2026 WNC High School State Awards
The Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission is proud to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Western North Carolina's student-athletes, coaches, and teams during the 2026 spring sports season.
From state championships and top three finishes to individual titles and sportsmanship awards, schools across the mountains once again showcased the talent, dedication, and competitive spirit that make WNC athletics special. This spring's achievements spanned baseball, softball, women's soccer, men's volleyball, golf, tennis, and track & field, with numerous teams and individuals bringing home state honors.
The Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission congratulates every athlete, coach, and program recognized this season. Your hard work and success continue to make Western North Carolina a premier region for high school sports.
Explore the complete lists of champions, runners-up, and award winners using the links below.
DISCLAIMER: *Results were compiled using publicly available information from official NCHSAA and NCISAA championship records and social media accounts. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, omissions may occur. If a Western North Carolina athlete or team was unintentionally omitted, please contact us for review. *
2026 Arthritis Foundation Cycling, Carolina Hills Classic Recap
The Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience returned to Western North Carolina this spring as riders from across the country gathered for the 2026 Carolina Hills Classic, a multi-day endurance ride centered around community, awareness, and the unmatched scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The event welcomed 44 riders, nine “Ride Your Way” participants, and 27 volunteers representing 19 different states. The tour officially rolled out of downtown Asheville with an Asheville Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting and Asheville Police escort before riders headed toward some of the region’s most iconic cycling routes.
Riding Through the Blue Ridge Mountains
Photo Courtesy of Arthritis Foundation Cycling
One of the highlights of the weekend came during the Asheville-to-Brevard portion of the tour, where riders traveled through sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, and the Biltmore Estate while taking in panoramic mountain views and scenic descents.
Participants had the option of riding either a 57.9-mile short route or an 82.8-mile long route, both featuring significant elevation gain and sweeping views throughout Western North Carolina. Riders also crossed the Eastern Continental Divide before descending into Brevard, known as the “Land of Waterfalls.”
To help riders of varying experience levels enjoy the event safely, organizers provided SAG support vehicles, route flexibility, rest stops, safety briefings, and shuttle assistance for more difficult climbs, including support options near Mt. Pisgah.
More Than Just a Ride
Photo Courtesy of Arthritis Foundation Cycling
While the scenery and cycling experience are major draws, the mission behind the Carolina Hills Classic remains at the center of the weekend.
“Our premier multi-day bike tours are flagship fundraising events that support the work of the Arthritis Foundation, and approximately 30-40% of our participants either have a form of arthritis, or are riding in support of someone who's living with it. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability and impacts 1 in 4 adults and children in the US. Arthritis Foundation Cycling riders provide vital funding for the Arthritis Foundation's support programs and resources, scientific research, and patient advocacy efforts.”
- Shannon Cox, National Senior Director of the Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience
A Weekend That Keeps Riders Coming Back
For many participants, the Carolina Hills Classic has become an annual tradition thanks to the combination of mountain riding, community support, and the welcoming atmosphere found throughout Western North Carolina.
“Our partnerships with local and regional organizations like the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission are absolutely essential to creating the atmosphere riders experience during our destination cycling tours. Volunteers and community support make the logistics possible - from rest stops and SAG support to rider check-in and route operations - but their impact goes far beyond that. Local communities help create the welcoming camaraderie that defines the Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience. Riders remember not only the scenery and the miles, but also the people cheering them on, supporting them at every turn, and making them feel connected to something that's much bigger than a bike ride.”
- Shannon Cox, National Senior Director of the Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience
Looking Ahead to the 2027 Carolina Hills Classic
Photo Courtesy of Arthritis Foundation Cycling
The Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience will return to Western North Carolina for the 2027 Carolina Hills Classic, scheduled for May 20–23, 2027.
Through May 31, 2026, organizers are offering a special registration promotion for new participants. Riders can register for just $25 (regularly $100) and receive a $250 fundraising credit by using the code LetsRide2027 during registration.
To learn more or register for the 2027 Carolina Hills Classic:
MAAC ANNOUNCES WINNERS AT 64th Annual WNC AWARDS BANQUET
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The Mountain Amateur Athletic Club hosted its 64th annual awards banquet
Sunday night (May 3) at the Omni Grove Park Inn as the club honored the top high school
student-athletes from Western North Carolina for the past year.
The three-time defending state champion Cherokee girls’ basketball team captured the
Showtime Sports Division II Female Major Sport award for the third straight year, while the
three-time defending state champion TC Roberson Rams baseball squad earned the McKinney
Insurance Services Division I Male Major Sport award for the third consecutive year.
Cherokee multi-sport athlete Dudaya Swimmer was named as the Apollo Flame Division II
Athlete of the Year. Cason Jones from Mountain Heritage earned the Young Transportation
Division II Male Athlete of the Year. Jones is a three-sport standout for the Cougars.
The Lary & Jan Schulhof Female Athlete of the Year was presented to Enka senior Averi
Coggins. She has excelled in both basketball and softball for the Sugar Jets. The Henry Logan
Division I Male Athlete of Year went to Landon Pope of Pisgah. He excelled in both football and
wrestling for the Bears.
The Riley Howell Courage Award was presented to Mountain Heritage football player Braxton Batchelor. Batchelor saved his grandmother just before the devastation of Hurricane Helene before their home got swept away and they lost everything. He enjoyed an outstanding football career and track and field career for the Cougars. Batchelor will be attending Mars Hill this fall and will be on the track and field squad.
Paige Soderman of Asheville earned the Special Olympics Award.
Here are the winners in each category:
24th Annual T.C. Roberson Golf Classic: More Than a Day on the Course
The T.C. Roberson 24th Annual Golf Classic returns on Friday, May 1st at 12:30 PM at Chestnut Mountain Golf Club, bringing the community together for a day that makes a lasting impact.
This event is more than an annual tournament. It is a direct investment in the student-athletes and programs that make up T.C. Roberson High School’s athletic department.
Now in its 24th year, this event plays a vital role in supporting Roberson athletics. Proceeds help provide essential resources like equipment, training tools, and facility improvements, ensuring athletes have what they need to succeed.
The impact goes beyond resources. Funds from the Golf Classic also create opportunities for teams to travel, compete at higher levels, and gain valuable experience that shapes both their athletic and personal growth.
At its core, Roberson athletics is about more than competition. It is about building leadership, discipline, and teamwork. The Golf Classic helps create an environment where student-athletes can grow into confident leaders both on and off the field.
The event also brings the community together. With support from families, alumni, and local businesses, the Golf Classic strengthens the connection between athletics, academics, and community pride.
More than a tournament, it is a tradition that continues to support student-athletes while strengthening the broader sports community across Western North Carolina.
The Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission is proud to support and sponsor this impactful community event as part of our ongoing commitment to uplifting sports and student-athletes throughout the region.
Featured Event Highlight Recap: Ingles Smoky Mountain Grapple
Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission coordinated and supported another successful year of the Ingles Smoky Mountain Grapple, a high‑energy wrestling event that brought close to 900 athletes to the Asheville area and generated overnight visitation for local lodging and hospitality partners.
Event highlights included:
1,615 total matches
Girls Division: 224 wrestlers
JV Division: 269 wrestlers
Varsity Teams: 42
Varsity Wrestlers: 382
Five states represented: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee
Grapple showcased Asheville’s ability to host niche and emerging sports while diversifying the region’s sports tourism portfolio. Building on this success, ABRSC is excited to welcome the Gladiator/Gladiatrix Series in June, with additional details to be announced on ABRSC’s website https://ashevillesportscommission.com
A HUGE SHOUTOUT TO ALL OF OUR PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS AND WRESTLERS WHO COMPETED AND SAW SUCCESS AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING THIS 2025-2026 SEASON! WINNING TEAMS AND PARTICIPANTS LISTED BELOW ALSO COMPETED IN THE 2025 GRAPPLE!
Wrestling Dual Team State Champions
1A Champion: Robbinsville High School
4A Champion: Uwharrie Charter Academy
Individual State Champions
1A/2A Men’s Division
Men’s Champion:Robbinsville
Most Outstanding Wrestler:Adair Panama (Robbinsville)
113 Champion: Sullivan Cunningham (Swain County), 4th place at Grapple
120 Champion: Adair Panama (Robbinsville), 1st place at Grapple
138 Champion: Loxston Hooper (Robbinsville), 1st place at Grapple
144 Champion: Devin Hall (Robbinsville)
3A Men’s Division
150 Champion: Alexander May (Hendersonville)
157 Champion: Joaquin Leunda Freeman (Charles D Owen), 2nd place at Grapple
4A Men’s Division
Men’s Champion: Pisgah
Most Outstanding Wrestling: Lorenzo Alston (Uwharrie)
126 Champion: Kail Burnette (Pisgah), 3rd place at Grapple
150 Champion: Micah Howard (Tuscola), 1st place at Grapple, John Clarke Award Winner
175 Champion: Lorenzo Alston (Uwharrie)
190 Champion: Jacob Hudgin (RS-Central), 1st place at Grapple
215 Champion: Landon Pope (Pisgah), 1st place at Grapple
5A Men’s Division
Men’s Champion: Enka
106 Champion: Maddox Crooke (Enka)
113 Champion: Jacobie Morrison (Enka), 1st place at Grapple
8A Men’s Division
126 Champion: Carter Furman (Northwest Guilford), 1st place at Grapple
138 Champion: Connor Reece (Northwest Guilford), 1st place at Grapple
150 Champion: Jack Gibson (Northwest Guilford)
157 Champion: Connor Reed (Leesville Road), 3 place at Grapple
215 Champion: Gavin Lopez (Green Hope)
1A-4A Women’s Division
Most Outstanding Wrestler: Riley White (Uwharrie)
132 Champion: Riley White (Uwharrie), 1st place at Grapple
145 Champion: Nola Walker (Newton-Conover), 3rd place at Grapple
185 Champion: Savada Kitchen (Brevard), 1st place at Grapple
235 Champion: Kimberly Talton (Madison), 1st place at Grapple
6A Women’s Division
114 Champion: Sydney Mark (Asheville/SILSA), 1st place at Grapple
8A Division
120 Champion: Lisa-Jean Foley (Millbrook), 4th place at Grapple
64th MAAC WNC Sports Awards Banquet Set for May 3 at The Omni Grove Park Inn
ASHEVILLE – The 64th Western North Carolina Sports Awards Banquet presented by Ingles will be held on Sunday, May 3 at the Omni Grove Park Inn.
The banquet, first held in 1959 and conducted by the Mountain Amateur Athletic Club, honors the area’s top high school athletes and teams with 24 awards, 20 scholarships, the Riley Howell Courage Award, and a Special Olympics Scholarship.
More than 100 of WNC’s top student athletes are invited to the banquet, which begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Omni Grove Park Inn’s Grand Ballroom.
Tickets are available to the public and can be purchased for $65/person below!
Finalists for the awards and scholarships recipients were selected from nominations from WNC coaches and athletic directors, who received their nomination forms in March.
- For more information, contact Martha Gates at marthagates18@gmail.com -
Click the Button Below to see the list of finalists for each award that will be presented on May 3 and to purchase your tickets:
Featured Event Highlight: 2026 Ingles Southern Conference Basketball Tournament
The Southern Conference Basketball Championships once again delivered an electric week of competition in Asheville, bringing together top collegiate programs and passionate fan bases from across the region. Held at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville, the tournament combined high-stakes basketball with a vibrant downtown atmosphere, reinforcing its place as one of the city’s premier annual sporting events. From thrilling matchups to community traditions like the Downtown Dribble, the championship continues to showcase Asheville as a trusted and energetic host for major collegiate events.
Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission provided full event facilitation, with destination and operational support for the Southern Conference (SoCon) Basketball Tournament, hosted at Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville. Coordination with venue partners and key stakeholders ensured a seamless experience for participants, staff, and visitors throughout tournament week.
The tournament relied on more than 150 volunteers, with special recognition given to F.I.R.S.T and the ABRSC core volunteer team. Championship night brought over 6,000 fans into the arena, delivering a high‑energy finale in downtown Asheville.
The robust weeklong of community engagement festivities continues to grow with Education Days, Downtown Dribble, which welcomed 950 registered participants, and Hometown Heroes. The event featured appearances by UNC Greensboro and Furman University cheer and dance teams, the Greensboro band and mascot, and interactive booths hosted by the City of Asheville and First Tee of WNC.
This successful collaboration strengthened ABRSC’s relationship with Southern Conference partners and supported future hosting opportunities, culminating in a ten‑year extension that reinforces Asheville’s long‑term role as a trusted SoCon destination.
Congratulations to the Women’s Samford Bulldogs and the Men’s Furman Paladins for being the 2026 SoCon Basketball Champions!
“The Southern Conference has a long history with the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission that has helped us to build one of the most successful conference college basketball tournaments in collegiate sports. From helping to drive sponsorships, ticket sales, community engagement and event coordination, it’s been a true partnership in every sense of the word. Having just signed a new 10-year agreement to keep our conference basketball tournament in Asheville, we are excited to get to continue working with the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission into the foreseeable future.”
- Geoff Cabe, Senior Associate Commissioner, The Southern Conference
Featured Event Friday: Nike EYBL Scholastic Christ School Classic
The Nike EYBL Scholastic Christ School Classic once again brought elite high school basketball to Western North Carolina, showcasing some of the nation’s top talent in a highly competitive environment. Hosted at Christ School, the event delivered a high-level experience for athletes, coaches, and fans while reinforcing the region’s growing reputation as a destination for premier scholastic sporting events. With nationally ranked programs, fast-paced matchups, and a strong community presence, the Classic continues to elevate the visibility of Asheville and Buncombe County on the national basketball stage.
The Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission in partnership with Nike EYBL Scholastic & Christ School, hosted the Christ School Classic, at Christ School in Arden, NC. This partnership brought a nationally recognized elite high school basketball event to Western North Carolina. As the first‑ever Nike EYBL Scholastic tournament hosted by Christ School, the event significantly elevated the region’s visibility within elite prep basketball and positioned Asheville as a capable host for top‑tier national competitions.
The tournament welcomed five nationally prominent programs—Christ School, Montverde Academy, Brewster Academy, The St. James, and La Lumiere School—drawing athletes, coaching staffs, families, media, and spectators from outside the region. This influx of out‑of‑market visitors contributed to overnight stays and visitor spending at local hotels, restaurants, and businesses during a winter weekend.
The three‑day event was supported by a number of community volunteers, including Christ School staff and students, ABRSC core volunteers, and the Harrah’s Cherokee Center, who assisted with entry operations. Attendance brought out over 850 fans, creating an energetic atmosphere and demonstrating strong collaboration between educational institutions, sports organizations, and destination partners. The successful execution strengthened relationships with national sports stakeholders and showcased the community’s ability to host future Nike EYBL Scholastic and similar elite youth sporting events.
“The success of the Christ School Classic is mostly due to the tremendous efforts of the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission. Repeatedly we received glowing remarks of how well “our tournament” was organized. This was among many veteran schools of the EYBL who have been attending and hosting these tournaments for many years. We consistently gave credit to the ABRSC commission. The Christ School Classic would not have been a success without their involvement! They led the logistical planning of the tournament from the very beginning. They thought of and handled all aspects: air travel, lodging, ground transportation, food, hospitality room, media, tickets, t-shirt sales, media coverage, website design, etc… Additionally, they were great and would recommend to anyone to use their expertise.”
- Duncan Parham, A.D., Strength Coach, Science Teacher Christ School
Game 5 Recap Video: (1) Montverde VS Christ School
Asheville Sports Commission Quarter Wrap up!
Throughout the first quarter of 2026, the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission (ABRSC) supported a diverse mix of local, regional, and national sporting events across multiple venues. ABRSC continues to work closely with event rights holders, venue partners, and municipal stakeholders, ABRSC ensured smooth operations and positive experiences for athletes, spectators, volunteers, and organizers. The ABRSC team led the efforts and provided community engagement, support, volunteer opportunities, and expertise hands on boots on the ground teamwork, reinforcing Asheville’s reputation as a welcoming and well-prepared sports destination.
Across Q1 events, roughly 200 volunteer opportunities were supported through hands‑on, boots‑on‑the‑ground teamwork. These efforts reinforced Asheville’s reputation as a welcoming and well‑prepared sports destination while generating increased overnight visitation and room nights for TDI partners. Local hotels, restaurants, and businesses benefited from visitor spending during an important off‑season period, further elevating Asheville’s profile as a competitive and flexible host community.
Featured Events Include:
2025 Ingles Smoky Mountain Grapple (Dec. 19-20, 2025): One of the most premier high school wrestling tournaments in the southeast. This tournament showcased over 1,000 total matches over three divisions: Women’s, Junior Varsity, and Varsity.
2026 Gala Gymnastics (Jan. 9-11, 2026): Gala Gymnastics brought a youth‑focused, sold‑out gymnastics event to Asheville, welcoming athletes, families, and spectators from across the region. With over 1,600 gymnasts in attendance, the event generated multi‑day stays and reinforced Asheville’s appeal as a premier destination for youth and amateur sports competitions.
2026 Nike EYBL Scholastic: Christ School Classic (Feb. 20-22): A nationally recognized elite high school basketball series, hosted at Asheville’s own, Christ School. three of the 5 teams participating were nationally ranked top 10 in the country.
2026 Ingles Southern Conference Basketball Tournament (Mar. 5-9, 2026): An Asheville Sports stable. Coming off the signing of a 10 year extension, The Southern Conference Basketball tournament highlighted fierce competition and community throughout their time back home!
— Keep an eye out for specialized features with more information on our Q1 Events! —
Gladiator/Gladiatrix Wrestling Coming to Asheville
Gladiator/Gladiatrix Wrestling Series National Qualifier Lands in Asheville, NC, June 2026
The Elite Wrestling Tournament, Presented by ScrapLife, is Set to Bring Hundreds of Athletes to Asheville, North Carolina, Driving Sports Tourism.
ASHEVILLE, NC, February 4, 2026
Team IP, the world’s leading event merchandising and branding company and event owner (in partnership with R.E.A.C.H.E.S.), today announced a strategic partnership with the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission to host a major qualifying tournament for the inaugural Gladiator/Gladiatrix Wrestling Series (GGWS) National Championship.
The Gladiator Gauntlet National Qualifier, Presented by ScrapLife, will take place from June 5–7, 2026, in Asheville, welcoming elite wrestlers from across the region to compete for a coveted spot in the GGWS finals.
The Gladiator Gauntlet National Championship will follow shortly after, from July 1–3, 2026, in the beautiful setting of Daytona Beach, Florida, where the first official Gladiator and Gladiatrix champions will be crowned.
The Asheville "Playcation" Destination
Asheville is the ideal host city, offering participants and fans an exceptional "playcation" experience. Beyond the mats, athletes and their families can explore Asheville’s unique mountain culture, renowned culinary scene, craft breweries, the Asheville Pinball Museum, and scenic outdoor adventures, providing a perfect blend of high-stakes competition and family entertainment.
Randy Sparks, CEO and Founder of Team IP and Owner of the Gladiator/Gladiatrix Wrestling Series expressed enthusiasm for the new host city.
“Bringing the high-caliber competition of the Gladiator/Gladiatrix series to Asheville is a perfect match. This region has a deep appreciation for athletics and a vibrant culture that will make the qualifying event truly memorable. With the expertise of the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission and the support of our presenting sponsor, ScrapLife, we are set to deliver an unparalleled experience that elevates the sport and honors our athletes.”
Chris Smith, President of the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, highlighted the impact on the community.
“We are thrilled to partner with Team IP to host the Gladiator National Qualifier. This event aligns perfectly with our mission to attract high-quality sporting events that drive significant economic impact and showcase our beautiful region,” said Smith. “We look forward to welcoming the nation’s best young wrestlers and their families to experience the unique blend of mountain sport and culture that makes Asheville a premier destination.”
Commitment to Excellence
The combined resources of the partners guarantee a professional, high-quality event experience and robust brand presence, managed exclusively by Team IP and R.E.A.C.H.E.S.. The GGWS anticipates attracting hundreds of elite athletes and thousands of fans to each qualifying event, driving significant economic impact in each host city.
About Gladiator/Gladiatrix Wrestling Series (GGWS):
The Gladiator/Gladiatrix Wrestling Series (GGWS) is the premier national combat series dedicated to promoting and elevating the sport of wrestling, with a specific focus on placing female wrestling (Gladiatrix) at the forefront. Built on the core values of discipline, sportsmanship, and excellence, the GGWS champions a new generation of wrestlers through a high-stakes, competitive environment. The series operates through a powerful and purpose-driven partnership among industry leaders: Team IP, a veteran in event merchandising and brand development; R.E.A.C.H.E.S. (www.reachesports.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering community and athletic opportunity and dedicates funds raised back into amateur wrestling; and legendary wrestling figure Jeff "Peanut" Bowyer. Together, they are committed to delivering an unparalleled experience for athletes, fans, and partners nationwide. **** Read more at: https://gladiatorseries.com
About ScrapLife (Presenting Sponsor):
ScrapLife is a leading designer and distributor of performance wrestling apparel and accessories, founded on the ethos of hard work, respect, and perseverance. Team IP is an equity owner and strategic partner in ScrapLife, utilizing its nationwide fulfillment and distribution network to expand the brand's reach and impact. ScrapLife’s commitment to quality and innovation aligns perfectly with the GGWS mission to support and elevate the wrestling community. Visit ScrapLife: https://www.scraplife.com
About Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission:
Since 2010, the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission has worked to identify and attract sporting events and related meetings to enhance the health, wellness, and quality of life for Asheville residents and sports enthusiasts in the region of Western North Carolina. Generating a positive economic impact while promoting our region as a recognized top-tier sporting destination. The Commission team works with event organizers, both locally and nationally, to showcase the Asheville community and its sports venues as the ideal location for their next event. The Asheville Buncombe County Sports Commission is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit with the mission to host memorable sporting events while enriching the lives of sports organizations and the community served. Learn more: https://ashevillesportscommission.com
Media Contacts:
Gladiator/Gladiatrix Wrestling Series / Team IP
Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission
Stanton Smith
(954) 614-5005
Chris Smith
(828) 280-6458