Rockbridge County High School has hired two new head coaches who are familiar to local fans, naming Kassidy Beagan as its new volleyball coach and Mike Wood as its new wrestling coach. Rockbridge County Public Schools officially announced the hires at its School Board meeting on Tuesday of last week.
K.J. Cook, a 2017 Parry McCluer High School graduate, placed 18th in the hammer throw at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships last Wednesday at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.
Dabney S. Lancaster Community College first-year student Durham Baker (left) has been honored as the first recipient of a new award, the “Tenacious Roadrunner Award,” in recognition of his achievements this school year. The award was the brainchild of DSLCC English instructor Alissa Cruz (right), who wanted to recognize a student who has persevered and has “gone above and beyond to achieve their best … and has grown mentally, socially and academically,” said Cruz. Baker, 20, of Buena Vista, is a 2021 Parry McCluer High School graduate who played guard and forward positions for the DSLCC Roadrunner men’s basketball team this past season. Cruz said Baker has a tremendous work ethic and always strives to perform well in class. Baker also is a recipient of three scholarships through the DSLCC Educational Foundation: the Dabney Promise Scholarship; the Bubbles, Bands and Brunch Scholarship; and the Christopher Baker Scholarship. The new award will be presented twice a year, for tenacious English as well as math students.
Dabney S. Lancaster Community College, to be known as Mountain Gateway Community College beginning with the fall semester, is increasing its sports offerings. Six new coaches were recently hired to guide teams that will be competing in the National Junior College Athletic Association.
Gravista, a bicycle race routed around the Blue Ridge Mountains and Forest Service roads, including Robinson Gap and Panther Falls, returns for a second year at Glen Maury Park on Saturday, June 25.
AMONG the scenes from the Wildcats’ heartbreaking season-ending loss to Western Albemarle were (clockwise from bottom left), RC assistant coach Sammy Moore hugging junior midfielder McKenzie Hines; the Wildcats walking off the field after the final buzzer; Western Albemarle goalie Kennedy Buntrock embracing RC junior goalie Rachel Hines; RC head coach Susan Nye celebrating after the Wildcats tied the game 10-10 with about two-and-a-half minutes left; RC senior midfielder Kendall Nye hugging senior attacker Clara Fleshman, and several Wildcats celebrating tying the game. (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photos)
Despite a valiant effort to come back from a five-goal halftime deficit, the Rockbridge County High School girls lacrosse team concluded its season with a 12-11 home loss to Western Albemarle in the Class 4 state semifinals on Tuesday of last week in Lexington.
RC JUNIOR attackman John Brooke fires a shot on goal during the Wildcats’ 17-3 loss to Western Albemarle. Brooke scored RC’s first goal and had an assist. (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photo)