Hurricane Helene recovery forces SoCon Volleyball Championship venue change
SoCon Volleyball Championship moves from Asheville, N.C. to Spartanburg, S.C.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The 2024 Ingles Southern Conference Volleyball Championship, originally slated for Asheville, North Carolina, will be contested on Nov. 21-24 at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
"We heard very clearly from some of our closest partners – Ingles Markets, Explore Asheville, Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville, and the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission - that it is in everyone's best interest to move this year's Ingles SoCon Volleyball Championship to allow Asheville time to recover from the effects of Hurricane Helene” said SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross. “Asheville has been an outstanding host for many SoCon championships and we look forward to playing at the Harrah's Cherokee Center – Asheville next year. We extend prayers and support to everyone who has been effected by this tragic and heartbreaking situation. We appreciate Wofford College's willingness to host the Championship on short notice and are looking forward to providing an outstanding championship experience for our student-athletes, coaches and fans."
The tournament will begin on Thursday, Nov. 21, with the No. 9 seed facing the No. 8 seed. Quarterfinal matches will take place at 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. on Friday. The semifinals will begin at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, with the championship match slated for 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24. All times are eastern.
The Southern Conference is helping with the recovery efforts in Asheville by partnering with World Central Kitchen to help provide meals. Donations can be made here.
All pre-sale tickets that were purchased for the tournament in Asheville will be honored at Wofford. Ticketmaster has reached out to those who purchased seats for the event and have offered refunds if fans who are unable to attend in Spartanburg.
Samford leads all current members in tournament titles with seven, the most recent victory coming in 2022. ETSU, Furman and Western Carolina each boast three tournament wins. The 2023 champion Wofford, who won the first women’s tournament title in school history last November, will be looking to repeat this season and return to the NCAA Tournament.
ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCE
The Southern Conference is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, consisting of 10 full member schools across six states in 20 sponsored sports. Nine other institutions serve as affiliate members in the SoCon-sponsored sports of wrestling and rifle. The SoCon is celebrating its 103rd anniversary in 2024. The fifth-oldest NCAA Division I college athletic association, the SoCon contested the first-ever collegiate conference basketball tournament in 1921, tackled freshman eligibility in 1922, became the first conference to adopt the 3-point field goal in basketball in 1980 and developed women’s championships in 1984.
ABOUT ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE REGIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION
The Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission was formed in the fall of 2010 by a handful of civic-minded leaders who had a vision to impact the local economy by bringing more sporting events to the region. The Sports Commission attracts sports events and related meetings to enhance the health, wellness, and quality of life for area residents and sports enthusiasts and will generate a positive economic impact by promoting our region as a recognized sporting destination.
ABOUT HARRAH’S CHEROKEE CENTER - ASHEVILLE (HCCA)
Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville (HCCA), which features the ExploreAsheville.com Arena and Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, has hosted a diverse variety of events that reflect the creativity, uniqueness, and artistry that Asheville, N.C., and Western North Carolina is known for primarily. In recent years, the facility has hosted world-class sporting events such as NBA Preseason Games, three Billie Jean King Cups by BNP Paribas ties, the annual Ingles Southern Conference Basketball Championships, Asheville Championship, and the Camping World Maui Invitational as well as music and performances by Noah Kahan, Bob Dylan, The Lumineers, Dave Chappelle, John Prine, Old Dominion, Sturgill Simpson, Kacey Musgraves, Widespread Panic, Billy Strings, Warren Haynes’ Christmas Jam, and more.
ABOUT EXPLORE ASHEVILLE AND THE BUNCOMBE COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Explore Asheville is the official destination marketing and management organization for one of the most vibrant destinations in the southeast. Explore Asheville is powered by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, a public authority that has been investing in and building community since 1983. The authority has committed $96 million to more than 50 community capital projects including many sports venues.
Great Smoky Mountain Beach Wrestling Championships
USA BEACH WRESTLING TOUR OF AMERICA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 26, 2024
Contact: Ed Duncan (edduncan160@gmail.com), Chris Smith (chris@ashevillesports.org)
Beach Wrestling Comes to Asheville
The Inaugural Great Smoky Mountain Beach Wrestling Championships set for October 5th
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Summer is still happening in the mountains of Western North Carolina!
USA Beach Wrestling in conjunction with the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission and the High Country Youth League are bringing the fun and excitement of beach wrestling to Carrier Park in Asheville on Saturday, October 5th.
Beach Wrestling is one of the fastest growing styles of wrestling in the world and while events in Eastern North Carolina have become regular offerings, this mountain event is a first for the area.
"We're excited to be extending the footprint of beach wrestling to our local community," said Ed Duncan, event coordinator for USA Beach Wrestling and director of the High Country Youth League. "The event is about Sand, Sun, and FUN, and it doesn't matter if it's a beach, a lake, or a local park, it's going to be a good time."
‘We can’t wait for our community to be able to host and witness beach wrestling, as it’s a sport that will be a great addition to the local sports portfolio,” said Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission President Chris Smith. “This truly is a sport that brings exciting future opportunities for our region.”
Area clubs and wrestlers have participated on a national and even international level in the style. Last fall, Mitchell High School’s Halley Wheeler participated in the U20 and Senior World Championships, as did TC Roberson's Connor and Lilly Reece. This year, Alicia Reyes of Hendersonville will represent Team USA at the U17 Championships in Katerini, Greece, accompanied by the S. Matthew Baynard Foundation's Randall and Cheryl Baynard as coaches and team leaders.
“To have Asheville’s first foray into beach wrestling guided by Ed Duncan and Cheryl Baynard is quite the coup,” Smith added. “Ed and Cheryl bring a tremendous amount of expertise and knowledge and that can only spell great success for the Great Smoky Mountain Beach Wrestling Championship.”
The Great Smoky Mountain Beach Wrestling Championships is open to wrestlers of all ages. There will be both men's and women's divisions, as well as a "King/Queen of the Ring Competition". Weigh-ins get underway at noon, with wrestling action getting started around 2:00pm.
For more information visit the event website at www.ncwrestling.org
Photo Credit - Ed Duncan/USA Beach Wrestling
ABOUT ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE REGIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION
The Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission was formed in the fall of 2010 by a handful of civic-minded leaders who had a vision to impact the local economy by bringing more sporting events to the region. The Sports Commission attracts sports events and related meetings to enhance the health, wellness, and quality of life for area residents and sports enthusiasts and will generate a positive economic impact by promoting our region as a recognized sporting destination.
ABOUT HIGH COUNTRY YOUTH LEAGUE
The High Country Youth League is the largest youth wrestling organization in Western North Carolina. We serve over twenty-five counties by providing affordable wrestling instruction for youth wrestlers as well as developmental based competitions.
ABOUT USA BEACH WRESTLING
From the days of Roman soldiers practicing for amphibious landings on the shores of the ancient Mediterranean, to the modern beaches of today, sand or “Beach” wrestling, has been an important international style of combat sport. Countless variations of “beach wrestling” have existed for millennium, however, common grounds had to be found in order to allow sportsmen from the different regions and countries to compete in official championships and games.
SoCon Volleyball Championship set for Asheville
Southern Conference Volleyball
702 N. Pine Street · Spartanburg, SC 29303
864-591-5100 · 864-591-3448 (Fax)
www.SoConSports.com
______________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2024
Contact: Ralan Wardlaw (rwardlaw@socon.org)
SoCon Volleyball Championship set for Asheville
Tickets now on sale for conference’s first neutral site volleyball championship in November
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference, in conjunction with Ingles, Explore Asheville, the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, and Harrah’s Cherokee Center, will host its 2024 Ingles SoCon Volleyball Championship in Asheville, North Carolina, at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on Nov. 21-24.
"The Southern Conference has an amazing partnership with Asheville, North Carolina and our mutual desire to host the SoCon Volleyball Championship at the Harrah's Cherokee Center further solidifies this strong relationship,” SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross said.
The 2024 volleyball championship marks the first time in the conference’s history that the tournament will be hosted exclusively at a neutral location for all teams.
Samford leads all current members in tournament titles with seven, the most recent victory coming in 2022. ETSU, Furman and Western Carolina each boast three tournament wins. The 2023 champion Wofford, who won the first women’s tournament title in school history last November, will be looking to repeat in Asheville this season and return to the NCAA Tournament.
“I’m thrilled that the Southern Conference has chosen to host the 2024 Volleyball Championship at a neutral site this November,” Chattanooga head coach Julie Torbett Thomas said. “Asheville is no stranger to hosting major events and I have no doubt that they will go above and beyond to deliver a first-class volleyball championship. Volleyball is the fastest-growing spectator sport in our country, and its an exciting time for everyone to get on board and see why women’s volleyball is skyrocketing in popularity.”
“When the Sports Commission first approached the Southern Conference about the prospects of bringing its volleyball championship to Asheville, we thought it would be a great fit. Now, we know it will be a success in Asheville,” Executive Director of the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission Chris Smith said. “Having Ingles as the title sponsor brings instant credibility and partnering with Explore Asheville allows us the opportunity to roll out the red carpet to the SoCon student-athletes and fans. With such an amazing volleyball community already in place, this tournament has tremendous room for growth.”
The SoCon and the city of Asheville have been linked for many years. The conference was headquartered in Asheville from 1986-2002 and the last 13 SoCon Basketball Championships have been played inside Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville. The basketball tournament was also in Asheville from 1984-95. The volleyball championship will be hosted in Asheville through 2026.
“As the official destination marketing and management organization, Explore Asheville is thrilled to build on Asheville’s collective and long-standing partnership with the Southern Conference,” Vic Isley, President & CEO of Explore Asheville said. “Our recent investment in multi-sport courts for the ExploreAsheville.com arena, in partnership with the City, enabled our community to expand into women’s volleyball. This championship will add to the vitality of our economy, community, and region.”
“We are happy to do our part as the event promoter in securing another key sports championship event in partnership with the Southern Conference over four days on a historically slower weekend in Asheville,” Christopher Corl, General Manager of Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville said. “This event was brought to Asheville as a result of the hard work and commitments from our strategic community partners, local businesses, and volleyball community.”
“We look forward to bringing high-level college volleyball to the area and we're confident that the partners and volunteers who support the Ingles SoCon Basketball Championships will replicate that incredible experience for the conference's volleyball student-athletes and coaches,” Cross said. “It's All Here in The Southern Conference, and Asheville, and we can't wait until November!"
Tickets for the championship tournament are on sale now. Daily general admission and Courtside Lounge passes are available for $15 and $35, respectively. The Courtside Lounge packages include access to courtside seating and the Courtside Lounge with light complimentary fare from Ingles. Get your tickets and learn more at https://soconsports.com/wvb today. Hotels for the tournament can be found at https://www.exploreasheville.com/places-to-stay/.
ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCE
The Southern Conference is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, consisting of 10 full member schools across six states in 20 sponsored sports. Nine other institutions serve as affiliate members in the SoCon-sponsored sports of wrestling and rifle. The SoCon is celebrating its 103rd anniversary in 2024. The fifth-oldest NCAA Division I college athletic association, the SoCon contested the first-ever collegiate conference basketball tournament in 1921, tackled freshman eligibility in 1922, became the first conference to adopt the 3-point field goal in basketball in 1980 and developed women’s championships in 1984.
ABOUT ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE REGIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION
The Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission was formed in the fall of 2010 by a handful of civic-minded leaders who had a vision to impact the local economy by bringing more sporting events to the region. The Sports Commission attracts sports events and related meetings to enhance the health, wellness, and quality of life for area residents and sports enthusiasts and will generate a positive economic impact by promoting our region as a recognized sporting destination.
ABOUT HARRAH’S CHEROKEE CENTER - ASHEVILLE (HCCA)
Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville (HCCA), which features the ExploreAsheville.com Arena and Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, has hosted a diverse variety of events that reflect the creativity, uniqueness, and artistry that Asheville, N.C., and Western North Carolina is known for primarily. In recent years, the facility has hosted world-class sporting events such as NBA Preseason Games, three Billie Jean King Cups by BNP Paribas ties, the annual Ingles Southern Conference Basketball Championships, Asheville Championship, and the Camping World Maui Invitational as well as music and performances by Noah Kahan, Bob Dylan, The Lumineers, Dave Chappelle, John Prine, Old Dominion, Sturgill Simpson, Kacey Musgraves, Widespread Panic, Billy Strings, Warren Haynes’ Christmas Jam, and more.
ABOUT EXPLORE ASHEVILLE AND THE BUNCOMBE COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Explore Asheville is the official destination marketing and management organization for one of the most vibrant destinations in the southeast. Explore Asheville is powered by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, a public authority that has been investing in and building community since 1983. The authority has committed $96 million to more than 50 community capital projects including many sports venues.
-www.SoConSports.com-
Arthritis Foundation Launches Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour, Coming June 2025
Arthritis Foundation Launches Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour, Coming June 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Producers of the California Coast Classic will create an all-new “Experience of a Lifetime” cycling event nestled in the iconic Blue Ridge Mountain foothills
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – June 25, 2024 – The Arthritis Foundation is announcing the Carolina Hills Classic, an all-new national destination cycling experience from Asheville, North Carolina, to Greenville, South Carolina, Scheduled June 12-15, 2025
As one-of-a-kind, multi-day cycling fundraiser in the Caroinas, the Carolina Hills Classic will be a fully-appointed four-day bike tour featuring both a hub-and-spoke and point-to-point format set against the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains.
Southeast Cycling Destination
Starting in Asheville, riders will enjoy the winding roads, scenic climbs, local flavors, and artistic flair of the Blue Ridge foothills. On Day 2, they’ll pedal approximately 80 miles over state lines to Greenville, home to a robust cycling community, vibrant art and music scene, and Southern hospitality. Days 3 and 4 will be spent exploring Greenville’s bike-friendly roads and picturesque beauty.
The Carolina Hills Classic invites cyclists of all experience levels and is e-bike friendly. Riders can challenge themselves while charging through the hill country, or enjoy a leisurely pace cruising with friends and enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
“Asheville and Greenville are iconic cycling and travel destinations known for their remarkable natural beauty, stunning scenery, delicious food, eclectic art, and hospitable culture. They are both such sought-after locations for cyclists that we couldn’t pick just one – so we decided to build our new Carolina Hills Classic tour around this region which is a mecca for riders,” said Shannon Marang Cox, National Senior Director of the Arthritis Foundation’s Cycling Experience.
“For more than 20 years, the Arthritis Foundation has hosted the ‘The Ride of a Lifetime’ in California with its epic route and experience, VIP support, and warm community atmosphere,” Marang Cox said. “Now the Arthritis Foundation introduces the all-new Carolina Hills Classic, with all of the wonderful aspects of a fun and fully supported tour between Asheville and Greenville.”
Fully-Appointed Tour
The Carolina Hills Classic is a premium cycling experience complete with full mechanical and SAG/shuttle support, four-night hotel accommodations, fully-stocked rest and fuel stops along each day’s route, daily luggage valet and transportation, nightly entertainment and social hours, and an unforgettable welcome reception in Asheville and closing celebration in Greenville.
The Arthritis Foundation has perfected the charity bike tour model over the past 25 years with the California Coast Classic (CCC) Bike Tour, an event that annually raises over $1 million dollars, has earned the moniker, “The Ride of a Lifetime,” and received Gran Fondo Guide’s Best Charity Bike Tour Award. The Carolina Hills Classic will be the Arthritis Foundation’s second national destination cycling experience.
60 Million Adults and Children in the U.S.
The Arthritis Foundation has championed the fight to conquer arthritis, the nation’s number one cause of disability, for more than 75 years. Since 1948, the Arthritis Foundation has invested over half a billion dollars in research, with more than $23 million coming directly from its California Typically, at least 40% of California Coast Classic riders either have arthritis or are riding for a loved one with the disease.
“This is an exciting time at the Arthritis Foundation. As the iconic California Coast Classic Bike Tour prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025, the Arthritis Foundation is proudly launching its second national destination event, bringing the inspiring and unmatched experience of the CCC to the Southeast,” said Arthritis Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Steven Taylor, who has participated in the California Coast Classic since 2022. “So, whether your bucket list includes the California Coast or the Blue Ridge Mountains, you can ride with our amazing community while supporting the nearly 60 million adults and children in the U.S. who have doctor-diagnosed arthritis or a related condition.”
Every donation to the Arthritis Foundation helps the 1 in 4 adults and hundreds of thousands of children with arthritis across the country live without limits. In its inaugural year, the Carolina Hills Classic has a goal of raising $250,000 for the fight to conquer arthritis, the No. 1 cause of disability in the United States.
About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is fighting for all people who live with arthritis. As a Champion of Yes, the Arthritis Foundation’s mission is to turn the obstacles arthritis causes into opportunities. The Arthritis Foundation champions life-changing solutions and medical advancements, and provides ways for people to connect, break down barriers in health care and join the fight for a cure — uniting hearts, minds, and resources to change the future of arthritis. To join the fight to cure arthritis, visit arthritis.org.
About the Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour
The Arthritis Foundation’s Carolina Hills Classic is a fully supported, four-day road biking adventure traversing the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains from Asheville, North Carolina, to Greenville, South Carolina.
With a goal of raising $250,000 in its inaugural year, funds support the fight to conquer arthritis, the No. 1 cause of disability in the United States, while raising awareness and support for the nearly 60 million adults and children in the U.S. who have doctor-diagnosed arthritis or a related condition.
For more information, please visit CarolinaHillsClassic.org.
Media Contact:
Julie Kelly, SPEC PR, 760.672.2527 (cell), julie.kelly@specpr.com
2024 Ingles SoCon Basketball Championships Tickets Now on Sale
Southern Conference
702 N. Pine Street · Spartanburg, SC 29303
864-591-5100 · 864-591-3448 (Fax)
www.SoConSports.com
_________________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 12, 2023
Contact: Ralan Wardlaw (rwardlaw@socon.org)
2024 Ingles SoCon Basketball Championships tickets now on sale
Tickets can be purchased through Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville Box Office or Ticketmaster
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Ticket packages for the 2024 Ingles Southern Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships are now on sale. In partnership with the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, the City of Asheville and Buncombe County, the tournaments will be played March 7-11, 2024, at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville in Asheville, North Carolina.
All 10 SoCon men’s teams and all eight SoCon women’s teams will compete in the single-elimination tournament with the two tournament champions earning automatic bids to the NCAA tournament. First-round games will be played on Thursday, March 7, for the women and Friday, March 8, for the men. The women’s championship game is scheduled for Sunday, March 10, and the men’s championship game is scheduled for Monday, March 11.
All session and single session tickets are available through the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville Box Office or through Ticketmaster.
A variety of individual and group ticket packages are available, including courtside and baseline seating packages, and ticket packages that include VIP Hospitality options.
For courtside and baseline packages, please contact the Asheville-Buncombe Regional Sports Commission at 828-398-0295 or email madison@ashevillesports.org. For VIP reserved packages (non courtside seats), call the HCCA box office at 828-259-5544 or email kklick@ashevillenc.org
Furman is the defending men’s champion and Chattanooga won the 2023 women’s tournament.
-www.SoConSports.com-
ROCK THE QUARRY TRAIL CHALLENGE 5K & KIDS FUN RUN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact
Jon Neumann, Race Director
(828)230-2774
jneumann@hedrickind.com
ROCK THE QUARRY TRAIL CHALLENGE 5K & KIDS FUN RUN
PRESENTED BY GROVE STONE & SAND
Black Mountain, NC – August 24th, 2023 – Locally owned and operated Grove Stone & Sand is excited to host the 15th anniversary of Rock the Quarry Trail Challenge 5K & Kids Fun Run on Saturday, September 16th. The Kids Fun Run begins at 9:15am and the 5K will begin promptly at 9:30am.
Located in the heart of the Swannanoa Valley, Rock the Quarry is a foot race with a mission to bring the community together to celebrate good health and the beautiful Western North Carolina environment. All proceeds from the event benefit Grove Stone’s neighbor, the Black Mountain Home for Children, and long-time partner, the Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS).
COURSE - Join us as we celebrate the Black Mountain Home for Children's 100-year anniversary with a special 5k course! In honor of their milestone anniversary, we're changing up the 5k course to incorporate their beautiful campus. Runners will start at their pavilion, run over their covered bridge before crossing over to Grove Stone's property where runners will experience the huge equipment it takes to break a boulder down to smaller stone used in the construction industry. The race will finish by crossing back thru the Black Mountain Home's farm area and then back to the pavilion.
PRIZES – Top age group finishers will get a Rock the Quarry hat & CASH PRIZES to the 1st ($100) & 2nd ($50) place finishers. 3rd place finishers and Masters Division (40 and over) winners will receive a $25 gift certificate from Mountain Running Company.
SHIRTS - All participants who register before August 31st are guaranteed a “ROCK” t-shirt (soft tri-blend). After August 31st, shirts will be first come, first serve.
KIDS FUN RUN – Rock the Quarry is excited to get kids involved with the Kids Fun Run (ages 10 and under). The Kids Fun Run ($10 per participant) is 1/4 of a mile and each participant will receive a customized race day “ROCK” headband.
REGISTRATION LINK –
https://raceroster.com/events/2023/74885/rock-the-quarry-trail-challenge-5k-and-kids-fun-run
REGISTRATION FEES:
Early Bird Pricing Through Aug 31st: $35; September Pricing $40
Kids Fun Run (10 and under) - $10.00/participant (headband only, no shirt included)
For more information, visit www.hedrickind.com/our-company/rock-the-quarry/
2023 Asheville Championships Matchups Set
Asheville Championship Announces 2023 Matchups
College basketball fans are reminded that “It all starts in Asheville” as bracket is set for early-season Tournament
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Aug. 14, 2023) -- The Asheville Championship just released its bracket for the 2023 Tournament, which will take place Friday, November 10 - Sunday, November 12 at Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville in North Carolina. In the third year of the Tournament, Maryland will take on Davidson at 7 p.m. ET on ESPNU, followed by Clemson facing UABon ESPN+ at 9:30 p.m. ET. Both the third-place game (12:30 p.m. ET) and the championship contest (3 p.m. ET) will be televised on ESPN2 on November 12.
“With historically strong programs and passionate fan bases, this year’s Asheville Championship is going to be the best one yet,” said Dave Odom, legendary head coach and official Chair of the Asheville Championship. “From the quality on-court matchups to the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the welcoming arena at Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville, this is truly a can't-miss event for college basketball fans looking for some early-season excitement.”
Coach Dave Odom serves as the official Chair of the Asheville Championship, in addition to his leadership role with the Maui Jim Maui Invitational. The former National Coach of the Year and three-time Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year at Wake Forest has overseen tournament relations for the Maui Jim Maui Invitational since 2009. North Carolina legend and Asheville native Coach Roy Williams is the official ambassador of the Asheville Championship.
MATCHUPS
Davidson vs. Maryland
Series History: Maryland leads the series 8-3
Last Meeting: March 15, 2007
Notes: Matt McKillop, son of legendary Davidson coach Bob McKillop, is in his second year as the head coach of the Wildcats after leading the squad to a 16-16 record during his first year at the helm. McKillop will take his alma mater to Asheville with an exciting young team that also features senior experience from team captain Grant Huffman, who averaged 10.3 points and 3.8 assists last season.
The Terps are under the direction of second-year head coach Kevin Willard, who is coming off one of the best inaugural seasons in Maryland history. A year ago, the Terrapins went 22-13 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament while ranking among the top-25 during the regular season.
Clemson vs. UAB
Series Record: UAB leads the series 2-1
Last Meeting: March 15, 2011
Notes: The ACC’s Clemson Tigers are led by head coach Brad Brownell, who is entering his 14th season at the helm. He has amassed 241 career wins at Clemson, which is the most in program history, along with eight 20-win seasons during his tenure. Senior PJ Hall led the team in scoring during the 2022-23 campaign (15.3 ppg) and returns in the post for the Tigers after withdrawing from the 2023 NBA Draft.
Andy Kennedy’s first three years in Birmingham have made UAB history as the Blazers have reached 20+ wins each season, earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament in 2022 after winning the Conference USA Championship and were the 2023 NIT Runner-up. During his tenure, the Blazers have set back-to-back single-season win records with 27 (2021-22) and 29 (2022-23) victories. Additionally, Kennedy is one of five active coaches with 20+ wins in their first three seasons at a program, joining the likes of John Calipari, Mark Few, Jamie Dixon and Thad Matta.
The Asheville Championship has earned a reputation for its down-to-the-wire finishes, with Minnesota securing the inaugural title in 2021 in a double overtime victory over Princeton, and Louisiana taking home the trophy in 2022 after defeating East Tennessee State by just four points. Fans can expect this year’s field to be no different, as these four talented teams battle it out in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
For more information on the Asheville Championship or to purchase tickets to this year’s Tournament, visitashevillechampionship.com.
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ABOUT KEMPERLESNIK
KemperLesnik is a sports marketing, events and public relations agency. Ranked by Crain's Chicago Business among Chicago's top PR agencies, KemperLesnik produces integrated communications programs and manages major national events, including the Maui Jim Maui Invitational, the McDonald's All American Games, the POWERADE Jam Fest and activation for KitchenAid and its PGA of America partnership. KemperLesnik has operated the Maui Jim Maui Invitational since 1990. For more information, visit www.kemperlesnik.com.
Supporting partners for the tournament include Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort, Explore Asheville, Champion Credit Union, Liquidlogic Kayaks, Wicked Weed Brewing, ACE, Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, Cambria Downtown Asheville, Doubletree by Hilton Downtown Asheville, Element Asheville Downtown, and Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Asheville.
MEDIA CONTACT
Ashley Walker
ashley.walker@kemperlesnik.com
206-240-3899
Michael Cross named Southern Conference Commissioner
Michael Cross named Southern Conference Commissioner
Will become league’s 10th commissioner
HILTON HEAD, S.C. – The Southern Conference has named Michael “M.C.” Cross, Ph.D., its new commissioner, effective July 1.
A nearly 30-year veteran of athletic administration, Cross comes to the SoCon from the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics after previous stops at Penn State, Bradley, Princeton and Michigan.
Cross will be the 10th commissioner in league history and succeeds Jim Schaus, who announced in February that he will retire at the end of June after leading the league office for four years.
“The Southern Conference is one of the historic and iconic conferences in college athletics and the opportunity to lead its member schools at a time of dynamic change in NCAA Division I is a challenge I am eager to embrace,” Cross said. “The Conference’s emphasis and genuine interest in education, competitiveness, and the well-being of their college athletes is easy to endorse.
“I am incredibly thankful to the SoCon presidents for their belief in my leadership and ability to support the member schools as we speak and act in a unified manner. I cannot overstate my appreciation to the chair of the search process, President Elizabeth Davis of Furman University; the current chair of the Council of Presidents, Chancellor Frank Gilliam of UNC Greensboro; and the members of the search committee. I also want to thank Todd Turner and his team at Collegiate Sports Associates for their incredible professionalism and stewardship of this process.”
Cross has served as the managing director for communication and policy for the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics since January. There, he coordinates the Knight Commission’s College Sports Governance and Structure Committee and efforts of the communications team.
From 2015-23, Cross was at Penn State, where he was the sport administrator for numerous programs, including the Nittany Lions’ nationally ranked men’s and women’s hockey teams. He was also responsible for new business development, identifying, screening and advancing revenue-generating opportunities to provide resources for Intercollegiate Athletics. Additionally, he served as an Executive Committee member on the Penn State Center for the Study of Sport in Society board since its inception in 2016.
Prior to his stint at Penn State, Cross was the director of athletics at Bradley University from January 2010 to March 2015. He oversaw the opening and dedication of Renaissance Coliseum, a $50 million, 4,200-seat arena that is home to Bradley’s athletics department and teams.
During his tenure, Cross negotiated the department’s first multimedia rights agreement that increased corporate sponsorship revenue to an institutional record of nearly $1.1 million; instituted a coherent branding strategy, style guide and new mascot for the department; signed Bradley’s first-ever all-sports apparel deal with adidas; implemented a courtside seating plan for men’s basketball that created $100,000 in new annual revenue; and reinstated men’s indoor and outdoor track after a nearly 20-year hiatus.
Cross spent over 10 years at Princeton in a variety of roles before moving to Bradley. He started at Princeton as assistant director of athletics for compliance in July 1999, working his way up to executive associate director of athletics in July 2006, a role he held for over three years. Cross also served as the acting director of athletics for a five-month period during that time.
During his tenure at Princeton, Cross concurrently served as the commissioner of the Collegiate Sprint Football League from 2003-07.
Cross began his career at Michigan, serving as a graduate assistant before earning a full-time post as an NCAA certification assistant. He was an assistant director of compliance for the final two years of his tenure.
Cross was the co-founder of Athlete Viewpoint, a technology-based survey tool and data analytics platform designed for athletic directors to fully understand the experience of their student-athletes to inform decision making, strategic planning, and quality control for every aspect of an athletic department. The company was acquired by Game Plan in 2021.
“The search committee was presented with a deep and diverse pool of candidates,” said Furman University President Dr. Elizabeth Davis. “Michael brings a great deal of on-campus experience plus a unique skill set developed while working with the Knight Commission. He has the right vision and insight to lead us in the ever-changing world of intercollegiate athletics.”
A native of Hamburg, New York, Cross is a former basketball student-athlete and a two-time graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo, earning an undergraduate degree in economics in 1991 and a master’s degree in college counseling in 1993. He would go on to earn a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Michigan in 1999.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with many talented and values-based leaders and coaches throughout my career, most recently at the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics, led by CEO Amy Perko. The Commission members and consulting team of highly talented professionals are an amazing group whose commitment to the education, health, safety and well-being of college athletes is inspiring. Their thinking represents some of the best ideas in college athletics and will benefit the SoCon as we navigate the future of college athletics.
“Finally, I want to thank my wife, Jennifer, for her incredible support and willingness to leap into the unknown once again.”
The Crosses have two adult sons, Aidan and Nathan.
-www.SoConSports.com-
Clemson, Davidson, Maryland, UAB Announced as 2023 Asheville Championship Field
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Clemson, Davidson, Maryland, UAB Announced as 2023 Asheville Championship Field
Asheville, N.C.(April 11, 2023) – The field is set for the 2023 Asheville Championship men’s college basketball tournament. Clemson, Davidson, Maryland and UAB will go head-to-head Nov. 10 -12, 2023 at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville in the third year of the early-season tournament. With a combined 73 NCAA Tournament appearances, these four programs each bring proven successes and storied pasts to the table, making this year’s field the strongest yet.
North Carolina legend and Asheville native Coach Roy Williams is the official ambassador of the Asheville Championship. Williams is dedicated to helping grow and expand the event to become a premier early-season championship featuring top basketball programs from across the country. Coach Dave Odom will once again serve as the official Chair of the Asheville Championship. The former National Coach of the Year and three-time Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year at Wake Forest has overseen tournament relations for the Asheville Championship since its inception, and the Maui Jim Maui Invitational since 2009.
“In the two years that we’ve come to Asheville to kick-off the college basketball season with the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, we’ve brought new fans, stronger programs and more excitement each time,” said Odom. “The Championship has also started gaining a reputation for buzzer-beater finishes, and with the field of teams we have coming ready to battle it out, this year could be our best one yet.”
Clemson is led by head Coach Brad Brownell who is heading into his 14th season with the Tigers. Clemson has reached the postseason in five of the last seven years. The Tigers finished the 2022-23 season with a 23-11 record, their fifth 20-win season under Brownell, and placed third in the final ACC standings with a 14-6 conference record.
Davidson (15 NCAA Tournament appearances) will be under the direction of second-year head Coach Matt McKillop, son of Bob McKillop who had previously led the Wildcats for 33 years. The younger McKillop was a standout for Davidson from 2002-06 before returning to his alma mater as part of the coaching staff where he has served since 2008.
Maryland heads to Asheville with 30 NCAA Tournament appearances and a National Championship (2002) under its belt. Led by head Coach Kevin Williard, the Terrapins earned four victories over ranked opponents this year, and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Willard put together one of the best records by a coach in his first year at a new program as the Terps finished the 2022-23 season with a 22-13 record.
UAB’s Andy Kennedy has produced a 20-win season in all three years since he took over the Blazers program, going 22-7 in his first year, 27-8 in his second year along with winning the Conference USA Championship and finishing the 2022-23 season with a 29-10 record as the NIT runner-ups. The Blazers punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament in 2022 and have made 15 total NCAA Tournament appearances in the program's history.
The Asheville Championship is earning a reputation for its down-to-the-minute finishes, with Minnesota securing the inaugural title in 2021 with a double overtime victory over Princeton, and Louisiana taking home the trophy in 2022 after defeating East Tennessee State by just four points.
Tickets for the general public will go on sale starting April 17, 2023 and can be purchased at ashevillechampionship.com.
For more information, or to follow along as it all starts in Asheville, follow us on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook).
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About KemperLesnik
KemperLesnik is a sports marketing, events and public relations agency. Ranked by Crain's Chicago Business among Chicago's top PR agencies, KemperLesnik produces integrated communications programs and manages major national events, including the Maui Jim Maui Invitational, the McDonald's All American Games, the POWERADE Jam Fest and activation for KitchenAid and its PGA of America partnership. KemperLesnik has operated the Maui Jim Maui Invitational since 1990. For more information, visit www.kemperlesnik.com.
About Harrah's Cherokee Center – Asheville (HCCA)
Harrah's Cherokee Center – Asheville (HCCA), which features the ExploreAsheville.com Arena and Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, has hosted a diverse variety of events that reflect the creativity, uniqueness, and artistry that Asheville, N.C., and Western North Carolina is known for primarily. In recent years, the facility has hosted world-class sporting events such as NBA Preseason Games, two Fed Cup by BNP Paribas ties, the annual Ingles Southern Conference Basketball Championships presented by General Shale, and the Camping World Maui Invitational as well as music and performances by Bob Dylan, The Lumineers, Dave Chappelle, John Prine, Old Dominion, Sturgill Simpson, Kacey Musgraves, Widespread Panic, Billy Strings, Warren Haynes' Christmas Jam, and more.
Media Contact
Ashley Walker, KemperLesnik ashley.walker@kemperlesnik.com | C: 206-240-3899
UNC Asheville Athletics - UNC Asheville Selection Sunday Celebration Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2023
Contact: Jake Miller (jmille26@unca.edu)
UNC Asheville Selection Sunday Celebration Announced
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - UNC Asheville Athletics announced today (Wednesday, Mar. 8) that it will host a Selection Sunday celebration on Mar. 12 for the announcement of the men’s basketball team’s NCAA Tournament destination.
The event will be held in Kimmel Arena and will be open to the public. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m., with remarks from interim Chancellor Dr. Kimberly van Noort, Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone, as well as head coach Mike Morrell. In addition, the Mayor of Asheville Esther Manheimer will be in attendance to proclaim Sunday as “UNC Asheville Men’s Basketball Day" in the city of Asheville.
Fans will have the opportunity to meet and greet with the players, purchase Big South Conference championship t-shirts and also take pictures with the Big SoConference championship t-shirts and also take pictures with the Big South Conference championship trophies.
