SWIMMING
2 swim in Texas
Two swimmers from the Cherokee County Aquatic Club competed at the Junior Olympics meet in Houston from July 22-26.
Lorelei Whitney and Connor Whitney competed in the meet. Lorelei came in 27th in the 100-meter freestyle and 29th in the 50m freestyle in the ages 12 and under age group.
Connor Whitney came in 12th place in both the 200m individual medley and 100m backstroke, as well as 15th in the 100m breaststroke and 21st in the 100m butterfly. He also came in 25th place in both the 50m and 100m freestyle events.
The team had eight swimmers qualify for the meet, but only two were able to make the trip. Qualifying but not competing were Elijah Whitney, Natalie Lowrance, Maxx Colandrea, Estelle Vaughn, Matteo Colandrea and Sophia Evans.
This was also their first experience competing in a Long Course Meters pool, which is 50 meters long.
RODEO
Cowboys in Andrews
The Great American Rodeo Co. is returning to Andrews to bring their bulls and broncs back to the Valley on Friday and Saturday night.
The rodeo is returning to Andrews for a third year and will be held at Heritage Park. Rodeo events such as saddle bronc, bareback, barrel racing, bull riding and mutton busting will take place.
The gates open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. each night.
Details: Visit greatamericanrodeocompany.net or call Melissa White at 706-633-3073.
PICKLEBALL
MHS hosts pickle event
The Murphy High School Bulldog Club is hosting a pickleball tournament Saturday at Konehete Veterans Park.
The cost is $40 per team with mens, women’s and mixed doubles competition to be played. All schools and ages are welcome to compete in the tournament.
There will be prizes for the winners in each group. Donations are also accepted.
Details: Call Lisa Grant at 828-360-5389.
ATHLETICS
Reg season kicking off
On Aug. 11, the 2025 fall sports season officially kicks off when Murphy faces Smoky Mountain at home at 5 p.m. Tri-County hits the road to take on Pisgah.
On Aug. 12, varsity volleyball kicks off for all three local teams. Murphy will be at home against new conference opponents Rosman at 6 p.m.
Andrews will be on the road against Summit Charter and Hiwassee Dam will travel to take on Swain County. Both games start at 6 p.m.
GOLF
Hinton hosts golfing event
Hinton Rural Life Center is hosting a charity golf tournament at Mountain Harbour Golf Club in Hayesville on Saturday, Aug. 23.
Check-in begins at 8 a.m., and there is a 9 a.m. shotgun start. The driving range will also open at 8 a.m.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided, as well as prizes and a swag bag for participants.
Those wanting to participate can register as an individual or as a team.
Details: To register, visit hintoncenter.org/events/golf-tournament-2025. Call 828-389-8336 or email jeremy@hintoncenter.org.
ATHLETICS
5K for life coming soon
Choices Murphy Pregnancy & Family Center is hosting a 5K fun run and walk Saturday, Sept. 6 at Konehete Veterans Park in Murphy.
Registration is $35 and includes a T-shirt. Kids ages 10 and under are free. Registration can be done online or in-person on the day of the race.
Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. on race day. Runners start at 9 a.m., while walkers start at 9:15 a.m.
Details: Pre-register at choicesofwnc.com. Call 828-835-3444 or email info@choicesofwnc.com.
Compiled by Sports Editor Cannon Crompton. Email items to sports@cherokeescout.com.