It's been a hectic and sad week here at the Times with 15 co-workers being laid off for economic reasons. However, I should point out that none of those layoffs came in the sports department so we will be able to continue to bring the best sports coverage we can possibly bring to our readers.
I have been asked to serve as interim co-editor with Lisa Batts and if I can handle the double-duty the way Tom Ham handles his multiple fantasy league baseball teams, we'll be in good shape.
The 2009 high school football preview will be out Thursday, Aug. 20, a day before area teams kick off the regular season. With NCHSAA realignment now a reality, there will be lots to discuss in the preview. We are planning on providing the same coverage of high school football (as well as other sports) that we have in the past — redesign or a.m. delivery notwithstanding. That means Between High School Football Fridays and our weekly game previews and Football Forecast (The Hammer knows I'm coming for him this year!)
Can you believe the season will start in just two weeks?
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Tom's OK and thanks
Just a word of thanks on behalf of Tom Ham and his family to the folks who looked out for him Tuesday when he took ill at the Wilson County Junior Golf Championship at Happy Valley Country Club.
Tom, of course, built the Wilson Daily Times sports department into the finest in the state and I'm just privileged to be carrying on that tradition. While he is considered a "part-time" or "semi-retired" staff member these days, he is far from that. Unfortunately, his dedication to his career gets him in hot water at times and scares the heck out of me.
He suffered a dizzy spell in the heat Tuesday and needed some medical attention but seems to be fine now. He might have to be sidelined for a few days but hopefully will be back to his usual self within no time.
Many, many thanks to Robert Wells, Frank Pridgen, Jim Boykin Jr. and many others who made sure Tom got prompt medical attention.
Tom, of course, built the Wilson Daily Times sports department into the finest in the state and I'm just privileged to be carrying on that tradition. While he is considered a "part-time" or "semi-retired" staff member these days, he is far from that. Unfortunately, his dedication to his career gets him in hot water at times and scares the heck out of me.
He suffered a dizzy spell in the heat Tuesday and needed some medical attention but seems to be fine now. He might have to be sidelined for a few days but hopefully will be back to his usual self within no time.
Many, many thanks to Robert Wells, Frank Pridgen, Jim Boykin Jr. and many others who made sure Tom got prompt medical attention.
Wilson's Barnes aiming for dunk title but he needs your help
Check it out, you can help a Wilsonian make it to the first Sprite Slam Dunk Showdown at the 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend in Dallas.
Willie Barnes, who attended Fike High and played for Charis Prep in 2007, is one of 10 semifinalists that are competing for four spots in Dallas.
Sprite, NBA superstar LeBron James, NBA Nation and Kia Motors are the sponsors of this cross-country search to find America's top amateur dunker. Barnes drove to Washington, D.C., to get into the regional competition as a walk-on. He said he waited in line for eight hours for the open call and, when no one else showed up, he got his chance and made the most of it by defeating 13 other contestants.
You can watch Willie AKA "Flyte" strut his stuff and vote for him. The top four will go to Dallas and the winner there will take home a $10,000 grand prize and be a guest at the NBA Sprite Slam Dunk contest during NBA All-Star Saturday Night on Feb. 13.
I had the pleasure of talking to Willie following Charis Prep's season-ending National Prep Tournament championship in 2007 and was as impressed with him as a person as I was with his basketball skills. I think it's really cool that he has a chance to earn some fame so let's help him out with some online votes!
Willie Barnes, who attended Fike High and played for Charis Prep in 2007, is one of 10 semifinalists that are competing for four spots in Dallas.
Sprite, NBA superstar LeBron James, NBA Nation and Kia Motors are the sponsors of this cross-country search to find America's top amateur dunker. Barnes drove to Washington, D.C., to get into the regional competition as a walk-on. He said he waited in line for eight hours for the open call and, when no one else showed up, he got his chance and made the most of it by defeating 13 other contestants.
You can watch Willie AKA "Flyte" strut his stuff and vote for him. The top four will go to Dallas and the winner there will take home a $10,000 grand prize and be a guest at the NBA Sprite Slam Dunk contest during NBA All-Star Saturday Night on Feb. 13.
I had the pleasure of talking to Willie following Charis Prep's season-ending National Prep Tournament championship in 2007 and was as impressed with him as a person as I was with his basketball skills. I think it's really cool that he has a chance to earn some fame so let's help him out with some online votes!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
The Brittany for the Boys V isn't far off
The high school football season kicks off in less than three weeks with all three Wilson County teams in action Friday, Aug. 21. But that's not all the kicking that will go on that night as The Brittany for the Boys V cranks up at Gillette Soccer Complex with 12 games that night.
There will be another 18 games the next day, Saturday, Aug. 22, with 30 games total, five fewer than the previous Brittany for the Boys last August. It appears as though there will be 54 teams involved, with six, including Fike, playing two games. Again, four fewer than last year's total.
With school budgets being trimmed, it's not surprising The Brittany contracted a wee bit but it's still the biggest and best high school soccer showcase in the state, as the N.C. Soccer Coaches Association proclaimed last May.
Here's the schedule for The Brittany for the Boys V.
There will be another 18 games the next day, Saturday, Aug. 22, with 30 games total, five fewer than the previous Brittany for the Boys last August. It appears as though there will be 54 teams involved, with six, including Fike, playing two games. Again, four fewer than last year's total.
With school budgets being trimmed, it's not surprising The Brittany contracted a wee bit but it's still the biggest and best high school soccer showcase in the state, as the N.C. Soccer Coaches Association proclaimed last May.
Here's the schedule for The Brittany for the Boys V.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Home again, home again to a busy week
After a relaxing two weeks in the San Francisco Bay Area, I'm back at my desk ready for the fall sports season to begin. But first, there's still some unfinished business from summer, most of which is happening this week.
First off, the Wilson Tobs are on the verge of capturing the second-half championship in the Coastal Plain League's South Division. If the Tobs win at Florence (S.C.) on Monday night, they'll do just that and pretty much assure themselves of not only hosting the first-round playoff game Thursday night in Fleming Stadium, but also the best-of-3 semifinals series if they advance. After years of playing the Petitt Cup tournament at a single site, never in Wilson, it'll be fun to see the Tobs host a playoff game — or three.
The Wilson County Junior Golf Association is holding its annual championship tournament, beginning Monday at Wilson Country Club with round two slated for Tuesday at Happy Valley Country Club and the final round to be held Wednesday at Wedgewood. This is the 31st annual tournament, named the Larry Pittman Memorial many years ago after one of Wilson junior golf's central figures. I think it's pretty cool this tournament is still going strong after all these years. There are lots of folks, even many as old as me or (gulp!) even older, who grew up playing in this tournament.
Finally, the Babe Ruth World Series is back as the Wilson County Youth Athletic Association hosts the 12U Softball World Series at The Hole diamond at Rock Ridge Elementary School, beginning Thursday. If I had a nickel for every drop of sweat coming off WCYAA Athletic Director Mickey Davis' forehead this week, I could retire!
Go out and check out these young ladies, many of whom will be playing collegiate softball in a few years. Don't worry about the heat, it's still summer!
First off, the Wilson Tobs are on the verge of capturing the second-half championship in the Coastal Plain League's South Division. If the Tobs win at Florence (S.C.) on Monday night, they'll do just that and pretty much assure themselves of not only hosting the first-round playoff game Thursday night in Fleming Stadium, but also the best-of-3 semifinals series if they advance. After years of playing the Petitt Cup tournament at a single site, never in Wilson, it'll be fun to see the Tobs host a playoff game — or three.
The Wilson County Junior Golf Association is holding its annual championship tournament, beginning Monday at Wilson Country Club with round two slated for Tuesday at Happy Valley Country Club and the final round to be held Wednesday at Wedgewood. This is the 31st annual tournament, named the Larry Pittman Memorial many years ago after one of Wilson junior golf's central figures. I think it's pretty cool this tournament is still going strong after all these years. There are lots of folks, even many as old as me or (gulp!) even older, who grew up playing in this tournament.
Finally, the Babe Ruth World Series is back as the Wilson County Youth Athletic Association hosts the 12U Softball World Series at The Hole diamond at Rock Ridge Elementary School, beginning Thursday. If I had a nickel for every drop of sweat coming off WCYAA Athletic Director Mickey Davis' forehead this week, I could retire!
Go out and check out these young ladies, many of whom will be playing collegiate softball in a few years. Don't worry about the heat, it's still summer!
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