Hudgins and Virgil get their calls

Former Gryphons Terrell Hudgins and Stephan Virgil were both passed up in the NFL Draft, but soon after the conclusion of the final picks, both were on the phones finding a team to land with.

Hudgins is expected to fly out to Dallas tomorrow to sign a rookie free agent contract with the Dallas Cowboys, according to multiple sources. These include Dr. Barbara Holt, Hudgins' mom, Leslie, and Elon University's news website, and unofficially through T-Mobile's Facebook, where his wall was splattered with congratulations and "how 'bout them Cowboys?" posts.

(photo - draftinsiders.com)

Virgil's agreement to sign with the Buffalo Bills, has to this point, only been seen by yours truly on Tony Doughtie's blog. Virgil did post a Facebook status confirming that he was signing with Buffalo, and that the "Buffalo Bills just picked up a balla."

(photo - espn.com)

NFL rookie camps begin next week, and hopefully both will be with their aforementioned teams.

Good luck to both of them as they begin the next chapter in their lives. Congratulate their families if you see them, and if you are lucky enough to see the guys this summer, grab their autograph. I know I will. Because you never know.....

When will the NFL dreams for former Gryphons come true?

Former Rocky Mount High football teammates Terrell Hudgins and Stephan Virgil knew they wouldn't be picked during today's first round of the NFL draft.

Now, the finger-biting begins. Both Terrell and Stephan are worthy of at least getting a shot with an NFL team. When will they get drafted? Will they get drafted? Will they get the shot they both have dreamed about? Will our Rocky Mount community get to boast of two former Gryphons playing in the NFL?

Many of us have had the opportunity to watch Virgil play on National TV during his career at Virginia Tech. We knew he was good when he caught passes and ran for touchdowns during his Gryphon days, but what about that mind-blowing speed from the corner to block field goal attempts during a games against one of the top college teams in the country? The game against ECU in Charlotte a few years ago immediately comes to mind.

Hudgins broke records set by NFL legend Jerry Rice while catching passes at Elon. I didn't get a chance to see Terrell play college ball, but it stands out to me that those who have seem to agree that the guy is a human highlight reel gone wild.


(photo - The Burlington Times-News)
Hudgins caught seemingly every ball his direction while piling up records while at Elon.

T-Mobile, Terrell's nickname on the Elon campus, showed up for many, many Gryphon Friday night football games after graduating, which says a lot about his ties to the Rocky Mount community and Alma mater. He always seemed to have time to stop and give my mom a hug, which has always made him one of mom's favorites.

Virgil sightings happen over the summers right in my neighborhood, where his parents still live and where he grew up. The car horn blowing and that same hand that swatted down the field-goal attempts and many an opposing quarterback throws to his area of the field would get thrown out the window as he passed by my house on his way into or out of the neighborhood.


(photo from Stephan Virgil's Facebook)
Virgil, with his parents, Richard and Sandra, and daughter Imani

A simple Google of either two's name will bring up tons of Draft information, while YouTube brings up videos of each, from highlights to interviews. take the time to watch and read some of these things if you haven't yet.

Here's hoping a couple of good guys, and truly talented football players, get their chance to become NFL players. The next couple of days will tell. Good luck to both of them.

Things looking up??

For anyone not familiar with Robeson County, the county is one of the poorest in both the state and country as a whole. Years ago, the county strived as a plant community, with many different companies having plants in the county. But now as more and more companies move overseas, the effect is seen right here.

So while this story may not be of that much interest to you, aside from maybe becoming a stop on the road to Myrtle Beach, think about what it would mean to Robeson County as well as the students of UNCP.

This story is from The Robesonian...
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Major development planned next to I-95

LUMBERTON — An ambitious plan to turn 257 acres adjacent to Interstate 95 into a retail, entertainment, dining and hospitality oasis — complete with a baseball stadium — was announced today by a Lumberton businessman and his new partners.

Rob Redfearn, owner of Black Water Grille, has gotten together with a group of private investors in a sweeping project they expect will change the face of Lumberton and Robeson County, according to a statement from Brooks Redfearn Developments.

The 257-acre tract of land located on the west side of I-95 between Exits 19 and 20 is now under contract to be purchased by Brooks Redfearn Developments for an undisclosed amount, according to the statement. The open land is between Carthage Road and Roberts Avenue, west of Lackey Street.

The broker for the property, Kenneth Richardson of KA Richardson Co. in Lumberton, told The Robesonian he cannot comment on the matter. Richardson did confirm that he represents the family that owns the land.

The preliminary plan for Brookstone Landing includes a number of new hotels, outparcels for restaurants, townhomes, apartments, retail shops, offices, big box retailers, a movie theater, a central shopping village, walking trails, bike paths, soccer fields, baseball fields, a skateboard park, rock climbing walls and more.

A 6,500-seat sports facility is also being considered for a Triple A baseball team. The stadium would also be used for concerts and other events.

Total investment in Brookstone Landing is expected to reach $875 million and likely will take years to reach completion, according to the developers.

They hope this collaboration will change the economic face of Robeson County, said Mae Graves of Brooks Redfearn Developments.

“It’s massive — 257 acres — we’re really excited about the project. It will be very good for Lumberton. It will be wonderful,” she said.

Redfearn said he formed a relationship with the developers after they saw a story on him on CNN in which he talked about his Lumberton restaurant and his desire to open a second one in Fayettevile.

“The contract is signed but we haven’t closed on it yet. We’ll close in the next few weeks,” said Redfearn. “... This is the kind of project that will put Lumberton on the map. It will dispel a lot of notions around the state that this area has not got a lot to offer, and will create an excitement that we all hope our local political leaders can parlay to attract even more business and industry to the area.

“The people in the rural parts of Southeast North Carolina have suffered too many job losses and economic hardships over the past 15 years. We feel that is about to change.”

According to Graves, the developers are in discussions with several large chains of restaurants and hotels. Graves said it is important to work together with the city and county officials “to create a vital and active sort of facility that we can all be proud of.”

Redfearn said the location is ideal.

“Believe it or not there are nearly 2 million people living within 60 miles of this location. In addition, there are over 2 million cars per month traveling I-95 and I-74. This development will give more of them a great reason to stop, shop, dine and spend the night.

“This will be a cohesive, planned development that is similar to others found around the country — incorporating residential and office areas with popular retail, entertainment and dining alternatives, all designed to be attractive and functional,” Redfearn said.

The developers say they are designing a project that will be attractive to retirees as well as younger people who they foresee moving to Robeson County as the area grows and new industry requires additional manpower.

There is a shortage of good rental properties in the city, and the project will create mid- to upscale living accommodations adjacent to shopping and entertainment venues, according to the release.

“Attracting new industry to the area has been historically difficult because Lumberton has not had a lot of amenities to offer. This development will change that forever,” Redfearn said.

“Having an abundance of good restaurants, shopping and entertainment alternatives has always been essential to attracting manufacturers and distributors which can provide higher-than-average paying jobs. It’s a symbiotic growth plan where all parties benefit,” he said.

For information call (888) 370-5217, Ext. 300, or visit the Web site at www.brooksredfearn.com.

Of interest to the UNCP area...

This may not be big news to people in Rocky Mount, but I ran across this story in The Robesonian from the other day, which is the daily newspaper for Robeson County and includes Lumberton, Pembroke, and UNCP.

I bet not too many people knew this about down in this area, especially not up in the Twin Counties.

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Gracious acceptance: The Robeson County Hall of Fame welcomes six new inductees

PEMBROKE — Ruffin McNeill, one of six new inductees into the Robeson County Sports Hall of Fame, summed up the feelings of the night when he said “I know we think all the same in terms that we are honored and blessed to be a part of this first class event.”

McNeill spoke for the other inductees at the end of the R.A. Jeffreys Installation Banquet Sunday night at the University Annex at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

The East Carolina University head football coach added he was proud to have his name mentioned alongside the initial honorees as well as future ones. In addition, McNeill joked the new inductees had to thank one particular group, the Hall of Fame selection committee.

“It really is an honor to be brought in with the first class,” McNeill said. “This is an awesome and first class event. Thanks to the Induction Committee, we’re happy to be here.”

McNeill concluded his brief speech by recognizing the families and friends of this year’s class.

“Surrounding ourselves with family and friends is a reason why things like this happen,” he said. “I know my mother is looking down on this tonight. Every now and then God gives us a wink. I call them God winks. Thank you for the God wink tonight.”

McNeill played three sports at Lumberton High School and continued his football career at East Carolina University. A defensive back, McNeill lettered all four years and was a captain for two seasons. He began his coaching career at Lumberton before moving on to Clemson, North Alabama, Austin Peay, ECU, Appalachian State, Fresno State and Texas Tech. He served as defensive coordinator with the Red Raiders, before he was selected to the ECU post earlier this year.

Joining McNeill to be inducted into the Hall of Fame Sunday night were: Hampton Coleman, Robert “Greasy” Graham, Pauline Bullard Locklear, Lee Vernon McNeill and Roy Vaughn.

A Red Springs native, Coleman pitched professionally for the Brooklyn Dodgers and for several minor league teams. Before that, Coleman led his American Legion team to the national finals in Montana, pitched for Red Springs High School and the Red Robbins, a semi-pro team out of St. Pauls. After two years at The University of North Carolina, Coleman began his professional career with the Boston Red Sox organization. While playing with the Louisville Colonels, the Triple A affiliate of the Red Sox, Coleman’s contract was purchased by the Dodgers. He pitched his team to the Mini-World Series in 1951 and won the title the following year.

Graham is an icon in St. Pauls sports history. He was inducted as a “special contributor” to Robeson County sports. Along with fellow Hall of Fame member Joe Brisson, Graham was “Mr. Baseball” for more than 40 years in the community. Graham was also a Bronze Star recipient in World War II. After the war, he return home to work for Burlington Mills as a mechanic, earning his nickname. After work, he devoted his life to the youth of the town. There is a baseball field named in his honor.

Locklear graduated from Prospect High School in 1950. She attended Pfieffer College and was their starting forward on the basketball team. Locklear was one of the first Lumbee athletes to play collegiately somewhere other than at UNCP. She was also one of the first persons of color to play college sports at an all-white institution in North Carolina.

Lee Vernon McNeill was an outstanding football player and track athlete at St. Pauls High School. He won both the 100- and 200-meter state championships in 1984. At East Carolina University, he was three-time All-American. He teamed with Carl Lewis, Harvey Glance and Robeson County Hall of Fame member Lee McRae to win the 4x100-meter relay at the Pan American Games and was a member of the 1988 U.S. Olympic team that competed in Seoul, South Korea.

Roy Vaughn took over a struggling athletic program at Maxton High School in 1971. In just five years, Vaughn guided Maxton to a state basketball championship in 1974 and a football crown in 1975. In the football championship contest, Maxton won the game 86-8, which remains a state record for the most points scored in a title game. Vaughn earned state coach of the year honors. In addition, Vaughn coached track and served as the athletic director.

Braves honor all-time basketball great

By Nick Phillips
Asst. Sports Editor
Feb. 25, 2010

Photo by Nick Phillips

Former UNCP men’s basketball player Joe Gallagher was joined at his reception by his wife, Sharon, and family members. Gallagher’s jersey was officially retired by UNCP at the Feb. 13 dinner.

UNCP honored one of its all-time greats on Feb. 13, as Joe Gallagher, who holds the school’s basketball all time scoring record, returned home to a reception in his honor.

Despite the snow that forced the cancellation of the Braves men’s and women’s basketball games, a large number of Gallagher’s former teammates and players, as well as family and friends, were in attendance.

Among the evening’s speakers were UNCP Chancellor Charles Jenkins, UNCP Director of Athletics Dan Kenney and Gallagher. Kenney served as an assistant coach for Gallagher’s teams in the 1970s. Also in attendance were current UNCP head basketball coaches Ben Miller and John Haskins.

The highlight of the night was the presentation of Gallagher’s actual, game-worn jersey, which was framed with UNCP colors and presented to Gallagher by Chancellor Jenkins, Kenney and Miller. The jersey had been sitting in university archives prior to being presented to Gallagher

Along with the presentation of the jersey, Gallagher’s number 24 was officially retired by the university. His jersey had been retired since 1970, but there was never a formal announcement.

On a surprising note, a group of Gallagher’s former teammates announced they would be starting the Joe Gallagher Athletic Scholarship fund to help one of UNCP’s athletes each year.

“Today is one of the great days in the life of the university, celebrating the success of one of our alumni and a great basketball player, but more than anything a great ambassador for the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, since really 1964. The scholarship will continue to be a great part of that tradition,” Chancellor Jenkins said.

“With the turnout, you can see today that this represented so much to so many people and it brought back a time, an era, which is very special for the University,” Chancellor Jenkins added.

Kenney talked about the friendships that were created long ago on the campus of UNCP and how the honoring of Gallagher attests to the friendships that hold strong today.

“Here are some guys that all played and went to school together in the 60s, and that Pembroke bond has never been broken. And, you can see that it’s genuine and it’s all because of how Joe is,” Kenney said.

During his stint as a player from 1964 to 1968, Gallagher set school records with the best scoring average, averaging 25.6 points per game, and the best rebounding average, averaging 14.5 rebounds per game. Gallagher also holds UNCP’s highest basketball honor. With a total of 2,161 points, Gallagher remains the school’s all-time leading scorer.

After being drafted by the Kentucky Colonels of the American Basketball Association upon graduation in 1968, GallagherSunday, February 28, 2010ate coaching experience. He returned to Pembroke to coach his alma mater from 1975 to 1978. Gallagher also previously coached in the National Basketball Association with the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers.

Gallagher, a Philadelphia native, served four years in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1964. He currently lives in Myrtle Beach, S.C., with his wife, Sharon.

Catching WAY WAY WAY up....

It's been a while. I've been keeping myself too busy to post anything, with school work, Pine Needle writing, setting up my summer internship, Pembroke student ambassador duties, family visits and spending my few minutes of extra time with Mindy. Also having my laptop currently in Texas somewhere getting fixed has hindered me from posting as well.

School work is going well. A double-major within the Mass Com department in Journalism and Broadcasting hasn't been too bad, so far. I've been lucky enough to catch on with the UNCP student newspaper, The Pine Needle, since my freshman year, so I've had the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the journalism side of my major before actually taking journalism classes. (A big Thank You has to go out to Charles Alston here, too, as his expertise and guidance prepared me while doing Rocky Mount Gryphon football games and contributing to ihigh for four years. His insight and mentorship put me on the right path.)

I was given the title (and work) of Assistant Sports Editor for the Pine Needle while I was still a freshman. In addition to writing the articles for each edition of the paper, I have actually been learning how to plan out the next edition and how to put all the articles, pictures and advertisements together for the finished product. I'm looking forward to the possibility of moving into the Sports Editor's role next year as a junior at UNCP.

I have also been working for the University as a student ambassador since my freshman year. I take prospective students on tours of our campus, field questions from them and their parents, give them the history of the University and fill them in on it's future plans. I do this during the school year and also throughout the summer. The ambassador role has given me the opportunity to speak to hundreds of these students and parents whenever we do Family Days, Open House, or whenever we have large groups visiting during other special days. Although I didn't know it at the time I agreed to get in front of all these people and talk about my experiences here at Pembroke, this has also given me the opportunity to hone my speaking skills, which has helped me in my Broadcasting Major and on my Monday night sports show here on campus.

Recently, as an ambassador, I had the opportunity to show Rocky Mount senior Chandler Phillips around the UNCP campus. Being my brother, he had been here several times during visits with my parents, but he really didn't get around to the entire campus. He had wrestled inside the English E. Jones Center, been to my dorm, and into the student center, which houses the cafeteria. Other than the bookstore and football field, that was all he had seen.

Chandler plans to major in Criminal Justice. During his official visit, he met with one of the department heads and sat in on a class in the Criminal Justice Building.

He also met with UNCP wrestling coach Jamie Gibbs.

Chandler's second (maybe first) reason for going to college includes Army ROTC. My brother wants to go into the military, and the ROTC program will give him the opportunity to go into the Army as an officer. If he can finish high enough, he would have the job he chooses when he graduates. Going to UNCP, he could opt to use his Criminal Justice degree to do something else if the military life doesn't suit him.

Chandler and coach Gibbs will talk again soon. Right now, we're not certain that Chandler will continue his wrestling career at Pembroke (who sent four to NCAA Division II National Championships and returned two All-Americans). There is a big conflict between the ROTC and being a member of the wrestling team. Both groups demand loads of commitment and even more time. Only Chandler can determine if he can put forth the physical effort to do both. I will update you on his decision as he works through it. (Chandler narrowed his choices to UNCP and Appalachian State before choosing Pembroke).

I'm looking forward to my summer away from school, although a good portion of it will include doing my first summer internship. I can't believe I have to pay for a summer class because I'm working over the summer. I'm paying for a class and I won't be at school OR at home with my family. In order to get credit for an internship, I had to register for a summer class and pay for it. At least I'm getting credit hours towards my degree in return.

After moving all my stuff back home at the end of the school year, I'm planning to do next to nothing for about a week. Addison Teachey and I will then drive down to Tampa, Florida to take in a three game set between the Rays and the Red Sox at Tropicana Field. Unfortunately, our "Baseball Road Trip" was canceled last summer, but we are continuing the tradition that began after graduation from RMHS in '08, when we traveled to Baltimore, Maryland to watch the Orioles and Astros play. I'm pretty stoked that we can get this Road Trip back on track this year.

Upon returning from Tampa, I'll head to Charlotte, North Carolina, where I'll spend a good portion of my remaining summer days. My internship will be behind the microphone of the Lake Norman Copperheads' summer league baseball broadcasts. The Copperheads are a baseball team made up of college players, competing in the Southern Collegiate Baseball League. The league consists of teams from North and South Carolina and Tennessee. I'll be doing the Copperhead home game broadcasts a couple times a week. You can catch my play-by-play on the internet by going to the Lake Norman Copperheads Home Page, then clicking on the "listen at Teamline" icon. I'll also be working on revamping their webpage, Twitter and Facebook pages while I'm not calling games.

I'm pretty excited about the opportunity to do live radio/internet broadcasts. Please feel free to send me your comments, if you get the chance to listen in for a few innings over the summer. Hopefully, my experience doing the Monday night sports radio show at the UNCP radio station will help get me through the games. Since I've never actually sat in the booth and called a game, it will be an interesting summer of learning for me.

Speaking of live radio, we have experienced some technical difficulty the past couple of weeks on the show, but you will hopefully be able to listen to the last last few of the year. You can listen in on the 'net by going to UNCP.com, then clicking the scroll down bar on the right side of the page and scrolling down to UNCP Radio. Once on the Radio page, click on "Live Broadcasts". We are live for about an hour, starting about 6 PM on Monday evenings. We discuss and recap the previous week's sporting events that involve Braves teams and a little bit of the sports world outside the campus.

Looking forward to sharing my thoughts during my upcoming Summer Experience '10,

Nick.