Local Sports

Pair of Blue Devils sign to play at next level

February 1, 2012

Finishing their high school careers where they started them together, Maiden quarterback Matt Johnson and running back Will Jenkins signed their National Letters of Intent on Wednesday.

Johnson joins the first-ever recruiting class at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, while Jenkins signed to play for Fayetteville State University next season.

In 2011, Johnson ran for 1,789 yards, threw for another 1,077 yards and scored 30 offensive touchdowns (22 rushing TDs, eight passing).
On defense, he collected 41 tackles (31 solo) and intercepted one pass.

Mountaineers, Bears sign combined 42 athletes

February 1, 2012

Lenoir-Rhyne football coach Mike Houston announced 23 recruits signed for the 2012 season on Wednesday.

Twelve players in the class are North Carolina natives, but the class also includes players from Georgia (eight), South Carolina (two) and Texas (one).

Signings include nine offensive and defensive linemen, including Placid Ajoku, Callan Gillison, Lucas Hayes, Chris Phillips, Logan Reach, Jacob Slagle, Bryan Veazey, Nathan Benfield and Ben Carrion.

2012 Lenoir-Rhyne recruiting class

Red Devils wrap up CVAC title on 'Senior Night'

February 1, 2012

The Newton-Conover wrestling team honored its four seniors the best way it could Tuesday — winning.

The Red Devils (38-2) locked up another Catawba Valley 2A wrestling title, defeating Bunker Hill, 68-3.

Before the match, the four senior Red Devils — Ian Canrobert, Tyler Benfield, Addison Klutz and Eric Holbrook — were honored in front of a packed crowd.

The quartet ended the night successfully, each earning a mat victory.
Included in the win for Newton-Conover were eight pins, two decisions and two major decisions.

Newton-Conover 68, Bunker Hill 3

Former 'Dads reflect on the team’s past at Hot Stove

January 31, 2012

Kicking off their 20th anniversary campaign in style, the Hickory Crawdads hosted their annual Hot Stove Banquet at Rock Barn Golf and Spa on Monday.

The event featured a number of guest speakers, including former ‘Dads general manager Marty Steele and former Hickory players Josh Bonifay (2000-01), Chris Mader (1993-94) and Jason Evans (1993).

Steele, who was team’s first-ever general manager, recanted the first opening day at its new stadium.