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Watauga, South Caldwell power through 4-school swim test

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Watauga, South Caldwell power through 4-school swim test

By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Deep Watauga High School Swimming rosters responded to a mid-holiday test on Dec. 18 with several key performances, in a four-way meet involving South Caldwell, Draughn and Avery County as well as the host Pioneers.

“Tonight was a really good test for our teams.  South Caldwell is always well coached and, years ago, we swam against Draughn in some tough meets,” said Watauga head coach David Gragg. “I personally have a connection to their current coaches.  Stephanie (Idol) Mull was a former teammate of mine at Watauga, and Bret Watson was the former director and my boss at the Swim Complex (old pool in Boone before the WCRC).”
Gragg had special praise for the work of the Pioneer swimmers.
“I was pleased with the way we performed,” he said. “A lot of the year-round swimmers had a big meet this past weekend which took something out of them but it will help toward the end of the season.  I see them training every day with the Watauga Swim Team before our high school practice.  I enjoy seeing that hard work pay off at these meets.
“We are about five weeks away from the conference meet,” Gragg added. “We have some things to work on to be prepared but the next few weeks will help us get there.”

TEAM SCORES – MEN

  • South Caldwell 89, Watauga 71
  • Watauga 83, Draughn 47
  • South Caldwell 106, Draughn 47
  • Watauga 95, Avery County 13
  • South Caldwell 123, Avery County 13
  • Draughn 78, Avery County 12

TEAM SCORES – WOMEN

  • Watauga 111, South Caldwell 58
  • Watauga 118, Draughn 48
  • South Caldwell 98.5, Draughn 67.5
  • Watauga 133, Avery County 5
  • South Caldwell 132, Avery County 7
  • Draughn 114, Avery County 6

KEY INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES – MEN

  • 200 Medley Relay
    • South Caldwell: No. 1 (Owen Griffith, Mason Hubbard, Max Clark, Nathan Hall)
    • Watauga: No. 2 (Michael Makdad, Trathan Gragg, Lanson Gilbert, Silas Powell)
  • 200 Freestyle Relay
    • Watauga: No. 1 (Thomas Moss, Jonah Zerucha, Trathan Gragg, Stacy Eggers)
    • South Caldwell: No. 2 (Harriss Inman, Danny Yaxparamo, Ethan Haas, Mason Hubbard)
  • 400 Freestyle Relay
    • Watauga: No. 1 (Stacy Eggers, Lanson Gilbert, Silas Powell, Michael Makdad)
    • South Caldwell: No. 2 (Nathan Hall, Brendan Rothwell, Max Clark, Owen Griffith)
  • SC – Max Clark: 200 IM (No. 1); 100 Back (No. 1)
  • SC – Owen Griffith: 50 Free (No. 1); 500 Free (No. 1)
  • WAT – Silas Powell: 50 Free (No. 2); 100 Free (No. 1)
  • WAT – Michael Makdad: 100 Butterfly (No. 1); 100 Breast (No. 2)
  • SC – Harriss Inman: 200 Free (No. 1)
  • WAT – Lanson Gilbert: 100 Free (No. 2); 100 Back (No. 2)
  • DRA – Tate Jensen: 100 Free (No. 3); 100 Breast (No. 1)
  • DRA – William Abernathy: 500 Free (No. 2)
  • WAT – Stacy Eggers: 200 Free (No. 2); 500 Free (No. 3)

KEY INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES – WOMEN

  • 200 Medley Relay
    • Watauga: No. 1 (Addie Wilson, Maggie Cheves, Athena Elliott, Tessa Buchanan)
    • South Caldwell: No. 2 (Peyton Felts, Kyra Westerfield, Hannah Wasson, Chloe Bolick)
  • 200 Free Relay
    • Watauga: No. 1 (Chessy Martin, Tessa Buchanan, Addie Wilson, Athena Elliott)
    • South Caldwell: No. 2 (Chloe Bolick, Lily Bentley, Hannah Wasson, Peyton Felts)
    • Watauga: No. 3 (Viviane Vannoy, Kaitlyn Meyer, Amelia Bennett, Ireland Laxton)
  • 400 Free Relay
    • Watauga: No. 1 (Ireland Laxton, Chessy Martin, Lola Herring, Maggie Cheves)
    • Draughn: No. 2 (Macy Auton, Ava Aldridge, Allyson Auton, Saylor Watson)
    • Watauga: No. 3 (Iyla Freed, Grace Scanlin, Amelia Bennett, Annabelle Stewart)
  • WAT – Maggie Cheves: 200 Free (No. 1); 100 Back (No. 1)
  • WAT – Addie Wilson: 200 IM (No. 1); 100 Breast (No. 1)
  • WAT – Athena Elliott: 50 Free (No. 1); 100 Butterfly (No. 1)
  • SC – Chloe Bolick: 100 Free (No. 1)
  • DRA – Saylor Watson: 500 Free (No. 1)
  • WAT – Tessa Buchanan: 50 Free (No. 2); 100 Breast (No. 2)
  • SC – Hannah Wasson: 200 Free (No. 2); 100 Butterfly (No. 2)
  • SC – Peyton Felts: 200 IM (No. 2)
  • WAT – Viviane Vannoy: 200 IM (No. 3)
  • DRA – Allyson Auton: 100 Free (No. 2)
  • WAT – Ireland Laxton: 500 Free (No. 2)
  • WAT – Lola Herring: 50 Free (No. 3); 100 Back (No. 2)
  • WAT – Grace Lesesne: 100 Free (No. 3)
  • WAT – Chessy Martin: 200 Free (No. 3)

Mountaineers can’t overcome weak first half in loss to Louisiana, 68-62

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Mountaineers can’t overcome weak first half in loss to Louisiana, 68-62

By David Rogers. LAFAYETTE, La. — A red hot Louisiana men’s basketball team showed few signs of their early 2024 season struggles on Dec. 18, jumping out to as much as an 18-point first half lead over a cold-shooting Appalachian State squad. Despite an 8-minute scoring drought midway through the second half, the Ragin’ Cajuns survived the Mountaineers’ late rally to hold on to a 68-62 win in the Sun Belt Conference opener for both teams.

In most years, outside observers would expect more from the Mountaineers in defending their regular season Sun Belt championship from a year ago — but this is 2024-25 with the transfer portal having a clear impact on all things college athletics. App State only returned two of its 12 primary rotation players from a year ago so has rebuilt almost the entire roster. Louisiana lost some players to graduation and added a couple through the portal, too, but at first glance there was a little more roster consistency coming into this season.

In App State’s first game at Lafayette’s Cajundome since March 3, 2019 (when the Mountaineers pulled off a 90-80 road win), the High Country hoopsters could hardly buy a bucket. Thanks to some late first half production in the paint, App State managed 30.4 percent in shooting from the field (7-of-23), but hit nothing in the opening stanza from behind the arc (0-for-7) and hit only 7-of-13 shots from the charity stripe (53.8 percent).

By intermission, the hot-shooting Ragin’ Cajuns held a dominant, 14-point lead, 35-21, thanks in large part to a solid defensive effort by the home team.

Where App State seemed to gain ground was after shifting to a 1-3-1 zone defense that appeared to disrupt Louisiana’s rhythm. That seemed to be the case late in the first half as well as in the second half.

Cajun starting guard Mostapha El Moutaouakkil, a junior from Morocco, missed his last five shots on the night but still tied App State’s Dior Conners for game-high scoring honors, with 15. Along with guard Kentre Garnett, the Moroccan native was good on critical free throws down the stretch to keep the Mountaineers at bay. Garnett was 4-for-4 on the night from behind the free thrown line, Moutaouakkil was 7-of-9. The latter was also second on the team in rebounding, with eight boards.

Louisiana was led in the rebounding department by Kyren Ratliff, with 10 rebounds to go with 10 points, the night’s only double-double on either team.

The Mountaineers did finish with three players in double figures, scoring. Conners recorded 15, while Myles Tate added 10 and C J Huntley contributed 11 points.

Noteworthy Team Stat Comparisons

  • 3-point shooting: APP 22% (4-18); ULL 38% (13-17)
  • Free throw shooting: APP 62% (18-29); ULL 76% (13-17)
  • Bench points: APP 16, ULL 22
  • Total rebounds: APP 31, ULL 36

Now 6-5 overall, 0-1 in Sun Belt play, App State travels to North Texas for a Dec. 20 non-conference tilt, then does not play again until Jan. 2, when the Mountaineers host Troy in their Sun Belt home opener and the first of a 4-game home stand. They host Texas State on Jan. 4, Coastal Carolina on Jan. 8, and James Madison on Jan. 11.

The win improves Louisiana’s record to 3-9 overall, 1-0 in Sun Belt. Next time out, the Ragin’ Cajuns host McNeese State (non-conference) on Dec. 22, then travel to Coastal Carolina for their next Sun Belt game on Jan. 2.

 

 

 

 

Several ‘Top 10’ finishes highlight Pioneer indoor track performances at North Stokes Classic

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By David Rogers. WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Including a trio of No. 1 relay finishes for the Watauga women’s indoor track team at the North Stokes Indoor Classic hosted by JDL Fast Track, the Pioneers recorded strong early season finishes on Dec. 16. The women’s performances also featured three of the top four finishes in the triple jump.

On the Men’s side, Pioneer senior Sam Rex peeked under five minutes in the 1600 Meters Run, pushing to a No. 4 finish in 4:54.83. The Men’s team picked up a pair of No. 2 relay finishes in the 4×400 and 4×800.

Top 10 Performances by Watauga Athletes – Men

  • Evan Burroughs: 300 Meters – No. 2, 38.23; Triple Jump – No. 7, 38-07
  • Nyle Peays: 500 Meters – No. 5, 1:13.22
  • Alex Gremmell: 500 Meters – No. 6, 1:14.33
  • Will Bradbury: 1000 Meters – No. 3, 2:40.87
  • Zeke Walker: 1000 Meters – No. 6, 2:56.78
  • Sam Rex: 1600 Meters – No. 4, 4.54.83
  • Andres Roman: 1600 Meters – 5:03.22
  • 4×400 Relay: No. 2, 3:38.76
  • 4×800 Relay: No. 2, 8:35.86
  • Kees Greene: Triple Jump – No. 3, 40-06
  • Clayo Kulczyk: Pole Vault – No. 2, 13-00
  • Dominic Trez: Pole Vault – No. 7, 8-06
  • Coy Johnson: Shot Put – No. 8, 40-02

Key Performances by Watauga Athletes – Women

  • Frances Davis: 500 Meters – No. 5, 1:32.67; 55 Meters Hurdles – No. 7, 10.56
  • Claire Nance: 500 Meters – No. 8, 1:39.06
  • Quinn Haines: 500 Meters – No. 9, 1:39.25
  • Sophie Parker: 1000 Meters – No. 4, 3:26.32
  • Katherine Rex: 1000 Meters – No. 5, 3:28.48
  • Natalie Johnston: 1000 Meters – No. 10, 3:52.82
  • Asha Batchelor: 1000 Meters – No. 11, 3:53.02
  • Ava Langley: 1600 Meters – No. 6, 6:11.21
  • Anna Norris: 1600 Meters – No. 7, 6:18.45
  • Noelle Bollman: 1600 Meters – No. 8, 6:19.58
  • Sadie Buchanan: 55 Meters Hurdles – No. 1, 8.47
  • Tessa Buchanan: 55 Meters Hurdles – No. 3, 8.34
  • 4×200 Relay – No. 1, 1:54.80
  • 4×400 Relay – No. 1, 4:12.88
  • 4×800 Relay – No. 1, 11:17.93
  • Sydney Helms: High Jump – No. 2, 4-08; Long Jump – No. 5, 14-01; Pole Vault, No. 1, 8-00
  • Lilly Wilson: High Jump – No. 7, 4-04
  • Lily Stough: Triple Jump – No. 1, 36-03
  • Naomi Smith: Triple Jump – No. 2, 28-07
  • Carrie Bradbury: Triple Jump – No. 4, 26-10.5; Pole Vault – No. 2, 7-06
  • Maria Soto: Shot Put – No. 4, 28-05

Holiday Stroll has new feature: a Live Nativity at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church

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Holiday Stroll has new feature: a Live Nativity at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church

By David Rogers. BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — It was something special this year for the Holiday Stroll in downtown Blowing Rock on Dec. 13: a “Live Nativity” produced by Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church on the front lawn along Main Street.

With five readings accompanying the nativity scene and hot cider and snacks provided, the new Holiday Stroll feature drew big crowds.

Inside the sanctuary, there were Christmas carols being sung and other live holiday music.

All photographic images by David Rogers for Blowing Rock News

High Country Visions: Watauga K-12 Art Educators exhibit at BRAHM

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High Country Visions: Watauga K-12 Art Educators exhibit at BRAHM

By David Rogers. BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — Experiencing tragedy or disaster brings trauma and, hopefully, healing to follow. After Hurricane Helene swept through western North Carolina, including the High Country, the various affected communities rallied to accelerate the healing process from the storm’s utter devastation.

In its own unique way, Blowing Rock Art and History Museum has jumped into the healing movement, including the introduction of its most recent special exhibition, High Country Visions: Watauga K-12 Educators. The exhibit runs through Dec. 29. Admission to the museum is free.

‘Colorado Winter’ by Kelly Blake, part of the High Country Visions: Watauga K-12 Art Educators exhibit at Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. Photo by David Rogers for Blowing Rock News
‘Forging Perspective I-V’ by Alyssia Ruggiero, watercolor, as part of the High Country Visions: Watauga K-12 Art Educators exhibit at Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. Photo by David Rogers for Blowing Rock News

Adorning the walls of the Alexander Community Room on the second floor of the museum, the exhibit features the works of Watauga County art educators, including Alyssia Ruggiero, Ashley Tate, Courtney McWhorter, Dacia Trethewey, Elle Lowry, Genal West, Kelly Blake, Lindsey Postlethwait and Lori Hill.

More often than not, we see the work of the art educators’ students in the classroom and in art contests but are less likely to see the creative work produced by the art educators themselves, suggested Asher Davidson, Social Media and Digital Marketing Coordinator for BRAHM.

‘Moon Dance #2’, by Lori Hill, part of the High Country Visions: Watauga K-12 Art Educators exhibit at Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. Photo by David Rogers for Blowing Rock News

“This exhibit highlights, even celebrates the artistic contributions of local educators,” said Davidson. “They are talented individuals not only devoted to their students but also to their own artistic practices, enriching our community through both education and creativity.”

The BRAHM approach to fostering healing is multi-faceted.

“In the wake of Hurricane Helene, BRAHM is dedicated to supporting the rebuilding of arts education infrastructure,” said Davidson. “This exhibition is part of the Museum’s broader goal to foster resilience and growth through the arts, recognizing that creative education plays a pivotal role in the cultural and economic recovery of affected areas. Through this and future initiatives, BRAHM aims to provide platforms that uplift educators, artists, and students as they help our communities recover and thrive.”

‘Lollipops’ by Dacia Trethewey, fused and slumped glass, part of the High Country Visions: Watauga K-12 Art Educators exhibit at Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. Photo by David Rogers for Blowing Rock News

The art educators’ exhibit is helping bring attention BRAHM’s specific initiatives to help the region recover, through education, including expressive art therapy workshops.

“The expressive arts therapy workshops have been through our education outreach program,” said Davidson, “spearheaded by education center director, Jennifer Garonzik and education outreach coordinator Kayla Reische. Those workshops are free to the public, started directly in response to Hurricane Helene. They help bridge the connections between the community members who may not otherwise have the opportunity to talk with each other and walk through the fallout and feelings resulting from the hurricane’s impact on their respective lives.

“Our participants cover a wide demographic of people who were victims,” Davidson added, “as well as first responders and people who witnessed the devastation firsthand while helping in the wake of the storm. As an institution, we see ourselves as reaching beyond our walls to foster community in any way we can. With the storm, we feel the best way we can help is to provide a space for these conversations as well as an outlet for creativity to help participants process and recover from the trauma.”

‘Family Matters, Perceptions of Reality’ by Lori Hill, oil on canvas, part of High Country Visions: Watauga K-12 Art Educators exhibit at Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. Photo by David Rogers for Blowing Rock News

About BRAHM:

BRAHM’s mission is to curate, preserve, educate and inspire. Rooted in the creative cultures of Appalachia, BRAHM aims to cultivate a community that extends beyond its walls and region, positioning Western North Carolina as a leader in the arts. The 25,000-square-foot Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, known as BRAHM, opened its doors on October 1, 2011. Located off Main Street in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, BRAHM provides cultural enrichment by promoting the arts and Southern Appalachian heritage and history through educational programs, exhibitions and activities. The permanent collection of more than 600 objects includes works by Elliott Daingerfield, Maud Gatewood, Elizabeth Bradford, Mark Hewitt and other American impressionist and post-impressionist artists. Open year-round, BRAHM welcomes 24,000 visitors free of charge to experience 25 changing exhibitions. BRAHM also has an outreach education program that encourages arts education in local schools, daycares and senior centers. For more information, visit blowingrockmuseum.org.

‘Structured Flow Rhythms in Timber’ by Courtney McWhorter, cedar, chestnut, pine. Part of High Country Visions: Watauga K-12 Art Educators exhibit at Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. Photo by David Rogers for Blowing Rock News

Turning up lost treasures, Debra Brenner makes ‘lemonade’

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Turning up lost treasures, Debra Brenner makes ‘lemonade’

By David Rogers. BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — What started out as a backyard project borne of aggravation quickly turned into an exciting adventure through Blowing Rock history, up on Green Hill Circle.

Debra Brenner was perplexed, even a little annoyed that a utility company had whacked off a wall of rhododendron on the edge of her family’s property. Previously, the big bushes served as a natural blind, providing a measure of privacy for her, her husband and any guests using a hot tub in the fenced yard. The foliage had all but screened them off from the outside world, creating an atmosphere of seclusion.

Of course, she understood the need for the utility company to clear an area around its equipment, whether power poles or transformers. Even the guy wires that help keep everything upright in the strong winds that can whistle through the trees atop the mountain needed to have a clear area around them. Still, the Brenners had enjoyed that measure of privacy.

“My mother taught me to always try making lemonade out of the lemons life sometimes throws at you,” Brenner said in telling her story to Blowing Rock News. “So I went out back with buckets of seed to scatter around in the upturned dirt, hoping for some wildflowers to help replace the rhododendron.”

This is where you can start calling Brenner, “Lucky” instead of a victim of circumstance.

Standing tall in the side yard of their lot is a large beech tree, its trunk and roots now starkly exposed where there was once a lovely stand of rhododendron. As she flung some seed over the beech tree roots, what she thought was a bottle cap beneath one of the roots caught her eye.

As Brenner reached down to pick it up — a bottle cap doesn’t belong in her new garden, after all — she saw elaborate etchings on a gold surface. Instantly, she knew this was not a bottle cap but something probably old and special.

Seeing the elaborate etchings on the gold surface, Debra Brenner knew instantly she was not picking up a bottle cap! Photographic image by David Rogers for Blowing Rock News

“As I picked it up, I identified it pretty quickly as an old pocket watch,” said Brenner. “And I was really struck by the weight of it. I could not tell how old the watch might be because I was too nervous to even try opening it.”

Laughing, Brenner said, “I cradled this watch in my hands, not really knowing what I had found or what to do with it. I was in shock and disbelief. I started calling for my neighbor right across the street, Mark Gilleskie. I had seen him outside a couple of minutes earlier, but he had disappeared, at least for the moment. I kept calling for him and eventually he appeared. I showed him what I had found and took him to the site by the beech tree, where it had been in the dirt. He immediately scurried to their garden shed and came back with a shovel — and just as quickly started digging in hopes of finding more buried treasure!”

You can barely see the names of ‘John Hancock’, ‘Canton, Ohio’ and the logo of Hampden Watch Company on this old pocket watch found on the edge of Debra Brenner’s side yard, on Green Hill Circle. Photographic image by David Rogers for Blowing Rock News

Embracing history

There was no more treasure to be found but Brenner soon took her new find to a friend, Charlie Travis, the owner of Village Jewelers on King Street in Boone. With the meticulous care that only a practiced jeweler knows, Travis opened the watch for the first time in perhaps one hundred years. On the face of it, one of the hands had rusted off, but when Travis opened the second door, he and Brenner were excited to find the watch case manufacturer’s paper label in perfect condition!

Photographic image by David Rogers for Blowing Rock News

“There were some unusual bits of information, names, on the watch face that provided a few leads as to its origins,” said Brenner. “One that stuck out was ‘John Hancock.’ Another was ‘Canton, Ohio.’ We identified the manufacturer of the watch movements as the Hampden Watch Company. Then Charlie found the serial number and cleaned it up.”

Armed with the name of the manufacturer, Hampden Watch Company, Brenner began to learn more, at least about the when and where of its making. How Hampden and the Dueber Watch Case Co. became one and the same is an interesting story unto itself, full of corporate intrigue, backhanded business dealings, espionage, and even a link to Soviet watch making in Russia. CLICK HERE FOR THAT STORY

With the serial number found by Travis, Brenner learned that her found watch was manufactured in 1899, which by then was the combined company of Dueber, a watch case manufacturer, and Hampden, who manufactured the watch movements. The combined company had moved to Canton, Ohio in 1888.

Brenner’s watch was identified as a “John Hancock” model, “Grade 3,” manufactured in Canton, Ohio, where the combined company had relocated in 1888. She also learned that the watch case is 14-carat, gold-filled, with 21 jewels among the watch movements.

The Rest of the Story?

Okay, Brenner thought, we know a little bit about the age and origins of the watch, but there is another story to tell: how did the watch end up in their yard on Green Hill Circle?

The most plausible explanation, she decided, is also the most romantic.

Brenner heard stories about the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show’s origins, which began in 1923 “… on Green Hill Road, up the mountain from the Green Park Inn.”  According to various historical accounts, the early horse show was as much an equine fashion show but featuring various games, including what was described as a “race” from the top of what we know today as Green Hill Circle down to the Green Park Inn.

According to historical records, the early days of the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show were filled with races and games. Photo courtesy of The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show

“I think this watch was lost by one of those race or games participants or perhaps a spectator,” said Brenner. “Certainly, the dates match up. A well-dressed gentleman in the early 1900s is likely to have owned a pocket watch, whether gold plated or gold filled. Caught up in the excitement of the day and the race or games, it is not out of the realm of possibility that it fell out of the man’s pocket. And remember, there was no development up here back then. It was covered with wild, native vegetation. He may not have noticed until all the way back down to the Green Park Inn at the race finish. More than likely he and his friends searched but were unable to locate it. There’s a lot of ground to cover between the top of Green Hill and the Green Park Inn.”

There could, of course, be other theories as to how an old gold pocket watch happened to be buried underneath the large root of a 100-year old beech tree, but this is Debra Brenner’s story and she is sticking with it.

 

Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce announces new CEO hiring

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Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce announces new CEO hiring

Special Report. BLOWING ROCK, NC – December 5, 2024– The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce has named Robin Miller, a veteran chamber of commerce executive, as the chamber’s next President & CEO.

The chamber’s board of directors voted to approve Miller for the position after a search committee (reporting to the board of directors) conducted an extensive nationwide search. The chamber retained Anissa Starnes, IOM with YGM, LLC to provide oversight for the executive search. Starnes specializes in executive searches for chambers of commerce.

Miller will begin work officially on January 6th, 2025.

“I am honored and humbled to have been selected to lead the Blowing Rock Chamber,” said Miller.

“My commitment and passion to lead the Blowing Rock Chamber is strong and my 18-year career in association management has prepared me for this position. I’m grateful for the opportunity to join this wonderful and important organization that produces the best quality support for its members and the business community. I look forward to jumping in and working with the staff, members, and leadership team to move the mission of the Blowing Rock Chamber forward.”

Robin Miller currently serves as President & CEO for the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber in Florida where she has been at the helm of the business organization since 2008. Miller is a dedicated community leader and advocate with a passion for making a positive impact. With a diverse background in board leadership,

advocacy, and community service, Robin has demonstrated a commitment to driving change and improving the lives of others.

She currently serves as Chair for the Gulf Coast Business Alliance, an organization lobbying against Oil Drilling in the Gulf waters, and as the Advocacy Chair for the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP), Robin plays a vital role in shaping local and state policies. In addition, Robin serves as a Steering Member for the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council Resiliency Committee, contributing to efforts aimed at building more resilient communities in the face of environmental challenges.

Robin’s extensive track record of service includes prior appointments by the Governor to the Department of Health Board and past board roles with organizations such as Creative Pinellas. As a former Chair of the State FACP and Treasurer of the organization, Robin has been instrumental in advancing the professional development and advocacy efforts of chamber professionals across Florida.

Robin is a graduate of Leadership St. Pete and has served on various boards and committees, including American Stage, the St. Pete Police Athletic League, and the City’s Civil Service Board. Her commitment to service, coupled with her strategic vision and leadership skills, make her a valued asset to any organization or initiative aimed at creating positive change and improving the lives of others.

Miller is a 2012 graduate of the Institute for Organization Management program at the University of Georgia and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Management Information Systems with a minor in Criminology from the University of South Florida and an Associate of Arts degree from St. Petersburg Junior College in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Ronnie Mark, chair of the search committee said, “The interest level and response to our search from across the country was high. We had over 30 total applicants and many qualified candidates. We had an outstanding and strong committee leading this charge and Robin Miller stood out to us and we believe was the best fit for our community, and the ideal choice for our chamber. Through every step of the process, Robin continued to rise to the very top as the perfect choice to lead our chamber.”

Chair of the Board for the Blowing Rock Chamber, Billy Chick said “The search committee, along with Anissa Starnes with YGM, were committed to the strenuous process of vetting all of our candidates and we are all excited to welcome Robin to this position and to our community and believe that her infectious enthusiasm for her chamber career and her leadership and strong business acumen will be a great fit for the chamber and we believe she will keep the organization on a path of success for the future.”

Miller succeeds Charles Hardin who has led the Chamber since February 2004 and will be retiring at the end of December.

Through its leadership and business advocacy for more than 500 members, the Chamber of Commerce encourages and supports existing businesses, and plays a vital role in tourism in the high country of western North Carolina.

The chamber strives to support all activities believed to be beneficial to the community, and in general seeks to enhance the standard of living for area citizens.

Watauga swimmers continue strong team performances in 7-team meet

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Watauga swimmers continue strong team performances in 7-team meet

By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — With a dominant team performance by the Watauga women’s swimmers and an impressive showing by the Pioneer men in a 7-team meet at the Watauga Community Recreation Center, the local natators continued improving on their 2024-25 high school varsity season.

The Pioneer women’s team defeated all comers while the men’s only blemish was being edged by Bishop McGuinness.

Photographic image by David Rogers for High Country Sports

TEAM SCORES – WOMEN

  • Watauga def. Bishop McGuinness, 110-49
  • Watauga def. Elkin, 106-41
  • Watauga def. Hibriten, 105-47
  • Watauga def. Classical Pinnacle, 117-15
  • Watauga def. Starmount, 117-18

TEAM SCORES – MEN

  • Bishop McGuinness def. Watauga, 74-61
  • Watauga def. Elkin, 63-55
  • Watauga def. Hibriten, 72-58
  • Watauga def. Wilkes Central, 80-10
  • Watauga def. Classical Pinnacle, 81-18

SELECTED TOP INDIVIDUAL WATAUGA PERFORMANCES

  • WOMEN – Athena Elliott: 200 IM (No. 1), 50 Free (No. 2), 200 Free Relay (No. 1), 400 Free Relay (No. 1)
  • WOMEN – Maggie Cheves: 200 Free (No. 1), 200 Free Relay (No. 1), 100 Breast (No. 1), 400 Free Relay (No. 1)
  • WOMEN – Allison Wilson: 200 Medley Relay (No. 1), 50 Free (No. 1), 200 Free Relay (No. 1), 100 Back (No. 1)
  • WOMEN – Mary-Kathryn Riddle: 200 Medley Relay (No. 1), 100 Free (No. 5), 200 Free Relay (No. 3), 100 Breast (No. 2)
  • WOMEN – Tessa Buchanon: 200 Medley Relay (No. 1), 200 Free Relay (No. 1), 100 Back (No. 2)
  • WOMEN – Francesca Martin: (200 Medley Relay (No. 1), 100 Free (No. 1), 500 Free (No. 1), 400 Free Relay (No. 1)
  • WOMEN – Ireland Laxton: 200 Free (No. 2), 200 Free Relay (No. 3), 100 Breast (No. 4), 400 Free Relay (No. 1)
  • MEN – Michael Makdad: 200 Medley Relay (No. 2), 200 IM (No. 2), 100 Free (No. 3), 200 Free Relay (No. 2)
  • MEN – Silas Powell: 200 Medley Relay (No. 2), 50 Free (No. 1), 100 Free (No. 4), 200 Free Relay (No. 2)
  • MEN – Jonah Zerucha: 200 Medley Relay (No. 2), 50 Free (No. 11), 200 Free Relay (No. 2), 100 Back (No. 6)
  • MEN – Lanson Gilbert: 200 Medley Relay (No. 2), 50 Free (No. 3), 100 Butterfly (No. 2), 200 Free Relay (No. 2)
  • MEN – Stacy Eggers: 200 Free (No. 2), 500 Free (No. 1), 200 Free Relay (No. 8), 400 Free Relay (No. 3)

Keller, Bishop and Love lead Pioneer stampede past North Wilkes, 89-48

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Keller, Bishop and Love lead Pioneer stampede past North Wilkes, 89-48

By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — While the Watauga vs. North Wilkes women’s game on Dec. 7 was a nail biter, the varsity men’s finale was anything but. The Pioneers led from start to finish, in dominating fashion before pulling off an 89-48 non-conference victory at Lentz Eggers Gym.

The Pioneer starters got quite a bit of rest, especially in the second half, but it hardly mattered who was on the court for Watauga. All 14 rostered varsity Pioneers tested their Air Jordans on the hardwoods and 13 of them scored.

Pioneer guard Josiah Railey comes up with a ‘finisher’ vs. North Wilkes on Dec. 7. Photographic by David Rogers for High Country Sports

Junior guard Cade Keller picked up right where he left off the night before when he scored 30 points against the Avery County Vikings. Against the North Wilkes Vikings, he tallied 15 of his game-high 17 points in just the first quarter, including three 3-pointers during the opening stanza. With the Pioneers leading 47-20 by intermission, Keller did not play in the second half.

Eli Bishop came off the bench to replace Keller’s firepower in the second half, recording nine points in the third quarter and finishing the game with 11.

Pioneer head coach Bryson Payne apparently found three more bench players, all big forwards, capable of hitting from long distance. Rarely used J T Cook brought down the house in the closing quarter with three successful “makes” from beyond the arc, while Paul Taylor added two 3-pointers and Landon Smith another “trey.”

Now 3-0 to start the young 2024-25 campaign, the Pioneers will put that undefeated recorded at risk when they travel to West Caldwell (3-1) on Dec. 10, then to Maiden on Dec. 14.

SCORING SUMMARY

  • WAT – Cade Keller – 17
  • NW – Tyler Sturgeon – 16
  • WAT – Jackson Love – 11
  • WAT – Josiah Railey – 10
  • WAT – J T Cook – 9
  • NW – Miles Berrier – 9
  • NW – Trey Johnson – 8
  • WAT – Paul Taylor – 6
  • WAT – Landon Smith – 5
  • WAT – Maddox Greene – 5
  • WAT – Wit Williamson – 4
  • WAT – Jace Blocker – 4
  • WAT – Seth Greene – 4
  • NW – Cam White – 4
  • NW – Trey Hutchinson – 4
  • NW – Will Rhoades – 4
  • NW – Eli Bare -3
  • WAT – Brady Lindenmuth – 2
  • WAT – Logan Greene – 1

Watauga WBB makes it a nail biter before falling to North Wilkes, 70-67

David
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Watauga WBB makes it a nail biter before falling to North Wilkes, 70-67

By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Two different clans of Vikings battled the Pioneers in Lentz Eggers Gym on the weekend, with two very different results. After dispatching the Avery County Vikings on Dec. 6, Watauga couldn’t overcome a broad-based scoring barrage by the North Wilkes Vikings on Dec. 7, losing 70-67.

Pioneer guard Izzy Torgerson drained five of her six 3-pointers on the day in the second half while Julie Matheson and Blair Haines each added two more after intermission, the trio combining with senior Kate Sears to narrow a 9-point deficit going into the final stanza and nearly pulling off a come-from-behind victory.

Blair Haines was successful on consecutive 3-point attempts early in Watauga’s game vs. North Wilkes on Dec. 7. Photographic by David Rogers for High Country Sports

Overall, it was arguably the best long distance shooting of the young season for the Pioneers, who combined for 14 successful 3-point shots for the game, including Torgerson with six, Matheson with four, and Haines with four.

But the Vikings also proved worthy from behind the arc, with sharpshooters Ralee Bare and Meredith Tomko each finding success three times from long distance, combined with Ava Johnson and KK Kinder each successful from beyond the arc twice. Add sophomore Shalyn Bare’s effectiveness in the paint, and the Vikings just had too much firepower on this day.

With the outcome of the game coming down to the last several seconds, Watauga head coach Bill Torgerson had a lot of praise for North Wilkes’ play, as well as for his own team’s resilience in almost forging the comeback.

“These were two pretty good high school basketball teams,” said Torgerson. “It kind of had the feel of a state playoffs game because it was Saturday afternoon and a rather quiet gym. But these were two really good teams playing at an incredibly high level. I was impressed with our grit and resilience, but also how well North Wilkes played. They have talented players making shots… I would say North Wilkes is one of the best, most fundamentally sound teams executing on both sides of the ball that we will play.”

North Wilkes improves to 5-0 on the young season, Watauga falls to 1-3. The Pioneers play at East Lincoln on Dec. 14, then have a rematch against North Wilkes at their place on Dec. 17 before returning to play a next home game vs. Davie on Dec. 20. They have one other pre-Christmas game scheduled, at Northern Guilford on Dec. 21.

North Wilkes, which went deep into the state 2A playoffs a year ago (losing in the 2A West semifinals, next travels to East Wilkes on Dec. 9, then hosts East Surry on Dec. 13.

SCORING SUMMARY

  • NW – Shalyn Bare – 19
  • WAT – Izzy Torgerson – 18
  • NW – Ralee Bare – 17
  • WAT – Julie Matheson – 16
  • WAT – Kate Sears – 14
  • NW – Meredith Tomko – 14
  • WAT – Blair Haines – 12
  • NW – Allie Farrington – 8
  • NW – Ava Johnson – 6
  • NW – KK Kinder – 6
  • WAT – Kaitlyn Darner – 3
  • WAT – Chloe Wilson – 2
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