Bob Sutton - Randolph Record

17 May

Bossong golf tournament provides good times as YMCA fundraiser

Bob SuttonBusinessBossong golf tournament, Golf, Randolph-Asheboro YMCA, tournament

ASHEBORO — The latest version of the Sam Bossong Golf Tournament was deemed another success. The 23rd annual version took place Friday at Pinewood Country Club. It’s one of four major fundraisers for the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA. “A lot of this money goes right back into our kids’ programs,” said Patrick O’Hara, executive director and CEO of the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA. “It has been a great fundraiser.” More than 100 golfers took part. O’Hara said the tournament often raises up to $15,000, with a silent auction a significant part of that. There were 28 foursomes, which is a large increase from the…

15 May

Randleman hits at another level in baseball playoff romps

Bob SuttonSportsAustin Lemons, Caleb Dunn, Class 2-A, Forbush, Hunter Atkins, Jake Smith, nchsaa, Prep baseball, Randleman baseball, Seth Way

RANDLEMAN – As the Class 2-A state playoffs began, Randleman’s baseball team cranked it up a notch. The Tigers know what it takes this time of the year. “We’ve got to keep up the energy,” senior second baseman Shawn Miller said. “We all know we’re good enough to be on the field.” For the two-time defending state champions, the bats have awakened. With Friday night’s power display, it was reminiscent of a season ago – with mostly different guys taking the swings. “More of what I expected throughout the year,” coach Jake Smith said of the offense. “Hopefully, we’re hitting…

06 May

Wheatmore’s new basketball coach familiar with rivalries

Bob SuttonSportsCraig Shoemaker, piedmont athletic conference, Prep Basketball, Tim Kelly, Wheatmore athletics

Craig Shoemaker is Wheatmore’s new boys’ basketball coach. (Courtesy photo) TRINITY – The more Craig Shoemaker learned about Wheatmore’s boys’ basketball program, the more he became interested in becoming the next coach. So he accepted the job and he’ll try another rebuilding project. “I was looking for a job,” Shoemaker said. “I didn’t know too much about Wheatmore. Seemed like they want someone to build it. I was very impressed by what I heard and saw.” Shoemaker had huge success during several seasons in 13 years at Ragsdale and more recently coached at Leadership Academy in Kernersville. Last season, the…

04 May

Lemons sours Trinity in eventful PAC Tournament final for Randleman’s baseball team

Bob SuttonSportsAustin Lemons, Drake Purvis, Hunter Atkins, nchsaa, piedmont athletic conference, Prep baseball, Randleman baseball, Seth Way, Trinity athletics

Randleman’s Austin Lemons had a big night on the mound and at the plate in the PAC Tournament final. (Bob Sutton/Randolph Record) RANDLEMAN – There was so much going on with Randleman’s baseball team in the Piedmont Athletic Conference Tournament final. Everything from Drake Purvis making his much-anticipated season debut to the Tigers racking up their 20th victory of the year. Yet pretty much nothing could overshadow Austin Lemons. The senior who mostly waited in the wings behind a stacked roster from a year ago emerged as the pitching and hitting standout in Randleman’s 4-0 victory against visiting Trinity on…

03 May

Tigers take different route, end up in PAC final

Bob SuttonSportsChesney Welch, Jake Smith, piedmont athletic conference, Prep baseball, Providence Grove athletics, Randleman athletics, Randleman baseball, Seth Way

One strike away from a tournament exit, Randleman overcomes Providence Grove RANDLEMAN – Randleman’s baseball team hadn’t been in many of these situations in recent years. Trailing by two runs and down to their final strike, the Tigers’ stranglehold on the Piedmont Athletic Conference was in jeopardy Tuesday night. Providence Grove was on the cusp of pulling off an upset in the PAC Tournament semifinal. “I haven’t been in that many situations like that.” Randleman junior Seth Way said. “Do what you have to do to win the game.” So he did. Down 0-2 in the count with runners on…

03 May

Asheboro’s park plan honors Jarrell family

Bob SuttonFeaturesAsheboro park, downtown, garden, Jarrell Center City Garden, land

ASHEBORO — More action should commence soon in turning an Asheboro park from a mere vision to a special recreational and relaxation area. Saturday’s ceremonial groundbreaking at the location was another step. “Going forward, we will be losing more and more green space,” Mayor David Smith said. “Having an opportunity provided by the Jarrell family to save this amazing historic site right downtown is wonderful. You don’t have an opportunity often to save a piece of property like this.” City officials have referred to the park as occupying a spot in a historic neighborhood within walking distance to downtown. It’s…

28 Apr

Randleman keeps it close to home with new girls’ coach

Bob SuttonSportspiedmont athletic conference, Prep Basketball, Randleman athletics, Steven Rightmyer

Steven Rightmyer was named coach of the Randleman girls’ basketball team. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) RANDLEMAN – The next step in Steven Rightmyer’s coaching ventures takes him to something different, but he’s also familiar with much of what’s involved in Randleman’s girls’ basketball program. He was named the next coach of the Tigers, who’ve been a power the past few years. “I always wanted to be a varsity coach,” Rightmyer said. “It’s a chance to step outside and try a new challenge.” That’s because Rightmyer has mostly been involved in coaching boys’ sports. He moves from his role as boys’ basketball…

27 Apr

Randleman golf farm set stage for Hall of Fame

Bob SuttonSportsAmateur golf, Ellen Griffin, NCSHOF, Pro golf, Randleman

Here’s Ellen Griffin with stock-car driving legend Richard Petty, who was at the Randleman farm to pick up a child after a golf lesson. (Courtesy photo) Former instructor created foundation for teaching, playing careers RANDLEMAN – From what was farmland in Randleman to much bigger stages, Ellen Griffin helped grow the game of golf. While that was decades ago, her legacy lives on. “It’s unbelievable people still remember her,” said Charlie Griffin, her nephew. Last week, Griffin was inducted posthumously into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame at Raleigh Convention Center. She was a golf instructor and helped form…

25 Apr

Parks keeps producing for Cougars in baseball

Bob SuttonSportsEthan Marsh, piedmont athletic conference, Southwestern Randolph baseball, Tyler Parks

Tyler Parks of Southwestern Randolph makes a throw in the field earlier this season. (Randolph Record) ASHEBORO – Tyler Parks is trying to make the most of his final games in high school baseball. The Southwestern Randolph senior has quite a bit ahead of him, but there are immediate matters that are important for now. “I just try to live in the moment and enjoy high school and not really think ahead,” Parks said. “I’m trying to just have as much fun as I can right now. Hopefully, we can get to win some games and that will be a…

22 Apr

Snotherly’s stellar career comes with skills, desire

Bob SuttonSportsBrecken Snotherly, Eastern Randolph, Eastern Randolph athletics, piedmont athletic conference, Prep Basketball, prep track and field

Brecken Snotherly had a wide array of ways to score with Eastern Randolph’s girls’ basketball team. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) Eastern Randolph senior relishes sports journey RAMSEUR – Brecken Snotherly’s path has taken a few turns during high school, but generally the Eastern Randolph standout athlete has reached her destinations. She put the basketball in the hoop at an alarmingly successful rate and she knows her way around running courses as well. Basketball became her passion and she’ll continue in that sport for East Tennessee State. “Basketball is my main thing,” she said. “I’ve been playing basketball since kindergarten. I just…