USC Salkehatchie Athletic Scholarship Golf Tournament~a great day of fun~

2011 USC Salkehatchie Athletic Scholarship Champions

2nd place team~

3rd Place team-

USC Salkehatchie Basketball gym gets new look~

James Island Duo signs with USC Salkehatchie~

Gallegos signs with Indians soccer~

Indians softball adds Cunningham~

Coach Glass signs two more, working the recruiting trail~

Former pair of Indians headed to NCCAA Division I World Series~

Indians land two on Region X Gold Glove Team~

Dalton Novia

Adrian Rivero

Brantley County (GA) High School sends two players to USC Salkehatchie~

2011 Region X Softball Awards~Announced

2011 USC Salkehatchie Baseball Awards Announced

USC Salkehatchie head baseball coach Bubba Dorman has announced his team awards. Coach Dorman does not announce the awards during the annual athletic banquet but instead waits until after the season is completed.

Assemany head to USC Upstate~

Donald Simms-Former basketball player signs with West Texas A&M

Silver Bluff's Lamar signs with USC Salkehatchie

Silver Bluff senior Sierra Lamar, front and center, signs a letter of intent to play college soccer at USC Salkehatchie next season. Standing next to Lamar is her mother Michelle, left, and father Kenneth. Silver Bluff athletic director Al Lown, back left, and USC Salkehatchie coach William Glass are also pictured~

PETTICOAT JUNCTION -- For the second consecutive year, USC Salkehatchie women's soccer coach William Glass has mined the talent at Silver Bluff High School. On Thursday, Bulldogs senior Sierra Lamar signed a letter of intent to play at the two-year school for Glass next season.

"We signed Veronica Lopez from here last year, and she did a good job," Glass said. "I've got a good relationship with Silver Bluff High School."



That bond paid off for Lamar. The sweeper/forward had interest from other four-year schools to play soccer but as a walk-on. She received a scholarship from USC Salkehatchie, which made her decision easy.

"It was a big factor; it really helped financially," Lamar said of the scholarship, which landed her at USC Salkehatchie rather than other potential destinations, including College of Charleston, Clemson, USC Aiken and Coastal Carolina. "I didn't know I'd get a soccer scholarship. ... Now I feel I will be able to continue to play soccer" at a four-year college.

There were other factors that helped form Lamar's decision. Among them was a visit to the school, when she got to meet with the women's soccer players. Described as an energetic player, Lamar said she was struck by the USC Salkehatchie players' enthusiasm. The fact that it's not too far from home was another bonus.

That, along with the intimacy of the school, where she can get more direct contact with professors, pushed Lamar toward USC Salkehatchie. That should help the student who intends to major in nursing.

"I've seen the classrooms, and they're built like hospital rooms. They have a lot of technology," Lamar said. "My grades will be first. I'm going there to better my education."

She also intendsto improve her soccer skills. Lamar pointed out she could further develop her dribbling, shooting and touch game. She won't have to wait to hone those skills. Both Glass and Lamar expect she will play immediately.

"She should see significant playing time as a freshman," Glass said of the player he described as very aggressive and who plays hard. "That's the advantage of a junior college, where we only have freshmen and sophomores. ... She's going to get experience right away and won't be sitting on the bench."

That should help Lamar continue her playing career beyond USC Salkehatchie. She said she remains interested in ultimately transferring to Clemson. Lamar is in the right place to help her move on.

"Last year, we graduated eight sophomores," Glass said, "and seven left Salkehatchie with soccer scholarships to four-year schools."

Contact Noah Feit at nfeit@aikenstandard.com.

Former USC Salkehatchie Indian-Dustin Pannell helps lead King College to NCCAA Divison I World Series~

BRISTOL, Tenn. – King College won the 2011 NCCAA Mid-East Region Baseball Championship for a second straight season Friday, but the Tornado had to overcome a loss 3-2 in the day’s first game to Covenant (Ga.) College. King answered with a 6-2 decision to reach the NCCAA Division I World Series.

King went to 26-23 after the games Friday. Covenant has a record of 27-16 after the game. An at-large bid for Covenant will have to be determined by the national office over the weekend. Friday’s championship games pitted last year’s champion, King, against the runner-up in the region a season ago, Covenant.

The Tornado will have to await the final bracket for the NCCAA Division I World Series which will be announced over the weekend.

In the title tilt Dustin Pannell (Aiken, S.C.) made his first start of the season and went 5 2/3 innings for the victory. He gave up the two runs on six hits. David Prichard (Hamilton, Ohio) got the final out of the sixth before Nick Melcher (Orlando, Fla.) worked around a hit in the final inning.

King got the lead with two runs in the top of the second of the contest. One came via a squeeze bunt by Josh Huffman (Lynchburg, Va.) and the other on a sacrifice fly from Shane Timberlake (Lynchburg, Va.).

Covenant tied the game in the next half inning before the Tornado got the lead for good with a RBI single from Cody Snyder (Bluff City, Tenn.).

King tacked on runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings for insurance.

C.J. Stabler (Kingsport, Tenn.), Steven Mueller (Mt. Washington, Ky.) and Doug Freeman (Lakeland, Fla.) all had two hits apiece for the Tornado as King pounded out 10 hits in all. Mueller and Freeman had doubles.

Covenant’s Wes McDowell suffered the loss as he went 4 2/3 innings with five runs, four earned runs, on eight hits.

The Scots got two hits from Taylor Oldham out of the designated hitter position and Chris Rollins finished with a pair of hits as well.

In the first game of the day after an out started the fifth Bryant Walker (Knoxville, Tenn.) drew a walk and then scored on Heath Williams’ (Bristol, Va.) double down the left field line. Timberlake was hit by a pitch. With Huffman, a pinch-hitter, at the plate Walker and Timberlake stole bases to put two into scoring position. Huffman eventually struck out before Tyler Gaby (Bristol, Tenn.) stepped up and walked to load the bases. However the threat was ended when Snyder grounded out to second.

Freeman got King within a run with a two-out solo home run in the sixth. For Freeman it was his first home run of the season.

Covenant scored first in game one with a RBI single by David Lockwood with two outs in the top of the first. The Scots added a home run from Jonathan Carter to start the second. Later in the inning Kurtis Wiles scores on a sacrifice fly from James Rollins with the bases full of Scots.

Sterling Witt left the game with the lead after he threw five innings and gave up one run on two hits. He struck out four with two walks and a hit batter in the outing. Witt gave way to Demarius Johnson.

Wesley Houser (Knoxville, Tenn.) gave up the three Covenant runs on four hits in the 1 2/3 innings that he lasted. Houser walked two and hit another Scot batter.

In all the teams combined for seven hits with no one putting together a multi-hit effort.

BHS Senior Britany May Commits To Salk

Wando soccer standout Smalls sees the big picture~

During a halftime ceremony at Wando's soccer match Wednesday night, Warriors standout Jarrel Smalls stood on the field with his family at his side and signed a scholarship to play for USC-Salkahatchie.
Smalls is the younger brother of Ja'Quayvin Smalls, a former Wando football player who died in July 2009 during his first preseason workout at Western Carolina University. An autopsy revealed he died from complications associated with an enlarged heart.
As a precautionary measure, Smalls' parents, Henry and Lesonia, decided to have Jarrel sit out his junior season as he underwent a series of medical tests. He also missed his club season before being cleared to return this spring.
"After Ja'Quayvin's death, we just wanted to make sure," Henry Smalls said. "I knew it was kind of frustrating for him. He said he wasn't frustrated, but I knew better."
Sitting out a year caused many anxious moments for Smalls. It also taught him not to take anything for granted.
"I treat every day as if it could be my last," said Smalls, who is second on the team with 18 goals. "Missing my junior year was very hard. I couldn't even go to watch the games. It was really hard because I love the game so much. I made a promise to myself that I would dedicate my effort on the soccer field to my brother and family. I would try harder, work harder. Now, every time I walk out there, I think of my brother and family. That's what keeps me going."
Wando coach Shiloh Tisdale said he's noticed Smalls' new-found appreciation for soccer and life this spring.
"He doesn't take anything for granted," Tisdale said. "He was down and his grades slipped when his brother died. It affected him a good bit. Now, he's doing well in the classroom and in soccer.
"When he had to sit out last year, I called to see how he was doing," Tisdale added. "This was about more than soccer. I wanted him to know he had a place on the team even if he couldn't play. I still wanted him on the team. I still wanted him on the sidelines, even if his role was more as a coach. I knew he would be a positive force for the other players."
Missing last season almost cost Smalls a scholarship. Most coaches start recruiting players in their junior season. Fortunately for Smalls, USC-Salkehatchie coach William Glass was in attendance at the preseason Rotary Classic at Blackbaud Stadium. Glass was impressed enough to recruit Smalls.
"It was just a great feeling," Smalls said. "It was a feeling of accomplishment. Life without soccer was tough. When I couldn't play, I got a job and worked five days a week to take my mind off soccer, but I wasn't too successful."
The Warriors (21-4) hope to extend their consecutive region title streak to 10, but Smalls wants a bigger prize.
"Winning a state championship would be a great way to end my high school career."

USC Salkehatchie Athlete's of The Year named~

Sophomore Tyler Asbury signs with NAIA-Walsh University (North Canton, OH)

USC Salkehatchie sophomore Tyler Asbury (Louisville,OH) has signed to play baseball with Walsh University (North Canton, Ohio), next season. Asbury, was a starting pitcher this season for the Indians.
Walsh University competes in the NAIA and are a member of the American MidEast Conference.

Robby Assemany named to 2nd team All-Region X

Lady Indians fall 9-1 in opening game of Region X tournament

The USC Salkehatchie Lady Indians fell in their opening game of the Region X softball tournament against Louisburg College in Spartanburg, SC.

The Lady Indians gave up runs early and often as Louisburg jumped out to a 8-0 lead in the 2nd inning. The Lady Indians would get one run across in the top of the 3rd but it all Louisburg the rest of the way.

The Lady Indians will face USC Lancaster today at 10:00 am. Once the game is over, I will post the score here on the blog, you can also follow us on Twitter or on the right side of this page for in game updates!

Go Indians!

NJCAA Region X Softball Tournament-Game 1 "LIVE" USC Salkehatchie VS Louisburg College Friday at 1:00

Indians catcher David Rickenbacker headed to USC Aiken

USC Salkehatchie sophomore David Rickenbacker (Myrtle Beach, SC) has signed to play baseball with USC Aiken, next season. Rickenbacker a catcher, hit .325 in 120 at-bats this season for the Indians.
USC Aiken competes in the NCAA Division II and are a member of the Peach Belt Conference.

Driving directions to Region X Softball Tournament in Spartanburg, SC

County Parks and Recreation Hwy. 295 Sports Complex – Spartanburg, SC
Address: 2100 Southport Road, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29306
Phone: 864-596-2702
Park Information:
4 Baseball/Softball Fields – Lighted (Press Box/Concessions/Bathroom)
Website: N/A

From Charlotte NC
Take I-85 South toward Spartanburg, SC.
Take I-26 East toward Columbia, SC.
Proceed 4 miles until you get to Exit 22.
Once you get off Exit 22 take a Left onto Reidville Road.
Proceed about 2 miles until you get to Hwy. 295 beside Fuddruckers.
Turn right and proceed about 8 miles and the 295 Complex will be on your right

From Columbia SC
Take I-26 West toward Spartanburg, SC.
Turn right on Hwy. 221.
Go about 5 miles until you get to Hwy. 295.
Take a right the 295 Complex will be about 4 miles on your right.

From Asheville NC
Take I-26 to Spartanburg, SC.
Get off on Exit 22.
Turn left on Reidville Road and go about 2 miles until you get to Hwy. 295 beside Fuddruckers.
Turn right and proceed about 8 miles and the 295 Complex will be on your right.

From Atlanta, GA / Anderson, SC / Greenville SC
Take I-85 North to Business 85 North.
Go about 2 miles until you get to I-26.
Go East on I-26 to Columbia and get off Exit 22.
Take a left on Reidville Road and go about 2 miles until you get to Hwy. 295 beside Fuddruckers.
Turn right and proceed about 8 miles and the 295 Complex will be on your right.

Indians softball adds player from Fort Dorchester

The senior was joined by her current coach, future coach, family and friends for a signing celebration at Fort Dorchester April 26. USC Salkehatchie coach Tatjana Slawson, a Fort Dorchester graduate, said Coleman is a perfect fit for her program.
“I’ve known Alisha since she was about 6 so it’s not like she just caught my eye,” Slawson said. “But she really impressed me at the Lexington tournament this year. She pitched and played other defensive positions and hit the ball well. I’m looking forward to her bringing in leadership as a freshman as well as a good bat and the ability to help us in the circle. She is just an all-around good athlete.”

Coleman said choosing a college wasn’t easy, but she feels good about her choice. “I like that the classes are smaller there than at a lot of colleges,”she said. “Also, I know coach Slawson so she will be able to help me with anything I need.” Coleman, who earned All-region honors last year and was a Patriot captain this season, is slated to be a starter for the Indians, who will have two pitchers move on at the end of this school year. “This summer I’m going to do a lot of individual pitching sessions to help get my mental focus where it needs to be,” Coleman said. “I’m excited about going to the next level so I want to make sure I’m prepared to compete.” She plans to major in business.

By Roger Lee
Summerville Journal Scene

Women's soccer adds one to roster

Pelion High Senior Andrea Upchurch (seated center) signs with USC Salkehatchie to play soccer. Andrea is the second-leading scorer for the PHS Girls Soccer Team.
Pictured with Andrea is (l to r) USC Salkehatchie Soccer Coach William Glass, Amanda Upchurch, PHS Athletic Director Ben Freeman, PHS Head Soccer Coach Stephanie Creed, Alan Upchurch, PHS Assistant Soccer Coach Jeff Saunders and PHS Principal Jean Haggard.
Information provided by:
Brandy Veres
Communications Office
Lexington County School District One

Baker signs with Indians softball~

Indians softball signs first baseman

Summerville first baseman Rochelle Lyda will play for USC Salkehatchie next year.
Coaches, family members and friends joined the senior April 26 for a signing celebration at the high school.
“What stands out the most about Rochelle is her amazing work ethic,” USC Salkehatchie coach Tatjana Slawson said. “Plus she has phenomenal athletic abilities. She can just kill the ball so she will be my No. 4 hitter next year. She will also bring great leadership to our team on and off the field.”
Lyda is a four-year starter for the Lady Green Wave varsity who helped Summerville advance to the state finals last season. While defensively she holds down first, offensively she has a knack for ripping the ball down the third-base line.
This season she has a .382 batting average, .449 on-base percentage and .579 slugging percentage. She leads the team in doubles with nine and in RBIs with 25. With two homeruns she is tied for the top spot in that category and she has the second most hits for the team, 29.
She hasn’t decided on a major, but says she is looking forward to beginning her college experience.
“It’s a small school, but they have a good coach,” Lyda said. “I’m sure the lifestyle will be different and I’ll have to adjust to that, but I’m looking forward to meeting new people and playing at that level.”

Contact Roger Lee @ 873-9424 ext. 213 or rlee@journalscene.com

Follow us "LIVE" for game 3 of NJCAA Region X Baseball Tournament below!

The USC Salkehatchie Indians will face Louisburg College in game 3 of the NJCAA Region X Baseball Tournament. If the Indians win at 10:oo am, they will play again at 7:00 pm on Monday night. Please feel free to ask any questions during the "LIVE" blog and let's all cheer the Indians on to victory!!

Indians fall in game 2 of NJCAA Region X Tournament 10-8 to Pitt CC

The USC Salkehatchie Indians fell in game 2 of the NJCAA Region X baseball tournament in Burlington, North Carolina this afternoon. The Indians will face Louisburg College tomorrow at 10:00 am. You can get a recap of today's game by clcik on replay below on the COVERITLIVE box.
If the Indians defeat Louisburg College, they will advance and play again tomorrow night at 7:00 pm. We will have the action "LIVE" through COVERITLIVE in the post above.

Let's Go Indians!!!

USC Salkehatchie VS Pitt CC "LIVE" today at 4:00 pm on Coveritlive see below

If you noticed yesterday during the "LIVE" blog, the updates were slower than normal, I was unable to connect with Burlington Royals internet connect and had to use my phone for updates. I hope we have this corrected for today's game. I am sorry that I was unable to answer any questions asked yesterday, please feel free to ask them today and I will be sure to answer them during the "LIVE" blog.

Video of last out from Region X Baseball Tournament. USC Salkehatchie VS SMC

Video from the Region X baseball tournament in Burlington, North Carolina. This is from today's win over SMC 5-4. SMC had bases loaded with 2-outs, watch as pitcher Jason Ritter strikes out the final batter.

If you are having trouble viewing here on the blog, it is also uploaded on the USCSalkathletics page on YouTube, the link is provided below~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVPzuImFYSQ&feature=player_profilepage

Photo's from today's action VS SMC (Region X Baseball)

Indians earn victory over Spartanburg Methodist College in opening round of Region X tournament

The USC Salkehatchie Indians advanced in the winners bracket with a victory over Spartanburg Methodist College on Saturday afternoon.
The Indians split their regular season match up with SMC in Allendale, SC earlier in the season. In today's game, the Indians rode the bat of sophomore Robby Assemany and the strong arm of freshman Adrian Rivero to claim a 5-4 victory.

To view a complete recap of today's action, look below at the Coveritlive "LIVE" blog from the game.

"LIVE" Blog from the Region X Baseball Tournament in Burlington, North Carolina today at 1:00 pm-Below says start at 12 but we will be "LIVE" at 12:55

LIVE" from the Region X baseball tournament in Burlington, North Carolina game 1 at 1:00 pm VS Spartanburg Methodist College. Join us from the first pitch until the final out! The ABOVE says start time for "LIVE" blog 12:00, we will actually sign on at 12:55.
Go Indians!

The Region X baseball tournament will be held at Burlington Athletic Stadium, home of the Burlington Royals, which is at 1450 Graham Street, Burlington, NC 27217. The tournament dates are Saturday, May 7 - Wednesday, May 11.

The USC Salkehatchie Indians will face Spartanburg Methodist College in Game 1 at 1:00 pm. We will be "Live" blogging the game on Cover it live, you will find the link above.

There are directions and a map to the Burlington Athletic Stadium at www.burlingtonroyals.com

For parents and other visitors, the website www.visitalamance.com is a good resource for hotels, dining and other activities.

Indians softball adds two player from Swansea

Lady Indians fall to Aiken Tech in Region X play.

The USC Salkehatchie Lady Indians softball team faced the Aiken Technical College Knights this weekend in a four game series. The Knights would earn the sweep winning 10-1 and 7-2 on Friday. On Saturday the Indians played well but in the end, unable to get their bats going fell 3-0. In game 2 on Saturday is when things got interesting, after both teams scoring early the bats fell silent inning after inning. For a game only scheduled for 7-innings, they would end up playing two complete games going 18-innings. In the end, it was an error that doomed the Indians as Aiken Tech scored the go ahead run in the top of the 18th. The Indians were unable to muster any offense in the bottom of the 18th and the final was Aiken Technical College 3, USC Salkehatchie 2.

Saturday's 18-inning game became the longest in school history as the previous longest game in school history was only 10-innings.