Sports for Nelson County Times

Baseball duo heads to rival schools

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:45:00 EDT

In the great sports complex, duos are not given as much publicity as single players with superb sports abilities, but duos provide solid additions to any team. For Nelson County High School, at the end of the 2008 baseball season, one good duo hung up their jerseys for the last time.

Play along: African dancing disguises workout

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:44:00 EDT

Drumbeats filled the classroom at the Rockfish Valley Community Center as our group of six formed a circle, lightly marching to the lead of AFRI-CArdio instructor Christine Davis.

Play along: softball builds community

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:59:01 EDT

Watch the ball. Watch the ball. Get the glove ready. Oh, what a pretty sunset, all gold and blues – No! Pay attention to the batter.

Mobile skate park coming to Rockfish

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:12:00 EDT

Little League thrives on volunteers

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:09:00 EDT

On a Sunday so hot the mosquitoes weren’t biting, the final season games for the t-ball and coach pitch teams and the first round tournament games for the major teams played on.

Play along: Free humility and tennis lessons

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:06:00 EDT

There’s a reason I hadn’t picked up a tennis racket since fourth grade, I learned when I stepped onto the Sweet Briar courts June 9 to participate in the Dennis Van der Meer “guinea pig” sessions.

Little leaguer waits for his pitch

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 09:56:00 EDT

The Oriole runner rounded first and looked out to where Nathan Quick had fielded his hit in right field.

Mindful of the wildlife, play along this summer

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 09:54:01 EDT

This weekend my fiancé, Chet, earned his most prestigious country-living badge.

Govs lose semifinal to penalty kicks

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:04:00 EDT

As they stripped off socks and shin guards, the Governors didn’t look too upset that they’d just been knocked out of post-season action by George Mason.

Nelson girls compete in Group A State outdoor track meet

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:03:01 EDT

The Govs competed in the Group A State track meet at Radford University on May 31.

Nelson boys lose to George Mason in penalty kicks

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:16:00 EDT

“But I think we had an awesome game,” senior defender Justin Crandall said. “Nothing to regret. Double overtime – it was awesome. It was nerve wracking.”

Nelson boys top Appomattox 5-0 in district semifinal game

Wed, 28 May 2008 16:16:01 EDT

The Nelson County Men’s Soccer Team began their post-season journey with the Dogwood District game against the Appomattox Raiders on Wednesday, May 21.

Boys head to region semifinal

Wed, 28 May 2008 16:16:00 EDT

To the Gov players and coaches, scoring eight goals while shutting out Buckingham in the region quarterfinals was progress, it wasn’t enough to dispel the uneasiness they showed leaving the field on May 26.

Baseball’s region hopes dashed by Chatham in final

Wed, 28 May 2008 16:13:01 EDT

The Cavaliers shut out Nelson while scoring six runs to win the Dogwood District tournament championship on May 23.

Nelson County advances to semis with win over William Campbell

Thu, 22 May 2008 13:42:00 EDT

“We had to fight through the mental game of getting down,” catcher Andy Gordon said. “I think we thought, first inning when we jumped ahead, we’d be okay and coast, but they came back and they responded. We just bounced back. Even though they were hitting hard, we made the next play.”

Nelson County track competes in district meet

Thu, 22 May 2008 13:40:00 EDT

The girls’ team finished second and the boys’ team was fourth at the Dogwood District track and field meet at Appomattox on May 16.

Baseball seeks historic tournament run

Thu, 22 May 2008 13:37:00 EDT

“When you say 1982, you know, none of these players were even alive,” McGarry said. “When that’s the history of your program, that’s what you have to talk about. These guys can relate to it because there’s dads or uncles or close friends…they’ve seen the jackets, and we still have the hats.”

Shannon set to lead Nelson County track team in Dogwood District Meet

Wed, 14 May 2008 14:05:00 EDT

“I was in first place for the first half of the race, and then I started dying. On the very last hurdle, I tried to jump it and my foot catches it and I just fall. I lay there for about a minute, then I get up and stagger across the line,” Shannon said.

First Person: Nelson soccer player Megan Campbell

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:36:00 EDT

First person Nelson County track athlete Harold Mears

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:32:00 EDT

“I went out there and fell in love with it. It was Jack Farley (who talked me into it). He played football then. He was telling me that it’s fun … you get to hit people,” Mears said.

Updated 4/17: Boys soccer wins

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 21:21:00 EDT

“Progress for us is getting 11 healthy guys on the field,” coach Pete Hauschner said. “They’ve got a little momentum now (with the wins). That’s good. They were hanging their heads there for a while.”

Column Piney River Mini Triathlon full of surprises

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:45:00 EDT

As I helped Segars unload his 16-foot down-river kayak, he asked me twice if I was in shape. I must have looked like I just rolled out of bed in my t-shirt and baggy sweatpants. As I cheerfully assured him I’d been training for half-marathon run I began to worry a bit.
Could this guy be more competitive than me, who can’t stand to lose even a game of Battleship?

Nelson girls soccer loses to Brookville

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:38:00 EDT

“Despite the outcome of this game, they really are coming together,” Kerl said. “We’re getting better each week. Right now we’re just overmatched.”

First person interview with Nelson County catcher Arielle Giles

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:27:00 EDT

“On the softball field it’s kind of like you’re the quarterback because you see everything, and let everybody else be aware of what’s going on,” Giles said.

First Person Nelson County soccer player Luke Longanecker

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:36:00 EDT

“Probably my teammates, specifically Jack Farley and Koda Kerl. We have this tradition of getting in a little circle and doing a little pump-up tribal dance thing,” Longanecker said of what gets him ready for a game.

Nelson County baseball loses district opener to Altavista

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:27:00 EDT

“This loss doesn’t go to the defense, and it doesn’t go to the pitching staff,” Gov coach Scott McGarry said. “We didn’t produce offensively.”

Gov softball team preview

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:56:00 EDT

Head coach Toni Donigan: The group we have, they’re young and inexperienced, but they’re willing to learn. So what we’ve been doing is a lot of the basic things. Basic drills: how to field, how to catch, how to cover bags. They’re just young. They’ve never played at this level. I keep telling them, “We really have a JV team playing on a varsity level.”

Nelson tennis team has several new faces

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:53:00 EDT

Tennis coach Weston Mathews dishes on the team as the season begins.

Nelson girls basketball coach Lloyd Gray resigns

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:45:00 EDT

As the outgoing coach, Lloyd Gray has some advice for the best replacement.
After 17 years of coaching within the Nelson County High School girls basketball program, Lloyd Gray resigned at the conclusion of the Gov varsity 2007-2008 season for personal and health reasons.
Gray was an assistant coach for nine years and head varsity coach for eight years. He leaves with a 90-70 overall record. He led the Govs to the regional tournament three times between 2001 and 2007.

Nelson caps 30-win season with state championship

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:05:00 EDT

RICHMOND — Nelson County’s boys basketball team ended the season the way it started it — on a 15-game winning streak.

Nelson County chasing the championship dream

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 13:58:00 EDT

“We’ve had the most wins in school history,” Nelson County senior point guard Thomas Brown said. “We were Dogwood District regular-season champions, tournament champs and Region B champs … so there’s only one championship left.

Seniors find their roles, stay loose heading into state semis

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 13:55:00 EDT

Building a 28-1 record and heading to the state semifinal round is serious business for any basketball team. But don’t let the Govs fool you. If the game’s not on the line they are a comedy troupe, regularly terrorizing each other as only those so very close can.

Seniors find their roles, stay loose heading into state semis

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:03:07 EDT

If the game's not on the line they are a comedy troupe, regularly terrorizing each other as only those so very close can.

Girls soccer preview: team returns key positions

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:03:10 EDT

"But I decided if I want this thing to grow, I need the girls out here that want to be out here, will work hard and are in shape," Kerl said.

Govs top Eagles; bound for Richmond

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:03:00 EDT

"I cannot wait to go to Richmond. It feels great," Thomas Brown said. "I figure if we go with our game plan we can beat anybody considering we beat these guys, and they were a great team."

Govs prepare for state quarterfinals

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:03:05 EDT

Tickets for the game are on sale for $7 in the Nelson County High School main office.

Govs squeak by Luray in overtime

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:02:45 EDT

"Our lack of defense, we gave them the edge," Gov Mike Jones said. "We just got lucky."

Boys soccer season preview

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:02:52 EDT

Boys open season with scrimmages, games against AA teams

Govs win Dogwood District Tournament

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 16:02:37 EDT

"It feels like we're the same team, so it's about who plays smarter, who makes better decisions. Down the stretch we made better decisions," said Gov Thomas Brown.

Nelson rebounds in second half to defeat Dan River

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:02:48 EDT

Nelson wins semifinal game 62-52, will play Altavista for district tournament title Saturday

Nelson defeats Altavista for season title

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:02:10 EDT

The Dogwood District games have moved to Amherst County High School. Thursday's game begins at 7 p.m.

Girls fall to William Campbell; still have regional shot

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:02:59 EDT

"My only regret is that I probably should have called a time out after that last basket to set up something," Gov coach Lloyd Gray said.

First person: top track athlete Briana Ross

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:02:36 EDT

"When I'm on the ground, about to pass out, that's when I know I've given it my all," Ross said.

Govs prepare for district tournament

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:02:59 EDT

Before the boys basketball team begins the Dogwood District tournament on Monday, Nelson will play Altavista for season championship rights.

First person: basketball player Jasmine Humbles

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:02:16 EDT

"I still have a lot more to bring to the court. If I could just figure out what that is, I'd be great out there," Humbles said.

For Brown, it just gets better

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:02:21 EDT

The team's record this season, 19-1, compared to a 9-12 finish in 2007, is the biggest indicator of both Brown and the team's development during the spring and summer.

First person: Senior guard T.J. Martin

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:02:48 EDT

"On the court, say Chris Jones, he has a little temper, and when the referee calls a foul, I've got to go over there and calm him down. I joke with him about it, probably call him "hacker-shack" or something. And he'll start laughing and forget about it," Martin said.

Column: Forget resolutions, find a habit

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:02:27 EDT

The concept is what's important: you can start over, set a goal, fail and start over again. Do this enough and you might just break the cycle and end up with a healthy habit.

Runner rebounds from injury, sprints to top

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 11:02:50 EDT

A thumbprint size abrasion above her right knee reminds her not to put too much pressure on herself.

First person: Dressage rider Emily Cochran

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:01:53 EDT

"Some days I'll get off the bus, and she'll be standing there waiting for me," Cochran on her horse Mia.

First person: basketball player Sarah Buckley

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 10:01:07 EDT

"I feel like you can get a lot of anger out on the court," Buckley said.

Boys top Group A poll with win against Altavista

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 09:01:51 EDT

Altavista chose not to start a race with the equally small and fast Nelson team. Instead, coach Mike Cartolaro slowed the tempo to a crawl and had his players swinging the ball around the perimeter, trying to catch Nelson off-guard with back-door cuts.

Top, Bottom, Middle: Senior Kaile Gannon hits highs and rebounds from lows on, off court

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 09:01:14 EDT

Then Gannon climbs over the precipice of Humpback Rocks, her favorite climbing spot, and back into the reality that she will never give birth to a child.

Girls basketball team falls to William Campbell

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:01:37 EDT

"We're going to have to go back to fundamentals and not be concerned with plays," Lloyd Gray said.

First person: skateboarder, snowboarder Elliott Fox

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:01:03 EDT

"I think there's a stereotype of skateboarders where they're all just aggressive, raggedy-type teenagers. They're really just average people," Fox said.

Assistant coach challenges 12-0 boys’ basketball team

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:01:01 EDT

Rogers and Garrett share many coaching philosophies, including kids winning off the court, through good grades and good behavior. The two only butt coaching heads on one thing: subbing.

Jones brothers spark 10-0 Gov team

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:01:41 EDT

Senior varsity basketball guards Mike and Chris Jones say they are brothers first, teammates second.