Maverick Hawley of Hiwassee Dam has been selected to represent the Choctaw Tribe at the Patriot Games.
The Patriot Games are a part of the Freedom 250 celebration across the United States this year. Hawley competes on the Hiwassee Dam cross-country and track & field teams, as well as the Eagles’ basketball team.
The high school junior will head to the SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio for the Patriot Games. The Games are a national high school athletic competitions where student-athletes representing each state and Native American tribe and nation will compete head-to-head for $250,000 in scholarship funds.
One male and one female from each state, territory and tribal nation was selected to compete.
The Patriot Games are Aug. 9-11, with a special one-hour primetime special on ABC on Thursday, Aug. 13. Coverage will also stream on the ESPN app.
ATHLETICS
NCHSAA picks new leader
Brad Alford is set to become the eight commissioner of the N.C. High School Athletic Association and will succeed current Commissioner Que Tucker when she steps down on Oct. 1.
The NCHSAA Board of Directors unanimously selected Alford to become the next leader of the association.
Alford will work with Tucker starting on Aug. 24 and they will work side-by-side through the transition.
He attended Southern Durham High School and is a Certified Master Athletic Administrator through the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.
OUTDOORS
Public comment for rules
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will be taking public comments for 2027-28 rule changes.
The commission will have virtual public hearings via Zoom on Thursday, Aug. 20 at noon and on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 6 p.m.
Suggested rule changes for hunting, fishing and game lands can be submitted online at ncwrc.gov or emailed to regulations@ncwildlife.gov.
NCWRC Commissioners will consider the proposed changes at its October 2026 meeting.
FISHING
Bass benefit tournament
There will be a bass fishing tournament to benefit Bobby Stalcup on Friday, Aug. 7.
The tournament will begin at 7 p.m. and conclude at 1 a.m. the next day at the Ledford Chapel boat ramp at Lake Chatuge.
The entry fee is $60 per boat and there will be awards for the top three finishers.
The event is sponsored by the Tri-County Bass Club.
GOLF
Cats host golf event
The Andrews High School booster club will be hosting a golf tournament fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 8.
The tournament will be at Chatuge Shores in Hayesville. Registration starts at 8:15 a.m. with golf starting at 9 a.m.
The format is a four person scramble. The entry fee is $100 per person.
For more information, contact David Queen at 828-361-8300.
GOLF
Martins Creek golf event
Martins Creek Elementary School is hosting a fundraising golf tournament.
The tournament will be held at Old Union in Blairsville, Ga., on Saturday, Aug. 29. There will be a 9 a.m. shotgun start.
The format is a two-man scramble with an entry fee of $100 per person.
For more information, contact principal Lance Bristol at 828-557-6916.
FISHING
Award for big catch
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has launched the N.C. Angler Recognition Program to award anglers for big catches that aren't quite record breaking.
For anglers that meet weight and length requirements, they can be honored for their catch by filling out a form on the NCWRC website.
Anglers must fill out a form and provide a picture of themself with the fish. They will then receive a certificate for their catch.
Anglers 15 and under do not need to meet the minimum weight and length requirements to get a certificate.
The minimum weight for a largemouth bass is 8 pounds and the length is 24 inches. For brown and brook trout, the weight requirement is 2 pounds, 8 ounces and the length requirement is 18 inches.
Compiled by Sports Editor Cannon Crompton. Email items to sports@cherokeescout.com.