BASEBALL
Rice picked by Rays
Murphy native AJ Rice was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the Major League Baseball draft on Sunday.
Rice was picked in the seventh round at 203rd overall in the MLB draft.
The Rays used their eighth pick of the draft to select Rice.
Rice played youth baseball in Murphy before moving to Jasper, Ga., where he played at Pickens County High School.
RACING
Tri-County back Friday
Drivers will return to Tri-County Racetrack in Brasstown Friday night.
Originally, the 100-lap enduro race was scheduled for Friday night, but has been moved to later in the season to allow drivers more time to prepare.
Friday night’s racing will be the regular program. Racing kicks off at 7:30 p.m., after the 7:15 p.m. driver’s meeting.
Pit tickets are $35 for adults, $15 for kids 10-16 and free for kids under 10. Grandstand tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids 10-16 and free for kids under 10. There is a $5 discount for veterans.
FOOTBALL
Camp in Andrews
A faith-based football camp will be held at the Andrews High School football field later this month.
From 1-5 p.m. on July 21-22, rising first through rising fifth graders can participate in the camp. From 1-5 p.m. on July 23-24, rising sixth through 12th graders can participate in camp.
The camp will be focused on faith, discipline and character. Those at the camp will learn from current and former college athletes, including players from Western Carolina University and the University of Oklahoma.
The camp is $70 and includes a t-shirt and autographs from college athletes.
Campers should bring athletic clothes, cleats, a water bottle and sunscreen, as well as a positive attitude and heart.
To learn more, visit inwordnc.com/footballcamp.
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.
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.
To learn more, contact ncarp@ncwildlife.gov. For more information and the full requirement list, visit bit.ly/3zgiKFU.
Compiled by Sports Editor Cannon Crompton. Email items to sports@cherokeescout.com.