Sports - Randolph Record

30 Jun

Check on the PAC spring all-conference selections

Randolph RecordSportsAddie Flinchum, Chase Farlow, Dominic Payne, Eastern Randolph Wildcats, Gracie Beane, Jake Riddle, Jake Smith, Jensen Auman, Mollie Bulla, piedmont athletic conference, Providence Grove Patriots, Randleman Tigers, Ryan Marshall, Seth Way, Silas Jessup, Southwestern Randolph Cougars, Trinity Bulldogs, Ty Moton, Uwharrie Charter Academy Eagles, Wheatmore Warriors, Zach Hazelwood

Addie Flinchum of Eastern Randolph produced a special softball season. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) Piedmont Athletic Conference all-conference Randolph Record Here’s a list of the Piedmont Athletic Conference’s major award winners and all-conference selections for spring sports: Baseball Player of the Year: Seth Way (Randleman) Pitcher of the Year: Jake Riddle (Randleman) Coach of the Year: Jake Smith (Randleman) All-conference Randleman: Tate Andrews, Caden Lasley, Jake Riddle, Braxton Walker, Seth Way. Uwharrie Charter Academy: Tory Carver, Trey Kennedy, Brett Smith, Caleb Stickle. Wheatmore: Caleb Coggins, Clay Hill, Parker Kines. Trinity: Gage Griffiths, Brody Little, Andon Simmons, Ethan Willard Southwestern Randolph: Brady Armfield, Jonah Campbell, Lake Lunsford Providence Grove: Jayten Beasley,…

29 Jun

Randolph County School System superintendent Stephen Gainey set for new NCHSAA role

Bob SuttonSportsEducation, Macie Crutchfield, nchsaa, Randolph County School System, Southwestern Randolph, Stephen Gainey

Stephen Gainey, right, presents an award to Southwestern Randolph pitcher Macie Crutchfield after the Class 2A softball state finals earlier this month in Greensboro. (Jamie Kent / Special to Randolph Record) ASHEBORO – Stephen Gainey has been connected to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association for a long time. Now, there’s something more for the superintendent of the Randolph County School System. He’s the next president of the NCHSAA, which is the governing organization for sports in public schools in the state. He takes that position July 1. “I love the North Carolina High School Athletic Association,” Gainey said.…

28 Jun

Asheboro hires baseball coach from Bunker Hill

Bob SuttonSportsAsheboro Blue Comets, Brad Rudisell, McCrary Park, Mid-Piedmont Conference, Prep baseball

Brad Rudisell (Courtesy photo) ASHEBORO – Brad Rudisill has been hired as the next baseball coach at Asheboro High School, anxious to reap the benefits of the area’s rich youth baseball environment. Rudisill has been on the Bunker Hill baseball staff for the past three seasons, including the past two as head coach. He said he’s impressed with the commitment and facilities, both on campus and at McCrary Park, connected to Asheboro’s baseball program. “They didn’t leave any stone unturned,” he said. “Just a lot of commitment to excellence. The people were really passionate about Asheboro.” He fills the vacancy…

27 Jun

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Tucker Batten

Randolph RecordSportsathlete of the week, piedmont athletic conference, prep football, Prep tennis, Providence Grove athletics, Tucker Batten

Providence Grove, football / tennis He finished the school year as a multi-sport All-Piedmont Athletic Conference selection for his efforts in football and boys’ tennis. Batten was the kicker for Providence Grove’s football team, connecting for several key kicks during the past couple of seasons. He was on the All-PAC football team as a junior and senior. In tennis, Batten moved up to No. 1 singles for Providence Grove as a senior. ** During the summer, we recognize seniors from the past school year.

26 Jun

Blackledge builds own career with Asheboro ZooKeepers

Bob SuttonSportsAsheboro Zookeepers, Coastal Plain League, College baseball, Lenoir-Rhyne, Owen Blackledge, summer college baseball

Owen Blackledge has brought energy to the Asheboro ZooKeepers for a second summer. (Courtesy of Asheboro ZooKeepers) Son of former NFL quarterback makes good use of time in Asheboro ASHEBORO – At about this time last year, Owen Blackledge had just left Omaha, Neb., where he was a member of a College World Series team. While some goals and destinations have changed, Blackledge is now in the middle of his second season with the Asheboro ZooKeepers. The rising senior outfielder knows how to make adjustments. He once played collegiately for national power Texas Christian University and now has one year…

25 Jun

Stickle stays in groove with Randolph County Post 45

Bob SuttonSportsAmerican Legion baseball, Caleb Stickle, Grat Dalton, Liberty Post 81, Parker Kines, Post 45, Randolph County Post 45, Ronnie Pugh, Trey Kennedy, Uwharrie Charter Academy Eagles

Caleb Stickle, who began the month helping Uwharrie Charter Academy win a state championship, is a key infielder for Randolph County Post 45. (Bob Sutton / Randolph Record) ASHEBORO – Some of the tension might have lessened since the thrilling baseball postseason in high school for Caleb Stickle. But he said he doesn’t want his mindset to change with Randolph County Post 45. Fresh of Uwharrie Charter Academy’s second consecutive Class 1A state championship, he has graduated. Last week, he committed to play for Guilford Tech. “It was getting late,” he said of the desire to lock in a plan.…

24 Jun

Wheatmore distance standout Hazelwood ready to run at different pace

Bob SuttonSportsClass 2-A, nchsaa, prep track and field, Wheatmore athletics, Zach Hazelwood

Zach Hazelwood of Wheatmore relaxes after his final high school race last month in the Class 2A state meet. (Bob Sutton / Randolph Record) GREENSBORO – Zach Hazelwood is looking forward to more relaxing runs after a stellar high school career as the area’s top distance runner. Hazelwood finished his senior year for Wheatmore and figured it’s time to back off from the running pace. “I’m just about ready to be done,” he said following his final high school competition last month at North Carolina A&T’s track in Greensboro. Hazelwood placed 10th in the 3,200 meters in the Class 2A…

23 Jun

Asheboro fills all-conference slots on track and field, girls’ soccer teams plus top baseball pitcher

Randolph RecordSportsAsheboro Blue Comets, Carlisle Dozier, Connor Adams, Elijah Woodle, Jalaya Showers, Lance Everhart, Mid-Piedmont Conference, Prep baseball, Prep golf, prep soccer, Prep softball, Prep tennis, prep track and field, Sion Murrain, Valentino Mark

Asheboro senior Abby Becker heads the ball during a girls’ soccer game against Oak Grove during the past season. (PJ Ward-Brown / Randolph Record) Mid-Piedmont Conference all-conference Here’s a list of the Mid-Piedmont Conference’s major award winners plus Asheboro’s all-conference selections for spring sports: Baseball Co-Players of the Year: Justin Mabe (North Davidson), Dawson Shelton (Oak Grove) Pitcher of the Year: Connor Adams (Asheboro) Coach of the Year: Matt Griffin (North Davidson) Asheboro: Connor Adams, Shane Immel Boys’ golf Golfer of the Year: Lincoln Newton (Oak Grove) Coach of the Year: Will Essick (Oak Grove) Asheboro: None Girls’ Soccer Offensive Player of the…

22 Jun

Hunting and fishing permit costs going up July 1

Randolph RecordNews, Sportsfishing, hunting, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

The cost of North Carolina hunting and fishing permits are going up this year, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission announced this week. The license fees, which make up about a quarter of the agency's revenue, are rising around 20 percent, with the costs indexed to the rise in inflation since the last fee increase in January 2020. The revenue will go toward the NCWRC's own rising costs, which have been affected by inflation. The price adjustments are based on the Consumer Price Index changes, with all licenses, permits, stamps and certifications rising by 18.75 percent rounded up to the…

21 Jun

Trinity state champ Hardister discovers right combinations

Bob SuttonSportsBrandon Coggins, Gavin Hardister, prep wrestling, state tournament, Trinity Bulldogs

Gavin Hardister reacts at the end of the state final. (Photo provided) TRINITY – Gavin Hardister had a solid wrestling background as he came up through high school. Then the Trinity wrestler made his final season his best when he became a Class 2A state champion last winter. “I feel like I was always good enough,” he said. “There was always a moment that got in my head. (As a senior), I didn’t let the moment be too big.” He’ll take the next step soon as he heads to Iowa Western Community College, which is a National Junior College Athletic…