Bob Sutton

395 Posts
Oakley grapples with more success as conference champ for Appalachian State

Oakley grapples with more success as conference champ for Appalachian State

Wheatmore graduate Ethan Oakley became a Southern Conference champion earlier this month. (Photo courtesy of Appalachian State athletics)   Wheatmore alum heads back to NCAA championships   Ethan Oakley keeps checking off goals as a college wrestler for Appalachian State. NCAA championships qualifier. Conference champion. The Wheatmore alum is heading back to the NCAAs for the second year in a row after riveting results to win a Southern Conference championship. “I wanted to achieve what I did, but I wasn’t sure I would,” Oakley said. “Unreal, I finally did it.” He captured the 133-pound league title earlier this month. This…
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Trinity alum Sheffield takes football job at Wheatmore

Trinity alum Sheffield takes football job at Wheatmore

Jacob Sheffield (Courtesy photo) TRINITY – Jacob Sheffield is the new football coach at Wheatmore, but his ties to the school extend more than a decade. Most recently, Sheffield has been an assistant coach at rival Trinity, his alma mater. He said he has “fallen on both sides of the tracks” when it comes to the neighboring schools. He takes the vacancy left when Philip Yarbrough resigned after seven seasons as Wheatmore’s football coach. The Warriors were 2-8 last year. Sheffield, who’ll turn 37 in May, said it appears a foundation has been established at Wheatmore. When he met with…
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Randolph Community College gears up for growth with strategic plan

Randolph Community College gears up for growth with strategic plan

Linda Brown of Randolph Community College makes a presentation to Randolph County commissioners, from left, Kenny Kidd, interim county manager Will Massie, chairman Darrell Frye, David Allen and Hope Haywood. (Courtesy photo) ASHEBORO – Randolph Community College could be on the move in a variety of ways. RCC’s strategic plan includes the possibility of an additional campus and offering of emerging programs. “We believe that by aligning our instruction and training with the evolving needs of industries, we can empower our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing job market,” RCC president Shah Ardalan…
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College Notes: Success comes early in season on diamonds for Randolph County products

College Notes: Success comes early in season on diamonds for Randolph County products

Emma Mazzarone There were some impressive debuts on collegiate diamonds for players with Randolph County ties. And some strong efforts early in the season for veteran plays as well. Let’s take a look: Mazzarone shines early Virginia Tech freshman Emma Mazzarone racked up a 3-1 pitching record that included a softball victory against third-ranked Georgia on Friday. She logged 1 1/3 innings of shutout relief to improve her record to 3-1. Of her first seven pitching outings, three came in starts for the former Providence Grove standout. She recorded 14 strikeouts in her first 20 2/3 innings. Mazzarone’s first collegiate…
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State playoffs: Home dates dot early postseason slates for Randolph County teams

State playoffs: Home dates dot early postseason slates for Randolph County teams

Uwharrie Charter Academy’s Kayla Brown shoots against Randleman’s Audra Petty during the regular season. The girls’ teams for UCA and Randleman both have home games to start the state playoffs. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record)   Boys’ basketball teams from Randleman and Eastern Randolph could play multiple home games in the state playoffs, while Asheboro will begin the tournament at home as well. First-round games are set for Tuesday night. Winning teams advance to Friday night’s second round. The three-week tournament wraps up March 15 and 16 in Winston-Salem. All the Randolph County teams are in the West Region. Randleman (20-5) is…
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Randolph County’s agricultural center receives $1 million grant funding

Randolph County’s agricultural center receives $1 million grant funding

ASHEBORO – The construction project for the new agricultural center in Randolph County is in its infancy, but some key funding has been secured to assist in the programing. The Golden LEAF Foundation announced a $1 million grant for equipment to support training for farmers at the agricultural center in Randolph County. “It’s part of the funding we’re seeking for this project,” said Kenneth Sherin, director of the Randolph County Extension. “We were going to be seeking money through grants. The timing on this was a little earlier than we had anticipated, but it’s going to be good to have.”…
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Early voting launches for primary in Randolph County

Early voting launches for primary in Randolph County

ASHEBORO – Early voting for the March primary begins this week in Randolph County. The early voting window runs Feb. 15 through March 2. There are national, statewide and local contests on the primary ballot. In Randolph County, there are three Republicans on the primary ballot for the board of commissioners in District 5. They are incumbent Maxton McDowell of Asheboro along with Chris McLeod of Denton and Lester Rivenbark of Asheboro. Jane Ledwell-Gant was the lone Democrat to file for the District 5 seat, so she advances to the November ballot. Voters will be asked for a valid photo…
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Randolph County hires Archdale’s Holden as next county manager

Randolph County hires Archdale’s Holden as next county manager

ASHEBORO – The next county manager for Randolph County will come from a city within the county. The county’s Board of Commissioners announced the hiring of Archdale city manager Zeb Holden. He has been in that position in Archdale since 2016 for part of a total of 19 years in local government. The county commissioners reported that there was a pool of 37 applicants from eight states. “The board wishes to express its sincere gratitude to Mayor (Lewis) Dorsett and the Archdale City Council for their cooperation and understanding throughout this process,” said Darrell Frye, chairman of the county commissioners. “We…
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Southwestern Randolph wrestler ramps up for repeat

Southwestern Randolph wrestler ramps up for repeat

Jose Flores is embraced by coach Jacob Clapp with assistant Otto Wolin looking on after winning a state championship last February. (Randolph Record file photo) Reigning state champion aims for another title ASHEBORO – Southwestern Randolph junior Jose Flores has learned during the season what it’s all about to receive extra attention. While that came with certain challenges because of his status, now he wants more of the spotlight as he seeks to repeat as a state champion. “I’m excited about the postseason,” Flores said. “I’ve been working harder than ever. I want to be a two-time (champion).” That quest…
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UCA excels for pressure-packed Class 1-A team title

UCA excels for pressure-packed Class 1-A team title

Uwharrie Charter Academy's wrestling team claimed the top hardware in Saturday's Class 1-A dual team final. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) Eagles wipe out deficit with pins to defend crown GREENSBORO – Uwharrie Charter Academy wrestlers say they thrive on embracing pressure situations. One after another, the Eagles had chances to show that on a big stage Saturday afternoon. Needing to get through most of the back half of the Class 1-A dual team championship meet against Avery County without a glitch, the Eagles clicked time and time again. Then it came down to 215-pounder senior Jaden Maness in the final bout.…
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