Cherryville Eagle

Screen shot 2020 11 17 at 1.58.52 pm — CHS’ Dalton Pence, with mom, Lisa, and dad, Mike, at a table at the Roadrunners Training Facility. Standing, left to right, are his Post 100 American Legion coaches, Bob Reynolds and Drew Reynolds; travel ball coach, Ron Treadway; CHS Athletic Director, Scott Harrill; and CHS head baseball coach, Scott Heavner. Sitting beside him and his parents, is his brother, Ryan, who played football at CHS. Also in the photo are Dalton’s grandparents, Lois Pence and Randy Peel (left, standing), and Carolyn and Glenn Wilson (right, standing). (photo provided by Lisa Pence)

Tar Heels fan Dalton Pence’s baseball dream comes true

CHS senior signs LOI to play baseball for his favorite college team

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Inking his name on the line, CHS senior Dalton Pence knew it was the culmination of a dream come true, ever since he was a wee lad.
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, amongst family, friends, and not a few of his coaches and mentors, young Pence signed a letter of intent (LOI) to play baseball for the UNC-Chapel Hill Tar Heels baseball team – his favorite team since he was old enough to… well, have a favorite team.
Pence, along with mom, Lisa, and dad, Mike, sat at a table at the Roadrunners Training Facility on Hwy. 150, surrounded by his Post 100 American Legion coaches Bob Reynolds and Drew Reynolds; CHS head baseball coach, Scott Heavner; his travel ball coach, Ron Treadway; as well as CHS Athletic Director, head basketball coach, Scott Harrill. Sitting beside of him were his parents, and his brother, Ryan, who played football at CHS. Also at the signing were Dalton’s grandparents, Lois Pence and Randy Peel, and Carolyn and Glenn Wilson. Many of Dalton’s fellow CHS Ironmen and Post 100 Legion baseball players were there for him as well.
Pence, 18, said he will be a pitcher for the team, so far as he knows right now, and will be heading to Chapel Hill in July of 2021. While there, he plans to major in history.
Pence, always a man of few words, said, “This feels great! This is a dream come true for me.”
Pence, a hard-throwing lefty, said he has been playing baseball since he was four, playing in Cherryville’s Little League, then at John Chavis as a Wolverine, then at CHS for Coach Heavner, and also playing for Coaches Bob Reynolds and son, Drew, for the Post 100 American Legion, as well as the already-mentioned travel ball with Coach Treadway, a family friend and mentor.
Coach Heavner said of Pence, “It’s always good when kids can realize their dream, especially ones they’ve had since they were small.
“I’ve coached Dalton since age 12. He played ball with my son, Ty, and we knew he was special from an early age. He’s gotten consistently better every year and he is going to continue to get better. We are happy for him. The Pence’s are a great family, and just good people.”
Legion head coach Bob Reynolds said of Dalton, “In every game we had last summer, Dalton has pitched well and seemed to handle situations, exceeding our expectations.
“He has had lots of offers from many colleges, and Dalton has taken it (his playing) to another level or two, moving his game up every time. He has been solid all fall as well and he has a lot of good days ahead.”
Treadway said of Pence, “Dalton is a special young man and is always respectful to his coaches. He has wanted to be a Tar Heel since he was a little boy. I am super proud to see him accomplish his goals. Our family loves him and wishes him the best of luck in his future.”
Parents Lisa and Mike both said, “Since he was little he’s always liked the Tar Heels and baseball. We are proud of him and what he has accomplished in his hard work.”
Dad Mike added, “When he was eight he got an opportunity to go into Carolina’s baseball locker room. He looked around and said, 'I’ve got to play here!' Now his dreams have come true!”

Screen shot 2020 11 17 at 1.56.26 pm — Senior Lady Ironmen hitter Alexis Thomas looks on as setter, sophomore Rileigh Kiser sets up the shot for her teammates, in the CHS/Lincolnton scrimmage.

Volleyball, high school sports are back, in a reduced form

Kiser is the winningest coach in school’s
volleyball history

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Any reason for Cherryville High School sports fans to find their way back into a CHS gym or stadium is cause for celebration and yelling for the home team at the top of your lungs.
Even if it is COVID-19-shorthened season and only a handful of parents and fans can be there in some form of social distancing or other.
As CHS head volleyball coach, Leigh Kiser said, “Finally!”
That was the answer Coach Kiser had when asked about the upcoming season.
Kiser and company noted that after a lot of worry about the possibility – any possibility, really – for an upcoming season, the Lady Ironmen were, on Thursday, Nov. 12, the first CHS sports team to hit the court for the fall sports season.
Kiser, who is entering her 11th season as coach of the Lady Ironmen spikers, said her team has been working out for weeks under the guidelines of Gaston County and the NCHSAA.
“Our athletes are all ready to compete after the long COVID-19 layoff,” she said. “We will have a shortened 14-game season, which will be comprised of 12 conference matches and two non-conference matches.”
Their first time back on the VB court was a JV and Varsity scrimmage with the Lady Wolves of Lincolnton.
Said Kiser, “We have an experienced varsity team that will have to be ready to go right away with the short season.
“Defensively we will lean on seniors Megan Smith and Laura Morgan, and sophomore Kaitlyn Newsome to lead the defensive effort.”
She continued, “All-Conference setter, sophomore Rileigh Kiser is back to set up experienced hitters, senior Reese Hoyle, and juniors, Skye Reed, Addie Eaker, and Katie Eaker.
“We also have some newcomers that should provide some quality points as the year goes on.”
Coach Kiser said she was “excited for the season” and added that she likes her teams’ experience, but noted it will be tough not having the full non-conference schedule to get ready for conference play.
In the conference, Lincoln Charter, Christ the King, Highland Tech, and Piedmont Charter have deep and talented rosters, which should make for a competitive conference season, Kiser said.
It should be noted Coach Kiser is the winningest coach in the volleyball program’s history with a record of 130-122 at Cherryville High.
She will also have a 14-game JV season as well.

Screen shot 2020 10 20 at 2.26.09 pm — The foursome of Post 100 American Legion baseball head coach Bobby Dale Reynolds, Beam Hauling owner Scott Beam, Mr. Billy Cease, and Mr. Owen Wilson finished First in the Carolina Federal Credit Union’s 13th Annual Jack Jenkins, Joel Wallace, and Don Starling Memorial Golf Tournament, held Friday, Sept. 25. (photos provided)

13th Annual CFCU Memorial Golf Tournament raises $35,000 for scholarships for seniors

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Anytime you can have some fun, get some exercise, and raise thousands of dollars doing it for a worthwhile cause is always a “win-win” scenario.
Such was the case when on Friday, Sept. 25, Carolina Federal Credit Union, along with the host club, Dan Arthurs Cherryville Golf and Country Club, once again hosted another successful CFCU golf tournament.
This one, the 2020 13th Annual Jack Jenkins, Joel Wallace, and Don Starling Memorial Golf Tournament, drew a good field of golfers and sponsors, noted CFCU COOO Chad Cash, who said he and the CFCU and CG&CC crew were pleased with how it all went, especially in this time of a pandemic.
Said Mr. Cash, “We want to say a special thank you to our sponsors, golfers, staff, volunteers, and the Cherryville Golf and Country Club for their participation in our 13th Annual Jack Jenkins, Joel Wallace, and Don Starling Memorial Golf Tournament. This tournament allows us (CFCU) to continue to gift scholarships to local high school seniors.
“Also, thanks to a group of fantastic and numerous sponsors, (as) throughout the years, CFCU has been able to give over $30,000 in scholarships to local seniors.”
Cash noted earlier, in a media release, CFCU was hoping the upcoming year would be their biggest year yet.
Simply put, Chad noted, “We couldn’t do it without all of our members’ support; thank you all so much!”
By way of background on the ubiquitous tournament, Mr. Cash said of the tournament, “Jack Jenkins was the first and longtime CEO of Carolina Federal Union, and both Joel Wallace and Don Starling were longtime board members of Carolina Federal Credit Union.
“During our 13 years we have given over $35k in scholarships to local high school students. All the funds are not possible without our sponsors and players.”
Cash noted that First Place in this year’s tournament went to the foursome of Post 100 American Legion baseball head coach Bobby Dale Reynolds, Beam Hauling owner Scott Beam, Mr. Billy Cease, and Mr. Owen Wilson.

NCHSAA amended
sports guidelines

Governor’s “Phase 2.5” going into effect changes numbers of indoor, outdoor
gatherings

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

According to a media release from the North Carolina High School Athletic Association sent out last week, Commissioner Que Tucker said amended guidelines for sports have been sent out to its member schools.
Commissioner Tucker noted in the release that, “NC Phase 2.5 went into effect Friday, Sept. 4, at 5 p.m.
“In this phase, mass gathering numbers have increased. Effective today, (Tuesday) Sept. 8, NCHSAA member schools can abide by those numbers: a total of 25 persons in an indoor venue; a total of 50 persons in outdoor venues.”
She continued, “All other sport-specific guidelines remain as indicated in the Modified Skill Development document. As always, your school/LEA may be more restrictive with guidelines and regulations.”
Tucker also added, in the release, that the NCHSAA Board of Directors has also been busy reviewing the recommendations from staff and the Ad Hoc Committee relative to the 2020-2021 Sports Calendar.
By way of background, she said, “In a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020, Modified Sports Regulations and an updated calendar, to include playoff dates, were unanimously approved by Board members.
In addition to playoff dates, the following changes were approved, increasing season limitation from 10 to 14 meets for Swimming, Cross-Country, and Track & Field; and changing the date for the cheerleading invitational from May 1, 2021 to May 22, 2021.
CHS Athletic Director Scott Harrill said, of the Phase 2.5 numbers increase and its effect on workouts, “We are excited that we can have a few more student athletes working out per the NCHSAA and Gaston County Schools new guidelines. Our student athletes and coaches are looking forward to the day they can compete again in the Royal Blue and White uniforms. There is something about that Ironmen pride that brings out the best in all of us!”
The CHS Ironmen’s head football coach, Tim Pruitt, said of Commissioner Tucker’s media release to all member schools, “We’re excited to get to have all of our players available to workout at the same time. We will still be dividing them in pods with protocols still in place for being inside and sharing equipment.
“We will be working out at Rudisill Stadium with check-in for players and coaches beginning at 4 p.m., on Tuesday’s and Friday’s.
“We are still working to get into shape and will be doing more skills development and scheme installation in the coming weeks. We are treating our Friday afternoons like a game day as our sessions will be longer and will have everyone in cleats and on the field.
“We are also working to create a game day atmosphere with workouts by playing music daily on the PA system at Rudisill. Every day is a great day to be an Ironmen!”
Harrill and Pruitt also added the school’s athletics department is selling neck shields and face masks to help out. If anyone would like to help the department out by purchasing one or more of them, they said to call the school’s office at (704) 836-9605.
Regarding the NCHSAA release, Ms. Tucker noted that all linked documents are available on the NCHSAA’s 2020-2021 Modified Guidelines webpage.
Tucker closed by noting, “We are looking forward to fully resuming sports in November. As always, we will continue to monitor health and safety guidelines to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”

The combined Cherryville Dixie Girls Softball teams that traveled to the 2020 DGSB World Series in Alabama in July and August.

The teams were the Angels and the Debs, who are shown here with their coaches.
(photos by MEP/CF Media)

Screen shot 2020 09 22 at 1.28.16 pm — The combined Cherryville Dixie Girls Softball teams that traveled to the 2020 DGSB World Series in Alabama in July and August. The teams were the Angels and the Debs, who are shown here with their coaches. (photos by MEP/CF Media)

Cherryville High School Holds Socially Distances Practices

Here are a few more photos of the CHS football coaches and some of their prospective Ironmen 2020-2021 team members who are seen here at the Aug. 10, socially distanced and safety ruled practices at Rudisill Stadium. Though unable to play just yet, they are all hard
at work to stay fit, safe, and healthy while honing their skills for the gridiron. They are all looking forward to the day when they can get back out on the field! Go Ironmen!
(photos provided)

Screen shot 2020 08 25 at 1.40.59 pm — Former CHS Ironmen and American Legion Post 100 pitcher Noah Eaker goes into his windup as he prepares to work on getting a save for the Mooresville Spinners. Eaker was a pitcher on the CHS 2016 state championship team.

Cherryville product Eaker helps
the Spinners during SCBL playoffs

Looks forward to academics; playing ball at Coastal Carolina

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The SCBL (Southern Collegiate Baseball League)
Mooresville Spinners (2018 SCBL Champions) ended their summer playoffs 21-15 overall, and 17-11 in the SCBL, with a little help from CHS Ironmen and Post 100 product Noah Eaker.
Eaker, formerly a player at Catawba Valley Community College, has committed to play baseball at Coastal Carolina University for the 2020/2021 season.
Eaker’s stats for the Spinners were 4 wins against no losses in 13 games played. His ERA was 1.64, with one save, 28 strikeouts, 4 base-on-balls, and 13 hits.
Said dad, Allen Eaker, “Noah had a great summer working out of the bullpen totaling up great numbers in his relief role for the Mooresville Spinners.
“Noah’s team ended up in third place for the regular season and the SCBL Tournament where Noah had two of his team’s three wins. Noah had four wins out of his last five appearances and one of the lowest ERA’s in the league at 1.64.”
Noah said he took on the role of reliever because he said he feels that he will be asked to do that same job this coming spring 2021 at Coastal Carolina.
Noah said. “It was just great to be at the ballpark with my teammates and coaches with everything going on with COVID-19.
“I knew a lot of the guys on my team and the other teams from playing in high school and college but met a lot of new guys and made great friendships to last a lifetime.
“I would like to thank the Mooresville Spinners, SCBL, my coaches and my (Spinners) teammates for their support and awesome memories this summer of 2020.”

Screen shot 2020 08 18 at 2.47.50 pm — CHS Athletic Director and head basketball coach Scott Harrill was the celebrity chef at Medical Center Pharmacy one day last week. Harrill and MCP were on a fund-raising mission for CHS Athletics. (photo provided)

Harrill a ‘celebrity chef’ for the day at Medical Center Pharmacy Grill

Mission was to cook some great food while raising funds for CHS athletics; event raised $1,600 overall

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Medical Center Pharmacy manager Brian Kiser said their famous pharmacy grill had a “celebrity chef” for one day last week, and it was none other than CHS head basketball coach and Athletic Director Scott Harrill.
Kiser said he had the idea to do the celebrity chef thing in order to try and bring in some monetary support for the CHS sports department, of which he and his wife, Leigh, are a big part, as coaches.
For his part, Harrill said he enjoyed his turn at the grill, but noted it can be hot work.
“My hat is off to those who work at it full-time,” he said.
Coach Harrill noted his general reason for being the celebrity chef for the day (Friday, Aug. 7, from 8 to 10:30 a.m.) was basically the old ‘kill two birds with one stone’ aspect; that is, to stay busy during the seasonal hold-up from the NCHSAA due to COVID-19 restrictions, and to raise funds for the school’s sports department.
“With the delay of Fall sports, this helped the (CHS) athletic department generate some funds for general cost to start a school year,” he said.
Harrill continued, “This was for the overall athletic department. It was an amazing day with many giving great tips. Overall, we raised over $1,600.”
Though Coach Harrill said there were no “true sponsors”, but rather just “whoever wanted to come and eat”, some folks did both: came in and ate or just called in donations.
“Of course, my mom and dad are always big supporters of anything we do at CHS and they ate AND gave a donation,” Harrill said.
He continued, “Some former players called in donations. (2004 CHS graduate) Chris Harris, who is now an Athletic Director in south Florida, called in and gave a great donation and treated his mother, Barbara Ann Harris to lunch. Terry Usery, a school board member, and long-time clock operator for the Cherryville Ironmen basketball team, gave a very generous donation and had lunch with us. Pat and Debbie Kelly came in and showed support. Many coaches, teachers, and general fans of the Ironmen came in. Several companies ate with us on take-out orders, and Carolina Federal had a large order. They are always great supporters in our community. CFCU is always a part of the Ironmen family.
“Beam Construction and The Great Outdoors both had big orders to come in for take-out and support the Ironmen!”
Coach Harrill said he was very grateful for the help he got during his time in front of the MCP grill as celebrity chef from their crew.
“I want to thank (cook) Paula Black, (manager) Brian Kiser and (head cook) Mark Allen. They were all big in helping me behind the counter,” he said.
The true “tale of the tape”, in “sports-speak” though, is the number of burgers and ‘dogs, and what-not cooked, and if Coach Harrill did anything special to them or added his own special seasonings.
Said Harrill, in answer to that question, “I probably made over 300 hamburgers and hotdogs and many club sandwiches. I did give my own special touch to some of the breakfast items. My omelets were a big hit.”
Harrill said he wanted to especially thank Medical Center Pharmacy manager Brian Kiser for all his hard work and having a great idea to support Cherryville High School.
As for how he felt it all went, Harrill said, “I thought it went great. We were able to raise a good amount of money and have fun while doing it.
“Thanks again to MCP for their generosity and the community of Cherryville for always supporting CHS. Go Ironmen!”

Screen shot 2020 08 11 at 1.30.16 pm — Celebrating their medals at the 2020 DGSB World Series in Oxford, Alabama, are the Angels and their coaches. They are (in no particular order): Tori Ladd, Blair Culberson, Oakley Herring, Georgia Cruise, Hailey Vance, Addy Morehead, Jenny Brown, Avery Cruise, Zoe Culberson, Livi Harmon, and Addy Carpenter. Their coaches are: Wes Brown, Matthew Anthony and Wes Culberson. (photos provided)

Dixie Youth Angels team finish third at DGSB World Series

The Angels 10u division of Cherryville Dixie girls’ softball team represented the state of N.C. in the Dixie World Series July 31-Aug. 4, in Oxford Alabama.
Coach Wes Brown said, “We faced some adversity in Game One and lost to Paxton, Florida, 11-1. The calls just didn’t go our way.”
The girls bounced back in Game Two, he noted, winning 5-0 over Belleview, Florida. Pitchers Avery Cruise, Jenny Brown and Zoe Culberson combined for a complete game no hitter.
In Game Three, against Wahneta, Florida, the girls got off to a hot start scoring eight runs in the first two innings, led by a grand slam by Livi Harmon. Coach Brown said Cherryville continued to pile on the runs, winning by the run mercy rule, 17-2.
Said Brown, “We would then play Game Four against Ward 10, Louisiana, with the winner advancing to the championship game. After being down 3-0 after the first inning, we battled back to tie the game on another 3-run home run by Livi Harmon and eventually take the lead, 4-3.”
The game would stay close until the end but Cherryville would end up losing 12-4. The loss would result in Cherryville finishing third in the World Series.
“To say I’m proud of the girls is an understatement,” head coach Wes Brown said. “They played their hearts out. We told them before we left, let’s have fun, make memories and win. We accomplished all three! Very few girls have the opportunity to play in the Dixie World Series. This was something these girls will never forget.”
In addition to head coach Brown, the team was also coached by Matthew Anthony and Wes Culberson.
Brown continued, “On behalf of Cherryville Dixie Softball, we can’t thank the community enough for the support given to these girls. We would like to thank all the sponsors, donations, fundraiser participants and many throughout our area for making this truly a dream come true for these girls.”
Coach Brown noted the team will be celebrated in their hometown by riding on a CFD fire truck down Main Street Cherryville on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 6 p.m.
The Angels are: #2 Tori Ladd; #4 Blair Culberson; #7 Oakley Herring; #8 Georgia Cruise; #9 Hailey Vance; #11 Addy Morehead; #13 Jenny Brown; #14 Avery Cruise; #19 Zoe Culberson; #20 Livi Harmon; and #22 Addy Carpenter.

Screen shot 2020 08 04 at 2.11.29 pm — At Aaron Moss Park at the Dr. Floyd Wright Softball Field dedication on Thursday, July 30. Left to right are: Cherryville City Councilmen Jon Abernethy, and Malcolm Parker; Mayor H.L. Beam, III; Dr. Floyd Wright, Councilwoman Jill Parker-Puett and Joe Kelly Chapman, who was one of the first workers from the high school that worked at the recreation department when the ball field was built. (photo by Jeff Cash)

Aaron Moss Park softball field
named in honor of Dr. Floyd Wright

by MIKE POWELL
Special to the Eagle

CHERRYVILLE – One of Cherryville’s pioneers in recreation was honored Thursday, July 30, in a dedication ceremony at Aaron Moss Park.
Dr. Floyd Wright was the special guest as city officials unveiled a sign proclaiming one of the two ballfields at the park as “Dr. Floyd Wright Softball Field” in perpetuity.
The naming of the facility for Wright recognized the re-tired educator’s contributions to Cherryville sports and recreation over the decades.
According to Cherryville Mayor H.L. Beam, III, who presided over the gathering of about a dozen people, Dr. Wright became the city’s first director of recreation in 1966 at the age 28. Over the course of his four-year stint, Wright established the infrastructure and culture that made Cherryville a mecca for amateur softball, Beam said.
Dr. Wright organized softball leagues that attracted church, industrial and city-sponsored teams from a number of surrounding counties. The program continued to grow and reached its height of popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, bringing in big crowds of fans five nights a week at City Park.
Dr. Wright left city recreation to continue his career in education, but the important groundwork in youth and adult recreation had been done. Since the pioneering days of City Park, now known as Aaron Moss Park, the city has added more recreational structures over the years, the most recent being Ballard Park, a youth baseball complex, greenway and picnic area near the city swimming pool.
Dr. Wright spoke briefly to the assemblage and directed personal comments to a number of those gathered, exchanging stories about the construction of the first soft-ball park and the friendships that were forged.
“I had a lot of help doing the hard work to get this started, and a number who helped are here today,” Dr. Wright said. “I remember when this place was packed every night and we had to bring in extra police to handle the crowd.”
Dr. Wright rose through the ranks of education to be an administrator, a professor, and in his final stint prior to retirement, he served as Dean of the Lincoln Campus of Gaston College, spearheading the growth of that campus from its first home at the Lincoln School of Technology to its present location on South Aspen Street in Lincolnton.
However, Dr. Wright has remained a fan of sports and recreation throughout his retirement years in Cherryville. One of the city’s most faithful fans, Dr. Wright is a regular at Cherryville High School football, basketball and baseball games, and he is an ardent supporter of the Post 100 American Legion baseball program.
In addition, Wright and his family have for years been a sponsor and underwriter for Cherryville High’s annual holiday basketball tournament at Nixon Gym. Wright also contributes his time to the tournament, having worked the gate and handed out programs at numerous yuletide events.
Mayor Beam said the impetus to honor Dr. Wright in some official way launched when Jon Abernethy, son of American Legion legend and softball enthusiast Bill Abernethy, joined the Cherryville City Council two years ago.
Beam also said the city wanted to have the ceremony before the 81-year-old Wright goes in for surgery and the rehabilitation that will follow.
“I am glad we were able to get this done now,” said Beam. “You want to give something back to the people who have been important to our town.”
In addition to the mayor, several members of City Council attended, including Jill Parker-Puett, Malcolm Parker and Abernethy. City manager Jeff Cash also spoke at the event.

Screen shot 2020 07 21 at 2.22.19 pm — CHS Class of 2020 senior Jenna Sherrill recently signed to play golf for Pfeiffer University’s Falcons. With Jenna (center, front) are (left to right, in front) her dad Vince Sherrill, Jenna, and her mom, Melanie Sherrill. Standing in the back are, left to right, her brothers and sister, Ethan Sherrill, Kevin Sherrill, Colin Sherrill, Lilah Sherrill, and her grandfather, Forrest Ross. Jenna’s Lady Ironmen golf coach was Matt Powers, and the CHS Principal is Kevin Doran, and the CHS Athletic Director is Scott Harrill.

Sherrill signs to play golf for the Pfeiffer University Lady Falcons

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville High School Lady Ironmen golfer Jenna Sherrill signed last week to play college golf for the Lady Falcons of Pfeiffer University.
The signing took place at First Baptist Church and on hand was her family: dad and mom Vince and Melanie Sherrill; siblings, Ethan Sherrill, Kevin Sherrill, Colin Sherrill, and Lilah Sherrill; and her grandfather, Forrest Ross.
Sherrill said what made her choose Pfeiffer was the fact she had been visiting Pfeiffer since the beginning of eighth grade.
“I absolutely fell in love with the campus and the community,” she said. “It just felt like home. Although my parents made me explore different options, I could not ignore the fact that Pfeiffer was the place for me. In fact, every time I came back to the campus I knew I was where I belonged.”
Jenna is a double major in Journalism and English with a minor in History. At CHS, she helped bring back the school newspaper, “The Cherry Leaves”, and was one its writers and editors. She was also the editor of the school’s yearbook, “The Chenoca”.
She continued, “I have been blessed with many great opportunities at Pfeiffer. I have a close relationship with the head softball coach, Monte Sherrill. He has been a lifelong mentor and friend. He is the reason that I first visited campus for softball camps. He had been my batting coach, but has remained as one of my biggest supporters through the years. In fact, when I told him that I was not going to play softball, he introduced me to the golf coach, David Gianferante. And, the rest is history.”
Coach Gianferante is assisted by Austin Withrow at Pfeiffer.
The university is a USA South Conference school, and is a Division 3 school. It is the conference with 18 other colleges and universities, most notably Brevard.
Mom, Melanie said she and dad, Vince are extremely proud of Jenna.
“She has remained true to who she is, honored God and proven her determination and willingness to work hard. We are blessed to be her parents. It is with great anticipation that we await all the great things she will do in service to others.”
Sherrill’s signing to play golf with Pfeiffer is, to head coach Matt Power’s knowledge, a “first”, in that, so far as is known, Sherrill may be the first Lady Ironmen golfer to sign to play the sport at the collegiate level.
Additionally, coach, Matt Powers said of Jenna’ signing with Pfeiffer, “You know, when we started this program back a few years ago, we really did not know what was going to come of it.
“All of the young ladies that have come through the program have worked really hard to help promote girls golf in our school. Jenna was a sophomore on the original team and really worked hard on her own to develop her game.”
He continued, “Jenna is a young lady that does not accept defeat and she worked hard every off-season to improve for the upcoming season. Jenna has only been playing golf for three years and her growth is phenomenal. I cannot wait to see how much she grows as a college golfer.
“Jenna has been a part of a team conference championship and is a regional qualifier. She set her goals and worked to accomplish them. We will miss her leadership and dedication on the upcoming season but are excited to see her put CHS women’s golf on the collegiate map.”
Ironmen Athletic Director Scott Harrill, agreed, adding, “We are really proud of Jenna and the hard work she has put in to improving as a golfer.
“Jenna is the true definition of a student athlete. She is well-rounded in so many areas and will represent Cherryville well in all aspects! We wish her the best in all her future endeavors.”

Screen shot 2020 07 14 at 1.54.49 pm — The 2019 CHS Ironmen football team practice their moves at the CHS practice field beside the high school on Aug. 6. (Eagle file photos by Michael E. Powell)

Gaston County Schools: Athletic workouts scheduled to begin Monday, July 20

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville High School Athletic Director Scott Harrill said that according to Gaston County Schools’ Director of Athletics, Chad Duncan, the start of workouts for the county’s high school fall sports teams has been changed from Monday, July 6, now to Monday, July 20.
In an email sent out to all county ADs, Mr. Duncan noted that, based on current COVID-19 data and the then-extension of Phase Two restrictions until July 17, “it is in the best interest of our student-athletes, coaches, and others involved in our sports program to delay the start of workouts.
“In consultation with the Gaston County Department of Health and Human Services, the delay is believed to be a good decision for our schools.”
Based on this information, and as Harrill noted, that, as per GCS guidelines, “Above all else, Gaston County Schools will follow the advice of our local and state health officials to ensure the safety of everyone involved in high school sports.
“We look forward to having our student-athletes back on campus on Monday, July 20, to prepare for the upcoming fall sports season.
“Please know that our school athletic directors/coaches will keep student-athletes and their parents updated on any additional information or changes.”
Harrill also noted that further information from Gaston County Schools and its guidelines for getting back to practicing for Fall sports, “That all coaches and athletes must wear face masks.”
Coach Harrill added that, as per GCS guidelines, “Student athletes have to wear masks until their workouts begin, and they must stand six feet apart during the practices.”
Further guidelines stipulate that all field houses, weight rooms, and locker rooms are off limits, and that athletes who don’t have a successful check in will have to leave the practice immediately and cannot return until medically cleared. Also, there are to be no middle of the day workouts due to heat concerns.
Coach Harrill also noted there will be no more than 25 people allowed in outside practices and 10 inside, in groups, or “pods” of 5 to 10 athletes, who he noted will stay with the same “pod” each day, as per GCS guidelines.
“Also, as per the GCS guidelines, athletes must also bring their own water bottle and hydration fluids with them when they come to practice,” he noted. The bottles must be marked with the athlete’s name.
“No water bottles or fluids; no access to workouts,” Harrill added, citing the GCS guidelines.
The county’s guidelines also noted there is to be no “high fives”, fist bumping, or hugging so as to lessen the possibility of any COVID-19 contamination, and the coaches are asked to be “fully aware to acclimatize (their) athletes to a slow return to physical fitness” due to the athlete having been away from workouts for the past three or more months.
Harrill also noted that the July 20 start date could also be adjusted and moved back even further, depending on how things go with the state’s attempts at pushing the virus back.
For more information, please call CHS at (704) 836-9605.

Screen shot 2020 07 07 at 2.25.26 pm — A North Carolina girl and her father prepare to go hunting together. (photo by Thomas Harvey/NC Wildlife Resources Commission)

Sunday hunting may be in works for NC in 2021

by JACK IGELMAN
Carolina Public Press

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is a step closer to implementing Sunday hunting on public game lands.
In early June, the state’s wildlife agency convened stakeholders at three virtual focus group meetings to discuss the future of Sunday hunting. The goal of the meetings was intended to frame potential alternatives to open some game lands for Sunday hunting by 2021.
“They were productive meetings, and people seemed willing to compromise,” said Brian McRae of the WRC. The participants of the focus groups were invited by the WRC and included a diverse range of game land users, including hunters, environmental organizations and recreational users, such as horseback riders, hikers and birders.
Last winter, a survey of game land users was conducted by a third-party organization that received over 30,000 responses. In addition, the WRC hosted eight public meetings held across the state to assess the public’s tolerance for expanding Sunday hunting opportunities.
The results of the survey revealed that 74 percent of hunters support, or somewhat support, Sunday hunting. Nonhunters are less supportive of opening public game lands for hunting on Sunday. Among the respondents, only 22 percent of nonhunters support or somewhat support Sunday hunting.
Despite the difference, a large majority of the respondents said their concerns about Sunday hunting could be addressed. McRae said that a compromise for Sunday hunting on game land is possible.
“It seemed like the consensus is to start with some game lands that don’t have other amenities and see how this could work,” he said.
In 2010, the WRC opened Sunday hunting with archery equipment on private land. In 2015, the Outdoor Heritage Act lifted the ban on Sunday hunting with firearms on private land. A revision in 2017 removed several exceptions and transferred the regulatory authority of Sunday hunting on public lands from the General Assembly to the WRC
In all, the state agency regulates wildlife and habitat on 2 million acres owned by the WRC and other state agencies, as well as tracts of game land owned by land trusts and the federal government for public hunting, trapping and inland fishing. The rule change, if enacted, would not impact state or federal public holdings that are not game lands. For example, a decision to open game lands within a U.S. national forest would still be left to the U.S. Forest Service.
The chair of the North Carolina chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Luke Weingarten, attended one of the focus group meetings and said the discussions were civil.
“Everyone is interested in a constructive dialogue with other user groups,” he said.
His organization favors treating hunting on Sunday as any other day.
“If you have the money and social connections, then you have the opportunity to hunt on private land on Sunday,” he said. “Yet on public land, you aren’t allowed.”
Many hunters, Weingarten said, rely on public land to hunt, and Sunday prohibitions limit access for most hunters who hunt on weekends and don’t have access to private land.
Non-sportsmen have plenty of concerns about Sunday hunting. Among them are potential conflicts with other users such as hikers, birders and horseback riders. Nonhunters are also concerned about safety.
However, Weingarten said that the “facts simply do not support that nonhunters are at risk. It’s not Fallujah out there,” said Weingarten. “You’re going to be OK.”
Kate Dixon, executive director of the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, said that while safety concerns may be overstated, “less experienced hikers are nervous, and it’s hard to make them feel comfortable.” The MST has several sections of footpath that traverse game lands.
Dixon said her organization is willing to compromise to open some areas for Sunday hunting. She also said the public process conducted by the WRC has been “useful and sincere.”
“I understand that it can be a barrier to entry if people feel in danger,” Weingarten said. “But I see that as an opportunity for education from hunters and groups with those concerns. We’re all in the woods together.”
He said some rural game lands “seem like no-brainers” to open, in which the primary users are hunters. However, he also wants Sunday hunting allowed on game lands near urban areas.
“Most hunters live in cities, and we want to make sure access and opportunity is equitable among all North Carolinians,” he said.
McRae indicated that urban areas may be considered, in particular units that have other public land units nearby, such as state parks that prohibit hunting but provide other recreational activities.
However, he said that the WRC is “far away from a final proposal.”
One area of agreement among hunters and nonhunters is shared concerns about urbanization, habitat fragmentation, quality of habitat, access to wild and scenic lands, and solitude. However, hunters said they share a greater burden among other users for acquiring and maintaining state game lands.
John Culclasure of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation advocates opening Sunday hunting throughout the nation and said game lands are “largely purchased and managed with their dollars through the American System of Conservation Funding.”
“The law (in North Carolina) changed three years ago, and hunters are eager to have seven-day access,” he said.
For fiscal year 2020, North Carolina was apportioned $16.6 million from an 11 percent federal excise tax on arms and ammunition used for wildlife restoration and habitat management as mandated by the Pittman-Robertson Act.
McRae said the “vast majority” of land acquired by the WRC has been purchased using public dollars or donations. However, he said, maintenance and management have “truly been at the expense of hunters.”
According to McRae, users’ fees were a topic of discussion during the focus group meetings.
“It is a separate issue but loosely tied,” McRae said. “It takes money to provide access to land by providing parking lots, roads, gates and signs. We heard from a range of users that they would be willing to pay for access.”
Dixon said she is open to the possibility of a user fee. However, if other users, such as hikers, pay for use, then the WRC “has to think more broadly about its constituents and how they manage their land.”
For now, North Carolina remains just one of four states that do not allow Sunday hunting on public land.
In 2018, West Virginia opened Sunday hunting on public land and has completed two Sunday hunting seasons. Both West Virginia and North Carolina have large tracts of public land managed by the federal government and state lands that include wildlife management areas.
Dave Truban, a retired West Virginia Department of Natural Resources commissioner, said the opening of Sunday hunting there was uneventful.
“It was a long process that took several years, and there was plenty of opposition,” he said, but “it has died down as an issue, and to my knowledge, there have been no issues.”
McRae said that over the next several months, the WRC will review the comments and public input. In October, the WRC will decide whether to propose a rule change to the commissioners of the WRC. If approved by the commissioners, the public will have the opportunity to comment in January before a final vote by commissioners in February.
If approved, Sunday hunting on some public game lands could open by August 2021.

Screen shot 2020 06 30 at 2.05.01 pm — Medical Center Pharmacy of Cherryville store manager, Brian Kiser (left) stands with CHS Athletic Director and head basketball coach Scott Harrill with the MCP donations. For Harrill and the Fall Sports coaches and athletes, these medical supplies were a God-send! (photos provided)

CHS gets donation of medical supplies from Medical Center Pharmacy

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

A generous donation of medical and testing supplies from Medical Center Pharmacy will go a long way to helping the school and its athletics program come Fall.
Cherryville High Principal Kevin Doran and Athletic Director and head basketball coach Scott Harrill were surprised and greatly blessed by the generous donation from the pharmacy’s manager, Brian Kiser.
They were a much-needed boost for morale, especially in light of the fact that based on NCHSSA rules for Fall Sports to begin, much cleaning needed to be done, and continued on a daily basis in order to make things safe for the coaches, student athletes, and other ancillary staff and trainers, as well as teachers, and other CHS employees and staff.
Said Harrill, via email, of the MCP largesse, regarding how the supplies would be allocated, and between what departments, “Mr. Doran and I have always had a great working relationship.
“Many times with CHS and the athletic department we share things such as walkie talkies, tents, supplies, and such. With athletics being after school, we will share most of the thermometers and other supplies.
“The thermometers and Clorox wipes are very hard to come by, so this is a major contribution to our school and athletic department!”
As for getting started in using the supplies and in what capacity, Coach Harrill noted, “We hope to start back with summer workouts on July 6, and using the supplies then.
“Our coaches will all have masks on, the Clorox wipes will help with equipment, the temperature checks will be done for every athlete and coach that comes each day. Sanitizer will be available for all to use. The athletic department has also purchased some other cleaning supplies to use before, during, and after all the workouts,” he said.
When asked if the MCP donation came as a surprise to him and Mr. Doran, Harrill said, “We were surprised and very thankful for Medical Center Pharmacy. MCP has always had a long-standing relationship with CHS and the community of Cherryville.
“This is our first donation of supplies for anything related to COVID -19. Brian Kiser, the Allen Family, and Medical Center Pharmacy goes above and beyond to serve the community and this is just another way that they have helped. Over the years, MCP has employed many students from CHS and they take great pride in making sure the citizens of Cherryville stay as healthy as possible.”
He continued, “We are very thankful for all that Medical Center Pharmacy does for CHS. As an athletic director, I know our student athletes will be in much better hands because of this donation.”
Principal Kevin Doran agreed with AD Harrill, adding, “Cherryville High School is very thankful for the community partner that we have with Medical Center Pharmacy. It is comforting to know that we work in a community that thinks of us in times of need.
“Brian Kiser, the Allen Family, and Medical Center Pharmacy are fantastic examples of community members that are always there for the Ironmen.”
Kiser, MCP’s manager, said he was able to purchase many of the products donated before school is slated to start as many of the products now are hard to find.
Kiser continued, “For Mr. Doran, the digital thermal thermometers can be used to check students when they come back to class. They are 'touch-less’ and work great for that sort of thing.
“Disposable masks were included as well as the highly desirable N-95-type masks. Another hard-to-find thing was the Lysol wipes, and we included some hand sanitizer for the front office.”
Being a coach himself (baseball and volleyball), Kiser understands how important it is to be prepared for all contingencies.
“Right now, I understand there can only be 25 people at the practices (which are scheduled to begin July 6) and 10 inside at any time. For us at Medical Center Pharmacy, we try to give to the school throughout the year. My family and the Allen Family has a vested interest in the school. My wife, Leigh, teaches and coaches there, our daughter attends school there and plays on the volleyball team, and we have other family members who work there and have kids who go there,” he said.
Kiser noted the school was glad to get the supplies and added how they is still going to need community support throughout this pandemic.
Said Brian, “They’ll gladly accept what they can get. And MCP will continue to donate other items as soon as they become available.”

CHS Ironmen Wrestlers

The following CHS Ironmen Wrestlers were awarded Sports Awards at the Monday, June 1, event held at CHS: Jayden M. Blanton – 2019-2020 SPC 1A Wrestler of the Year, and Ironmen Wrestling MVP; Brady Buchanan – Ironmen Wrestling MVP; Ryan Riffle – Ironmen Wrestling Coaches Award; and Chase Miller – Ironmen Wrestling Award.

2020 Lady Ironmen Soccer Season

Jonathan Reed CHS Men’s and Women’s Soccer Coach

To my seniors, this season came to a sudden end and I’m truly sorry you could not finish out your 4-year soccer career. It has been a pleasure getting to know all of you over the last three years.

I hope you take with you all the memories and fun times we had together. I hope you all stay true to who you are. These last few months have taught us all many things in life. Each of you have determination in you and a great personality. Never lose that.
A favorite memory from this short season was the proof how much this season meant to you all. You went out there with determination to make it a good season. That last game against Piedmont I could see how important it was also knowing the fact that it could be your last game.
One of my favorite things about coaching soccer in high school is the connection and the laughter we all have together.
Life lessons – During life we are faced with many obstacles. How you approach them and handle them will vary from situation to situation. With each obstacle please remember to never give up. Patience is always a key.
A couple of lessons to learn from in the past few months are to cherish those around you and the importance of communication.