Best of Preps 2021

2021

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Mountain Times Publications presents Best of Preps 2021 The 2021 Best of Preps student-athletes not only overcame the difficulty in Top athletes from around maintaining the balance of the High Country have been sports, school and life, but honored as a Best of Preps had to do it with the cloud student-athlete for 2021, each of the COVID-19 pandembeing highlighted for their ic hanging over them. An success on and off the field. overhauled sports calenCoaches from Ashe dar saw seasons switched, County High School, Avery masks being worn during County High School and play and the difficulties of Watauga High School each virtual learning. nominated one athlete In a year where the next from their teams, focusing game on the schedule was on their achievements in never a guarantee, sports competition and the time became a refuge from the they’ve spent giving back ever-changing situation the to the community. The world was in. Still, the Best nominations then went of Preps student-athletes before a panel of indepenfound success in a year dent judges, where one when the other team was student-athlete from each not the only opponent. sport was selected as a Best However, it takes more of Preps athlete. than an eye-popping box In total, 23 student-athscore to be a Best of Preps letes and one coach from student-athlete. The judges across all three schools were also looked at how the nomselected to be a member of inees made an impact out a class that faced challenges of play, spending what few no other has. hours of free time they had

BY IAN TAYLOR

IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

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BEST OF PREPS

to make their communities a better place and the extra-curricular activities that better themselves and others.

During a year with difficulties never seen before, the Best of Preps student-athletes overcame those challenges to be shining lights amidst the cloudy skies of a pandemic.

Not only was there one athlete selected for each sport, but five individuals received special awards for individual brilliance. Men and Women’s Athlete of the Year awards celebrated the best of the best, the Comeback Player of the Year award highlighted overcoming personal adversity to get back on top, the Community Excellence Award focuses on efforts out of play that impacted the student-athlete’s community and the Extra Mile Coach of the Year award honored a coach who led their team to greatness.

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Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Men’s Athlete of the Year

TROY HOILMAN WINNER: Troy Hoilman Avery County High School 4.4 Weighted GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

W

inning the Best of Preps Men’s Athlete of the Year award is Avery County High School threesport athlete Troy Hoilman.

In his four years as a Viking, Hoilman has built up a legacy in competition that will stand the test of time in football, basketball and track and field. At the same time, Hoilman spent dozens of hours volunteering, working and maintaining a 4.4 weighted G.P.A. In football, Hoilman was twice named a team captain.

To go along with the title, Hoilman’s stellar play for the Vikings earned him a selection of 2021 first-team all-conference preseason quarterback, 2021 first-team all-state 1AA preseason quarterback, 2019 Western Highlands Conference Offensive Player of the Year, 2019 all-conference, 2019 second-team all-state 1AA quarterback, 2019 second-team all-Western North Carolina quarterback, 2019 ACHS Football Player of the Year and he won the 2019 Western N.C. Passing Title.

Hoilman also received

plaudits for his play on the hardwood, also being named a team captain of the Avery varsity basketball team twice. He earned a Western Highlands Conference all-tournament honor in 2020 and an all-conference selection in 2021.

His final sport, track and field, saw Hoilman qualify for states as part of the 4x400 relay in 2019.

Out of competition, Hoilman stayed busy during his high school career.

Hoilman was named the Volunteer of the Year by the Spruce Pine United Methodist Church in 2020 for his work volunteering with children’s church groups, assisting in moving and youth mission activities. He is also a member of the church’s Lay Leadership Committee.

The ACHS A honor roll and Mayland Community College Dean’s List student is also a member of Beta Club, where he put in 50 hours of volunteer work every year, and Link Crew, where he was a group leader for incoming freshman and worked as a student advisor.

Hoilman has also worked as a referee for basketball and football games with the Avery Parks and Recreation Department, where he has also assisted with various other sports-related duties, and has taught swimming lessons at the Dive-In Pool.

PHOTO BY CHANTAE HOILMAN

Avery senior quarterback Troy Hoilman was named the Best of Preps Men’s Athlete of the Year for 2021.

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

BEST OF PREPS

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 5

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Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Women’s Athlete of the Year

REAGAN HUGHES WINNER: Reagan Hughes Avery County High School 4.07 GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

The Best of Preps Women’s Athlete of the Year is Avery County’s Reagan Hughes.

A four-year varsity athlete in volleyball, soccer and track, Hughes captained the Vikings volleyball team for three years and was captain of the soccer and track teams for her senior seasons. Not satisfied with just three sports, Hughes was also a three-year varsity athlete with the Vikings women’s basketball team, again being named a captain for her senior year.

Her final season of varsity sports saw Hughes consistently perform for all of her teams.

Second on the soccer team in goals with three, Hughes was also fourth in points-per-game on the Avery basketball courts.

In her final year of varsity volleyball, Hughes helped the Vikings achieve a winning record for the first time since 2015, as she led the team in digs and solo blocks while finishing tied for second on the team in kills.

However, Hughes’ success at Avery was not limited to athletics.

Keeping up with four varsity sports is difficult enough, but Hughes made it look easy as she juggled numerous extra-curricular activities and

her classwork. She earned the Elite Viking Award, given to students who earn all A’s in their sophomore, junior and senior years.

Makes sense, given she finished first in her class, was previously a junior marshal and carried a 4.07 GPA on her way to being an honor graduate.

Hughes was also named to the Mayland Community College Dean’s List.

“Reagan exemplifies the true meaning of being a ‘Best of Preps’ student-athlete,” Vikings volleyball Head Coach Erika Eller said. “She has always been a strong leader in the classroom and each of her teams. While maintaining being first in her class, she is the only female that participates in four sports for ACHS. She does all of this while taking dual enrollment and AP classes while volunteering and maintaining employment with our local recreation department for the past three years.”

Stellar grades and stellar play were not enough for Hughes, who also was a four-year member of the student council and was Class President by her graduation. Additionally, she was a four-year member of Beta Club, Key Club, Spanish Club and Link Crew and a three-year member of Skills USA. In her spare time, the Field’s Family Scholarship recipient has tutored others in reading, worked as a volleyball and basketball camp counselor and volunteered with Healthy Halloween and Land of Oz.

PHOTO BY SERENA SMITH

Reagan Hughes starred as a four-sport athlete at Avery County High School, while also finishing first in her class and carrying a 4.08 GPA.

“Reagan exemplifies the true meaning of being a ‘Best of Preps’ student-athlete.”

Avery Volleyball Coach Erika Eller

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 7

We would like to congratulate the Women’s Student Athlete of the Year,

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Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Comeback Player of the Year

JOSIE NAUMOWICH WINNER: Josie Naumowich Avery County High School 4.1 GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

Most of the time when a runner is competing they are doing so on their own, just them and their footsteps. However, athletes typically have people behind them, supporting them in some way.

For most of her life, Josie Naumowich had her father serving as a source of inspiration. A 100-mile ultra runner, Naumowich’s father was the young Avery runner’s role model.

During the summer of 2019, the family was dealt a heavy blow when Naumowich’s father suddenly died from cancer. Her whole life had changed before her sophomore year.

Despite the painful loss of someone so close to her, Naumowich kept running.

Coming off of an all-conference selection for cross country in her freshman year, Naumowich’s sophomore effort saw her collect another cross country all-conference honor, an all-conference honor for track and she qualified for states.

“The cross country team was there for Josie in the fall of 2019 as we watched her overcome this loss and go to states,” head coach April Cheuvront said. “When Josie runs, her dad is right there with her the entire time.”

In 2020, Naumowich picked up another all-conference honor, but her efforts do not stop when she isn’t running.

She volunteers with the Humane Society, the YMCA and the Sarcoma Foundation of America.

This is all while juggling her school work, which has seen her land on the A honor roll since 2018 with a 4.1 GPA, hold down a job at the Stonewalls Restaurant, finish in the top-25 percent of two half-marathons in the 2020-21 season and take care of her younger brother with autism.

“Josie is a true symbol of the heart and soul of cross country,” Cheuvront said. “The joy of running is evident by the smile that she carries while running. Josie is kind and caring to all of her teammates and helps create a family bond within the team. She encourages and supports other teammates during practices and meets.”

PHOTO BY TYLER PARKER

Lady Viking Josie Naumowich, second from right, inches closer to taking the lead in the April 18 1600-meter run at Avery County High School. Naumowich finished the race with a time of 6:12.30.

“Josie is a true symbol of the heart and soul of cross country. The joy of running is evident by the smile that she carries while running. Josie is kind and caring to all of her teammates and helps create a family bond within the team.”

Avery High School Cross Country Coach April Cheuvront

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 9

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Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Community Excellence

RIEN FREEMAN He has also taken part in Mr. WHS, a charity pageant Rien Freeman that raises money for local Watauga High School families, King of the Court 4.34 GPA and Dodgeball for Hope.

With so much community

BY IAN TAYLOR service under his belt, it is IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM not surprising that Freeman For student-athletes, free is an Eagle Scout, achieving time is hard to come by. the rank in 2019 as part of School, practices and events Troop 109 in Boone. can easily take up whole days Freeman’s Eagle Scout Serand leave them too drained vice Project was refurbishing to do much with whatever a garden area with mulch, time is left over. shrubbery and a cross.

Some manage to get that While serving as a member free time and put it to use, of Troop 109, Freeman has but very few spend their helped as they adopted a free time like Watauga cross street and regularly work to country runner Rien Freekeep it clean. man, who puts much of his Still, he finds time to time back into the commuperform as a violinist during nity. services at the Pineola PresDescribed by Head Coach byterian Church and Valle Randy McDonough as a Crusis United Methodist. “team leader,” Freeman Despite all of the time and has put the same effort into energy he has put back into community service as he has his community, Freeman into his award-winning cross has still had enough time country and track career. to accumulate a 4.34 GPA, Freeman has spent the past earning him the title of a four years organizing and scholar athlete three times running a food drive called for cross country and twice the Souper Bowl of Caring for track and field. at his church. The Souper A two-time all-conference Bowl of Caring is a national performer, Freeman was movement that collects connamed the 2020-21 Runner tributions to fighting hunger of the Year for the Northaround the world, with western 3A/4A Conference. multiple organizations across The honor capped a year that America working to raise saw him become an individfunds. In 2020, Freeman’s ual conference champion. group and the thousands To go with those honors, of others helped raise more Freeman was named all-rethan $10 million of food and gion and led the Pioneers to contributions. a Western 3A Regional title.

WINNER:

PHOTO BY DAVID ROGERS

Watauga’s Rien Freeman crosses the finish line as the No. 23 individual finisher in the Boys NCHSAA 3A State Cross Country Championship on Jan. 23 at Redmon Sports Complex.

‘TEAM LEADER’ As described by Watauga Head Coach Randy McDonough

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Mountain Times Publications • Page 11

BEST OF PREPS

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BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Extra Mile Coach of the Year

NATHAN COLVARD but Colvard finally got his team to the mountain top in the 2020-21 season. After eight-straight losing Nathan Colvard Ashe County Varsity seasons, the Huskies won the Boys Basketball Coach Mountain Valley Athletic Conference title with a 10-4 record,

BY IAN TAYLOR adding an exclamation point on IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM the end with a 23-point win over rivals West Wilkes.

When Nathan Colvard took The victorious season saw three charge of the Ashe County HusHuskies named to the MVAC kies varsity boys’ basketball team all-conference team and Colvard in 2015, he inherited a program won the Conference Coach of the mired in defeats.

Year award. He would go on to The team had not finished win the school’s Husky Coach of with a winning record since the the Year award, but by then had 2011-12 season under Marc Payne already made the announcement and Colvard took over a team that he was leaving the program. sitting at 3-5. After going 10-10 “My life is very different now in the rest of the games under than it was when I started coachColvard’s tenure, the interim tag ing,” Colvard said at the time of was removed and he got to work his resignation. “I’m married and on building his program. have two little girls and I increasGetting Ashe back to the highs ingly felt like I didn’t have enough of Payne’s tenure was not an time to be both the kind of dad I overnight job, with the program want to be and the kind of coach continuing to come up short the players deserve.” against in-conference rivals like A graduate and former player West Wilkes and Wilkes Central. at ACHS, Colvard left the proNo matter what the score was gram on a high point, but getting at the end of the game, Colvard the opportunity in the first place took every opportunity to praise was enough of an honor. his players’ efforts and spirit. In “Coaching at ACHS has been January 2019, when the team lost the privilege of a lifetime,” their ninth-straight game, the Colvard said. “I’ve been lucky to seven-point loss was not the first have tremendous support from thing Colvard spoke of after the our administration, parents and game. community. I love this school “If you watched that game, you and love the program, so being wouldn’t think those guys had trusted to run it has been such an lost eight consecutive games,” honor.”

Colvard said. “In all of these While the reigning conference games, these boys have never champions may have lost their stopped fighting, never stopped head coach, Colvard said they working to win.” would never lose him as their It took longer than expected, biggest fan.

WINNER:

PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR

Head coach Nathan Colvard talks to Branson Shepherd (1), Alec Roland (11) and Nate Lee (15) during a game against North Wilkes in 2019.

“Coaching at ACHS has been the privilege of a lifetime. I’ve been lucky to have tremendous support from our administration, parents and community. I love this school and love the program, so being trusted to run it has been such an honor.”

Nathan Colvard

Mountain Times Publications • Page 13

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Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Baseball Nominees: Ray Sain, Ty Smith

RAY SAIN WINNER: Ray Sain Ashe County High School Weighted 4.3 GPA

“Ray has been an outstanding addition to our baseball team.

He’s a great student-athlete and is not only involved with our team, but is also a member of our high school band.”

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

Achievements and awards: Before moving to Ashe County, Sain was a high brass section leader for the North Lincoln High School marching band and has been awarded the Jeremy Elliot Scholarship.

Volunteer and community service: Sain volunteers with the Jefferson United Methodist Church food pantry, previously volunteered at his middle school and has been on several mission trips through the Carolina Cross Connection to Asheville and Honduras. Sain is also a member of the ACHS Beta Club and was a member of the North Lincoln chapter of the National Honors Society.

Challenges to overcome: Sain found himself in unfamiliar territory for his senior year of high school. Moving was tough enough with the challenges of adjusting to a new high school life, but doing it during the COVID-19 pandemic added to the struggle.

With school being partly online, Sain found it tough to make new friends and feel comfortable in his new environment. However, he found himself in a supportive youth group, who helped him adjust and settle into his new home.

Coach’s comments: “Ray has been an outstanding addition to our baseball team.

He’s a great student-athlete and is not only involved with our team, but is also a member of our high school band. Ray is a great mentor for his teammates and provides a spark to our lineup.” — Mike Windish

Ashe head coach Mike Windish

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Ray Sain is declared the winner of the Best of Preps baseball award.

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 15

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Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Men’s Basketball Nominees: Camden Current, Jackson Crenshaw, Tyler Ward

CAMDEN CURRENT WINNER: Camden Current Avery County High School Weighted 4.37 GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

Achievements and awards: As a twosport athlete, Current received the Coach’s Award for basketball while receiving all-conference honors and Best Offensive Lineman in football. He was named the Ashe County Youth Volunteer of the Year and was a ACHS Junior Marshall.

Volunteer and community service: Current has participated in National Beta Club, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, Blue Ridge Energy Leadership Track and has served as a West Jefferson First Baptist Church Children’s Church Leader. Current also volunteered with the Ashe County Sharing Center, Ashe County Summer Backpack Program delivery and Habitat for Humanity.

Challenges to overcome: An injury during the last football game of Current’s junior year forced him to miss the entirety of the basketball season. Still, Current went to every practice and game, serving as a supportive teammate. Current showed resolve and came back stronger for his senior year as a starter and integral part of a conference championship-winning team.

Coach’s comments: “Cam is the true definition of a student-athlete. He works incredibly hard at everything, whether it is studying, lifting weights, volunteering or playing in a competition. He is an exceptional leader, and selflessly sacrificed his own stats for the betterment of our team this year. He is one of those players who always does exactly what he is supposed to do when he is supposed to do it.” — Nathan Colvard

PHOTO BY CHANDA RICHARDSON

Camden Current sets up one of his final foul shots of the season in a Feb. 17 game.

“Cam is the true definition of a student-athlete. He works incredibly hard at everything, whether it is studying, lifting weights, volunteering or playing in a competition.”

Ashe County Coach Nathan Colvard

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

BEST OF PREPS

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Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Women’s Basketball Nominees: Jordan Jones, Reagan Hughes, Chelsi Hodges

CHELSI HODGES WINNER: Chelsi Hodges Watauga High School Weighted 4.41 GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

Achievements and awards: Team captain and leading scorer, Hodges was a 2020-21 Northwestern 3A/4A All-Conference selection and will be playing basketball for the Wasps at Emory & Henry College.

Volunteer and community service: Hodges is a member of Athletes for Good and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes while being active in her church. She has served meals at the Hospitality House in Boone, collected food for food drives, coaches a youth girls’ basketball team, volunteers with kids for basketball clinics and camps, is an intern in the Watauga Medical Center’s human resources department and holds two jobs.

Challenges to overcome: Hodges has all of the support in the world from her mother and other family members, but her father is not in her life. She has been raised in a single family home her whole childhood, has persevered and never once made excuses. She works hard to try and make her mom and her family proud.

Coach’s comments: “Chelsi is a fabulous representation of what a high school athlete should be. She is well-rounded, treats others with respect, leads her team and peers well and is extremely hardworking with basketball and school. She goes out of her way to help teammates and make them better, while upholding the standard of our team. She works extremely hard on her game and has raised the level of our program with her commitment.” — Laura Barry

PHOTO BY DAVID ROGERS

Watauga’s Chelsi Hodges reaches for two points in Watauga’s Feb. 16 game against Freedom High School.

“Chelsi is a fabulous representation of what a high school athlete should be. She is well-rounded, treats others with respect, leads her team and peers well and is extremely hardworking with basketball and school.”

Watauga Girls Basketball Coach Laura Barry

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 19

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Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Cheerleading Nominees: Haleigh Graybeal, Lizzy Calloway

ELIZABETH ‘LIZZY’ CALLOWAY WINNER: Elizabeth “Lizzy” Calloway Avery County High School Weighted 4.2 GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

Achievements and awards: Calloway is an honor roll student who was voted varsity captain for 2020-21 after being varsity co-captain in 2019-20.

Volunteer and community service: Calloway is an active member of the Avery County High School Beta Club, Buck Hill Baptist Church and participates in youth group at Oak Grove Baptist Church. In her free time, she works part-time as a waitress and helps with tutoring and care taking for younger children. Calloway also participates in the Teacher Cadet program through ACHS, working at Newland Elementary School weekly.

Challenges to overcome: Calloway has had to overcome many challenges and tragedy in her young life. Last year, on top of the loss of a family member, she received potentially devastating news regarding her health that threatened to end her cheerleading career early. Through physical therapy and perseverance, Calloway has learned to manage her pain and has always kept a smile on her face, despite many challenges.

Coach’s comments: “Lizzy has been involved with cheer from a very young age. As a junior, Lizzy was voted co-captain of Avery County High School’s varsity cheerleading squad. Now, as a senior, she has been chosen to represent her squad as the captain. Lizzy exemplifies all of the desired qualities of a team captain. She never misses a practice, never complains and always finds the positive in every situation. Perhaps above all, Lizzy is an excellent role model to our younger team members. — Katherine Jones

“Lizzy exemplifies all of the desired qualities of a team captain.

She never misses a practice, never complains and always finds the positive in every situation. Perhaps above all, Lizzy is an excellent role model to our younger team members.”

Avery head coach Katherine Jones

PHOTO COURTESY JIM PUCKETT

Elizabeth “Lizzy” Calloway (right) is honored as the Best of Preps winner for cheerleading. Pictured with her are Avery senior basketball players Alexis Stines and Reagan Hughes, who were honored for senior night on Feb. 15.

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

BEST OF PREPS

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Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Men’s Cross Country Nominees: Eli Randolph, Zack Greer, Rien Freeman

RIEN FREEMAN WINNER: Rien Freeman Watauga High School Weighted 4.34 GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

Achievements and awards: A two-time all-conference performer, Freeman was named the 2020-21 Runner of the Year for the Northwestern 3A/4A Conference. The honor capped a year that saw him become an individual conference champion. To go with those honors, Freeman was named all-region and led the Pioneers to a Western 3A Regional title.

In the classroom, Freeman was honored as a scholar athlete for cross country and track in 2018 and 2019, and then for cross country in 2020-21.

Volunteer and community service: Along with being an Eagle Scout, Freeman participated in Mr. WHS, King of the Court and Dodgeball for Hope at his high school. Freeman has also been involved with the Souper Bowl of Caring at his church, while frequently performing violin music at the Pineola Presbyterian Church and Valle Crusis United Methodist.

Challenges to overcome: During his junior year, Freeman was part of the varsity team for most of the season, however, he was replaced in the top seven. Devastated, Freeman chose not to quit and used it to push himself even further, becoming a conference champion in the process.

Coach’s comments: “Rien is a team leader and captain on the cross country team. He is friends with and cares about everyone on the team. He has always been one to take new runners and make sure they know the ways of the team.” — Randy McDonough

PHOTO BY DAVID ROGERS

Watauga’s Rien Freeman begins to separate from the pack going into the final lap of the May 10 tri-meet with Alexander Central and Ashe County in the 1600 meter run. Teammate Asa Markus, left, finished second for a Pioneer 1-2 sweep.

“Rien is a team leader and captain on the cross country team. He is friends with and cares about everyone on the team.”

Watauga Head Coach Randy McDonough

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 23

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BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Women’s Cross Country Nominees: Claudia Acevedo, Josie Naumowich, Sidra Miller

SIDRA MILLER WINNER: Sidra Miller Watauga High School Weighted 4.325 GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

Achievements and awards: Miller is a three time all-conference performer, who was named a scholar athlete in 2018, 2019, 2021 for cross country and 2019 for track. In the 2020-21 season, she attained all-conference honors, was named Northwestern 3A/4A Conference Runner of the year and all-region. She was a key contributor to the team winning a conference championship, West Regional championship and fifth-place in the NCHSAA State Championships.

Volunteer and community service: Miller has been involved with the National Honor Society, Sustainability Club and Model UN, while also volunteering with the Hunger and Health Coalition, Hospitality House and the KHAL Center — an international center for deaf people. She has also worked with the Foreign Policy Youth Collaborative.

Coach’s comments: “Sidra is a team leader and captain on the cross country team; she has been a varsity runner since her freshman year. She is one of the nicest and most polite runners I have coached. She is willing to befriend anyone she meets including the new runners on the team. Despite her drive and determination to be the best runner she can be, she never forgets her coaches and teammates who helped get her there.” — Randy McDonough

PHOTO BY DAVID ROGERS

Sidra Miller was named the 2021 Best of Preps athlete for women’s cross country.

“Sidra is a team leader and captain on the cross country team; she has been a varsity runner since her freshman year.”

Watauga head coach Randy McDonough

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 25

Coming Early 2022

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BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Dance

SARAH GRACE SHELLMAN WINNER: Sarah Grace Shellman Watauga High School Weighted 4.283 GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

Achievements and awards: A co-captain of the Pacer Dance Team during her junior year, Shellman was named captain for her senior year. In her sophomore, junior and senior years, she was a member of the National Honor Society.

Volunteer and community service: Aside from her work with the Pacer Dance Team, Shellman was a member of HOSA and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and danced at Northwestern Studio.

Challenges to overcome: In her final year with the Pacers Dance Team, Shellman dealt with the chaos caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nothing was truly set in stone, with dances sometimes changing the day of the performance. However, Shellman always kept it calm and together.

Coach’s comments: “Sarah Grace has led the Pacer Dance Team with confidence, dedication and heart this year. She has stayed positive during all the uncertainty and kept up the spirit of the team. Her flexibility and willingness to change at the drop of the moment has been the driving force for the success of this year’s team.” — Laura Carson

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Sarah Grace Shellman served as co-captain of the Pacers Dance Team in her junior year, before being named captain for her senior year.

“Sarah Grace has led the Pacer Dance Team with confidence, dedication and heart this year. She has stayed positive during all the uncertainty and kept up the spirit of the team.”

Watauga Dance Coach Laura Carson

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 27

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Page 28 • Mountain Times Publications

BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Football Nominees: Jackson Krider, Troy Hoilman, Jake Gragg

TROY HOILMAN WINNER: Troy Hoilman Avery County High School Weighted 4.4 GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

Achievements and awards: In his football career at Avery, Hoilman has twice been named team captain and was named the 2021 first-team all-conference preseason quarterback, 2021 first-team all-state 1AA preseason quarterback, 2019 Western Highlands Conference Offensive Player of the Year, 2019 all-conference, 2019 second-team all-state 1AA quarterback, 2019 second-team all-Western North Carolina quarterback, 2019 ACHS Football Player of the Year and won the 2019 Western N.C. Passing Title.

Volunteer and community service: Hoilman was named the Volunteer of the Year by the Spruce Pine United Methodist Church in 2020 for his work volunteering with children’s church groups, assisting in moving and youth mission activities. He is also a member of the church’s Lay Leadership Committee. The ACHS A honor roll and Mayland Community College Dean’s List student is also a member of Beta Club and Link Crew. Hoilman has also worked as a referee for basketball and football games with the Avery Parks and Recreation Department, while also assisting with various other sports-related duties with the department and has taught swimming lessons at the Dive-In Pool.

PHOTO BY CHANTAE HOILMAN

Avery senior quarterback Troy Hoilman lofts a screen pass over a trio of Mountaineer defenders. Hoilman threw for more than 200 yards in the game with a pair of touchdowns.

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 29

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Page 30 • Mountain Times Publications

BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Men’s Golf Nominees: Jake Patton, Kaden Smith, Isaac Greer

JAKE PATTON WINNER:

“Jake led his team as a medalist in every conference match, helping bring his team back from a large deficit to within two strokes of a team conference title.”

Jake Patton Ashe County High School Weighted 3.3 GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

Achievements and awards: Patton qualified for every match during his high school career, during which he was named Freshman Golfer of the Year, received all-conference honors and was an NCHSAA Player of the Week for a 3-under par round that included a hole-in-one during match play.

Volunteer and community service: Patton spent 60 hours volunteering with Operation Compassion at Fletcher Baptist Church, 12 hours with the N.E.S.T. Camp, 10 hours with Camp New Hope, six hours with the Community Outreach Harvest Celebration and four hours with Ashe County Assisted Living.

Challenges to overcome: To get where he is today, Patton learned to deal with dyslexia and an eye-tracking disorder. Overcoming the obstacles put in front of him, he did not let them get in the way of his academics while maintaining the hand-eye coordination needed to golf and become an accomplished guitarist and banjo player.

Coach’s comments: “Jake led his team as a medalist in every conference match, helping bring his team back from a large deficit to within two strokes of a team conference title.”

— Chad Scott

Ashe County Head Coach Chad Scott

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Jake Patton moves on to the next shot during a round of golf.

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Mountain Times Publications • Page 31

BEST OF PREPS

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Page 32 • Mountain Times Publications

BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Women’s Golf Nominees: Ashley Hardin, Ellie Pittman

ASHLEY HARDIN WINNER: Ashley Hardin Ashe County High School Weighted 4.05 GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

Achievements and awards: The 2021 Mountain Valley Athletic Conference Player of the Year is a threetime team MVP, four-time all-conference honoree, threetime Regional championship qualifier and placed 15th in the North Carolina State Championship in 2019. Hardin accomplished all of her work on the course while also being an A/B Honor Roll student.

Volunteer and community service: Hardin has worked with the Praise Brigade Club and was a competitive dancer at Dancin’ Debbie’s in West Jefferson. She was also a member of Beta Club, the Rho Kappa social studies honor society and the National Technical Honor Society.

Challenges to overcome: During her sophomore year, Hardin missed the cutoff to qualify for the state championship by a single stroke. The missed cut pushed her to work harder, better her game and qualify for states the following season. However, another challenge appeared before her senior season, as her father, role model and the team’s assistant coach, was diagnosed with bile duct cancer. He passed away in September 2020, and Hardin completed a successful senior year in his honor.

Coach’s comments: “Ashley is the most dedicated and hard working athlete on our team, while also being an excelling student and lady on and off the golf course.

She spends numerous hours, outside of golf practices, working on her technique and skills on the golf course, as well as balancing schoolwork, her job at the local golf course and competitive dance practices. She is consistently the number one seeded golfer for all matches and leads the ACHS women’s golf team to be victorious.

Ashley is an excellent problem solver on the golf course and does an amazing job of being proactive and reactive when playing.” — Madison Roberts

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Ashe County’s Ashley Hardin swings during a match.

“Ashley is the most dedicated and hard working athlete on our team, while also being an excelling student and lady on and off the golf course.”

Ashe County High School coach Madison Roberts

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 33

Congratulations to all of the Best of Preps Nominees

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Page 34 • Mountain Times Publications

BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Men’s Soccer Nominees: Blake Levi, Thomas Gatewood, Colter Conway

COLTER CONWAY WINNER: Colter Conway Watauga High School Weighted 4.16 GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

Achievements and awards: Conway was named 2020-21 Northwestern 3A/4A Conference Defensive Player of the Year for the second-straight year, All-Conference, All-Region, All-State, All Mid-Atlantic nominee and to the Top 50 All-American watch list. Conway committed to play for the Owls at Warren Wilson College next year.

Volunteer and community service: Conway has volunteered with Operation Christmas Child and with trail clean up.

Challenges to overcome: Conway would let his emotions get the best of him as a freshman and sophomore, before maturing as a junior and senior to become a team captain. He learned to keep his emotions in check to become a very composed player who was able to help others stay calm, cool and collected.

Coach’s comments: “Colter is a leader. He sets the example for other teammates on and off of the field. (He’s a) great student in the classroom, high character young man, varsity captain and highly decorated as a player. Hard work ethic that pushed the team to be better. A stand out player and young man.” — Josh Honeycutt

PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR

Colter Conway (4) runs up to a free kick against South Caldwell on Jan. 27.

“Colter is a leader. He sets the example for other teammates on and off of the field. (He’s a) great student in the classroom, high character young man, varsity captain and highly decorated as a player.”

Watauga High head coach Josh Honeycutt

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 35

Congratulations \ to the Men’s Soccer Student-Athlete of the Year!

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Page 36 • Mountain Times Publications

BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Women’s Soccer Nominees: Jernee Ashley, Lily Perez, Shaelyn Sheaff

LILY PEREZ WINNER: Lily Perez Avery County High School Weighted 4.646 GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

Achievements and awards: Perez was awarded with the prestigious Riley Howell Service Award for cross county and was a junior marshal in her junior year. Ranked eighth in her class, she was named Most Improved in cross country and Defensive Player of the Year in soccer. Excelling in AP U.S. History and Spanish, Perez made the Dean’s List at Mayland Community College while dual enrolling.

Volunteer and community service: Perez has worked with Childfest, Kitefest, the Empty Bowls Project, blood drives and is a member of the Link Crew program. She has also been on mission trips to El Salvador and Honduras where she worked with children with Down Syndrome and children infected with HIV/AIDS. Challenges to overcome: A biracial student, Perez has had to overcome prejudice and bias, breaking through stereotypes that many people have held for her. She has become an advocate for the local Latinx community and students at ACHS. Coach’s comments: “Lily is my nomination for Best of Preps because of her commitment to our soccer team for the last four years. Lily has been a starter on defense for all four years and she has been instrumental in the building of our program.

Lily is a role model for her peers, she has played in fall league, led practices and pre-season workouts and put in all of the extra work necessary to become a leader in our program. Lily is the first player to offer help on game days for setting up and taking down the field. She is humble and a hard worker who never quits. The type of player that makes a coach love their job!” — Missy Lyons

PHOTO BY SERENA SMITH

Lily Perez pushes a ball against a Mitchell player in Avery’s home girls soccer finale at MacDonald Stadium on April 28.

“Lily is my nomination for Best of Preps because of her commitment to our soccer team for the last four years. Lily has been a starter on defense for all four years and she has been instrumental in the building of our program.”

Avery County head coach Missy Lyons

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 37

Congratulations to All the Best of Prep Nominees and Winners

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Page 38 • Mountain Times Publications

BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Softball Nominees: Elizabeth Wallace, Grace Presnell

GRACE PRESNELL WINNER: Grace Presnell Watauga High School Weighted 4.075 GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

Achievements and awards: Presnell was named the 2021 WHS Softball Team MVP and her artwork was featured in the Watauga Compassionate Community Initiative exhibition at Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff in Boone.

Volunteer and community service: Presnell participates in, and is a spokesperson for, Out of Your Mind — a local nonprofit organization that uses art and mentorship to combat social isolation and reframe mental illness as a mental opportunity.

Challenges to overcome: Presnell struggled with depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using her art and her willingness to be transparent with those close to her, Presnell worked to grow and heal. After questioning if she would even play in her senior season, she led the team on and off the field, continuing to improve and better herself.

Coach’s comments: “Grace is a natural leader on the WHS softball team. She leads her team with a commanding presence in the pitcher’s circle. She perfectly blends a natural joy and love of the game with competitive fire. For the 2021 season, she pitched 42 innings, faced 229 batters with only 60 hits and 50 strikeouts. She pitched three complete games and a shutout.”

— April Yandle

PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR

Grace Presnell (30) sends a pitch to home plate in Watauga’s win over Freedom High School on March 24.

“Grace is a natural leader on the WHS softball team. She leads her team with a commanding presence in the pitcher’s circle.”

Watauga head coach April Yandle

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 39

Softball Student Athlete of the Year Nominees!

Page 40 • Mountain Times Publications

BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Men’s Swimming Nominees: Braxton Buchanan, Henryk Kosmala

BRAXTON BUCHANAN “Braxton works hard in the pool and found his passion for swim freshman year. He joined our program with very little competitive swim experience but has grown and continued to drop time each season. He was named the boys’ team captain this past season and played a very important, key role in hyping the team up.”

WINNER: Braxton Buchanan Avery County High School Weighted 3.33 GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

Achievements and awards: Buchanan has earned the Most Improved Swimmer award and the Viking Award on his way to two consecutive trips to regionals. There, he won an award in the 100-meter freestyle competition to go with three other medals. A two-sport athlete, Buchanan has also won two medals in cross country.

Volunteer and community service: Along with volunteering with county-wide trash clean-up efforts, Buchanan has participated in two mission trips to feed those struggling with homelessness in New York City.

Coach’s comments: “He has been a joy to watch grow with swimming the past three years. Braxton works hard in the pool and found his passion for swim freshman year. He joined our program with very little competitive swim experience but has grown and continued to drop time each season. He was named the boys’ team captain this past season and played a very important, key role in hyping the team up. He did this for each meet and really helped the freshman boys who competed in swim for the first time this season. Even when we didn’t swim our best, he made sure to keep positive energy on the bus ride home. — Hannah Taber

Avery County head coach Hannah Taber

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Avery swimmer Braxton Buchanan was named a 2021 Best of Preps athlete.

BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Mountain Times Publications • Page 41

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Page 42 • Mountain Times Publications

BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Women’s Swimming Nominees: Ashley Dollar, Amelia Hughes, Lauren Patterson

LAUREN PATTERSON WINNER: Lauren Patterson Watauga High School Weighted 4.33 GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

Achievements and awards: Patterson qualified for both regional and state competition in 2021, a year in which the freshman was also named the team’s MVP. In her first year at WHS, Patterson set school records in the 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, the 100-meter fly and the 200-meter medley relay. The 100-meter fly record was the longest standing record, set in 1989, and Patterson broke it in her first individual swim as a high school athlete.

She later qualified to swim at the NC Winter Junior Championship Meet and was selected to represent NC Swimming at the Carolina Crown Challenge Meet.

Volunteer and community service: Patterson has worked with Athletes for Good, HOSA, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, was selected as a delegate for North Carolina for the National Congress of Future Medical Leaders and is a children’s church volunteer.

Challenges to overcome: As her dedication to swimming grew, Patterson knew she needed to find athletes on her same skill level. Along with her family, she committed to driving off of the mountain to join a USA Swimming program in the Winston-Salem area.

That schedule has her getting up before school to train in Winston-Salem and drive back multiple times each week. In addition, she would train with the WHS team in Banner Elk during the season.

Coach’s comments: “Lauren is the most talented swimmer in the High Country in many years. She automatically qualified for the regional meet in all five events she swam this season while breaking school records in three of those. Had we had other meets, she easily could have broken several other records. She excels not only in the pool, but the classroom and is a role model for all younger athletes.” — David Gragg

FILE PHOTO

Lauren Patterson of the Watauga High School swim team is the winner of the Best of Preps women’s swimming award.

Patterson is pictured here after medaling in four events in the 2018 Southern Zone Age Group Championships.

“Lauren is the most talented swimmer in the High Country in many years. She automatically qualified for the regional meet in all five events she swam this season while breaking school records in three of those. She excels not only in the pool, but the classroom and is a role model for all younger athletes.”

Watauga coach David Gragg

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 43

Men’s Tennis Nominees: Jake Reavis, Andrew Ganley

JACOB “JAKE” REAVIS WINNER: Jake Reavis Ashe County High School Weighted 4.64 GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

Achievements and awards: Having qualified for regionals multiple times, Reavis is a two-time all-conference honoree and won the Mountain Valley Athletic Conference Singles Championship in his final year. The tennis team’s top seed was also a senior class representative.

Volunteer and community service: Reavis has compiled 150 hours of volunteer work with Boone Family Funeral Home, Lucas’ Pumpkin Patch, Ashe Really Cares, Samaritan’s Purse, Buddy Walk, Fall Festivals and other organizations. Active in the ACHS Student Council, he was president of NextStep, vice president of the Rho Kappa social studies honor society and was a member of Beta Club and the Mu Alpha Theta math honor society.

Challenges to overcome: Reavis’ mother was diagnosed with a chronic lung disease when he was young. During his middle school years, his mother’s illness progressed, but Reavis stood by her and continued to spread optimism and happiness to others. Not only has he helped care for his mother, but Reavis did so while being a top student and stellar athlete.

Coach’s comments: “Jake is currently the No. 1 seed for both singles and doubles. He has won some decisive matches for our team, proving his ability to play under pressure and his representation as our No. 1 seed. Jake is a leader on and off the tennis court, displaying compassion to his teammates and good sportsmanship to his opponents. His well-rounded personality is a magnet to everyone. Truly, he is invested in his community, school and team.”

— Judy Moser-Smith

PHOTO BY CHANDA RICHARDSON

Jake Reavis, as pictured here in a conference match on April 18, later came out as victorious at the MVAC tennis tournament as Singles Champion on April 26.

“Jake is a leader on and off the tennis court, displaying compassion to his teammates and good sportsmanship to his opponents. His well-rounded personality is a magnet to everyone.”

Ashe County head coach Judy Moser-Smith

Page 44 • Mountain Times Publications

BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Women’s Tennis Nominees: Ashley Dollar, Emma Kitchin

ASHLEY DOLLAR WINNER: Ashley Dollar Ashe County High School Weighted 4.53 GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

Achievements and awards: An honor roll student, Dollar was the inaugural winner of the Heart of a Husky student-athlete award in 2020, which recognizes a student-athlete deemed to be a good representation of the Ashe County High School program. She is also a two-time all-conference selection for tennis, once for both track and swimming and was named swimming’s Most Improved in 2020 and MVP in 2021.

Volunteer and community service: Dollar has put in more than 500 hours of volunteer work with Relay for Life, hospice, Ashe Really Cares, Westwood Elementary School and Ashe County Middle School.

She also serves as the Student Body President, the yearbook editor and is a member of HOSA, the National Technical Honor Society, Beta Club, the Rho Kappa social studies honor society, the ACHS Student Athlete Leadership Team and Interact Club.

Challenges to overcome: Two years prior to being named a Best of Preps athlete, Dollar suffered a knee injury that

forced her to miss a season of tennis. While rehabilitating her knee, she still served as a team manager and attended every practice.

Coach’s comments: “I have known Ashley for three years and I was impressed from the beginning with her character and work ethic. She is a well-rounded, outstanding young lady. During her high school career, she has accumulated over 500 hours of community service. Earlier this year, she was nominated by several of her coaches for our Desire to Lead student-athlete leadership team, where she participated in one of the largest groups of student-athletes and athletic directors organized in the country to learn about leadership.

Her academic record speaks for itself, she has maintained an A average throughout her high school career. Ashley doesn’t realize this, nor would she give herself the credit for it, but her effort level is far and beyond many of her peers. I have no doubt in my mind she will excel in the future and will be a true asset to any organization she’s a part of.” — Judy Moser-Smith

PHOTO BY CHANDA RICHARDSON

Ashe County’s Ashley Dollar returns a serve in her 6-2, 6-2 match against Starmount on May 10.

“I have known Ashley for three years and I was impressed from the beginning with her character and work ethic. She is a well-rounded, outstanding young lady.”

Ashe County head coach Judy Moser-Smith

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 45

S t s u n d o e i n t t a l A u t thle a r g t n es! o C

Page 46 • Mountain Times Publications

BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Men’s Track & Field Nominees: Eli Randolph, Jamie Hernandez, Henry Coatney

HENRY COATNEY WINNER: Henry Coatney Watauga High School Weighted 4.424 GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

Achievements and awards: Coatney was named to the 2019 Northwestern 3A/4A all-conference team, a scholar athlete for track and was selected as a junior marshal.

Volunteer and community service: A member of the Alliance Bible Fellowship worship band, Coatney uses his skills to teach music lessons at the Jones House Community Center while also preparing and serving food at the Hospitality House.

Challenges to overcome: One of the events most effected by the COVID-19 pandemic was the pole vault. However, Coatney still found ways to keep practicing and improving.

Coach’s comments: “Henry works very hard at whatever he does and he is on the team to help out wherever he can. If we need points from an event he has never done, he is willing to try and see if he can do it. He is a quiet leader that leads by example. I have always been impressed that Henry is knowledgeable and willing enough that he doesn’t wait for the coaches to approach him. He approaches the coaches and offers to try a new event.” — Randy McDonough

PHOTO BY CALEB COATNEY

Watauga High School’s Henry Coatney was named a Best of Preps winner for men’s track and field.

“I have always been impressed that Henry is knowledgeable and willing enough that he doesn’t wait for the coaches to approach him.”

Watauga head coach Randy McDonough

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 47

Wrestling Nominees: Dalton Towe, Gabe Bare

DALTON TOWE WINNER: Dalton Towe Avery County High School Weighted 4.1 GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

Achievements and awards: Towe has been named a Western Highlands all-conference selection three times, while finishing second in the state in his weight class in 2020 and solidifying his place as one of the state’s top wrestlers in his weight class.

Volunteer and community service: In his spare time, Towe has assisted with youth wrestling camps.

Challenges to overcome: Towe started wrestling later than many of his fellow wrestlers, coming out for wrestling as a freshman. Through hard work and dedication, Towe has catapulted to the top in a short amount of time.

Coach’s comments: “Dalton is a great leader for the program on and off the mat. He always has a positive attitude and is willing to sacrifice for the team.” — Matt Dunn PHOTO BY JAMIE SHELL

Avery wrestler Dalton Towe ties up the arms of North Wilkes opponent Nicholas Szekely in the 170-pound weight class during Avery’s tri-match on Tuesday, May 4.

“Dalton is a great leader for the program on and off the mat. He always has a positive attitude and is willing to sacrifice for the team.”

Avery County head coach Matt Dunn

Page 48 • Mountain Times Publications

BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Women’s Track & Field Nominees: Bella Powers, Kate Dailey

KATE DAILEY WINNER:

Kate is a great leader on both the girls and boys teams. Practice usually starts on Feb. 15, but was postponed until April 12 this year.

This did not stop Kate from meeting with the coaches three days a week in unofficial practices.

Kate Dailey Watauga High School Weighted 4.325 GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

Watauga head coach Randy McDonough

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Kate Dailey is named as the Best of Preps winner for women’s track and field.

Achievements and awards: In 2019, Dailey was named all-conference for the long jump and the 4x100 relay, while also being a scholar athlete for track.

Volunteer and community service: Dailey is a member of Key Club and is president-elect of the National Honor Society. Through the National Honor Society, she has spent volunteer hours in the food pantry and setting up for blood drives and college fairs. She has volunteered at the Children’s Playhouse, Wine to Water and has helped feed residents of the Hospitality House.

Coach’s comments: “Kate is a great leader on both the girls and boys teams. Practice usually starts on Feb. 15, but was postponed until April 12 this year. This did not stop Kate from meeting with the coaches three days a week in unofficial practices. She came into the season in great shape. Kate is willing to do whatever events in track that she thinks the coaches think she can get extra points for the team. She does this without complaint.”

— Randy McDonough

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Mountain Times Publications • Page 49

BEST OF PREPS

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Page 50 • Mountain Times Publications

BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Volleyball Nominees: Bella Powers, Reagan Hughes, Caroline Farthing

CAROLINE FARTHING WINNER: Caroline Farthing Watauga High School Weighted 4.3 GPA

BY IAN TAYLOR IAN.TAYLOR@WATAUGADEMOCRAT.COM

Achievements and awards: Farthing received a varsity letter in volleyball as a freshman and sophomore and was named 2019 First-Team All-Conference, 2020 FirstTeam All-Conference, Max Preps four-time WHS Player of the Match, Best Hitter at the Capital Hill Classic volleyball tournament and the All-Tournament team at the Carolina Region Volleyball Regional Championships. She is also a member of the varsity track team and received a varsity letter in basketball as a freshman and sophomore.

Volunteer and community service: Farthing has volunteered with children’s ministries at Perkinsville Baptist Church, Fellowship for Christian Athletes and Athletes for Good.

Challenges to overcome: As the youngest of four sisters who exceled in the sport of volleyball, Farthing always felt the pressure of living up to the family volleyball legacy. She made her journey her own and far exceeded any expectations placed upon her.

Coach’s comments: “Caroline Farthing is a phenomenal volleyball player who helped lead our team to an undefeated conference season and an eighth-straight NW4A Conference championship. She led our team in kills, hitting percentage, digs, serving percentage and points off of serves. Caroline has been playing volleyball competitively since the second grade and works tirelessly to hone her skills and aspires to earn a Division I scholarship to continue her career.

She is an amazing athlete, but an even better person.” — Kim Pryor

PHOTO BY DAVID ROGERS

Caroline Farthing goes for the kill against Hickory in the Pioneers 3-0 sweep of the Red Tornadoes at David W. Craft Gymnasium, Dec. 7, 2020.

“Caroline Farthing is a phenomenal volleyball player who helped lead our team to an undefeated conference season and an eighth-straight NW4A Conference championship. She led our team in kills, hitting percentage, digs, serving percentage and points off of serves.”

Watauga head coach Kim Pryor

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 51

CONGRATULATIONS

to the Women’s Volleyball Student-Athlete of the Year!

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Page 52 • Mountain Times Publications

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