ATHLETICS
2nd half of season on
The second half of the season is starting for both varsity wrestling and varsity indoor track.
For Andrews and Murphy wrestling, both teams will head to Robbinsville on Thursday for the Smoky Mountain Conference Dual Tournament. On Saturday, Jan. 25, teams in the SMC will head to Andrews for the conference individual tournament.
The Andrews indoor track team will head to Swain today for their first meet of 2025. The Cats will then head to Cherokee on Wednesday, Jan. 15, then to Swain on Wednesday, Jan. 22. The SMC championship meet is scheduled Wednesday, Jan. 29, at Cherokee.
SOCCER
CCSL taking spring apps
The Cherokee County Soccer League is accepting registration for the spring 2025 season for ages 4-18. Registration is $60 per child and $55 per additional child, and registration closes on Jan. 31.
Practices start March 10 and games will run from March 22 to May 24. There will not be games April 5 and April 12 due to spring break.
All home games will take place Saturday mornings at Heritage Park in Andrews. Games start at 9:30 a.m., or 9 a.m. when needed, and are staggered from there.
Practices take place in Murphy and Andrews depending on the team. Ages 15U and 18U will play games on weekdays as well as weekends, with weekend games taking place between 1-3 p.m.
Details: Contact Christa Blackman through Facebook Messenger, or call or text 828-361-3828.
OUTDOORS
Andrews joins Snorkel Trail
The Valley River at Heritage Park in Andrews has been added to the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail.
In the crystal-clear waters of the Valley River, snorkelers can see Silver Shiners, Sicklefin Redhorse and Tennessee Shiner. Visit in late spring or early summer to see the Tennessee Shiner at its peak when it turns red-orange during its spawning season.
You can also see the Valley River Crayfish, which is unique to the Valley River and the Hiwassee River Basin. The riffles – shallow, fast-moving areas – are the best place to see the colorful darters and other fish.
The Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail is a series of curated snorkel sites in the mountain of western North Carolina.
FOOTBALL
N.C. hosts bowl game
The lone bowl game in North Carolina kicked off Friday night in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
Minnesota defeated Virginia Tech 24-10. A big second quarter with 21 points elevated the Golden Gophers to victory.
After the win, the Golden Gophers coach had a Gatorade cooler of Duke’s Mayonnaise poured on him, instead of the traditional blue or red Gatorade. Andrews native Tucker Holloway plays for Virginia Tech, but he missed the game due to injury.
Compiled by Sports Editor Cannon Crompton. Email items to sports@cherokeescout.com.