The threat of severe winter weather canceled this weekend's Milt Sherman Duals wrestling tournament in Greenville for the Gryphons.
The Saturday cancellation was just part of all Rocky Mount High athletic events on both Friday night and Saturday. The Gryphons home basketball games against Rose were postponed Friday night as well. No word as of yet if the wrestling tournament or the basketball games will be re-scheduled.
The grapplers will set their sights on a tough Rosewood High squad as their next opponent. Coach Jones will take his club down to RHS Tuesday, Dec. 22 to do battle starting at 6:00. Rocky Mount will try to improve on their 5-4 dual match record against the Eagles.
The Gryphons are ranked #17 overall in the East. They are the #8 3A team on the list from The Takedown Report. Above them are the teams that have bested the Gryphs this year, including Currituck, South Central and Rose. Also ranked above Rocky Mount's Grapplers are conference foes Nash Central and Northern Nash. The Gryphons will clash with both of those teams in a conference dual in early January.
The Gryphons will host the New Bern Bears wrestling team on Monday, Dec. 28 in their last match of 2009, starting at 6:00 that evening.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Rampants roll Gryphon wrestlers
Rocky Mount's wrestling squad traveled to Greenville on Wednesday and were not treated as welcomed guests by the Rampants from J.H. Rose High.
The Gryphons were bullied by the Rampants and dropped their dual match 18-53.
The Gryphs were pinned in the opening 152 pound match, defeated by tech fall in both 160 and 171 pound matches, then dropped then next three - 189, 215 & Heavyweight - by pin. Six matches in, the Rampants had a commanding 34-0 lead.
Rocky Mount did not send out a wrestler for the 112 or 145 pound matches, but Alex Knight got a forfeit victory at 130 for the Gryphons.
Freshman Mason Holt recorded the only pin of the evening for RM in the 103 match.
Junior John Earl took the 119 tilt by decision, 8-5, while senior Chandler Phillips tallied the only other Rocky Mount points on the night, winning his 135 pound match by an 8-1 margin.
Sophomore Elliot Whitehead (140) wrestled well for the Gryphons in the last match of the evening. In a back and forth battle, Whitehead came up just short while falling by a slim 8-7 decision.
The Gryphons will travel back to Greenville on Saturday, Dec. 19 to wrestle in the Milt Sherman Duals at D.H. Conley High. The team expects to take on five opponents in the all day event.
The Gryphons were bullied by the Rampants and dropped their dual match 18-53.
The Gryphs were pinned in the opening 152 pound match, defeated by tech fall in both 160 and 171 pound matches, then dropped then next three - 189, 215 & Heavyweight - by pin. Six matches in, the Rampants had a commanding 34-0 lead.
Rocky Mount did not send out a wrestler for the 112 or 145 pound matches, but Alex Knight got a forfeit victory at 130 for the Gryphons.
Freshman Mason Holt recorded the only pin of the evening for RM in the 103 match.
Junior John Earl took the 119 tilt by decision, 8-5, while senior Chandler Phillips tallied the only other Rocky Mount points on the night, winning his 135 pound match by an 8-1 margin.
Sophomore Elliot Whitehead (140) wrestled well for the Gryphons in the last match of the evening. In a back and forth battle, Whitehead came up just short while falling by a slim 8-7 decision.
The Gryphons will travel back to Greenville on Saturday, Dec. 19 to wrestle in the Milt Sherman Duals at D.H. Conley High. The team expects to take on five opponents in the all day event.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Gryphon Wrestlers fall to Pasquatank
Rocky Mount's wrestling team drove over two hours each way on Thursday to take on Pasquatank High. It took the Panthers less than an hour to get by the Gryphons, 45-36. On a night where only 2 matches made it past the first period and only one went the distance, this one was short and sweet for the Panthers.
Pasquatank took the first three matches from the Gryphs to jump out to an 18-0 lead. Rocky Mount lost the Heavyweight, 103 and 112 matches by pin before Adam McRae got Rocky Mount on the scoreboard. For the better part of two and a half periods in the 119 pound match, it looked as if Pasquatank would take a fourth consecutive match. McRae battled back late in the match and won by pin.
Pasquatank kept the pressure on the Rocky Mount squad, winning at 125 by forfeit and then by pin in both the 130 and 135 pound matches to take an almost insurmountable lead at 36-6.
Chandler Phillips and Dayshawn Taylor put the brakes on a Panther romp. Both Phillips and Taylor won by first period pins, slashing the Panther lead to 36-18.
The Gryphon hopes for a come from behind victory were snuffed out when Pasquatank took the 152 pound match by pin and the 160 match by decision to clinch a team victory and a 45-18 lead in the match.
Rocky Mount finished strong as Jeffrey Henderson took the 171 contest by pin in his first match of the year. J.K. Williamson took care of his 189 pound opponent by pin, and Nathan Barbour raised his record to 2-0 as a Gryphon with a pin victory at 215.
The Gryphons' record falls to 5-3, but there was no head hanging after this one. This was a good Panther squad and the experience going toe to toe with good wrestlers will help the young team. The Gryphons will return to the mat Dec. 16 when they travel to Greenville to take on Rose.
Pasquatank took the first three matches from the Gryphs to jump out to an 18-0 lead. Rocky Mount lost the Heavyweight, 103 and 112 matches by pin before Adam McRae got Rocky Mount on the scoreboard. For the better part of two and a half periods in the 119 pound match, it looked as if Pasquatank would take a fourth consecutive match. McRae battled back late in the match and won by pin.
Pasquatank kept the pressure on the Rocky Mount squad, winning at 125 by forfeit and then by pin in both the 130 and 135 pound matches to take an almost insurmountable lead at 36-6.
Chandler Phillips and Dayshawn Taylor put the brakes on a Panther romp. Both Phillips and Taylor won by first period pins, slashing the Panther lead to 36-18.
The Gryphon hopes for a come from behind victory were snuffed out when Pasquatank took the 152 pound match by pin and the 160 match by decision to clinch a team victory and a 45-18 lead in the match.
Rocky Mount finished strong as Jeffrey Henderson took the 171 contest by pin in his first match of the year. J.K. Williamson took care of his 189 pound opponent by pin, and Nathan Barbour raised his record to 2-0 as a Gryphon with a pin victory at 215.
The Gryphons' record falls to 5-3, but there was no head hanging after this one. This was a good Panther squad and the experience going toe to toe with good wrestlers will help the young team. The Gryphons will return to the mat Dec. 16 when they travel to Greenville to take on Rose.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
New Look Gryphons top Roanoke Rapids
Coach Jermaine Jones sent his wrestling team out on the home mat all decked out in new warm-ups and singlets Wednesday night against the Roanoke Rapids Yellow Jackets. It took a little getting used to for the fans, but the team took them in stride and swatted the Jackets 60-21.
Chandler Phillips drew the honor of being the first to wrestle in the new uniforms at 140. With Phillips up 6-0 late in the third period, a strange string of events unfolded, ending with the Yellow Jacket wrestler quitting the match. After some head scratching, the Gryphons were up 6-0 as Phillips won by forfeit.
Dayshawn Taylor won by pin at 145 to extend the Rocky Mount lead to 12-0. The Yellow Jackets pulled to within six by winning the 152 pound match by pin to make it 12-6 in favor of the home team. That's as close as they would get for the rest of the night.
Justin Atkinson (160) and J.K. Williamson (172) each won by pin to extend the home lead to 24-6.
The teams exchanged pins through the next three matches, with Roanoke Rapids taking the 189 and Heavyweight tilts and Gryphon freshman Nathan Barbour winning in his first varsity match at 215. Rocky Mount held the lead on the scoreboard, 30-18.
Mason Holt (103), Sidorayon Petway (112), John Earl (125) and Nick Westcott (130) each rolled off wins by pinning their opponents, while Adam McRae notched his six points for a forfeit win. The Gryphons were way up on the board, 60-18. The 'Jackets took three points by winning a 10-6 decision in the final match (135), which was the most evenly matched bout of the night.
The win gives the team a 5-2 record on the year.
The Gryphons will travel to take on Pasquatank High School Thursday, Dec 10 at 5:00. The Dec 11 match at Tarboro was cancelled.
Chandler Phillips drew the honor of being the first to wrestle in the new uniforms at 140. With Phillips up 6-0 late in the third period, a strange string of events unfolded, ending with the Yellow Jacket wrestler quitting the match. After some head scratching, the Gryphons were up 6-0 as Phillips won by forfeit.
Dayshawn Taylor won by pin at 145 to extend the Rocky Mount lead to 12-0. The Yellow Jackets pulled to within six by winning the 152 pound match by pin to make it 12-6 in favor of the home team. That's as close as they would get for the rest of the night.
Justin Atkinson (160) and J.K. Williamson (172) each won by pin to extend the home lead to 24-6.
The teams exchanged pins through the next three matches, with Roanoke Rapids taking the 189 and Heavyweight tilts and Gryphon freshman Nathan Barbour winning in his first varsity match at 215. Rocky Mount held the lead on the scoreboard, 30-18.
Mason Holt (103), Sidorayon Petway (112), John Earl (125) and Nick Westcott (130) each rolled off wins by pinning their opponents, while Adam McRae notched his six points for a forfeit win. The Gryphons were way up on the board, 60-18. The 'Jackets took three points by winning a 10-6 decision in the final match (135), which was the most evenly matched bout of the night.
The win gives the team a 5-2 record on the year.
The Gryphons will travel to take on Pasquatank High School Thursday, Dec 10 at 5:00. The Dec 11 match at Tarboro was cancelled.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Phillips Streaks to 100 Wins
Last year's Rocky Mount wrestling season witnessed 3 Gryphon teammates reach 100 career varsity wins. Francisco Alfaro did it first, on December 13, 2008, followed by Guy Williamson on January 10, 2009, and finally by Dedrick Silver on February 13, 2009.
With a first period pin in his first match at the Pierce-Davis Invitational, Chandler Phillips joined that elite club Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, faster than his three former teammates.
Phillips had his sights set on getting number 100 sometime late in his junior year, but a knee injury kept him out of 12 matches. He started out the year needing 10 wins to get the magical number. Ten matches into the new season is exactly all he needed to record number 100.
Chandler's run to 100 has included wrestling in half of the 14 weight classes, bridging the gap from 112 through 145 through his career. As a freshman he was conference champion at 112 pounds, but was bumped up to compete at 119 for a handful of matches. As a Junior he primarily competed at 125, where he was again conference champion, but also wrestled at 130 at times. Last year as a Junior, he captured his third consecutive conference crown at 135, but also bumped to 140 when needed. This year he has split time between 140 and 145.
As both a freshman and sophomore, Phillips was defeated in his state qualifying match at the regional tournament. He capped off last year with an appearance (and a win) at the NCHSAA State Individual Championships and finished within the top 10 3A wrestlers in the state at 135 pounds. He was one of only five underclassman in the 3A 135-pound bracket, and has set his goal to return as a senior.
After winning the first match at PDI Saturday, teammates held up signs from two sides of the mat, with "100" printed on them. The announcement came over the loudspeakers before he was off the mat. There were high-fives, fist bumps, hugs and pictures taken. Friends and family held up big 1-0-0 numbers from the stands. After that short celebration, Phillips was all business while winning his next two matches to extend his record to 12-0, get wins 101 and 102, and take his second first place finish in as many tournaments this year.
Witnessing 3 century winners last year, and with Phillips reaching the milestone this year, it may seem that the 100 win plateau is easier to reach that it actually is. Gryphon wrestling fans will have a while before they see another athlete reach 100, as no current senior or junior appears to have a shot at reaching the career number. But, with coach Jermaine Jones' leadership, the current crop of sophomores and freshman will know it is attainable.
- Scenes from Phillips' 100th victory match Saturday -
(photos - Nick Phillips)
(photo - Scott Phillips)
Phillips with Coach J.J Jones after career victory #100
With a first period pin in his first match at the Pierce-Davis Invitational, Chandler Phillips joined that elite club Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, faster than his three former teammates.
Phillips had his sights set on getting number 100 sometime late in his junior year, but a knee injury kept him out of 12 matches. He started out the year needing 10 wins to get the magical number. Ten matches into the new season is exactly all he needed to record number 100.
Chandler's run to 100 has included wrestling in half of the 14 weight classes, bridging the gap from 112 through 145 through his career. As a freshman he was conference champion at 112 pounds, but was bumped up to compete at 119 for a handful of matches. As a Junior he primarily competed at 125, where he was again conference champion, but also wrestled at 130 at times. Last year as a Junior, he captured his third consecutive conference crown at 135, but also bumped to 140 when needed. This year he has split time between 140 and 145.
As both a freshman and sophomore, Phillips was defeated in his state qualifying match at the regional tournament. He capped off last year with an appearance (and a win) at the NCHSAA State Individual Championships and finished within the top 10 3A wrestlers in the state at 135 pounds. He was one of only five underclassman in the 3A 135-pound bracket, and has set his goal to return as a senior.
After winning the first match at PDI Saturday, teammates held up signs from two sides of the mat, with "100" printed on them. The announcement came over the loudspeakers before he was off the mat. There were high-fives, fist bumps, hugs and pictures taken. Friends and family held up big 1-0-0 numbers from the stands. After that short celebration, Phillips was all business while winning his next two matches to extend his record to 12-0, get wins 101 and 102, and take his second first place finish in as many tournaments this year.
Witnessing 3 century winners last year, and with Phillips reaching the milestone this year, it may seem that the 100 win plateau is easier to reach that it actually is. Gryphon wrestling fans will have a while before they see another athlete reach 100, as no current senior or junior appears to have a shot at reaching the career number. But, with coach Jermaine Jones' leadership, the current crop of sophomores and freshman will know it is attainable.
- Scenes from Phillips' 100th victory match Saturday -
(photos - Nick Phillips)
(photo - Scott Phillips)
Phillips with Coach J.J Jones after career victory #100
Monday, December 7, 2009
RM wrestlers fair well at Pierce-Davis; Phillips takes top spot again
The Gryphon wrestling team traveled to Tarboro High to participate in the Pierce-Davis Invitational Tournament Saturday, along with eleven other teams. Conference foes Northern Nash and Southern Nash were there, along with area teams from Tarboro, D.H. Conley and North Pitt.
Several teams had to get up early for a long ride, including North Johnston, Pasquatank, Edenton-Holmes, Manteo, First Flight and Douglas Byrd. Each member of each team gathered with hopes of capturing an individual title in the 18th annual event.
Chandler Phillips repeated his performance of two weekends before, rolling to his second championship of the season. Phillips stood atop the podium late Saturday evening after extending his season starting winning streak to 12 matches.
Along the way, he pinned his first 140 pound opponent from Douglas Byrd High, marking his 100th varsity victory. Phillips also pinned his second opponent, from Conley, before easily out pointing his championship match foe from North Johnston 7-2 to claim the title.
(photo - Scott Phillips)
Senior Chandler Phillips won his second tournament title of the season Saturday.
Mason Holt made it to the championship match before falling to Northern Nash to claim second place honors in the 103 pound bracket.
John Earl (125) and Dayshawn Taylor (145) medaled for the Gryphons for the second time in as many tournaments, each placing third.
Sidorian Petway (112) and Chase Brewer (215) each wrestled well while placing fourth.
The Gryphons will welcome Roanoke Rapids for a home match on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 7:00.
(photo - Scott Phillips)
Freshman Mason Holt is one of the Gryphons' surprises so far on the young season.
Several teams had to get up early for a long ride, including North Johnston, Pasquatank, Edenton-Holmes, Manteo, First Flight and Douglas Byrd. Each member of each team gathered with hopes of capturing an individual title in the 18th annual event.
Chandler Phillips repeated his performance of two weekends before, rolling to his second championship of the season. Phillips stood atop the podium late Saturday evening after extending his season starting winning streak to 12 matches.
Along the way, he pinned his first 140 pound opponent from Douglas Byrd High, marking his 100th varsity victory. Phillips also pinned his second opponent, from Conley, before easily out pointing his championship match foe from North Johnston 7-2 to claim the title.
(photo - Scott Phillips)
Senior Chandler Phillips won his second tournament title of the season Saturday.
Mason Holt made it to the championship match before falling to Northern Nash to claim second place honors in the 103 pound bracket.
John Earl (125) and Dayshawn Taylor (145) medaled for the Gryphons for the second time in as many tournaments, each placing third.
Sidorian Petway (112) and Chase Brewer (215) each wrestled well while placing fourth.
The Gryphons will welcome Roanoke Rapids for a home match on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 7:00.
(photo - Scott Phillips)
Freshman Mason Holt is one of the Gryphons' surprises so far on the young season.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Gryphon Wrestlers slip by North Johnson
Rocky Mount's wrestling squad cruised to a relatively easy victory over North Johnston the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Considering they were without Falcon Invitational place winners John Earl and Dashawn Taylor the first time around, it seemed a rematch eight days later with both back in the line-up would end with similar results. But the team came out flat and listless for the most part and just slipped past a feisty Panther squad 39-36.
The two teams traded forfeits to start the evening. Rocky Mount gave up the 119-pound match, while North Johnston did not send out a wrestler at 125. With the wrestling beginning with the score tied 6-6, the Gryphons fell in five of the first six matches. Only Chandler Phillips' six points for his pin were logged onto the visitor's side of the scoreboard, and the Gryphs were down big, 12-30.
Antonio Ramirez contributed a win by pin at 171, but by the time Chase Brewer's 215-pound match rolled around, his team was down 18-36. Brewer promptly started an RM comeback with a pin victory. Xavier Hart followed Brewer's lead with another Gryphon win by pin, giving his team some hope they could still pull off a victory.
With North Johnston still holding a six-point advantage on the scoreboard, the Gryphons sent a pair of freshmen to the mat for the final two matches. Sedorian Petway (103) fought to a win by decision and Mason Holt (112) won by pin to cap off the Gryphon rally. Rocky Mount bumped their dual record to 4-2 on the season.
The team will head back to the practice mat in preparation for the Pierce-Davis Invitational on Saturday, Dec. 5 at Tarboro High School. The double-elimination, individual tournament will start around 9:00 that morning and run deep into the evening.
The two teams traded forfeits to start the evening. Rocky Mount gave up the 119-pound match, while North Johnston did not send out a wrestler at 125. With the wrestling beginning with the score tied 6-6, the Gryphons fell in five of the first six matches. Only Chandler Phillips' six points for his pin were logged onto the visitor's side of the scoreboard, and the Gryphs were down big, 12-30.
Antonio Ramirez contributed a win by pin at 171, but by the time Chase Brewer's 215-pound match rolled around, his team was down 18-36. Brewer promptly started an RM comeback with a pin victory. Xavier Hart followed Brewer's lead with another Gryphon win by pin, giving his team some hope they could still pull off a victory.
With North Johnston still holding a six-point advantage on the scoreboard, the Gryphons sent a pair of freshmen to the mat for the final two matches. Sedorian Petway (103) fought to a win by decision and Mason Holt (112) won by pin to cap off the Gryphon rally. Rocky Mount bumped their dual record to 4-2 on the season.
The team will head back to the practice mat in preparation for the Pierce-Davis Invitational on Saturday, Dec. 5 at Tarboro High School. The double-elimination, individual tournament will start around 9:00 that morning and run deep into the evening.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Rocky Mount wrestlers go 2-2 at North Pitt Duals
Fresh off the season's first individual tournament last weekend, the Gryphon wrestling team collided head to head with four different teams last Tuesday night at North Pitt High School. Rocky Mount came back home with a hard fought 2-2 team record against some very stiff competition.
The Gryphons took the win against West Brunswick in the evening's first match. After starting out with a decision loss in the 135 pound weight class, the team rolled off six consecutive wins, including four by pins, and cruised to an easy victory.
Rocky Mount went up against a traditionally strong Currituck squad in the second match. The team's youth was on display, as the inexperienced Gryphons were easily out pointed. Chandler Phillips and Chase Brewer both won by pin, but the team could only muster two other individual victories in a lopsided match.
The Gryphons got back on their feet in the third match against North Johnston High. Things didn't look good from the start, as it appeared the Currituck defeat in the previous match may have shaken the team's confidence. Digging themselves a 0-15 hole after the first three matches, the Gryphs reeled off five consecutive wins by pin and another by forfeit to streak out to a 36-15 lead. The team cruised from there to a 15 point victory.
South Central would be the final match of the night for the Gryphons and again, the more experienced team came out on top. SC was in control after the first nine matches, and RMHS was down 15-36. But the Gryphons didn't give up, battling back with two consecutive wins by decision and a win by forfeit to pull back to within striking distance, 28-36 with two matches to go.
The Gryphons would need a pin and at least a major decision in the final two matches to beat the Falcons. Phillips pulled the Gryphs to within four, 32-36 with an eye-popping 37-seconds pin in the 145 pound bout to set up the final match showdown for the win. But it was not to be on this night, as the Gryphs were pinned and sent to a 10 point defeat.
Phillips and Mason Holt paced the Gryphons with 4-0 records on the day. Phillips recorded all four victories by pin, while Holt posted two.
Brewer also recorded all of his wins by pin, going 3-1 in his matches. J.K. Willliamson recorded a pin on his way to a 3-1 tally.
Five other Gryphons posted 2-2 records.
Rocky Mount will travel to take on North Johnston on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 7:00. That match will help prepare them for the season's second big tournament, as they compete in the Pierce-Davis Individual on Saturday, Dec 5.
The Gryphons took the win against West Brunswick in the evening's first match. After starting out with a decision loss in the 135 pound weight class, the team rolled off six consecutive wins, including four by pins, and cruised to an easy victory.
Rocky Mount went up against a traditionally strong Currituck squad in the second match. The team's youth was on display, as the inexperienced Gryphons were easily out pointed. Chandler Phillips and Chase Brewer both won by pin, but the team could only muster two other individual victories in a lopsided match.
The Gryphons got back on their feet in the third match against North Johnston High. Things didn't look good from the start, as it appeared the Currituck defeat in the previous match may have shaken the team's confidence. Digging themselves a 0-15 hole after the first three matches, the Gryphs reeled off five consecutive wins by pin and another by forfeit to streak out to a 36-15 lead. The team cruised from there to a 15 point victory.
South Central would be the final match of the night for the Gryphons and again, the more experienced team came out on top. SC was in control after the first nine matches, and RMHS was down 15-36. But the Gryphons didn't give up, battling back with two consecutive wins by decision and a win by forfeit to pull back to within striking distance, 28-36 with two matches to go.
The Gryphons would need a pin and at least a major decision in the final two matches to beat the Falcons. Phillips pulled the Gryphs to within four, 32-36 with an eye-popping 37-seconds pin in the 145 pound bout to set up the final match showdown for the win. But it was not to be on this night, as the Gryphs were pinned and sent to a 10 point defeat.
Phillips and Mason Holt paced the Gryphons with 4-0 records on the day. Phillips recorded all four victories by pin, while Holt posted two.
Brewer also recorded all of his wins by pin, going 3-1 in his matches. J.K. Willliamson recorded a pin on his way to a 3-1 tally.
Five other Gryphons posted 2-2 records.
Rocky Mount will travel to take on North Johnston on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 7:00. That match will help prepare them for the season's second big tournament, as they compete in the Pierce-Davis Individual on Saturday, Dec 5.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Phillips and Earl pace Gryphons at Falcon Invite
(photo - Scott Phillips)
John Earl and Chandler Phillips each earned 1st place honors on Saturday.
The Gryphons spent their Saturday at Charles B. Aycock High School participating in the Falcon Invitational Tournament. After an easy season opening win over Tarboro High on Wednesday, the Gryphons knew they would be up against stiffer competition this time around.
Rocky Mount put together an overall 23-21 record in individual matches, had four placewinners, including two champions, and finished the day sixth in total team points out of the 16 teams in attendance. The team spent most of the day in the top five. Considering the youth and inexperience of most of this team, this was an impressive day.
Chandler Phillips ran through his 140 lb weight class, taking home champion honors. Phillips won his first two matches by pin and dominated the championship match with a 13-0 decision.
John Earl also pinned his first two opponents in the 125 lb division. He advanced to the championship match with a 7-2 decision, where he became champion after a 12-3 decision.
Dashawn Taylor recorded three wins by pin while placing third at 145 and J.K. Williamson (171) rounded out the Gryphon placewinners by taking fourth.
Mason Holt (112), Alex Knight (130), Nick Westcott (135) and Damien Smith (152) each won two matches on the day, while Antonio Ramirez (160) and Sidorian Petway (103) also contributed a win each to the Gryphon cause.
The team will travel to North Pitt High School on Tuesday, November 24, to compete in the North Pitt Duals. The Gryphons will wrestle three or four teams, to be determined, starting at 5:00.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Gryphon Wrestlers Win Season Opener
The Tarboro Vikings visited Rocky Mount High Wednesday night to kick off the 2009-2010 wrestling season. Both squads are starting their campaigns with football teams still competing in the State Playoffs and short-handed to some degree.
For the Vikings, that meant dressing only 10 wrestlers for the match and only sending 8 of them to the mat to compete. The Gryphons, however, dressed a full squad of 14; something coach Jermaine Jones has not had the luxury of doing the past couple of seasons. The result was an easy win for the Gryphons, rolling to a final score of 75-6.
Last year's Gryphon squad sent nine wrestlers to compete at the Individual Regional Championships. Six of those wrestlers went on to compete in Winston-Salem at the NCHSAA State Individual Championships. Of those wrestlers, only senior Chandler Phillips and sophomore J.K. Williamson remain on the team. For the first match of the year, Jones sent 10 wrestlers to the mat wearing "RM" for the first time. The squad is loaded with freshmen and sophomores who have little or no varsity experience. Phillips is the only senior suiting up until the return of a handful from the football team.
The lack of varsity experience did not hurt Rocky Mount on the rainy night against the Vikings. As the final tally would indicate, there were plenty of first time varsity victories to put in the books.
Alex Knight drew the first match of the year at 130. The freshman went up against one of the few experienced Vikings and came away with a hard fought 9-8 win in a sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat match. The Gryphs were out to a 3-0 lead, and they would not look back. Tarboro did not send out wrestlers for the 135 through 152 matches. Freshman Nick Westcott notched his first varsity win at 135, while Phillips (140), Northern Nash transfer and sophomore Dashawn Taylor (145) and junior Damien Smith (152) booked their first wins of the season. The Gryphs suddenly were up 27-0.
Sophomores Antonio Ramirez (160) and Williamson (171) each won their matches by pin - Williamson getting his with a mere 3.3 seconds left in his contest - to extend the winning streak and bump the Gryphon advantage to 39-0. Tarboro recorded their only points on the night in the next match at 189 with a pin to close the score to 39-6. Rocky Mount took the 215 pound match when the Viking wrestler was called for his 4th technical violation for locking hands and was disqualified while up in the match 18-17 with less than a minute to go. Xavier Hart joined the first win club at Heavyweight with a pin to increase the Gryphon lead to 51-6.
Rocky Mount was not about to let up as the lightweight guys lined up. Fellow freshmen Sidorayna Petway (103) and Mason Holt (112) each notched first varsity wins by way of forfeit, while Juniors Adam McRae (119) and John Earl (125) posted wins by pin to finish out the final 75-6 score.
During a brief talk in a huddle following the team's victory, Jones warned his guys that future victories will likely not be so easy. It won't take long to find out where some of the guys stand, as the team will travel to Charles B. Aycock High School on Saturday, November 21 to compete in the Falcon Invitational. The tournament will be a double-elimination, individual meet. Wrestling will start around 9 in the morning and run late into the evening.
For the Vikings, that meant dressing only 10 wrestlers for the match and only sending 8 of them to the mat to compete. The Gryphons, however, dressed a full squad of 14; something coach Jermaine Jones has not had the luxury of doing the past couple of seasons. The result was an easy win for the Gryphons, rolling to a final score of 75-6.
Last year's Gryphon squad sent nine wrestlers to compete at the Individual Regional Championships. Six of those wrestlers went on to compete in Winston-Salem at the NCHSAA State Individual Championships. Of those wrestlers, only senior Chandler Phillips and sophomore J.K. Williamson remain on the team. For the first match of the year, Jones sent 10 wrestlers to the mat wearing "RM" for the first time. The squad is loaded with freshmen and sophomores who have little or no varsity experience. Phillips is the only senior suiting up until the return of a handful from the football team.
The lack of varsity experience did not hurt Rocky Mount on the rainy night against the Vikings. As the final tally would indicate, there were plenty of first time varsity victories to put in the books.
Alex Knight drew the first match of the year at 130. The freshman went up against one of the few experienced Vikings and came away with a hard fought 9-8 win in a sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat match. The Gryphs were out to a 3-0 lead, and they would not look back. Tarboro did not send out wrestlers for the 135 through 152 matches. Freshman Nick Westcott notched his first varsity win at 135, while Phillips (140), Northern Nash transfer and sophomore Dashawn Taylor (145) and junior Damien Smith (152) booked their first wins of the season. The Gryphs suddenly were up 27-0.
Sophomores Antonio Ramirez (160) and Williamson (171) each won their matches by pin - Williamson getting his with a mere 3.3 seconds left in his contest - to extend the winning streak and bump the Gryphon advantage to 39-0. Tarboro recorded their only points on the night in the next match at 189 with a pin to close the score to 39-6. Rocky Mount took the 215 pound match when the Viking wrestler was called for his 4th technical violation for locking hands and was disqualified while up in the match 18-17 with less than a minute to go. Xavier Hart joined the first win club at Heavyweight with a pin to increase the Gryphon lead to 51-6.
Rocky Mount was not about to let up as the lightweight guys lined up. Fellow freshmen Sidorayna Petway (103) and Mason Holt (112) each notched first varsity wins by way of forfeit, while Juniors Adam McRae (119) and John Earl (125) posted wins by pin to finish out the final 75-6 score.
During a brief talk in a huddle following the team's victory, Jones warned his guys that future victories will likely not be so easy. It won't take long to find out where some of the guys stand, as the team will travel to Charles B. Aycock High School on Saturday, November 21 to compete in the Falcon Invitational. The tournament will be a double-elimination, individual meet. Wrestling will start around 9 in the morning and run late into the evening.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Men’s Basketball Looks to Improve with Experience
(photo - Matt Smith)
UNCP sophomore guard Marcus Heath drives to the basket in a game last season. The Braves opened the season on the road with a pair of exhibition games in Iowa.
By Nick Phillips
Asst. Sports Editor
Nov. 12, 2009
This season’s UNCP men’s basketball team is ready to begin a new season, tipping off action on November 7th and November 8th, as they traveled to Iowa to face a pair of opponents. The Braves are hoping that the experience gained on the trip will help them as they dig deeper into their schedule this season.
The 2008-2009 edition of the team did not have a great year to the average eye. But what their final record, 6-21 overall (3-17 Peach Belt Conference), does not show is that the Braves played many close games that went down to the final minutes. The Braves lost eleven games by less than ten points, including six losses by less than five points.
“We had a lot of exciting, close games, that didn’t always go the way we wanted, but hopefully we can build on some of that momentum,” said head coach Ben Miller.
It was a season of change for the Braves, as they learned Miller’s new offensive and defensive systems, while playing with a relatively young team. Of the 14 players on last year’s roster, six were either freshmen or sophomores.
“There’s a little more experience this year. We still have a relatively young team, but the returning guys, even the guys who redshirted, have been through a year of practices, so the system isn’t new to everybody,” Miller said of this season’s team.
“Having that familiarity has been beneficial, because you have some of the older players that can also be coaches in practice,” he added.
Adjustment Year
Experience is a word that was stressed by Miller, as everyone in the program now has a year’s worth of knowledge – the players of the system and head coach, and the head coach towards his players.
Miller was impressed with the community and its warmth to him and his family.
“After being here for a year now, it’s really been great to get to know the people here. The administration, the coaching staffs, the students, everyone here has been great,” said Miller on his first season.
Last season, Miller helped start a student section at the English E. Jones Center for the Braves home games, while helping the students decide their student section name. The Bravehearts now inhabit the Jones Center for both men’s and women’s home contests complete with Braveheart student section shirts.
“I was impressed by the students last year, because obviously we didn’t win a lot of games. When we got into conference play, our student section was great; I was impressed by the turnouts. “
Season Ahead
“Personnel-wise, our team has changed. We lost some good players in the seniors that graduated, but we’ve also added some good players. We were able to redshirt six guys last year, which was nice.”
Several key players return for the Braves this season, including senior Brandon Thomas, who led the Braves in rebounding, averaging 7.6 per game, and blocked shots. Sophomore Marcus Heath logged the most playing time for the Braves, as a freshman, while averaging 9.7 points per game as well. Fellow sophomore Tyler Egli averaged 5.5 points per game, while also finishing with a .346 shooting percentage from behind the three-point line last season.
“Our defense is always going to try our foundation. At times last year we were effective with our pressure defense and other times we gave up easy baskets. Putting that together as a team is going to be very important to us, as well becoming a very much improved rebounding team. “
As a team, UNCP allowed an average of 79.5 points per game, with opponents shooting for.480 from the field. Rebounding, UNCP looks to continue to improve on its 35.1 team rebounds per game average from a year ago.
Offensively, UNCP only averaged 70.6 points a game, and shot for a .425 percentage on the floor.
“Offensively, we have a lot of weapons and a lot of guys that can score. The key is going to be unselfishness, and a commitment to team execution.”
The Braves will look to improve and combine both defense and offense to produce more wins this season.
Favorable Schedule
In Miller’s first season, the Braves only had a total of two non-conference games at home. This season, UNCP was able to schedule six home games in November alone.
“We have a non-conference schedule that will give our students and people in the community a great opportunity early to see our team,” said Miller of the team’s early schedule.
Miller credited assistant coach Corey Thompson for his hard work in scheduling good matchups throughout the season.
That non-conference home schedule includes the home-opener against regional rival Fayetteville State on November 16th. The Braves also host the UNCP Basketball Classic on November 20 and 21, and finish the month of November with another regional foe in Wingate on November 30th.
Miller and the rest of the staff hope that this home stretch allows the students and community a much improved team, and a chance for the team to grow and learn as they prepare for Peach Belt Conference play.
Before opening up at home, the Braves began their third straight season with games against Division I opponents. In the 2007-2008 season, they opened with games at NC State and Indiana, and last season played in Chapel Hill against the #1-ranked Tar Heels.
This season, the Braves traveled to Iowa for a pair of games. They tipped off the season against Iowa State on November 6th, and traveled to Northern Iowa on November 7th.
“Every year we are going to look for opportunities to play against Division I teams to play against the best possible competition. Playing against that competition will be great for us, in preparation for a tough non-conference schedule and the Peach Belt Conference,” said Miller on the Braves scheduling.
Miller’s father, Eldon Miller, will also be back on the sidelines this season. His head coaching career included stops at Northern Iowa from 1986-1998, compiling a career record of 568-419. His coaching career included stops at his alma mater Wittenberg University, Western Michigan University, Ohio State University, and Northern Iowa.
He vowed to return to the sidelines as an assistant when Ben earned his first head coaching position, and did just that last season.
“It’s been great having his experience, both as a coach and also with running programs. Just having someone that’s that good a friend, someone you’re that close to, has been great,” said the younger Miller on having his father with him on the coaching staff.
The most important thing for the Braves is gaining experience and improving, something that both practices and games does for a team. With a year of experience under their belt the Braves expect bigger and better things than last season’s close, last-second losses.
“The most important thing for our guys is focusing on daily improvement,” Miller said.
With that daily improvement, expect the Braves to find themselves on the winning end of more games this season.
Braves make Division II playoffs
(photo Nick Phillips)
UNCP football players, parents, community members and students cheer as ESPN announces that the Braves will be part of the 2009 NCAA Division II football playoffs.
By Nick Phillips
Asst. Sports Editor
Nov. 12, 2009
UNCP made Division II football history when they received a bid to the 2009 NCAA Division II postseason. The Braves became the youngest team in Division II history to make the playoffs, earning a spot in their third season of modern football at the University.
“Any time you are part of a history-making event, we are nationally ranked for the first time, in the playoffs for the first time, it’s just not many times student-athletes and the University has the opportunity to make history,” said Chancellor Charles Jenkins.
“Every single student at UNC-Pembroke ought to be incredibly proud today,” Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Charles Harrington added.
The Braves earned the number five seed in Super Region 2, and will travel to face Arkansas Tech on Saturday, Nov. 14. They became the first NCAA Independent team since 2002 to play in the postseason action.
Approximately 200 people gathered in the University Center on Nov. 8, including the UNCP football team, students and community members. Athletic Director Dan Kenney and UNCP head coach Pete Shinnick both addressed the crowd after the announcement.
Although many had hoped for a first-round home game, Shinnick said the Braves are “just fired up that we are in. Home or away, it doesn’t matter, it’s a chance to keep playing, and that’s what you do this for.”
Senior wide receiver L.J. Johnson showed mixed emotions afterwards.
“We are just really excited to have an opportunity to make it to the playoffs. We were really looking forward to a home game. It was kind of upsetting to drop to number five, but we are a third-year program and ready to take advantage of any opportunity we get going into the playoffs.”
After going 4-7 in their inaugural, 2007 campaign, the Braves have rolled off back-to-back 9- 1 seasons.
UNCP will make the trek to Russellville, Ark. for the 12 p.m. CST kickoff against the Wonder Boys, who went 8-2 this season.
Arkansas Tech enters the game ranked 100 in the NCAA in sacks allowed. UNCP enters the game with the fourthranked total defense in Division II. The Braves’ defense has tallied 22 total team sacks this season.
Braves blow past Greenville State on the road
(photo - uncpbraves.com)
UNCP running back Travis Daniels looks for room to run.
By Nick Phillips
Asst. Sports Editor
Nov. 12, 2009
The UNCP football team’s third season of football in modern history isn’t over yet.
A 42-14 victory on the road against North Greenville in the regularseason finale Nov. 7 improves the Braves record to 9-1 as they await the NCAA Division II Football Playoff Selection Show on Nov. 8 to see if they will be among the 24 teams whose season will continue.
The Braves came into the game ranked in a variety of polls, which were updated at the beginning of November. In the American Football Coaches Association Division II Coaches’ Top 25 Poll, UNCP sits at No. 10.
The D2Football.com Top 26 Media Poll has the Braves ranked at No. 19 and in the NCAA Super Region 2 Poll, the Braves check in with a No. 4 ranking.
The NCAA Super Region Poll is the poll that the NCAA uses in their playoff decision process.
Rushers lead
The Braves finished their second-straight 9-1 season with strong efforts by junior quarterback Corey Smith and a rushing attack that totaled 222 yards on the day.
North Greenville scored early on a 49-yard punt return, and the game was tied 7-all after the first quarter.
The Braves would go on to score 42 straight points before they allowed another North Greenville touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
Eight different Braves tallied carries in the game. Junior Rashon Kennedy started the scoring for UNCP in the first quarter with a 4-yard run.
Kennedy finished the game with 10 carries for 65 yards. Sophomore Travis Daniels scored twice in the second and third quarters as part of his 11 carry, 82 yard performance.
Junior Keith Gore finished the Braves’ scoring with his fourth quarter, 2- yard touchdown. Gore finished the game with eight carries for 29 yards.
Smith finished the day with 164 yards through the air, completing 13 of his 16 pass attempts while tossing two touchdowns. Junior Jamelle Banks finished the game with two catches for 44 yards, including Smith’s first touchdown pass in the second quarter.
Senior L.J. Johnson hauled in a 16-yard touchdown from Smith in the third quarter as part of his three catch, 28 yard performance.
Overall, seven Braves tallied at least one reception on the day.
“I am very happy. I am very happy for both our players and our coaches,” UNCP head coach Pete Shinnick said. “Our guys have worked really hard this year and it is going to pay off.”
“We know that we have played a much tougher schedule this year than we did a year ago. I don’t want to take anything from what we did a year ago, but we played better this year. We feel good about the position that we’re in heading into tomorrow,” he said.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Braves football prepares; perplexed
Ranked #4 in the NCAA Region 2 rankings heading into the final week of the regular season, UNCP football seemed to be in good shape.
In Division II, generally, the top 6 teams from each region receive berths in the playoffs. #1 and #2 each get a first round bye, while #3 hosts #6, and #4 hosts #5.
After a 42-14 win in the regular season finale, the Braves would surely get a home game in the first round next Saturday right?
Add to that - the #1 AND #3 ranked teams in the region both LOST Saturday. With that said, UNCP would surely be a #4 at the worst. Maybe move up to #3??
Approximately 200 people, including Braves football players and coaches, students, parents, faculty, and community members gathered inside UNCP's University Center for the announcement.
Time Warner Cable loaned the university a box so that we could see the announcement live on ESPN NEWS. The picks came on, and that may be the quickest a group of 200 has ever gotten quiet.
And then it came.
"UNC-Pembroke" came through the speakers. A roar went up through the room.
"...will be a #5 seed and travel to take on Arkansas Tech, the #4 seed, on Saturday."
The room went dead silent as everyone tried to comprehend what just happened.
There must be another UNC-Pembroke. How did we win, #1 AND #3 lose, and us drop a spot in the rankings? Better yet, what did Arkansas Tech do to jump from #6, past us to #4??
Our Athletic Director, Chancellor, and Head Coach all spoke, pointing out that regardless, UNCP is in the playoffs. But the disappointment was obviously on their sleeves as they spoke. Players showed mixed emotions as well.
The Braves became the youngest team ever (this is the third season of football at UNCP) to make the Division II playoffs.
To this point, there is only one glaring fact that people can point to for the Braves low seed. The Braves became the first Independent team since 2002 to earn a spot in the playoffs.
If this is the case, it is a shame that that was taken into consideration. But it will also further speed up the search for a conference that the football team can be a part of. (The Peach belt Conference that UNCP is a part of doesn't have enough teams playing football for it to be included in the PBC listing.)
The Braves began the season unranked. They have now climbed to the #10 spot in the nation. Add to that a #19 ranking in the D2Football.com poll heading into the weekend, and then the Region 2 now-#5 ranking.
The Braves will travel to Russellville, Ark., to face the Wonder Boys on Saturday with a 12 noon CST, or 1 p.m. local time, start.
(Yes, Wonder Boys is the correct nickname for Arkansas Tech. Their women's teams are referred to as the Golden Suns.)
GO BRAVES!!!
In Division II, generally, the top 6 teams from each region receive berths in the playoffs. #1 and #2 each get a first round bye, while #3 hosts #6, and #4 hosts #5.
After a 42-14 win in the regular season finale, the Braves would surely get a home game in the first round next Saturday right?
Add to that - the #1 AND #3 ranked teams in the region both LOST Saturday. With that said, UNCP would surely be a #4 at the worst. Maybe move up to #3??
Approximately 200 people, including Braves football players and coaches, students, parents, faculty, and community members gathered inside UNCP's University Center for the announcement.
Time Warner Cable loaned the university a box so that we could see the announcement live on ESPN NEWS. The picks came on, and that may be the quickest a group of 200 has ever gotten quiet.
And then it came.
"UNC-Pembroke" came through the speakers. A roar went up through the room.
"...will be a #5 seed and travel to take on Arkansas Tech, the #4 seed, on Saturday."
The room went dead silent as everyone tried to comprehend what just happened.
There must be another UNC-Pembroke. How did we win, #1 AND #3 lose, and us drop a spot in the rankings? Better yet, what did Arkansas Tech do to jump from #6, past us to #4??
Our Athletic Director, Chancellor, and Head Coach all spoke, pointing out that regardless, UNCP is in the playoffs. But the disappointment was obviously on their sleeves as they spoke. Players showed mixed emotions as well.
The Braves became the youngest team ever (this is the third season of football at UNCP) to make the Division II playoffs.
To this point, there is only one glaring fact that people can point to for the Braves low seed. The Braves became the first Independent team since 2002 to earn a spot in the playoffs.
If this is the case, it is a shame that that was taken into consideration. But it will also further speed up the search for a conference that the football team can be a part of. (The Peach belt Conference that UNCP is a part of doesn't have enough teams playing football for it to be included in the PBC listing.)
The Braves began the season unranked. They have now climbed to the #10 spot in the nation. Add to that a #19 ranking in the D2Football.com poll heading into the weekend, and then the Region 2 now-#5 ranking.
The Braves will travel to Russellville, Ark., to face the Wonder Boys on Saturday with a 12 noon CST, or 1 p.m. local time, start.
(Yes, Wonder Boys is the correct nickname for Arkansas Tech. Their women's teams are referred to as the Golden Suns.)
GO BRAVES!!!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
A little help please....
I am asking for everyone's help please.
If you would please go down a little on my blog, this page, on the right side, and vote for the 2009 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year.
Everyone at UNC-Pembroke is pushing hard for our head coach, Pete Shinnick, some recognition. He may not win, but many at UNCP believe his hard work should not keep going unnoticed.
The voting process is simple - follow the link a little farther down this right column, click vote now, click Division II on the header bar, and enter in an email address. In the coach's name box, either Pete Shinnick OR UNCP will bring up Shinnick's name. Submit your vote. One vote per day.
Your help is greatly appriciated.
Entering the final week of the regular season, the Braves are 8-1, ranked #19 in the latest D2Football.com poll released November 3rd. The most important ranking, however, is the ranking in the NCAA Super Region 2. The Braves are ranked #4 in this all important poll. This is the poll that will decide which teams make the playoffs.
If you would please go down a little on my blog, this page, on the right side, and vote for the 2009 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year.
Everyone at UNC-Pembroke is pushing hard for our head coach, Pete Shinnick, some recognition. He may not win, but many at UNCP believe his hard work should not keep going unnoticed.
The voting process is simple - follow the link a little farther down this right column, click vote now, click Division II on the header bar, and enter in an email address. In the coach's name box, either Pete Shinnick OR UNCP will bring up Shinnick's name. Submit your vote. One vote per day.
Your help is greatly appriciated.
Entering the final week of the regular season, the Braves are 8-1, ranked #19 in the latest D2Football.com poll released November 3rd. The most important ranking, however, is the ranking in the NCAA Super Region 2. The Braves are ranked #4 in this all important poll. This is the poll that will decide which teams make the playoffs.
Generally, the top six teams from each of the four regions are presented with postseason invitations. The No. 1- and No. 2-ranked teams will receive first round byes when the NCAA Division II playoffs begin on November 14, with the No. 3 seed hosting the No. 6 seed and the No. 4 seed hosting the No. 5 seed.
The NCAA Division II Football Committee will announce the 24-team field for the 2009 championship in a 15-minute window between 3-3:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Sunday, November 8, on ESPNEWS.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Lady Braves Volleyball 'Digs Pink'
(photo - Nick Phillips)
The UNCP volleyball team hosted second annual “Dig Pink” match to help raise awareness for breast cancer research on Oct. 21st.
By Nick Phillips
Asst. Sports Editor
Matt Smith
Sports Editor
Oct. 29, 2009
The Lady Braves volleyball team at their second annual “Dig Pink” game on Oct. 21 against Elizabeth City State University got back on the winning track with a 3-1 victory.
The “Dig Pink” fundraiser raised both awareness and money for breast cancer research and drew a big crowd of UNCP students, many dressed in pink.
The Lady Braves marked the occasion by wearing pink jerseys, and both coaches and officials wore pink ribbons. UNCP head coach Jeff Billington sported a pink tie as well.
The Lady Braves totaled a season-high 84 digs as a team on defense, while offensively they had 53 kills on the night.
Freshman Shay Peterson and sophomores Tiara Anderson and Allie Schneider each tallied nine kills, as UNCP had 11 different players recording a kill.
Freshman Sam Wylie gave out a gamehigh 31 assists for UNCP, while freshman teammate Morgan Ridge added 12 assists of her own.
Senior libero Andrea Laza recorded a game-high 22 digs on the defensive side of the net, while four other Lady Braves had 10 or more digs.
UNCP took a close set one 25-22, helped by Anderson’s kills late in the set. The second set also saw ties and lead changes before UNCP pulled out a 25-21 set victory.
In the third set, the Lady Braves rallied from Elizabeth City set point before falling by a 27-25 score. In set four, UNCP built a lead that would not be overcome, as they would secure the 25-15 set win and wrap up the match.
“Collectively as a group, we did what we needed to do, but we’ve probably played better volleyball. We have to continually work on putting 100 percent effort into everything we do. It’s a W, and it wasn’t pretty, but we will take it,” Billington said.
The Lady Braves improved their overall record to 9-15 and evened their home record out to 4-4 with the win.
Awareness continues
After the Braves’ Oct. 21 win over Elizabeth City State University, the team traveled to Greenwood, S.C., to participate in the Dig Pink Volleyball Tournament at Lander University on Oct. 23-24.
The Black and Gold finished 1-2 in their three matches in the two day tournament, blasting Limestone in day one action, while falling to Anderson and Lees-McRae on the tournament’s second day.
In day one action, the Braves bested Limestone 3-1 (28-26, 19-25, 25-16, 25-21). Laza set a career-high with 51 digs.
Jessica Hartley led the Braves with 16 kills while Anderson added 12 in the contest.
Wylie led the Black and Gold with 29 assists.
On the tournament’s second day, the Braves fell 3-0 to the Anderson Trojans and 3-2 to Lees-McRae.
Against Anderson, UNCP dropped three straight sets 21-25, 21-25 and 23-25 for their first loss in three games.
Senior Lizzie O’Connor led the Black and Gold with nine kills and Schneider totaled 16 digs in the match.
In the Braves’ second game, UNCP lost in a tough five setter 3-2 (24-16, 22-25, 25- 17, 27-15, 9-15) to Lees-McRae.
Anderson led the Braves with 18 kills and Wylie piled up 29 assists in the loss.
The Braves will next be in action Halloween night as they take on conference newcomer Montevallo at the English E. Jones Center.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Gryphon Wrestlers Take Aim at 11-18-09
Rocky Mount's wrestling team is on short notice. Practice will begin November 2 to get ready for the season. A season that may resemble that of the Football Gryphons.
Although the Grapplers have not quite enjoyed the same success as the football team has over the past several years, coach Jermaine Jones has led the team up the ladder. The Gryphs have qualified 3 years in a row for the State Playoffs and have been co-champions of the NEW 6 Conference 2 years running. Just as the football team, though, Jones has lost a ton of starters to graduation. Gone are the Big Four from last year - Alfaro, Silver, Williamson and Cross. The team will be without their 400 or so individual wins, Conference Championships, State Qualifiers and leadership.
The torch has been passed to this year's seniors: 2009 State Qualifiers Chandler Phillips and Ahmir Scott, along with Johnny Stewart (who missed qualifying for states by one match) and Justin Atkinson. Add in returning Sophomore J.K. Williamson, and that's the bulk of the team's varsitiy experience on the mat. This year's Gryphons will rely on returners with less experience stepping up to fill big shoes and to what appears to be a fairly solid set of freshmen coming up.
At this point, it's hard for me to expect the same level of success from this year's team with so many question marks. Jones will need to fill a lot of weight classes with inexperienced guys, but who is to say there can't be two or three guys who can have the kind of freshman campaigns that Alfaro, Scott, Phillips, or Williamson had as freshmen? There are a couple of returners who didn't see much action last year, but did well when they were called on. Just as with the pre-season chatter about this year's football team, there is both reason for concern and optimism.
Last year's team, as good as they were individually and competitive as a team, didn't have the roster to fill all the weight classes. They perpetually wrestled teams & gave away 3 or 4 matches by forfeit. Can this year's team field a full squad?
First things first. Each potential member must pass a hydration test before he can compete. Along with that test, they will do their initial weigh-ins and have a skin-fold test. These tests are designed to protect each athlete. The sport of wrestling is demanding in the fact that each wrestler has to get down (or up) to - and maintain - a certain weight. Coaches "assign" weights that each wrestler will compete at, based on their rosters. The skin-fold and initial weight measurements determine the lowest weight an athlete can compete at. In addition, there is a set amount of weight wrestlers can lose per week to get down to their competitive weights.
Although the combination of hydration and skin fold tests and initial weigh-in, plus a cap on weight loss per week seems to be complicated, the bottom line to the experienced athlete is to come in to the season in shape. Or, as we say; a lean mean wrestling machine - from day one.
I'm sure several of the team's veterans have spent the off-season wrestling in tournaments, working out, rolling on the mat, working on moves and pumping iron. They'll be ready to go when the first match rolls around. The Season opener will be at Home against Tarboro High on November 18 at 7:00pm. Come out and support this year's model.
(photo - Dedrick Silver, 2008 RM graduate)
- the 2009-2010 version of the Gryphons will look to rack up a number of medals that rivals the amounts of last year and years prior
Although the Grapplers have not quite enjoyed the same success as the football team has over the past several years, coach Jermaine Jones has led the team up the ladder. The Gryphs have qualified 3 years in a row for the State Playoffs and have been co-champions of the NEW 6 Conference 2 years running. Just as the football team, though, Jones has lost a ton of starters to graduation. Gone are the Big Four from last year - Alfaro, Silver, Williamson and Cross. The team will be without their 400 or so individual wins, Conference Championships, State Qualifiers and leadership.
The torch has been passed to this year's seniors: 2009 State Qualifiers Chandler Phillips and Ahmir Scott, along with Johnny Stewart (who missed qualifying for states by one match) and Justin Atkinson. Add in returning Sophomore J.K. Williamson, and that's the bulk of the team's varsitiy experience on the mat. This year's Gryphons will rely on returners with less experience stepping up to fill big shoes and to what appears to be a fairly solid set of freshmen coming up.
At this point, it's hard for me to expect the same level of success from this year's team with so many question marks. Jones will need to fill a lot of weight classes with inexperienced guys, but who is to say there can't be two or three guys who can have the kind of freshman campaigns that Alfaro, Scott, Phillips, or Williamson had as freshmen? There are a couple of returners who didn't see much action last year, but did well when they were called on. Just as with the pre-season chatter about this year's football team, there is both reason for concern and optimism.
Last year's team, as good as they were individually and competitive as a team, didn't have the roster to fill all the weight classes. They perpetually wrestled teams & gave away 3 or 4 matches by forfeit. Can this year's team field a full squad?
First things first. Each potential member must pass a hydration test before he can compete. Along with that test, they will do their initial weigh-ins and have a skin-fold test. These tests are designed to protect each athlete. The sport of wrestling is demanding in the fact that each wrestler has to get down (or up) to - and maintain - a certain weight. Coaches "assign" weights that each wrestler will compete at, based on their rosters. The skin-fold and initial weight measurements determine the lowest weight an athlete can compete at. In addition, there is a set amount of weight wrestlers can lose per week to get down to their competitive weights.
Although the combination of hydration and skin fold tests and initial weigh-in, plus a cap on weight loss per week seems to be complicated, the bottom line to the experienced athlete is to come in to the season in shape. Or, as we say; a lean mean wrestling machine - from day one.
I'm sure several of the team's veterans have spent the off-season wrestling in tournaments, working out, rolling on the mat, working on moves and pumping iron. They'll be ready to go when the first match rolls around. The Season opener will be at Home against Tarboro High on November 18 at 7:00pm. Come out and support this year's model.
(photo - Dedrick Silver, 2008 RM graduate)
- the 2009-2010 version of the Gryphons will look to rack up a number of medals that rivals the amounts of last year and years prior
Braves’ wrestler Davis continues quest for Olympic gold
- this is the third story in a three part series on Braves wrestler J.J Davis -
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By Nick Phillips
Asst Sports Editor
Oct 15, 2009
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By Nick Phillips
Asst Sports Editor
Oct 15, 2009
Two years ago, Braves senior wrestler J.J Davis was walking the campus of UNCP as any other student, any other athlete. A sixth place finish in the Division II National Championships in the spring of 2008 and a summer training trip to the United States’ Olympic Training Center changed that.
Last winter, Davis sat out a year of collegiate wrestling to train for his trip to the OTC, and this summer Davis rolled around and went head-to-head with some of the best in his sport. The dream that he had worked towards since high school was a reality. But standing and admiring his idols and Olympic icons was not the reason Davis was in Colorado. He had work to do.
“I got to hang around like I was an Olympic athlete too, everyone was treated the same, it was just an experience of a lifetime for me,” were Davis’ first thoughts about his experience.
Culture Shock
The change in altitude can be hard for anyone experiencing it for the first time, let alone someone training and competing against the nation’s best.
“The altitude was crazy, the first week I couldn’t talk on the phone and walk at the same time,” said Davis, “given that, wrestling was difficult too, because it was closed in like a sauna almost.”
Along with the altitude came the mountains. Davis, admittedly scared of heights, had to suppress that fear, as many training exercises centered around the mountains, valleys, and hills.
“It took some time, but eventually I got rid of my fear of heights…ok, I didn’t get rid of it completely,” Davis joked.
“I accommodated everyone by facing my fears and doing it, but I just know my heart dropped every time I looked down.”
Star Watch
Upon arrival, Davis says he was star struck, recognizing faces and names of athletes that he had seen on TV and read about. Gold medalists, runners up in the Olympics, they were all there. Davis was an equal.
Steve Fraser, who became the United States’ first Olympic Gold Medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 1984 Games, is now the US Greco National Team Coach. His words brought Davis from out of the clouds and set Davis back on track.
“He told me to get in there and do what I do best…get in there, fight hard, do what I did to get out there. After that I was hanging with the best of them,” said Davis on that conversation with Fraser.
Davis also had the opportunity to hear several Olympians speak, including 1996 Olympic Decathlon Gold Medalist Dan O’Brian, who instilled in Davis a valuable lesson that Davis has taken to heart and is passing along to his teammates back here at UNCP.
“He said that you have to be comfortable being uncomfortable, and it makes so much sense, because whatever you are doing, you are never going to be completely comfortable.”
Summer Vacation
The biggest point that gets lost in Davis’ story is that he did this over summer vacation, a time in which most other students at UNCP were hanging out at home or the beach, or working a job for a little money.
“I can’t think of a better way to prepare for a senior year,” said UNCP head wrestling coach Jamie Gibbs.
“If six weeks of training with the world’s elite doesn’t motivate you, then not much will,” Gibbs added.
In any sport, coaches speak of commitment, practice, and dedication as something that is year-round with no offseason. Davis took this to heart, and took a chance to train and learn from the best.
Two-a-day practices against the country’s best are far different from lifting weights and working on technique with teammates on your own. Davis traded this idea in for his suitcase and a journey, away from family and friends and everything that he was familiar with.
Down Time
Aside from training, Davis also had a little bit of free time. It was summer, after all.
Ping-pong, pool, and YouTube were three of Davis’ favorite things to do when he wasn’t on the wrestling mat.
“Call of Duty, oh man, do they play Call of Duty all the time up there. It’s almost a religion up there to play Call of Duty, they even have their own team up there,” Davis said.
And of course the musician in Davis found a guitar and strummed a few beats, which led to another YouTube video for him. The video shows Davis with members of the Croatian National Team, which also was at the OTC.
“I’m just messing around playing stuff, and they are loving it,” says Davis.
“But I’m mad because they won’t put the one up that the Croatian is rapping to one of my beats, in their language. I didn’t know what he was saying, but it was hilarious.”
Music Lover
Davis is still playing guitar now that he is back on campus. He has already performed several small gigs, and has some other people playing with him, forming his own little band.
Students across campus have taken a liking to something that Davis calls his way to “not be so intense and grrr all the time.”
When students, faculty, and anyone else reads Davis’ story, he hopes that both his musical and athletic abilities will cross over.
“Whenever they read it, hopefully they will swap sides and be like ‘Oh he wrestles too?’ or ‘He plays music?’ So hopefully everything continues to work out,” said Davis on his talents.
Senior Campaign
Coming back to UNCP and going up against Division II competition after facing the best of the best all summer long, it would be easy for Davis to get complacent and sit back.
But Davis is back on the mats as fearless as ever, ready for what lies ahead. Davis has not only began using O’Brian’s saying in his own life, but it trying to instill that thought pattern in his teammates as well. After a recent practice, no one could leave until they did some sort of tumble, something they didn’t think they could do, but to at least try it. And they could all thank Davis for that idea.
“The whole thing was to surpass your fears and try it, because that’s the difference between a guy that gets a pin and the guy who doesn’t, or the guy who wins a close match. He’s not afraid to try things, he’s fearless, he’s going to go all out, and that’s what I’m trying to instill in the guys now,” said Davis about his mental coaching.
Davis’ senior season will not be complete for him unless he finishes his collegiate career with a National title.
“I don’t care if I win any other tournaments, but I want to end it with a National title. It will be the first one at UNCP, and history is what I like making.”
Regardless of his final season statistics, Davis has already accomplished more than he could have envisioned and will go down as one of the Braves’ wrestling greats. A permanent residency and opportunity to train at the OTC full time after graduation is another choice that awaits him, but for the time being, Davis has switched his sights from Olympic gold to collegiate greatness.
Davis’ Golden Opportunity Awaits
- this is the second story of the three part series on Braves wrestler J.J Davis -
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By Nick Phillips
Asst Sports Editor
April 23, 2009
he time has come for UNC-P senior J.J Davis to travel and compete with the best wrestlers in the country. As many students are busy preparing for final exams and getting ready for the summer, Davis is set to take off on the first step in his Olympic goals on April 24.
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By Nick Phillips
Asst Sports Editor
April 23, 2009
he time has come for UNC-P senior J.J Davis to travel and compete with the best wrestlers in the country. As many students are busy preparing for final exams and getting ready for the summer, Davis is set to take off on the first step in his Olympic goals on April 24.
Davis, who placed 6th at the Division II National Championships as a junior last spring, used his red-shirt option this season, allowing him to train and prepare for the Olympics without having to worry about college wrestling at the same time.
Davis, whose Olympic journey first became known throughout the campus after the March 12 edition of The Pine Needle, says he has received tremendous support from everyone, faculty and students alike, all across the university.
“Ever since the story came out, I’ve always gotten questions about if I was trying to make the Olympic team. It’s been great, I’ve gotten a lot of support from the faculty and the coaching staff has been there every step of the way.”
Many may wonder how Davis is going to juggle studying for final exams while traveling and focusing on his opponents.
“The faculty has been great helping me get certain things I need to get turned in earlier, so I don’t miss stuff.
This is something that I was planning for, so me going to class and keeping my grades up was all part of it. Coach defiantly wouldn’t let me go off and miss days of class if I didn’t have the grades to.”
Davis is set to embark on the University National tournament, the first of many steps. If he places there, he will move onto the University World trials, all giving him exposure and recognition, with the ultimate goal of receiving an invitation to the Olympic Training Center.
Braves head wrestling coach Jamie Gibbs expressed the entire staff’s opinion of Davis when he called the wrestler a “second coach” on the practice mat.
“J.J has bought into the system. He’s resisted the system, very much, early on in his career, and now he’s just like having another coach.
“Overall, his constant improvement and his commitment to constantly keep improving, and that he never really hangs his head and gets discouraged with things” said Gibbs on his first thoughts when thinking of Davis and his work ethic during his time at UNC-P.
Gibbs said he and his staff, along with Davis’ fellow teammates, have all helped push and train Davis in the practice room, noting that Davis knows his goals and is now on “cruise-control” as the tournament approached.
Upon hearing his coach’s words, Davis said “I hope I’m going to be able to be on cruise control, but most likely, I’m going to be pedal to the medal, going as hard as this little car can go. If I can be on cruise-control and make my way to the finals, so be it. But I’m going to do whatever it takes to win.”
Since he was red-shirting this season on the collegiate level, Davis was unable to get many matches in, so while trying to do well and place, he will also be using this time and tournament to “gain momentum towards next year, my senior year.”
The musician in Davis has already given his senior wrestling campaign with the Braves a title – Vin Vini Vinci.
“Just like Caesar said, ‘I came, I saw, I conquered,’ and that’s how I want to start off my year. And this tournament starts everything."
In the earlier March 12 edition, Davis was contemplating which weight division to compete in. With the tournament rapidly approaching, Davis has pretty much locked down his Greco weight at 174 pounds, and “if the facilities and my weight permit, I will go 174 in the Freestyle as well. If not, I will go 185 for Freestyle” said Davis.
Davis said he won’t be able to make his final decision until he sees the facilities and can decide if the equipment and available amenities are in place for him to stay the same weight for both styles.
Regardless of his placement and outcome, Davis will be back on campus next fall as a part of the Braves program, as he quickly adds to his sights the goal of a National Championship. After his surprising 6th place finish last season, the All-American has his eyes towards winning the D-II Championship.
“All-Americans at the D-II level, people with those types of credentials are a dime a dozen,” said Gibbs, “but he’s got the ability to wrestle at that level…and become UNC-P’s first National Champ.”
“We want the best for him. He deserves the best; he’s a hard working kid who has bought into the system here. We wish him luck” said Gibbs.
As Davis prepares for his final days before embarking on the next chapter in his college career, he will have the entire university at his back, on his side rooting for him. His fan base will not falter or be effected by his placement, as he has built up a following here at UNC-P - students, faculty, and coaches – that have all expressed their support towards another student reaching for his dreams.
Even if it is a chance at Olympic gold.
Monday, October 26, 2009
UNCP's Davis Goes for Gold
(photo - uncpbraves.com)
By Nick Phillips
Asst Sports Editor
March 12, 2009
After walking off the mat last March, Braves wrestler J.J Davis had nothing to hang his head about. He had made his name known in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, site of the NCAA Division II National Championships. As a junior, Davis was fresh off knocking off two of the top six wrestlers in the country in sixth-ranked Mitch Norton and top-ranked Zachary Lee before eventually ending up with a sixth place finish in the Championships.
Davis, whose final record for 2007-08 season was 35-9 on his way to becoming UNC-Pembroke’s 59th All-American with his sixth place finish, would be on his way back to campus for his senior season and seemingly another shot at the National Championships.
But the Spartanburg, South Carolina native had another idea. A big idea. An idea to wrestle and compete in the 2012 Olympics in London, in which the first step is being able to train with the United States team at their Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
A Dream Coming True
The dream of getting to the Olympic Training Center (OTC) is one that started for Davis in high school, as he competed in several tournaments that would allow him to travel to the OTC and compete at the University level if he placed high enough in those tournaments. Wrestlers qualifying to go to the OTC to train also are able to receive a ‘red-shirt’ year, which allows them to retain another year of collegiate eligibility, as well as the chance to train with the Olympic team.
Davis agreed that placing sixth in the Championships last spring and becoming an All-American helped him, but that in the Olympics “there are two different styles of wrestling, Freestyle and Greco, which is different from the Folkstyle, or collegiate wrestling, that we do here.”
He also added that he is still deciding which of the two types of wrestling he will focus and train for at the OTC. The two are almost equal in his mind right now, as he weighs his possibilities of success in the Greco, in which a wrestler cannot attack his opponent’s legs, and Freestyle, where “pretty much everything goes.”
This fall, Davis was wrestled in an invite-only tournament in Puerto Rico, which laid the foundation and started his international career.
What to Expect
Davis expects the road to trying out for the Olympic team to be tough, as he predicts he will be competing against “multiple-time national champions, multiple-time world champions, and Olympic team members.”
“The road won’t be easy at all,” said Davis. “It is one with much hard work involved.”
The experience of being able to go to the OTC and train with the different wrestlers is a dream come true enough for Davis. Being able to get through the grind of the entire process and actually secure a spot on the U.S team is a different story.
“Making the team is something special, something on another level, another cloud, an entirely different universe,” said Davis on the prospect of him acquiring a spot on the National team’s roster.
“Making it to OTC…I have to take it one step at a time, first of all I have to start by placing at University, but getting to OTC is a dream. Just to say you got to train with Olympians and guys you used to look up to and actually be wrestling against them…It’s a dream come true.”
What weight?
With the University level of the OTC coming up in the spring, Davis is still wrestling within himself in regards to which weight class he will compete in.
After competing in tournaments this fall at the collegiate weight class of 165 pounds, Davis is contemplating on wrestling in the 163 pound weight class or bumping up into the next higher weight. The decision is a hard one for Davis, as the next class is 185 pounds.
With the way he is training, he feels that cutting the weight will have him losing muscle that he has already built up. He then would have to build those same muscles back up after competing, which is something he is not interested in doing.
Davis is in the process of discussing with coaches the best weight class for him to compete in, as he is “trying to be in the top three at whichever weight I go at this year” when participating in the University level.
His ‘Hobby’
Many people may know Davis for his voice and ability to play the guitar as much as for his accolades on the wrestling mat. Despite just picking up playing the guitar as a hobby last year, he is commonly seen at the ‘Broke Coffee Shop across from campus performing with Jimmie Worley. Davis also plays with other musicians, and can be found late into the night strumming the guitar and singing with groups in the residence halls and in the UC.
Worley says that he taught Davis a few chords last year, and that Davis took off from there, and that Davis has a “crazy athletic ability as well as a crazy music ability.”
“I didn’t imagine the publicity and the popularity I’ve received on campus. I’ve even had people wanting me to do shows for them,” says Davis.
“I really don’t know where it’s going to go, and I’m pretty much just riding the boat.”
Davis’ songs have found their way onto the popular site YouTube.com and there has even been a group entitled ‘I Heart Jimmie and J.J Music’ on the social networking site Facebook, which boasts over 230 members.
His self-written song “Dance for Me” is always a crowd pleaser, and others include “Don’t Go” and “On Your Porch,” which can be seen on YouTube. Davis even hinted that he may even have an album in the works.
“Everything he does, he does to the best of his ability,” said Worley about Davis.
Davis’ next scheduled event will be on April 4th at the newly renovated Carolina Civic Center, which is located in Lumberton and re-opened on February 13th. But he is sure to pop into the Coffee Shop on a Thursday night before then.
Regardless of what happens to Davis at the University level of competition and, hopefully, being able to train at the OTC and compete for a spot on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, he has already acquired a group of followers right here on campus that are rooting for him.
He has already made it this far, by just having this opportunity placed in front of him, and getting there is half the battle.
Schneider earns reputation as Braves big hitter
Photo by Matt Smith, Pine Needle Sports Editor
-Sophomore Allie Schneider prepares for a serve in the Braves’ game against local rival Fayetteville State University. Schneider was last season’s PBC Freshman of the Year and is looking to lead the team in 2009.
By Nick Phillips
Asst. Sports Editor
Oct 1, 2009
Allie Schneider began last season as a little known freshman that opposing coaches and players did not know what to expect from.
The Cincinnati, Ohio, native ended the season well known to the rest of the Peach Belt Conference, as her play earned her the title of 2008 PBC Freshman of the Year.
In addition to that accolade, Schneider added the honor of being selected to this season’s Peach Belt Conference preseason All-Conference team.
“The coaches in the conference recognized that last year and so did I,” said UNCP head volleyball coach Jeff Billington on Schneider’s PBC Freshman of the Year honor.
“She deserved it. She truly was, hands down, the best freshman in the conference,” he added.
Player of the YearSchneider sees herself as just another player on the UNCP team and said she was shocked to learn that she was selected as the award’s recipient.
“I didn’t expect it at all,” Schneider said. “I was proud of myself; I’ve never achieved that high of an accomplishment. I was proud.”Her stats confirm what the Peach Belt Conference saw. The then-freshman led all Lady Braves in kills, finishing the season with 322, which was also good enough for third overall throughout the entire conference.
In a match last season against Lander, she recorded her career-high of 28 kills. She totaled double-digit kills in 15 of the 31 matches she played in last season.
“She came in and the team recognized she was a good player, and she ended up excelling,” Billington said.
Overall, she hit for a .220 hitting percentage while tallying 372.5 points on the year. Schneider’s 3.13 kills per set average was the highest among freshmen and third highest overall in the Peach Belt Conference.
Her 2.95 digs per game ranked her 10th in the conference, while she led the Lady Braves with a total of 36 service aces.
Billington hinted that the best may yet to come with Schneider.
“Allie has yet to reach her true potential in my opinion, and I think she probably feels the same way. We are hoping for the same success she had last year and then some,” he said.
For the team
With all the honors and recognition, and leading the team in several statistical categories, it would be easy for a player to feel nervous or added pressure to perform at the same level or higher.
“I do feel some pressure on me,” said Schneider, “but we have a much more dynamic team this year so that pressure won’t be on me again.”
Even though she jumped right into the team last season and became a leader in statistic categories, Schneider said she doesn’t feel like she is, or has to be, as much of a vocal on the court.
If people recognize her on the court for her leadership, that is fine with her. If not, she is still doing what she knows how to do, and she is still a leader, vocal or not.
Sophomore Schneider looks to lead Braves in 2009 season“It could go either way. I like to be encouraging to my teammates, but I also like to be that person that steps up and gets the job done.”
When everything is said and done, Schneider values the team over the individual. She is more than happy to sit back and watch her teammates play hard and do well on the court than she is with herself being at the top of the stat sheets after games.
She said she would value a team oriented goal such as winning and a conference championship over an individual honor any day.
“It would be nice if I could have both at the same time,” she joked. “At the end of the day, it would be a lot better for us as a team to have wins and something like a conference championship.”
“Individual success leads to team success,” added Billington. “We have a lot of good players on this team, and Allie’s obviously one of them. We are hoping that it all comes together.”
A perfect season would end with the Lady Braves winning a conference title, Schneider and a host of her teammates making the postseason All-Conference team and Schneider’s stats looking like those she put up last season.
But perfection never happens, so the games will be played and the results fall in place as they may.
Whatever is the case, Schneider and her UNCP teammates will go out there and have fun playing volleyball and do what they do best.
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