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Goodwin goes to White Sox in 17th Round
The Chicago White Sox selected Rocky Mount High outfielder Brian Goodwin with the 523rd overall pick falling in the 17th round of the MLB Rule IV Draft.
We’ll have more information on the matter this evening and in Thursday’s print edition.
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My new favorite Web site
OK, other than making regular stops to yours truly, I explore the Web for goofy sites with a sports focus.
This is my new favorite: BattingStanceGuy.com.
This guy is hilarious. He has dead-on stances of past and present stars in Major League Baseball. Every team is represented.
Go check it out when you have some spare time. He has YouTube videos of his antics.
Below are the Braves:
… and Orioles:
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I’m giving up stuff for Lent
I just thought I throw out what I’m giving up for Lent. No, I’m not Catholic, but I think this is a good time of the year to cut down on the calories that have added to my waist line.
So, until April 12 (Easter), I eat fast food or sweets.
If you see me at McDonald’s or Taco Bell, call me out.
By the way, enjoy the start of exhibition baseball. Today’s the day.
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A sad day in North Carolina
Kay Yow is a legend.
And she’s the nicest coach I’ve ever known.
When I was a kid, like 8 or 9 I think, I went to an N.C. State game that she was coaching. After the game, she took time to shake some fans’ hands, including mine. How many coaches do that?
When I was in my mid-20s, I interviewed her for my former newspaper. It was like we had known each other for years.
She might not have been the greatest coach of all time, but she certainly deserves as many accolades as the best.
Her spirit was unmatched.
Her drive to teach youth was second to none.
Her desire for equal opportunity was unbreakable.
Her legend lives on.
We have coverage here, here, here and here.
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Quotes from people who knew Dudley Whitley
These are via staff writer Natasha Robinson:
“‘Danny, I want you to strive for perfection in all phases of your athletic life next year. Remember humility is a word that carries much meaning to those that associate with you. Be a strong leader, encourage others and let your playing ability speak for you, not your tongue. Coach Whitley.’
That exemplifies him. That is something that I have tried to remember throughout all my years whether is was playing athletics or my life. That right there is an example that to me I always tried to remember and tried to live by.”
— Danny Talbott, a former player reading what Whitley wrote in his high school yearbook
—
“All the teachers, the school board members liked him. His bosses liked him. You don’t have anyone saying anything bad about Dudley. He just had a way about him.”
— Shelton Chesson, former coach in Rocky Mount City Schools
—
“The last few years, he and I went on Meals on Wheels, he volunteered at the hospital. He thought so much of other people. It was very evident at the funeral; I think everybody he ever dealt with loved him.”
— Walt Wiggins, coached with Dudley Whitley in the ’60s
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Browning to coach Mudcats pitchers
From the Carolina Mudcats’ front office:
The Cincinnati Reds have named former Major League pitcher Tom Browning as the pitching coach for the Carolina Mudcats for the 2009 Southern League season.
Browning, 47, won 123 games over a 12-year career, including throwing a perfect game in 1988 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The perfect game remains the only one thrown in the history of the Cincinnati Reds. Browning was a National League All-Star in 1991, a year after assisting the Reds to a World Series upset championship over the Oakland A’s.
Browning, who made his major league debut in 1984 under then-manager Pete Rose, won his first-ever start defeating former National League Cy Young winner Orel Hershiser 1-0, pitching 8 1-3 innings.
Browning has worked in various capacities over the past few years, co-authoring a book “Tales From The Reds Dugout,” released in 2006, along with broadcasting Dayton Dragons games for the Reds’ Low-A affiliate in the Midwest League before returning to coaching in 2007 as the pitching coach for the Billings Mustangs.
Browning joins manager David Bell and hitting coach Ryan Jackson as Carolina’s first-ever Cincinnati Reds field staff.
The Mudcats play host to the Reds on Friday, April 3 in a futures game at Five County Stadium before opening the Southern League season on Thursday, April 9 at Mississippi. Carolina’s home opener is on Monday, April 20 against Huntsville at 7:15 p.m.
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No MLB Network in the Twin Counties?
OK, from what I’m gathering, we won’t have the new MLB Network in our area, unless you have Direct TV.
I love baseball, so this is a disappointment to me. Here’s more on the network.
According to this channel selector, we don’t get it.
So please call Suddenlink and tell them we want the new channel. If you visit the channel selector site, there is a place to request the channel from Suddenlink.
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Great for the Vikings; Unbelievable for the Gryphons
I really thought Tarboro would lose and Rocky Mount High would win on this night.
I thought that all season.
Both teams are talented. Both teams deserve to be playing next week.
Only one will, but, again, I thought it would be the Gryphons.
I’m a bit shocked, really. Jacksonville Northside is a fine team, one that — I thought — had the answers to Tarboro’s riddles.
Wrong was I.
The Vikings are sharp and demonstrate excellence like a child prodigy. I’m more than impressed with this win. No matter what happens Friday in Chapel Hill, the Vikings have done it the right way and pushed us doubters on the back of the wagon.
I thought Rocky Mount High would quell a last-minute spurt by West Craven. I thought the Gryphons would use all of their dynamic tools to glide past the Eagles.
Wrong again.
Sometimes, being so wrong makes me think two irrational thoughts:
1: I’m stuck in Seinfield’s bizzaro world.
2: I’m righted by being so wrong.
I feel bad for Rocky Mount High. I know how much those players wanted to win. I know who they wanted to win for. I know what a win would have meant to legendary coach B.W. Holt.
That’s a team full of smart, talented people. That’s a program that should only grow and learn from this loss.
There is no greater source of learning than losing. It’s so easy to see what went wrong and what could have been different if far-too long ago actions had taken place. It hurts too bad not to glean knowledge that smacks the face until it stings.
It’s easy to judge what we do wrong. It’s considered gloating when we discuss what we do right.
These teams are both wrong and right. There are holes, imperfections and flawless traits intertwined within both programs.
Note this: The Gryphons did not win on this day. But in the future, when they do win, when they do win the big game(s), they’ll know their path was long, tough and respectable.
This isn’t a video game or a fairy-tale movie. This is life.
The knowledge these young men gained on this night, at every game before this, at every practice for countless years, is irreplaceable, undeniable and nontransferable.
It hurts. It smacks. It stinks.
And for their struggles, humiliation, zeal and fight, they should be proud of where this program is and their individual self-imposed maturation.
They are true champions.
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On the Hurricanes’ recent coaching change
Maybe I’m not smart enough to understand why the Carolina Hurricanes re-hired Paul Maurice as coach.
Maybe I’m too ignorant to know why bringing back a coach that couldn’t win last time he was the team’s head man on the bench makes sense.
Maybe I’m not capable to figure out why ex-coach Peter Laviolette ran out of time to coach a team he has guided to a Stanley Cup in recent years.
Maybe I’m callous to think that Maurice was fired by the ‘Canes, then hired by Toronto, then fired there, too.
No, that did happen.
Maybe I’m jaded when I think the players’ lack of execution on the ice (not enough one-timers, fore-checking or good passes) are the cause for the early-season slump.
Maybe I don’t understand hockey when I think the players need to grind for the puck instead of dump it in oh so often.
Maybe Maurice will turn around the Hurricanes this season, this time.
Maybe.
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Shaun Draughn: Is it DRAWn or DRONE?
So I’m at the North Carolina/N.C. State game, and people around these parts of North Carolina are pronouncing redshirt sophomore running back Shaun Draughn’s last name DRONE.
Draughn is from Tarboro, where he was a star on the field for the Vikings.
In the Twin Counties, I’ve heard most people say DRAWn.
Which is it? You make the call.
Post here your thoughts.
By the way, N.C. State is blasting the host, 31-10, with 8:55 to play. Oh, and the Pack is about to score again.
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N.C. Wesleyan gives life to its basketball court
This from N.C. Wesleyan:
Donald L. Scalf, retired N.C. Wesleyan coach, athletics director, educator and local sports icon, has had yet another honor bestowed upon him. Earlier this fall, with a host of friends and former players in attendance, Scalf was ushered into Everett Gymnasium for the unveiling of “Don Scalf Court.” Scalf was not told of the naming and was truly surprised.
Considered one of the College’s most outstanding associates, Scalf came to NCWC in 1962 as a physical education instructor. He went on to serve the college for 36 years while coaching a variety of sports. Additionally, he was the second director of athletics in Battling Bishops’ history, a position which he held for six years.
During his NCWC tenure, Scalf organized NCWC’s intercollegiate basketball and volleyball programs, serving as the first head coach in each sport and leading NCWC to its first basketball conference championship during the 1965-66 season. All of his efforts and accolades culminated with his being named to NCWC’s inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame class in 1999.
As a coach, Scalf produced fellow Hall of Fame members Roger Taylor, Don Hines and Lloyd Nelson. He also coached Pratt, who organized the initiative to have the court bear Scalf’s signature. Pratt, along with several former players and friends of the college, wished to recognize Scalf’s many contributions to both the department of athletics and to the college as a whole.
“What a great tribute to a great coach who has touched so many people,” Pratt said. “This is just the right thing to do.”
Nelson added, “It’s a tribute to a first coach that is well-deserved.”
Thus, Don Scalf Court now plays home to Battling Bishops volleyball and basketball. His signature is proudly placed along each sideline and will serve as a memorial to the man who dedicated so many years of service to N.C. Wesleyan.
The formal dedication of the court will take place Saturday at the inaugural Eastern North Carolina Basketball Classic. The dedication will take place at halftime of NCWC’s 3 p.m. game against Emory & Henry.
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What did I just write about UNC and injuries???
This from North Carolina:
ZELLER BREAKS LEFT WRIST, LIKELY A SEASON-ENDING INJURY
CHAPEL HILL —- University of North Carolina freshman men’s basketball forward Tyler Zeller suffered a fractured left wrist in the win over Kentucky on Tuesday and underwent surgery today at UNC Hospitals. Doctors with UNC sports medicine say normal recovery time for this kind of injury is 12-16 weeks, which likely makes it a season-ending injury.
Dr. Don Bynum performed the surgical procedure that ended late Wednesday afternoon. The surgery was termed a success and Zeller is expected to make a full recovery.
The Washington, Ind., native started the first two games in place of injured National Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough. Zeller had a team-high 18 points in the season-opening win over Penn, and had two points and two steals in the 77-58 win over Kentucky.
He was injured with 1:26 to play in the game when he was fouled while going in for a breakaway dunk and landed on his left wrist. He broke both the left radius and ulna.
“I hate this for Tyler,” head coach Roy Williams said. “He’s such a great kid and he’s going to be a terrific player for us. It’s another big blow for our team, but it’s more adversity that we have to overcome together.”
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How good is North Carolina men’s basketball?
I’m sitting in the office right now, watching the North Carolina/Kentucky game.
Now, this ain’t your daddy’s Kentucky squad; let’s get that out of the way. This is a shell of what the Wildcats used to be.
They stink.
But UNC? My goodness, this team is good. But how good?
They don’t have Tyler Hansbrough right now. He’s the best player in the nation. Doesn’t matter to this squad. The Tar Heels are rolling without him.
They have a freshman starting in his place. The kid would be the best player if he was wearing a different shade of blue out there. (I’m talking about Kentucky blue, Duke fans. Relax. Quick point: I do not care which teams win and which teams lose. I really don’t. I don’t have a dog in any of these fights. My alma mater doesn’t pay much attention to athletics at all.)
They are fast. Very fast. When you watch the Tar Heels play, you might think they are all wearing roller skates. They just glide around the court like it’s a derby.
I’m amazed how little Kentucky can do to defend them. It’s a bit crazy.
They won’t win all their games. Get that out of your head. But they won’t lose many. Pressure games could hurt this squad, though, the squad is made of vets, which makes that unlikely. Injuries will be the largest hurdle all season. Trust me, more injuries will affect this — and every — college basketball team.
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I went to the Hurricanes game today
OK, I’m going to get the negatives out of the way. One, because they were obvious, and two, because they were ridiculous.
I’m doubting any of you good people were one of the folks at the game with visceral outbursts during the National Anthem. Could you be? Frankly, I hope not.
The whole deal to scream out single words from the anthem’s lyrics seems trite and insolent.
Examples of words shouted while a young singer, no older than 12, crooned from the ice: Oh (clearly taken from the traditional shouting at Baltimore Orioles games, which isn’t that vile, really, but that’s another story); Red (this one has been shouted in unison by the Caniacs for several years now); [note: from this point, the shouting is just plain embarrassing to all North Carolinians] Fight (really??? come on); Flag (what?); Wave (Just quit already); Brave (Go. Home. Now.)
Here is the Star-Spangled Banner:
O! say can you see by the dawn’s early light What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming. Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming. And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave
The situation just annoyed me. Red was cute. The rest were unpatriotic.
Second point: The Hurricanes can thank goalie Cam Ward for today’s 3-2 shootout win. That man earned his first star. How is this negative? It’s not. But he shouldn’t have been placed in the situation. The team played lifeless for most of the game. Only in bursts would the team make smart decisions with the puck.
The Hurricanes did not pass well, did not control the puck well and did not set up plays well.
When they did, they scored. When they didn’t, they bored.
What went well: Ward. Chad LaRose’s play. He’s a scrapper. Rod Brind’Amour. He’s a gamer. He doesn’t look 100 percent, but he’s the captain. He plays like a captain.
This team can win. This team must play with more intensity. Check more. This team must play with more focus. Make good passes. Don’t dump the puck so often. Pull it behind the blue line and reset if need be. Don’t force what’s not there. Shoot more one-timers.
Play to win.
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A college hoops book worth picking up
College Basketball Prospectus 2008-2009 by Ken Pomeroy and John Gasaway
I recently flipped through this one and was rather impressed. Yes, lots of the information can be found on the Internet or in newspapers — but not really all in one place. It’s a nice pickup for the most serious college basketball fan.
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Keeping up with the Blog
My life has turned a tad too cliche.
Days started blurring together like I was in a bad movie. I haven’t had time to catch my breath, let alone catch a game.
We are understaffed right now. Simple as that.
I’m not one for excuses, but going from a four-person, full-time staff to two people in a matter of a few months has been difficult to manage all that involves a newspaper’s Sports section.
To avoid you from boredom, and therefore never returning to this space of Web, I won’t go into any detail. Know this, though: I have paid Paul plenty with Peter’s money.
Peter’s money, in this case, included more blog entries.
I will be better at blogging, henceforth.
Also, once we have more staff members, we will provide you with more coverage, insight and analysis.
Of course, Jessie H. Nunery and myself will do our best every day, regardless. That’s our nature. That’s one of our moral precepts.
So keep reading. And thanks for your time.
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Dick Vitale freak?
Do you love Dickie V? Well, here’s your chance to meet him. It’s a bit of a drive for Rocky Mounters, but it certainly would be worth it.
Before I spread the details, let me add this: Dick Vitale is a very nice person. Many of the reporters I’ve worked with have commented on how friendly Vitale is. Plus, he’s a longtime Tampa Bay Rays season ticket holder.
OK, here’s the scoop:
Dick Vitale to Sign His New Book at the Bulls Head Bookshop, UNC Student Store on Tuesday, November 18
ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale will be on the University of North Carolina campus signing copies of his newest book at the Bulls Head Bookshop, UNC Student Store on Tuesday, November 18 from Noon to 1:30 p.m.
In his latest book, Dick Vitale¹s Fabulous 50 Players & Moments in College Basketball: From the Best Seat in the House During My 30 Years at ESPN, Dick Vitale, America¹s self-confessed number one college basketball junkie goes on the record ranking his favorite players and moments from 1 to 50. The book is also available for purchase through amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and ascendmediabooks.com.
Dickie V¹s personal pantheon may surprise any fan. The legends are included, of course, but there are some unexpected rankings as well. Kansas guard Mario Chalmers¹ three-point shot to force overtime against Memphis in the 2008 national championship game. Michael Jordan¹s game-winning shot against Georgetown in 1982 during his freshman year to North Carolina. Every basketball fan has his or her favorite: the perfect player, the magical moments. Only Dick Vitale goes on the record, ranking them 1 through 50, as a fan and a commentator.
For 30 years, Dick Vitale has been synonymous with the best in college basketball. His enthusiasm, knowledge, unique turn of a phrase and passion set the bar for the best in hoops coverage. From his wealth of experience sitting courtside at many pivotal moments in college basketball, Vitale gives us his reasons why he has chosen his top 50 players and moments out of the many he has witnessed during his years of broadcasting at ESPN.
Dick Vitale has been an integral part of ESPN since the network¹s early days in 1979. He has served as head coach on the scholastic, collegiate and professional levels, and was inducted as a member of the Class of 2008 in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame the highest honor in the sport.
Dick Vitale¹s Fabulous 50 Players & Moments in College Basketball is a book that comes from the heart. (Hardcover, 224 pages, suggested retail $26.95.)
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NCHSAA Football Pairings
These are preliminary, but here goes:
NORTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION 2008 BB&T/NCHSAA STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Teams were seeded based on 10-game records as submitted to the NCHSAA.
2008 STATE FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS
FIRST ROUND NOVEMBER 14
CLASS 4-AA EAST (10) West Johnston (7-3) at (7) Garner (7-3) (15) Southern Pines Pinecrest (6-4) at (2) Wilmington Hoggard (9-1) (11) Raleigh Wakefield (7-3) at (6) Apex (8-2) (14) Raleigh Enloe (6-4) at (3) Hope Mills South View (7-3) (9) Raleigh Millbrook (8-2) at (8) Richmond Senior (7-2-1) (16) Raleigh Sanderson (5-5) at (1) Fayetteville Jack Britt (9-1) (12) Durham Jordan (7-3) at (5) Lumberton (8-2) (13) Raleigh Broughton (6-4) at (4) Raleigh Leesville Road (8-2)
CLASS 4-AA WEST (10) Northwest Guilford (6-4) at (7) East Mecklenburg (8-2) (15) West Mecklenburg (5-5) at (2) East Forsyth (10-0) (11) Davie (7-3) at (6) Huntersville Hopewell (7-3) (14) Charlotte Ardrey Kell (5-5) at (3) West Charlotte (8-2) (9) Charlotte Z.B. Vance (6-4) at (8) West Forsyth (8-2) (16) Charlotte Myers Park (5-5) at (1) Charlotte Independence (10-0) (12) Charlotte Providence (6-4) at (5) Matthews David Butler (9-1) (13) North Mecklenburg (6-4) at (4) Charlotte Garinger (4-6)
CLASS 4-A EAST (10) Smithfield-Selma (6-4) at (7) Durham Hillside (9-0-1) (15) Raleigh Athens Drive (4-6) at (2) Wake Forest-Rolesville (9-1) (11) New Bern (6-3-1) at (6) Wilmington New Hanover (6-4) (14) Fayetteville Cape Fear (5-5) at (3) Southeast Raleigh (9-1) (9) Fayetteville Douglas Byrd (8-2) at (8) Apex Middle Creek (4-6) (16) Cary (4-6) at (1) Fuquay-Varina (10-0) (12) Northern Durham (5-5) at (5) Greenville Rose (6-4) (13) Fayetteville Pine Forest (5-5) at (4) Southern Durham (8-2)
CLASS 4-A WEST (10) South Caldwell (5-5) at (7) Winston-Salem R.J. Reynolds (6-4) (15) North Davidson (5-5) at (2) Asheville A.C. Reynolds (9-1) (11) South Mecklenburg (6-4) at (6) East Burke (7-3) (14) Watauga (5-5) at (3) Boiling Springs Crest (7-3) (9) Lumberton Purnell Swett (7-3) at (8) Fayetteville Seventy-First (9-1) (16) Gastonia Ashbrook (4-6) at (1) Winston-Salem Mount Tabor (10-0) (12) High Point Central (6-4) at (5) Greensboro Page (7-3) (13) Fayetteville Westover (5-5) at (4) Chapel Hill (8-2)
CLASS 3-AA EAST (10) Wilson Fike (8-2) at (7) Asheboro (8-2) (15) Winterville South Central (5-5) at (2) Greensboro Dudley (10-0) (11) Western Guilford (6-4) at (6) Erwin Triton (8-2) (14) Southeast Guilford (7-3) at (3) Jamestown Ragsdale (10-0) (9) Wilson Hunt (4-6) at (8) Northeast Guilford (5-5) (16) Western Harnett (4-6) at (1) Harnett Central (10-0) (12) Spring Lake Overhills (4-6) at (5) West Brunswick (6-4) (13) Trinity (4-6) at (4) Northern Vance (6-4)
CLASS 3-AA WEST (10) Sun Valley (7-3) at (7) Mooresville (8-2) (15) Hickory (6-4) at (2) Kings Mountain (8-2) (11) Asheville T.C. Roberson (6-4) at (6) Charlotte Olympic (8-2) (14) Hickory St. Stephens (6-4) at (3) Anson (8-2) (9) Winston-Salem Parkland (4-6) at (8) Asheville Clyde Erwin (6-4) (16) Northwest Cabarrus (4-6) at (1) Charlotte Catholic (9-1) (12) Waxhaw Marvin Ridge (6-4) at (5) Gastonia Forestview (8-2) (13) Lake Norman (6-4) at (4) Kannapolis Brown (9-1)
CLASS 3-A EAST (10) Havelock (8-2) at (7) Washington (7-3) (15) Bertie (5-5) at (2) West Craven (10-0) (11) South Granville (7-3) at (6) SouthWest Edgecombe (8-2) (14) Nash Central (5-5) at (3) Kinston (9-1) (9) Wilson Beddingfield (8-2) at (8) Oxford Webb (8-2) (16) Jacksonville (2-8) at (1) Rocky Mount (10-0) (12) Hope Mills Gray’s Creek (5-5) at (5) Eastern Alamance (9-1) (13) Eastern Wayne (5-5) at (4) Hertford (9-1)
CLASS 3-A WEST (10) Western Alamance (8-2) at (7) High Point Andrews (7-3) (15) South Rowan (5-5) at (2) Waynesville Tuscola (9-1) (11) R-S Central (7-3) at (6) Asheville (7-3) (14) Gastonia Hunter Huss (6-4) at (3) Winston-Salem Carver (9-1) (9) Monroe Parkwood (7-3) at (8) Statesville (8-2) (16) Franklin (5-5) at (1) Belmont South Point (10-0) (12) North Buncombe (7-3) at (5) Newton Fred T. Foard (8-2) (13West Iredell (6-4) at (4) West Rowan (9-1)
CLASS 2-AA EAST (10) Raleigh Cardinal Gibbons (6-4) at (7) Ledford (8-2) (15) Richlands (5-5) at (2) Marshville Forest Hills (8-2) (11) South Brunswick (8-2) at (6) East Duplin (8-2) (14) Central Davidson (5-5) at (3) Orange (7-3) (9) North Pitt (6-4) at (8) Southern Guilford (7-3) (16) West Stanly (4-6) at (1) Reidsville (10-0) (12) Mayodan McMichael (8-2) at (5) West Stokes (8-2) (13) Eastern Guilford (7-3) at (4) Pittsboro Northwood (9-1)
CLASS 2-AA WEST (10) Mount Pleasant (7-3) at (7) North Surry (4-6) (15) South Iredell (4-6) at (2) East Henderson (10-0) (11) Salisbury (6-4) at (6) Canton Pisgah (8-2) (14) Forest City Chase (4-6) at (3) Lenoir Hibriten (9-1) (9) North Lincoln (7-3) at (8) Lincolnton (8-2) (16) East Rutherford (4-6) at (1) East Lincoln (10-0) (12) Catawba Bandys (5-5) at (5) Ashe County (8-2) (13) Black Mountain C.D. Owen (4-6) at (4) Shelby (8-2)
CLASS 2-A EAST (10) North Brunswick (6-4) at (7) Southwest Onslow (8-2) (15) Whiteville (4-6) at (2) Northside (Jacksonville) 10-0) (11) Clinton (6-4) at (6) Northwest Halifax (8-2) (14) Greene Central (4-6) at (3) Elizabeth City Northeastern (10-0) (9) Kill Devil Hills First Flight (7-3) at (8) Franklinton (6-4) (16) Pasquotank (4-6) at (1) Tarboro (10-0) (12) Edenton Holmes (5-5) at (5) Goldsboro (8-1-1) (13) Newport Croatan (4-6) at (4) Bunn (9-1)
CLASS 2-A WEST (10) Monroe (8-2) at (7) Bessemer City (8-2) (15) Burlington Cummings (4-6) at (2) Newton-Conover (9-1) (11) Wilkes Central (6-4) at (6) West Bladen (6-4) (14) Providence Grove (5-5) at (3) Burnsville Mountain Heritage (9-1) (9) Brevard (6-4) at (8) Lexington (7-3) (16) Graham (4-6) at (1) South Columbus (10-0) (12) Red Springs (6-4) at (5) Boonville Starmount (8-2) (13) Maiden (6-4) at (4) West Davidson (8-2)
CLASS 1-AA EAST (10) Pamlico (6-4) at (7) Hampstead Topsail (9-1) (15) Gates (2-8) at (2) East Bladen (10-0) (11) Southeast Halifax (6-4) at (6) Pender (6-4) (14) Rocky Point Heide Trask (3-7) at (3) Louisburg (10-0) (9) North Johnston (5-5) at (8) Newton Grove Midway (9-1) (16) Wallace-Rose Hill (2-8) at (1) Warsaw James Kenan (10-0) (12) East Columbus (5-5) at (5) Ayden-Grifton (8-2) (13) Dixon (4-6) at (4) Camden (9-1)
CLASS 1-AA WEST (10) Polk County (7-3) at (7) East Surry (9-1) (15) West Wilkes (2-8) at (2) Murphy (10-0) (11) West Columbus (5-5) at (6) Siler City Jordan-Matthews (9-1) (14) Avery (2-8) at (3) Hendersonville (10-0) (9) Kernersville Bishop McGuinness (7-3) at (8) West Montgomery (7-3) (16) East Wilkes (2-8) at (1) Thomasville (10-0) (12) Swain County (5-5) at (5) Cherryville (4-6) (13) South Stokes (3-7) at (4) Albemarle (10-0)
CLASS 1-A EAST (10) Perquimans (6-4) at (7) Robersonville Roanoke (4-6) (15) Rosewood (2-7) at (2) Creswell (8-1) (11) Northampton-West (5-5) at (6) Cape Hatteras (4-5) (14) Pinetown Northside (2-8) at (3) Williamston (6-4) (9) Jamesville (4-5) at (8) Manteo (5-5) (16) Lejeune (2-8) at (1) Jones (10-0) (12) Northampton-East (4-6) at (5) Weldon (8-2) (13) Mattamuskeet (3-6) at (4) Plymouth (8-2)
CLASS 1-A WEST (10) Hayesville (5-5) at (7) Hobbton (7-3) (15) South Davidson (3-7) at (2) Elkin (9-1) (11) Alleghany (4-6) at (6) North Duplin (5-5) (14) North Stokes (3-7) at (3) Robbinsville (9-1) (9) Rose Hill Union (6-4) at (8) South Stanly (7-3) (16) Chatham Central (2-8) at (1) Mount Airy (10-0) (12) Princeton (4-6) at (5) Lakewood (6-4) (13) Rosman (3-7) at (4) Cherokee (8-2)
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Thanks, Matt.
Pleasure to work with you for two-plus years.
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I don’t know how to look at this World Series
I didn’t grow up a fan of these teams, but I feel like it’s a pleasant surprise that these teams made it. Maybe refreshing is a better word than surprise. After all, I thought the Phillies would hold on to their division. I did think the Cubs were better, but we won’t know how that NLCS would have played out.
Skipping ahead, this series is going to be good. We have one game in the books, going to the visiting Phils. I’m just happy it’s two teams that haven’t played for a WS in this century. That’s pretty cool.
If you had to pick the team that deserved to win, I’d pick the Phillies. They have more vets and that city could use a title.
If you had to pick the feel-good story winner, I’d pick the Rays. They are young, they all played in Durham for the Bulls at some point and they’ve been mocked to a depressing degree since the franchise’s inception.
Sometimes being removed emotionally can make the game more fun to watch. You watch for the sport and the talent more than the uniforms and the pride.
I’m sleeping well this week.
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Touring NASCAR in North Carolina
I haven’t been everywhere related to NASCAR in North Carolina, but I made a giant dent in the process Monday.
A friend of mine and I toured the Piedmont region of the state with simple goal — visit as many of the NASCAR Sprint Cup team shops as possible.
I stayed with my sister, who lives in Matthews (outside Charlotte) the night before, so we woke up and left around 8:30 a.m. and headed toward Wood Brothers, which is in Harrisburg.
Our next stop was the New York Yankees of NASCAR: Hendrick Motorsports. What a complex. The museum/gift shop was great, too. Hendrick is officially in Charlotte, but it’s near Lowe’s Motor Speedway, which is actually in Concord.
We went by the speedway next, primarily to see the new drag strip, which looks impressive. I’ve heard negative opinions of Bruton Smith, owner of Lowe’s in the past, but we should be able to all agree that he builds his events to the premium. The facade leading into the complex is awesome.
Haas was next, located up Interstate 85 in Kannapolis. Tony Stewart is taking it over at the end of this season.
We made our way to Ganassi Racing afterward, home of underachievers and disappointment. Seriously, Chip Ganassi is a great owner who knows how to win. NASCAR is unbelievably competitive right now. Ganassi is in Concord.
Next stop was Roush-Fenway Racing, just down the road from Ganassi. It’s a three-building setup that’s obviously tied to Yates and No Fear. Both were on the same street in Concord.
7/8. No Fear Racing (Boris Said) and Yates Racing share a facility next door to Roush. All are Ford cars, and Travis Kvapil is a Roush guy. Go figure.
Robby Gordon Racing was next on the list. It’s in Charlotte and next door to the future I-485 on the Northwest side of town.
Joe Gibbs Racing is in Huntersville. Nice facility. You can see the shop floor where the cars are built. Two of Kyle Busch’s No. 18 M&M cars were pink for an upcoming race to bring awareness to breast cancer. There’s also a really cool Redskins themed car that Terry Labonte drove for Gibbs. If you are a NASCAR/Washington fan, you need to make the trip.
I’ll list the second half of the list tomorrow.
Yes, I went to 20 shops in one day.
UPDATE: Round 2.
- After JGR, we swang by Michael Waltrip Racing. That was much cooler than I expected. At the shop, you can see down into each area where the fabricators et al are building racecars. Very cool. The people working there are all very nice and offered extensive information. Outstanding setup. It’s located in Cornelius.
12-14. We went up to Mooresville after that. First stop was Braun Racing. Not too much to see. Then we hit Rusty Wallace Racing. All these places are essentially on the same street, by the way, hence them all shoved together. Red Bull Racing.
Petty. It’s weird seeing it in Mooresville after all those years around Level Cross. I did a story on Petty’s museum in the Randleman area a few years back, so I had been that way, too. They’ve got some work ahead of them. I’ll add this: The Petty museum is very cool. A nice day trip.
JR Motorsports. It’s Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s shop. Very popular among fans. Especially given it’s only a Nationwide Series team.
DEI. The Man in Black’s shop was nice. I was impressed. A big tribute to John Wayne was set up in the lobby. Classy setup. All seven Winston Cup trophies are on display. What a legend.
Penske Motorsports. Might be the nicest looking shop on the trip. That man must be loaded.
We left Mooresville for Statesville to see Gillette Evernham. That was out of the way, and the setup stunk. Don’t recommend the trip unless you are a Kasey freak. Elliott Sadler is a cool dude, but there’s just not much there.
Childress Racing in Welcome. Small town’s centerpiece is the former home of Dale’s racing world. There is a museum, which I didn’t have time to see. (We got there at 4:40; they close at 5.) Apparently, Chocolate Myers (look him up) gives tours. A decent setup. The museum folks said that part is really cool. Next time for me.
I know I said 20, but we didn’t go in Rusty Wallace or Braun, so it’s tough to count those. No. 21 was Bill Davis Racing in High Point. We didn’t go in it either because we arrived at 5:30 — 30 minutes after it closed for the day. Mrs. Davis, apparently, gives tours herself. Supposedly the nicest people of all NASCAR shops. I’ll have to take others’ words for it.
Quite a day.
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Couldn’t agree more! you will be missed Matt!
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