Reaching Up And Reaching Out

Reaching Up And Reaching Out
By David Gravely

For those who love the game of basketball, it seems like there is always a game or a tournament going on somewhere.   The time of year doesn't matter, because with travel teams, AAU teams, "elite" teams, and all the regular middle school, high school, college and pro teams out there you can usually find something to watch.  This weekend there will be a tournament that is a little bit different, however, as a local group hopes to help raise money for those affected by the recent tornados.

The New River Valley Ballers, a New River Valley travel basketball team, and the Pulaski Church of God are hosting a three on three basketball tournament this Saturday, and all proceeds and donations will be going to assist those in Pulaski and Draper that were affected. 

"We wanted to do something to help, and this was just one of the ways we came up with" said event coordinator Patrick Lawson.  "We know that there were so many people that have needs, and we're just hoping to make a dent in those needs.  We'd like to invite everyone to come out and root for your favorite teams, and while you're here grab something from the concessions stand or make a donation."

The tournament will be a double elimination event, with a $30 entry fee per team.  The games will be to 21 points, scored by two's and three's.  There are currently three different divisions scheduled.  The ladies will be able to compete in a girls/women's only division, while the guys will be able to play in either a 17 and over division or a 40 and over division.

"We want to be able to offer a chance for the teams to be able to compete against each other and have some fun, but the main purpose here is going to be about helping our neighbors that need it" said Lawson.  "There are lots of people who have been affected recently by the bad weather, and it could happen to anyone.  We just them to know that there are people out there that care about them, and that we do want to help out.  We would also like to invite anyone who was affected to come out and join us Saturday.  Sometimes something as simple as getting your mind off of things for an hour or two can be a really good thing."

The full schedule of events will be posted at The Refreshing Center (Pulaski Church of God) on Friday after a meeting with all of the teams.  Spaces are still available if you are interested in participating.  For more information, contact Patrick Lawson at (540)250-2206 or email at patricklawson@vic.edu.

Lady Cougars End Streak

Lady Cougar Soccer Ends Streak
By David Gravely

Four years is a long time to wait for something, but that wait is finally over for the Pulaski County Lady Cougar Soccer team.  On Tuesday the Lady Cougars defeated the Galax Maroon Tide 3-0, giving the program their first win in four long seasons.

"We've told the girls all season that we are less worried about the outcome of the games and more worried about continuing to make progress" said first year Head Coach Eric Martin.  "We know we have a long way to go to reach the goals we've set and to get to the level we want to be at, but this was certainly a step in the right direction.   Galax has a solid team with some good wins to their credit.  This is just really big for us.  I'm really proud of our progress and happy for our two seniors, who have put so much work and time into this program."

Galax, who is now 6-2-1 on the season, has wins over Giles twice, Bland, Floyd, Rural Retreat, and Carroll County.  Their losses came to George Wythe in a 2-1 nail biter, and now to Pulaski County, who also provided them with the tie game on their record just a few short weeks ago in Galax.

The game started off with both teams moving the ball but unable to penetrate each others defense enough to get into a scoring position.  As the time ticked off the clock in the first half, the Lady Cougars were able to press the ball deeper into Galax territory.  With around ten minutes left in the half Pulaski finally got on the board when Hannah Wade sent a pass to Ericka Nash, who beat the Galax goalie for the score.  Just prior to the end of the first half, Kelly Russell moved the ball deep into enemy territory and passed off to Nash again, who nailed the shot for her second goal of the game.  The half ended with Pulaski up 2-0.

Pulaski came out in the second half and continued to work, moving the ball well and putting shots on goal.  With around 15 minutes off the clock, Casey Snider sent a pass to  Lauren McPeake who was open near the goal, who sent the ball into the back of the net to increase the lead to 3-0.  Pulaski continued to push the ball, and missed a chance at a fourth goal in a scramble with a loose ball near the end of the game, but the Galax goal keeper was able to grab the ball and prevent the score.   Tori Duncan posted her first shutout of the season, and ended the game with three saves.

"I'm so glad this happened this season" said senior defensive player Marlena Morrison.  "I've been playing with this team my entire time in high school, and we've been close several times, but to finally win is great.  We know it's only one game, but it's proof to us that we're making progress.  That's all we want to do right now.....just try to get better every game."

Nash, one of the many underclassmen on the team, thinks the program is certainly headed in the right direction.  "We know we're not the best team in the district, and most of the teams are way ahead of us.  We're working on catching up, but it's going to take time.  Alot of us are playing in summer leagues and on travel teams now, and there are alot of us playing on indoor teams in the winter.  We're trying to do the things we need to do to get better, but we know it's going to take time."

Chelsie Testerman was another happy Lady Cougar.  "We're learning more this year, and you can see the improvements we're making.  We want to take this program to a higher level, and we're willing to do the work to get there.  It would be great if we had a place like the YMCA here in Pulaski where we could play indoors locally during the winter, and hopefully something like that will happen soon.  It would help out the boys and the girls teams so much."

Next week the Lady Cougars will go back into River Ridge District action on Tuesday when they travel to Salem.  Junior varsity action is set to get underway at 5:30, with the varsity contest starting at 7 pm.

Richardson Signs With UVA-Wise

Cougar Lineman Moves To The Next Level
By David Gravely

The Pulaski County football program will be sending another player to the next level, as Jimmy Richardson signed his official Letter of Intent to play for Head Coach Dewey Lusk and the University of Virginia at Wise on Wednesday in front of friends, family, and Cougar Head Football Coach Todd Jones.

"Any time we can help a young man get to the next level in his education, that's a special day for us" said Coach Jones.  "This is a great opportunity for Jimmy and his family, and we wish him all the best of luck.  Hopefully we will be seeing some more players get the chance he's getting in the near future."

Richardson, who was one of the team captains for the 2010 Cougar squad, will be going into the Highlander Cavaliers camp this season with high hopes and expectations.  "I want to get there and become a better football player" said Richardson.   "I want to work my way into some playing time, and then I want to compete for a starting spot.  I want to do what I can to help make the team better, and I want to focus on getting my education.  I looked at alot of schools, and UVA-Wise just seemed like a great fit for me.  I'm really excited about this opportunity."

"I think Jimmy is going to have a chance to work his way in" said Coach Jones.  "He's a hard worker, and he's got the size he needs for this level.  I know Coach Lusk will help him become a better player."  Coach Jones, an Emory and Henry alumni, has prior experience working with Coach Lusk.  "He was a skill position and quarterback coach at Emory and Henry when I played there.  He has a great knowledge of the game and knows how to get the most out of his players."

As with most small colleges, sports scholarship money is hard to come by, but Richardson will be receiving a partial football scholarship to help get him started.  With the economy as  tough as it is right now, Richardson offered some advice to the younger players currently in the rec league and middle school systems.  "Start paying attention to your grades now.   Working hard in the weight room and in practice is important, but you really need to be able to perform in the class room to get the attention of the schools.  Not everybody is going to be able to go to a big time school or get a sports scholarship, but having good grades can help get you where you want to go."

Coach Jones echoed those thoughts as well.  "I've been fortunate enough to help alot of student athletes make it into college, but there were so many more that could have made it if they had just had the grades.   Too many times we'll see a player who all the athletic ability and talent in the world, but they cant get to that next level because of bad study habits and not focusing in the classroom.  Hopefully, we can help change that."

Anderson Signs With Wasps

Anderson Signs With Wasps
By David Gravely

Around twelve years ago a young lady picked up a bat to take her first swings at a ball in a tee ball game.  On Thursday, that young lady realized a lifelong dream of getting a chance to play at the college level.  Pulaski County High School senior softball player Bethany Anderson made her decision official as she signed her Letter of Intent to play for the Emory and Henry Wasps softball team.

"I'm so happy to get this chance" said Anderson.  "I've always dreamed of playing at the next level, and I am so excited to be a part of what Coach (Jack) Jordan is doing at Emory and Henry.  They are working on building a solid foundation for their program to take it places in the future.  I hope to be able to help the team out as much as possible, and hopefully earn some playing time early."

Wasp Head Coach Jack Jordan was pleased to hear of Anderson's decision.  "We are so excited to have Bethany join the Emory and Henry family.  She is a very talented softball player who has the ability to play multiple positions.  More importantly she is a solid student and a terrific young lady."  Coach Jackson, who is in his first full year as the Wasps Head Coach, is hoping to take his team to a higher level of play immediately.  "This being my first recruiting class, it has been of particular importance to bring in players who are both committed and motivated.  I am confident Bethany will excel both on the field and in the classroom, and will play a big role in the future of the program."

Pulaski County has had strong ties to Emory and Henry for many years.   Many Pulaski County student athletes have found a home there.   Head football coach Todd Jones and athletic director Mark Hanks are both graduates, and Lady Cougar Head Coach Gina Miano is a graduate and a member of their sports Hall of Fame.  She was equally excited for Anderson.  "Bethany is the ideal athlete for a coach to have the privilege of working with year after year.  She is kind, polite and internally motivated to become better each day.  She has received the Best Sportsmanship Award four years in a row, and that award is team voted so her teammates respect her as an athlete, as a young lady and as a captain.  Some athletes talk the talk but don't walk the walk.  Bethany walks the walk and then turns it into a sprint.   She is an outstanding young lady and softball player and will be greatly missed by our program.  We wish her all the luck and success at Emory and Henry.  This was a perfect match for her.  We all wish her nothing but the best of luck."

When ask what motivates her, Anderson was very clear.  "My team, my coaches, and all of the coaches that I've been honored to work with over the years have all meant alot to me.  I've tried to learn as much as I could from them all.  My main support over the years though has always been my family.   I cant begin to tell you how much my family means to me.  Both of them spent so much time getting me to and from games and practices, as well as helping out my teams.  The time I've gotten to spend with my dad has been really special to me.  He has always been there in the back yard to help me practice and working with me to help me get better.  My mom has always been there too.  Any time I've stepped into the on deck circle, I know I can look into the stands and she'll give me a thumbs up of encouragement.  They and my brother Thomas have always been there behind me, and I am so thankful."

Anderson has played softball in some form since she was first allowed at the earliest levels of tee ball and coach pitch.  After playing in the Pulaski County recreation league every year, she also played for the Virginia Wlidcats and the Southwest Virginia Pumas travel teams.  Her memories of those teams, she says, never fail to put a smile on her face.  "We got to shave a coaches head one year for winning the championship, and we made Coach Ward Angle wear a tu tu and tierra and pose for pictures.  Being on a team with a bunch of girls wasn't always easy, but we always had fun.  That's what you have to do to be successful.  It has to be fun.  You have to love it, and you have to want to be there and want to get better.  It takes alot of hard work, but it's worth it in the end.  My dad always told me I had to put my grades and schoolwork before the game, and now I can see how important that was.  For any of the younger players out there that want to have a shot at this one day, that's the best advice I can give you.  Perform in the classroom first, and then perform on the field."

Anderson's parents are justifiably proud of their daughter.  "She's worked hard for this, and I'm so proud to see her reach her goal" said Alan Anderson.  "I think Emory and Henry is gaining a great young lady."  Bethany's mother Norma Anderson added "We're so excited and happy.  She's worked so hard and I cant wait to see her in her Emory and Henry uniform for the first time.  We're very thankful to everyone who has helped Bethany get to this point."

Rec League Basketball Roundup

The majority of the Pulaski County rec league basketball teams have now either finished up their seasons or are getting ready to play in their final games this week.  Overall the season was a big success for the County and the players involved.   I would like to take this opportunity to thank the coaches that took the time to send in their teams information.  We hope to be able to provide coverage for the older rec basketball teams that are set to start their seasons next week.  Our goals with this column were to get more folks involved, and make sure that the kids get some recognition for all of their hard work.  The plan is to continue that effort into the spring sports seasons as well.  Congratulations to the younger players and coaches on a job well done.

Dublin Tarheels Finish Strong

The Dublin Tarheels of the 8-10 year old division recently completed a solid season under the leadership of Head Coach Troy Dalton.  The team finished with a very respectable 10-1 record that included five wins by more than ten points.  The Tarheels also proved that they can keep their cool when the pressure is on, winning two games that were decided by three points or less.  Their one loss came in a hard fought contest against the Snowville Longhorns by a final score of 29-26.  Coach Dalton also wanted to thank Jamie Reynolds and Billy Fields for stepping in as assistant coaches.  Congratulations to the Tarheels on a great season.

Dublin Suns Finish 9-2

The Dublin Suns improved their record to 8-2 with a win over the Dublin Rockets on Friday, February 25 at Dublin Middle School.  Scorers for the Suns were Benjamin Poe with 10 points, Ryan Castle added 4 points, and with 2 points each were Ryan Smith, Justin Turpin, and Jason Smith.  Leading the team in rebounds with 4 each were J. Smith, R. Smith, and Castle.  Poe grabbed 10 steals, contributing to the Suns' defense. 

Dublin Middle School was also host to the Dublin Suns and Riverlawn Fire matchup on Saturday, February 26.  The Suns earned the victory, finishing their season with a record of 9-2 in a competitive league.  Players for the Suns include Ryan Castle, Chandler Dishon, Preston Eller, Jason Hall, Benjamin Poe, Luke Russell, Jason Smith, Ryan Smith, and Justin Turpin.  As in any basketball game, rebounds and steals play a vital role.  Rising to the occasion in these categories were R. Smith with 7 rebounds and Castle and Eller with 4 steal each.  Poe scored 12 points, leading the way for the Suns.  Adding to the points total were Eller, Castle, and J. Smith with 2 points each.  Randy Turpin and Chris Castle, coaches for the Suns, wish to thank the players and parents for all of their hard work this season.

Cougar Soccer Ready For 2011

The Pulaski County High School Soccer team had plenty of problems in 2010, starting with the snow that kept them off the practice field for an extended period of time.  The 2011 season, however, is looking much brighter for the Cougars as they bring fresh legs and a great attitude to the field.

"Speed and depth" said Cougar Head Soccer Coach Mike Price.  "The two things you need in most sports to be successful are speed and depth, and soccer is no different.  This is probably the quickest team I have ever coached.  We have speed at every level, so it should add a new twist to our offense.  We also have depth at each position.  In the past, our reserves were either too young or there was a drop off in talent.  This is not the case this year.  We have key people that will be able to step in and perform just as well as our starters.  We're excited about what we can do this season."

The team does face a challenge, however, as there is only one lone senior on the team.  "Chris Blankenship will play as our right midfielder" said Coach Price.   "Chris gives us great speed on the side, has a great leg, and volleys the ball well.  He is key to many of our set pieces."  So the challenge is who will be the team leaders?  "To be honest, I can't answer that until the season starts.  So far, all the guys have done a wonderful job stepping up when the time arises.  There has been no complaining about the conditioning, the weather, and what the coaches expect from them.  We have a young group this year, so it will be interesting to see who takes on the leadership role when the matches begin."

While the Cougars only have one senior, they do have several returning starters and several players who saw significant playing time last season.   "Chris Blankenship played midfield for us last season.  He has quick bursts, a strong leg, and crashes the goal well.  Tyler Trussler plays midfield, and has great field vision, is a phenomenal passer and crosser.  Zack Willard is our goalkeeper, and he has all the tools to be the best keeper in the district.  He can play every position on the field well.  He has great jumping/diving ability, and a strong leg.  Neeko Thompson plays defense for us.  He is quick, a vocal leader, always full speed, and reads the other teams offense well.  Gabe LeBlanc plays defense, and he is a physical bruiser who is not afraid to win every ball.  Cory McDaniel plays in the midfield, and he has good ball control and is a great passer.  Josh Dalton is one of our forwards, and he is always in position to make a play.  Taylor Webster plays defense, he is strong and a big body that can play various positions.   Cody Wright is another midfielder, he is a great feeder, has a solid left leg, and always gives 120%."

Price is also pleased with some of the "surprise" players he has found in his ranks this season.  "Zach Akers is a forward with a big body who improves with each day.  He is very unselfish and does whatever is needed to help the team.  Jordan Taylor plays defense for us, and he is quick, quick, quick!  I expect some good things from him.  Cody Linkous plays defensive midfielder, and he wins many balls out of the air, very physical.  Brandon Brock also plays defense, and he is another quick defender who likes to be physical.  Two freshmen have stood out for us also.  Andrew Powers plays forward, and he has great vision and hard shot.  Freshman Tye Saul plays midfield and dribbles and distributes the ball very well."

Rounding out the team are some new players that have stepped into the rank and are quickly proving to be a valuable asset to the team.  "Austin Talbert, Justin Gravely, Cooper Stephens, Trevor Hedge, Dylan Reichner, and James Cressell are going to be really strong assets for us this season " said Price.   "All of these guys made tremendous strives to make the team this year.  Talbert is a talented forward, Gravely is a quick defender, and Stephens brings a bit of size to us.  Hedge is a an aggressive hustler, Cressell is an intelligent defender, and Reichner can play a variety of position as well.  They not only provide us with some depth, but they are great "team guys" with really good attitudes."

So with all these positives, what does Coach Price feel his team needs to improve on?  "Communication is key.  Last year, leadership was lacking on and off the field.  We have to communicate and work well together.  So far, the guys have done a great job of working on this.  Another thing is being more physical.  Last year, we picked up a lot of cheap fouls I was not happy with.  I am trying to stress being physical....not dirty.  We want to play hard and win, but we want to do things the right way.  I expect to see these guys do well."

The Cougars will again be playing in the River Ridge District.  "This is a tough district, but we honestly feel we can make a lot of noise this year.  I am confident that we can compete with everyone in the district.  The guys have to believe it too.  We have to be at the top of our game for each match.  Each team has their own style, so we have to be able to adapt from one day to the next.  Blacksburg will still be the team to beat, they are the preseason favorites."

The Cougars are trying to get some scrimmage action in before the start of the regular season, but the first official game is set to be on Monday March 14 at Radford High School.  Start time for the contest is set for 5:30 for the junior varsity contest, followed by the varsity matchup at 7 pm.

Lady Cougar Softball Aiming High

A new season is bringing fresh hopes to the Pulaski County High School Lady Cougar softball team, and a solid core of returning starters and senior leaders hope to provide Head Coach Gina Miano the punch this team has been looking for as they prepare to start out the 2011 campaign.

 

"We're very excited about our chances this season" said Coach Miano.  "I feel like we should be very competitive.  Often, when a team consists of lots of returners, there is resistance to learning and trying new things. Sometimes players think, since they are returning, that they know all there is to know about the game, but that's not this group.  These kids.....returners and new players.....are absorbing all the new information and not only executing the skills, but being sure the new players are understanding the concepts also.  It is a team attitude of winning and doing what it takes to acquire that goal.  They want to learn, crave new suggestions and work very hard to execute new ideas.  As coaches, we are very excited about this "We Not Me" attitude and the daily work these young ladies put in to be the best they can be!"

 

The Lady Cougars will be led by three senior captains this season.  Kasey Holcomb is back at her position at shortstop, Tiffany Alley will be holding down third base again, and Bethany Anderson will rotate between outfield and third base.  "All these girls are seniors and have great assetts to add to the Varsity program with leadership, confidence, ability and drive to be the very best young ladies and players they can be while leading a group eager to follow" said Miano.

 

Another thing that will help the Lady Cougars out are the other returning starters from last season.    In all, there are ten Lady Cougars who started at one point or the other last season.  Sarah Wright will be taking charge of first base, while Brooke Hundley will handle second.  Holcomb will be your shortstop, Alley will be at third base, and Anderson in the outfield.  Kelli Duncan will and Carlie Brewer will be Pulaski's other two outfielders, and Jordan Chrisley will be behind the plate as catcher.  The Lady Cougars should be stronger this season on the mound, as Whitney McDaniel....who moved up from JV late in the season last year has shown improvement, and Kaitlin Smith will look to continue what she started last season on the mound.

 

When ask if any of her players had surprised her this spring, Coach Miano said "I don't think I have a "surprise" player, but we are experiencing a "surprise team attitude".  The girls are really excited about playing, and their expectations are high."

 

The Lady Cougars have some work to do if they want to improve on last seasons performance.   "We need to improve on fielding situations such as paying attention to "secondary runners" and knowing what to do in different situations" said Miano.   "This will improve as the weather improves and we can get on the field for some extended defensive work.  

 

Miano also pointed out some of her teams strengths.  "Our strengths this year will be base running. We are emphasizing "stealing bases" and teaching the DETAILS involved with base running. It is a major emphasis and the young ladies are responding well. Another big positive this season is attitude.   These girls are non selfish and eager to work, a definite strength for any team and I will take it!"

 

The Lady Cougars will also have some new faces on the field this season.   "Evony Coffey, a junior infield player, hits the ball hard and absorbs every piece of information we teach her. She is respectful and eager to contribute to this team.  Brooke Seagle, another junior infielder, also and has a very good swing.  She sees the ball very well and works on her hitting with excitement.   Katie Hurst, a freshman, plays both infield and outfield.  She is fast and loves to dive head first.  She has a good glove and is a sponge every day at practice.  Lauren Shumate, another ninth grader, is very athletic and has speed. She will also be both in and outfield as we need her. Her arm is very strong and she has the mentality of an athlete.  She's a great competitor who will develop quickly.   Junior Lauren Foster played junior varsity for us last season, and she has come along very nicely.  She has some great speed and base running ability, and we hope to be able to continue to develop and use that for the team."

 

There has been another new face on the field as well this season for the Lady Cougars.  "Jade Murray, our team manager, is with us everyday and is a wonderful help to us as coaches and to the team members.  She is great, and she does alot of things to help the team every day.  She will be helping to keep different stats and to help the team evolve."

 

Assisting Coach Miano this season are assistant coaches Vernon Crouch, who works with outfielders and pitchers, and Shannon Brewer, who coaches hitting and base-running.

 

So what are the expectations?   "We are going after the district title. Period" said Miano.  "We've got the girls in place, they have the experience, and they have the talent.  They have worked hard enough, and they continue to do that every day.  We want a District Title, and we are going to work hard every game to get it.  We're not going to run our mouths, we're going to let our bats do the talking for us."

 

While there are several scrimmages set to take place, weather permitting, over the next week or so, the Lady Cougars first official game is set for March 15 against Carroll County.  Game time is set for 5 pm at Pulaski County High Schools softball field.