Best of Preps 2022

2022

STUDENT-ATHLETE AWARDS

BRELYN STURGILL

WOMEN’S STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

MATTHEW DUNN EXTRA MILE COACH OF THE YEAR

ETHAN SHELL

MEN’S STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Premier Sponsor

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BEST OF PREPS

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BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 3

Mountain Times Publications presents Best of Preps 2022

BY IAN TAYLOR

A

fter another year of team and individual successes, more than 20 of the top student-athletes from around the High Country have been honored as a Best of Preps student-athlete for 2022, each being highlighted for their success on and off the field.

Coaches from Ashe County High School, Avery County High School and Watauga High School each nominated one athlete from their teams, focusing on their achievements in competition and the time they’ve spent giving back to the community. The nominations then went before a panel of independent judges, where one student-athlete from each sport was selected as a Best of Preps athlete.

In total, 22 student-athletes and one coach from across all three schools were selected to be a member of a class that faced challenges no other has.

The 2021-22 school year was somewhat of a return to normal for students, after two years that were defined by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also marked a return to a standard sports schedule.

It can be easy for high schoolers during the pandemic to have those years defined by a virus, but many chose to define their high school years with excellence. From state champions to all-conference selections and everything in between, student-athletes have not let anything hold

PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR

The Mountain Times Best of Preps celebrates student-athlete excellence from Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties, regardless of rivalries.

them back in the past few years.

However, it takes more than an eye-popping box score to be a Best of Preps student-athlete. The judges also looked at how the nominees made an impact in the community, spending what

few hours of free time they had to make their communities a better place and the extra-curricular activities that better themselves and others.

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.

While it may be easy to look at a list of award

winners and marvel, the praise should not just be limited to the ones receiving a trophy. To be a Best of Preps nominee alone is an achievement, and no athlete can be successful without a good team and coaches around them.

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Community Excellence

MASON CARPENTER

BY IAN TAYLOR

I

n the process of choosing the Best of Preps athletes, more is taken into consideration than stats and titles won. Volunteer and community service is a big part of what makes a student-athlete one of the best of the preps, and few can match Ashe County senior Mason Carpenter’s commitment to serving.

A member of the Huskies track and field team, Carpenter will be known to many as a state championship qualifier in the 55-meter hurdles, where he placed fifth, a conference champion and an all-conference runner.

“As a member of our team, (Carpenter) has been a pivotal leader on our team, helping the younger athletes learn the ‘ropes’ of the program,” head coach Alex Rollins wrote when submitting Carpenter for Best of Preps.

To others, Carpenter is the Battalion Commander of the ACHS JROTC program. A leader in the program, Carpenter has commanded the ROTC’s Raiders Team in competitions while also spending time helping his community.

Through the JROTC, Car-

penter has volunteered with highway clean-ups, veteran ceremonies and burial service salutes, among others.

When Rollins submitted Carpenter for Best of Preps consideration, he noted the senior’s “service-minded nature” as a highlight, while also taking pride in how Carpenter has grown from difficult circumstances to becoming a top-notch student-athlete.

Growing up in an economically disadvantaged, single-parent household, Carpenter has never let anything hold him back on his way to achieving great things at Ashe County High School.

“His father has never essentially been involved in his life,” Rollins wrote.

“Instead of using that as a crutch to produce a litany of excuses, he has motivated himself to become better.

He has really thrived here at school, making lots of friends, rising through the ranks of the JROTC program and become an amazing student-athlete.”

However, Carpenter’s journey of serving his community will not end after graduating. Instead, it will only grow in scale as the all-conference hurdler heads off in search of more service after enlisting in the United States Navy.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Ashe County’s Mason Carpenter spent his high school career winning races and serving others.

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Comeback Player of the Year

JAKE CARPENTER

BY IAN TAYLOR

H

eading into his senior year, Watauga High School’s Jake Carpenter was missing something. But it was not just Carpenter that was missing it, the whole school was without a men’s lacrosse team.

In the fall of 2021, it was unclear if there would be a team or not after one was not fielded the year prior, but Carpenter was determined to bring the Pioneers back to the lacrosse fold. He went to members of the football team, the wrestling squad and the JROTC program, recruiting well over half of the Watauga lacrosse roster.

He even recruited the team’s head coach, who said the senior was a beacon of leadership and clear choice to captain the team.

The issue then came that while Jake Carpenter had helped rebuild the team, it was with a squad that PHOTO COURTESY WHS YEARBOOK was new to the sport. He Jake Carpenter’s comeback story was built on drive and determination, and brought along an opportunity for more Pioneers in the process. stepped up as a leader, setting the tone for the team, teaching his teammates the ins and outs Carpenter assisted the the team back to life, and were playing it in the first Link, a freshman, led the senior season he hoped of their new sport and coaching staff with organi- he succeeded. place was a testament to team in face-off wins, for, he captained a team repairing and restringing zation and team communiWhen March 1 rolled Carpenter’s determination. while all three players that only months earlitheir sticks. cation, running practices around, the Pioneers were Of the nine Pioneers to to see time in goal were er had not existed and He acted as an extra and even researching their hosting Pine Lake Prep. score in the 2022 season, sophomores. set the stage for future coach on the field, and off opposition.

While Watauga lost the all but two were freshmen When it was all said and Pioneers to follow in his the field to an extant. Jake He was driven to bring game, the fact that they or sophomores. Bruce done, Carpenter got the footsteps.

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 7

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Men’s Athlete of the Year

ETHAN SHELL ing Wrestler in addition to the state achievements, t’s hard to top a reaching the same heights three-time state academically is no easy champion. In fact, feat. being a state chamIt can be easy though for pion means no one has someone to eye their own topped Ethan Shell in a accomplishments and focus long time. on making themselves betThe Avery wrestler and ter, but Shell wants to give future Appalachian State back. When he isn’t winMountaineer won his third ning everything in sight, consecutive state champiShell is a youth wrestling onship in February when coach himself, teaching he beat Uwharrie’s Byan up the next generation of Lackey in Greensboro at Vikings and working with the 1A State Championhis teammates to keep the ships. strong history of Avery After finishing as the wrestling alive. state runner up in his Speaking to the Avery freshman year, Shell has Journal-Times in Februbeen nothing short of dom- ary, Avery head coach Matt inant. The pinning machine Dunn noted Shell’s pride bagged 50 wins in his sein helping teammate Grant nior season alone and none Reece reach his own state of his opponents reached championship. the minute mark during his “Here’s somebody who state tournament run. just won his third consecDespite being struck by utive state championship, serious injuries twice, Shell never went more than 60 has continued to be a mon- seconds with any opponent ster on the mats while also in the state tournament, excelling in the classroom. pinned everyone, and Graduating with a weighthe’s thinking and talking ed GPA north of 4.0, the about how proud he was Viking has been as good of having something to do in the classroom as he has with someone else winning been in competition. a state title,” Dunn was Given that he’s won four quoted as saying. conference titles, four Shell now looks to his regional championships, future as a Mountaineer, been named the regional where he will wrestle under Most Outstanding Wresanother former Avery state tler and twice been the champion wrestler in Johnconference Most Outstand- Mark Bentley.

BY IAN TAYLOR

I

PHOTO BY CHANTAE HOILMAN

Ethan Shell has his hand raised in victory after pinning his opponent for his third consecutive state wrestling championship, indicating such with three raised fingers on the right hand to the cheering Vikings fans in attendance at Greensboro Coliseum on February 19.

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 9

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Women’s Athlete of the Year

BRELYN STURGILL

BY IAN TAYLOR

S

ome resumes will be longer than others, while some will be more impressive than others. Graduating Watauga High School senior Brelyn Sturgill’s resume is somewhere in the middle — novel-length with accolades abound.

Sturgill was a three-sport athlete, competing for the volleyball, women’s basketball and women’s soccer teams. But to say she was simply competing would be an understatement. She was a captain and all-conference player for all three and led each to successful seasons in her final year.

In her final fall season on the volleyball team, Sturgill racked up 99 kills, 51 aces and 250 digs. As a key, all-around player for the Pioneers, Sturgill helped her side earn a conference title and make it to the Final Four of the state playoffs.

Following that success, Sturgill spent the winter on the hardwood, where she would again be a leader of a successful team. The Pioneers went 24-4, won a conference title and the High Country Holiday Classic and achieved the top ranking in the state. In 28 games, Sturgill averaged 6.8

PHOTO BY DAVID ROGERS

Watauga senior Brelyn Sturgill earned the Best of Preps Women’s Player of the Year award for her stellar efforts on three different teams.

points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.

But, two sports was not enough. After a brief rest, Sturgill returned to the pitch to play soccer. Now playing as a forward fulltime in her senior year, Sturgill led the Pioneers in

goal involvements with 19 scores and 14 assists.

While many may have struggled to maintain a high level of play for a full year alone, Sturgill not only kept up her ability but also her studies and extra curricular activities.

Sturgill is a certified nursing assistant and president of the Athletes for Good club. She has been formally recognized by the Watauga County Board of Education for community service, which has come in the form of working with

Operation Christmas Child, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Hospitality House, Health Occupations Student Association, National Honors Society and Key Club. All the while, Sturgill maintained a weighted GPA of 4.38.

With a resume like Sturgill’s, it was no wonder why her head coach in the soccer season, Chris Tarnowski, has frequently praised the forward for her leadership abilities and the attitude she brings to whatever team she plays for.

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Baseball

LEVI TEMPLE Watauga High School Weighted G.P.A. 4.00 Achievements and awards: An honor roll student since 2019, Temple has excelled as a multi-sport athlete, earning all-academic and all-conference nods during the 2021 football season.

Volunteer and community service: Temple is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletes for Good.

Challenges to overcome: At the beginning of the baseball season, Temple had to have shoulder surgery that would see him miss the season. Even though he knew he would not see the diamond in his junior year, Temple became a positive influence on the rest of the team and worked to be part of something bigger than himself.

Coach’s comments: “Levi has been nominated for the Best of Preps for baseball because of an outstanding attitude for being a part of a team. Levi has not been able to play this season due to an injury. However, he has been at every practice and game helping us get better. He has been there for his team and has been with us every step of the way this season. Levi PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR is a great example of what a Watauga junior Levi Temple (8) celebrates a sack with his teammates against Mitchell. Later in the year, Temple was forced to get surgery on his shoulder student-athlete should be.” that kept him out of the baseball season, but he was still an important teammate on Mike Windish’s squad.

Mike Windish

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Wrestling

ETHAN SHELL Avery County High School Weighted G.P.A. 4.08 Achievements and awards: In his four years of dominating the mats at Avery, Shell has earned four conference championships, four regional championships and three state championships, as well as honors at the regional and conference levels.

Volunteer and community service: Aside from excelling in wrestling, Shell helps coach the next generation of wrestlers and is involved at his church.

Challenges to overcome: In his career, Shell has twice had to overcome serious injuries, but has not let it hold him back from achieving his goals.

Coach’s comments: “Ethan is an excellent student, great role model and his success in this sport is unparalleled.

He is our team leader and motivator.”

Matthew Dunn

PHOTO BY CHANTAE HOILMAN

Ethan Shell opened the NCHSAA 1A State Duals Championship with a first-period pinfall win over Uwharrie Charter’s Byan Lackey at 138 pounds.

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Men’s Basketball

JONAH MARTIN Watauga High School Weighted G.P.A. 4.35 Achievements and awards: Martin made the most of his senior season.

After earning the High Country Holiday Classic Tournament MVP award, Martin went on to be named an all-conference selection and team MVP. He capped his season with a selection to the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association’s All-District third team.

Volunteer and community service: Martin was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Athletes for Good and the National Honor Society, while also spending his time volunteering with basketball camps and teaching young players key skills. He has also raised money for the American Cancer Society, provided meals and raising money for those in need while becoming a senior leader in his youth group.

Challenges to overcome: While spending four years as a varsity basketball player, Martin has also juggled a rigorous class schedule with honors, AP and college-level classes. Despite the heavy load, Martin has never let his grades slip while also never being late to practices or games.

PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR

Jonah Martin awaits a rebound against T.C. Roberson

Coach’s comments: ”Jonah was a four-year varsity basketball player at Watauga High School.

This past season, he was our leading scorer and team MVP. He averaged 12.3 points per game and 6.4

rebounds per game. He was not only a great basketball player, but also excelled in the classroom by achieving

a 4.35 weighted GPA and being an excellent student.

He is a very high-character young man and a great

leader, and would be a great choice for the Best of Preps Award.”

Bryson Payne

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Women’s Basketball

KATE SEARS Watauga High School Weighted G.P.A. 4.5 Achievements and awards: In just her freshman season, Sears loaded up on accomplishments.

The Northwestern 3A/4A Conference Player of the Year won the High Country Holiday Classic Tournament MVP award, an all-conference selection and the Northwestern Conference Tournament MVP. After her season, Sears was also named the District 11 Player of the Year and a second-team All-State selection by the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association.

Volunteer and community service: Aside from dominating the hardwood, Sears is an active member of her church, Athletes for Good, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and volunteers for summer basketball camps.

Challenges to overcome: With accolades aplenty and hype abound over the last few years, Sears has remained humble and hungry to get even better. Coupled with a 4.5 weighted GPA, Sears has never let anything get to her head and continues to strive to be better.

Coach’s comments: “Kate is a great athlete and a next-level basketball player who makes those around

FILE PHOTO

Sears’ list of accomplishments includes being named the District 11 Player of the Year and a second-team All-State selection by the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association.

her better. Her spirit and attitude towards her team-

mates makes her fun to play with and a natural leader.

She works hard outside of practice on her sport, she is

a dedicated and gifted student and she is always kind

and respectful of others.”

Laura Barry

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 17

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Cheerleading

ISABELLA LAMOUREAUX Watauga High School Weighted G.P.A. 4.2 Achievements and awards: Lamoureaux has won the cheerleading Coach’s Award twice while also being named a North Carolina All-Region and All-State cheerleader. A three-time letter winner in cheer and a two-time winner in track and field, Lamoureaux has also earned academic honors and awards for gymnastics.

Volunteer and community service: Lamoureaux is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, DECA, Student Council, Athletes for Good and the Best Buddies Club while also cheering. She has volunteered through numerous groups and organizations and has been involved with Operation Christmas Child, the Greenway Cleanup, School Cleanup, AFG’s Oasis Toiletry Bag Project and food drive and volunteered at youth cheer camps.

Challenges to overcome: Lamoureaux has moved quite a few times in her young life, living in three different states in middle school and moving across the country before her junior year. After settling in Watauga, things were going swimmingly until a broken collarbone derailed her plans for senior year. After being forced to sit on the sidelines, Lamoureaux worked hard to regain mobility and strength, returning in half of the time that was expected to see out her final year.

Coach’s comments: “Bella consistently goes above and beyond to show her teammates that they are cared for. She was voted team captain this season by her peers and fills that role well.

She leads by example and keeps the positive attitude when handling conflict. Bella was also named an N.C. All-State cheerleader in Fall 2021, and represented our school at the All-State Games during the summer. In addition to cheering for both football and basketball seasons (and competition), Bella also is a consistent member of the Honor Roll and keeps straight A’s in her coursework. She takes honors, AP and college courses and is very successful in balancing those tough classes with being a multi-season athlete.”

Emily Morris

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Isabella Lamoureaux as part of the North Carolina All-State Cheer team.

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Women’s Cross Country

BROOK CHEUVRONT Avery County High School Weighted G.P.A. 4.63 Achievements and awards: A recipient of the Morehead-Cain Merit Scholarship from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and the B.N. Duke Merit Scholarship from Duke University, Cheuvront made the Mayland Community College Dean’s List in 2022, was a medalist at the Regional Science Olympiad in 2019-2022, earned all-conference nods in 2020 and 2021 and was a member of the second-placed Western Regional Cross.

Volunteer and community service: The founder and president of the Avery High Environmental Club was an intern for the Mayland Community College Bare Dark Sky Observatory and Star Park, Link Crew leader, Student Council representative and treasurer of the BETA Club. Cheuvront was also a mamber of the marching band and varsity women’s soccer and distance track teams.

Challenges to overcome: With much of her high school career spent dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, Cheuvront, like many people in that time, dealt with isolation and loneliness. Turning to running as a comfort, Cheuvront used her isolation to become a better and more dedicated athlete.

Coach’s comments: “Brook exemplifies the heart and spirit of the sport of cross country. She sets high goals for herself and the team. She shows immense dedication and commitment to the sport by being a year-round, daily runner choosing the toughest terrains and conditions to train. As captain of the 2021 team, she led the women’s team with radiant positivity, inspiring others on the team to demand the best of themselves leading to the achievement of a first place title in the conference.”

April Cheuvront

PHOTO COURTESY CHANTAE HOILMAN

Avery’s Brook Cheuvront runs at MacRae Meadows for the Avery girls cross country team during the home event on Grandfather Mountain on September 14.

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Men’s Cross Country

ETHAN CAMPBELL Watauga High School Weighted G.P.A. 4.46 Achievements and awards: A four-time scholar athlete and letter winner, Campbell was the 2021 Runner of the Year, team captain and all-conference selection leading his team to a conference championship.

Volunteer and community service: Campbell has been a member of the WHS Student Council for four years and has volunteered to do trail work at the Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park and the Hospitality House. He is also a member of the National Honors Society.

Challenges to overcome: During his high school career, Campbell faced a challenge that came from his own body.

Standing at 5-feet, 9-inches as a freshman, the runner had a growth spurt of epic proportions, reaching 6-foot-5 by graduation.

While high schoolers getting taller is normal, Campbell’s quick ascension meant he was constantly battling injuries that would have forced others to quit.

Instead, he pushed through and came out the other side as a title winner.

Coach’s comments: “Ethan came in this year with hopes of being able to run for the whole season. Not only did he do that, he became a conference champion. He always has his head up and his self-confidence rubs off on the rest of the team.”

Randy McDonough

PHOTO BY JARED EVERETT

Ethan Campbell was a captain of the Watauga men’s cross country team, leading them to a conference championship while earning an all-conference selection and the 2021 Runner of the Year award.

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Dance

ANNIKA WILLIS Watauga High School Weighted G.P.A. 4.42 Achievements and awards: A four-time selection for the Principal’s List, Willis completed a Stop The Bleed course, attended the N.C. Governor’s School West in Natural Science, was a finalist or nominee for the Don and Audrey Bentley Scholarship and the Levine Scholarship.

Volunteer and community service: Willis has been a Pioneer Ambassador since her sophomore year where she helped with freshman orientation and the eighth grade parent night tours, as well as a member of the Interact Club. The National Honor Society member has also done an internship at Benchmark Physical Therapy and made kits for the Hospitality House, cleaned up rivers, advertised a fundraiser and made dog toys for the Watauga Humane Society through the Interact Club.

Challenges to overcome: Willis lost her mother to breast cancer while in the eighth grade, but remains a positive outlook and handled PHOTO COURTESY WHS YEARBOOK a tough situation with grace A senior leader for the Watauga Pacers Dance Team, Annika Willis’ influence on the rest of the squad was a highlight for coach Laura Carson. and maturity. As a leader of the Pacers, she has been a calming and guiding force through the COVID-19 panCoach’s comments: consistently encouraging motivated and born leader, the Pacer Dance Team her confident in who she is and demic while always driving “Annika has been a dedher teammates in a posiwhich is one of the reasons senior year. She manages a has a beautiful spirit.” to achieve more. icated member who is tive manner. Annika is a she was named captain for positive balance in her life, is Laura Carson

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 23

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Football

ORLANDO LEON Watauga High School Weighted G.P.A. 4.22 Achievements and awards: In 2021, Leon was named the WHS football Golden Helmet recipient while earning a first-team all-conference selection and the Northwestern 3A/4A Conference Player of the Year award. He did so after posting 13 carries for 165 yards and two touchdowns and 15 receptions for 365 yards and four touchdowns on offense while also picking up 29 total tackles, one interception, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries on defense.

Volunteer and community service: Leon volunteers at youth football and basketball camps over the summer. He was also a member of Athletes for Good, where he has served meals at the Hospitality House, and is a lead speaker with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Challenges to overcome: With his senior season winding down, Leon suffered a knee injury that would sideline him for the regular season finale and the playoffs. Despite being relegated to the sideline, Leon was still the ultimate teammate and helped coach the team throughout the week. This was all while internally battling

PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR

Orlando Leon hauls in a pass from Maddox Greene in Watauga’s 28-21 win over Alexander Central.

the though of not getting a chance to play football in college. Leon helped his team succeed and also received a preferred walkon offer from his dream

school, Appalachian State University.

Coach’s comments: “Orlando was one of our best senior leaders on the football team this year. He

took on his role as a senior leader very seriously and was a leader by example as well as a vocal leader when he needed to be. He was voted the overall best

football player in the Northwestern Conference, but what stands out most with Orlando is his character skills and how he positively influences people around

him. He represented our program, our school and our community in a very positive way on and off the field.”

Ryan Habich

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 25

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Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Men’s Golf

CARTER HIATT Watauga High School Weighted G.P.A. 4.23 Achievements and awards: Hiatt is a fouryear member of the varsity golf team at Watauga, becoming a stalwart and reliable figure for the squad Volunteer and community service: When not prowling the links, Hiatt helps others on the App Ski Mountain slopes as a member of the ski patrol.

Coach’s comments: “Carter is a fine young man. He has been our No. 1 or No. 2 golfer these past two years. That comes with a lot of pressure and he maintained his composure throughout. Carter has consistently lowered his scoring average each year.”

Klay Anderson

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Watauga golfer Carter Hiatt.

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Mountain Times Publications • Page 27

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Women’s Golf

HAILEY VANDERGRAFF Ashe County High School Weighted G.P.A. 4.63 Achievements and awards: Vandergraff was not only a captain of the Huskies’ women’s golf team, but has also earned a Most Improved honor and qualified for regionals in her senior season. Vandergraff’s curricular exploits also garnered honors, with the senior earning a spot on the Wilkes Community College President’s List.

Volunteer and community service: Vandergraff has packed meals at the Ashe County Food Pantry and shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Along with taking part in numerous volunteering opportunities with the Beta Club, the senior is a Sunday School leader at Midway Baptist Church and went on a mission trip in 2019.

Challenges to overcome: A product of divorce, Vandergraff has balanced living in multiple places, her school work and her golfing. Despite the amount of things to juggle, and a global pandemic interfering with more than two years of her high school experience, Vandergraff has excelled in golf and her schooling, becoming among the best in both at Ashe County High School.

Coach’s comments: “Hailey is a true definition of a student-athlete. She was our team captain and also won our Most Improved award. This is even more impressive when you factor in she was also doing college-level chemistry and calculus homework on the bus rides home. She is also universally admired in our school and community. She is a great role model, and she truly values the opportunity to give back. Her success in golf pales in comparison to her academic achievements, including being inducted into Mu Alpha Theta, Beta Club, the Science Olympiad and the Global Perspectives Scholars Club.”

Nathan Colvard

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Hailey Vandergraff

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 29

Congratulations to all of the Best of Preps Nominees

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Men’s Soccer

MATT TAUBMAN Watauga High School Weighted G.P.A. 4.41 Achievements and awards: A two-time all-conference selection, Taubman was named the conference Player of the Year in a senior season that also saw him earn an all-region nod and an invitation to the NCCA East-West AllStar game. His teammates also voted Taubman the Best Defensive Player and Most Outstanding Player at their team awards.

Volunteer and community service: Taubman has spent time as a back-toschool volunteer, worked with Habitat for Humanity, organized a canned food drive, volunteered for the F.A.R.M. Café and has volunteered doing improvement and maintenance with the Blowing Rock Middle School. All the while, Taubman has been an AP scholar with honors and a member of the National Honor Society.

Challenges to overcome: As a junior, Taubman was a key player for a Pioneers side laden with veteran talent. That year, the starting 11 frequently fielded at least seven seniors with accolades aplenty. Heading into the 2021 season, Taubman was suddenly thrust into a leadership position while the team rebuilt. He took the

PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR

Matt Taubman slots away Watauga’s second goal in their 9-0 win over Surry Central on Aug. 19.

challenge head-on, guiding the team to the playoffs and serving as the rock at the base of the formation.

Coach’s comments:

“Matt embodies the team leader, captain and role model player. He was always in the gym lifting, trying to get bigger, stron-

ger and faster. He was a big body on the field that had a dominant presence and his vocal leadership was just as big! He was always

pushing his teammates to get the most out of them, but would also push himself and would do everything he asked his teammates to do.

He is an unbelievably gifted soccer player, but an even better student, leader and friend.”

Josh Honeycutt

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 31

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

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Page 32 • Mountain Times Publications

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Women’s Soccer

BRELYN STURGILL Watauga High School Weighted G.P.A. 4.38 Achievements and awards: As a team captain in 2022, Sturgill extended her streak of all-conference selections dating back to 2019.

Volunteer and community service: Sturgill is a certified nursing assistant and president of the Athletes for Good club.

She has been formally recognized by the Watauga County Board of Education for community service, which has come in the form of working with Operation Christmas Child, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Hospitality House, Health Occupations Student Association, National Honors Society and Key Club.

Challenges to overcome: As a three-sport athlete, Sturgill has had to manage her time wisely to keep her grades up and compete at a high level.

With the added weight of her community service activities and other extra curriculars, Sturgill has still maintained a high GPA and level of play.

Coach’s comments: “Brelyn’s leadership qualities led her to being voted a team captain by

PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR

Watauga senior Brelyn Sturgill (3) fires a shot against Freedom on April 26. Sturgill led her side with two goals and shipped in an assist in the 4-1 Pioneers win.

her peers. Her work ethic on the field is the embod-

iment of the culture and values at the core of high

school athletics. Always encouraging and positive,

Brelyn serves as a positive role model amongst her

peers.”

Chris Tarnowski

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 33

Congratulations to All the Best of Prep Nominees and Winners

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Softball

ELIZABETH ‘BUG’ NOBLE Watauga High School Weighted G.P.A. 3.54 Achievements and awards: The Guilford College commit was named an all-conference selection in 2022 and was voted by her teammates the Heart of a Pioneer award winner in 2021 and 2022. She has also earned the Pioneer Spotlight Award and silver and bronze awards in Girl Scouts.

Volunteer and community service: Noble is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ leadership team and the softball team’s leadership council.

An assistant coach for a youth baseball team while also playing travel softball, Noble has been a Girl Scout for 10 years and completed a service project to create bags of toiletries and other items for students at Valle Crucis School. Additionally, Noble was a camp counselor at the Winshape Camp in 2021.

Challenges to overcome: After her mother moved to Wilmington to take care of Noble’s grandparents, Noble stepped up at home to support her younger brother while their father was working or traveling. Despite the added responsibilities, she maintained her team and individual practice and workout regimens throughout.

PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR

Senior Elizabeth ‘Bug’ Noble threw more than 1,200 pitches in 67 innings in 2022. In that time, she only walked 19 of the 402 batters she faced.

Coach’s comments: ”Bug is the ultimate teammate, has an internal drive to work and earn everything, and has been the solid foundation of

the Watauga softball team for the last four years. She has been our ace pitcher for the last two years. This season, Bug pitched over 1,200 pitches in 67 innings

and faced 402 batters. She only had 19 walks. We she didn’t pitch, we had her play outfield and she even made an appearance at short stop. She batted .245

with three doubles, three walks and had a .594 OPS. Her teammates voted her the recipient of the Heart of the Pioneer award her junior and senior year

because they think she’s the player who best represents the values of WHS softball.

She is humble, tough and a woman of integrity.”

April Yandle

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 35

Softball Student Athlete of the Year Nominees!

Page 36 • Mountain Times Publications

BEST OF PREPS

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Men’s Swimming

HENRYK KOSMALA Watauga High School Weighted G.P.A. 4.53 Achievements and awards: In his career, Kosmala has been named an all-conference selection three times, qualified for regionals in 2022 and was the 2022 conference Co-Swimmer of the Year. He graduates from WHS holding the school and conference record in the 100-meter freestyle and the conference record in the 50-meter freestyle.

Volunteer and community service: As a selection to play in the American Honors Orchestra, Kosmala played at Carnegie Hall in February. Kosmala has also volunteered with various organizations including the Mr. WHS fundraiser.

In addition, the senior won a state architecture competition and will compete in a national competition.

Challenges to overcome: With a resume like Kosmala’s it can be easy to rest on the laurels. However, the swimmer has never eased up on achieving his lofty ambitions and has never crumbled under the immense pressure. While trying to be successful in

PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR

South Caldwell’s Nick Powell narrowly tops Watauga’s Henryk Kosmala in the 100-yard freestyle event on Jan. 12.

all avenues of life, Kosmala has never backed down.

Coach’s comments:

“Henryk captained a team that won the conference championship with a team

comprised of swimmers of all abilities. They looked to him for leadership and

relied upon his experience for the victory. He set individual goals that he

wanted to accomplish, and met those.”

David Gragg

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 37

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Page 38 • Mountain Times Publications

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Women’s Swimming

LAUREN PATTERSON Watauga High School Weighted G.P.A. 4.53 Achievements and awards: A first-team all-conference member in 2022, Patterson was also named the Northwestern Conference Swimmer of the Year while qualifying for both states and regionals. A bronze medal in the 100-meter butterfly at regionals led to All-American consideration with a sixth-placed finish at the state level. Along the way, she has broken three individual school records, was a part of the relay teams that broke two more and then did the same at the conference level.

Volunteer and community service: Patterson is a member of NHS, HOSA, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletes for Good was also competing for USA Swimming and the Enfinity Aquatic Club — where she is team captain.

She also volunteers for ministry-based farm De La Cruz and teaches swimming to underprivileged children through Enfinity.

Challenges to overcome: While her peers are still asleep, Patterson is often training. Traveling off the mountain to train, Patterson regularly uses

PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR

Sophomore Lauren Patterson has set numerous school and conference records on the way to her second Best of Preps award.

the early morning hours to travel and hone her skills before being back in Boone in time for school.

Coach’s comments: “Only in her second year of high school swimming, Lauren has stamped her

name throughout the record books of Watauga High School and the Northwestern 3A/4A Conference. She

is one of the best swimmers in the state and dominated most of her races. She has raised the level of compe-

tition and training within the team, which as made us stronger.”

David Gragg

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 39

Men’s Lacrosse

JAKE CARPENTER Watauga High School Weighted G.P.A. 3.7 Achievements and awards: The captain of the Pioneers’ lacrosse team led the 2022 Pioneers in goals, takeaways and ground balls while also earning the Laurie Oats Volunteer Service Award from Mountain Alliance and being a member of the CCCTI National Society of Leadership and Success.

Volunteer and community service: Carpenter spends his summers working with the Camp Lurecrest Ministries and is involved with a variety of community service projects through Mountain Alliance. He has volunteered with the Hospitality House, YoungLife and worked with the Boone United Methodist Church’s firewood ministry.

Challenges to overcome: Carpenter played a key role in the lacrosse team’s 2022 return, recruiting other students and even coaches to help bring the team back. He went above and beyond to help new players learn and master the sport while leading them on the field.

Coach’s comments: “He has demonstrated excellent leadership on and off the field with the team, constantly teaching other new teammates, assisting the coaching staff with organizing and communicating with the team, assisting with running practice and setting the team work ethic pace. On the field, he is the clear top player for the 2022 season, making significant contributions in all games, driving team morale and energy, and leading in scoring and every stat category except face-offs and assists.”

Matt Carpenter

PHOTO COURTESY WHS YEARBOOK

Jake Carpenter

Page 40 • Mountain Times Publications

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Women’s Tennis

MARA WARD Avery County High School Weighted G.P.A. 4.29 Achievements and awards: Off the courts, Ward has competed in state and national Beta competitions, taking a podium finish at the state level. An additional top-three finish in a state black and white photography contest will see the sophomore competing on the national level over the summer.

Volunteer and community service: Ward helps with childcare and serves on the youth fellowship team for Alliance Bible Fellowship, teaches English to Afghan refugees through Samaritan’s Purse and volunteers at school functions and athletic events. Even with all of that going on, Ward still finds time to be a member of the Drama Club, National Beta Club, Link Crew, Key Club and yearbook staff.

Challenges to overcome: Like many high schoolers, Ward has dealt with self-confidence and body image issues. However, Ward has never let it stop her from competing with poise and determination and achieving more each year.

Coach’s comments: “Mara is a consistent player, good team leader and role model with great, positive attitude. She always comes to practice on time, I can always depend on her. She is a ray of sunshine and a joy to coach, helpful and encouraging to young players.”

Ella Markland

PHOTO COURTESY ELLA MARKLAND | AVERY TENNIS

Avery head coach Ella Markland described Mara Ward as a ‘a ray of sunshine and a joy to coach.’

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 41

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 42 • Mountain Times Publications

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Men’s Tennis

JOHN PERKINS Ashe County High School Weighted G.P.A. 4.56 Achievements and awards: As the Huskies’ No. 1 player, Perkins was facing the best from every school every match, compiling a 10-5 record along the way in 2022 before winning the conference’s 3A singles title. The two-time all-conference selection also won the Mountain Valley Athletic Conference 2A doubles title the year prior and has made the President’s List at Wilkes Community College.

Volunteer and community service: Perkins has compiled more than 100 hours of community service with the Jefferson United Methodist Church, plus an additional 20-40 hours of service with other projects.

Coach’s comments: “John is a very deserving Best of Preps nominee for men’s tennis. He has represented Ashe County High School well athletically, displaying his strong competitive nature on the court, winning over several No. 1 players. John is also very strong academically and made the Wilkes Community College President’s List. He is respectful of others, a positive leader on and off the court and works hard both in sports and in the classroom.”

Judy Smith

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY JUDY MOSER-SMITH

Top ACHS seed John Perkins won the Northwestern 3A conference singles championship on Monday, April 11. Perkins defeated Hibriten’s Evan Van Horne, knocking out the sets with 6-2 and 6-4.

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Mountain Times Publications • Page 43

BEST OF PREPS

Men’s Track and Field

BRAY GUEST Avery County High School Weighted G.P.A. 4.50 Achievements and awards: A multiple all-conference selection in both track and basketball, Guest was named the 2021-22 Avery Track Athlete of the Year.

Volunteer and community service: Guest is an active member of Arbordale Presbyterian Church in Banner Elk and has served his community through Beta Club, his church and Avery sports.

He is also a member of the National Honors Society.

Challenges to overcome: While just a sophomore, Guest stepped in as an alternate for the top ranked 4x400-meter relay team in the state heading into regionals. Guest did not just make up the numbers, but played a key role in the team getting to states. A week later, Guest stepped aside to allow the original runner — who was a senior — to take a stab at the highest level of competition.

Coach’s comments: “Bray has been the epitome of what a team captain, student-athlete and young man should be. He contin-

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Best of Preps winner Bray Guest was part of the boys 4x400-meter relay team alongside Will Stanford, Jack Crenshaw and Elijah Holtsclaw who were fourthplace finishers at the 1A state track and field championships.

ually demonstrates what the true meaning of ‘lead

by example’ is. If there is ever a spot to fill in, he

volunteers for the good of the team, the organization,

the school or even just as a friend with a helping

hand.”

Cary Dominguez

Page 44 • Mountain Times Publications

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Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Women’s Track and Field

OLIVIA BURROUGHS Watauga High School Weighted G.P.A. 4.00 Achievements and awards: In just two years of high school, Burroughs has already built up an impressive resume on and off the field. Burroughs is a twotime all-conference selection and letter winner for the Pioneers who qualified for state competition her sophomore season while also being named a scholar athlete.

Burroughs is also a member of the National Honors Society.

Volunteer and community service: Burroughs has volunteered for Buildfest and at the Hospitality House while also being an organizer of the Mr. WHS fundraiser. In addition, the sophomore has been accepted to be a part of the North Carolina School of Science and Math’s Summer Ventures program, is secretary of the WHS Student Council and an officer of the Health Occupations Students of America.

Challenges to overcome: While some track athletes may specialize, Burroughs has found success in a variety of events. To make sure she is successful, Burroughs is among the first to practice and the last to leave, not letting chances to improve slip away.

Coach’s comments: “Olivia was the leading point scorer for the track tam this year, she was 80 points ahead of the next highest person. Olivia is able to do this because she is willing to work hard and branch out to get the most of her abilities.”

Randy McDonough

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Watauga sophomore Olivia Burroughs (right) stands at the 4A state track and field championships alongside senior teammate Henry Coatney. Both competed in the pole vault and earned top-11 finishes.

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 45

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Page 46 • Mountain Times Publications

BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Volleyball

CAROLINE FARTHING Watauga High School Weighted G.P.A. 4.37 Achievements and awards: Farthing is a three-time all-conference selection, two-time Max Preps Player of the Week and was Watauga Volleyball’s Best Offensive Player award winner in 2020. The following year saw her earn the team’s MVP award, Conference Player of the Year and be named Charlotte Observer 1st team all-region.

Volunteer and community service: A youth leader at Perkinsville Baptist Church since 2016, Farthing has worked with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Athletes for Good and volunteered for Operation Christmas Child.

Challenges to overcome: It has not been easy to be the third Farthing to come through Watauga volleyball’s ranks. After her two older sisters went on to play at the D1 college level, Farthing has become the latest to surpass expectations and make her mark on the program.

Coach’s comments: “Caroline Farthing has won multiple awards for volleyball in our area and beyond and is one of the best players to ever play

PHOTO BY DAVID ROGERS

Caroline Farthing puts some power behind a kill shot on Sept. 20 during Watauga’s 3-0 sweep over Alexander Central at Lentz Eggers Gym.

at Watauga High School.

More importantly, she is an amazing teammate and

person. Caroline is the type of player and leader who inspires those around her

to be better. She is a huge reason our team won the Northwestern Conference

title in three straight years of her high school career and went to the Final Four

in the state of North Carolina this past season.”

Kim Pryor

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 47

CONGR TULA IONS

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

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Page 48 • Mountain Times Publications

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Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Extra Mile Coach of the Year

MATTHEW DUNN

BY IAN TAYLOR

H

igh schools and colleges can end up with one specific sport being associated with them, should said program go far beyond the rest. Duke is a “basketball school,” Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas is a “football school” and Vanderbilt is a “baseball school.”

All of them received their tagline by having historically great, if not dominant, programs that rival or top all others. However, it still takes hard work and a good leader for those programs to continue to succeed.

In the High Country, there’s no program at any school that dominates like Avery Wrestling, and the man at the helm kept that tradition alive in 2022 by leading the team to a third straight 1A state championship.

In total, Vikings head coach Matthew Dunn led his band of grapplers to Greensboro in February and came back with 11 podium places — including five individual state champions and a team title.

Dunn and the Viking coaching staff were named the 1A Coaches of the Year while his wrestlers etched themselves into Avery’s

PHOTO BY CHANTAE HOILMAN

Avery head coach Matthew Dunn embraces freshman Grayson Hoilman after placing third at the state wrestling championships. Hoilman had missed much of the season due to injury, but returned to earn a podium finish.

history books. Among them was Levi Andrews, one of only 11 high school wrestlers in North Carolina history to win four state titles.

His teammate, Ethan Shell, won his third straight state championshipo and both seniors will incidentally head to Appalachian State to wrestle

for former Viking — and one of those other 11 wrestlers to win four state titles — JohnMark Bentley.

However, the Vikings’ prowess on the mats was not limited to their most experienced wrestlers, as junior Tristan Adams and sophomores Ben Jordan

and Grant Reece each won their respective titles.

With six more podium finishes, Dunn’s Vikings were clear ahead of their competition in the team point tallies. Their 196 points at the championships easily outmatches Robbinsville’s 134 and Uwharrie

Charter Academy’s 114. Not only did they dominate 1A, but they scored the most points out of all North Carolina high schools, regardless of classification.

After guiding the Vikings wrestling program to the first state title of any kind in school history back in 2020,

Dunn has maintained the high level of performance that is required when faced with lofty expectations of glory.

While Dunn, his team and his program’s journey is far from over, it has already left an indelible mark on Avery County High School and the rest of the High Country.

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

BEST OF PREPS

Mountain Times Publications • Page 49

Congratulations to our Extra Mile Coach of the Year

Page 50 • Mountain Times Publications

BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Lifetime Coaching Achievement Award

RANDY MCDONUGH

BY MOSS BRENNAN

L

ongtime track and field coach Randy McDonough has been honored with the Lifetime Coaching Achievement Award from Mountain Times Publications.

McDonough, or Coach Mac, was the head coach of the Watauga High School track and field from 1994 to 2022.

During his tenure he has achieved many milestones, including: • 22 girls Northwest Conference Championships • 17 boys Northwest Conference Championships • Coached 4 girls to the Western Regional Champions • Coached three girls to the state championships • Has coached numerous individual state champions • Was the girls Conference Coach of the Year 20 times • Was the boys Conference Coach of the Year 17 times • Coached 2004 Olympian Brenda Taylor who ran the 400 hurdles • Coached 2004 Olympian Abraham Morlu who ran in the relays for Liberia “Coach McDonough is a staple in the track and field

PHOTO BY JARED EVERETT

Watauga track coach Randy McDonough is doused by his team after winning both conference track and field titles in his final season.

community not only in the Northwestern 3A/4A Conference, but in Western NC, and throughout the entire state of North Carolina,” Watauga High School Athletic Director

Dustin Kerley said. “Words cannot express the amount of gratitude that we here at Watauga High School have for all of the time, effort, sacrifices, and commitment

that he has given to the Track and Field program at Watauga High School. Thank you Coach Mac!” In his final season as the Pioneer’s track and field

coach, McDonough won an eye-popping 13th straight conference title in the girls’ competition while the boys’ team won their first conference title since 2018. At

the end of the campaign, he was named the conference Coach of the Year twice while a total of 26 Watauga track athletes earned an all-conference nod.

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Mountain Times Publications • Page 51

BEST OF PREPS

Congratulations!

Coach Mac on 29 Years of Outstanding Investment In the Youth of Watauga County!

AP&T Ashe Post & Times

Page 52 • Mountain Times Publications

BEST OF PREPS

Wednesday, June 15, 2022