FOOTBALL
Gentry into NFHS hall of fame
Former Murphy High School football coach and the winningest high school football coach in North Carolina, David Gentry will be inducted into the NFHS National High School Hall of Fame.
The National Federation of State High School Associations announced its Class of 2026, and Gentry is one of three coaches being inducted. The two other coaches being inducted are Jan Barker of Texas and Flo Valdez of New Mexico.
Gentry is a part of several halls of fame, including the N.C. High School Athletic Association and N.C. Sports.
ATHLETICS
Tucker set to retire
N.C. High School Athletic Association Commissioner Que Tucker is set to retire effective Oct. 1, the NCHSAA said in a statement Monday morning.
The Reidsville native became commissioner in December 2015 and became the first woman and African American to hold the position. Tucker joined the NCHSAA staff in 1991 after two years as assistant women’s basketball coach at NC State.
Additional information about the search for the NCHSAA’s next commissioner will be announced later, the statement said.
ESPORTS
Dogs fall in match
The Murphy esports team competed in its weekly Valorant match and suffered its second loss of the season.
The Bulldogs fell 13-7 in the match and have a 4-2 overall record. Their loss drops them to 22nd in the East Region rankings.
WRESTLING
ACWF back in Peachtree
The American Championship Wrestling Federation will return to the Peachtree Community Center on Saturday, April 4, for the first of two shows next month.
Many fan-favorite ACWF superstars will take to the ring for action as well as putting title belts on the line.
Doors open at 5 p.m., with the show starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and under.
Their second show in April will be Saturday, April 18, at the Peachtree Community Center.
ATHLETICS
Senior Games sign-up open
Registration for the 2026 Cherokee Clay Senior Games is underway.
It is $15, with an additional $5 per ticket to the closing banquet for participants. Guest tickets to the closing banquet are $15.
The games will kick off with the opening ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at Clay County Recreation Center in Hayesville. Prior to that, the 5K road race will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 11, at the Chatuge Dam trail in Hayesville.
High school schedule
Today
Track & field
Hiwassee Dam, Murphy @ Cherokee, 3:30 p.m.
Andrews, Tri-County Early College @ Robbinsville, 3:30 p.m.
Thursday
Baseball
Murphy vs. Rabun Gap-Nacoochee, 4:30 p.m.
Hiwassee Dam @ Polk County, Tenn., 4:30 p.m.
Girls soccer
Murphy vs. Highlands,
6 p.m.
Andrews @ Blue Ridge Early College, 4:30 p.m.
Friday
Baseball
Andrews vs. Hiwassee Dam, 4:30 p.m.
Murphy @ Rosman,
4:30 p.m.
Softball
Andrews vs. Hiwassee Dam, 4:30 p.m.
Murphy @ Rosman,
4:30 p.m.
Compiled by Sports Editor Cannon Crompton. Email items to sports@cherokeescout.com.