

Sports Perf. Ctr. @ OrthoCarolinaPresbyterian Urgent Care – Blakeney

Premier SoccerCharlotte Running Company

Sports Clips (Promenede)Marvin Ridge High School

Marvin Ridge Middle SchoolCharlotte Catholic High School

Bird DentistryDr. Garden Dentistry

Robek’s Juice Run For Your Life

Sports OrthopedicSCRA Baseball Complex

Sam & Carlies Deli Tutoring Club of Charlotte

Holy Trinity Catholic Middle SchoolThe Q Shack

The Bagel BinCharlotte Aquatics

Waxhaw Family PhysiciansArchitech Sports & Physical Therapy

Winning AwardsArdrey Kell High School

Ameritrust MortgageDynamic Sports Performance

South Library (Rea & 51)Matthews Motor Company

New Point LearningGrace Academy

SwimMacGateway Travel

Park Sharon Athletic AssociationKinetic Spine SportsSalsaritas (Blakeney)

Showcase Baseball AcademyCiarla Fitness

Switchin KitchensJewish Community CenterWaxhaw Family Physicians

Covenant Day SchoolBeurlein Pro Fitness

Carolina CourtsNational Amateur Sports

Velocity Sports PerformanceGoddard School (Waxhaw)Subway (Camfield Corners)

Karate CharlotteFlip’n Chicken

Providence Day SchoolCharlotte Latin School

K & W CafeteriaPerformance Unlimited

HQ4 BaseballWeddington Middle School

Lorenzos Pizza

P I C K U P Y O U R C O P Y O F T H E S O U T H C H A R L O T T E S P O R T S R E P O R T

A T T H E S E L O C A T I O N S

The Meck lenburg Area Ca tho l i c Schoo ls/ Arbor Construc t ion Group

Good Sport of the Week

MARGOT CORCORANCharlotte Catholic High School long distance runner, Margot Corcoran, has been named the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools / Arbor Construction Group Good Sport of the Week. Margot is one of the top distance runners not only in the area but in the state of North Caro-lina. Her dedication to becoming a better runner shines through with every practice session and race.

Margot has found success in both individual events and on relay teams. The sure-footed runner always shows good sportsmanship by encouraging her teammates during competition and practice runs. With two more years of high school competition remaining, Margot will have the opportunity to continue to set the pace and earn more honors while competing for the Cougars Track Team.

New Homes-RenovationsAdditions-Repairs

704-542-5833www.arborconstructiongroup.com

Together MACS and Arbor Construction are building with integrity for our futures.

The Ardrey Kell Women’s Soccer team won the NCHSAA Southwestern 4A Conference for the 4th time since the school opened in 2007.

Front Row: (L-R) Haley Laurie, Courtney Schellin, Erica Fleischacker, Hope Walker, Jenna Pennock, Kourtney Conway Middle Row: (L-R) Abby Ellis, Sarah Phillips, Maggie Miller, Sam Steyl, Ashley Hughes, Lindsey Bish, Sammi LawsonBack Row: (L-R) Gaby Gentile, Amy Marston, Megan Panzanella, Mackenzie Stelljes, Sofia Henry, Abby Drees, Coach Jeff MercadoNot pictured: Brooke Howell, Lauren Nalevaiko, Kendra Murphy

@TrippRoakes

Volume 7, Issue 4

FUTURE STARS SPORTS CAMPPresented by The South Charlotte Sports Report

“It’s like a whole week of PE class!”

July 9-13Elon Park Elementary School

Only $99 per child!Soccer, basketball, kickball, four-square, disc golf,

obstacle course, capture the flag and more!

Enroll at www.southcharlottesportscamps.com


VOLLEYBALL CAMP(Less than 10 spots remain)

JUNE 14-16

1pm-5pm

“12 hours of professional instruction from the top coaches in the Carolinas.”

LIMITED ENROLLMENT

Open to rising 4th-9th graders

www.southcharlottesportscamps.com

FUTURE STARS SPORTS CAMP Presented by The South Charlotte Sports Report

“It’s like a whole week of PE class!”

July 9-13

Elon Park Elementary School

Only $99 per child!

Soccer, basketball, kickball, four-square, Frisbee golf, obstacle course, capture the flag and more!

Enroll at www.southcharlottesportscamps.com

The Park Sharon Tsunami Minors Baseball Team enjoyed a successful spring season of play. Front Row: (L-R) Reiny Easterly, Luke Thompson, Cole Howard, Ethan Elaasar, David MataconisBack Row: (L-R) Head Coach Jim Roy, Ben Smith, Will Shaver, Tate Macuga, Slade Roy, Michael Mataconis, Coach Ross HowardNot pictured: Coach Ashley Thompson and Jack Rider

Volume 7, Issue 4

Q SHACK COACH OF THE WEEKCOACH BILL MASLAN

Carmel Middle School BaseballCoach Bill Maslan led the Carmel Middle School Cougars Base-ball Team to an 11-3 record this spring. Coach Maslan worked hard all season with a very eager group of players and the team im-proved from start to finish. In ad-dition to serving as the baseball coach at Carmel Middle, Coach Maslan is the Dean of Students at Beverly Woods Elementary School.

Congratulations to Coach Maslan 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 Promenade10822 Providence RoadCharlotte, NC 28277www.qshackclt.com704-542-5959

The 12U Outlaws White Softball Team won the May 12th Top Gun Mother’s Day tournament in Huntersville, NC.

Front Row: (L-R) Anna Morgan, Sydney Burke (laying down), MP Barnes and Natalie Light (also laying down).Back Row: (L-R) Tom Perillo, Afton Apodaca, Lindsay Perillo, Lorelei Roper, Natalie Hallman, Claire Proctor, Larry Barnes, Allayna Grant, Rob Light

Nate Abdou throws across the diamond for the South Charlotte Recreation Association 9U Challenge Team


Volume 7, Issue 4 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT

The South Charlotte Recreation Association Knights 10U Softball Team finished second in the Char-Meck Softball League this spring. The Knights, coached by Wendy McGuire, used teamwork and dedication to record the successful season

Front Row: (L-R) Micah Musialowski, Dylan LeClair, Elizabeth Race, Holly Wade Middle Row: (R-L) Emily Lang, Zoe Gray, Katrina McGuire, Sydney Yoder, Erin Gabriel Back Row: (L-R) Coach Wendy McGuire, Coach Matt Yoder, Coach Mark GabNot pictured: Allison Tyler

The 12U South Charlotte Recreation Association Intensity team won the 2012 Char-Meck Spring Softball Championship on May 20th beating out 17 teams to win the title. Team Intensity went undefeated in the tournament and 11-1 in the regular season. The team worked hard all season long to reach success, includ-ing many double plays and one triple play during the games.

Front Row: (L-R) Iris Brammer, Alyssa Bernstein, Sarah Mansfield, Kaitlin Schmitt, Micaela Denton-LewisMiddle Row: (L-R) Sarah Rowan, Piper Boger, Claire Hamrick, Abigail Manley, Lilah Maguire, Morgan Brader, Bailie SmithBack Row: (L-R) Coaches: Ray Boger, Russ Mansfield, John Brader

Area Schools and Athletic Associations:Are you looking for a dependable, 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.

Current openings for student athletes ages 11-18

Volume 7, Issue 4

STUDENT-ATHLETES 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. 704-628-6053www.architechsports.com

Physical Therapy for Athletes and Weekend Warriors * Sports Performance * Soccer Speed and AgilityBaseball Pitching Arm Care Evaluations * Female Jumpmetrics Training * Coaches Care Programs

All programs in conjunction with Morrison Family YMCA

TESS TIDWELLMyers Park High School sophomore, Tess Tidwell, has been named this week’s Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Student Athlete of the Week. The daughter of Scott and Melissa Tidwell is a member of her school’s Varsity softball team and swim team. Tess began playing softball when she was seven years old. She ex-celled at a young age by playing a couple years of baseball and also playing on a South Park 15U team when she was only eleven. Since then, she has played with the Carolina Rebels, the Carolina Venom and currently plays for the South Charlotte Stingrays travel team. She was selected as Player of the Week by her high school coach this year and has also been selected to participate in the Battle of the Border All Star Showcase this summer. Next year, she will be one of three returning Varsity players at Myers Park allowing her to step up even more as a leader on the team.

Along with her success on the field, Tess still manages to maintain a 4.67 grade point average and recently received an underclassmen academic award. Tess works very hard with time management, which allows her to study hard while still being able to work out even outside of team practices. She is also involved with the Key Club and is volunteering at the Presbyterian Hospital this summer. Congratulations to Tess Tidwell for being named Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Student Athlete of the Week.

BEN KEPLEYCharlotte Country Day School junior, Ben Kepley, has been named this week’s Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Stu-dent Athlete of the Week. Ben plays on his school’s football team and baseball team. The son of Keith and Tracy Kepley is a punter for the football team and plays outfield for baseball. He not only works hard for both sports, but he also performs very well aca-demically. Along with making the Honor Roll every semester of high school, Ben is also a member of the National Honor Society, the Interact Club and is involved in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America mentoring program. Ben has been playing baseball for as long as he can remember. He has played most recently with the Queen City Mustangs Junior American Legion team. Football came into Ben’s life later as he started with the Southpark Falcons Pop Warner organization in

the fourth grade. He continued on to playing middle school and JV football and made the Varsity team as a sophomore. Named Special Teams Player of the Year his second year on Varsity, Ben has already shown great promise as a punter. He placed third in punting out of about 120 kids in his age group at National Kicking Event in Las Vegas this past January, attracting attention from special-ists all over the country. Already being looked at by college football recruiters, Ben would love to continue his punting career at a college with a great football program.

Congratulations to Ben Kepley for being named the Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Student Athlete of the Week.

We Pay Cash for Your Used Gear!

Baseball . Lacrosse . FootballExercise/Fitness . Golf . Hockey

704-540-63398332 PINEVILLE-MATTHEWS ROAD

BUY . SELL . TRADENew & UsedEquipment

Custom

forKIDS

16131 Lancaster Highway704-540-4664

Mon-Fri: 10-6, Sat: 10-4

Proper arch support is key to helping your son or daughter optimize their performance.Let Foot Solutions of Ballantyne show you how!

of Ballantyne

Phot

o cr

edit

: Sc

ott B

enso

n


Pinevillebucadibeppo.com

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.

Athletes All hAve One thing

in COmmOn

teAm Of the WeekRED SOX

SOUTH CHARLOTTE RECREATION ASSOCIATIONThe South Charlotte Recreation Association Red Sox Rookie Machine Pitch Team has been named the Buca Di Beppo Team of the Week. According to Coach Kevin Heiser, “We were very fortunate this season to have a roster full of great kids who really enjoy being on the baseball field. Every single player has shown improvement this season and it has been incredibly enjoyable to coach each of them.”

Congratulations to the South Charlotte Recreation Association Red Sox!

Front Row: (L-R) Brooks Arant, Jake Mucatel, Drew Cherry, Michael Craft, Nikolas MelkonianMiddle Row: (L-R) Owen Sanborn, Will Cherry, Cole Ashley, Andrew Heiser, David Abner, Gabe SteinBack Row: (L-R) Coach Tim Arant, Coach Kevin Heiser, Coach Shawn Cherry

The Park Sharon Scorpions have enjoyed a successful spring season. Coach Don Johnson said, “Coaching a rookie rec team is somewhat different from coaching a highly-trained competition team. I just try to teach the fundamentals of the game and make it fun for the boys. I hope that I can plant the baseball seed in these boys and they will continue to develop and learn the game.”

Front Row (L-R): William Hoskins, Matthew Fry, William Hunting, Bradley Tomich, Brian Coleman, Seth LachaczMiddle Row (L-R): Aidan Healy, Miles Smith, Mike Gallucci, Mason Smith, Noah Barnett, Max CastroBack Row (L-R): Head Coach Don Johnson, Assistant Coach Kevin BarnettNot pictured: Assistant Coaches John Hoskins and Tom Fry

The South Charlotte Recreation Association Cougars won the Char-Meck 8U Softball Championship.

The Cougars include: Kayley Newman, Madison Mitchell, Tori Newman, Carlee Mcwilliam, Maddy Goff, Courtney Sweetman, Sofia Christofaro, Celeste Denny, Brooke Wolkofsky, Kate Daniels, Emma Arant, and Annalee PetusCoaches include: Harry Goff, Doug Mcwillam, Jeff Daniels, Cindy Newman

@TrippRoakes

Volume 7, Issue 4

The only Camp run by a current English Premier League player.

ANDREW KNIGHT WILL CONTINUE HIS BASEBALL CAREER AT CATAWBAWritten by Amanda Wynn, University of South Carolina

As a senior on the Weddington High School baseball team, Andrew Knight has learned what it takes to be a successful player. The son of Buz and Debbie Knight has played catcher for the Warriors for the past four years. As a catcher, Andrew has learned to be in control and command the game. He knows that his biggest task is to support his pitchers and make sure that everyone on the field is doing their responsibility to allow the team to work well together.

With his team advancing to the NCHSAA 3A Baseball Championship this week, Andrew is hopeful that his and his teammates’ hard work can help to lead them to a championship. The run they have had so far has created some of his favorite memories on the team. In their game against Carson High School, he hit a two-run homer in the sixth inning to help his team win the game and move onto the next round of the playoffs. “I trust all my teammates and they trust me. I play the game selflessly and always try to do what is best for the team. I try to keep the team pumped up. Our team plays with a lot of energy and we support each other.”

Along with the success that he has had this year, Andrew made it onto the All Southern Carolina Conference Team and All Union County Team during his sophomore and junior years. Before his high school career, he played Little League at WCWAA until he was twelve years old and has also played on several showcase teams since then. This summer he is planning to play for the American Legion Post 535.

As an A/B student taking mostly Honors and AP classes, Andrew is a true example of a successful student athlete. “I do what I need to do to get things done when they are supposed to be done. I use my time wisely. And that gives me time to get in extra work on the field or in the weight room to improve myself both mentally and physically.” This type of time management has allowed him to excel both on and off of the field.

Andrew’s four years of hard work paid off when he was offered an athletic scholarship to play baseball for Catawba College in Salisbury, NC next year. Catawba is playing in the Division II College World Series for the first time ever this year, which made Andrew even more excited to accept this offer. He will continue his success as a student athlete doing what he does best and we look forward to see what more he has to offer.

ATTENTION!SEND US YOUR TEAM NEWS AND STORY IDEAS!

[email protected]



Or aut am duismodit aliquat ad ea facincilla faci eros ad dolorem ad molorercilis nis dolore tis dionsen iamcon ut lorem do consectem enis eugait nibh exeraesto er se conulputet, velessi onsen iamco.

Aliquisl dunt enim quatue tissecte diat, velesenisit, velesto eugait velismod do dunt nim verit lortie ex esto odipisit prat delisl et nibh et, conse mincilisl del dipsustrud ex ex endipit augiamcon henim ad magnisci tat. Gait wis accum vulla feum nim quatem ipsumsan vel irit vullaore feugiat luptat. Ut nulland rerilit at, corem dolore erostio odit autem illa facipit num dolore eum aliquisi eugait adigna faccum dolore duismod 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 nulla conulla feuisis sequat. Ut nullutpat, vercinibh exercip sustrud dionsed exeriustrud eui ex enim venibh esequis duisl et, commy nonullaore facilis nulput wis nulla faci tatetumsan hent iure consed delisci liquisc illummo lorper in vullam zzrilisl ea faccumsan ut irit la facidunt ipisim velesse quatinci. autem illa facipit num dolore eum aliquisi eugait adigna faccum dolore duismod 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.

Wired for Excellence Award Recognizing Academic and Athletic Excellence

Sarah Post

8125 Ardrey Kell Road Charlotte NC 28277704-443-0006

www.quimbyandcollins.com

Winning Smiles

Covenant Day School 8th grader, Melissa Brooker, has been named the Quimby and Collins Orthodontics “Wired for Excellence” Award Winner. The 14-year-old daughter of Melanie Hempe recently qualified for the Eastern Nationals. Melissa has claimed state championships in the vault and floor exercises this year and she finished second in the all-around.

With five practices a week from 3:30pm-7:30pm, Melissa is very dedicated to becoming the best gymnast she can possibly be. Since beginning the sport at age five, Melissa has worked hard to become a Level 9 gymnast. Her favorite events are the vault and floor exercises.

Even with all the time in the gym, Melissa is a High Honor Roll student and she has been involved in missions work. Congratulations to this week’s winner of the Quimby and Collins Orthodontics “Wired for Excellence” Award, Melissa Brooker.

Would you like to nominate an elementary or middle school student for The Quimby and Collins Orthodontics Wired For Excellence Award? Send your nominations to [email protected]

MELISSA BROOKER

The QCAA Lady Force Red Basketball Team went 2-1 in bracket play to advance to the championship game of the USSSA Queen City Classic.

Front Row: (L-R) Mimi Schrimsher, Annie Grim, Lucy Clemens and Molly McArldleBack Row: (L-R) Coach Jim Bolin, Allison Hollbrooks, Erin Owens, Grace Bolin, Amanda Pinckney, Coach Marcy McClanahanNot pictured: Carson Dymock

The Lady Force Blue advanced to the semifinals of the USSSA Queen City Classic.

Front Row: (L-R) Maeryn Mellett, Maggie DuPre, Lindsay Christmas and Elizabeth AndersonBack Row: (L-R) Coach Lashon McCoulley, Everette Oxrider, Megan Flesch, Emma Ullius, Claire Kloiber, Sophia Cusak

Volume 7, Issue 4NIKOLETE HURRINUS’S TWO ROADS TO ATHLETIC SUCCESSWritten by Ryan Scott, Marvin Ridge High School

Pity the defenders who have to guard her. Pity the runners who have to race her. There is not much they can do when facing Nikolete Hurrinus. Nikolete, the daughter of Fawn Hurrinus, is a sopho-more at Cuthbertson High School and has speed that has helped her find suc-cess in two very different sports. A soc-cer player at heart, Nikolete was part of Cuthbertson’s 2011 run to win the State Championship in girl’s soccer. As a last minute decision, Nikolete decided to run track last winter. That decision allowed her to add another State Champion-ship to her resume when Cuthbertson’s Track Relay team took home the gold. Only a sophomore, Nikolete has already achieved something many people only dream about, and she did it twice. Niko-lete has struck success in the classroom as well, compiling a 4.5 GPA so far in high school.

Nikolete didn’t start her soccer career like most forwards. She was originally a goalie who didn’t do a lot of running. At

age seven, her coaches tried her out at forward and she never played goalie again. Needless to say, a forward needs to have speed, and Nikolete has plenty of it.

Nikolete is usually training for school soccer in the winter, but with a change in coaching and a slow start to preseason workouts, Nikolete decided to try out for track last minute to help her prepare and train for the upcoming season. She soon learned that her speed instantly translated into success on the track. So much so that she has decided to continue track this spring as well. Nikolete runs a variety of distances, but she considers her best to be the 400m.

“Until this year, my favorite sport had been soccer. Now, with success in both, I enjoy both soccer and track equally. I love competition and the feeling of not knowing what is coming next.”

For school soccer, Nikolete practices every day. At home, she runs to stay in shape for both soccer and track. She also juggles the soccer ball to gain better control of it on the field. This great work ethic is what puts her on top of the podium in track.

“In the middle of races, I push myself to go faster even if I know that I can’t. I don’t give up until I have crossed the finish.”

The future looks very bright down both roads of athletics. With already two State Championships under her belt, Nikolete is looking to make more runs for the title. She is also looking ahead and hopes to get a scholarship for college.

“I would like to play soccer or run track in college, how-ever academics come first. I realize that I can’t play sports forever. My hope is to attain a scholarship to a school of my choice that will allow me to either play soccer or run track at that school”

Nikolete has set herself up to gain entrance to a strong academic university regardless of sports. She has consistent-ly been on the A/B Honor Roll and achieved an astounding 4.5 grade point average while taking Honors and AP classes. When she’s not winning State Championships, Nikolete is just a regular beach- loving teenage girl who likes to hang out with friends. Good luck to Nikolete as she continues her journey on the track, on the field, and in the classroom. We hope you continue to achieve success wherever you go.

“CharlottePreps.tviswithoutadoubtthearea’sdefinitivewebsiteforhighschoolfootballvideosandgamenightscoringupdatesinMecklenburgCounty.”

��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])

Charlotte Preps TV @CharlottePreps

The Ardrey Kell High School tennis team completed a successful season this spring. The Knights finished as the regional runner-ups for the secondconsecutive season.

Front Row: (L-R) Karthik Arunkumar, Thomas King, Joey Holzmeister, Justin Mauney, Mike Roberts, Justin YangBack Row: (L-R) Brandon Boyd, Jeffery King, Matthew Dockstader, Jim Fan, Zuhair Bedwan, Michael Robertson, Harrison Saint, Coach Hudson

The South Charlotte Recreation Association Rangers Minors Division team enjoyed a fun and exciting spring season. Coach Troy Rothenberger led the team this season and his players all worked hard to improve.

L-R: Anthony Sforza, Drew Jarka, Tanner Rothenberger, Joel St. Onge, Aiden Haase, Jackson Francisco, Nick Albetta, Harrison Whetzel, Aiden Waterman, Manuel Alcalde Coaches: Troy Rothenberger, John Francisco

Volume 7, Issue 4

Carolinas HealthCare System’s commitment to caring for the community is evident in the major transformation of Carolinas

Medical Center-Pineville. In addition to doubling the number of patients we can care for, we’ve added even more sophisticated

specialties and technology to our cardiovascular program. We now perform open heart surgery, in addition to offering a full

range of cardiac services, including advanced diagnostics, heart catheterizations and echocardiograms. It is all part of Carolinas

HealthCare System’s commitment to pair personalized care with advanced technology.

Advanced heart care has never felt so personal.

Justin Haynie, MD John Cedarholm, MDCardiologist Cardiologist

Visit www.cmc-pineville.org or scan the qr code with your smartphone for a virtual tour of our transformation.

Volume 7, Issue 4

As a sophomore on the Marvin Ridge High School women’s lacrosse team, Amy Col-lins has surely proven herself as a leader on the team. Amy, the daughter of Doug and Joanne Collins, has shown great promise in her two years playing high school lacrosse. Amy is already being looked at by many Division 1 programs. She plays both mid-field and attack positions. With two more years ahead of her, Amy will continue being a huge asset to the Marvin Ridge lacrosse team and working to achieve her goal of someday playing Division 1 lacrosse. Let’s go Beyond the Game with Amy Collins and learn more about her success thus far.

What are your three top athletic ac-complishments?“I was named to 1st Team All-Conference 8 in 2011 as a freshman, selected to be on the US Lacrosse Women’s National Tour-nament Team in 2011 as a freshman and again this year on Team 1 as a sophomore. I am also proud of receiving an award for being the Rookie of the Year on the varsity lacrosse team in 2011.”

What is your favorite lacrosse memo-ry at Marvin Ridge?“Two things come to mind. My first “top” memory was finally being able to make the varsity team and put on the uniform for the first time. I had looked forward to do-ing this all through middle school and was really excited to play high school lacrosse. I was also excited to be on the same team with Mikayla Sweeney. She was the top lacrosse athlete and I knew that I could learn a lot from being her teammate. My second “top memory” is being on the team that made steady progress through 4 rounds of the NCHSAA State Championship playoffs. Although we lost in the Western Finals round , I am really proud of our team. We made it to the final four and had a season record of 17-3. Not many teams have a 17-3 record, and fewer have a run like we had through the playoffs. I consider this a very special memory that will stick with me the rest of my life.”

Tell me about your lacrosse career?“I began playing with WCWAA when I was in 5th grade. My first club team was the Queen City Stars. I really learned a lot from the excellent coaches at Queen City. Last summer I started playing with Mid-western Force, a club located in Columbus, OH. Because of the intense interest in the Charlotte area, Midwestern Force now has a Sister club here in Charlotte called The Southern Storm.”

What would you consider your big-gest responsibilities as a member of the team?“My greatest responsibility as a teammate is to work hard, lead by example, and help others to better themselves as players. La-crosse is a great sport with a very intense tactical element. I realize that someday I won’t be playing lacrosse any longer. Being a good leader will help my team-mates realize their potential today, and

the lessons I learn by being in a position to be a leader will serve me well in the future. The experiences I will have by being in a position to be a leader will reach through and enrich the rest of my life when I finally lay down my stick and step back from the game I love.”

What made you start playing la-crosse? “We moved here from the gulf coast of Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina when I was entering 5th grade. I had played softball and ran track in the spring before moving to North Carolina. I participated in the Hershey State Games in Mississippi and was a state champion in sprints. When we moved here I found that being fast was a good thing in lacrosse. I was told by the coaches that they could teach lacrosse but they could not teach speed, so lacrosse just seemed to be a natural fit for my specific skill set.”

How well do you perform in the class-room?“I have a 4.55 gpa, and have been awarded an Academic Letter award three times since I was a freshman. I belong to FBLA at Marvin Ridge, and was a member of the Junior Beta Club in middle school. I was recently invited to apply for membership in the National Honor Society. That invita-tion means a great deal to me and is a great honor.”

How have you learned to balance your success both on and off the field?

“I balance my success by always keeping in mind that if I don’t continue to constantly improve and work as hard as I can, then there will be no future for me on the Division 1 level. Working hard and planning well in both lacrosse and my academics is my key to keeping a balance.”

BEYOND THE GAME WITH AMY COLLINSWritten by Amanda Wynn, University of South Carolina



South Mecklen-burg High School sophomore, Jordan Harmon, has had two successful years as shortstop on the school’s softball team. The daugh-ter of Kerry and Michele Harmon has been playing the sport she loves for nine years. She began her younger years playing in the Myers Park Rec-reational League. Since then, she has played for the Rock-ers and Blaze Orga-nizations and she now plays for the Cardinals Organiza-

tion as well as for the South Mecklenburg Sabres.After only two years on the Sabres team, Jordan has al-

ready been selected as All District her freshman year and Southwestern 4A All Conference both her freshman and sophomore year. One of her favorite memories of her years on the team was hitting two grand slams her freshman year in a game they won against East Mecklenburg High School.

Last summer, she was a member of the ASA Nationals third place team, which she considers to be one of her great-est accomplishments. This summer, Jordan will be participat-ing in softball tournaments and showcase events all over the country. She will be playing in the Battle of the Border All Star Game in June. Along with playing softball, Jordan also plans to attend Ambassador Training Class and Young Life Camp. She is excited to spend her free time this summer go-ing to the pool and hanging out with her friends.

Not only has Jordan excelled in athletics, but she has also shown great success in the classroom. With a 4.3 GPA, she has done a great job of balancing her time on and off of the field. She says, “I have always been taught to put my academics first and it takes many long, stressful hours to have success in the class-room and on the softball field.” Jordan is a member of the National Honor Society, Su-per Fan Club, and Young Life at her school. She also received an award for earning the highest grade in psychology.

Jordan has worked very hard to achieve all that she has during her past two years at South Mecklenburg, but there are some people she could not have done it with-out. “I would like to thank all of the great coaches I have had over the years including Lael Rorie, Coach Shelton, my High School Coaches Adkins and Slack, my current Car-dinals Coach Harris, and my dad.”

Next year, Jordan is looking forward to being an upperclassman on the team and taking on an even greater leadership role on the field. She has already shown such great promise as a student athlete and we look forward to watching her excel even more in the rest of her high school career.

JORDAN HARMON LEADS THE WAY FOR SABRES

Written by Amanda Wynn, University of South Carolina

The Park Sharon Spring 2012 16U Rush Softball Team enjoyed a successful season. Front Row: (L-R) Michele Mitchell, Claire Folk, Emma Lyons, Zoe Eade, Tamryn VarnumBack row: (L-R) Asst. Coach, Ernie Hunt, Chandler Hunt, Katie Gorman, Caroline Howie, Emily Malinowski, Coach George Eade.Missing: Gloria Kirk, Harlee Hawthorne

We appreciate the support of our community!

To help us grow and promote the student-athlete concept, please

advertise with us!

[email protected]

Volume 7, Issue 4BEYOND THE GAME WITH ADAM NIX

Written by Amanda Wynn, University of South Carolina

South Mecklenburg High School senior, Adam Nix, is a well-known student athlete in the Charlotte area. During his high school years he has excelled at two sports, football and baseball. The son of Jerry and Gwen Nix has been a true ex-ample of what it takes to be a student athlete. His hard work and de-termination led him to being a leader on both varsity sports teams. Although several colleges approached

Adam about joining their football programs, he has decided to pursue a degree of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Georgia next year.

Let’s go Beyond The Game with Adam Nix and learn more about his time as a student athlete.

What would you consider your top athletic ac-complishments at South Mecklenburg? “I was named All-Conference in football sophomore, junior and senior years, named All-County in football senior year and led the Southwestern 4AA Conference in rushing my senior year.”

What is one of your favorite memories from your years on the baseball team? “Just being around some of my best friends and ending my years of baseball around great coaches and team-mates. “

What would you consider your biggest responsi-bilities as a member of the team? “Assuming a leadership role as a senior, showing younger players how to play the game with dignity and respect for others and the game.”

How did you learn to juggle being a leader on both the football and baseball team? “I have always led by example, staying focused and maintaining a good work ethic. During the season I gave 100% to whatever sport I played at the time. I always hoped others saw that and it would encourage those looking up to me to work hard as well.”

What led you to choose the University of Geor-gia for college? “They have a top notch Agricultural Engineering program. Athens is also a great college town and I just felt comfortable there.”

What will you miss most about high school athletics?“I will miss the hard work, dedication, competition, and friendships. I have played sports for as long as I can remember. They have been and still are a big part of my life. I will take all of the life’s lessons learned through my high school sports days with me for the rest of my life.”

Phot

o C

redi

t: C

arol

ina

Hob

by S

hots

, Ric

k Pu

gsle

y

The 13U Charlotte Jets AAU basketball team went 3-0 to win their division of the USSSA May Mayhem tournament May 18th-20th. Front Row: (L-R) Corey Davis, Jamius Stevenson, Caswell Wyatt Back Row: (L-R) Coach Steve Davis, James Ormond, Bates Jones, Jake Sheridan, Jordan Evans, Antario DuBose, Damarus Stone, Coach Steve Sheridan


ORTHOPEDIC URGENT CARE

orthocarolina.com

YOU. IMPROVED.

OUR MISSION: Excellence in care and service, one patient at a time.

» Strains, sprains, minor dislocations and closed fractures » Painful, swollen or injured joints of the ankle, back, elbow, foot, hand, hip, knee,

neck, and shoulder» Pediatric injuries» Cast or wound dressing issues» Sports Injuries

ORTHOPEDIC URGENT CARE TREATSTHESE MINOR* ORTHOPEDIC CONDITIONS:

UPTOWN2001 Randolph Rd. | Charlotte, NC704.323.2682

UNIVERSITY9848 N. Tryon St., Ste. 100 | Charlotte, NC704.323.2104

MATTHEWS710 Park Center Dr., Ste. 300 | Matthews NC704.323.3215

The Weddington Middle School Golf Team won the Union County Middle School Championship for the second consecutive year.

Pictured L-R: Nathan Long, Alex Jackson, Assistant Coach Todd Jackson, Max Schumacher and Ethan Schwartz

Other team members who contributed to the winning season were Erick French, Nick Gioffre, Tyler Moorhead, Zach Hobbs and Coach Chris Long.

Volume 7, Issue 4

what’s going on atchampions baseball academy

register online at: championsbaseballacademy.net

June 11th - 14th @ Jack Hughes Park in PinevilleJune 25th - 28th @ Champions Baseball Academy

July 9th - 12th @ Champions Baseball Academy

South Charlotte Sports Reportsouthcharlottesportsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/... · 2019. 4....

Documents

Transcript of South Charlotte Sports Reportsouthcharlottesportsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/... · 2019. 4....