South Charlotte Sports Report HOMETOWN TEAMS... HOMETOWN KIDS Volume 5, Issue 7 www.southcharlottesports.com August 12, 2010 - FREE MATT PACIFICI SET TO CLOSE OUT HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER CAREER...All State Goalie will attend Wake Forest in 2011 Seventeen year old Matt Pacifici will begin his final season of high school soccer in a couple of weeks. The son of Dino and Susan Pacifici has built one the most impressive soccer resumes of any South Charlotte resident in quite a few years. The talented goal keeper for Charlotte Catholic High School has played soccer all across the state, region, county and even internationally. His success caught the eyes of many of the top college soccer coaches in America. After receiving many offers, Matt elected to choose Wake Forest University to continue his education Seventeen year old Charlotte Catholic senior Kelsey Newman secured her volleyball future last week by accepting a scholarship to George Washington and soccer playing career. The Demon Deacons have landed quite a well rounded young man to place in goal. Matt started playing soccer at age four when his Dad signed him up to play at Olde Providence Recreation Association. My dad had played soccer pretty much his whole life and he coached me until I was about thirteen. I began playing for him in the OPRA (Olde Providence) recreational league as a muppet. They now call that U-6. Ironically it took an injury to turn Matt into a goal keeper. He had been a forward his entire life before breaking his foot at age 11. When I was wearing my recovery boot, I went to all my team s practices and played keeper because I couldn t run. I had played a little before but I had not taken it very seriously. During these practices I realized I wasn t that bad, so I stuck to it. Several months later I attended a series of tryouts for the NC Olympic Development team and made the team as a goalkeeper. After that I was hooked. Luckily for Matt, the position seemed to be an easy fit. Keeper pretty much came quickly to me because I was always the tallest kid on the field and my size alone was hard to score on. I like the anticipation that goes with being keeper being able to see the field and help guide the other players. As University. The six foot outside hitter is the daughter of Lee and Susan Newman. Her volleyball skills combined with an academic record of success proved to be attractive to the George Washington University volleyball coaches. Kelsey began playing volleyball in elementary school in Louisville, KY before moving to Charlotte in the fifth grade. In seventh grade she entered into the world of club volleyball and her progress has been tremendous ever since. Kelsey has earned all-conference honors as a 9th, 10th and 11th grader. She was also named Conference Player of the Year as a junior. Kelsey plays the position of outside hitter where her job is to put the ball away. She is among the best players in the area at recording kills in games. A kill is awarded to a player any time an attack is unreturnable by the opposition and is a direct cause of the opponent not returning the ball, or any time the attack leads directly to a blocking error by the opposition. A kill you become older, the position is about so much more than just shot stopping. Since stepping into the pressure packed position, Matt has rung up quite a resume of success. He has won three NC State Championships (1 high school and 2 club). He has been selected as team MVP for 2 of the 3 games he played in the USYS National Finals in 2008. Matt has also helped his team win the USYS Region III Championship and he was selected to the North Carolina Olympic Development Program (ODP) Team for four years and earned his way onto the Region III ODP team for three years and into the US National Soccer Pool. He has also been selected to attend three USSF Academy Pool Training events. Soccer has also taken Matt to England and Argentina to play for international teams. The focus began to turn to college playing opportunities very early for Matt. During my freshman year I started focusing on soccer a lot more that meant not playing competitive basketball. Soccer really became the focus all 12 months of the year. I realized that if I wanted to play in college, and preferably the ACC I had to devout all my energy to it. Because the recruiting process happens so early now, I went to several summer camps and campus tours during my sophomore year to start gaining a feel for the schools I was interested in. By the end of my sophomore year I felt pretty comfortable that I would get an opportunity to play. I verbally committed to Wake Forest in November of my junior year. See PACIFICI, page 6 2011 SENIOR PORTRAITS from SCSR Photography Photos To Last A Lifetime Affordable Pricing Friendly Customer Service A Name You Can Trust, SCSR Photography Now scheduling appointments Call 704-906-5466 www.scsractionphotos.com KELSEY NEWMAN WILL PLAY VOLLEYBALL AT GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY leads directly to a point. With her height and jumping ability Kelsey creates havoc on the court at all times! Following her freshman season, the colleges began to take notice of Kelsey as she traveled across the country playing in club volleyball tournaments. More and more college opportunities presented themselves before Kelsey made her decision last week. Cornell University, Columbia University, Villanova University, UNC Charlotte and George Washington University made their way onto her final list. In the end the strong offer from George Washington was just too good to pass up. There are so many reasons I chose George Washington. First of all I love the city of D.C. It was also very important to me to have family nearby, and I have an Aunt and Uncle who live in the D.C. area. I really enjoyed getting to know my future coaches and touring the athletic facilities on my visit there last month and I m really excited about the academic opportunities George Washington has to offer as well. Kelsey certainly has the academic resume to take advantage of those opportunities. She carries a 4.05 grade point average and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Spanish Honor Society and the National Honor Society. I plan on majoring in biology. Someday I would like to be a teacher and hopefully coach volleyball as well. With the college decision now complete, Kelsey is getting down to business at Charlotte Catholic. She hopes to help the team win a state title this year. We only lost two seniors last season and this year we have a lot of new teammates, but a week into practice and we re already extremely close. Of my four years at Charlotte Catholic, this team definitely has the most potential to win a state championship. With Kelsey providing the senior leadership and the power on the front line, a long playoff run is certainly possible for The Cougars. The South Charlotte Sports Report salutes Kelsey Newman for working hard in the classroom and on the court. Good luck as you move forward in your academic and athletic careers.
Page 2 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Volume 5, Issue 7 CLASS OF 2010 SEND OFF I want to send out my very best wishes to all the members of the Class of 2010 that are heading off to college over the next week. College presents a new and exciting challenge and with that challenge comes a huge dose of personal responsibility. Now more than ever, the ability to think before you act comes into play. A college campus can be such a fun environment, but it also comes with so many potential roadblocks. On a near weekly occasion you are going to be presented with decisions that can change your life for the good and the bad. I know it s not easy, but please remember to think before you act. You have worked so hard for this opportunity, please make sure you do the things that are needed to take full advantage of college. Many of you will for the first time in your life not have a sport to play. That presents more free time as well as more chances to make poor decisions. Keep those athletic juices flowing by competing in intramurals and spending time at the campus recreation buildings. It s a great way to stay in shape as well as a place to meet new friends. For those of you that have earned the opportunity to continue playing sports, give it your all and keep us informed on how you are doing. Make us all proud with your accomplishments on the field and in the classroom. I know I have mentioned it a couple of times already, but my parting thought is simple; Have Fun, but think before you act at all times. Good Luck Class of 2010! Tripp Roakes Publisher South Charlotte Sports Report Tripp@southcharlottesports.com 704-906-5466 CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC STUDENTS MAKE AN IMPACT IN GUATEMALA Back Row: (L-R) James Michael Ivey, Lauren Muscatell, Matthew Pacifici, Amanda Gaffey, Nicole Eagle A group of Charlotte Catholic students recently returned from a trip to Guatemala where they worked to help an orphanage in need. Nicole Eagle, Amanda Gaffey, James Michael Ivey, Lauren Muscatell and Matthew Pacifici, all from Charlotte Catholic High School made the trip. The group raised more than $5,000 which they donated to the orphanage The students were part of a group called Lives Linked that partner with Red Ventures. In addition, they brought and donated different stuff for the kids such as arts, crafts, books and clothing. Matt Pacifici was able to get 65 soccer jersey s donated from OPRA (Olde Providence Recreation Association) and gave them to the kids. The students were chaperoned on this trip by Red Ventures employees Krissy Danburg, Christy Durbin, Elizabeth Perrson and Francisco Debs It was a very eye-opening experience that makes me value everything I have even more, said Matt Pacifici. It was great to see the smiles on all of their faces because it gave us the feeling that we were making a difference. Seeing the children there and how thankful they were for all the little things really gave me a new appreciation for all that I have been blessed with, said Lauren Muscatell. The trip was led by Red Ventures. Headquartered in Indian Land, South Carolina, is an online marketing services company that acquires new customers on behalf of brands in a variety of vertical markets. Their capabilities include lead generation, sales conversion, performance tracking and marketing channel optimization. In 2006, Red Ventures, added a new business to their portfolio of direct marketing companies - a nonprofit organization called Lives Linked. The vision of Lives Linked is to do our part to reduce world poverty by improving the current living conditions and long-term prospects of children living in desperate circumstances around the world. The goal for this organization is to connect orphaned children in Third World countries with sponsors in developed nations. Red Ventures uses its expertise in Internet technology and marketing to develop an online platform to revolutionize the way sponsors connect with children. The mission is to minimize language barriers, cultural differences and distance to create deep, meaningful, lasting relationships between sponsors and children. Through Lives Linked, Red Ventures hopes to build one small bridge at a time between children in need and generosity from the compassionate hearts of those more fortunate. P I C K U P Y O U R C O P Y O F T H E S O U T H C H A R L O T T E S P O R T S R E P O R T A T T H E S E L O C A T I O N S Play It Again Sports Community House Middle School Cardillo s Dick s Sporting Goods Pineville Dick s Sporting Goods Matthews Mathnasium Southeastern Gymnastics Steps N Motion The Fountains On Deck Baseball Tokyo One Express Extreme Ice Center Dr. Sellers Orthodontics Weddington Activity Center Baskin Robbins (Highway 521) PCAA Baseball Complex Nothing But Noodles Athletic Republic Mecklenburg Aquatic Club Carolinas Baseball Center International Sports Center Try Sports Pet Essentials Jesse Brown s Adventure Jersey Mike s (Stonecrest) CrossFit Charlotte Laxer, Long and Savage Grand Slam USA Papa Johns Camfield Corners Tebby Sports Medicine Meridian Medical Group Velocity Sports Performance Quimby and Collins Orthodontics Charlotte All-Stars Omega Sports Four Seasons Barber and Salon Dunkin Donuts (Highway 521) MARA Baseball Complex Fitness For Women Palone s Pizza Sports Connection Ballantyne Peak Fitness Ballantyne Sports Perf. Ctr. @ OrthoCarolina Presbyterian Urgent Care Blakeney Eddie s Restuarant BP Station near Siskey Y Citgo Station near Col. Beaty Park The Ice House Port City Java (Downtown) In the Game Athletics Premier Soccer Charlotte Running Company Chiropractic Fitness Sports Clips (Promenede) Marvin Ridge High School Marvin Ridge Middle School Charlotte Catholic High School Bird Dentistry Learning RX Dr. Garden Dentistry Robek s Juice Run For Your Life Sports Orthopedic The Creamery OP Baseball Complex Baskin Robbins (Waxhaw) Sam & Carlies Deli Tutoring Club of Charlotte Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School The Q Shack The Bagel Bin Charlotte Aquatics Waxhaw Family Physicians Architech Sports & Physical Therapy Winning Awards Ardrey Kell High School Ameritrust Mortgage Dynamic Sports Performance South Library (Rea & 51) Matthews Motor Company Wings and Rings New Point Learning Grace Academy Carolina Chiropractic Call 704-906-5466 or email Tripp@southcharlottesportsreport.com and we will add your location to this list. Tune up your racquet for Queen City and USTA Leagues Free pick up and delivery in South Charlotte! Rich Rushakoff - 704-821-0168 (former stringer for Players Loft) SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Covering the Active Children and Families of Our Community The South Charlotte Sports Report is published twice a month by The South Charlotte Sports Report, 9901 Zackery Ave, Charlotte, NC 28277. Phone: 704-341-0086. 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. PUBLISHER Tripp Roakes GRAPHIC DESIGNER Frances Adams The SCSR Team! WEBMASTER Scott Page PHOTOGRAPHERS Greg Arthur Gerry Wall
Volume 5, Issue 7 Page 3 Club structure, program information and registration at: www.charlottesocceracademy.com CSA and South Charlotte Recreation Association (formerly Olde Providence Recreation Association) are pleased to announce the opening of Fall 2010 Rec Soccer PROGRAMS FOR AGES 3-18 SEASON RUNS SEPTEMBER THROUGH END OF OCTOBER U4 TOTS-N-TIKES PROGRAM LICENSED COACHING EDUCATION AND LESSON PLANS PROVIDED FOR EVERY COACH CSA PROFESSIONAL COACHES ONSITE FOR PRACTICES, SKILLS SESSION AND GAMES FRIDAY NIGHT SKILLS SESSIONS FOR U8 - U12 PRACTICE AND GAME FIELDS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN SOUTH CHARLOTTE Online registration closes August 23rd KG6486955 : recsoccer@charlottesocceracademy.com
Page 4 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Volume 5, Issue 7 October 9 ~ 10, 2010 Family Fun Festival in Downtown Historic Waxhaw Saturday, 10am-5pm Sunday, 12pm-5pm 9u Charlotte Hurricanes Fall Tryout schedule visit www.charlottehurricanes.com for dates and times 10u 12u 13u The 2010 Charlotte Hurricanes Baseball organization Highlights 14u Black 14u White 15u 16u 17u 48wins Triple Crown National Champions Super NIT Champion and Elite 32 member USSSA NC Spring State Champions USSSA NC Summer State Champions USSSA Super State runner-up Cooperstown Final Four Nations NC Fall State Champions USSSA SC Lower State Champions Top 10 in AAU National Championship Ranked #24 in the Nation by Traveballselect.com GA Super NIT final four 5-1 Perfect Game WWBA 18-3 record Nations Baseball; East Coast Wood Bat National Champions Showcase 4-1 Perfect Game WWBA Showcase Showcase Calling all Exhibitors (Arts & Crafts, BBQ Cook-Off, & Food Vendors) Application deadline: September 10, 2010 Over 85 local artists and crafters Food Court Live Entertainment Outdoor Dining FREE Kidz Zone Grill n & Chill n on Main Contestants still being accepted Come show off your Butts! Thousands in attendance. Rain or Shine. Applications available at www.waxhaw.com Contact: Cathy or Dori 704-843-2195 ext 26 or events@waxhaw.com The 14U Hurricanes White finished their 2010 season with a first place win in the The East Coast Wooden Bat National Championship in Huntersville. The boys have played well in various tournaments locally this spring and summer. They also played a tournament in Omaha, Nebraska that included the opportunity to attend the College World Series games. Top Row: (L-R) - Coach Roger Gum, Justin Markwat, Josh Hall, Patrick Ryan, Coach Hugh Kemp, Chris Anderson, Matthew Fisher-Davis, Chandler Jenkins, Monroe Donnelly, Coach Joey Hall, Bottom Row: (L-R) - Xander Gum, Peter Englert, Ross Kemp, Michael Henry, Logan Hughes, Garrett Bradbury GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND SUPPORT YOUTH SPORTS BY ADVERTISING IN THE SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT! CALL TRIPP ROAKES @ 704-906-5466
Volume 5, Issue 7 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Page 5 Humane Society of Union Country Presents a Charity Golf Event "Play to Spay" Proceeds to help open a low cost Spay/Neuter Clinic in Union County, NC. Sept. 18th, 2010 Stonebridge Golf Club, 2721 Swilcan Burn Dr. Monroe, NC 12:30 pm Driving Range 1:30 pm Shot Gun Start 6:00 pm BBQ Dinner/awards Sponsorship Packages Still Available Golfers Fee: Single Golfer $90 Foursome $360 Includes 18 Holes Golf~Cart~BBQ~ 1 Place & 2 Place Teams~Longest Drive~Closest to the pin Great Prize Opportunities to win:$5,000~caribbean Cruise~ Galloway Golf Clubs. Athletes All have One thing in COmmOn 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 appeasing big appetites should be done with big, family style portions made with delicious recipes, served up in a place that can accommodate and entertain just about any group or function. team Of the Week ON DECK O s 2011 BLACK TEAM The On Deck O s 2011 Black Baseball Team has been named The Buca Di Beppo Team of the Week. The O s are a showcase baseball team that plays out of the On Deck Baseball Academy located in Pineville, NC. The team, coached by Bo Robinson, has played in some of the largest national showcase tournaments this summer and performed quite well. Most recently the team finished in the top 16 at the World Wood Bat Association Championship in East Cobb, GA. The O s are also very active in supporting many different charities. The team promotes the USO in area tournaments and helps the On Deck organization host a fundraising tournament for the USO in the fall. Congratulation to the On Deck O s 2011 Black Team for being named The Buca Di Beppo Team of the Week. For more info. please contact: Dori @ dwchatterton@gmail.com or Sandy @ sandyjbz@yahoo.com or call 704-283-9126 Leave message reference to Tournament Friend us on Facebook: South Charlotte Sports Report Shell McCain Reilly Hovis Brandon Burris Chris McCue Alex Jensen Team members include: Tyler Powell Rob Bain Brad Elwood Preston Morrison Alex Morales Paul Leonard Brantley Smith Conner Patterson Matt Hedberg Nick McGee The South Charlotte Sports Report is now a member of FACEBOOK! Visit our page at www.facebook.com to stay up to speed on our events, camps, and more! Search: South Charlotte Sports Report and join today! Pineville bucadibeppo.com
Page 6 Volume 5, Issue 7 Matt had opportunities with some outstanding academic institutions, including; Furman, UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke and Princeton in addition to Wake Forest. I chose Wake Forest for three main reasons. First, it is a great academic school, in addition to being a great soccer school. I would like to major in International Business and Wake has one of the most competitive programs in the country within the Calloway School of Business. Second, I got along really well with the coaches (Jay Vidovich and Bo Oshoniyi) and I felt like SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT PETER HENDEL CHOOSES CAROLINA BLUE Photo Courtesy of Debbie Fincher Design Seventeen year old baseball player Peter Hendel achieved a goal last week when he committed to play college baseball following his high school graduation. Peter, a rising senior at Cuthbertson High School, accepted an offer to play baseball and receive a college education from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The son of Rich and Denise Hendel is considered one of the top outfielders and pitchers in the state. Peter has built quite a baseball resume over the last three seasons. He earned a starting position on the Weddington High School varsity team as a freshman and then helped the team win the conference tournament that same season. Last year, his first at Cuthberston High School following a rezoning decision by Union County Schools, Peter was named team captain and also won the Cy Young and MVP awards for his team. His statistics this past spring for the Cavaliers were simply amazing, an 8-3 record on the mound with 87 strikeouts and a 1.42 ERA along with a.492 batting averages, 23 RBI s and 6 triples. Those numbers along with strong performances on the fall and summer showcase circuits attracted the attention of UNC-CH. Before choosing The Tar Heels, Peter looked hard at offers from Elon and Appalachian State. He states his reasons for choosing UNC-CH. I loved the campus, coaches, and the overall feel of the school. I like the tradition of the baseball program. Adding an interesting footnote to Peters story is the fact that he moved to Union County from West Palm Beach, FL during the summer before his freshman season. That is a hard time for any student to move, but he adjusted well at Weddington High School and made plenty of friends in the baseball community. He was able to find a lot MATT PACIFICI Continued from front page they would push me to my potential. I spent time with each of them at camps and also visits to the campus. I really felt like I fit with their style of play and coaching. Lastly, Wake Forest has a long history of soccer success. Wake Forest is consistently in the NCAA Final Four and won a National Title 2 years ago. With the early decision made, Matt has been able to focus on success for The Charlotte Catholic Cougars. After a state title in his sophomore year, the team came New School Year, NewPoint Learning. SAT*/ACT* Test Prep 4 Experienced Teachers 4 1-1 or Small Group 4 Test Taking Strategies 7761 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, 704-643-8700 www.newpointlearning.com *SAT is a registered trademark of the College Board and *ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. of great coaches that helped him grow into a college level player. Some of the people who have helped me adjust and grow as a player are Coach Travis Little, Jeff Schaefer, Jake Robbins, Eric Tokunaga and Andy Partin. The guidance he received from these baseball coaches proved to be very valuable to Peter and his family. With the decision now complete, Peter can focus on the 2010-2011 school year and helping Cuthbertson advance even further in the state playoffs. Last spring was the first baseball season for the new high school and The Cavaliers won the Rocky River Conference and advanced to the 4th round of the playoffs. Making the feat even more impressive is the fact that Cuthbertson played without a senior class. It was during the exciting playoff run that Peter realized he had the tools needed to play for a nationally recognized baseball team in college. I began to realize this when I came in the game in the 3rd round of the state playoffs against Randleman to pitch. There were two runners on base with no outs in the bottom of the 6th. I came in and didn t give up a hit and struck out 5. We won the game 10-8. Now with Peter and his classmates a year older, Cuthberston will be one of the favorites to win the state championship. Peter will surely find himself in more pressure packed situations along the way next spring. The inaugural Cuthberston season was a lot of fun for Peter. Playing at Cuthbertson was a lot of fun. Coach Little taught me a lot about the game of baseball. Our team chemistry is why we played so well throughout the season. Coach Little brought the team together as Cavaliers - instead of the different schools that we came from. Peter can now relax with the college decision made and enjoy his senior year. Over the last week he has found some time to reflect on the last couple of seasons and he wants to pay this thanks to some very important people for their help. I want to thank my parents. My dad for practicing with me everyday and teaching me things. And my mom for always supporting me. Also every coach that has ever coached me. With a few weeks off from baseball before the fall season begins, Peter plans to hangout with his family and friends and play ping-pong with his brothers! The South Charlotte Sports Report salutes Peter Hendel on his hard work and dedication to the game of baseball. Best of luck in your senior season and moving forward in college. up short with a loss in the quarterfinals last year. This year s team is young and hungry to bring a championship back home to Cougars Den. We are a very young team this year, as we graduated 12 seniors last year. We know that we will have to play with a lot of heart and determination. I think we can do that. Many of us have played club soccer together and I know we can work very cooperatively together. We are definitely going to have a lot of fun trying! Matt is also a winner inside the classroom with a 4.42 grade point average, ranking him inside the top 2% at Charlotte Catholic. He has worked his way onto the High Honor Roll in all six previous semesters and he is a member of the National Honor Society and he serves as Vice President of the Spanish National Honor Society. He is active in working with younger soccer players and recently completed a fundraiser and trip to Guatemala where he helped to donate $5,000 to an orphanage. Matt recently had time to reflect on the last few seasons of soccer and the people that have helped him to find success. My parents have made it possible for me to get where I am. My Dad has coached me since I was four and my Mom has supported anything I wanted to do. They have always put my brother and I ahead of anything else. I have been lucky to have lots of great coaches, but I do have to thank Scott Schweitzer, who has been my goalkeeper trainer and coach for several years. He has been able to teach me both technically and mentally and be a great mentor of the game. The South Charlotte Sports Report salutes Matt Pacifici for his hard work and commitment to being an outstanding citizen and soccer player. Wake Forest is quite lucky to have Matt headed their way in 2011.
Volume 5, Issue 7 Page 7 Chase Smith, an 8th grader at Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School, is a young runner who likes to push the pace. Chase, the son of Chris and Susan Smith, is a talented runner and was 5th in the CISAA Conference Championship last fall, also bringing his team to a 2nd place finish. Last fall, Chase finished in 10th place at the highly competitive Junior Olympic Cross Country Regional. He is a hard worker and is striving to win a conference championship this year. Chase excels at running due to his Kaitlyn Kramer is a talented runner at Ardrey Kell High School where she was an All-Conference, All-Region, and All-State runner last cross-country season. Kaitlyn, the daughter of Andy and Cathy Kramer, broke the 18 minute barrier in the 5k last BEYOND THE GAME WITH CHASE SMITH Written by Shauna Rust, Myers Park High School dedication to the sport and ability to tolerate a lot of pain. At what age did you start running and how did you get involved? Well, I had just turned 12 and decided that I wanted to do something active. I used to be a runner but gave it up. But my dad was going for a run one day and I decided to go with him. What do you like most about cross-country? I like that it s so competitive and it lets you meet people from different teams. And I like just seeing all the nature and stuff instead of running around a circle. How has your summer training been going and do you feel ready to race this fall? Well, I think it s going great, and I feel like I ve got a great base. And I m just getting started with speedwork now. I feel like I ll be ready for my first cross country race at McAlpine. What advice would you have for someone who wants to get started with running? I would say to take it slow and change up your runs. If you re always running at the same places you re going to get bored. I like to mix it up and run at the Whitewater Center, Freedom Park, and around my neighborhood just mixing it up. With a 3K PR (personal record) of 10:56 and a 5th place finish at the CISAA Conference Championship last fall, what goals do you have for this season? Well, for this season my goal is to run around 10 or 10:15 for the 3k, and to win my conference. RUNNING WITH KAITLYN KRAMER Written by Shauna Rust, Myers Park High School year, running a 17:55 to earn 20th place at the Foot Locker South Meet, a highly competitive meet with the top ten runners qualifying for Nationals. As Kaitlyn begins her season this fall, she trains with the goal of being one of the best in the state, as well as making it to Nationals. At what age did you start running and how did you get involved with it? The first time I ran at home was in 6th grade and I ran a mile because I wanted to get my time down to be on the Mighty Miler list. And then I ran track in 7th and 8th grade and started running more in 9th grade because I had friends to run with. What do you like most about cross-country? I like how the team is so close, it s like a family. It s not divided, we all run the same race, and it s not separate events. It s more of a community. What is the highlight of your running career so far? Being All-State and breaking 18 minutes last year at Foot Locker, I got 17:55, that was pretty exciting. How have Ardrey Kell s summer workouts been going and how is the team shaping up for the fall season? Summer training has been going great; I ve been running with the girls on our team a few times a week. I think the team is shaping up pretty well, our top five from last year are returning and we re I also want to help my team win the conference title. Are there any athletes that you look up to and why? Well, I look up to the athletes that always give their best. And I also look up to the people on my team because of how hard they try. What are the keys to being a fast and successful runner? Well, you have to push yourself and reinforce positive talk when you re running, you can t get down on yourself. And that will help you both physically and mentally. I remind myself to always try my best and know that if it s a race, everyone is feeling the pain that I am. As you begin your 8th grade year, how are you preparing for the high intensity of high school running? Well, I know that I m going to have to step up my mileage and I know it ll be hard running with the high-schoolers, but hopefully with the training and faster times I ll get pulled along. With your intensive training how do you avoid injuries? If I feel any tweak anywhere I always stop. And because of that, I haven t really had any serious injuries, except for taking a day or two off. I always make sure I get at least nine hours of sleep. I try and eat a good, well-balanced diet and make sure I ve stretched properly and warmed-up. ready to race. After a 5th place finish in the NCSHAA 4A State Meet last season and setting a 5k PR (personal record) of 17:55 at Foot Locker South, what goals do you have for this coming season? I want to finish in the top three at States this year and in the top 15 at Foot Locker and hopefully get my time under 17:40 and I just want to keep improving. What are the keys to being a fast and successful runner? Definitely don t cheat yourself. Do your mileage and do your workouts like your coach says, skipping out is not going to help you. A good diet and cross-training help too. What advice would you have for someone who wants to get started with running? Stick with it, don t give up after one bad run, it ll get better. Everyone has bad days. Find someone to run with and just stick with it. What mental tricks do you use to keep yourself calm and focused before or during a big race? I try and keep a goal in mind, stay calm, and not get too nervous. Before the race we warm-up as a team and before I get there I like to listen to some music. I just try to focus on doing my best.
SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Page 8 Volume 5, Issue 7 STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE WEEK JOSH BLACK Rising Providence High School 10th grader Josh Black has been named The Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Student Athlete of the Week. The son of Bill and Tracey Black is a rising baseball star for the Panthers. As a freshman, he earned a starting spot at shortstop and helped the team to a 17-3 record. He also had the opportunity to dress for a few varsity baseball games. Josh also advanced to stage two of the USA Baseball Identification Series and earlier this summer he played in his second consecutive Battle of the Border All Star Showcase game. Josh plays for the CBC 15U Army Team as a center fielder and shortstop. This will be the first fall that Josh has not played football. Last season he was the starting cornerback for the Providence Junior Varsity Team and also dressed for some varsity games. Josh has elected to concentrate on baseball for this season. Inside the classroom, Josh carries a 3.75 grade point average and is enrolled in many honors classes. Congratulations to Josh Black for being named The Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Student Athlete of the Week. TAYLOR LARSEN Charlotte Catholic junior Taylor Larsen has been named The Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Student Athlete of the Week. Taylor plays outside hitter for the Charlotte Catholic Volleyball Team. The daughter of Rob and Kimberly Larsen has played on the varsity team at Catholic both of her previous years and she earned a starting position as a sophomore. Taylor is a defensive specialist for the team and helped The Cougars to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 3A State Semifinals last season. The 2010 Charlotte Catholic Volleyball Team hopes to contend for a state championship with the help of Taylor and her talented teammates. Taylor also plays for the new Duraforce Junior Volleyball Club. The team competes against other volleyball club teams in regional events. Taylor is an excellent student with a 3.6 grade point average and she enjoys History Classes. Congratulations to Taylor Larsen for being named The Architech Sports and Physical Therapy Student Athlete of the Week. The two Student-Athletes of the Week will receive a Scholarship to Architech Sports and Physical Therapy for a Functional Movement Screen. ARCHITECH SPORTS AND PHYSICAL THERAPY 8918 Blakeney Professional Drive Suite 120 Charlotte, NC 28277 Ph. 704-900-8960 www.architechsports.com Physical Therapy for Athletes and Weekend Warriors * Sports Performance * Soccer Speed and Agility Baseball Pitching Arm Care Evaluations * Female Jumpmetrics Training * Coaches Care Programs All programs in conjunction with Morrison Family YMCA 5 MISTAKES ALL FEMALE ATHLETES MAKE - WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW Warming up is very important before any workout, whether it be before a 100m sprint or before maxing out on bench press. But the question you may be asking is why is it important? When you start moving in any way that raises your heart rate, certain changes start to take place in your body. Your respiratory rate increases. Blood flow throughout your body increases, which means that the levels oxygen and nutrients that are delivered to your cells increase. In effect all your body s systems are warned you re going to be making demands on them, and primed to meet those demands. Once you re at this point your ready to move into dynamic stretching. This involves slowly performing the same kinds of movements you ll be making in your training session or game, and gradually increasing the speed. As specific muscles, tendons, and joints follow the movement patterns they ll be Mistake Number 3: Not Warming Up Properly expected to complete later, they become used to the movement, and less likely to tear when the movements are made at higher speeds. This stage also works as a cue for your nervous system to switch on the specific neuro-muscular connections it will need for those movement patterns. Lastly, this two-stage warm- up helps you to prepare you mentally for the coming workout. Regardless of what that workout or game might be you ll do it better, and enjoy it more, if you re able to bring your full focus into it. By taking the time to warm up before you start exercising for real you re giving yourself the mental space to switch your focus to where you need it to be. An ideal warm up should leave you with a light sweat, and you should feel a greater sense of movement. This is a good sign that your body is prepared for vigorous movement. If you neglect the warm up process, your muscles will be left cold, and far more prone to injury. You will also be less aware, and less focused on the exercise session. If you want to get the most out of your exercise and be as safe as possible, then you should introduce a warm up routine before every session of exercise. Here at Architech Sports and Physical Therapy we can help female athletes design a proper dynamic warm up routine to carry out before practices and games. Alicia Marblo is the only Physical Therapist in the region specializing in the female athlete and their unique needs. For more information visit architechsports.com or call 704-900-8960.
Volume 5, Issue 7 Page 9 Dr. Allen Prevette South Park Dentist Caring for South Charlotte Athletes and their Families for 20 years For the Smile of a Lifetime! Dr. Keith T. Sellers 6406 Carmel Road #309 Charlotte, NC 28226 704.542.9995 www.sellersorthodontics.com w w w. s o u t h p a r k d e n t i s t. c o m SOUTH CHARLOTTE RECREATION ASSOCIATION (Formally Olde Providence Recreation Association) FALL BASEBALL SIGN UPS AGES 5-15 ENROLL ONLINE NOW OR IN PERSON AT OLDE PROVIDENCE ELEMENTARY ON AUGUST 28TH AT 9AM EVALUATION ON AUGUST 28TH PRACTICES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 1ST WWW.OPRASPORTS.COM
Page 10 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Volume 5, Issue 7 SwimMAC ATHLETES SET RECORDS IN 13 & 14 AGE GROUP RELAYS SwimMAC Carolinas 13 & 14 age group swimmers rocked the waters at the Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center on the first day of North Carolina Swimming s 14 & Under State Championship Meet. The swimmers dominated the 800 Freestyle event with the Girls taking the First, Second and Third place finishes. These amazing swims by Elsa Welchofer, Lauren Greenberg, and Kate Carter were followed by SwimMAC s Boys staking a claim to the First, Third and Fourth places by swimmers Lane Bretschneider, Bailey Burt, and Madison Jaulin. The 13 & 14 Girls accomplished a first for SwimMAC by posting the two fastest times ever in the state for the Girls 800 Free Relay, in which both SwimMAC s relays broke the current State record. The new state record team consists of Kate Carter, Elsa Welchofer, Lauren Greenberg, and Heather Merritt posting a time of 9.18.49. SwimMAC s second place Girls Relay team including Maria Sheridan, Christine Sullivan, Nora McCullagh, and Samantha Benson, also beat the previous state record time! No question, the girls are setting the pace and the pool on fire! Not to be outdone, the 13 & 14 Boys also won the 800 Free Relay and broke the NC State Record with a time of 8.54.69! This championship team consists of Bailey Burt, David Sanchez, Charles Blinn, and Lane Bretschneider. Another SwimMAC boys relay team of Zac Cox, Madison Jaulin, Connor Long and John Baker finished third in this event. 800 Girls Free Relay Record Holders 800 Boys Free Relay Record Holders Marvin Ridge High School midfielder Kyle Parker and his Maverick Soccer teammates hope to defend their North Carolina 3A State Championship this fall. The team only lost 5 seniors from last years championship team. RUN FASTER. JUMP HIGHER. IMPROVE AGILITY. SPECIALIZING IN THESE AREAS Speed and Agility Training Personal Training Football Combine Training Physical Therapy Pitching Performance Programs YOU. IMP ROV E D. 15825 John J. Delaney Dr. Charlotte, NC 28277 704.323.3278 1915 Randolph Rd Charlotte, NC 28207 704.323.3009 ocsportsperformance.com
Volume 5, Issue 7 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Page 11 704-246-8350 Charlotte s Premier Destination For: Team Uniforms Spirit Wear Performance Apparel Field Equipment Sports Equipment Trophies We also help with Fundraising! The Cuthbertson High School Cavaliers return for year two on the gridiron. With the addition of a senior class, the Cavaliers should contend for more wins this fall. Coach Michael Roark will open the season on August 20th versus one of their primary rivals, Weddington High School. LOOKING FOR ACTIVE KIDS AND FAMILIES? ADVERTISE WITH US CALL TRIPP ROAKES 704-906-5466 CAROLINAS BASEBALL CENTER -1 on 1 Lessons -Pitching Classes -Birthday Parties -Holiday Camp -Team Instruction -Hitting Classes -Batting Cages -Thanksgiving Camp CBCBASEBALL.NET 704-499-9040
Page 12 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Volume 5, Issue 7 BEYOND THE GAME WITH LANDON WELSH Landon Welsh is a dedicated swimmer who divides her summer between a yearround swim team, ATOM (Aquatic Team of Mecklenburg), and her neighborhood swim team at Sardis Swim and Racquet Club. Landon is also a Varsity swimmer at Providence High School and will be a junior there this fall. This summer, Landon was the winner of the 50yd freestyle, 100yd IM, and 50yd backstroke at the Summer League All-Star Meet. Landon s best event is the 200yd IM because she excels at all four strokes, and has strong legs for sprinting. Landon, the daughter of Anne and Jerry Welsh, is a superb all-around swimmer with a bright future. How and when did you get started with swimming? I started summer league Written by Shauna Rust, Myers Park High School when I was 12. I was 15 when I started swimming at ATOM (Aquatic Team of Mecklenburg ). What do you like most about swimming and being on a swim team? I like to compete and I like the friends you make especially. And that I m not really out of shape. Well, [my teammates,] they re my best friend and I think we ll be lifelong friends because I spend everyday, six hours a day, with them. And I love my coach. What is your favorite swimming event? The 200 IM because you get to swim every stroke and I ve just gotten better at it. What is the highlight of your swimming career so far? Making States for school and for year-round because it s a big deal and it s cool to experience that. It was really fun and it s a different environment when you get to States you re not always the best and there are people that are way better than you, it s a good chance to compete with them though. What advice would you have for someone who wants to get started with swimming? Don t start out with too much because swimmers burn out very easily. And enjoy it. Be on a team that you love, with people you love. What are your goals for swim season this winter? Well, I want to get more cuts for States and I want to get more AAA or AAAA times. It starts out at B and AAAA is the highest, they re just time standards. For school States, I want to make it back this year and get to the finals. What are your personal bests in your events and what are you doing to continually improve them? My best in the 50yd freestyle is 25.8, for the 100yd free it s 56.0, for the 200yd IM it s 2:17, and for the 100yd breaststroke it s 1:13. But all of those I think I can bring down this year. I ll be more competitive, I don t like to win well I do like to win, but I feel bad. I ve gotten better about that. And I make sure to do everything my coach tells me to. How do you balance swimming with schoolwork and other activities? Well, I swim from 4:15 to 6:15 everyday. So I pretty much go home, get a snack, go to practice, and then I get home around 7pm. And that s when I do my studying and I m usually done around 9pm. THE SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT... The 2013 On Deck Black Team helped to raise money for a very important cause this summer. The team hosted a baseball tournament at Wingate University to benefit ABC (About Breast Cancer) a group in Monroe that raises money to help supply testing and other needs to women who can t afford it. In this photo, baseball mom Theresa Randall joins the On Deck Team. Theresa was diagnosed with Breast Cancer last year and she is doing quite well now. Her son Josh plays baseball at Charlotte Catholic. Theresa threw out the first pitch in the event. The team wore special jerseys to help raise further awareness. HOMETOWN TEAMS... HOMETOWN KIDS... HOMETOWN PAPER
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Page 14 SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Volume 5, Issue 7 BEYOND THE GAME WITH SAMANTHA FORLENZA By Shauna Rust Samantha Forlenza is a top-notch tennis player and is a member of a 2008 State Championship team at Myers Park. This fall, she will begin her junior year at a different school, and with a different team. Due to the displacement of IB students from Myers Park, Samantha will be attending South Mecklenburg High School this fall and will be a part of the South Meck tennis team. She is also a yearround tennis player and practices frequently with coach, Mark Taylor, at Covenant Day School. Samantha s strong serve, impressive forehand, and commitment to hard work have made her an outstanding tennis player. Samantha is looking forward to getting started at South Meck this fall and we wish her the best of luck, on and off the court. When did you start playing tennis and what got you involved with it? I was 5 and I took a summer camp at Piper Glen. It just stuck I fell in love with the game. My mom and brother play tennis too, but I was the first one to start playing. What do you like most about tennis? Meeting all new types of people, not only from Charlotte, but from across the country making friends and keeping in touch with them. I like the team competitive aspect of it too, like playing on school teams. Do you prefer playing singles or doubles? I like playing doubles because I like being on the court with someone else. And you have someone there with you to help calm you down if you make a mistake. It s kind of like having a helper out there. What is the highlight of your tennis career so far? My tennis team during my 8th grade year went to a national USTA team tennis tournament and came in 2nd. Jessica Perez, who goes to Myers Park, was my doubles partner. It was just a great learning experience to see what it s like playing teams from all across the country. How do you expect the transition to be when you start playing tennis at South Meck this fall as a junior, after two years at Myers Park? Of course, there s different people, but mostly in doubles, just getting used to a new partner, that will probably be the hardest thing. But, all in all, I m excited to meet new people and have new experiences. What goals do you have for the upcoming fall season? Well, with moving to a new school and being on a new team, [my goals] for myself are just doing the best I can and giving all that I can offer. And as a team, just doing the best we can and having fun. What are the keys to being a great tennis player? To start off, tennis is 80% mental and 20% talent, so just being able to stay calm and stay focused on the court are keys to being successful. And just having fun and not getting frustrated with yourself because at the end of the day, tennis is just a game. How did it feel to win a state championship with the Myers Park team in 2008? [her freshman year] It s hard to put into words. It just felt amazing. All of the hard work and difficult matches paid off in the end. It really showed that if you do work hard, all through the summer and the year, you can be successful. Especially with it being a team sport, it showed that if we worked together we could achieve the highest result possible. Is there an athlete you look up to and why? I look up to Monica Seles; she s an older tennis player. She never gave up on points and was stabbed in the back at a tournament, but she still came back from that. Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association THE LEAGUE OF CHAMPIONS www.marasport.org/softball Join the Premier Softball Recreation Program in South Charlotte Largest 6U and 8U program in Southeast Mecklenburg County Program includes teams for 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U & 14U Experienced certified coaches 100% of the league s resources are dedicated to recreation softball All-Star Post Season 2010 MARA 8Us are District Champions and placed 4 th in the State Tournament Striving to play all 6U, 8U and 10U games at MARA all other games played locally Questions E-Mail Bryan Bigham bigham1@nationwide.com
SOUTH CHARLOTTE SPORTS REPORT Volume 5, Issue 7 Page 15 THE Q SHACK COACH OF THE WEEK TROY ROTHENBERGER July 16-18 Breat Cancer Awareness Tournament Wingate University 4th Annual Golf Tournament Raintree Country Club Veterans Day November 11, 2010 Troy Rothenberger has been named The Q Shack Coach of the Week. Coach Troy is a youth baseball coach at South Charlotte Recreation Association (formally Olde Providence.) The father of three children works hard with his baseball team and strives to build a strong fundamental base with each player. His players enjoy working hard and learning more about the game of baseball. Congratulation to Coach Troy Rothenberger for being named The Q Shack Coach of the Week. Come Support On Deck and the USO of North Carolina! On Deck Baseball Making a difference in your community For more info: www.ondeckbaseball.net Register online or by calling (704) 889-2287 or emailing camps@ondeckbaseball.net To nominate your coach for this award, please visit The Q Shack or www.southcharlottesports.com. The winning coach will receive a $25 gift certificate to The Q Shack. BEYOND THE GAME WITH MATT SNEAD Written by Shauna Rust, Myers Park High School Located in The Providence Promenade 10822 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28277 www.qshackclt.com 704-542-5959 Although he was just a back-up player last year, middle linebacker Matt Snead has become a leader on the Providence defense. Matt, who will be a senior this fall at Providence High School, has become a stand-out football player due to his dedication and passion for the sport. The son of Michael and Bonnie Snead, is a positive leader and communicator on the defense. Through his hard work and discipline, Matt has earned a starting spot on the defense and he hopes to bring home a Southwestern 4A Conference Championship for the Providence Panthers this fall. How old were you when you started playing football? What got you involved with it? I started playing when I was about 8 in Matthews at MARA. My brother played for Providence and I always wanted to play there too, and now I m finally playing there like him. What do you like most about football? Probably just being around all of my friends. All of my best friends are on starting defense with me- Dan D Andrea, Chris Shaffer, Derek Battle, and Robby Van Landen. And we re all best friends so it s fun to hangout with them. What is the highlight of your high school career so far? Probably last year, we played against Charlotte Catholic, and we actually lost, but I was a back-up last year and I went in and made tackles on three straight plays. What goals do you and the team have for this fall? Our main goal is to win our conference. We play in a tough conference with our rivals- Butler, Independence, and Ardrey Kell. We haven t won a conference title in a while and since it s our senior year it d be nice to go out on a good note. What advice would you have for someone who wants to get started with football? Really, you have to have the right mindset and have to be dedicated to what you re doing. You really have to be dedicated all the time and during the off season to be the best player and have the best team. Who has inspired you to become the athlete you are today? My dad, which I know is totally cliché, but if it wasn t for my dad, I don t think I d have the dedication for football. He is dedicated to our family and I ve really learned from him how to be dedicated to football so we can have the best team possible. What are the keys to playing your position at middle linebacker? For me, it s a lot about communication and being disciplined. There are three other linebackers and we have to communicate and all be on the same page about what we re doing. Also you have to have discipline- every play you have to read your keys, read the offensive line, get to the ball, and do your job. What teams are you anticipating to be your toughest competition this fall? Right now, we re focused on Richmond County, our first game. We lost to them in the play-offs last year and we re playing away at their home again. And we re always looking forward to both Butler and Independence; they re both away games this year.
Page 16 Volume 5, Issue 7 Why Carolina Courts? Fall Basketball Programs (all include boys and girls programs!!) Instructional Ages 5,6 & 7 (boys and girls) Fall Rec League Ages 8-16 (boys and girls) USBA Fall League can sign up as a team to participate on Saturday afternoon games! Fall Basketball Bootcamp 2 different sessions being offered Ages 12-16 (boys and girls) Coach Clark s high intensity workouts Ages 10-16 pay by the session no registration required! Fall Volleyball Programs Instructional Volleyball 2 sessions to choose from (Ages 6-11yrs old) RISE Volleyball League 5th/6th Grade League RISE Volleyball League 7th/8th Grade League Back to School Volleyball Skills Sessions 8/17 to 9/2 Fall HS Developmental League www.carolinacourts.com 704-882-1115 BUY. SELL. TRADE New & Used Equipment We Pay Cash for Your Used Gear! Baseball. Lacrosse. Football. Exercise/Fitness. Golf. Hockey 704-540-6339 8332 PINEVILLE-MATTHEWS ROAD