South Charlotte Sports Report“HOMETOWN TEAMS ... HOMETOWN KIDS”

Volume 7, Issue 13 November 1, 2012 - FREEwww.southcharlottesports.com

5U-12U Winter Baseball Training AcademyJanuary 9th– February 20th

Every Wednesday Night at Showcase Baseball Academy6:00pm-7:00pm Session 17:00pm-8:00pm Session 2

Space is very limited!Professional Hitting and Pitching Training For Baseball Players.

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“I realized as a student and as an athlete, school would have to come first.”

Those are the words of Charlotte Latin senior volleyball and basketball player Brooke Brown. The 17 year old daughter of Oliver and Audrey Brown is a dynamic student-athlete with a real penchant for playing team sports. As a right side and opposite hitter for Coach Suzie Pignetti’s volleyball team, Brooke helped the Hawks win their 9th consecutive state championship this past weekend.

For a child that grew up watching her older sister win the first of those nine straight state championships, the victory was extra special. Going back to that day nine years ago, Brooke can wrap up so many wonderful memories as a Hawk.

“The girls on the team gave me a gift bag full of candy for being their number one fan. From then on, I knew I wanted to play on the team and become a state champion. “

Brooke began her mission to success in the sev-enth grade.

“I have been playing volleyball ever since seventh grade, so I have always had a penchant for the game. I played junior varsity volleyball my freshman and sophomore years. I was also named co-captain my sophomore year by my teammates, which was an honor. I have been on the varsity team for my junior and senior years and have enjoyed pretty much ev-ery moment of it. I had never played club volleyball until the spring season of my junior year. I played CJV, Carolina Juniors Volleyball club, for the non-traveling Gold Team, where I spent a couple of days each week during the school year refreshing my vol-leyball skills and meeting new people.”

Over the years, Brooke has recorded many im-pressive athletic accomplishments that stand out in her mind. Making the varsity team and then winning her first state title last season is one of the best.

“I loved the intensity throughout the whole match and the amount of pictures I had to pose for was a plus.”

Brooke also has special memories of helping the Latin Basketball Team to the second round of the state championship, for the first time in many years.

Brooke has managed to convert from the volley-ball court to the basketball court the last few years with success. She does all she can to help the Hawks Basketball Team improve as a team each game. Brooke has played on the varsity squad all four years and she is one of the top rebounders on the team.

“I may not be the best player on the team but I enjoy the game and try to contribute as much as I can to the program. Over the years we have lost sev-eral members of the team, so I and another player, who is also a senior, are the only players who have stayed with the team all four years.”

All of Brooke’s volleyball and basketball team-mates recognize her as a tremendous teammate that will do whatever it takes to help the team win. Brooke is a very big believer in playing all sports with a team first attitude.

“Volleyball is not a “me” sport but a team sport. Honestly, I became a member of the volleyball team because I love the sport, I wanted to be a part of the team, and I wanted to have fun. I am also fortunate enough to have such great teammates and coaches that share my views and who all have unselfish and sweet spirits, so I will do anything I can to benefit the whole team. Everyone plays a role on the team. Although I may not want to, I will sit on the bench more than usual or go to practices on weekends or holidays if I have to in order to help the team be-cause they mean that much to me. Selfishness does not win games but team work does.”

See BROOKE BROWN, Page 7

6TH ANNUAL CHRISTMASBASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

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December 21-23Marvin Ridge Middle School

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Visit www.southcharlottesportscamps.com

to enter your team

BROOKE BROWN COMBINES SPORTS AND ACADEMICS FOR OUTSTANDING SUCCESS

Page 2 Volume 7, Issue 13

SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORTCovering the Active Children and Families of Our Community

The South Charlotte Sports Report is published twice a month by The South Charlotte Sports Report. The South Charlotte Sports Report is distributed free throughout our coverage area in neighborhoods and local businesses. If you would like copies delivered to your business for distribution to customers, call 704-906-5466.

Story ideas and photo submissions are welcome for use on our website and in our newspaper, email to Tripp@southcharlottesportsreport.com. Advertising rates are available upon request.

PUBLISHERTripp Roakes

GRAPHIC DESIGNERFrances Flowers

PHOTOGRAPHERS Greg ArthurGerry Wall

SALES REPRESENTATIVE Kristy Maher

The SCSR Team!

Tune up your racquet for Queen City and USTA Leagues

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in South Charlotte!

Rich Rushakoff - 704-488-2147(former stringer for Players Loft)

The Marvin Ridge High School women’s golf team placed second in the 3A Western Regional Tournament. They will head to Pinehurst October 29th and 30th to compete in the NC State 3A Championship.

(L-R) Abby Duggan, Morgan Laird , Amanda Hampton and Coach Aaron Hammers

FUTURE STARS SPORTS CAMPPresented by The South Charlotte Sports Report

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The Southern Express Gold 15u team is undefeated in October (8-0), afterhaving swept all four games over the weekend at the Global NIT Championship, a USSSA tournament played in Rock Hill, SC.

Front Row: (L-R) Luke Blanchett, Tristan Shea, Denver Moseley, Alex AlvarezBack Row: (L-R) Head Coach Joe Borchard, Tristan Broome, Christian Umphlett, Baron Rupp, Coach Grant Bomann, Josh Alley, Sean Bonner, Coach John Ennis, Trent Autry and Coach Mike Moore.Not pictured: Dylan Byrnes and McCann Mellett

@SCSportsReport

Volume 7, Issue 13 Page 3

STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

ARCHITECH SPORTS AND PHYSICAL THERAPY Blakeney Office: 8918 Blakeney Professional Drive Suite 120 | Charlotte, NC 28277 | Ph. 704-900-8960

Indian Trail Office: 1001 Van Buren Avenue Suite 3 | Indian Trail, NC 28079 | Ph. 704-628-6053www.architechsports.com

Physical Therapy for Athletes and Weekend Warriors * Sports Performance * Soccer Speed and AgilityBaseball Pitching Arm Care Evaluations * Female Jumpmetrics Training * Coaches Care Programs

All programs in conjunction with Morrison Family YMCA

ANDIE RUSSELLMarvin Ridge High School senior Andie Russell has been named the Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Student Athlete of the Week. Andie is the daughter of Rich and Joanie Russell and she plans to play volleyball at Mars Hill College next fall. Allie works hard year round on her skills by playing the position of setter for both the Mavericks and a volleyball club team. Her job is to create openings for the hitters and to call plays for the team. Andie plays club volleyball for the Carolina Union Volleyball Club and she has been with them since age 14. Last season the team placed 4th in the Big South Tournament and qualified for Nation-als in Columbus, Ohio. Andie has also been selected to play for the Carolina Region High Performance Team three years in a row. She has traveled across the country to compete against some of the top players in the United States and in the world. At Marvin Ridge, Andie has helped her team to three consecutive conference titles.

Inside the classroom, Andie carries a 4.2 weighted grade point average and she is enrolled in all Honors and Advanced Placement classes. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. Andie is also co-president of the National Art Honor Society. Congratulations to Andie Russell for being named the Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Student Athlete of the Week.

NICK CONTAFIOCuthbertson High School senior Nick Contafio has been named the Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Student-Athlete of the Week. Nick, a baseball player, is the son of Andy and Tammy Contafio and he recently made a college commitment to attend Charleston Southern University. Nick plays pitcher and outfield for Cuthbertson and for the South Charlotte Panthers Baseball Club.

Nick will enter his third year as a varsity baseball player this spring and he hopes to help lead the Cavaliers to a state title. He received five other offers, but after visiting Charleston Southern, Nick knew that he wanted to play for the school. Nick credits a great deal of his success to Coach Travis Little at Cuthbertson High School who always believed in him and has a way of making his players reach their full potential. Nick is looking forward to playing in the Big South Conference and he wants to pursue a career in accounting.

Inside the classroom, Nick carries a 3.45 unweighted and a 3.95 weighted grade point average. He is enrolled in honors classes at Cuthbertson and he also scored extremely well on the math portion of the SAT. Congratulations to Nick Contafio for being named the Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Student-Athlete of the Week.

SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT

Covenant Day School sophomore Megan Embry is a valuable member of the Lions Volleyball Team. The daughter of Darrick and Michelle Em-bry works hard on and off the court to achieve success. With another two plus years of high school, Megan is sure to become one of the top players in her conference. Let’s learn more about this young student-athlete.

When did you begin playing vol-leyball and why?“I started playing volleyball in 6th grade when I made the middle school team. I started playing because my mom played in high school and college so I wanted to try the same sport.”

Do you play any other school sports?“I’ve played softball but volleyball is my main sport.”

How exciting is it to be a part of the Covenant Day Volleyball family?“I love being a part of this team. Our team is very special. We have a very strong bond. We are able to play re-

ally well as a team on the court but off the court we are still like a family. The older girls are very supportive and I feel really comfortable to talk to them when I have a problem and having younger girls on the team is a lot of fun too. I am so blessed that I have the opportunity to have these wonderful girls in my life and have the opportunity to play with them. Also our coach, Heather Mills contributes so much to our well-be-ing as players and also as students. She is someone that is so encourag-ing on the court and is a very smart and intense coach but off the court she is always there for me and I can always go talk to her!”

What position do you play and what are your responsibilities?“I am the setter. It is my responsibly to set the flow of the game. The setter is kind of like the quarterback of the team, since I touch the ball the most I have to be the leader in order to keep the game flowing.”

Tell me about your club volley-ball history?“I have been playing club for 3 years.

I have recently been at the Club CJV for the past 2 year. Last year I was coached by Brian Rosen the coach of the 15u team. Our team had a very successful season. Our name was CJV Infinity, we were first in the region and got a bid to compete at Nationals among the best teams in the nation. Our team finished 13th which was the best any team at our club had ever did. Club volleyball is one of my favorite things, first of all because I spend a lot of my time playing club and also because I am very close to the girls on the team and Brian has been a wonderful coach and positive role model in my life.”

How well do you perform in the classroom?“I do pretty well in school. My hardworking attribute on the court carries into school for me so I spend a lot of my free time doing homework and studying. I participate in Beta Club which is a lot of fun and I am able to do events throughout the com-munity.”

UNDERCLASSMAN SPOTLIGHT ON MEGAN EMBRY

Page 4 Volume 7, Issue 13FIRST ANNUAL GREATER CHARLOTTE SOCCER GALA TO BE HELD DECEMBER 7th

The first annual Greater Charlotte Soccer Gala will take place on Friday, December 7th at the Morrison Family YMCA at Ballantyne. Alan Tyson, the President and Owner of Architech Sports realized that al-though more children play soccer than any other sport in the Mecklenburg and surrounding communities, their talent is unnoticed in the community. While these counties recognize the talent in sports such as base-ball and football on a yearly basis, there was a void in the community in regards to soccer. In order to fill this void, the first Greater Charlotte Soccer Gala will be held this year.

Combined with our mission, the underlying purpose of the event is to celebrate the impact of soccer on the community of Charlotte, while honoring the excellence of individual athletes and unifying the youth clubs. Luke Williams, a former MLS Soccer player that currently plays for the Charlotte Eagles believes that the Soccer Gala is a great opportunity to acknowledge the many talents of athletes that are playing in soccer clubs, high schools, and middle schools throughout the community.

While recognizing the achievements within our soccer community, the first annual Greater Charlotte Soc-cer Gala will also celebrate the attractiveness of community of Charlotte on the soccer spectrum. Izabella Miranda moved to Boston from Brazil twelve years ago. While searching for a University to attend after high school, she came across Wingate University. A former Wingate University soccer athlete, Izabella is involved in the leadership team for the Soccer Gala. Combined with our leadership and sponsorship teams, we are proud to announce Matt Spear, the Davidson Men’s Head Coach as the keynote speaker. With other surprises on the list, come join us as we celebrate the beautiful game of soccer with friends, family, and our community.

Volume 7, Issue 13 Page 5 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT

Butler High School junior cheerleader McKenzie Cook is one of the hardest working cheerleaders in the community. She lives for the excitement of pumping up the Bulldog faithful on a Friday night. McKenzie is also an excellent student-athlete with a high desire to serve her community. Let’s go Be-yond The Game with McKenzie Cook to learn more.

When did you first begin to cheer and what led you to choose cheerleading as a sport?“I began to cheer when I was 6 years old (in the first grade.) I’ve done rec cheerleading every year since. When I got to middle school, I was on the football and basketball squads my 7th and 8th grade years. I’ve always loved cheerleading, and I just grew on it ever since I was little. I knew it was something I wanted to stick with for a long time!”

Have you competed with any travel type teams over the years?“When I was younger I competed with a rec team and it taught me so much! Everything I know now, I learned doing Cheer America. I learned all the motions, and I even did my first basket toss! This will also be Butler’s first year competing in many years.”

What are some of your top athletic accom-plishments?“My Freshman year at Butler High School, I was the captain of JV. I also won the leadership award for the JV team. My sophomore year I made var-sity as a sophomore. I was also given the “most spirited” award for varsity. I’m now on varsity for the second year. I’ve accomplished so much by fly-

ing, also. When I was younger, I was so scared to do extensions and libs, etc., but now I have accom-plished my extension lib, toe touch basket, etc.”

Do you enjoy playing any other sports?“I always enjoy throwing the football around, or shooting a couple hoops! I’m not a tri-athlete or play more than one sport. My only sport is cheer-leading, but I do enjoy staying active! My favorite sport other than cheerleading would have to be basketball! I enjoy watching sports very much! ESPN is my favorite network! I love fall because it’s a football weekend every weekend! Friday Night Butler Games, Saturday College Games, and Sunday NFL! I love my sports!”

How well do you perform in the classroom? “I do very well in school. I have a 4.4 weighted GPA, (3.75 unweighted.) I am ranked 32 out of 482 students in my class! I am currently taking 3 AP classes (AP English, AP Government, and AP Psychology) and honors everything else! I am a very hard-working and dedicated student. I am president of Project Unify Club, where we work with special needs students and we team up with the Special Olympics, and help out in events like the cheerleading competition. I am also in Nation-al Honor Society and Junior Board. I volunteer for events such as: Race for the Cure, CureSearch Walk, and Special Olympics Cheerleading Com-petition. I am a judge at the Cheerleading Com-petition. I love going out in the community and helping others! Especially helping others in a field in which I love!”

BEYOND THE GAME WITH MCKENZIE COOK

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Page 6 Volume 7, Issue 13

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The WCWAA Titans and Coach Jeff Horrell Front Row: (L-R) Coach Michael Jennings, Jay Sledd, Ethan Baker, Charles Rothenberger, Andrew Williams, Shane Jennings, Gage Hudson, Coach Damien HudsonMiddle Row: (L-R) Coach Tim Melton, Matt Duggan, Landyn Alexander, Bennett Melton, James Radermacher, Jonathan Freeman, Lucas Cheek, Team Mom Lisa Pippin, Coach Frank PippinBack Row: (L-R) Connor Knox, Matthew Maloney, Blake Berrey, Zachary Reda, Seth Pippin, Seth Potter

The WCWAA Titans and Coach Michael Harvey

Front Row: (L-R) Donovan Foster, Gabriel Montognese, Cole Delisso, Hunter Heidenreich, Jacob Estrada, Brian Chiaradio

Second Row: (L-R) Scott Gibson, Tyler Carroll, Daniel Burnett, Owen Barr, Drew Garrett, Matthew Sharpe, Mikai Hunt, Dwight GirardThird Row: (L-R) Wayne Terrell, Keaton Snider, James Jackson Jr., Nick Harvey, Christopher Beard, Brian Smith, Brody Morrissey, Aaron Brannock, Patrick HuntFourth Row: (L-R) Jim Romano, Andrew Montognese, Doug Snider, Michael Harvey, Jody Brannock, Eric DelissioNot Pictured: Joshua Mungo

The WCWAA Titans and Coach Eric Frasier

Front Row: (L-R) Algernon Williams, Jr., Bryson Barberio, Zion Massey, Luke Patel, Seyi Ojomo, Jacob Orloski, Dominick DeGrace, Blake McKinneyMiddle Row: (L-R) Coach Scott Barberio, Michael Luisa Jr., Tod Burns, Quinn Duleba, Ryan Roberts, Holden Miller, Garrett Morgan, Ryan Henley, Coach Derek Henley, Coach Burke McKinneyBack Row: (L-R) Coach Scott Miller, Coach Eric Frasier, Michael Quinn, Joe Keller, Connor Benito, Trevor Dillinger, Nathan Thomas, Brock Frasier, Aidan Nasta, Tanner Huntley, Coach Jim Dillinger, Coach Rhett Duleba

The WCWAA Titans and Coach David Shearer

Front Row: (L-R) Coach Shearer, Davis Jensen, Matthew Owens, Collin McKenzie, Cole Roosenberg, Nicholas Sheets, PJ Johnson, Nate Crouse, Coach CrouseMiddle Row: (L-R) Coach Brozik, Thomas Johns Jr., Hendrik VanAsselt, Tommy Lewis, Jameson Conley, Chase Turner, Will Seehorn, Ian Dunn, Coach TurnerBack Row: (L-R) Devyn Turner, Michael Burns, Zack Brozik, Tyler Shearer, David English, Daniel Lucovich, Ashvin Makhija

Volume 7, Issue 13 Page 7

Part of that team first philosophy comes straight from head coach Suzie Pignetti. Her coaching has played a major role in Brooke’s overall develop-ment.

“I love playing for Coach Pignetti! I love playing for her not only because she is a wonderful coach, everyone knows that, but she is one of the sweetest people I know. She and all of the coaching staff have done everything they could to make our volleyball careers at Latin memorable and fun too. She seems to recognize strength in weaknesses. She encourages us to work hard and understand our role on the team. She has a different coaching style. She is not constantly yelling at her players but she has a gentle teaching style that lets you know when she means business. She treats us with respect and we want to win! Her normal speaking voice is her coaching voice and it works. It has worked for the past nine years. She will yell at us only if we are really playing horribly and if that doesn’t work, she will make us run. She is one of the best coaches I know and I will dearly miss her and the coaching staff, Coach Zinn, and Coach Kazura, next year.”

As you can tell, Brooke has had an amazing career at Charlotte Latin. The entire time she has been at the school, she has placed her academics first as stated in the first line of the story. Brooke cares deeply about suc-ceeding in the classroom and she works hard to maintain that commitment. Brooke is an “A” student with an occasional “B” grade. Earlier in her high school career she was given the opportunity to take the National Spanish Exam and she placed Gold each year. She has recorded some of the top scores on the test in North Carolina. Brooke also serves as an ambassador and is a member of the Diversity Club at Latin. With college just around the corner, Brooke hopes to enroll in a four year university and possibly focus on a math related major. She wants to enjoy the college experience and play intramural and club sports for fun.

The South Charlotte Sports Report knows that Brooke Brown will pursue success in college just like she has in high school. With a focus on the class-room and being a team player, Brooke will find success down whatever path she chooses to follow,

BROOKE BROWNContinued from front page

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Page 8 Volume 7, Issue 13

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Wired for Excellence Award Recognizing Academic and Athletic Excellence

Sarah Post

8125 Ardrey Kell Road Charlotte NC 28277704-443-0006

www.quimbyandcollins.com

Winning Smiles

Covenant Day School seventh grader Haywood Ferguson has been named the Quimby and Collins Orthodontics “Wired For Excellence” Award Winner. Haywood, the son of Chris and Lisa Marie Ferguson is an outstanding cross country runner for the Lions. Haywood started running cross country in the 6th grade and he has a personal best time of 10:13 in the 3K event. Haywood will also run track in the spring and participate in the 800M, 4x800M, 4x400M and the long jump.

Haywood can be found training four to five times a week and he also works hard to enjoy swimming and mountain biking.

Inside the classroom, Haywood is a good student and he enjoys playing bass clarinet in the band. Haywood also enjoys art class and serving in Troop 413 of the Boy Scouts. Congratula-tions to Haywood Ferguson for being named the Quimby and Collins Orthodontics “Wired for Excellence” Award Winner.

Would you like to nominate an elementary or middle school student for The Quimby and Collins Orthodontics Wired For Excellence Award? Send your nominations to Tripp@southcharlottesports.com

HAYWOOD FERGUSON

New South Charlotte 11U Baseball Team looking for 4 players.

This team will practice at Olde Providence and will be playing approximately 10 to 11 tournaments from

March 2013 through June 2013.

We are looking for strong families that place an emphasis on player development with an

expectation to win. We will provide quality coaching and solid practice facilities with an affordable price of around

$400 per player for the Spring/Summer.

Please contact Coach Jeff Devine at jeff@karseyglass.com or 704.241.7687 if interested.

Southern Express

Spring/Summer Open Tryouts!

November 10th at Carmel Middle School11:00am 13U & 14U

12:00pm Class of 2014, 2015 & 2016

Please bring copy of birth certificate and $10 administration fee

www.amateurbaseballconsulting.com

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Volume 7, Issue 13 Page 9

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The Jay M. Robinson Middle School Football Team has worked hard this fall. The Chargers will wrap up their season this week and hope to end on a high note. Front Row: (L-R) Benjamin Brodowicz, Ryan Gilley, Nick Murrer, Andrew Durdan, Kilante White, Grant Payne, Robert Csuhta, Jake Bagwell, Jake Aschenbrenner, Edward Baker, Kinnon Tatum-Scott, JJ Skinner, Preston Davis (Mgr)Second Row: (L-R) Coach Saiq Patrick, Coach Jeff Porzenski, Coach Taylor Hoyle, Nick Petrov, Michael Steiner, Luke Murdock, Jake Reid, Joey Jeiger, Devon Dotson, Bryce Porzenski, Devon Johnson, Patrick Brady, Coach Young, Coach Reid, Caliphaa Wilson (Mgr)Third Row: (L-R) Cole Miller, Saiq Patrick, Matthew Raemore, Ryan Jones, Hayden Schwartz, Jeremy Littlejohn, Bobby Shore, Lawrence Bryant, Jacob Blair, Worth Page, Nick Stathopoulos, Tripp Franco Not Pictured: Parks Lewis, Patrick McGillicuddy

Page 10 Volume 7, Issue 13

2ND ANNUAL GREATER CHARLOTTE YOUTH FOOTBALL AWARDS“The top night of youth football in Charlotte!”

DECEMBER 8TH

Nominations are now open for:

High School FootballOffensive Player of the YearDefensive Player of the Year

Gridiron (Two-Way) Player of the YearSpecial Teams Player of the Year

Team of the YearScholar-Athlete of the Year

Coach of the YearComeback Player of the Year

Middle School and Youth FootballPlayers of the YearTeams of the Year

Coaches of the Year

Contributions to the Game of Football Award

Tickets are now on sale atwww.charlottefootballawards.com

SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT

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The 3rd Annual Big South 5K Road Race saw a record number of participants this year with nearly 1,200 registered runners in the event. In a race to ben-efit local middle school athletics, the event had runners from over 40 middle schools in the Mecklenburg/Union county school districts with 120 middle school age participants in the race.

For complete post-race information, including photos and race results, visit the official race website at www.BigSouth5K.com.

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS THE WINNER IN BIG SOUTH

CONFERENCE 5K ROAD RACE

Volume 7, Issue 13 Page 11 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT

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They Can PreTTy MuCh eaT Like horses.Okay, so maybe they have more than one thing in common—like a drive for excellence, to deliver their best, all the time. Hey, looks like we have a lot in common with them! And we understand that

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teAm Of the WeekSOUTH CHARLOTTE RECREATION ASSOCIATION

Dynamites Rookie Machine Pitch Team The Dynamites Rookie Machine Pitch Team from South Charlotte Recreation Association has been named the Buca Di Beppo Team of the Week. The Dy-namites were the Rookie Machine Pitch Division Co-Champions this season. Coach Chris Hill and his staff worked hard with all the young baseball players to form a winning combination.

Front Row: (L-R) Owen Sanborn, Will Cherry, Drew Cherry, Zachary QuinteroMiddle Row: (L-R) Owen Stewart, Sully Hill, Rocky Streiner, David Abner, Braeden Martin Back Row: (L-R) Assistant Coach Paul Streiner, Coach Chris Hill, Assistant Coach Chip Stewart

The Community House Middle School Golf Team has enjoyed great success this season.

Bottom Row: (L-R) Hunter Cullip, Chase Kerley, Rupen Singer, Eli Vail, Sam FinkTop Row: (L-R) Connell Bradfield, Cole Sutherland, Mason Elmore, Carter Weeks, Sarah Zimmerle, Coach Eryka Vickers

The Ardrey Kell High School Junior Varsity Volleyball Team went undefeated in conference and 19-1 for the season. The Knights were coached by Rick Kiser and Zoe Bell.

Front Row: (L-R) Haley Manzella, Kaylan Frame, Maggie Miller, Shelby Whitfield, Taylor GordonBack Row: (L-R) Alex Manzella, Lexi Steed, Erin Whalen, Madison Broome, Rachel Mackey, Lauren Puckett, Abby Smith, Brianna Dellosa, Erin Stitt, Sloan Wauchope

Page 12 Volume 7, Issue 13SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT

The Jay M. Robinson Middle School Softball Team has enjoyed competingagainst area middle school teams this fall.

Kneeling: (L-R) Samantha Parish, Emma Balicki, Caroline Petronis, Ashley Caines, Cara Dillyhon, Abby Manley, Jaycee FallattStanding: (L-R) Coach Vanderhill, Isabella Marks, Briana Augustin, Brooke Marlowe, Abigail Phelps, Maria McDowell, Maddie Cincera, Coach Crowley

The Marvin Ridge Middle School JV Volleyball team finished their seasonwith an undefeated record and championship.

Front Row: Ellie FlorianMiddle Row: (L-R) Verity Kelly, Sam Garrett, Madison Graveline, Kellyn Lindway, Natalie HuntBack Row: (L-R) Lauren Moulton, Brooke Davis, Chloe Barbu, Olivia Headrick, Lauren Smith, Olivia Smith, Aly Fullmer, Coach Megan Smith

Volume 7, Issue 13 Page 13

SCRA BASKETBALLREGISTRATION OPEN

Our 43rd year of offering your best youth basketball

experience in South Charlotte.

Competitive Leagues with Quality Coaching in the

Best Gyms in South Charlotte.

Register today at southcharlotterec.com

BEYOND THE GAME WITH ANDREW BURNICK

With a college baseball commitment in hand to a prestigious Ivy League school, Providence Day School senior Andrew Burnick is ready for the spring baseball season to arrive. The 17 year old son of Jim and Michelle Burnick made a formal commitment to attend the University of Penn this week. After many years of academic and athletic success, the hard work has paid off for this talented student-athlete. Let’s go Beyond The Game to learn more about Andre Burnick.

Outside of Providence Day School where have you played baseball the past couple of seasons?“I’ve played my travel ball at Champions Baseball Academy (formerly On Deck) for the past couple years. I used to take lessons there when I was ten and have been working with their coaches ever since. They are a great group

of people to be around, and besides being incredibly knowledgeable about the game, they are dedicated to helping their players in every way possible.”

What are your top three athletic accomplishments?“The biggest accomplishment for me athletically was hitting 92 MPH pitching at Washington and Lee this past summer. It was the first time I broke 90 MPH, and since then I’ve been able to consistently throw in the low 90’s velocity wise. Another important accomplishment for me was being able play Varsity with my high school team the past three years. Last season I was also a North Carolina STEP player of the week nominee, and Perfect Game All-American Honorable Mention.”

What baseball memory stands out as your favorite?“I have two memories from last season that are tied for my favorite. The first was the Jack Sink Tournament last year. We played Myers Park on a Friday night at their place. They had a ton of fans there, and we knew it was going to be really competitive. I had one of my best games of the season up at the plate going 3-4 with two doubles and a three-run homer finishing up with 6 RBI’s. We ended up winning the game 8-2 and carried that momentum for the rest of the season to make it deep into the playoffs. The second was the Friday night game at Charlotte Christian last year during conference play. They had some big event going on at the same time as the game, so the place was packed. It was a crucial game for us to win because they had taken the first two games in the 3-game se-ries. It was extremely close the whole game, but we had a couple of key hits and came from behind late in the game to take the lead. We ended up holding them off after a rain delay, and won. It was a key victory for us, and set us up for a good position in the playoffs.”

What positions will you play for Providence Day this year?“Coach Cerbie and Coach Smith are good at giving me experience in a variety of roles on our team. I’ll pitch, probably both as a starter and closer. Wherever my team and coaches need me to play in the field is where I’ll end up.”

What led you to choose Penn?“I’ve wanted to play baseball at an Ivy League school for as long as I can remem-ber. After going on the campus tour at Penn and getting to meet the coaching staff and players, I knew it was the perfect place for me to both continue play-ing baseball and to learn. I’m interested in majoring in business or economics, and I was given the chance to attend the Wharton School of Business at Penn. I couldn’t pass up such an amazing opportunity.”

What other schools did you look at?“I received offers to play baseball at both Furman and Davidson, and I was also in talks with Dartmouth and Columbia before making my decision.”

How well do you perform in the classroom ?“My parents and coaches always told me growing up that good grades would open up a lot of doors for baseball in the future. I took this to heart and I have worked incredibly hard to maintain a 4.37 cumulative GPA through my years at PDS. I am taking 4 AP classes this year and will have completed 8 total AP classes and three advanced classes by the time I graduate. I’ve been a member of Key Club for three years, National Honor Society for two years, Students of Service (Beta Club) for two years and was inducted into Cum Laude Society last year. I’m also involved in our schools senior Ping-Pong Club.”

Page 14 Volume 7, Issue 13SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT

4th ANNUAL BASEBALL ARM CARE CLINIC TO BE HELD DECEMBER 8TH

... Nationally recognized specialists and pro baseball players and coaches to share their knowledge

A young arm is a terrible thing to waste. With proper arm care young baseball players can decrease their risk of a serious arm injury before reaching college. With baseball players beginning to pitch at the young ages of eight and nine, it is more important than ever for parents and their children to learn how to protect their arms.

The 4th Annual Arm Care Clinic isn’t about throwing the best curveball or how to strikeout a batter on a full count. The clinic exists for one reason and one reason only, to provide the best possible knowledge to pro-tect children’s arms for many years to come. Information shared by nationally recognized arm specialist Alan Tyson and our other pro-fessional speakers can help your son navigate their way around dreaded arm injuries for many years to come.

This unique clinic is designed for both baseball pitchers and their parents to learn valuable information on arm care. Our goal is to help reduce the amount of injuries suffered by pitchers in our area. It’s very important to note that the clinic will have NO LIVE PITCHING, this clinic is A Day of Learning.

The clinic is recommended for pitchers of all ages. The instruction is format-ted to help the first time nine year old pitcher as well as the 17 year old high school pitcher that has committed to a college program. One of last year’s camp-ers was drafted in this past summer’s Major League Baseball Draft!

Alan Tyson of Architech Sports and Physical Therapy has worked with more pitchers on every level of baseball than anyone in the Southeast. His clients range from major league pitchers to 9 year old recreational league Pitchers that have suffered arm injuries.

“Every day I speak to baseball parents and their number one question is; How do keep my son’s arm healthy? The next question usually comes from the son and he wants to know how he can increase his velocity,” said Tyson. “This clinic is designed to help provide instruction that goes hand in hand in reaching both the parent and the son’s goals.”

In addition to Tyson, other well known coaches will be on hand to share their knowledge with young pitchers and their parents. We expect to have visits from current and former major league baseball players and coaches. A wealth of knowledge and experience will be shared with young pitchers across the re-gion.

Each pitcher will learn a flexibility routine, key strengthening exercises to develop velocity, and have the opportunity to have their core rotational strength measured by Architech Sports State of the Art Keiser Equipment. Each pitcher will leave with a detailed 6 week program for the winter.

The statistics on injuries for pitchers are staggering; 45% of pitchers under age 12 have chronic elbow pain, among high school pitchers this number rises to 58%. Pitchers suffer the most injuries (21.6%) of any position in all sports that were followed over a 3-year period by the National Athletic Trainer’s Associa-tion.

Alan Tyson and other specialists will provide the best possible instruction on how to reduce your son’s chances of becoming an injury statistic.

Alan has developed two programs; Pitching for Success and Power Pitching to train young pitchers and has written a book entitled the Pitcher’s Toolbox to give guidance to pitchers wanting to know more about how to train their arm safely. The clinic will combine his knowledge with other guests speakers from both the baseball and physical conditioning industries.

We would like to invite all baseball pitchers ages 9-18 to attend this unique clinic, scheduled to be held inside at Architech Sports Training Center inside the Morrison YMCA on Saturday, December 8th from 8:30am - 12:30pm. Cost to attend is only $49 per pitcher before December 1st, $75 after December 1st. Parents attend for free and the enrollment is limited to provide the very best instruction.

To repeat, there will be NO LIVE PITCHING at this clinic, this is a day of learning and listening with top arm care specialists and baseball pitching coach-es.

To secure your spot in the 4th Annual Baseball Arm Care Clinic, please visit

DON’T RISK AN ARM INJURY!Baseball Arm Care

and Velocity Development Clinic

Led by one of the top baseball arm specialists in the Southeast, Alan Tyson.

December 8th8:30am-12:30pm

Ages 8-18

Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Training Center inside Morrison Y

Special Guests: Current and Former Major League Pitchers and Pitching Coaches

There will NOT be any live pitching at this clinic

Enroll now at www.southcharlottesportscamps.com

9U ELITE BASEBALL CLUB

The 9U South Charlotte Thunder Baseball Club has an opening for 1 or 2 Elite Level Baseball Players

for the Spring/Summer Season

After an ultra-successful Fall season with 5 championships in 6 tournaments, we are looking

to fill an opening on our Elite Team roster.

Dedicated Practice Days!Fun, Family-based Team!

Nations Baseball Weekend Tournaments!Recent Major League Players As Hitting and Pitching Coaches!

For more information, contact Tripp@southcharlottesports.com

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SOUTH CHARLOTTE

Volume 7, Issue 13 Page 15

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