ANDREWS
Salinas still standing out
After taking off the indoor track season to rest his legs, Andrews freshman O’Malley Salinas led the way among local athletes during the first track meet of the season at Andrews High School on March 8. The meet featured competitors from Andrews, Hayesville, Hiwassee Dam, Murphy and Tri-County Early College.
Salinas took first place in the 800-meter (2 minutes, 14.4 seconds), 1,600-meter (4:46) and 3,200-meter runs (10:35) and anchored the Wildcats ‘winning 4x800-meter relay team (9:30.11). Also taking first for Andrews were sophomore Kegan Ellis in the long jump (19 feet, 11 inches) and junior Samuel Preston in the triple jump (38’3”).
For Murphy, freshmen Camden Breazeale and Ryan Payne took first place in the 110-meter hurdles (18.45 seconds) and 200-meter dash (24.73), respectively, while senior Cam Grooms won the 400-meter dash. The Bulldogs also took first in the 4x100-meter (46.82) and 4x200-meter relays (1:39.40). Freshman Brady Grant qualified for regionals in the 100-meter dash (11.17) and finished second in the event.
In the girls events, Andrews sophomore Kylie Donaldson took first in the long jump (15’5), triple jump (33’3) and 400m dash (1:06.16), while fellow Lady Wildcats sophomore Allie Gibson crossed the finish line first in the 100m dash (13.41). Andrews also won the girls 4x100m relay (55.94). For Murphy, junior Jordan Oliver took first in the wheelchair shot put, wheelchair discus (13’9) and 100m wheelchair dash (45.63), sophomore Corinne Cotton won the 800m (2:47.27) and 1600m run (6:27) and Cayla Geer won the 200m dash (29.04). Donaldson qualified for regionals in both the long jump and triple jump.
For complete results, visit cherokeescout.com.
RALEIGH
New wildlife regulations
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission voted at its business meeting on Feb. 23 to adopt eight proposed rules related to wildlife management that will be considered at an upcoming meeting.
The proposals were presented at three public hearings across the state in January, as well as a virtual hearing. Public comment was received as well. The proposal will likely go into effect June 1. To view the adopted rules, visit ncwildflife.org.
Highlights include changing the dates and areas of restricted access on portions of Wildlife Conservation Areas that are posted as Waterbird Nesting Areas from April 1 through Aug. 31 to March 1 through Sept. 15 and prohibit open fires.
RALEIGH
Trout waters open April 1
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will open about 1,000 miles of Hatchery Supported Trout Waters in April, with the season running through Feb. 29, 2024.
Trout-supported waters, are marked by green and white signs, have been closed since Feb. 28. While the waters will be open for public fishing, many of the miles are privately owned.
RALEIGH
Bat season back in state
The N.C. Wildlife Commission official says it best to get rid of bats if you suspect they’re living in your home before pup-rearing season begins on May 1.
After hibernating or migrating south for the winter, bats are starting to return. Guano is the most obvious sign a bat is living inside or outside of your home.
If they’re getting inside, a licensed Wildlife Control Agent can evict them for you, and you can find a list of licensed professionals at ncwildlife.org. If you can’t evict them, the commission recommends leaving them to roost until the end of July.
HAYESVILLE
Still Place’s golf tourney
The Still Place for Families & Seriously Ill Children is looking for corporate sponsors for its golf tournament fundraiser, which will take place Saturday, May 13, at Mountain Harbour Golf Club.
Bronze level sponsorships can be bought for $100, silver level for $250 and gold level for $500. Gold level sponsorships give the company sole advertisement on a hole, silver means there are two sponsors on a hole, while bronze is unlimited.
For questions, email traci@thestillplace.org or call 404-862-7451.
HAYESVILLE
Rotary golf tourney set
The Rotary Club of Murphy’s Tournament of Champions will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 10, at Chatuge Shores Golf Club.
Registration will begin at 8 a.m., with the first tee at 9 a.m. The first-place team will receive $650, second place will receive $400 and third place will receive $250.
PREP SCHEDULE
March 15
Outdoor track: Murphy, Nantahala, Tri-County at Robbinsville
Andrews, Hiwassee Dam at Hayesville
March 16
Baseball: Murphy at Watauga, 4 p.m. (doubleheader)
Andrews at Franklin, 5:30 p.m.
Girls soccer: Tri-County at Murphy, 6 p.m.
Softball: Hiwassee Dam at Copper Basin, Tenn., 4:30 p.m.
March 17
Baseball: Cherokee at Andrews, 4:30 p.m.
Hiwassee Dam at Swain County, 6:30 p.m.
Softball: Murphy at Robbinsville, 4:30 p.m.
Hiwassee Dam at Swain County, 4:30 p.m.
Cherokee at Andrews, 4:30 p.m.
March 20
Girls soccer: Murphy at Blue Ridge, 4:30 p.m.
Hayesville at Tri-County, 6 p.m.
Softball: Franklin at Hiwassee Dam, 4:30 p.m.
March 21
Baseball: Cherokee at Murphy, 4:30 p.m.
Andrews at Hayesville, 4:30 p.m.
Softball: Cherokee at Murphy, 4:30 p.m.
Andrews at Hayesville, 4:30 p.m.
PREP RESULTS
March 7
Baseball: Towns County, Ga. 13, Hiwassee Dam 3
Polk County, Tenn. 10, Murphy 6
Girls soccer: Franklin 3, Murphy 2
Softball: Andrews 15, Asheville Trailblazers 10
Franklin 10, Hiwassee Dam 9
March 9
Baseball: Asheville Trailblazers 18, Andrews 1
Franklin 16, Hiwassee Dam 2
Girls soccer: Highlands 4, Murphy 1
Softball: Rosman 4, Andrews 2
Franklin 11, Murphy 3
March 10
Baseball: Hiwassee Dam 12, Rosman 11
Murphy 8, Franklin 7
Softball: Hiwassee Dam 13, Rosman 12 (8)
March 13
Baseball: Robbinsville 2, Murphy 7
Softball: Murphy 15, Smoky Mountain 0
Girls soccer: Murphy 2, Cherokee 0
Compiled by Sports Writer Justin Fitzgerald.