Storm Wheeler, right, is one of the top returning players for Polk County football.

COLUMBUS – Last year was an anomaly at Polk County.

Three football teams shared a piece of the Western Highlands Conference championship and the Wolverines weren’t one of them. They didn’t even get a chance to play the spoiler, going 0-3 against the WHC title-holders.

But back-to-back losses to Mountain Heritage (26-25) and Mitchell (28-27) were by one point apiece. And third-year coach Jamie Thompson sees a silver lining in being picked fifth in this year’s WHC coaches preseason poll, too.

As he astutely pointed out, that’s the exact forecast that the 2013 team overcame to give Polk County its fifth conference championship since 2006.

“I never put much stock in the preseason,” Thompson said.

“I feel really good about these kids. It’s one of the hardest-working groups I’ve ever seen and they’re reaping the benefits. They’ve made some tremendous gains in speed and strength. They’re a real pleasurable group to coach.”

Fourteen returning starters (seven on both sides of the ball) are looking to restore order, including junior lineman Devin Panchyshyn (4.7 tackles per game) is the team’s lone returning All-WHC player back from 2015.

Dillon Overholt is another junior who has a tough act to follow in more ways than one. His predecessor at quarterback, Jamal Tanner, set 14 school records as well as the NCHSAA mark for career kickoff return touchdowns (eight).

Overholt’s cousin, Derrick, was a 2007 Shrine Bowl player for the Wolverines.

Overholt missed a chunk of last season due to a knee injury, but his primary contribution were five tackles per game on defense.

Seniors Storm Wheeler and Joshua Chupp both had 10 or more receptions last season. Wheeler was also the second-leading rusher for last year’s team with 32.4 yards per game. Jaymes Wingo returns at fullback.

Polk County is pretty seasoned up front. Panchyshyn, Donovan Twitty, Marquise Lipscomb, Braden Miller have all started at some point in the past.

Panchyshyn, Twitty and Miller should also see time on the defensive front.

Overholt won’t have much time to catch his breath at free safety. Elijah Sutton is another two-way player in the secondary. He could also get carries at tailback.

Chupp will play some at linebacker.

Note: The Citizen-Times will publish its annual Western North Carolina football preview in the Aug. 14 print edition. A complete preview of Polk County will be available then. 

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

All-state linebacker Charlie Claffey (35) averaged 10 tackles per game for Christ School in 2015.

A back injury could spell the end for Charlie Claffey’s high school football career.

The rising senior is not expected to play this upcoming season for Christ School. Claffey averaged 10 tackles per year in 2015 and was an NCISAA all-state linebacker.

The Greenies are home for their season opener Aug. 20 against Winston-Salem Atkins. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. from Fayssoux Field.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Erwin senior Damien Ferguson.

ASHEVILLE – Damien Ferguson drops back now and everything comes naturally.

It didn’t always look so easy.

The preseason Mountain Athletic Conference Player of the Year wasn’t even the next-in-line to play quarterback for Erwin in 2014.

Brothers Garrett Brown (2011) and Austin Brown (2013) left quite a void as Citizen-Times All-WNC Players of the Year at the position. And a different individual started the Warriors’ season opener two years ago.

Ferguson came off the bench that fateful night, sparking the offense to 27 unanswered points in a 41-24 win over visiting East Rutherford.

Ferguson’s first name was misspelled “Damein” in the next day’s edition of the Citizen-Times as it read that same way on Erwin’s MaxPreps page at the time.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Ferguson is a 6-foot-1, 175-pound senior with 5,590 career passing yards who has a real shot at breaking Western North Carolina’s all-time record (7,895), set seven years ago by Tuscola graduate Tyler Brosius.

Ferguson threw for 2,993 yards in 2015 despite missing entire games with an ankle injury.

“The games slows down a lot the more games you play and you learn to let things develop,” Ferguson said.

“My number one goal is to help this team win a MAC championship.”

Erwin’s Mike Sexton has coached both Brosius and Ferguson. Warriors assistant coach Bucky Tarr works with the team’s quarterbacks.

“It’s not every often that you get a third-year starter,” Sexton said.

“That third year is so important. It makes you better offensively and makes a big difference in how you coach when you have someone like Damien on the field.”

Ferguson has plenty of company on what looks to be an extraordinary quarterback class for the mountains.

Brevard senior Tanner Ellenberger (1,537 yards and 12 touchdowns with seven interceptions) is the WNC Athletic Conference’s preseason player of the year. Mountain Heritage junior Trey Robinson (2,264 rushing yards, 1,007 passing yards, and 45 combined touchdowns) received the same designation in the Western Highlands 1-A/2-A, as did Murphy junior Joey Curry (927 yards and nine touchdowns with one interception) in the Smoky Mountain 1-A.

Christ School’s Drew Johnson (2,717 yards and 26 touchdowns with nine interceptions), Mitchell’s Ben Young (2,535 yards and 20 touchdowns with 12 interceptions) and Cherokee’s Tye Mintz (1,872 yards and 17 touchdowns with 15 interceptions) are all juniors. Asheville High’s Devon Davidson (1,632 yards with 13 touchdowns with 10 interceptions), Hayesville’s Kyle Rhinehardt (1,308 yards and 16 touchdowns with 10 interceptions) and Pisgah’s Houston Rogers (1,165 yards and 13 touchdowns with six interceptions) are all seniors who are comfortable inside and outside of the pocket.

The Citizen-Times will publish its annual Western North Carolina football preview in the Aug. 14 edition of the newspaper. 

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Virginia Tech has offered a football scholarship to Asheville High rising junior Andrew Leota.

ASHEVILLE – Asheville High rising junior Andrew Leota is ready to dive head-first into college football recruiting.

He made a big splash on Monday — Leota received his first scholarship offer from Virginia Tech.

The Hokies are eyeing the 6-foot-3, 220-pound prospect as a defensive end. Leota averaged 5.0 tackles per game and was part of the All-Mountain Athletic Conference and Citizen-Times All-WNC teams as a sophomore.

“It’s great to have that first offer on the table, especially from Virginia Tech. They were really good to me,” Leota said.

“My brother (South Carolina incoming freshman Pete Leota) really got my foot in the door. He has taught me a lot that is helping with this process. I got (a first offer) sooner than he did, so that’s great.”

Leota and Asheville begin their season Aug. 19 at Franklin. He is one of three returning starters for the Cougars’ 3-4 defense. The other two are Makaius Brewer (6.8 tackles per game last year) and Micah Robertson.

“We’ve got some really good players coming back,” Leota said.

“I’m excited about it. We’re looking forward to having a great season.”

First-year Asheville coach David Burdette said that Leota is not only highly-talented, but very coachable.

“The thing that impresses me the most about Andrew is his character,” Burdette said.

“He’s always been a yes sir, no sir type of kid and we love him for that.”

Pete “Pika” Leota, who is a 6-foot-5, 300-pound lineman, signed with South Carolina in February. Virginia Tech had been his other finalist.

Naturally, Andrew Leota was one of the family members in attendance for the signing.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Erwin rising senior Cameron Howell has committed to play college baseball for Mars Hill.

Erwin rising senior Cameron Howell has committed to play college baseball for Mars Hill.

Howell was an All-Mountain Athletic Conference infielder/pitcher for the Warriors (7-16) this past season. He had five of their wins, a 1.86 earned-run average and 78 strikeouts in 60.1 innings pitched.

“Cam is a great kid who is turning into a young man,” Erwin coach Caleb Harbin said.

“He shows great leadership and never complains about anything. He is just a workhorse. Anytime you commit this early, it’s great, especially for a program like Mars Hill and a coach like (Lions coach Aaron Rembert).”

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Recent Asheville High graduate Reggie Battle has committed to play college football for Mars Hill.

As of today, there are 247 Western North Carolina athletes who have committed or signed to play college sports.

The following list includes scholarship and walk-on athletes.

Coaches, parents and athletes, if you know of anyone we have missed or have signing photos to share throughout the school year, please send an e-mail to apearson@citizen-times.com. All signing photos will be posted here on the High School Huddle and to our Instagram account.

BASEBALL

Garrett Blaylock, Roberson to Vanderbilt*

Kyle Cagle, Reynolds to Carson-Newman

Noah Cook, Asheville to Montreat

Trenton Davis, Roberson to Campbell

Ryan Decker, North Henderson to North Carolina Central

Cam Dotson, Rosman to Brevard College

Harrison Duncan, Murphy to Emmanuel

J.D. Edwards, Polk County to Brevard College

Zack Epps, Swain County to Chattanooga State

Will Fleming, Christ School to Wake Forest*

Nate Fore, Roberson to Belmont Abbey

Bryce Foster, Brevard to Brevard College

Zach Franklin, McDowell to Western Carolina

Colton Garland, Mountain Heritage to South Carolina-Aiken

Langston Haden, Asheville to Millsaps

Noah Heatherly, Tuscola to Piedmont

Cole Hooper, Smoky Mountain to N.C. State*

Cameron Howell, Erwin to Mars Hill*

Trystan Jones, Madison to Brevard College

Tucker Kuykendall, Enka to VMI*

Tyler Leek, Hayesville to North Greenville

Jared Patterson, Asheville to Methodist

Tyler Petit, Rosman to Brevard College

Jack Ponder, Enka to UNC Greensboro*

Michael Ponder, North Buncombe to Mars Hill

Michael Reynolds, Christ School to College of Charleston*

Josh Rice, Rosman to Central Alabama

Jake Sutton, Tuscola to Brevard College

Hunter Stewart, Blue Ridge to Mars Hill

Collin Watt, Roberson to East Carolina*

Collin Wheeler, North Buncombe to Hiwassee

Ryan Zwier, Christ School to Washington (Md.)

BASKETBALL

Tory Agrusa, Franklin to Catawba Valley

Brooklyn Allen, Pisgah to Appalachian State

Zach Cottrell, Hayesville to Appalachian State

John Fulkerson, Christ School to Tennessee

Kendra Griffin, Erwin to Charleston

Lauren Guthrie, North Buncombe to Montreat

Chapman Harwood, Temple Baptist to Bob Jones

Tess Harris, Carolina Day to Western Carolina

Jessica Hoilman, Avery County to Emory & Henry

Josh Jones, Reynolds to William Peace

Spencer Kirkpatrick, Carolina Day to North Greenville

Hayley Kropp, Polk County to Guilford Tech

LeLe Lossiah, Cherokee to Warren Wilson

Colby Maltry, North Buncombe to Brevard College

Cheyenne Matson, McDowell to Erskine

Jason McMillan, Cherokee to Western Carolina

Rachel Owen, Rosman to Brevard College

Mikayla Ray, Carolina Day to William Peace

Zach Reeves, Christ School to Lindsey Wilson

Ben Riddle, Blue Ridge to Central Carolina

Damon Scott, Asheville to Emory & Henry

Jordan Shepherd, Asheville Christian Academy to Oklahoma

Zach Stroup, Rosman to Brevard College

Jamal Tanner, Polk County to Catawba Valley

Jacob Waldroop, Avery County to Milligan

Kaitlyn Wood, Smoky Mountain to Montreat

CHEERLEADING & DANCE

Jessica Clifford, Tuscola to Wake Forest

Macey Davis, Tuscola to North Carolina

FIELD HOCKEY

Lia Messersmith, Asheville to Mount Holyoke

FOOTBALL

Isaac Allen, Mountain Heritage to Wingate

Tommy Apostolopoulos, North Buncombe to Centre

Reggie Battle, Asheville to Mars Hill

Najae Buchanan, Reynolds to Mars Hill

Bryson Buckner, Enka to Mars Hill

Tanner Bullock, West Henderson to Brevard College

Britt Burleson, Mountain Heritage to Lenoir-Rhyne

Wyatt Burnette, Franklin to Western Carolina

Chase Campbell, McDowell to Emory & Henry

Michael Cantrell, Enka to Mars Hill

Jordan Cody, Swain County to Mars Hill

Michael Cook, Hendersonville to Guilford

Trevor Craft, North Henderson to Brevard College

Jordan Davis, Tuscola to Carson-Newman

Rico Dowdle, Reynolds to South Carolina

Chase Fisher, Smoky Mountain to Western Carolina

Caleb Gilbert, Brevard to Brevard College

Trace Goldsmith, East Henderson to Mars Hill

Tanner Green, Rosman to Carson-Newman

Brent Hammer, Avery County to Averett

Austin Hedrick, Robbinsville to Limestone

Aundreas Hill, Reynolds to Mars Hill

Mason Isgrig, North Buncombe to Centre

Brandon Johnson, North Henderson to Brevard College

Pete Leota, Asheville to South Carolina

A.J. Logan, Reynolds to Appalachian State

David Mackey, Pisgah to Mars Hill

Jake Marr, Swain County to Carson-Newman

Cole McCarson, North Henderson to Centre

Rayonte Mills, Erwin to Maryville

Colton Millsaps, Robbinsville to Mars Hill

Drew Mitchell, North Henderson to Brevard College

Kennan Panther, Cherokee to Carson-Newman

Cameron Parker, Roberson to East Tennessee State

Blaise Parker, McDowell to Centre

Chase Parker, North Buncombe to Wingate

Michael Parrott, Pisgah to Alabama*

Stephen Perron, West Henderson to Centre

Marc Peterson, Erwin to Maryville

Clay Privette, West Henderson to Brevard College

Michael Schmidt, Hendersonville to Air Force

David Schill, Asheville School to Centre

Jay Spencer, East Henderson to Mars Hill

Hunter Stanley, Rabun Gap (Cashiers resident) to Gardner-Webb

Logan Teesateskie, Cherokee to Carson-Newman

Tristan Thomas, West Henderson to Carson-Newman

Ricky Thrash, North Buncombe to North Carolina Wesleyan

Eunique Waters, Reynolds to Shorter

Zach Webster, Tuscola to Carson-Newman

Ashton Woodring, North Henderson to Brevard College

GOLF

Chris Akers, Christ School to East Carolina

Nick Boone, Pisgah to Mars Hill

Ashley Cauthen, East Henderson to Milligan

Michael Freeman, Christ School to Davidson

Thomas Garbee, Christ School to Navy

Aaron Graham, Christ School to Appalachian State

Kelton Mills, Hendersonville to Alcorn State

Carson Ownbey, Christ School to Charlotte%

Callista Rice, North Buncombe to Clemson*

Candler Rice, Carolina Day to Berry

Matt Sharpstene, Roberson to West Virginia

Andrew Stewart, Erwin to Montreat

LACROSSE

Bailey Gentry, Franklin to Truett McConnell

Will Iorio, Christ School to VMI

Riley Smith, Christ School to High Point

ROWING

Jake Brock, Roberson to Jacksonville

Abby Hudspeth, Roberson to North Carolina

Caleigh Sewell, Roberson to North Carolina

SOCCER

Jeremy Allsbrook, Polk County to Gardner-Webb

Celine Jacobi Barham, Reynolds to Cape Fear

Corban Crosley, Asheville Christian Academy to Liberty

Kaley Cross, Reynolds to Lenoir-Rhyne

Alejandro Escobedo, Enka to Brevard College

Mac Gourlay, Carolina Day to N.C. State*

Nick Green, Avery County to Maryville

Karissa Grooms, Reynolds to Chowan

Elizabeth Guffey, home-schooled student to Taylor

Emma Hall, Asheville to Francis Marion*

Katlyn Hill, East Henderson to Brevard College

Austin Howard, Carolina Day to Denison

Emily Hull, Carolina Day to Davidson*

Will Jones, Asheville to Emory

Bryan Juarez, East Henderson to Brevard College

Caroline Lee, Polk County to Southeastern Louisiana

Joevell Lee, Enka to Brevard College

Ty Lenk, Owen to New Rochelle

Ashley Love, Polk County to Emory & Henry

Jordan Melvin, Reynolds to Tusculum

Urijah Morrison, Reynolds to North Caroina Wesleyan

River Naisang, Reynolds to Mars Hill

Ben Nickol, Tuscola to Wofford

Aidan O’Brien, Asheville to South Carolina*

Cassidy Pate-Moore, Tuscola to Queens

Ashlyn Perkins, Reynolds to Mars Hill

Young Perry, Christ School to Wofford

Abby Proben, Pisgah to Maryville

Wil Rimer, Polk County to Emory & Henry

Roberto Salazar, East Henderson to Brevard College

Christina Shimshock, Reynolds to Lenoir-Rhyne

Johanna Stichel, Asheville to Greensboro*

Rachel Swaim, Tuscola to Greensboro

Massi Tager, Asheville to Emory & Henry

Ashley Weidlich, Tuscola to Tusculum

Sidnie Yanez, Cherokee to Brevard College

SOFTBALL

Cassidy Allen, North Buncombe to Mars Hill

Kloyee Anderson, Enka to Alabama%

Michalyn Bingham, McDowell to Indian River State

Alivia Brigman, Owen to Piedmont

Teegan Bullock, North Henderson to Brevard*

Casey Gilbert, Brevard to Walters State

Brittany Fletcher, Enka to Texas Woman’s

Samantha Gosnell, Madison to Milligan

Haley Gowan, McDowell to South Carolina-Aiken

Melody Hannah, Tuscola to North Greenville%

Addison Harris, Enka to Mars Hill

Josie Harris, Reynolds to Montreat

Abigail Knight, Robbinsville to Virginia Tech#

Jordan Kielson, Pisgah to Lander%

Ashley Love, Polk County to Emory & Henry

Micayla McCoy, Smoky Mountain to Georgia Highlands

Makayla McNeill, Brevard to Brevard College

Michaela Morris, West Henderson to King

Autumn Owen, Polk County to Gardner-Webb%

Courtney Pearson, Enka to Queens

Olivia Presley, Owen to Brevard College

Samantha Schmidt, Roberson to Erskine

Mikki Shelton, McDowell to Montreat

Haylie Shope, Hiwassee Dam to Kennesaw State

Jaiden Tweed, Owen to Presbyterian%

Aly Woody, McDowell to Montreat

SWIMMING

Cora Dodson, Tuscola to Lenoir-Rhyne

Annie Ly, Tuscola to King

Jack MacDonald, Tuscola to Cleveland State

Emma May, Carolina Day to Centre

Tori Rigsby, Erwin to Mars Hill

TENNIS

Christine Osborne, Owen to Montreat

Savannah Smith, West Henderson to Belmont-Abbey

TRACK & FIELD

Jessica Bailey, Polk County to Salem

Jade Baldwin, East Henderson to Campbell

Mitchell Brown, Polk County to Winston-Salem State

Nathan Brown, East Henderson to Mars Hill

Tameeia Brown, Polk County to Western Carolina

Logan Burroughs, East Henderson to Pfeiffer

Lydia Cagle, Tuscola to Shippensburg

Skyler Cantrell, Madison to Mars Hill

Kaitlyn Carringer, Robbinsville to Milligan

Naomi Cartier, Asheville to Boston College

Gabi Davis, Asheville School to Emory

Jacob Davis, Roberson to Charlotte

Rylee Dean, West Henderson to Western Carolina

Sean Doyle, Polk County to Appalachian State

Jacob Franklin, Tuscola to Adams State

Tyler Holloway, Andrews to Mars Hill

Mason Isgrig, North Buncombe to Centre

Hannah Jones, Tuscola to Gardner-Webb

Chesley Krug, Roberson to Navy

Shawnda Martin, Robbinsville to Western Carolina

Blakely Moore, Highlands to Lee

Noah Shore, Asheville to North Carolina

Brooke Turner, Tuscola to Liberty

Sage Turner, Enka to UNC Asheville

Adam Urbaniuk, Hayesville to Western Carolina

Anna Vess, Reynolds to N.C. State

Garret Welsh, Owen to Milligan

Amy Yarborough, Hendersonville to Western Carolina

VOLLEYBALL

Mary Catherine Ball, West Henderson to Belmont*

Morgan Ballard, North Buncombe to Wofford

Emma Binns, Roberson to Tennessee%

Alex Boone, Mountain Heritage to Charlotte*

Gracie Carrick, West Henderson to Winthrop

Callie Chappell, Rosman to Brevard College

Liana Elliott, McDowell to Montreat

Ramsey Fullmer, Smoky Mountain to Catawba Valley

Destynee Galloway, West Henderson Francis Marion*

Taylor Houck, West Henderson to Tennessee Tech

SallyAnne Johnson, Enka to Mars Hill

Sierra Jones, West Henderson to Presbyterian*

Courtney Koehler, Reynolds to South Carolina

Caroline Marsh, North Henderson to UNC Wilmington*

Cameron McAbee, North Buncombe to Tusculum

Isabella Perron, West Henderson to Queens

Gabrielle Rancourt, Asheville School to Muhlenberg

Savanna Roper, Hendersonville to Centre*

Emily Russell, Reynolds to Towson

WRESTLING

Solomon Duncan, Mitchell to Johns Hopkins

Conor Fenn, Asheville School to Davidson

Jon Hall, Enka to Ferrum

Jeremiah Royer, Pisgah to Greensboro

Conan Wilson, Erwin to Greensboro

* – junior

% – sophomore

# – freshman

Note: Grade levels are based off of the 2015-16 school year.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Roberson rising junior Aaron McKeithan has been invited to the Perfect Game Underclass All-American Games which are Aug. 15 and 16 in San Diego.

Roberson rising junior Aaron McKeithan has been invited to the Perfect Game Underclass All-American Games which are Aug. 15 and 16 in San Diego.

McKeithan is a catcher/infielder/outfielder who was named to the All-Mountain Athletic Conference team last spring. He batted .408 with 27 RBIs and 10 doubles for the MAC 4-A champion Rams (24-4).

McKeithan has played for the Asheville American Legion Post 70 and Region VIII State Games teams this summer. His showcase team is the Impact Baseball Dirtbags.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Murphy rising junior Royce Peterson has been named to the Perfect Game World Wood Bat Association 16 and under national championship’s all-tournament team.

Murphy rising junior Royce Peterson has been named to the Perfect Game World Wood Bat Association 16 and under national championship’s all-tournament team.

He is a third baseman.

The tournament took place July 8-15 in Emerson, Ga. Peterson batted .500 with six RBIs and five runs scored for the Premier Baseball Redbirds (Ga.).

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Recent Asheville High graduate Jalaan McPhail has committed to play college basketball for Montreat.

Mont

ASHEVILLE – Montreat basketball was holding a spot for Jalaan McPhail.

He has claimed it.

The recent Asheville High graduate is the latest local recruit for the Cavaliers men’s program.

McPhail is a forward who averaged 8.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game for the Cougars (16-8) last season. He was an honorable mention All-Mountain Athletic Conference selection.

“We were waiting for some test scores to come back, and now I know (Montreat) is putting together a package for him. We’re all happy for Jalaan,” Asheville coach Sonita Warren-Dixon said.

The Cougars were the runner-up in last winter’s MAC 3-A race and McPhail is the second college recruit from that team. Guard Damon Scott has signed with Emory & Henry (Va.). Scott was the MAC Player of the Year, the MVP of the Blue-White All-Star game and an East-West All-Star.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Recent Murphy graduate Ozzy Corrales has committed to play college football for Emory & Henry (Va.).

A couple of Cherokee County football rivals will be on the same side in college.

Andrews lineman Willie Parker and Murphy linebacker/running back Ozzy Corrales are two recent high school graduates who both plan to attend Emory & Henry (Va.).

Corrales was an All-Smoky Mountain Conference two-way player for the Bulldogs (10-4) in 2015. He averaged 9.6 tackles per game and rushed for 273 yards and two touchdowns.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

North Henderson graduate Zack Gahagan, far left, is playing his summer baseball for the Brewster (Mass.) Whitecaps.

North Henderson graduate Zack Gahagan seems to be getting exactly what he wants out of his summer in the Cape Cod Baseball League.

And the Brewster (Mass.) Whitecaps are lucky to have him, too.

Gahagan comes into Tuesday batting .278 with 18 RBIs, 16 walks, six doubles and three home runs for Brewster (14-20). The corner infielder from the University of North Carolina is tied for the team lead in doubles and second in RBIs.

Gahagan is a 2014 Knights graduate. He hit .297 with 34 RBIs, six doubles and five home runs for the Tar Heels (34-21) as a sophomore.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Former McDowell girls basketball coach Mike Silver will be inducted into the NCHSAA hall of fame next April.

Former McDowell girls basketball, softball and volleyball coach Mike Silver is part of the NCHSAA’s next hall of fame class.

More from the state association:

NCHSAA Hall of Fame Class of 2016 announced

CHAPEL HILL – The North Carolina High School Athletic Association is proud to announce the eight-member Class of 2016 for the organization’s prestigious Hall of Fame. The class will be the 30th honored by the NCHSAA when they are inducted at a banquet ceremony on April 9, 2017 in Chapel Hill.

The eight selected are chosen based on their long-term contributions to high school interscholastic athletics in the NCHSAA or in the parent organizations that gave rise to the NCHSAA. This year’s eight honorees are Donnie Davis, Herb Goins, Leroy Holden, Robert “Bob” Murphrey, Mike Silver, William “Bill” Steed, Ralph “Jug” Wilson and Marty (Pridgen) Woods.
This class brings the total number enshrined in the Hall of Fame to 180 members.

Donnie Davis – Burlington – Hugh M. Cummings H.S.

Donnie Davis from Burlington has a long track record of dedicated service to Cummings High School’s track team. Davis has served the City of Burlington as Superintendent of Sanitation from 1980 until 2006 when he retired. From 1987 until 2003 when he was named the Cummings Head Track and Field Coach, Davis volunteered as Assistant Track and Field Coach for both the indoor and outdoor teams. He has been a part of 26 team State Championships, spanning from 1987 to 2016. His teams finished as state runners-up 11 times, he coached 136 Individual Event State Champions and 30 State Meet MVP’s. Remarkably, he has coached at least 1 state champion in the hurdles events for 22 consecutive years.

As a 12-time State Coach of the Year and 7-time winner of the same honor in his conference, Davis has helped raise money to resurface the track at Cummings and annually raises money to provide rings for championship teams as well as travel funds for athletes who qualify for National High School Championships. Davis’ love of track and field also has propelled him to work 30+ hours a week during the summer as an Associate Head Coach of the Durham Striders Youth Organization since 1983. He was inducted into the Cummings High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2011 and was named the United States Olympic Committee’s Developmental Track and Field Coach of the Year in 2012.

Herb Goins – High Point – T.W. Andrews H.S.

Herb Goins began his career as a head football and wrestling coach at Northern Durham in 1969. His career took him to Guilford County Schools where he was the head football coach at T.W. Andrews High School in High Point from 1976-1991, winning two state championships while compiling a record of 169-73-2. He was also the school’s athletic director for 16 years before moving on to City/County Athletic Director positions in High Point Public Schools, Durham Public Schools and Guilford County.

Goins has provided leadership in athletics that has given hundreds of students the opportunity to advance their educational careers beyond the high school level. Goins is a past president of the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association and was named to that association’s Hall of Fame in 2012. That same year the field house at A.J. Simeon Stadium in High Point was named in his honor with overwhelming community support. Even in retirement, Goins has maintained an active role in the NC Athletic Directors Association by attending their annual meeting making himself available to others seeking advice. He also continues to serve on the Board of Directors for the Greensboro Sports Council and as the treasurer of the Corrigan-Faircloth Chapter of the National Football Foundation which awards scholarships to high school football players in Alamance, Guilford and Forsyth Counties.

Leroy Holden – Charlotte – North Mecklenburg H.S.

Leroy Holden spent 40 years working in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), with 38 of those years coming at North Mecklenburg High. He spent 25 of those years as the school’s head basketball coach seeing his teams win 464 games and make six regional appearances from 1984 to 1994 reaching one 4A state final in 1987.  As an athletic director, Holden oversaw a spectacular run for North Mecklenburg that saw the school reach two more state basketball finals in 2005 and 2006 among very successful stretches for other programs. In 2012 the school named the gymnasium in Holden’s honor.

Holden was awarded the NCHSAA’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008, the Region 6 Unsung Hero Award in 2007 and was Region 6 Athletic Director of the Year in 2004. He was chosen as conference coach of the year on seven different occasions. During the span from 1977 to 1999, Holden served as Head Baseball Coach, Head Softball Coach, Head Tennis Coach, Assistant Football Coach and Assistant Track and Field Coach at various stages. He was inducted into the Western Carolina University Sports Hall of Fame in 2014 and named as one of the NCHSAA’s Top 100 Coaches in North Carolina in 2013.

Robert “Bob” Murphrey – Ayden – Ayden H.S. & Ayden-Grifton H.S.

Bob Murphrey enjoyed a stellar career in Eastern North Carolina, where he served as a baseball and basketball coach at Ayden and then Ayden-Grifton for 43 years. During his first year at Ayden he won a 1A baseball state championship and compiled a 22-4 record in basketball as his team’s run in the playoffs was stopped by Tommy Burleson. Murphrey went on to compile a stellar 682-327 record in basketball and was the winningest active basketball coach in the state when he retired in 2008. His teams won three state basketball championships (1974, 1991 & 1992) and finished second in the state in 1985.

Murphrey has the school gymnasium at Ayden-Grifton named in his honor and was selected to the George Whitfield Hall of Fame. He has also received the state’s highest citizen honor as he was given the “Order of the Long Leaf Pine” award in 2006. He taught Health and Physical Education, History and even Driver Education during his tenure as well as conducted many basketball clinics and camps in the Pitt County area.

Mike Silver – Old Fort – McDowell H.S.

Kermit Michael Silver was born in the mountains of McDowell County in 1953 and came to love basketball during his time at Old Fort High School. After graduation he played four years at Presbyterian College where he was a senior captain and was ranked among the top 10 in the nation in free throw percentage his senior year. Upon graduation in 1975, he moved back to his home town and McDowell High School where he took a job as biology and driver’s education teacher as well as head women’s basketball coach.

As a women’s basketball coach, Silver’s teams compiled a 650-201 record in 32 seasons. He won a state championship in 1991, four regional championships, 15 conference championships, 13 Christmas Tournament titles, 12 Conference Tournament Championships. Silver sent more than 80 students on to play at the collegiate level and when he retired in 2007, he was first in wins among active women’s basketball coaches in the state.

Not only a spectacular basketball coach, but an advocate for women’s sports programs, Silver was responsible for beginning the women’s softball program at McDowell in 1976, serving as the program’s head coach from 1976 until 1997. His softball teams won four conference championships and finished second in the state in 1986-87. He also started the women’s volleyball program at McDowell, coaching the program for three years from 1985-1987.

Dr. William “Bill” Steed – Mocksville – Davie Co. Schools

After graduating from East Carolina University, Bill Steed began his career as a social studies teacher with Moore County Schools. Little did he know that his decision to do so would lead to a 43-year career in public education that would see him serve as an Assistant Principal, Principal, Superintendent, an NCHSAA Board of Directors member, and as a Charter Member of the North Carolina Association of School Administrators. He is one of a select few individuals who have served as NCHSAA Board of Directors President on two occasions.
Steed grew up in Robbins where he played 8-man football at Elise High School and was selected to the Raleigh News and Observer’s annual All-East 8-Man Football Team in 1962. He spent 20 years as a Superintendent with Davie County Schools, during which time he served on the NCHSAA Board of Directors as well as the chairman of Visiting Committees for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools on six occasions. He and his wife Marie are long-time members of the First United Methodist Church in Mocksville and have three adult daughters.

Ralph “Jug” Wilson – Glen Alpine – Glen Alpine H.S. & Freedom H.S.

The late Ralph “Jug” Wilson began his coaching career as a football coach at Glen Alpine High School in 1949. Between that time and 1973 when the school was consolidated into Freedom High School, Wilson’s teams won four Regional State Championships (1961, 1962, 1964 & 1965) and finished as regional runner up twice (1966 & 1967). His teams compiled an impressive 198-60-8 mark at Glen Alpine including 12 conference championships and a single conference co-championship. He also served as Glen Alpine’s men’s basketball coach for 15 years, the women’s basketball coach for 10 years, the school’s baseball coach and men’s track coach winning four more conference championships collectively. Wilson was integral in the creation of the Skyline Conference and served many years in various administrative capacities.

When Glen Alpine was consolidated into Freedom in 1973, Wilson coached the football team until 1983, winning three conference championships while posting a 64-39-1 record. He was also the school’s track coach, winning two conference titles, while serving as the school’s athletic director. Wilson coached many football all-star games including the North/South Game on four occasions, the 1966 NC Shrine Bowl team and the East/West All Star Game. He was a longtime member of the Glen Alpine United Methodist Church and a charter member of the Morganton Breakfast Optimist Club. In the summer, Wilson enjoyed coaching T-Ball Summer Leagues and managing the Shuey Field baseball and softball complex for Morganton Recreation Department. He was inducted into the WNC Sports Hall of Fame and the Burke County Sports Hall of Fame in 1995.

Marica “Marty” Woods – Stoneville – Dalton McMichael H.S.

Marty Woods began her coaching career in 1977 after graduating from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro when she took a job as a teacher and coach in Rockingham County. Her career brought her to the volleyball court and the softball field where she built successful program during her time at Madison-Mayodan High School and then at Dalton McMichael High School beginning in 1989. She has coached volleyball for 36 years, compiling a 599-254 record, her teams have posted a winning record in each of the last 35 seasons. Remarkably in all those years of volleyball, she’s never had a yellow or red card for unsportsmanlike conduct for herself or one of her players. Woods coached softball for 24 years including a State Championship victory in 1982.

Off the field, she has played an influential role in the NCHSAA by serving on the NFHS Softball Rules committee for four years, helping to edit the softball rules book for the nation. She won many Conference Coach of the Year Awards and has been named the Regional Coach of the year as well as State Coach of the Year in 2005. She was named to the prestigious Homer Thompson Annual “Eight Who Make A Difference” list by the NCHSAA and was awarded Rockingham County School’s Naismith Coach of the Year award in 2012. Active in her community, she is a Sunday School Teacher, Bible School Worker, Special Olympic Volleyball Coach and cancer survivor. When she retired from teaching in 2008, McMichael High named the gymnasium in her honor.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Pisgah’s Nick Boone.

Results from a Western North Carolina Junior Golf Association tournament played July 18 and 19 in Black Mountain:

Brevard’s Will Byrd

Results from a Western North Carolina Junior Golf Association tournament played June 22 and June 23 at Connestee Falls:

Coach Stephanie McCormick and Western Carolina will host a girls basketball camp next week.

Coach Stephanie McCormick and Western Carolina will host a girls basketball camp next week.

CAMPS, CLINICS AND TRYOUTS

To submit a sports camp, clinic or tryout listing with the Citizen-Times, please e-mail the information to apearson@citizen-times.com.

BASEBALL

ASHEVILLE BRAVES 12U TRYOUT: July 27 at West Asheville Park’s Gassaway Field. Tryout begins at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Eric Khuen at ericfkuehn@gmail.com.

ASHEVILLE BRAVES 10U TRYOUT: July 30 at West Asheville Park’s Gassway Field. Tryout begins at 10 a.m. For more information, send an e-mail to jpparham22@gmail.com.

ROBERSON RAMBLERS 11U TRYOUT: July 31 at Valley Springs Middle School. Players cannot turn 12 prior to May 1, 2017. The Ramblers will play a tournament schedule from August to November. For more information, search for “Roberson Ramblers” on Facebook or e-mail them at RobersonRamblers@gmail.com.

SOUTHERN ATHLETICS TRYOUT: Aug. 6 at Clemson University. Check-in times are as follows — 9U through 12U (9:30 a.m.) and 13U through 18U (noon). The cost for early registration is $40 and includes a t-shirt. Players should bring cleats and tennis shoes as well as a completed/signed “release and hold harmless” form. Registration is available online at https://www.jotform.us/form/61956740123152?preview=true.

D-BAT SPEED AND AGILITY CLASSES: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at D-BAT Asheville. The cost is $20 per session. Online registration is available at http://www.dbatasheville.com. For more information, call (828) 412-5050.

BASKETBALL

HOOP FOR THE HOMELESS: July 30 at Reynolds Middle School. Camp will last from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Camp is open to boys and girls of all ages and the first 200 to register will receive a $5 gift card from the Fun Depot. Lunch will be provided. The cost is $65 for Western North Carolina Warriors players and $75 for non-Warriors players. It includes a t-shirt. Online registration is available at https://wncwarrior.com/hoop-for-homeless. For more information, call (828) 216-8990 or send an e-mail to wncwarriors@gmail.com.

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY GIRLS CAMP: Aug. 1-4 (day camp) at Western Carolina University. For more information, contact Stacy Cantley, (828) 227-2031 or swmcdonald1@scantley@email.wcu.edu.

HOOP LAB SUMMER TRAINING ACADEMY – DAY PROJECT: Two different weeks are being offered at the Fairview Community Center – Aug. 1-5 and Aug. 8-12. Camp is open to boys and girls ages 9-15 and will last each day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $65 per week. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. For more information or to register, log onto www.hooplabo.com.

NIKE BASKETBALL CAMP: Aug. 1-5 at Asheville School. Camp is open to boys and girls ages 8-15. Camp will last each day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $295 and does not include lunch. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Group discounts are available. For more information, call 1-800-NIKE-CAMP.

HOOP LAB SUMMER TRAINING ACADEMY – NIGHT PROJECT: One more week is being offered at Carolina Day – Aug. 1-5. Camp is open to male and female players ages 14-21 and will last each day from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $35. For more information or to register, log onto www.hooplabo.com.

TEAM CAROLINA FALL SEASON TRYOUTS: Aug. 13 at Asheville Christian Academy. Tryouts for third through eighth-grade players will last from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and tryouts for ninth through 12th-grade players will last from noon to 2 p.m. Online registration is available at http://www.hoopscityu.com/page/show/1557904-tryouts-parents.

JOHN WILLIAMS BASKETBALL PRESEASON ELITE TRAVEL TEAM TRYOUT: Aug. 13 at 21 Dogwood Road, Asheville, 28806. Tryout is open to boys in the ninth through 12th grade and will last from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The cost to join the team is $250. For more information, call (919) 332-2248 or log onto jwbelitetraining.com.

WNC YOUTH BASKETBALL ACADEMY: Aug. 15-18 at the Xcel Sportsplex in Fletcher. Camp is open to boys and girls in the third through eighth grade and will last each day from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $125. Online registration is available at http://www.basketballofthecarolinas.com/event.php?id=195

SOCCER

REYNOLDS CAMP: Aug. 1-4 at Reynolds HS. Camp is open to players in kindergarten through the eighth grade and will last each day from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $60 and includes a t-shirt. Registration forms are available at http://www.acreynoldsathletics.org/main/filesLinks.

UNC ASHEVILLE BOYS HIGH SCHOOL CAMP: Aug. 6 at UNCA. Camp is open to players in the ninth grade and up and will last each day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $140 and includes lunch. Online registration is available at http://menssoccer.uncasportsacademy.com. For more information, contact Mick Gorodano at mgiordan@unca.edu.

TENNIS

ASTON PARK CAMPS: Aug. 1-4 and Aug. 8-11 at Aston Park Tennis Center. Camp will last each day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is open to players ages 7-14. The cost is $100 for Asheville residents and $125 for non-city residents. Registration is only available online. Log onto www.ashevillenc.gov and click on Online Services. Then click on Recreation Program Registration. The tennis camps are listed under the activity type: Sports and Games. For more information, contact Laura Loftis at 828-251-4074 or lloftis@ashevillenc.gov.

VOLLEYBALL

ASHEVILLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY CAMP: Aug. 1-4 at ACA. Camp is open to girls in the third through the eighth grade and will last each day from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $80. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Torri Render at (828) 581-2202 or torri.render@acalion.org.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Golf

Results from the Western North Carolina Junior Golf Association’s Maggie Valley Open which was played Monday and Tuesday in Waynesville:

Roberson’s Bree Hodge, far right, has been named the N.C. Cheerleading Coaches Association’s coach of the year.

Roberson’s Bree Hodge has been named the N.C. Cheerleading Coaches Association’s coach of the year.

Hodge was presented with the award at last week’s state conference. She was nominated by Rams athletic director Laura Beatty.

In her six years, Hodge led Roberson to six state championships and two national titles. She recently stepped down to spend more time with her family but will be an assistant under new coach Cortney Erxleben.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Former McDowell coach Mike Silver will be inducted into the NCHSAA hall of fame next April.

OLD FORT – Twenty-five years have transpired since McDowell’s only state championship in girls basketball.

And now it is officially a “Silver” anniversary.

The NCHSAA has announced that former Titans coach Mike Silver is one of eight individuals who will join its hall of fame next spring.

Silver won 650 games in 32 years and his 1991 team remains the only state champion in the program’s history.

“It was a big thing for the county back then, and it’s still a big deal now,” Silver said Wednesday.

Silver has stayed active in retirement with a part-time job at the Biltmore Estate as well as hobbies like fishing and hunting. He was taken aback by the recognition from the NCHSAA. Silver chuckled at the coincidence that it comes 25 years after a McDowell team won the ultimate prize in 4-A basketball.

The Titans beat Pinecrest inside Chapel Hill’s Carmichael Auditorium by a 53-43 score.

“It’s quite an honor,” Silver said.

“I was very pleased and very humbled when I found out. It was really nice to win all those games, but I think the bottom line is I was there at a time when some really good kids came through. And we had some really good administrative support for a large number of years, and especially early on.”

The number of championships that Silver-led teams won is galling – 15 in regular-season conference play, 13 from various Christmas tournaments, 12 conference tournament titles, four regional crowns and, of course, the state championship (1991).

More than 80 of Silver’s players went on to play college basketball, including current Titans coach Jennifer Brooks (a Montreat grad).

Silver is also credited with founding McDowell’s softball and volleyball programs. He was inducted into the Titans’ athletic hall of fame four years ago.

Silver retired from teaching in 2007 and had hoped to continue coaching. He was forced out in a controversial vote by McDowell County Schools. At the time, Silver was the winningest active coach in North Carolina girls basketball.

Silver said he still prefers to take the high road in discussing the matter, and is at peace with it. He can still be seen in the crowd at Titans games from time-to-time.

“I don’t go to a lot,” Silver said.

“But I probably went to as many this past year as I ever have.”

Silver’s induction will take place April 9, 2017 in Chapel Hill.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

The Carolina Rattlers softball team.

The Carolina Rattlers softball team won the ASA Cherokee Summer Sizzler’s high school division last weekend in Cherokee.

The Rattlers were undefeated in their final tournament of the summer and outscored opponents, 28-7.

Pictured above, left to right, are:

Front row: Kaycee Corbin (Franklin), Breanna Spencer (Smoky Mountain), Alicia Green (Swain County), Claudia Crowe (Smoky Mountain), Xaila Spencer (Fairview), Kinzie Postell (Andrews) and Erika Griggs(Andrews). Back row: Andre Spencer (Coach), Micayla McCoy (Smoky Mountain), Kaylee Corbin (Franklin), Lindsey Ballew (Franklin) and Dave McCoy (Coach).

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Swain County’s new gym floor.

Another week, another new gym floor in Western North Carolina, compliments of Carolina Hardwood.

Swain County is the latest school to employ the Haywood County company which has also taken on projects this summer at Asheville High, East Henderson, Enka, North Henderson and West Henderson.

Follow the HS Huddle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hshuddle, Twitter at www.twitter.com/acthshuddle or Instagram at www.instagram.com/high_school_huddle

Swain County’s new gym floor.