Union County Weekly

Vol. 11 No. 6

February 5, 2016 www.unioncountyweekly.com

Special Report

SUPER IMPACT INSIDE: An entire edition devoted to how the Panthers’ quest for a Super Bowl title boosts everything from education to the economy

Photos courtesy of Charlottesgotalot.com

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Panthers Den 3 | Fan Pictures 6 | Education 10 | Trivia 15 | Faith 17 | Watch Parties 18 | Sports 20 | Classifieds 23

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Union County Weekly | February 5, 2016 | Page 3

Keep Pounding

Thomas Davis

A look at where the Panthers prowl

by Justin Vick justin@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

The Carolina Panthers aren’t just engaged in community service. It’s more like they are helping neighbors.

Players and coaches spend money at local shops and restaurants, support breast cancer awareness efforts, visit schools and participate in various charities.

Here’s a look at some current and former Carolina Panthers personnel that live in Mecklenburg and Union counties.

Jon Beason • Position: Former linebacker • Seasons: 2007-13 • Why we love him: Beason, a first-round pick in 2007, was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and wound up making multiple Pro Bowls.

He’s a great defender who has played outside of his natural position. • Where he lives: Beason bought a home in the Crane Valley neighborhood in Marvin a few months after the 2007 NFL Draft. What did he get

Panther Ad.pdf 1 2/3/2016 11:16:27 AM

Photos courtesy of Mecklenburg County

for $1.35 million? A two-story, 7,915-square-foot home with five bedrooms. Though he joined the New York Giants in 2013, he’s yet to put the home on the market.

Brenton Bersin • Position: Wide receiver • Seasons: 2014-15 • Why we love him: The Wofford graduate has worked hard to become a contributor on the hometown team. He didn’t give up after getting waived during the 2012 preseason and playing on the practice squad in 2013. He made his official debut in 2014, and has caught nine receptions for 119 yards in nine games this season. • Where he lives: Bersin grew up near team owner Jerry Richardson and graduated from Charlotte Latin School. He bought a condo in the Dilworth area in April 2014 for $220,000.

Jerricho Cotchery • Position: Wide receiver • Seasons: 2014-15 • Why we love him: Cotchery signed with Carolina in 2014 after a career year in Pittsburgh, when he caught 10 touchdowns and 46 passes. He’s caught 39 passes this season and scored three touchdowns, including the game-winner in a 4138 win at New Orleans. • Where he lives: Cotchery bought a nearly 2-acre property in Huntersville in July 2015 for $172,500. Around that time, he put his five-bedroom home in Watchung, N.J. on the market last year. It's listed at $1.6 million.

• Position: Linebacker • Seasons: 2005-15 • Why we love him: Fans have cheered Davis since the Panthers picked him 14th in the 2005 NFL Draft. He tallied 105 tackles, four fumbles and four interceptions this season to earn his first Pro Bowl invitation. • Where he lives: Davis bought a luxury home for $380,000 in The Sanctuary at Lake Wylie in February 2009, not long after notching more than 100 tackles. He earned the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2014 for his charity work and The Bart Starr Award recently for his leadership.

John Fox • Position: Former head coach • Seasons: 2002-10 • Why we love him: Fox left a mark on both Super Bowl 50 franchises, leading Carolina and Denver to the championship game. At Carolina, he brought a renewed sense of popularity to the phrase, “It is what it is.â€? • Where he lives: Fox bought a mansion in July 2006 off the 14th fairway of Quail Hollow Golf Course for $2.1 million. The Chicago Bears coach put the 1-acre lot on the market for $7 million in summer 2015, making the home one of the region’s most expensive. It’s listed at $6.5 million.

Jordan Gross • Position: Former offensive tackle • Seasons: 2003-2013 • Why we love him: Fans started cheering Gross as the eighth pick of the 2003 NFL Draft.

He wound up playing in three Pro Bowls. Gross retired in 2013, a year in which the Panthers won the division title and the offensive tackle made the Pro Bowl. Since retiring, he’s been entertaining fans on the Carolina Panthers Radio Network.

• Where he lives: Gross bought a 5,000-squarefoot home in June 2006 for $1,524,500. The estate spanned 4.6 acres within The Sanctuary gated community. The home was put on the market last month for $925,000.

J.J. Jansen

• Position: Long snapper • Seasons: 2009-2015 • Why we love him: Jansen has contributed to the success of kicker Graham Gano and punter Brad Nortman as the long snapper for extra points, field goals and punts. He joined Carolina from a trade with Green Bay in 2009. He’s an avid supporter of Beds 4 Kids and Coaches Time Out. • Where he lives: Jansen bought a home in June 2012 for $930,000 near Freedom Park in Charlotte.

It consists of four bedrooms and five bathrooms.

John Kasay

• Position: Former kicker • Seasons: 1995-2010 • Why we love him: No one has scored more points in franchise history than Kasay, who was part of the very first Carolina Panthers squad in 1995. He’s kicked 351 field goals and 429 extra points. Carolina signed him to a one-day contract

(see Panther Homes on page 4)

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Page 4 | February 5, 2016 | Union County Weekly

Panther Homes (continued from page 3)

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• Where he lives: We also love that Kasay has stuck around. He serves as athletic director of Charlotte Christian School. Kasay bought a home in the Olde Providence South neighborhood for nearly $1.9 million.

A.J. Klein • Position: Linebacker • Seasons: 2013-15 • Why we love him: He’s a contributor of one of the NFL’s best defenses, starting in six of 15 games this season. He tied a career high in Week 3 against New Orleans by making 10 tackles.

• Where he lives: Klein bought a 1,500-squarefoot home in Dilworth for $400,000 in March 2015.

The year prior, he started in eight of 14 games.

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• Position: Defensive tackle • Seasons: 2013-15 • Why we love him: Lotulelei recently made headlines for not dabbing with the defense for a post-NFC Championship photo opp. Panthers blog Black and Blue Review quoted the bearded one as saying he didn’t want to look dumb by doing it wrong. He has amassed 22 tackles and a sack this season.

• Where he lives: December 2014 was a memorable month for Lotulelei, who helped the Panthers win four games and a NFC Wild Card berth.

He also bought a home for $342,000 in the Park Station South neighborhood.

Muhsin Muhammad • Position: Former wide receiver • Seasons: 1996-2004; 2008-09 • Why we love him: Some diehards use Muhammad as the litmus test for bandwagon fans.

Muhammad was the team’s premier receiver before Steve Smith caught fire in the mid-2000s. He ranks second all-time among Panthers receivers, logging 9,255 yards and 50 touchdowns.

• Where he lives: Muhammad made headlines in 2009 when he put his million-dollar south Charlotte home for sale on eBay. A Duke Energy executive bought it for $1.4 million in 2013. Muhammad bought a much more modest home in the Providence Crossing neighborhood in 2009.

home, located on 1.44 acres in The Point subdivision in Mooresville, can be yours for nearly $3.8 million. Peppers doesn’t need the 8,810-squarefoot home, having played four seasons with the Chicago Bears and two seasons with the Green Bay Packers.

Jerry Richardson • Position: Owner • Seasons: 1993-2015 • Why we love him: Photos of Richardson dabbing with players this fall attracted a lot of attention on social media, as have acts of kindness for Carolina fans. Forbes valued his franchise at $1 billion, ranking the Panthers 23rd on its list of the World’s 50 Most Valuable Sports Teams.

• Where he lives: Richardson has lived in his Morrocroft Estates home since 1996. Mecklenburg County assesses the estate, located in a gated community, at $2.6 million. The home consists of five bedrooms and eight bathrooms.

Ron Rivera • Position: Head coach • Seasons: 2011-15 • Why we love him: Since taking over a 2-14 team, Rivera has led the Panthers to the top of the NFC South division for three consecutive seasons.

He earned NFL coach of the year honors in 2013 and could win it in 2015 after nearly pulling off an unbeaten season.

• Where he lives: Someone occasionally tweets they’ve seen Rivera at a SouthPark-area store or restaurant. That’s because Rivera lives in the Heydon Hall gated community in south Charlotte. He bought his two-story home in 2011 for $1 million.

Steve Smith • Position: Former wide receiver • Seasons: 2001-13 • Why we love him: Not only was Smith the greatest offensive player to wear a Panthers uniform, but he also was the heart of the team for many years. Now with Baltimore, the five-time Pro Bowler continues to move up the list of the NFL’s all-time receiving yards.

• Where he lives: Smith bought a $700,000 home in the Weddington Hills subdivision in June 2006, months after winning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. The Union County resident is active in the community, donating money last year to a Marvin mayoral campaign.

Greg Olsen • Position: Tight end • Seasons: 2011-15 • Why we love him: Olsen caught 77 passes for a career high 1,104 yards, passing retired tight end Wesley Walls for third on Carolina’s all-time receiving list (behind receivers Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad). 2015 also marked his second 1,000-plus yard seasons.

• Where he lives: Olsen bought 2.9-acre property in the Old Providence North neighborhood for $650,000 in 2014, following his first 1,000-yard season. He was nominated for NFL Man of the Year for his work raising awareness and money for cancer and heart defect research among children.

Julius Peppers • Position: Former linebacker • Seasons: 2002-09 • Why we love him: Peppers came into the league as a physical specimen, having played basketball and football for the North Carolina Tar Heels. He recorded 10-plus sacks in six of his eight seasons to become Carolina’s all-time leader.

• Where he lives: Peppers bought his lakefront mansion in August 2006 for $4.2 million. The

Wesley Walls • Position: Former tight end • Seasons: 1996-2002 • Why we love him: Before Greg Olsen arrived, Walls was the franchise’s greatest tight end. Olsen passed Walls this year in terms of receiving yards, but still trails him in scoring. Walls won a Super Bowl ring (with the 49ers) and enshrinement in the College Football Hall of Fame.

• Where he lives: After retiring from the NFL, Walls has been working in real estate development, recently signing on as development director for Collett Development. Walls bought a 5,541square-foot home for $780,000 in the Ballantyne area in 2013.

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Union County Weekly | February 5, 2016 | Page 5

Keep Pounding

Churches in Charlotte, Denver hold friendly competition

by Hannah Chronis hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Members of Myers Park UMC help collect and sort canned food in an effort to beat Denver Methodist churches’ collection.

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Denver collected 104,000 items compared to Seattle’s 53,000.

“They have a head start, because they’ve done this before,” Garfield said. “But we’re up to the challenge, and at the end of the day, it’s about helping the food pantries so they can help feed the poor.”

Food collected in Charlotte’s drive will be donated to Loaves & Fishes. Donations can be dropped off at the nonprofit through Sunday, as well as Myers Park UMC and Providence UMC. Canned soup, canned vegetables, peanut butter and rice are needed, among other food items.

“I think this is a model for the power of sports to bring communities together,” Garfield said.

“It’s more than a football game. These players live in our community, and there is a connection that everyone feels. This is a great way to be a part of that.”

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CHARLOTTE – Local Methodist churches are showing their Panther pride leading up to the Super Bowl, but not by dabbing, wearing No. 1 jerseys or shouting “Luuuuuuuuuke” for everyone to hear.

Instead, the churches are using the Panthers’ national attention to collect food for the homeless.

It all began when the Methodist community in Denver reached out to churches in Charlotte to wager a friendly bet. Regardless of the final score of Sunday’s game, the winner in the faith community will be determined by who collects the most nonperishable food leading up to the Super Bowl.

“It’s really taken off,” said Ken Garfield, communications director at Myers Park United Methodist Church. “All of the 100 or so United Methodist congregations around Charlotte are participating, and I’ve even seen some Presbyterian churches getting involved.”

As of Jan. 31, the congregations in Charlotte had collected 2,339 food items.

“It’s been a wonderful way to translate the enthusiasm for the team and the Super Bowl into a charitable spirit,” Garfield said.

Denver participated in a similar challenge when the Broncos faced the Seattle Seahawks in 2014. The Seahawks might’ve crushed the Broncos on the field, but they didn't come close to raising enough food to beat the mile-high city.

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Page 6 | February 5, 2016 | Union County Weekly

Panthers fever spreads through Union County For the second time in franchise history, the Carolina Panthers have made it to the Super Bowl. This year's game will be played on Sunday, Feb. 7, in Santa Clara, California. While most Charlotteans won't be traveling to the West Coast for the big game, they're not lacking in Panther pride. Check out a few of our favorite fan-submitted pictures.

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Advertising: adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com Letters to the Editor: hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com Press Releases: hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

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Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

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Charlotte: more than just football City partners release seven-part series celebrating the area Staff Report

Panther fever has placed a national spotlight on Charlotte, but city representatives are ready to prove that the Queen City has more to offer than a good football team. The city of Charlotte, Charlotte Center City Partners, the Charlotte Chamber, the Charlotte Regional Partnership and the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority released a seven-part series leading up to Super Bowl 50 highlighting all the Panthers’ hometown has to offer.

The first installment of the series highlighted area “firsts” in a timeline of the city’s history including: • The Meck Dec, 1775. Local tradition holds farmers signed a Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence on May 20, 1775.

• First branch of the U.S. Mint, 1837. The first branch of the United States Mint opened in Charlotte, and its reconstruction can be viewed at the Mint Museum Randolph.

• NASCAR racing, 1949. The first NASCAR Strictly Stock race was held.

• Birth of funk music, 1965. James Brown, the godfather of funk, recorded the genre’s landmark album, “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” in a Charlotte studio.

• Interstate banking, 1980. Charlotte mogul Hugh McColl helped craft the Interstate Banking Contract, which allowed banks to expand across state lines.

• Orange traffic barrels, 1985. Tom Cory, a Charlotte engineer, invented lightweight traffic barrels out of plastic.

• Carolina Panthers, 1993. On Oct. 26, 1993, NFL owners unanimously selected Carolina as the NFL’s 29th franchise.

• U.S. Whitewater Center, 2006. The largest man-made whitewater river in the world opened.

Charlotte will host the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for canoe/kayak slalom at the Whitewater Center

Photo courtesy of Charlottesgotalot.com

April 7 to 9.

Another installment in the series highlighted some of Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton’s favorite spots in the city. His go-to places to visit include: Food Truck Friday, Romare Bearden Park, Hazelnuts Crêperie, Chili Man and Strike City bowling at the EpiCenter.

A big focal point for Charlotte outside of the Panthers is its craft brew scene. Charlotte has seen an increase in craft beer sales of 21.8 percent in the last year, and has more than three dozen breweries in operation or coming soon. In 2014, NoDa Brewing Company’s “Hop, Drop ‘n Roll” won the gold in the American-Style IPA category at the World Beer Cup. Last year, Sycamore Brewing’s “Southern Girl Lager” won bronze, alongside Trip C Brewing Co.’s “3C IPA” at the Great American Beer Festival. The same year, Sugar Creek Brewing’s “Belgian Dubbel” won silver at the U.S. Open Beer Championship.

The partnership will release the series through Sunday. Contact Sandy D’Elosua with the city of Charlotte at sdelosua@ci.charlotte.nc.uc for more information on the series.

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Union County Weekly | February 5, 2016 | Page 9

Keep Pounding

Super Bowl hype creates business opportunities

by Justin Vick justin@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

INDIAN TRAIL – Wesley Chapel resident Rodney McDonald will watch this year’s Super Bowl from a conference room. And if the Carolina Panthers jump out to a big lead over the Denver Broncos, his staff will join him to help ramp up production of about 30,000 official championship shirts.

“We have so much riding on it,” McDonald said. “It’s a really big day for our company.”

McDonald owns Indian Trail-based LogoDogz, which specializes in screen printing and embroidering apparel. In recent years, the company has become a hot-market printer for nearby NFL, NBA and NHL franchises.

Hot market printing involves fast bulk orders to capitalize on an emerging trend. In sports apparel, it’s typically done after a team wins a championship.

When the Panthers defeated the Arizona Cardinals to win the NFC Championship, staff at LogoDogz printed about 20,000 championship shirts in the nine hours following the game.

McDonald and several of his managers were watching the game at the office. Staff began coming in at halftime to set up the printing presses.

By then, the Panthers were up 24-7.

Contracts come at a premium considering the company is waiting on standby and prints during Sunday night off-hours. Then there’s the pride of printing NFC and Super Bowl title shirts.

While the company appreciates the additional

business and notoriety, at the end of the day, it represents one or two days worth of printing – if the hometown team wins.

“It’s a win or go home thing for us,” McDonald said.

Since 2002, the firm has grown from a 2,500square-foot space to a 350,000-square-foot building. Part of its success is using a stable process that allows orders to be completed as efficiently as possible, McDonald said.

“We run a good quality shop,” he said. “That’s been our secret.”

Super Bowl inspires menus

Kevin Clark, a reporter with The Wall Street Journal, revealed in a Jan. 19 story that the secret ingredient in the Carolina Panthers’ success was frequent trips to the Waffle House.

Cam Newton, Mike Tolbert and Jonathan Stewart were among players outed as regulars of the 24-hour diner. In the story, Tre Boston gushed about the heartiness of the chain’s AllStar Special.

Waffle House has since returned the love with several tweets on Twitter. One features a photo of CEO Walt Ehmer wearing a Frank Alexander jersey and dabbing with other corporate employees.

Unfortunately for Carolina, there isn’t a Waffle House near Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. There isn’t a Bojangles there either, but the Charlotte-based chicken chain plans to deliver sweet tea to the team through a 2,000-mile road trip. Follow the journey on Twitter with hashtag, #Tea4PantherNation.

Rallying the community

Red Rocks Café, located on Providence Road, had to settle for posting a 14-second clip wishing the team luck with staff standing in front of the restaurant and making a dab pose.

The restaurant has introduced a catering menu for Super Bowl Sunday, which includes Superman Cam’s Blue Cheese Chips and Luuuuuuke’s Queso Spinach Dip. Other area restaurants have put Panthers-inspired items on the menu: • Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, which has locations at East Boulevard and John J. Delaney Drive, unveiled its new Wham Bam Thank You Cam Burger. The seven-ounce patty is topped with pulled pork, pepper jack cheese, onion straws and apple-bacon barbecue sauce.

• Bang Bang Burgers, located on 7th Street in Uptown Charlotte, unleashed a Carolina Panthers Burger with sharp cheddar, smoked slow roasted pulled pork, barbecue sauce, coleslaw and fried onion strings.

• Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar at SouthPark Mall offers the Pounder Cake Shake, with a pound of vanilla ice cream, pound cake and blue sprinkles.

It’s inspired by safety Kurt Coleman, who enjoys pound cake milkshakes there.

• Cowbell Burger & Whiskey Bar rolled out The Number One, which features a beef patty melt on sourdough bread with American and Swiss cheeses, onions, pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, and barbecue sauce.

• Amelie’s French Bakery & Café has made Panthers-inspired macaroons. The blueberryflavored confections had three silver claw marks painted on them.

Mecklenburg County Commissioners approved a resolution Monday, Feb. 2, calling for Feb. 7, 2016, to be observed as #OneCarolina Day. The Carolina Panthers tweeted the hashtag to acknowledge the support of North and South Carolina fans. Other professional and college teams in both states have used the hashtag to lend their support.

Riley Fields, community relations director of the Panthers, said it’s been special to hear stories of how people have come together this year to rally around the team’s success.

“It’s especially gratifying for me to know as a native Charlottean that the excitement the team has delivered on the fields on Sundays this season has really helped serve as a catalyst to unite people as a community,” Fields said.

The Feb. 7 resolution credits the Panthers for serving as role models to youth and bringing a national spotlight to Charlotte.

More than 45 million people watched the Carolina Panthers dominate the Arizona Cardinals during the 2016 NFC Championship. Last year’s Super Bowl attracted a record 111.5 million viewers.

Trevor Fuller, chairman of the county commission, said the Feb. 2 proclamation was to honor what the Carolina Panthers have done on the field. Fuller said the team was a representation of the community.

“When you really think about what the Panthers have done this season, it is a real testament to our whole community,” Fuller said. “When people say we can’t do, we do. When people give us all kinds of challenges, we meet them and exceed them.”

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Page 10 | February 5, 2016 | Union County Weekly

Education

Area students show off their Panther pride UCPS students are taking their Panther spirit to school leading up to the big game. Many have celebrated with “Panther Pride” Fridays.

Photos courtesy of UCPS and Union Academy

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Union County Weekly | February 5, 2016 | Page 11

Education

Wesley Chapel students celebrate Carolina Panthers all year

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

WESLEY CHAPEL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The community at Wesley Chapel Elementary School is not full of bandwagon Carolina Panthers fans. In fact, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been cheering on the Panthers since the beginning of the school year.

Wesley Chapel has hosted Panther Mania Fridays throughout the entire school year, according to Principal Wendy Gravely, where students, faculty and staff don their Panthers gear every Friday.

Staff enjoys Panther-themed treats each Friday and cheers on the Panthers each weekend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve just been doing everything we can to support them,â&#x20AC;? Gravely said.

The school also is preparing students to take the field.

Physical education teacher Leslie Carmichael challenged students on Panther Football Friday to participate in footballthemed activities, such as relays, football toss and touchdown victory dances.

Students of all grade levels participated in the all-day Panther event and wore helmets and shoulder pads during their relay races to match the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme.

Carmichael also encouraged teachers and parents to utilize social media to bring attention to the event and spread Panther pride worldwide. The school received communication directly from the Carolina Panthers and several of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pictures were featured by the Panthers #BlackFriday event. Gravely said the school community is ready to cheer on the Panthers again, showing their support once again this Friday.

The Weekly

Social Media Posts

Katie Peralta @katieperalta Feb. 1 At Charlotte-Douglass, 6:45 am Monday.

There are several Panthers fans on our flight to SFO. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dedication. #SB50 cindyparkerarp @cindyparkerarp Feb. 1 PANTHERS PANTHERS & PANTHERS. JUS SAYINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Erik Spanberg @CBJspanberg Feb. 1 No trivia is too small during @SuperBowl week: Hugh McColl spotted in his car today flying four @Panthers flags. My point? I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have one.

Jon Anik @Jon_Anik Feb. 1 Would really like to see Cam Newton put a capstone on his incredible season by becoming a Super Bowl champion. Love that guy. #Panthers John McClain @McClain_on_NFL Feb. 1 In their last 8 victories, the Panthers have averaged 39 points a game. During that period, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve scored at least 38 points six times.

Photos courtesy of UCPS

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Page 12 | February 5, 2016 | Union County Weekly

Education

Panthers inspire Antioch Elementary students to give back

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

WEDDINGTON – Antioch Elementary School will “dab on ‘em” all week, as the Carolina Panthers inspire the school community to help their neighbors in Union County, as well as pursue their dreams.

Throughout the Panthers season, the school has hosted “Football Fridays” spirit days, where staff and students wear Panthers jerseys and spirit wear.

Since the NFC Championship game on Jan. 24, the school declared the two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl “Dab On ‘Em” weeks at Antioch and invited staff and students to wear Panthers gear every day leading up to the big game.

Antioch also has taken the spirit of competition as motivation to give back.

They’re hosing a “Super Bowl of Caring” for two weeks to raise money for the Union County Homeless Shelter. The countywide campaign will support the shelter’s financial needs.

“It’s great to support the homeless shelter while we’re supporting the team (Panthers),” said Principal Dr. Jamie Benfield.

The school will collect spare change and monetary donations until Friday, Feb. 5.

Parents also have joined in on Panther Pride and will provide staff with an appreciation luncheon on Friday, Feb. 5.

The principal believes it’s important to support the Panthers because it builds the school community – particularly because former Panthers players and TopCats are part of the community.

She also appreciates the team’s motto of “Keep Pounding” and uses it to motivate student to not give up on their dreams.

“This school year, as a school community, we have a purposeful focus on continuing to celebrate successes in our school and the accomplishments of our students,” said Benfield. “The drive and determination modeled by the Panthers players allow us an opportunity to also extend our pride to the amazing Antioch community with having a former NFL Panthers player as a parent in the community and our very own assistant principal (Dr. Camela Bell) as a former Carolina Panthers TopCat. We are confident that the Gators staff and students will keep pounding, just like the amazing football team we support.”

Antioch Elementary students showed their Panther Pride during the school’s Football Fridays.

Courtney Schultz/UCW photos

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Union County Weekly | February 5, 2016 | Page 13

Summer Camps

2016 Summer Camp Guide It's the first issue of our annual Summer Camp Guide. This week, we're featuring some of the most popular science and technology camps in the area. Stay tuned for our next summer camp issue, out Feb. 19, which will feature area arts and theater camps.

49er Minors: CSI Campus July 11 to 15 $230 Rising sixth- through eighth-graders collect and process evidence in a mock crime for trial an even pretend they’re lawyers and witnesses. www.summercamps.uncc.edu

49er Minors: MedCamp June 20 to 24 $230 Rising fifth- through eighth-graders learn about healthcare careers, as well as engage in hands-on activities and visit health-related settings on campus. www.summercamps.uncc.edu

49er Minors: Robotics 201 June 13 to 17; June 20 to 24; July 11 to 15; or July 25 to 29 $230 Rising sixth- through eighth-graders build robots with LEGO MindStorm kits. www.summercamps.uncc.edu

49er Minors: The Science of Star Wars June 27 to July 1 $230 Rising fifth- through eighth-graders explore the science and technology used in the “Star Wars” movies through activities such as creating light sabers. www.summercamps.uncc.edu

App Adventures June 27 to 30 $195 Aspiring programmers (fourth through ninth grade) will work in teams to learn how to program mobile apps. www.www.stemsummerexperience.com

Art and Space Camp July 11 to 15 or Aug. 1 to 5 $240 (members) or $312 (others) Rising kindergarten, first- and second-graders learn about airplane and space flight, make paper aircrafts and swim everyday. www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/harris

Code Breakers July 25 to 28 $195 Children, from fourth to ninth grades, learn the basics of coding with HTML, JavaScript and CSS. www.www.stemsummerexperience.com

Computer Crimes July 11 to 14 $325 Children in eighth through 12th grade will try the same techniques law enforcement uses to solves crimes involving computers and cell phones. www.www.stemsummerexperience.com

Cool School: Extreme Weather Watchers Aug. 1 to 5 $230 Rising first- through fourth-graders visit a local news station and learn about weather phenomena in this meteorology camp. www.summercamps.uncc.edu

Cool School: Gizmos and Goo! June 13 to 17 or July 11 to 15 $230 Children, in grades first through fourth, explore science through fun chemistry and physical science experiments. www.summercamps.uncc.edu

Cool School: Human Body Works June 27 to July 1 $230 Rising first- through fourth-graders learn how the systems of the body works, including what makes us burp. www.summercamps.uncc.edu

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SUMMER PROGRAMS

Cool School: Mars Colony & Space Exploration July 25 to 29 $230 Rising first- through fourth-graders will envision the world when NASA colonizes Mars by building models and rockets. www.summercamps.uncc.edu

Cool School: Robotics 101 June 20 to 24; July 11 to 15 or July 25 to 29 $230 Rising fourth- and fifth-graders explore different types of robots and get to build some through LEGO MindStorm kids. www.summercamps.uncc.edu

20I6

Create and Investigate Camp June 20 to 24, July 18 to 22 or Aug. 8 to 12 $190 (members) or $247 (others) Rising third-, fourth- and fifth-graders who appreciate crazy, messy and wacky science experiments and games will appreciate this outdoor camp. www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/harris

Crime Scene Investigator June 20 to 23 or July 18 to 21 $325 Children, from sixth to 12th grades, use mock crime scene kits to process evidence, such as shoe impressions, fingerprints and hair fibers. www.www.stemsummerexperience.com

Dinosaur Camp June 13 to 17, July 11 to 15 or Aug. 1 to 5 $190 (members) or $247 (others) Rising kindergarten and first-graders will (see Summer Camps on page 14)

JUNE I3 – JULY 29, 20I6 CHARLOTTELATINSUMMER.COM Early Bird Discount ends February 26, 2016.

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Page 14 | February 5, 2016 | Union County Weekly how Jedi Knights use the force in the popular sci-fi fantasy films. www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/morrison

Summer Camp (continued from page 14)

explore dinosaurs and paleontology through crafts and games. www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/harris

Fossils and Fairies Camp Aug. 1 to 5 $165 (members) or $240 (others) Fossils and Faires not only introduces children, ages 2-5, to paleontology with digs, but also explores the world of dinosaurs. www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/morrison

Hands-on STEM Camp June 13 to 17, July 4 to 8, Aug. 1 to 5 $215 (members) or $280 (others) Rising fourth- and fifth-graders engage in science, technology, engineering and math projects, such as building rockets. www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/harris

Intro to Video Game Design Camp June 27 to July 1 or Aug. 15 to 19 $215 (members) or $280 (others) Harris YMCA partners with Tiny Techz to offer rising fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders to play video games they design. www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/harris

Jedi Knight Camp June 27 to July 1 or Aug. 1 to 5 $165 (members) or $240 (others) Rising third- fourth- and fifth-graders who love “Star Wars” make lightsabers and learn

Lost in Space Camp July 18 to 22 $165 (members) or $240 (others) Children, ages 2-5, explore the universe through arts, music and crafts. www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/morrison

Mad Scientist Camp June 13 to 17, June 20 to 24, June 27 to July 1, July 5 to 8, July 11 to 15, July 18 to 22, July 25 to 29, Aug. 1 to 5 or Aug. 8 to 12, $165 (members) or $240 (others) Rising elementary school students have the option of focusing on a different branch of science each week, including animal, earth, experiments, life and space, The July 5-8 camp is discounted. www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/morrison

Math and Science Mix-Up Camp June 27 to July 1 $205 (members) or $267 (others) Rising third-, fourth- and fifth-graders engage in a mashup of math and science activities and puzzles. www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/harris

Mini Med School Campus June 20 to 24 or Aug. 1 to 5 $205 (members) or $280 (other) A partnership with Carolinas HealthCare System enables rising third- through fifth-graders to get exposure to medical and scientific research.

Queen’s Grant High School

CAMPUS TOURS Every TUESDAY and THURSDAY 10:00 am www.queensgranthigh.org 10323 Idlewild Road, Matthews, NC 28105 Phone (704) 545-0736

Nurturing the Desire to Learn

www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/morrison

Niner Academy: MedCamp June 13 to 17 $230 Rising fifth- through eighth-graders learn about healthcare careers, as well as engage in hands-on activities and visit health-related settings on campus. www.summercamps.uncc.edu

Niner Academy: Robotics 301 June 13 to 17 or July 18 to 22 $230 Rising high school students will build robots using more advanced kits. www.summercamps.uncc.edu

Niner Academy: Robotics 302 Aug. 1 to 5 $230 + $40 materials fee Rising high school students will build robots from electrical parts and program theme with software. www.summercamps.uncc.edu

Program It! July 18 to 21 $225 Rising middle school students learn about text-based programming by building video games. www.stemsummerexperience.com

Science and Engineering Camp

$215 (members) or $280 (others) Harris YMCA partners with Tiny Techz to expose rising first-, second- and third-graders to engineering through building staff like a robot. www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/harris

Star Wars Camp Aug. 8 to 12 $155 (members or $225 (others) Children, 5 to 8 years old, learn the ways of the force and engage in crafts in this “Star Wars”-themed camp. www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/siskey

The Land Before Time Camp June 13 to 17, July 11 to 15 or Aug. 8 to 12 $165 (members) or $240 (others) Rising kindergarten, first- and secondgraders will go on an archeological dig and assemble the bones of a creature. www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/morrison

Young Inventors Camp June 20 to 24 or July 11 to 15 $165 (members) or $240 (others) Not only will rising elementary school students learn about famous inventors, they’ll also get to mull over problems and roll up their sleeves to fix them. www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/morrison

Check the Feb. 19 issue for the arts and theater summer camp list.

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Union County Weekly | February 5, 2016 | Page 15

Keep Pounding

Super Bowl Trivia

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4. Which player set a Super Bowl record with a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown?

5. Two cities have each hosted the Super Bowl a record 10 times. Which two?

6. Which two teams played in the most

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7. Which four teams have the most Super Bowl appearances, tied at eight?

8. Which team has lost the most Super Bowls with five?

9. Who holds the record for most interceptions in a Super Bowl with three?

10. Which two teams played in the first Super Bowl?

11. Which two teams were the only teams to face each other in consecutive Super Bowls?

12. Who was the leading rusher for the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII?

13. What was the cost of a 30-second commercial in last year’s Super Bowl?

14. How much does the Lombardi Trophy weigh?

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Page 16 | February 5, 2016 | Union County Weekly

Thousands gather at Panthers pep rally Panther fans from across the greater Charlotte area met in Romare Bearden Park on Jan. 29 to cheer on the team before they left for Santa Clara to compete in Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7. An estimated 30,000 fans joined Gov. Pat McCrory, Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts, Sir Purr, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera and a handful of players, including Thomas Davis, to shout chants of "keep pounding!" and promote Panther spirit before the big game.

Ben Doster/UCW photos

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Union County Weekly | February 5, 2016 | Page 17

Faith

The Weekly

The Man Without a Face

by John Munro jmunro@calvarychurch.com

For my b i r t h d a y, one of my Scottish friends gave me the book, “The Man Without a Face: The Unlikely Rise of Vladimir Pastor John H. Munro Putin” by Masha Gessen. The title is intriguing, and from what I have read so far, the book is fascinating. When those surrounding Boris Yeltsin looked for a successor, they found Vladimir Putin. They knew very little about him, but their thinking was that, as he appeared to be devoid of personality and personal interests, the “man without a face” could be molded into their own image. As we now know, they could not have been more wrong.

Within a relatively short time, Putin virtually silenced any opposition and rose to be the most powerful man in Russia.

Clearly all was not what it seemed.

An individual who appeared to be “without a face,” and therefore easily manipulated and used by others, turned out to be vastly different. Putin’s influence continues to rise on the world stage. Now we know what his face really looks like.

The title of the book made me reflect that everything in life is not as it first appears. We meet people who “on the face of it” appear to be friendly, kind and honest. Then as we grow to know them, their true face is revealed. They are unmasked. Rather than being authentic, they are regarded by others as hypocrites. First impressions are not always accurate.

The concept of hypocrisy comes from the world of the theater. A hypocrite was someone who wore a mask, pretending to be someone or something other than they really were. I suppose all of us wear masks sometimes, but such masks are disastrous to meaningful relationships.

Jesus gave some of his most scathing denunciations to religious leaders he described as hypocrites. Outwardly, these leaders appeared to be very spiritual (they looked good), but inwardly they were proud and corrupt (they were hollow men).

As we listen to politicians seek-

ing our vote, we realize all of them present a certain “face.” But are they wearing a mask? What do they really believe? Who is the real person behind “the face?” What are their true values? Will they use the privilege of leading the country in a self-serving way or for the benefit of others? Is their talk about their faith in God genuine or are we being manipulated for our votes?

At Calvary Church, our mission is “being and making authentic followers of Jesus Christ.” We use the word “authentic” because we don’t want to be phony, or hypocritical, or judgmental of others while hiding our own failings and failures. What about you? Are you wearing a mask?

Is your “face” authentic or are you playing a part? It is so easy to point the finger at others and expose their failures and flaws, and yet be blind to our own.

Those of us who seek to be authentic followers of Jesus must keep our eyes on Jesus, listen to him as we read Scripture, and not be defensive when those who know us gently remind us of areas where we are beginning to wear a mask. So be real. Wear your true face, and keep away from all masks.

J O I N WA LT O N WO O D P R OV I D E N C E F O R A MOVIE SCREENING:

The Age of Love Friday, February 12th 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

The film follows the humorous and poignant adventures of thirty seniors in Rochester, NY who sign up for a first-of-its-kind speed dating event exclusively for ages 70 and up.

Free screening; open to the public!

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Faith Briefs

Vizion Church to hold Super Bowl party CHARLOTTE – Vizion Church will hold a Super Bowl party on Sunday, Feb. 7, at 6 p.m. The game will be shown live on two 10foot screens. Vito’s pizza food truck will serve food from 6 to 8 p.m. Vizion Church is located at 405 S. Davidson St.

‘Souper’ Bowl at Covenant Presbyterian CHARLOTTE – The youth at Covenant Presbyterian Church will collect canned food donations through Sunday, Feb. 7, as part of its “Souper Bowl of Caring” event. Cash, checks and canned goods can be dropped off in the Rec. Wing lobby by Sunday. Donations will benefit the Urban Ministry Crisis Center and Loaves and Fishes.

Covenant Presbyterian is located at 1000 E. Morehead St.

Super Bowl fellowship at FBC Weddington WEDDINGTON – First Baptist Church of Weddington will hold a Super Bowl Fellowship on Sunday, Feb. 7, at 6 p.m. Families are encouraged to bring snacks to share and watch the game on the church’s big screen. Drinks will be provided by the church.

First Baptist Church of Weddington is located at 348 Providence Road.

‘Souper’ Bowl lunch at Mt. Harmony Baptist MATTHEWS – Mt. Harmony Baptist Church will hold a soup lunch in the church’s fellowship hall after the morning service on Sunday, Feb. 7. A variety of hot soup will be served, and the men of the church will have a bake-off. Guests are invited to bring a crock pot of soup. Cornbread will be provided. The event is free.

Mt. Harmony Baptist Church is located at 2817 Mt. Harmony Church Road.

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Page 18 | February 5, 2016 | Union County Weekly

Keep Pounding

Charlotte’s best Super Bowl 50 watch parties The greater Charlotte community is gearing up for Sunday’s big game, as the Carolina Panthers take on the Denver Broncos.

Trying to decide where to watch this year’s Super Bowl to support our hometown team?

Take a look at some of the biggest area watch parties.

The Trail House

The restaurant will host a pregame and postgame DJ, while attendees enjoy a “super” buffet for $14.95, starting at 4 p.m. A giant Connect Four and cornhole tournament will start at 2 p.m. for those looking to start early.

Super Bowl prizes will be given every quarter, including framed Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly prints, Trail House Panthers playoff shirts, gift cards and Hornets tickets.

Drinks on special include: $5 Panthers Punch, $4 Panthers kamikazes, $2 black and blue Jello shots, $18 Bud Light towers, $13 buckets of domestic, and $2.75 domestic drafts.

2 p.m.; The Trail House, 6751 Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail

Prohibition

Rockhouse Events, an event management and planning company, will host a Super Bowl Sunday event, featuring a $25 cover

that includes barbecue and $4 “You-CallIts.” “All your draft beer goes on Rockhouse’s tab during the game,” Prohibition said on its website.

Call 704-358-4244 for more information.

5 p.m.; Prohibition, 200 N. Tryon St., Charlotte

Hickory Tavern

At all 22 locations, including 13 in the greater Charlotte area, Hickory Tavern will host a “big game” watch party, including an all-you-can-eat buffet and “crazy” beer specials, according to Hickory Tavern chief marketing officer Thom Perez.

The buffet costs $35 and reservations will be accepted, but walk-up seats will be available.

Drink specials will include select $4 20oz. beers and $10 pitchers.

Find a nearby location at www.thehickorytavern.com.

4 p.m.; Hickory Tavern locations.

Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse

The Ballantyne restaurant and bar will serve $3.50 drafts for the big game all day while watching its vast selection of TVs. Duckworth’s is currently taking reservations for the day.

Watching the game from home, but still want to enjoy the restaurant’s wings? They’re taking preorders for wings. Call 704-7527284 to preorder, make a reservation or for more information.

11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Duckworth’s, 14015 Conlan Circle, Charlotte

Draught

Draught Charlotte will host a Super Bowl Party that includes three jumbotrons, heated tents and drink specials.

The restaurant is taking reservations at 704-375-7566.

Noon; 601 S. Cedar St., Charlotte

Fox & Hound Sports Tavern

The restaurant, which has a location in Ballantyne and near Pineville, will offer its Sunday drink specials and a “Big Game” carryout special.

Having a large party at your house? Carryout special includes BOGO dozen wings, one pound of boneless wings and full racks of ribs. Preorders of wings and ribs must be submitted by Feb. 5.

Call 704-541-0794 for the Pineville location and 704-544-8902 for Ballantyne’s location.

11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Ballantyne, 15235 John J. Delaney Drive or Pineville, 8500 Pineville-Matthews Road

VBGB Beer Hall & Garden

This low-key bar and outdoor venue will feature the “ultimate” Panthers party. The bar offers many beers on tap and food, and will make a day out of the event, starting at 4 p.m.

From 4 to 6 p.m., the venue will feature DJ Hef, a koozie contest with prizes and jumbo pretzels for $2. They’ll have big screens set up inside the bar and outdoors on their patio to watch the game.

However, table reservations are going fast, according to VBGB, but 10-foot and 12foot tables are available. Call 704-333-4111 to reserve a spot.

4 to midnight; VBGB, 920 Hamilton St., Charlotte

DB’s Tavern

The Ballantyne bar will feature a “Sunday Funday” event, which includes $3 mimosas, $5.50 Bloody Mary’s and $11 buckets of Bud Light, Miller Light or Coors Light.

The restaurant does not take reservations on game days, so arrive early.

Call 704-844-0534 for more information.

11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; DB’s Tavern, 8155 Ardrey Kell Road, Charlotte (see Watch Parties on page 19)

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Union County Weekly | February 5, 2016 | Page 19

Ben Doster/UCW photo

Watch Parties (continued from page 18)

Lebowski’s Neighborhood Grill

The Dilworth restaurant invites the community to watch the big game at a no cover event with drink and wing specials.

Sundays feature $4 Bloody Marys, mimosas and screwdrivers, $1 off craft bottles and, of course, $4 house White Russians every day.

5:30 p.m.; Lebowski’s, 1524 East Blvd., Charlotte

Kool Kutz

This barbershop will host its “biggest” Super Bowl and customer appreciation party to cheer on the home team.

The free event will feature food, DJ Raquest, hookah and drinks with a live halftime performance by Charlotte’s “Chosen.”

Attendees must be 21 years old or older to attend and only 200 free tickets are available.

All donations at the event will benefit the Follow Your Dreams Foundation.

4 to 11 p.m.; Kool Kutz, 5025 N. Tryon St., suite 109, Charlotte

All American Pub and The Oak Room

Two bars will combine into one to watch the Carolina Panthers pound the Denver Broncos.

The restaurant features an outdoor patio, couches and giant flat screens in the bar area.

Drink specials include $5 Panther Punch shots; $2 Mimosas, $4 Bloody Mary Bar; and $5 Tall Boys, among others.

3 p.m. to 2 a.m.; All American Pub, 200 E. Bland St., Charlotte

12th Annual SeriousFun Super Bowl Jammy Jam

SeriousFun Audio Productions & Entertainment will present a tailgate, halftime and after party to cheer on the Panthers, including food and entertainment.

Tickets cost $25 in advance for individuals and $40 for couples. Tickets cost $30 at the door and include buffet and bar access.

3 to 11:30 p.m.; American Legion, 5651 Brookshire Blvd., Charlotte

Charbar No. 7

Each of CharBar’s locations, including one in Matthews and south Charlotte, will host a watch party for the Super Bowl, featuring drink and food specials.

The Matthews location will feature $4 16-oz. “Bartender’s Choice” draft and a signature cocktail on Sunday. The Carmel location will feature $4 Carolina Beers, $5 Bloody Marys and $6 Jack Daniels.

Call 704-540-4722 for more information about the Carmel location and 704-8140208 for the Matthews location.

11:30 a.m. to midnight; Carmel, 6300 Carmel Road, Charlotte, or Matthews, 3118 Fincher Farm Road, Matthews

Flying Saucer

The restaurant and bar will host a Super Bowl party that features $3.50 N.C. pints all day. Attendees can reserve a table at 704999-2265.

11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Flying Saucer, 9605 N. Tryon St., Charlotte

Eight Sushi Asian Kitchen

If you’re thinking, “Super Bowl? What Super Bowl?” you can still have a night out on the town while everyone is crowded around their televisions. Eight will host its Sushi Sundays Service Industry Nights.

The event features BOGO sushi and drink specials, including $4 Fireball shots, $4 draft beers, $4 Irish whiskey and $5 well drinks.

Visit eightcharlotte.com for more information.

5 to 10 p.m.; 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd., Charlotte

Hickory Grove

For parents looking for a place where their kids can watch the game without alcohol, the Hickory Grove College Ministry will host a Super Bowl event, with multiple televisions with pizza, wings, drinks and cookies.

Games will include ping pong and pool, and attendees are invited to bring board games.

Call 704-531-4036 for more information.

6 to 9:30 p.m.; Hickory Grove College Ministry, 6050 Hickory Grove Road, Charlotte

Page 20 | February 5, 2016 | Union County Weekly

Sports

17 10 1 2 32.2

By the

www.unioncountyweekly.com

numbers Number of games the Panthers have won, setting a single season, franchise record

Number of passes Panthers have intercepted for a league high

Players selected to the Pro Bowl

Defensive touchdowns this season

Cam Newton is the first player to win the Heisman Trophy, start for a national-championship winning team and start in the Super Bowl Number of Super Bowl appearances in Panthers history Average number of points the Panthers score per game

3

Receptions by tight end Greg Olsen

Yards gained by running back Jonathan Stewart to lead all players during the playoffs Number of games the Panthers won before their first loss on Dec. 27

Did you know?

24 7 89 189 14

Losses to Denver in the all-time history of the series

•

Current Bears coach, John Fox, coached the Broncos and Panthers in their most recent trips to the Super Bowl.

•

Panthers coach Ron Rivera won the Super Bowl as a player in 1985 with Chicago, and lost as an assistant coach in 2006 when the Bears fell to Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts.

•

Carolina is 2-2 versus Peyton Manning.

•

Panthers’ reserve wide receiver Brenton Bersin is a Charlotte native, and is a Charlotte Latin alum.

Get to know former Carolina Panthers

by Ben Doster ben@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Former Carolina Panthers might have retired from their days as professional football players, but they haven’t retired from their community involvement as they continue to impact the greater Charlotte area. Get to know them a little better, and see what they’re up to now, through their biographies below.

Sean Gilbert Defensive lineman 1998 to 2002 Gilbert, a former Pro Bowl participant, grew up in Pennsylvania and starred for the University of Pittsburgh before spending 11 years in the NFL. He was a significant component to Carolina’s defense as a stalwart in the interior of the line.

Gilbert and his family live in Charlotte, where he is the defensive line coach at South Meck. His son, Zack, will follow in his footsteps next fall when he joins Pitt’s football program as a defensive lineman. Gilbert also has been key in help-

ing to develop rising senior Jake Lawler (North Carolina commit) into one of the Queen City’s most feared pass rushers.

Frank Garcia Offensive left guard/center

on WFNZ (610 AM). Garcia also has coached wrestling at Charlotte Catholic and Marvin Ridge, and has helped with youth football in the area.

Derwin Gray

1995 to 2000

Safety

The Phoenix native, who was a member of the University of Washington’s 1991 national championship team that split the title with Miami (Fla.), was a part of Carolina’s first draft class as a franchise. Garcia spent six years with Frank Garcia the Panthers and also Courtesy of Frank Garcia played with the St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals.

Garcia played in the Panthers’ first NFC Championship game in 1996. He is now Charlotte Catholic’s offensive line coach, and hosts the sports talk radio show, “Bustin’ Loose,” which airs

A product of San Antonia, Texas, Gray took his talents to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah before spending six years in the NFL, including one Derwin Gray season in Carolina. Courtesy of Erick Hodge Gray only played three games with the Panthers due to injury.

Derwin became a Christian during his pro football career, and his passion to reach people with the Gospel began to prevail over his desire to play football. He decided to pursue a career in pastoral ministry following the 1998 season.

Gray went on to earn a Masters of Divinity with a concentration in apologetics from South-

1998

ern Evangelical Seminary, graduating magna cum laude. He planted Transformation Church, which is just south of Charlotte in Indian Land and Rock Hill. Gray also is the team chaplain and an assistant coach for Ardrey Kell, where his son plays football.

Brad Hoover Fullback 2000 to 2009 Hoover, considered a fan favorite by many during his playing days, spent his entire pro football career in Carolina, and played a major role during the Panthers’ run to the SuBrad Hoover per Bowl in 2003 and NFC Championship game in 2005.

The Thomasville, N.C. native, who played collegiately at Western Carolina University, began his coaching career at Union Academy before taking the head job at Marvin Ridge, and later moving on to Cannon School in Concord.

Panthers give Charlotte hope to ‘keep pounding’

by Ben Doster ben@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

The Carolina Panthers have galvanized the city of Charlotte, capturing the hearts of the masses in their run to the Super Bowl.

Between 25,000 and 30,000 people gathered at Romare Bearden Park in uptown Charlotte for the Panthers Pride Rally from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29.

If it wasn't clear before, it is now – the city is behind this team.

Jared Bishop made it to the rally in time with his wife and young children after his return flight from a business trip to Louisville landed 30 minutes before the festivities kicked off.

It was clear Bishop, a longtime Panthers fan, who has been in Charlotte for nearly 12 years, wasn’t going to miss it.

“We love the Panthers,” Bishop said. “It’s a blast. We’ve got young ones, and they’re super excited about it. Cam Newton has stolen my son’s heart, so he’s all about him right now.”

The Bishops plan to enjoy some good food on

Super Sunday, while they watch the game with neighbors.

Weddington residents Ken and Stacy Meehan took in the rally with their kids, Kenny and Kellie. The family even did the dab together, just like Cam. “It’s awesome,” Stacy Meehan said. “It brings everybody together. That’s fun. It makes Sunday fun.”

Former Panthers’ standout, Brad Hoover, said the city is as crazy for this team as it was when Carolina reached the Super Bowl in 2003.

“I think the fan support of this team has been a huge part of their success,” Hoover said. “Confidence in this game is a big thing, and right now they’re riding high on that.

“Not only from the play on the field and the confidence in their abilities, but the support and confidence the fans provide to them is a big part of where they are at this point and where I think they’re going to go, where they hoist that trophy on Super Bowl Sunday.”

The fans give the Panthers confidence with (see Keep Pounding on page 21)

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Union County Weekly | February 5, 2016 | Page 21

Sports

Former Panthers celebrate Carolina’s return to the Super Bowl

by Ben Doster ben@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Frank Garcia, Sean Gilbert, Derwin Gray and Brad Hoover all call Charlotte home. They arrived via different routes, but were brought here by the Carolina Panthers. Now, they get to enjoy the Panthers in Super Bowl 50 from a different vantage point – on the couch as fans.

Garcia, who anchored the offensive line from the mid 1990s to 2000, was drafted in the fourth round and was a part of Carolina’s inaugural season, as it played its home games in Death Valley at Clemson before moving to Ericsson Stadium (now called Bank of America Stadium).

Gilbert was traded from the Redskins in 1996.

He brought a versatile skillset to the defensive line, where he excelled at end and tackle.

Gray joined the Panthers for the 1998 season after he spent the first five years of his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts.

Hoover signed with Carolina as an undrafted free agent in 2000. He didn’t get the glory, but thrived in his role as a lead blocker and pass protector at fullback with the occasional carry in short yardage situations.

Garcia returned to Charlotte after he finished his playing career with the Arizona Cardinals, and Gilbert came back to the Queen City once he retired from the Oakland Raiders. They both said Charlotte was a great place for them to raise their families.

Gray said he and his wife told each other they would never live in the south, and used to joke

Keep Pounding (continued from page 20)

their support, but the Panthers have given their fans and this city hope – hope to put the team’s mantra of “Keep Pounding” on display in every day life.

Transformation Church pastor and ex-Panthers defensive back Derwin Gray doesn’t like big crowds, so he typically watches the games at home. However, he was in attendance for Carolina’s win over Green Bay and the NFC Championship game this season, and said the atmosphere at those games was electric.

Photos courtesy of Transformation Church

Former Panthers safety Derwin Gray

that the Panthers were paying people in Charlotte to be friendly to them. But after two weeks here, they began to feel at home; nearly two decades later, it’s safe to say they love this city. Gray considers the team’s owner, Jerry Richardson, a friend, and continues to support the team.

“I love seeing them do the epic things they’re doing,” Gray said. “I’ve had my moment. It’s time for these guys to have their moment. I’m just excited for what it’s bringing to the city. I’m excited for how you got quality men on the team like Thomas Davis.

“The fans were incredible,” Gray said. “Fans play a big part in the home team winning, because the more loud you are there’s momentum, there’s distraction for the opponent’s offense. It was absolutely awesome.

“This game of football can electrify a city, and bring a city together. Everybody’s doing the dab.

With the Panthers winning and having fun the way that they are it’s beyond them just winning games. It’s giving people hope. It’s giving people confidence. It’s giving people excitement. It’s giving people joy.”

It’s not the eternal confidence, hope or joy

“You got a guy like Josh Norman, who was a walk-on at Coastal Carolina, who is now one of the best cornerbacks in the National Football League. There are so many great stories behind the greater story, but at the center of it is Cameron Newton and what he’s done. It’s pretty awesome.”

Garcia, who hosts Panthers’ outside linebacker Thomas Davis on his radio show, “Bustin’ Loose,” every week, was filled with emotion when the Panthers defeated the Cardinals to advance to the Super Bowl.

“I was so proud of these guys,” Garcia said. “I feel like I’m still connected with the team.”

Much has changed during the 21-year history of the franchise, and Garcia said if anyone deserves credit for consistency and perseverance it’s Richardson.

“He’s been the guy through all the thick and thin, all the hard work that has gone into this organization, even going through the death of his son and the heart transplant and seeing the growth of this city and the failures I’m really proud of him,” he said.

Gilbert doesn’t like a lot of attention, and tries to stay out of the limelight. But that doesn’t keep him from enjoying the Panthers games from the comfort of his own home.

“I think early in the year, you could see the confidence they had and the continuity they were playing with, being cohesive as a group, playing unselfish,” Gilbert said. “I think you could see they were in a zone. As they continued to win, I think it was evident they of all teams had the best chance to go to the Super Bowl.

“I think it’s incredible and a jubilant time for everybody just to celebrate this. I think Cam can bring it home. Go Panthers. Dab on ‘em.”

Hoover, the only North Carolinian by birth out of the four, grew up cheering for the Washington Redskins, because there wasn’t an NFL team in the Tar Heel State until his freshman year of college when the Panthers arrived.

“For me, to end up playing for that same organization, to get to play at home was kind of like a dream come true,” Hoover said.

“Now being a fan it’s a huge accomplishment in what they’ve done this year, not only the record (17-1), but to get back to playing in another Super Bowl.”

Hoover said when Carolina reached the Super Bowl in 2003, it wasn’t the most talented team he played on, but its success came down to he and his teammates genuinely caring about one another, staying healthy, getting a little lucky and laying it all on the line.

He thinks this edition of the Panthers is a similar mold to the 2003 team.

“That’s the vibe I get from them on the outside looking in,” Hoover said. “They truly care about each other. For the most part they’ve stayed healthy until really the latter part of this season.

They’re winning games in a way that’s not always the most flashy or glamorous, but they win.

“I’m excited for this organization. To watch them have an opportunity to go back is great.”

Gilbert, like the rest of the city and his former Carolina comrades, is confident in the Panthers.

He said he looks forward to seeing them bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Charlotte.

Gray preaches about on Sunday mornings, but he added despite all the hopelessness in the world, the Panthers are giving people hope – especially when Cam Newton gives a ball to a kid.

“Not only is he redefining how the position of quarterback is being played, but he’s also charismatic and has this ‘it factor’ that not only lights up a room, that lights up a stadium, that’s lighting up a city, that’s lighting up the NFL,” Gray said. “It’s beautiful to see how a team can lift the spirit of a city.”

Win or lose, Charlotte and the Panthers will keep pounding, because this team has breathed

fresh life into a city craving for a cause to get behind.

Similar to the multi-ethnic makeup of Carolina’s roster, Charlotte is a melting pot of races and peoples, representing a multitude of nations from all over the world and they all have been unified by the Panthers’ journey to San Francisco.

None of this would have ever happened if the Panthers didn’t come together as a team.

It’s unity in the midst of diversity, which is something worth “pounding” for. So let’s go Panthers. Charlotte needs you. Bring home the hardware, and let’s all party together.

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7 “___ at ’em!”

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No. 1228 No. 1215

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PUZZLE BURNIKEL PUZZLEBY BYZHOUQIN DAVID LEVINSON WILK

29 12Poe Fakepoem that concludes “In 15 Moves like a her tomb by the buoy in the sounding ocean …sea” or a hint to the 33 Overseas shaded parts of this puzzle?

35 Excited cries 21 Rank above maj.

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63-Across 59 Drunkard 64 Knot 61 Suffix with Manhattan or Brooklyn 65 Where Army brass is trained, 63inRepair brief

Onlinesubscriptions: subscriptions:Today’s Today’spuzzle puzzleand andmore morethan than7,000 7,000past past Online puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).

Readabout aboutand andcomment commenton oneach eachpuzzle: puzzle:nytimes.com/wordplay. nytimes.com/wordplay.

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Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/studentcrosswords.

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Page 24 | February 5, 2016 | Union County Weekly

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