Former Gryphon teaching, coaching at Wilson Hunt

If you attended the Rocky Mount Invitational Baseball Tournament earlier this week and saw Wilson Hunt play, you might have seen a familiar face in the Warriors' dugout.

Adam Weaver, who played collegiately at UNC and Elon, is now an assistant baseball coach at Hunt. Weaver, who teaches math at Hunt, knows his way around Gryphon Stadium. He was a four-year starter for the Gryphons from 1999 to 2002.

Weaver, whose dad Danny coached him at Rocky Mount, was voted to the Rocky Mount Telegram's Top 50 Greatest Twin Counties Athletes list a few years ago. A shortstop with tremendous range and arm strength, Weaver set the school record for career hits with 121 (also tops in the Twin Counties) - including 27 doubles. He closed his career with a .366 batting average.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised that one his kids, senior catcher Chris Lamm, won the Hits Award for the tournament.

Weaver could also steal bases. He was 60-for-66 in his career as a base thief. And on the odd occasion when his dad told him to go to the mound, he got the job done there, too. He had a 5-0 as a pitcher.

But his ability on the football field was really underrated. He started the 2000 season as quarterback for the Gryphons and passed for 1,127 yards and eight touchdowns. His late touchdown run at New Bern that season gave the Gryphs a huge Big East upset win. He was also the team's second-leading rusher.

He decided that he'd concentrate solely on baseball his senior year.

His Hunt squad lost 4-2 to Rocky Mount in the tournament opener Monday. But a bit of a payback was on his mind.

He was heard to say later that day that Rocky Mount had better watch out for Hunt should they meet again come playoff time.

Looks like he's fully entrenched as a Warrior now, doesn't it!

2007 RMHS Football Highlights

If you have a desire to see some highlights of the Gryphons' fine 14-1 football season, then click on any of the links below to see some clips of games from the 2007 campaign. These are all from WRAL's Football Friday Show with Rocky Mount native Tom Suiter.

2007 Football Friday Videos

Wilson Hunt vs. Rocky Mount
Northern Vance vs. Rocky Mount
Greenville Rose vs. Rocky Mount
Rocky Mount vs. Southern Wayne
Southern Nash vs. Rocky Mount
Nash Central vs. Rocky Mount
Rocky Mount vs. Wilson Fike
Rocky Mount vs. Northern Nash
Union Pines vs. Rocky Mount
South Granville vs. Rocky Mount
Southern Wayne vs. Rocky Mount
Tom Suiter's Extra Effort Award: Manuel Davis
Rocky Mount vs. Western Alamance

Former Gryphon picks Appalachian State

Former Rocky Mount pitcher Ryan Waldrep will apparently play college baseball at Appalachian State.

Waldrep, a lefty who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs around 200 pounds, made a verbal commitment to the school this week according to the ImpactBaseball.com website.

Waldrep, who left Rocky Mount after a stellar sophomore season, has spent the last two years playing both basketball and baseball at South Brunswick in Southport.

In 2006, Waldrep was the NEW 6 Baseball Player of the Year - going 4-2 and setting a school record for the lowest ERA in school history - 0.15 - the fourth lowest in N.C. state history.

Here is an excerpt from a column by the Wilmington Star-News sports writer Chuck Carree about Waldrep's draft chances come June:

At 6-foot-5, 205, Waldrep intrigues me because I know little about him, except he played high school basketball and he is left-handed.

"I don't know if he is one everybody is on,'' said one scout, who described him as a sleeper.

Waldrep pitches comfortably at 86-87 mph and tops out at 88 mph.

"He is a guy I would at least like to keep an eye on,'' the scout said. "I only saw him briefly. He is a big kid. His arm worked OK and his throwing angles are good. He might be throwing harder than that in a couple of years.''

Waldrep is leaning toward signing with either Appalachian State or Elon after deciding not to pursue college basketball. He has qualified academically with more than 1,200 on the SAT and a 3.5 grade-point average.

Last week, Elon saw him pitch against Hoggard, when he threw three innings and struck out eight and allowed one unearned run. He says only two players made contact for outs. The run he allowed reached on a passed ball.

"He's got potential,'' said South Brunswick coach Lee Shelton. "I don't think he has fully been tapped out.''

Waldrep said his curve has improved since he received pointers last summer at Appalachian State's camp, where he said they clocked his fastball at 90 mph. He also throws changeups down in the strike zone to keep hitters off balance.

To solidify his future draft status, he hopes to add several miles per hour to his fastball.

"I have to learn to focus a little bit better too,'' he said.

While I have never seen Waldrep pitch, my guess is he will benefit from three years of college. The same can be said of virtually every high school senior.

2008 Rocky Mount Football Preview Capsules

HEAD COACH: B.W. Holt


CAREER RECORD: 308-110-2


RECORD AT RMHS: 57-11


CONFERENCE: NEW 6 Athletic


CLASS: 3A

COLORS: Blue-Black/Gold


MASCOT: Gryphons


2007 RECORD: 14-1; 5-0


LETTERMEN RETURNING: 36


STARTERS RETURNING: Off: 8 – Def: 8


OFFENSIVE FORMATION: Wing T


DEFENSIVE FORMATION: 4-3



STRENGTHS: Experience. Good senior leaders.



WEAKNESSES: Depth on the offensive line and defensive front.

2008 OUTLOOK: "It could be a good year if we can develop the right chemistry."

2008 SCHEDULE

Aug. 22 --- EAST FORSYTH (E)

Aug. 28 --- @ Wilson Hunt

Sep. 5 --- @ Northern Vance

Sep. 12 ---- @ J.H. Rose

Sep. 19 --- HERTFORD COUNTY

Sep. 26 --- SOUTHERN WAYNE

Oct. 3 --- open

Oct. 10 ---- NORTHERN NASH*

Oct. 17 --- @ SouthWest Edgecombe*

Oct. 24 --- @ Southern Nash*

Oct. 31 --- @ Nash Central*

Nov. 7 ---- WILSON FIKE*

KEY RETURNING PLAYERS -

SENIORS:

BRIAN GOODWIN (Athlete, 6-1, 182, 4.4) - All-Conference perfomer as a kick returner and a defensive back. Two-year starter. As a returner, he brought back two punts for touchdowns and two kickoffs for scores in 2007. Good hitter from his safety position (42 tackles, three pass deflections, two fumble recoveries and an interception). He may see some time at QB in 2008. Has baseball scholarship offer from UNC. College prospect.

NICK HAHULA (PK/FB/LB, 225, 4.75) - Could be one of the best kickers in the state. Rocky Mount's all-time kick scorer (180 pts.- 132 PATs, 16 FGs) and second in all-time points scored (216). All-Conference performer. Set school record for kicking points in a season in 2007 (73) and made a school-record seven field goals. Rushed for 679 yds. and scored six TDs from his fullback position. College prospect.

WHIT BARNES (OL, 6-4, 272, 5.15) - All-State and All-Conference performer. Two-year starter who can play center or tackle. Very smart player and a good leader. Led an offensive line that helped the team set a school record for rushing - 4,676 yds - ninth highest mark in N.C. history. College prospect.

TORY LEE (OL, 6-1, 255, 5.1) - Two-year starter at tackle. All-Conference performer. Very quick and smart. Will also play on the defensive side of the ball in 2008.

CHRIS PITTMAN (OLB, 6-1, 190, 4.7) - Racked up 120 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 2007. He also recovered three fumbles - returned one for a TD. Expected to be the leader of the defense in 2008. College prospect.

NICK HARRISON (DE, 6-3, 215, 4.75) - All-Conference performer. Led team in sacks with seven. Recorded 39 tackles and recovered a fumble. Very quick and strong, Can play at the next level. Started all 15 games as a junior. College prospect.

JARRON BATTLE (OL, 6-1, 315, 5.5) - Should be an anchor for the offensive line. Very strong - 600 squat, 325 bench..

GREG WILLIAMS (OL, 6-3, 265, 5.3) - Started all 15 games last season as a junior. A quick guard. Could be special.

KEITH STRICKLAND (SE, 6-1,172, 4.6) - All-Conference performer. Led team with 24 receptions for 501 yds. and two TDs. Great hands.

HIAWATHA BUNN (QB/DB, 6-1, 175, 4.5) - Started six games at QB in 2007 before an ankle injury sidelined him. Ran for 273 yds. and three TDs, passed for 189 yds. and two TDs. Ran in four 2-point conversions. Very good athlete. Could be a two-way player in 2008.

BRANDON DENNIS (OL/DL, 6-2, 232, 5.0) - Started all 15 games in 2007. Will play some defense in 2008. Very good athlete and very smart.

JOHN WELLS (NG, 5-9, 215, 4.9) - Tallied 52 tackles and five sacks last season. Started all 15 games in 2007.

JERMAINE FIELDS (DE, 6-2, 215, 4.75) - Amassed 82 tackles in 2007 and recorded 3.5 sacks. He also recovered three fumbles. Very quick and strong. Can play at the next level. Good speed. College prospect.

ZACK WILLIAMS (DB, 6-0, 175, 4.5) - Picked off two passes in 2007 and played in every game. Also had two pass deflections and nine tackles. Very quick. A good coverage man.

DEDRICK SILVER (OLB/SS, 5-10, 165, 4.7) - Very smart player and a good tackler. Had 72 tackles in 2007. He deflected three passes and had a sack and a fumble recovery.

JUNIORS:

MARQUAVIS ALSTON (HB, 5-10, 170, 4.5) - All-Conference performer. Led the team in rushing as a sophomore in 2007 with 189 carries for 1,576 yds. and 24 touchdowns.

JORDAN FORD (HB/DB, 5-8, 162, 4.5) - Spent time on the varsity and JVs in 2007. Carried the ball just 39 times on the varsity, but ran for 448 yards (11.5 yds. per carry) and three TDs.

AARON BARNES (LB, 6-1, 215, 4.9) - Could be very good. Started most of the games in 2007. Had 67 tackles and two sacks.

COLLINS CUTHRELL (QB, 6-0, 165) - Led JV team to a 10-0 season in 2007 and kept its winning streak alive at 22 straight wins. Passed for 1,056 yds. and 12 TDs. Ran for 116 yds. and three TDs. Could push other QBs for the starting job.

MARCUS JONES (SE/DB, 6-0, 170) - Very good athlete. Great hands. Led JVs with 27 catches for 485 yds. and five TDs. During the JV season, he had two interception returns for a TD, a fumble return for a TD and a punt return for a TD.

2008 NEW 6 Master Baseball Schedule

Have you ever wondered what baseball team Northern Nash was playing, while attending a Rocky Mount game? Or what other squads NEW 6 baseball teams were playing, period?

Well, this should solve your problem.

How about a master schedule that has the games of all six NEW 6 Conference members on it!

Below, I am posting such a schedule and feel free to print it out, or refer back to it anytime. When six different teams play on any six days of the week, it can get a bit daunting to keep up with them.

Now, you can - starting with this week's games!

2008 NEW 6 CONFERENCE

BASEBALL MASTER SCHEDULE


Monday, March 3

Nash Central @ Wilson Hunt, 4:30

Tuesday, March 4

SW Edgecombe @ Hertford Co., 4:00
D.H. Conley @ Northern Nash, 4:30
Wilson Fike @ Wilson Hunt, 4:30 - ppd. rain
Washington @ Rocky Mount, 4:30
Southern Nash @ Beddingfield, 4:30

Wednesday, March 5

Southern Vance @ Southern Nash, 4:00
Wilson Fike @ Wilson Hunt, 4:30

Thursday, March 6

Northern Nash @ South Central, 4:30
Nash Central @ Wilson Beddingfield, 4:30
SW Edgecombe @ North Pitt, 5:30

Friday, March 7

South Granville @ Rocky Mount - DH, 4:30
Wilson Hunt @ Wilson Fike, 4:30

Southern Nash @ Roanoke Rapids, 5:00

Saturday, March 8

Hertford Co. @ SW Edgecombe, 1:00

Monday, March 10

Wakefield @ Nash Central, 4:00
Farmville Central @ SW Edgecombe, 4:30
Wilson Hunt @ Southern Nash, 4:30
Rocky Mount @ Washington, 4:30
South Granville @ Northern Nash, 5:00

Tuesday, March 11

Southern Nash @ North Johnston, 4:00
Princeton @ Wilson Fike, 4:30

Wednesday, March 12

Wilson Beddingfield @ Nash Central, 4:30
SW Edgecombe @ Bertie, 4:30
Smithfield-Selma @ Northern Nash, 4:30

Thursday, March 13

Roanoke Rapids @ Rocky Mount, 4:30
Bunn @ Nash Central, 4:30
Wilson Fike @ Rosewood, 5:00

Friday, March 14

North Johnston @ Southern Nash, 4:00

Saturday, March 15

Tarboro @ SW Edgecombe, 1:00
Rocky Mount @ D.H. Conley, 1:00

Monday, March 17

North Pitt @ SW Edgecombe, 4:30
Rocky Mount @ Roanoke Rapids, 5:00
Rosewood @ Wilson Fike, 5:00
Tarboro @ Nash Central, 7:00

Wednesday, March 19

Raleigh Enloe @ Northern Nash (E), 6:00

Thursday, March 20

Harnett Central @ Nash Central, 4:30

Friday, March 21

SW Edgecombe vs. Hobgood, 4:00 (Tarboro Classic)

Saturday, March 22

SW Edgecombe vs. TBA (Tarboro Classic)

Monday, March 24

SW Edgecombe vs. TBA (Tarboro Classic)
Wilson Fike @ Wilson Beddingfield, 7:00

Wednesday, March 26

Northern Nash @ Rocky Mount, 7:00
Wilson Fike @ SW Edgecombe, 7:00
Southern Nash @ Nash Central, 7:00

Thursday, March 27

Nash Central @ Wakefield, 4:00

Friday, March 28

Wilson Fike @ Northern Nash, 7:00
Rocky Mount @ Southern Nash, 7:00
SW Edgecombe @ Nash Central, 7:00

Monday, March 31

Nash Central @ Bunn, 4:30

Tuesday, April 1

Northern Nash @ Southern Nash, 7:00
SW Edgecombe @ Rocky Mount, 7:00
Nash Central @ Wilson Fike, 7:00

Thursday, April 3

Nash Central @ Northern Nash, 7:00
Wilson Fike @ Rocky Mount, 7:00
Southern Nash @ SW Edgecombe, 7:00

Saturday, April 5

Southern Nash vs. Nash Central, 1:00 (RM Tourney)

Northern Nash vs. Fort Mill, S.C., 4:00 (RM Tourney)
Rocky Mount vs. Wilson Hunt, 7:00 (RM Tourney)

Monday, April 7

Rocky Mount vs. Fort Mill, S.C., 1:00 (RM Tourney)
Southern Nash vs. Wilson Hunt, 4:00 (RM Tourney)

Nash Central vs. Northern Nash, 7:00 (RM Tourney)

Tuesday, April 8

Nash Central vs. Wilson Hunt, 1:00 (RM Tourney)
Southern Nash vs. Fort Mill, S.C., 4:00 (RM Tourney)
Rocky Mount vs. Northern Nash, 7:00 (RM Tourney)

Thursday, April 10

C.B. Aycock @ Wilson Fike, 7:00

Friday, April 11

Wilson Beddingfield @ Wilson Fike, 7:00

Saturday, April 12

Rocky Mount @ JH Rose, 1:00
SW Edgecombe @ Tarboro, 1:00

Tuesday, April 15

Northern Nash @ SW Edgecombe, 7:00
Rocky Mount @ Nash Central, 7:00
Wilson Fike @ Southern Nash, 7:00

Thursday, April 17

Rocky Mount @ Northern Nash, 7:00
SW Edgecombe @ Wilson Fike, 7:00
Nash Central @ Southern Nash, 7:00

Tuesday, April 22

Northern Nash @ Wilson Fike, 7:00
Southern Nash @ Rocky Mount, 7:00
Nash Central @ SW Edgecombe, 7:00

Thursday, April 24

Southern Nash @ Northern Nash, 7:00
Rocky Mount @ SW Edgecombe, 7:00
Wilson Fike @ Nash Central, 7:00

Tuesday, April 29

Northern Nash @ Nash Central, 7:00
Rocky Mount @ Wilson Fike, 7:00
SW Edgecombe @ Southern Nash, 7:00

Thursday, May 1

Nash Central @ Rocky Mount, 7:00
Southern Nash @ Wilson Fike, 7:00

Friday, May 2

Wilson Fike @ Rocky Mount, 7:00 (tiebreaker game)

SW Edgecombe @ Northern Nash, 7:00

Monday, May 5

South Central @ Northern Nash, 7:00
Southern Nash @ Roanoke Rapids, 7:00

Wednesday, May 7

D.H. Conley @ Northern Nash, 4:30

Alley-OOP!

This is a great shot taken of Rocky Mount's Tashawn Mabry on a alley-oop pass from Antoine Williams for a dunk against SouthWest Edgecombe in the NEW 6 Conference Tournament finals last Friday evening.

With the game tied at 59-all, Mabry's basket allowed the Gryphons to pull away for the win!

(Photo/David Hahula)

The Jason Bishop Show at NCWC's Dunn Center

Being a North Carolina Wesleyan graduate, I wish to give some publicity to an event slated to take place at the Dunn Center. Here's one you don't want to miss!

The Jason Bishop Show

It might be 60 degrees outside in Rocky Mount, N.C. on March 1, but it will be snowing inside.

Jason Bishop, an award-winning illusionist, will be performing at the Dunn Center at N.C. Wesleyan College on March 1 at 8 p.m. and -- hold onto your hat -- snow will magically come flying down from the rafters, literally showering the audience.

But that's not all. Interacting with members of the audience, Bishop will turn some lucky person's one dollar bill into $100.

Believing that you have to bring magic into the future, Bishop combines cutting edge technology, LCD and Plasma screens, an iPod Touch, state-of-the-art lighting, and a rocking contemporary soundtrack as the backdrop for his stunning magical displays. Like David Copperfield and Criss Angel, Bishop is one of the country's most versatile illusionists.

Don't miss the Jason Bishop Show performing live at the Dunn Center for Performing Arts at N.C. Wesleyan College on March 1 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $15 to $20 and can be purchased at www.ncwc.edu/arts/DunnCenter. To see clips from Bishop's performances visit http://www.thejasonbishopshow.com/.

Twin Counties hoop teams ready to start playoffs

The Twin Counties will see six girls teams and four boys teams hit the hardwood for the first round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association state basketball playoffs.

For the girls, Rocky Mount, SouthWest Edgecombe, Southern Nash, Tarboro and North Edgecombe knew they were in before this past weekend. Northern Nash was the last one asked to the dance as the Lady Knights were issued a wild card berth into the party Saturday afternoon.

The reward for Grover Battle and his girls ... they get to go to 25-0 South Central. YIKES!!!!

RMHS, Southern Nash and Tarboro will have the home-court advantage for the first round.

As for the boys, Rocky Mount, SouthWest Edgecombe, Nash Central and North Edgecombe are ready to go dancing. RMHS, SouthWest and North Edgecombe all get to stay home for round 1.

The girls start sectional play Monday, while the boys begin on Tuesday. All games will start at 7 p.m.

Here is the first-round schedule for all the area teams:


GIRLS --- MONDAY, 7 p.m.

3-A - Burlington Williams (13-11) @ Rocky Mount (22-1)
3-A - Northern Nash (11-14) @ South Central (25-0)
3-A - Rockingham County (22-5) @ Southern Nash (14-9)
3-A - SouthWest Edgecombe (12-11) @ Oxford Webb (21-4)
2-A - Bunn (10-15) @ Tarboro (19-6)
1-A - North Edgecombe (9-17) @ Camden (16-10)

BOYS --- TUESDAY, 7 p.m.

3-A - Eastern Alamance (12-10) @ Rocky Mount (17-6)
3-A - Northeast Guilford (18-9) @ SouthWest Edgecombe (16-8)
3-A - Nash Central (19-7) @ Oxford Webb (18-6)
1-A - Camden (17-8) @ North Edgecombe (24-1)

# - Since North Edgecombe plays Camden in both boys and girls, both games may be played on the same evening!

2008 NEW 6 All-Tournament Basketball Teams

Here are the 2008 NEW 6 Conference All-Tournament Teams as announced Friday at the conclusion of the league's tournaments at Wilson Fike:

GIRLS

Alyse Hall, Southern Nash
Monique Williams, SouthWest Edgecombe
Jasmine Sessoms, Nash Central
Jessica Harrison, Nash Central
Dyonna Battle, Rocky Mount
Deaudra Brown, Rocky Mount
Arkeneisha Melton, Rocky Mount - MVP

BOYS

A.J. Hines, Wilson Fike
Trey Sumler, Nash Central
Eugene Jenkins, SouthWest Edgecombe
Detrail Jenkins, SouthWest Edgecombe
Nick Hutcheson, Rocky Mount
Alonzo Sharpe, Rocky Mount
Tashawn Mabry, Rocky Mount - MVP

2008 NEW 6 Conference Basketball Tournament slate - updated

@ Fike High School, Wilson

First round

MONDAY

Boys
#3 SW Edgecombe 57, #6 Northern Nash 44
#4 Nash Central 62, #5 Southern Nash 27

TUESDAY

Girls
#6 Nash Central 47, #3 Fike 39
#4 SW Edgecombe 38, #5 Northern Nash 24

Semifinals

WEDNESDAY

Boys
#1 Rocky Mount 74, #4 Nash Central 71
#3 SW Edgecombe 52, #2 Fike 48

THURSDAY

Girls
#1 Rocky Mount 71, #4 SW Edgecombe 48
#6 Nash Central 43, #2 Southern Nash 38 - OT

Finals

FRIDAY

Boys

Consolation (to break tie for the No. 3 playoff spot)

#4 Nash Central 55, #2 Wilson Fike 45

Girls

Championship

#1 Rocky Mount 74, #6 Nash Central 55

Boys
Championship

#1 Rocky Mount 75, #3 SW Edgecombe 68

Good news on Fike's Flowers

I talked to Wilson Fike athletic director John Gay after the Fike-Rocky Mount basketball game Tuesday evening about the condition of Golden Demons' head baseball coach Will Flowers.

As reported here, Flowers suffered a stroke in January and was hospitalized at Pitt Memorial Hospital.

I am glad to report that Flowers did return home after a few weeks in the hospital and is feeling well enough to attend Fike's baseball practices. But he's not back coaching quite yet, nor is he is back teaching at Fike.

His speech, which was affected by the stroke, is returning back to normal, but he hasn't regained the strength he had before his incident. Fike's assistant coaches are conducting the practices, which officially started this past Monday.

Let's pray that Will continues to improve. I'd love to see him coaching in the dugout at Gryphon Stadium when Fike comes calling on the Gryphons on April 3.

We won't have a long wait for the next 1,000-point scorer

As most of you know, Rocky Mount sophomore Tashawn Mabry topped the 1,000-point scoring mark last week. Gryphon fans had to wait 26 years to see a boys basketball player reach that feat.

And the last female to reach that milestone was guard Latoya Armstrong back in 2003. Armstrong is No. 3 on the girls all-time scoring list with 1,127 points.

It won't be another 26 to see a male hit that mark, and it won't be long before Kim Taylor, Danielle Powell and Armstrong will have company in the 1,000-point club.

For the boys, current Rocky Mount point guard Alonzo Sharpe could quite possibly make it by the end of next season. Sharpe, coming off a career-high 28 points Friday against SouthWest Edgecombe, topped the 700-point level and is at 703 - with the rest of this season and all of the 2008-09 campaign ahead of him.

Also, should junior forward Montrell Battle be eligible to play next season and remains so for the whole season, he could reached the mark, too. At this juncture, he has 718 points as a Gryphon.

Now for the girls.

Junior forward Dyonna Battle may be the first of the bunch to get there, however.

Battle, brother of former RMHS sports standout Jemonte Battle (Class of 2000), has scored 758 points. She should top 800 before the season ends, so she should hit the 1,000-point mark near or just after Christmas next season.

The reason all these players are making a bid for 1,000 points is that all three had productive scoring seasons as freshmen, and they have steadily built on their point production each of the ensuing seasons.

So it's very conceivable that three RMHS hoopsters could well join the 1,000-point club in the same season.

The Holt "300" Plaque

Above is a picture of the plaque that Rocky Mount alum Gene Taylor and myself came up with to give to Rocky Mount football coach B.W. Holt to commemorate his 300th career win back in September.

Due to production delays, we weren't able to give it to Coach Holt until just before the Christmas holidays, despite the fact that we wanted to present it to Holt in a public forum.

So to the many people who helped fund this project, thank you.

And since most of you never had a chance to see the final product, click on the picture to see a bigger version of the project.

Coach Holt now has it proudly hanging in his home in Bristol, Tn.

Rocky Mount's Jenkins signs with East Carolina

Rocky Mount senior defensive back Jacobi Jenkins prepares to sign a letter-of-intent to play football for East Carolina Wednesday. Looking on are his parents Erma and Carl Jenkins and Rocky Mount head coach B.W. Holt.

(Photo/David Hahula)

Mabry goes for 1,000 tonight

Rocky Mount sophomore forward Tashawn Mabry will join a pretty exclusive club tonight in the Gryphons' NEW 6 Conference contest against Southern Nash.

With seven points scored, Mabry will join the 1,000-point club for boys basketball at Rocky Mount High School (1953-2008) - joining former All-Americas Phil Ford (Class of 1974 - 2,093 pts.) and Buck Williams (Class of 1978 -1,402) and former All-Staters George McClain (Class of 1982) and Jeff Battle (Class of 1978).

Only Ford will have made the club quicker. Mabry, who is averaging nearly 24 points a game, will have reached the milestone in just 45 games.

It's been over 25 years since anyone has reached the mark, although several have gotten close - including - Larry Lucas, Terrell Hudgins and Shelton Whitaker.

Gryphons claim NEW 6 wrestling crown

From staff reports
Wilson Daily Times

RED OAK -- Rocky Mount claimed the 3-A NEW 6 Conference wrestling championship Saturday at Northern Nash but wrestlers from Southern Nash and SouthWest Edgecombe earned individual titles.

The Firebirds boasted NEW 6 champions in Buddy Tom at 119 pounds, and senior Matt Watson at 189, while the Cougars had Landon Lucas at 103.

Southern Nash finished fourth in the team standings with 151 points behind Rocky Mount (201), Nash Central (166) and Northern Nash (157.5).

Fike was fifth with 62 points, one head of SouthWest Edgecombe. The Golden Demons' best showings were third-place finishes by Vincent Webb at 112, Hunter Myers at 152 and Cameron Jernigan at 215.

Southern Nash's Matt Swanson was the runner-up at 125 while Firebirds teammate Darryl Emig was second at 130.

Lucas ran his record to 12-0 with a pin of Nash Central's Miles Pringle at 3:47. Ken Mooring at 189 and Adrian Smith at 285 finished third for the Cougars.

Watson clipped Northern Nash's Nelson Pierce to escape with the championship while Tom handed Nash Central's Lane Parker a major decision at 14-4.

Rocky Mount and Nash Central each had four individual champions. The Gryphons and the Bulldogs move onto the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3-A dual-team playoffs, beginning today.

The 3-A East Regional tournament will be held at Winterville's South Central High on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 15-16. Individual regional assignments will be announced at the conclusion of the dual-team playoffs this weekend.

NEW 6 Conference Championship

(Saturday @ Northern Nash High School)

TEAM SCORES

Rocky Mount 201, Nash Central 166, Northern Nash 157.50, Southern Nash 151, Fike 62, SouthWest Edgecombe 61

INDIVIDUAL FINALS RESULTS

103 pounds -- Landon Lucas (SWE) pin Miles Pringle (NC), 3:47.

112 -- Ahmir Scott (RM) dec. Jacob Robinson (NC), 3-0.

119 -- Buddy Tom (SN) maj. dec. Lance Parker (NC), 14-4.

125 -- Chandler Phillips (RM) pin Matt Swanson (SN), 2:58.

130 -- Francisco Alfaro (RM) pin Daryl Emig (SN), 1:16.

135 -- Tavis Richardson (NN) pin Charles Wooten, 3:18.

140 -- Steven Luper (NC) pin Dominique McCallop (NN), 3:33.

145 -- Jasmine Cooper (NC) pin Bryan Sweet (NN), 2:52.

152 -- Ryan Kitchen (NC) maj. dec. Justin Atkinson (RM), 11-1.

160 -- Donny Wacenske (NC) pin Anthony Miller (RM), 1:45.

171 -- Dedrick Silver (RM) by inj. default Marquez Arnold (NN).

189 -- Matt Watson (SN) dec. Nelson Pierce (NN), 6-5.

215 -- Joe Young (NN) pin Guy Williamson (RM), 2:20.

285 -- Terrance Holland (NN) dec. Quintin Jeffries (NC), 2-1, 2 OT.

Editor's note - This is RMHS' fifth conference title of the 2007-08 sports season.

Pam Gainey nearing 250 career victories

Rocky Mount girls basketball coach Pam Gainey is nearing another milestone in her coaching career.

Gainey, a native of Goldsboro and a former player at East Carolina, is in her 15th season at Rocky Mount and in the coming two weeks or so should reach the 250-win plateau. RMHS, currently sporting a fine 14-1 record, travels to Nash Central and Northern Nash next week before returning home on Tuesday, Feb. 5 with Southern Nash.

Should her girls win all three contests, Gainey will have her 250th victory.

Gainey, who has been the victorious East head coach at the NCCA East-West All-Star Game, will be an assistant for the N.C. girls squad in the Carolinas Classic N.C.-S.C. All-Star Games at Winthop University in South Carolina in March.

Below is a breakdown of her 15 seasons at RMHS.

PAM GAINEY

2007-08 - 14-1 (through 1/25/08)
2006-07 - 16-11, playoffs
2005-06 - 8-18, playoffs
2004-05 - 17-8, Big East champs, playoffs
2003-04 - 23-5, Big East champs, tourney champs, playoffs
2002-03 - 22-3, Big East champs, tourney champs, playoffs
2001-02 - 20-3, Big East champs, tourney champs, playoffs
2000-01 - 24-3, Big East champs, tourney champs, playoffs
1999-00 - 20-5, Big East champs, tourney champs, playoffs
1998-99 - 20-6, playoffs
1997-98 - 12-12, playoffs
1996-97 - 12-13, playoffs
1995-96 - 14-10, playoffs
1994-95 - 15-10, playoffs
1993-94 - 10-14

Career - 247-122, .670 winning percentage (15th season)

RMHS announces 2007 fall sports award winners

Varsity Football (NEW 6 Champion)

MVP - Emmanuel Davis
Defensive Player of the Year - Brian Goodwin
Offensive Player of the Year - Marquavis Alston
Billy Smith Award - Ezra Hudgins

JV Football (NEW 6 Champion)

MVP - Offense - Collins Cuthrell
MVP - Defense - Marcus Jones

Volleyball (NEW 6 Champion)

Best Offensive Player - Rashida Davison
Best Defensive Player - Corinne Fischer

JV Volleyball

Best All-Around - Lauren Campbell
Most Outstanding Server - Heather Hunter

Girls Tennis (NEW 6 Co-Champion)

MVP - Kate Gray
Coach's Award - Hannah Becilla

Boys Soccer (NEW 6 Champion)

MVP - Kingsley McLeod
Defensive MVP - Stephen Peacock
Coaches Award - Matthew Moore

JV Boys Soccer

Most Improved - Jaron Fields

Coaches Award - Trevor Smith

Boys Cross Country

Outstanding Performer - John Deans
Coach's Award - Robert Westpahal
Leadership Award - Brandon Evans

Girls Cross Country

Oustanding Performer - Latoya Applewhite
Coach's Award - Nancy Thai
Leadership Award - Erica Wesonga

Triple Crown Winner (fall) - John Deans

NEW 6 All-Conference fall athletes:

FIRST TEAM

Girls Tennis: Caroline Gray, Kate Gray, Ashley Pearsall
Boys Soccer: Jack Becilla, Kingsley McLeod, William Barringer
Girls Cross Country: Latoya Applewhite
Volleyball: Rashida Davison (Player of the Year), Devon Eby, Corrine Fischer
Football: Emmanuel Davis (Defensive Player of the Year), Ezra Hudgins, Nick Hahula (K), Brian Goodwin (two positions: DB, KR), Torey Lee, Whit Barnes, Jacobi Jenkins, Marquavis Alston, Keith Strickland, Nick Harrison

SECOND TEAM

Girls Tennis: Hannah Becilla
Boys Soccer: Stephen Peacock, Matt Moore, Matt Wayland
Boys Cross Country: Richard Dean, Brandon Evans
Volleyball: Danita Whitaker

Football: Nick Hahula (RB), Dedrick Silver, Brandon Dennis

HONORABLE MENTION

Boys Soccer: Justin Adams
Volleyball: Holly Campbell
Football: Chris Pittman

Rocky Mount Invitational Baseball Tournament kicks off April 5

For the first time since 1999, the Rocky Mount Invitational Baseball Tournament will have just six teams in its lineup. The 33rd edition of the event is set for Saturday, Monday and Tuesday, April 5, 7 and 8 at Gryphon Stadium.

As in 1999, schedule conflicts for schools due to an early Easter date and separated dates for spring breaks made it almost impossible to bring eight teams into the field.

Northern Nash, Wilson Hunt, Southern Nash and Rocky Mount all return from the 2007 field. Back in the lineup is Nash Central, which has participated in the Tarboro Classic the last few seasons.

New to the event is Fort Mill High School from Fort Mill, S.C. The Yellow Jackets won their conference last season and last year the school won S.C.'s version of the Wachovia Cup for overall sports excellence in the 4-A classification.

Since there is no single elimination round with six teams, a tournament champion will be crowned by the following means: if a team goes undefeated; should two or more teams tie for the best record, then the following tiebreakers will be used: fewest runs allowed; then head-to-head; then total runs scored.

Rocky Mount is the three-time defending champion and has won the event 11 times.

2008 SCHEDULE

Saturday, April 5

Game 1: Southern Nash vs. Nash Central, 1 p.m.
Game 2: Northern Nash vs. Fort Mill, S.C., 4 p.m.
Game 3: Rocky Mount vs. Wilson Hunt, 7 p.m.

Monday, April 7

Game 1: Rocky Mount vs. Fort Mill, S.C., 1 p.m.
Game 2: Southern Nash vs. Wilson Hunt, 4 p.m.
Game 3: Nash Central vs. Northern Nash, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, April 8

Game 1: Nash Central vs. Wilson Hunt, 1 p.m.
Game 2: Southern Nash vs. Fort Mill, S.C., 4 p.m.
Game 3: Rocky Mount vs. Northern Nash, 7 p.m.

Championship Qualifiers

Champion - One team goes undefeated
Tie-Breakers:
1. Fewest runs allowed
2. Head-to-Head
3. Runs scored

A 12-team All-Tournament Team will be voted on by the media
Individual Awards: MVP; Most Hits; Top Defensive Player

Past Rocky Mount Gryphons Easter/Invitational Baseball Tournament Champions

Here are the past champions of the Rocky Mount Gryphons Easter/Invitational Baseball Tournament. The event has been also called the Rocky Mount Breakfast Optimist Annual Tournament (1977-89, '91, '93, '95-'99) and the Wilson Breakfast Optimist Invitational Tournament (1990, '92, '94). Wilson's Optimists hosted the tourney in alternate years over a five-year period at Fleming Stadium.

PAST CHAMPIONS

2007 - Rocky Mount def. Southern Nash, 13-1
2006 - Rocky Mount def. Northern Nash, 6-2
2005 - Rocky Mount def. Northern Nash, 5-2
2004 - Wilson Hunt def. Washington, 5-3 (5 inn., rain-shortened)
2003 - Morrisville Green Hope def. Rocky Mount 6-1
2002 - Kernersville Glenn def. Durham Riverside, 7-3
2001 - Kernersville Glenn def. Wilson Fike, 4-1
2000 - Durham Jordan def. Rocky Mount, 8-6
1999 - round-robin w/6 teams - no champion
1998 - final day of tournament rained out (RMHS, Beddingfield made the finals)
1997 - Rocky Mount def. Durhan Jordan, 6-2
1996 - Rocky Mount def. Northern Nash, 8-5
1995 - Rocky Mount def. Wilson Beddingfield, 6-0
1994 - Rocky Mount def. Wilson Beddingfield, 7-2
1993 - Northern Nash def. Southern Nash, 6-5
1992 - Greene Central
1991 - Greene Central
1990 - Greene Central def. Roanoke Rapids, 8-2
1989 - Southern Nash
1988 - Rocky Mount
1987 - Roanoke Rapids
1986 - Southern Nash
1985 - Roanoke Rapids
1984 - Roanoke Rapids
1983 - Roanoke Rapids
1982 - Northern Nash
1981 - Rocky Mount
1980 - Rocky Mount
1979 - Rocky Mount
1978 - Sanderson
1977 - Garner

2008 NEW 6 Basketball Standings - Jan. 8

BOYS

School	Conf.	Pct.	Overall	Pct.
Wilson Fike	0-0	.000	11-2	.846
Nash Central	0-0	.000	9-3	.750
SW Edgecombe	0-0	.000	8-3	.727
Rocky Mount	0-0	.000	7-3	.700
Northern Nash	0-0	.000	6-6	.500
Southern Nash	0-0	.000	4-7	.364

GIRLS

School	Conf.	Pct.	Overall	Pct.
Rocky Mount	0-0	.000	9-1	.900
SW Edgecombe	0-0	.000	7-4	.636
Southern Nash	0-0	.000	7-4	.583
Northern Nash	0-0	.000	7-5	.600
Wilson Fike	0-0	.000	7-6	.538
Nash Central	0-0	.000	6-6	.500

Wilson Hot Stove League Banquet set for Jan. 21

If you are a fan of local baseball, then you can't miss out on this.

The 34th annual Wilson Hot Stove League banquet will be held Monday, Jan. 21, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Bill Ellis Convention Center.

Special guest for the event will be Josh Hamilton, who was recently traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the Texas Rangers, is a former Raleigh Athens Drive High School star. Hamilton was the No. 1 pick in the 1999 Major League Baseball draft by the Tampa Bay Rays.Hamilton will be receiving the Trot Nixon "Gamer" Award.

The 26-year-old Hamilton was one of baseball's best comeback stories last season, when he finally made it to the majors after years of alcohol and drug abuse nearly ended his career. He batted .292 in his first major league season with 19 homers and 47 RBIs in 298 at-bats.Other former major leaguers and guests will be announced later as their plans to attend are confirmed.

Tickets for the banquet, which includes a meal, are $20 each and can be obtained at Dick's Hot Dog Stand, EB Sports, the Wilson Tobs office or North Carolina Baseball Museum -- both located in Fleming Stadium.

All proceeds benefit the North Carolina Baseball Museum.

I had the pleasure of attending last year and I had a blast. I took the biggest Boston Red Sox fan in town (Wes Bradshaw - in terms of girth, but I am right behind him - in second) with me and he was blown away to meet Trot Nixon, even though Nixon became a Cleveland Indian just days before.

It was also the first time in a few years that I had been able to speak to in-person former N.C. Wesleyan and now UNC head baseball coach Mike Fox.

Get your tickets soon! There were nearly 1,000 people at last year's affair, which honored Goldsboro native and former Yankee manager Clyde King.

2008 RMHS varsity baseball schedule

- Senior Jim Leggett needs just six victories to become Rocky Mount's all-time leader in pitching wins (26). Donnie Bobbitt (Class of '86) has the record with 25 (25-6).


FEB. 19 - 3:30, Scrimmage @ South Johnston
FEB. 21 - 3:30, Scrimmage - BUNN
FEB. 25 - 4:00, J.H. ROSE
FEB. 28 - 5:00, @ South Granville
MAR. 1 - TBA. @ USA Baseball Complex, Cary vs. Jamestown Ragsdale
MAR. 4 - 4:30, WASHINGTON
MAR. 7 - 4:30, SOUTH GRANVILLE
MAR. 10 - 4:30, @ Washington
MAR. 13 - 4:30, ROANOKE RAPIDS
MAR. 15 - 1:00, @ D.H. Conley
MAR. 17 - 5:00, @ Roanoke Rapids
MAR. 26 - 7:00, NORTHERN NASH
MAR. 28 - 7:00, @ Southern Nash
APRIL 1 - 7:00, SOUTHWEST EDGECOMBE
APRIL 3 - 7:00, WILSON FIKE
APRIL 5 - TBA, RM EASTER TOURNAMENT
APRIL 7 - TBA, RM EASTER TOURNAMENT
APRIL 8 - TBA, RM EASTER TOURNAMENT
APRIL 12 - 1:00, @ J.H. Rose
APRIL 15 - 7:00, @ Nash Central
APRIL 17 - 7:00, @ Northern Nash
APRIL 22 - 7:00, SOUTHERN NASH
APRIL 24 - 7:00, @ SouthWest Edgecombe
APRIL 29 - 7:00, @ Wilson Fike
MAY 1 - 7:00, NASH CENTRAL
MAY 5 - 7:00, @ Bunn (Endowment)
MAY 9 - TBA, NCHSAA 1st Round - 3-A Playoffs


Junior center fielder Brian Goodwin, who has verbally committed to UNC, should be an offensive and defensive spark plug for the Gryphs.

NEW 6 sports schedules rotated

Rocky Mount High sports fans may not have noticed it but the sports schedules involving NEW 6 Conference games have been rotated.

Meaning, Rocky Mount won't start the league season with SouthWest Edgecombe and it won't end it with Northern Nash like it has the previous two years in the conference.

The old order for Rocky Mount was:

SW Edgecombe, Southern Nash, Nash Central, Wilson Fike, Northern Nash

The new order for RMHS, starting with the winter sports, is:

Northern Nash, Southern Nash, SW Edgecombe, Wilson Fike, Nash Central

The Gryphons will really experience the change next Friday (Jan. 11) when Northern Nash makes a return trip to RMHS' gym for their NEW 6 basketball openers.

Now, what will really feel funny is when the Knights come to Gryphon Stadium for their NEW 6 baseball opener on Wednesday, March 26 - at 7 p.m., no less.

How many of us can ever say say that you had to bundle up for a Rocky Mount-Northern Nash regular season baseball game?

There is a possibility that the league's football schedules could see some changes next fall, too.

Stay tuned!

Rocky Mount "Battles" its way to tournament titles

Montrell Battle and Dyonna Battle were the only Rocky Mount basketball players who had ice treatments Friday before hitting the court for their respective tournament championship game.

Seems like both took turns puttting Northern Nash on ice later that evening as the two claimed MVP honors at the Nash County Christmas Tournament at Rocky Mount High.

Montrell scored 42 points over the two-tournament and pulled down 13 rebounds. Dyonna had 34 points in her two games.

A closer look at the All-tournament team revealed some trends.

Southern Nash's Alyse Hall and Nash Central's Trey Sumler, both juniors, and Northern Nash senior Nikki Battle made the team for the third straight season.

Making their second straight appearance on the All-Tournament team were Rocky Mount's Tashawn Mabry and Nash Central's Jasmine Sessoms.

Here's a look at the last three Nash County Christmas Tournament All-Tournament teams:

2007

BOYS

Tim Brathwaite, Southern Nash
Trey Sumler, Nash Central
Octavius Lyons, Northern Nash
Toncellis Davis, Northern Nash
Tashawn Mabry, Rocky Mount
Montell Battle, Rocky Mount - MVP

GIRLS

Jasmine Sessoms, Nash Central
Alyse Hall, Southern Nash
Nikki Battle, Northern Nash
Danielle Edmondson, Northern Nash
Deaudra Brown, Rocky Mount
Dyonna Battle, Rocky Mount - MVP

2006

BOYS

Marcus Howard, Southern Nash

Brian Thomas, Northern Nash

Matthew Cooper, Rocky Mount

Tashawn Mabry, Rocky Mount

Trey Sumler, Nash Central - MVP

Michael Speight, Nash Central

GIRLS

Alyse Hall, Southern Nash

Stephanie Allen, Rocky Mount

Nikki Battle, Northern Nash

Doneka Whitehead, Northern Nash

Jasmine Sessoms, Nash Central

Janna Oxendine, Nash Central - MVP

2005

BOYS

Chastain Dickens, Rocky Mount - MVP

Tory Parker, Rocky Mount

Marcus Howard, Southern Nash

Trey Sumler, Nash Central

Steven Baker, Northern Nash

GIRLS

Kha'isha Thomas, Nash Central - MVP

Jelissa Ward, Nash Central

Nikki Battle, Northern Nash

Shay Holloway, Northern Nash

Alyse Hall, Southern Nash

What was the top sports story from the Twin Counties Area in 2007?

What's your answer?

I have compiled, what I think, are the top sports stories from the area for 2007.

In no particular order, they are:

1. SouthWest Edgecombe's girls basketball team reaches the NCHSAA 3-A state championship game.

2. North Edgecombe's boys basketball team reaches the NCHSAA 1-A state championship game.

3. Former Southern Nash star Gary Tharrington helps Appalachian State to a shocker for the ages - an upset win at Michigan.

4. Rocky Mount's football team posts a record 14 wins en route to the NCHSAA 3-A East finals.

5. N.C. Wesleyan's football team wins the USA South title, makes the NCAA D-III playoffs and wins a game - posting nine straight victories in the process!

6. Northern Nash's baseball team reaches the NCHSAA 3-A East finals series.

7. Rocky Mount's B.W. Holt records his 300th career football victory.

8. Former Southern Nash star Gary Tharrington is a defensive stalwart for Appalachian State in its NCAA FCA Championship Game win over Delaware.

9. Former Rocky Mount football standout Terrell Hudgins leads the nation in receptions per game and reception yards per game for Elon.

Down the right column of this page, you may vote for one these events as the top area story of 2007.

Cast your vote now! Voting ends Friday, Jan. 4!

AP selects West Charlotte's Thomas

The Associated Press has voted West Charlotte quarterback Darius Thomas as the N.C. High School Football Player of the Year for 2007.

Were you aware that only one Rocky Mount area player has won that award since its inception in 1983?

North Edgecombe's Milton Shaw did the trick in 1991.

And I was priviledged to hand him the AP plaque (in the shape of the state of N.C. ) that year during a halftime ceremony of a basketball game at North Edgecombe in January 1992. I was representing the then-called Rocky Mount Evening Telegram with the presentation.

Here is a list of all the fine athletes over the years who have won the award. See if you remember some of them:

2007--Darius Thomas, QB, West Charlotte
2006--Quan Warley, RB, Thomasville
2005--Quan Warley, RB, Thomasville
2004--Joe Cox, QB, Charlotte Independence
2003--Andre Brown, RB, Greenville Rose
2002--Chris Leak, QB, Charlotte Independence
2001--T.A. McLendon, RB, Albemarle
2000--Chris Leak, QB, Charlotte Independence
1999--Manny Deshauteurs, RB, Brevard
1998--Nick Maddox, RB, Kannapolis Brown
1997--Nick Maddox, RB, Kannapolis Brown
1996--Montrell Coley, RB, Goldsboro
1995--Marcus Reaves, RB, Fayetteville Byrd
1994--Terence Stokes, RB, Bunn
1993--Ernest Tinnin, QB, Burlington Cummings
1992--(tie) Antoine Ikard, RB, Maiden; Maurice Mebane, WR, Burlington Cummings
1991--Milton Shaw, RB, North Edgecombe
1990--Donnie Davis, QB, Burlington Cummings
1989--Mike Thomas, QB-P, Richmond County
1988--Chuckie Burnette, QB, Burlington Cummings
1987--Anthony Barbour, RB, Garner
1986--Robert Siler, RB, Siler City Jordan-Matthews
1985--Alvin Baker, RB, Claremont Bunker Hill
1984--Todd Ellis, QB, Greensboro Page
1983--Darryl McGill, RB, Southern Durham

Doughtie goes for No. 1000!

Tony Doughtie will host his 1,000th sports broadcast next week during the Nash County Christmas Tournament at Rocky Mount High School.

As host of WHIG-TV's Stretchlon Sports Show taped broadcast of the girls championship game on Friday, Dec. 28, Doughtie, who has been doing radio and TV sports programs in the Twin County area for several years, will reach his milestone performance.

His first on-air broadcast was on Aug. 30, 1971 doing color commentary of Ahoskie (now Hertford County) High school football games.

Congrats, Tony!

Hudgins selected to Walter Camp All-America Team

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Sophomore wide receiver Terrell Hudgins ( Rocky Mount, N.C./Rocky Mount) became just the second Elon University football player – and first offensive Phoenix player – to ever be named to a Walter Camp Football Foundation All-America team when the 2007 squad was announced Friday.

The team was selected by the head coaches and sports information directors of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision and certified by UHY Advisors, a New Haven-based accounting firm.

Dubbed a First Team All-Southern Conference athlete by both the league’s coaches and media last month, Hudgins was the lone sophomore to be chosen to the 27-player All-America squad. All other selections were either juniors or seniors. Former Elon linebacker and current Jacksonville Jaguar safety Chad Nkang – the only other Phoenix player tabbed to a Walter Camp team – earned the honor as a junior in 2005.

Behind Hudgins’ leadership, Elon finished the regular season ranked 21st in the FCS Coaches' poll and 23rd in The Sports Network's poll last month. Earlier this fall, the Phoenix ranked as high as 14th in the TSN poll and as high as 15th in the FCS poll.

Elon ended the 2007 regular season ranked second in the nation in passing offense, 14th in scoring offense, 16th in passing efficiency and 20th in total offense.Hudgins concluded the regular season leading the country in both receptions per game (10.6) and receiving yards per game (134.0) and ranked 11th in the nation in scoring with 9.8 points per outing.

A Second Team All-America selection by The Associated Press last year, Hudgins hauled in a program-record 16 receptions against both Liberty and Furman this fall. He also caught an Elon-record four touchdown passes against Liberty.

With 117 catches on the season, Hudgins came away with both a Phoenix and a SoCon single-season milestone in 2007. He also set new Elon single-season plateaus with 1,474 receiving yards and 18 touchdown receptions this season.

The Walter Payton Award finalist holds a SoCon single-season record with seven games of receiving for 100 or more yards. Hudgins earned SoCon Offensive Player of the Week status once and National Offensive Player of the Week recognition twice in 2007.

The receiving duo of Hudgins and senior Michael Mayers ( Virginia Beach , Va. /Landstown) established an NCAA single-season milestone for the most receptions (207) by two teammates as well as the SoCon single-season plateau for the most receiving yards (2,528) by two teammates this fall. The previous NCAA record was 189 receptions by Mississippi Valley State 's Jerry Rice and Joe Thomas in 1984.

A Holt is born

- B.W. Holt spends time holding grandaughter Maggie

Rocky Mount football coach B.W. Holt and his wife Barbara became grandparents Tuesday morning in Bowling Green, Ky. when their daughter-in-law Kim and their son Stu became newborn parents as Kim gave birth to a baby girl.

Margaret Claire Holt was born at 10:41 a.m. weighing 6 lbs., 12.5 oz and measuring 18 3/4 inches long. Mother and daughter are doing fine.

The parents plan to call their little girl "Maggie." Maggie has a stepsister in Payton, age 9.

Take a charter bus to Western Alamance Friday!

Arrangements have been made for a charter bus to go to the Rocky Mount-Western Alamance NCHSAA 3-A East final playoff football game in Elon.

A bus will leave at 4:30 p.m. from the Nash St. side of Rocky Mount High on Friday. The cost is $35, which includes the bus ride and a ticket to the game. Game time is at 7:30.

If you're interested in taking a more restful trip to the game, contact Rossie Tyler at 977-3085 or at 903-9565.