South Charlotte Weekly

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February 5, 2016 Vol. 16 No. 6 www.thecharlotteweekly.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

Panthers Den 3 | Fan Pictures 6 | Super Bowl Trivia 10 | Education 11 | Faith 17 | Watch Parties 18 | Sports 20 | Classifieds 23

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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

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.”

• 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 | South Charlotte Weekly

Panther Homes (continued from page 3)

just so he could retire as a Panther.

• 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.

Star Lotulelei • 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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South Charlotte Weekly | February 5, 2016 | Page 5

Keep Pounding

Libraries celebrate Panther fever with new books

by Hannah Chronis hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Panther pandemonium is spreading through the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library system, and library staff is using the excitement to encourage a love of reading in young children.

Charles Tillman, a Carolina Panthers cornerback and 13-year NFL veteran, visited the Morrison Regional branch on Jan. 19 to discuss his children’s book, “The Middle School Rules of Charles ‘Peanut’ Tillman.”

Tillman’s book, which was released in November 2015, features stories of a well-traveled kid named Peanut, who deals with issues of divorce, racism and relocation.

The two-time Pro Bowler read excerpts of his book and signed copies for fans of all ages.

Giving back to kids is nothing new to Tillman; he and his wife, Jackie, established the nonprofit Cornerstone Foundation a decade ago to help give opportunities to children in need.

Apart from the excitement Tillman’s visit generated, the library system also is promoting reading by encouraging children to check out books to learn more about their hometown team.

The following books are available for checkout: • 100 Things Panthers Fans Should Know and Do Before they Die by Scott Fowler • Year of the Cat by Scott Fowler • Carolina Panthers by Brian Joura • The Carolina Panthers by Mark Stewart • Tales from the Carolina Panthers Sideline by

Scott Fowler • Bill Rosinski's Tales From the Carolina Panthers by Bill Rosinski • The Carolina Panthers: The First Season of the Most Successful Expansion Team in NFL History by Joe Menzer • That Season of Hope by Keith Larson • Mike Minter: Driven by Purpose by Pamilla Tolen The Independence, University, ImaginOn and Morrison Regional branches also will have Panthers-related book displays up throughout the week.

Visit www.cmlibrary.org for more information.

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Charles Tillman celebrated the debut of his children’s book with a book signing at Morrison Regional Library.

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Panthers fever spreads through south Charlotte 10100 Park Cedar Drive, Suite 154 Charlotte, NC 28210 Phone: 704-849-2261 • Fax: 704-849-2504 www.thecharlotteweekly.com

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.

Editorial Managing Editor Hannah Chronis Education Editor Courtney Schultz Development Editor Justin Vick Sports editor Ben Doster Faith Columnist John Munro

Advertising Charlotte Conway Mike Gianpetro Lisa Owens

Design

Brigid and Bobby Thomas

Residents at Piedmont Crossing Retirement Home

Art Director Maria Hernandez Layout Editor Erin Kirby

Business President Jonathan McElvy Publisher Kelly Wright Associate Publisher Frank Vasquez Business Manager Brent Epling Advertising: adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com Letters to the Editor: hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com Press Releases: hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com South Charlotte Weekly is published by Charlotte Media Group. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

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Keep Pounding

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Ingredients 2 or 3 chicken breasts, shredded ¾ cup hot sauce 1 cup ranch dressing 2 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 cup cheddar cheese Directions Preheat oven to 350.

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By the

numbers

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Lifestyle & Entertainment

Number of passes Panthers have intercepted for a league high

10

Players selected to the Pro Bowl

Defensive touchdowns this season

7

Receptions by tight end Greg Olsen

89

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

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

32.2

Average number of points the Panthers score per game

3

Yards gained by running back Jonathan Stewart to lead all players during the playoffs

189

Games the Panthers won before their first loss on Dec. 27

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

14

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South Charlotte 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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Keep Pounding

Super Bowl Trivia YOUR INVITATION TO SHARE THE SAVINGS

Friends & Family Save 20% storewide

Photo courtesy of Charlottesgotalot.com

Think you know all there is to know about the big game?

Test your knowledge with our Super Bowl trivia.

Answers are at the bottom of the page.

1. Which Super Bowl was the closest, in terms of margin of victory?

2. Which team scored the fewest points in a Super Bowl loss?

3. With his sixth Super Bowl appearance, Tom Brady tied the record with which other player?

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 watched Super Bowl of all time?

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?

15. How much moneydid the winning players in Super Bowl XLIX take home?

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1. Super Bowl XXV, Giants beat Bills 20-19 2. Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI with three points 3. Mike Lodish, four with the Bills and two with the Broncos 4. Jacoby Jones of the Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII 5. Miami and New Orleans 6. The Patriots and the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX with 114.4 million viewers 7. Patriots, Broncos, Cowboys and Steelers 8. Denver Broncos 9. Rod Martin, Oakland Raiders, Super Bowl XV 10. Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs 11. Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys 12. Percy Harvin 13. $4.5 million 14. Seven pounds 15. $97,000 each

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Education

Area students show off their Panther pride Students from CMS, UCPS and area private schools are taking their Panther spirit into the schools leading up to the big game. Many have celebrated with “Panther Pride” Fridays.

Photos courtesy of CMS and Queen’s Grant High School

Latin students want Roman numeral back

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

The NFL broke a 28-year tradition this year when it chose not to include a Roman numeral in the Super Bowl’s logo. Latin students in Master’s Academy and Greyfriars Classical Academy weren’t fans of the decision, so they wrote a letter to the NFL Vice President of Brand and Creative Jaime Weston and received a big surprise.

Students discussed the Super Bowl logo, which bears a “50” instead of the Roman numeral for 50, “L”, shared their dismay and deciphered reasons why the NFL chose not to include the “L.” Some students believe the letter might have people associating it with losing, while others were unsure whether or not most Americans knew the Roman numeral for 50, said Latin teacher Sherri Madden.

“Some students said, ‘We missed a wonderful educational opportunity for Americans,’” Madden said.

Students created their own designs of the Super Bowl logo that included the Roman numeral and sent those designs, along with a letter explaining their disappointment, to Weston.

To the students surprise, Weston loved the letter and decided to Skype with the Latin students on Wednesday, Feb. 3, to talk about why the NFL chose the Arabic over the Roman numeral.

“Never in our wildest imagination did we think she’d respond back,” Madden said.

Weston explained the NFL tried to integrate the Roman numeral into the logo with the Vince

Photo courtesy of Sherri Madden

Lombardi Trophy, but it just “didn’t work with the design.” The NFL also worried the public would believe the L represented losing, so with the commissioner’s permission, they forwent the Roman numeral.

However, Weston gave the Latin students relief for next year, as she gave them a sneak peak of next year’s logo, which will go public on Monday and will include Roman numerals.

Latin students had some fun with the response, however, wearing Panthers gear for Weston to see and creating signs.

“Any time a teacher can make a class more energetic and make it relevant, the better,” Madden said.

The teacher hopes students learned about the importance of Latin in today’s culture and that they could make a difference at any age through sharing their opinions.

“Just voicing your thoughts and your opinions, (showing) civic activism, they should learn that they do count, they do matter,” she said. “At a young age, you can make a difference.”

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.thecharlotteweekly.com

Page 12 | February 5, 2016 | South Charlotte Weekly

Education

Trading pencils for pom-poms Queen’s Grant teacher performs as Panthers TopCat

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

When Leslie Spearman, an earth and environmental science teacher at Queen’s Grant High School, isn’t in the classroom, there’s a good chance you can find her on the Carolina Panthers sideline, cheering on her hometown team as a TopCat. Spearman made her debut as a TopCat this year in one of the Panthers’ most memorable seasons.

“It’s been amazing,” she said. “Coming into this, the Panthers weren’t anywhere near the Super Bowl last year.”

Spearman was looking to have fun this season, but had no idea the wild ride she was in for, as the Panthers would proceed to go 14-0 on a road that would end up with a chance to win the Super Bowl.

“You never think as a little girl that you’re going to be dancing at a Super Bowl, and here’s that reality, and it’s really awesome and exciting,” Spearman said.

She’ll be part of another history-making experience on Sunday in Santa Clara, California. For the first time in Super Bowl history, both cheerleaders of the Panthers and Broncos will perform a routine on the field.

“We’re extremely excited about that because it’s something no other team has been able to do

before,” she said.

Although the 24-year-old didn’t always imagine performing on the sidelines at the Super Bowl, she’s always followed her passions.

Spearman is from Pickens, South Carolina, right outside of Greenville, where she grew up dancing from 2 years old. She danced competitively through high school, and then went on to perform on Clemson University’s dance team, the RallyCats, while pursuing a degree in health science.

“Once I graduated, I took a year and I said, ‘You know what? I’m not ready to give up dance yet, so what can I do to further my dance career?’

The Carolina Panthers are my home team, so I said, ‘Let’s go give it a try,’” she said.

She underwent a month-long audition process that included learning new choreography, interviews and on-stage questions, where staff learned about her personality and how she interacts with the public – a large part of being a TopCat. As a TopCat, Spearman practices twice a week and participates in multiple public appearances and games. Spearman said she has some flexibility with her TopCats schedule, depending upon her availability, as all of the cheerleaders have fulltime jobs outside of being a TopCat. Spearman serves as Queen’s Grant High School’s cheerleading coach as well, so she stays busy, but she said she prefers her life that way.

“I actually work better when I’m busy,” she

Photo courtesy of Goodstuff Creative

said. “If I only had a couple things to do, they wouldn’t get done because I would just nap or something. I thoroughly enjoy having a lot to do. Time management skills have definitely been something I’ve had to work on and I just do it.”

She starts her day at Queen’s Grant at about 6 a.m. every day, leaves the school after cheerleading practice around 5 p.m. and then travels to Panthers Stadium on Wednesdays.

“Being a teacher is the greatest reward,” she said. “It’s awesome. I love it. I’ll be a teacher forever.”

The science teacher believes her passion for dance and teaching is what keeps her motivated and willing to keep her hectic schedule.

“You have to find what you’re passionate about and do whatever it takes to be involved in that,” she said. “I am definitely passionate about teaching and developing the minds and the abilities of

kids and as a cheer coach, I know that extracurriculars are important in education as well. You have to find your passion and go for it.”

Spearman said she’s tough on her cheerleaders because she wants to push them toward greatness, and wants them to develop skills they’ll use in the future.

“My advice: Never give less than 100 percent,” Spearman said. “That’s how I’ve looked at everything I’ve done in life. If you’re not going to give 100 percent, then you’re not passionate about it. So, I say go into it – take dance classes, know your skills, know your Panther knowledge. Being a TopCat and getting to this position took a lot of studying and practice. You just have to give 100 percent.”

Look for Spearman on the small screen, as she sparkles on the sideline, cheering the hometown team.

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

South Charlotte 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

Cool School: Extreme Weather Watchers

July 11 to 15 $230

Aug. 1 to 5 $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

Rising first- through fourth-graders visit a local news station and learn about weather phenomena in this meteorology camp. www.summercamps.uncc.edu

49er Minors: MedCamp

Cool School: Gizmos and Goo!

June 20 to 24 $230

June 13 to 17 or July 11 to 15 $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

Children, in grades first through fourth, explore science through fun chemistry and physical science experiments. 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

 Activities Include  





• Behind-the-scene Tours:



 Mecklenburg County Courthouse

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

 Mecklenburg County Jail 

The Charlotte School of Law  

 CMPD Crime Lab  

  • Observing real trials    Cool School: Mars Colony & • Conducting a mock crime Space Exploration    July 25 to 29 scene    $230 • Participating in a mock trial Rising first- through fourth-graders will en  vision the world when NASA colonizes Mars  by building models and rockets.

• Meeting judges and other  www.summercamps.uncc.edu   court personnel   Cool School: Robotics 101   June 20 to 24; July 11 to 15



or July 25 to 29 $230

Who can Participate?   

Rising fourth- and fifth-graders explore different types of robots and  get to build some through LEGO MindStorm kids.  • Court Camp is designed for  www.summercamps.uncc.edu

  teens ages 14-18 who are

Create and Investigate Camp

   interested in a career in law or

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

  who want to learn more about



  the North Carolina Judicial

 Branch.   

 

• Space is limited to 15 campers

Children, from sixth to 12th grades, use mock crime scene kits to pro  cess evidence, such as shoe impressions, fingerprints and hair fibers. per one week session. 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 explore dinosaurs and paleontology through crafts and games. www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/harris (see Summer Camps on page 14)

 

  



www.thecharlotteweekly.com

Page 14 | February 5, 2016 | South Charlotte Weekly

Summer Camps (continued from page 13)

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)

CHARLOTTE LATIN SCHOOL

SUMMER PROGRAMS

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 how Jedi Knights use the force in the popular sci-fi fantasy films. www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/morrison

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

20I6

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)

JUNE I3 – JULY 29, 20I6 CHARLOTTELATINSUMMER.COM

Mini Med School Campus

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 June 20 to 24 or July 25 to 29 $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

June 20 to 24 or Aug. 1 to 5 $205 (members) or $280 (other)

Early Bird Discount ends February 26, 2016.

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Rising third-, fourth- and fifth-graders engage in a mashup of math and science activities and puzzles. www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/harris

Niner Academy: MedCamp

A partnership with Carolinas HealthCare System enables rising third- through fifthgraders to get exposure to medical and scientific research. www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/morrison 2/2/16 12:51 PM

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

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

South Charlotte Weekly | February 5, 2016 | Page 15

Keep Pounding

Churches in Charlotte, Denver hold friendly competition

by Hannah Chronis

Super Bowl Briefs

hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

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.

The

JJ’s Red Hots to feature Panthers-inspired hot dog

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

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.”

JJ’s Red Hots, Charlotte’s local hot dog and sausage joint, recently launched its latest hot dog, “Keep Hounding,” in honor of the Panthers upcoming Super Bowl appearance.

The dog features a quarter-pound Sahlen’s hot dog with black beans and blue tortilla chips to honor the Panthers’ colors, along with sour cream and cumin dust. The dog costs $4.99 and will be available at both the Ballantyne and Dilworth locations.

“We are very excited and so proud of the Panthers so we wanted to create a special hot dog during this incredible week that has the entire city of Charlotte under its spell,” said JJ’s founder Jonathan Luther in a news release. “We took the two words that have become a rallying cry for the team, this city and Panther fans and put our own special spin on it.”

The restaurant is best known for its hot dogs, but also serves hand-crafted artisanal sausages, homemade sides and toppings.

Photo courtesy of JJ’s Red Hots

Hickory Tavern to offer “The Dab Burger” for $1.50 on Saturday Charlotte-based Hickory Tavern will host a pregame Panthers party on Saturday, Feb. 6, from 1 to 5 p.m. The party will feature its newest creation, “The Dab Burger,” for $1.50. The burger will be available at all 13 Charlotte-area Hickory Taverns.

The Dab Burger features an extra dab of mustard in order to honor Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.

“The Dab Burger is our nod to Cam, our hometown team and to the Carolina fans that chose Hickory Tavern to watch the game every week,” said Hickory Tavern CMO Thom Perez in a news release. “We expect to be packed during the Big Game but wanted to reward our fans with a big discount on a great burger the day before the game. We’re getting the Panther party started early.”

The restaurant also will feature its best-selling cocktail, “The Victory Potion,” which will stay on the menu through the Super Bowl. The cocktail is Carolina blue and contains a shot of Bacardi 151 Rum, Blue Curacao Liqueur, Vodka and a Maraschino Cherry. The shot is then dropped into a pint glass full of Red Bull.

Photo courtesy of Hickory Tavern

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

Page 16 | February 5, 2016 | South Charlotte 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/SCW photos

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South Charlotte 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.

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Free screening; open to the public!

Seating is limited, RSVP today!

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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 | South Charlotte 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.

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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)

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www.thecharlotteweekly.com

South Charlotte Weekly | February 5, 2016 | Page 19

Ben Doster/SCW photo

(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

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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

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www.thecharlotteweekly.com

Page 20 | February 5, 2016 | South Charlotte Weekly

Get to know former Carolina Panthers Derwin Gray

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.

Frank Garcia Offensive left guard/center 1995 to 2000 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 the Panthers and also played Frank Garcia with the St. Louis Rams Courtesy of Frank Garcia 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 on WFNZ (610 AM). Garcia also has coached wrestling at Charlotte Catholic and Marvin Ridge, and has helped with youth football in the area.

Safety 1998 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 season in Carolina.

Gray only played three Derwin Gray games with the PanCourtesy of Erick Hodge thers 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 Southern 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.

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

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 Super Bowl in 2003 and NFC Championship game in 2005.

Brad Hoover 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.

Did you know?

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.

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South Charlotte 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 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.

“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 Cardi-

Photos courtesy of Transformation Church

Former Panthers safety Derwin Gray

nals 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

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“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.

Next week we’ll be featuring high school athletes who signed to continue their athletic career at the collegiate level.

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