nchsaa

Prep Sports Notes: Participant numbers rise; NCHSAA committee set for realignment

Prep Sports Notes: Participant numbers rise; NCHSAA committee set for realignment

Participation rose in many sports in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association for the 2023-24 school year in numbers compiled by the governing body. Based on the NCHSAA’s totals that came from member schools and released in July, there were increases in participants in every sport except for baseball compared to 2022-23. This spring, there was a 1.4 percent decline with 10,574 baseball players. There were significant boosts in boys’ golf (7 percent) and boys’ lacrosse (6 percent). The largest increase came in what’s called winter spirit (cheerleading). The uptick came in part because 60 schools joined that competition…
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Southwestern Randolph’s Popp cherishes tennis success, NCHSAA award

Southwestern Randolph’s Popp cherishes tennis success, NCHSAA award

Allie Popp (Courtesy of NCHSAA) ASHEBORO – Allie Popp’s senior year at Southwestern Randolph was her best on the tennis courts and beyond. Even with her playing days done, she was reaping awards. Popp was presented with the Pat Gainey Award, which is a student scholarship in memory of Pat Gainey of Dunn. The criteria includes at least a cumulative GPA of 3.2, possess a strong work ethic, demonstrate athletic success during the high school career and demonstrate respect for coaches and teammates. Popp was an ideal fit for that honor. “She is a natural leader who leads by example,…
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High School Notes: UCA cracks top 10 for Wells Fargo Cup

High School Notes: UCA cracks top 10 for Wells Fargo Cup

Uwharrie Charter Academy placed eighth in Class 1A for the Wells Fargo Cup for the 2023-24 school year. The award recognizes schools that achieved the best overall athletic performance within each North Carolina High School Athletic Association classification. The winner in Class 1A was Mount Airy, followed by Swain County, Bishop McGuinness, Christ the King, Mountain Island Charter, Corvian Community and Elkin. UCA moved into the top 10 based on results in spring sports. The Eagles won the Class 1A state championship in baseball for the second year in a row and the school’s softball team had a strong season.…
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Randolph County School System superintendent Stephen Gainey set for new NCHSAA role

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

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.…
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Wheatmore distance standout Hazelwood ready to run at different pace

Wheatmore distance standout Hazelwood ready to run at different pace

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…
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Hayleigh Thompson

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Hayleigh Thompson

Southwestern Randolph, softball Thompson played a key role as the Cougars captured the Class 2A state championship this spring. The senior had several crucial plate appearances during Southwestern Randolph’s postseason run. She also was the team’s first baseman, helping the infield for a team that rode its pitching and defense for much of the regular season and the state playoffs. Thompson’s single in the final inning of Game 2 of the state championship series against Midway sparked the title-clinching rally. She also had a single and drove in a run during the first game of the title series. Southwestern Randolph…
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Eagles soar to state baseball crown with stellar pitching

Eagles soar to state baseball crown with stellar pitching

The UCA baseball team collected another state championship banner. (NCHSAA photo) HOLLY SPRINGS – Uwharrie Charter Academy’s baseball team won in different fashions in two games in the Class 1A state finals at Ting Stadium. But stellar pitching was one of the staples as the Eagles repeated as state champions. UCA pitcher Brett Smith kept Northside-Pinetown in check and the Eagles were boosted by Trey Kennedy’s go-ahead home run in a 6-1 victory Saturday afternoon against Northside-Pinetown, sweeping the best-of-3 series. While UCA (28-6) needed an extra inning in the series opener Friday night, the Eagles had a less adventurous…
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Southwestern Randolph in softball, UCA in baseball close in on state titles

Southwestern Randolph in softball, UCA in baseball close in on state titles

Southwestern Randolph’s softball team and Uwharrie Charter Academy’s baseball team are both one victory away from state championships after winning Friday night in drastically different manners. Southwestern Randolph opened the Class 2-A state finals with a 13-0 blasting of Midway at UNC Greensboro. The game was reduced to five innings because of the mercy rule. The Cougars (22-7) go for their first title in 14 years with Game 2 at 2 p.m. Saturday. If necessary, Game 3 will be held at 5 p.m. or 8 p.m., depending on the status of the Class 4-A finals also taking place on the…
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Wheatmore denied in quest to return to state soccer final

Wheatmore denied in quest to return to state soccer final

MOORESVILLE – Wheatmore’s bid to make it to the state final in girls’ soccer for the third year in a row was dashed Tuesday night. Pine Lake Prep defeated the visiting Warriors 3-2 in the Class 2A West Region final in a rematch from last season. Ellie Garrison scored both goals for the sixth-seeded Warriors (17-5). Natalie Bowman provided an assist. Lucy Lockwood recorded 12 saves, though her four-game shutout streak ended. Avery Garrett, Maddyson Kerley and Morgan Reisig scored goals for top-seeded Pine Lake Prep. The game was tied 1-1 at halftime. Pine Lake Prep (20-1-1) will face East…
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Southwestern Randolph to play state softball finals at UNCG; In baseball, UCA goes back to same site as last year

Southwestern Randolph to play state softball finals at UNCG; In baseball, UCA goes back to same site as last year

Southwestern Randolph’s softball team will have to go just one county away to play in the Class 2A state finals this week. The Cougars will take on Midway in the best-of-3 series at UNC Greensboro. The Class 4A series between Garner and Weddington also will be at UNCG. In Class 2A, Game 1 will be at 8 p.m. Friday followed by Game 2 at 2 p.m. Saturday. If a third game is necessary, it’s tentatively set for 8 pm.. Saturday, though it will move to the 5 p.m. slot if a third game isn’t needed in Class 4A. The other…
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