Bob Sutton - Randolph Record

21 Aug

Changes come for Providence Grove basketball

Bob SuttonSportsPrep baseball, Prep Basketball, Providence Grove athletics, Shane Worth

Baseball coach Shane Worth is adding basketball coaching to his duties at Providence Grove. (Randolph Record) CLIMAX – There’s changes in the works for Providence Grove’s basketball programs. Shane Worth has been summoned to fill a vacancy as coach of the boys’ basketball team. He recently concluded his first season as baseball coach at the school. Johnathan Gainey has left the Patriots after one season as girls’ basketball coach. He has been hired to coach girls’ basketball at West Forsyth. Both Providence Grove teams will have their third coach in as many seasons. Brett Andrews spent one season…

16 Aug

Trinity picks next class for Hall of Fame

Bob SuttonSportsprep sports, Trinity athletics, Trinity Athletics Hall of Fame

TRINITY – Members of the second Trinity Athletics Hall of Fame class stretch across numerous decades. The selections include athletes, coaches, administrators and special contributors. The range of those chosen as new inductees extends from Gilbert English in the Class of 1927 to Cameron King in the Class of 2012. The other selections are: Kyle Spencer (athlete and coach, Class of 1997), Gail White Williams (athlete, Class of 1988), Jason Brown (athlete, Class of 1999), Brett Andrews (athlete, Class of 2003), John Spell (athlete, Class of 1973), Andy Aikens (athlete, Class of 1976), Scout Albertson (athlete, Class of 2010), Karen…

13 Aug

Former Randleman standout Trey Way ready to give Radford a try

Bob SuttonSportsAsheboro Zookeepers, Burlington Athletic Stadium, Burlington Sock Puppets, Radford, Randleman athletics, Randleman baseball, Randolph County Post 45, Trey Way, Virginia Tech

Former Randleman baseball player Trey Way goes through pregame testing prior to an outing with the Burlington Sock Puppets this summer. (Bob Sutton / Randolph Record) BURLINGTON – Trey Way hasn’t played much baseball the past couple of years. He wants that to change. Way, who was a key part of two Randleman state championships, has a new role and a new team. “It has been an up and down journey, for sure,” Way said. “You have to see the good in everything.” The quest for more baseball satisfaction hasn’t waned. He’ll attempt to gain that at Radford. An infielder…

11 Aug

Prep Notes: New quests await top teams such as Southwestern Randolph volleyball, Asheboro soccer

Bob SuttonSportsAsheboro Blue Comets, prep soccer, Prep volleyball, Providence Grove athletics, Southwestern Randolph Cougars, Trinity Bulldogs

Southwestern Randolph’s powerhouse volleyball team will try to keep it going for another season. The Cougars, who’ve had 25 or more victories the past three seasons, begin their schedule Aug. 14 at home against Oak Grove, which had a 22-5 record last year. Southwestern Randolph, under coach Darby Kennedy, went 25-5 in 2023. The Cougars are a combined 79-14 in a three-year span. That stretch began with the 2021 state championship in Class 2A. Fall sports teams, with the exception of football, can begin regular-season competition Aug. 12. Early soccer tests In boys’ soccer, Asheboro has racked up some of…

10 Aug

Prep football: Sudden change puts Heilig in charge at Providence Grove

Bob SuttonSportsDavid Hayes, Mark Heilig, prep football, Providence Grove athletics, Providence Grove Patriots

CLIMAX – Anything awkward about an August coaching change for Providence Grove’s football team isn’t a primary concern for interim coach Mark Heilig. There’s a fast-approaching season to prepare for. “My head has been spinning a little bit,” Heilig said. “(The amount) of time has been the big thing. There are so many things to do.” Heilig, a longtime assistant coach, has taken the position vacated by David Hayes, whose resignation Aug. 2 resulted in a trickle down of changes. That evening, Heilig was overseeing an open practice as part of the community night event on campus. Now it’s a…

07 Aug

New shops brewing in Liberty

Bob SuttonBusiness, Features, Newscoffee shop, Hops and Vine, Liberty, Liberty Grounds, Oak's Beans

Beverages and much more are available at Liberty Grounds. (Courtesy photo) LIBERTY – Two new business ventures are opening in Liberty with coffee themes and months of work in renovating buildings in an area of Randolph County that’s expected to grow rapidly. Liberty Grounds has opened, featuring a coffee shop and market. Soon, Oak’s Beans, Hops and Vine will be up and running, specializing in gourmet coffee, North Carolina wines and rotation options of craft beer. These are family operations and clearly new endeavors for the business owners. “This is a totally new adventure for all of us,” said Ginger…

06 Aug

Pitching depth could be focus for Post 45 in regional

Bob SuttonSportsAmerican Legion baseball, Asheboro, Drew Harmon, McCrary Park, Post 45, Randolph County Post 45, Ronnie Pugh, Southeast Regional

Drew Harmon throws a pitch for Randolph County Post 45 earlier this season in American Legion baseball. (Randolph Record) ASHEBORO – Randolph County Post 45 needs pitching depth to challenge for the American Legion’s Southeast Regional title. Despite a regular season that didn’t pan out well, Post 45 enters this week with a chance to make things right as the host team at McCrary Park. In order to advance as far as Sunday’s title game, Randolph County will rely on pitching. That’s where Drew Harmon and others can make a difference. Harmon emerged as among the key pitchers this year.…

04 Aug

Former Randleman pitcher Cooper opts for another year at Liberty

Bob SuttonSportsAppalachian League, Burlington Sock Puppets, College baseball, Liberty Flames, Randleman athletics, Randleman baseball, summer college baseball, Trey Cooper

Trey Cooper (Bob Sutton / Randolph Record) BURLINGTON – Even during a summer of baseball uncertainty for pitcher Trey Cooper, he was focused on development. The former Randleman pitcher wants to be a starting pitcher again. “Trying to get back in the starting routine,” Cooper said. Cooper has one season of college eligibility remaining and he entered the transfer portal after his second season at Liberty. It turns out, he’s staying with the Flames. For the second time in three years, he was pitching with the Burlington Sock Puppets, a collegiate summer team in the Appalachian League. Cooper said he…

03 Aug

After long break, Post 45 set for Southeast Regional

Bob SuttonSportsAmerican Legion baseball, McCrary Park, Post 45, Randolph County Post 45, Ronnie Pugh, Southeast Regional

Randolph County Post 45’s Caleb Stickle passes manager Ronnie Pugh while on a home run trot during a game in June at McCrary Park. (Randolph Record) ASHEBORO – The first part of the American Legion baseball season was too short for Randolph County Post 45. There’s still a chance for Post 45 to make it a long season. The team’s month-long layoff will end next week in the Southeast Regional at McCrary Park. As host, Post 45 has an automatic spot in the eight-team, double-elimination bracket. “We’ve had some times when we had a week to 10 days off, but…

02 Aug

Randolph Community College to offer tours, financial aid guidance

Bob SuttonNewscommencement, Franklinville, Randolph Community College, Shah Ardalan

ASHEBORO – Campus tours will be offered as part of information sessions to prepare Randolph Community College students for the start of the new school year. Next week’s session is slated for 4-7 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Continuing Education and Industrial Center at 413 Industrial Park Ave. in Asheboro. In addition to tours, assistance will be provided regarding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid program. New and returning students are welcome. “These initiatives are crucial in providing our prospective and returning students with the comprehensive support and guidance they need to embark on their academic journey with confidence,”…