Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission and RomanticAsheville.com Partner to Elevate Sports Tourism Across Western North Carolina
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission (ABRSC) and RomanticAsheville.com have announced a new year-long content partnership designed to elevate awareness of Western North Carolina’s premier sporting events while further promoting the region as a destination for sports tourism.
Beginning July 1, 2026, the partnership will connect RomanticAsheville.com’s extensive digital audience with the growing calendar of sporting events hosted throughout Buncombe County and the surrounding region. Through dedicated content, event storytelling, and digital outreach, the collaboration will highlight the economic impact, community benefits, and visitor experiences generated through sports tourism.
As part of the agreement, RomanticAsheville.com will produce an annual long-form sports tourism guide highlighting upcoming sporting events, quarterly sports event update blogs, and a dedicated email campaign promoting the Southern Conference Basketball Championships in Asheville.
"With such a long and successful track record as the leading insider's guide to Asheville and the surrounding area, we feel that a partnership with RomanticAsheville.com is the perfect fit to increase our awareness and messaging," said Chris Smith, President of The Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission.
"This is a major step in the right direction for our efforts to utilize sports tourism to bolster our local economy, while also giving our locals quality entertainment options. From area businesses to local sporting enthusiasts, this partnership will prove to be a winner for all parties."
The partnership supports ABRSC’s ongoing efforts to position Western North Carolina as a premier sports tourism destination while increasing awareness of the events, venues, and experiences that make the region unique. Through expanded storytelling and regional exposure, the collaboration will help showcase the economic impact of sports tourism and the important role sporting events play in enhancing the quality of life throughout Western North Carolina.
Justin Belleme, Publisher and Partnerships Manager for RomanticAsheville.com, said the partnership reflects both organizations' shared commitment to growing sports tourism throughout Western North Carolina.
"I am genuinely excited for our new content partnership with the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission. As a native and lifelong resident of Western North Carolina and an avid fan of many sports, I feel personally invested in the success of this partnership. We are incredibly grateful for this partnership, and I look forward to working closely with the Sports Commission to promote and elevate our regional sports community."
Founded in 2003, RomanticAsheville.com is one of the most visited travel websites serving Asheville and Western North Carolina. Over the last five years, the site has reached an average of more than three million website visitors annually while generating an additional 10 million annual impressions across its social media channels.
By combining RomanticAsheville.com’s regional reach with ABRSC's growing portfolio of events, the organizations aim to increase awareness of sports opportunities throughout the region while inspiring athletes, families, and fans to experience the communities, venues, and outdoor experiences that make Western North Carolina a premier sports destination.
About the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission
Since 2010, the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission has been a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to identifying and attracting sporting events and related meetings that enhance the health, wellness, and quality of life for residents and visitors throughout Western North Carolina. By generating positive economic impact and promoting the region as a top-tier sporting destination, ABRSC partners with event organizers locally and nationally to showcase Asheville’s venues and community.
About RomanticAsheville.com
Since 2003, locals and visitors have trusted RomanticAsheville.com as their insider's guide to Western North Carolina. Through destination guides, local stories, event listings, and social media, RomanticAsheville.com helps millions of people each year find the best of what Asheville and our small mountain towns have to offer.
Asheville, North Carolina Announced as Host City of 2027 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships, presented by Applewood Manor Foundation
(Gettysburg, PA – June 23rd, 2026) – Gran Fondo National Series is proud to announce that the 2027 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships event will be held in conjunction with Gran Fondo Asheville in Asheville, North Carolina, on July 18, 2027, with the Applewood Manor Foundation as the presenting sponsor.
Gran Fondo National Series Director, Reuben Kline, commented, “With the success of the Gran Fondo National Championships events over the past five years, several communities submitted competitive bids for hosting the event in 2027. With support from the City of Asheville and The Applewood Manor Foundation, we look forward to delivering a great event for cyclists in Asheville, North Carolina on July 18, 2027.”
National Championships Qualifying
Cyclists must qualify to compete in the Gran Fondo National Championships event through participation and/or results at Gran Fondo National Series-organized events, partner events, E-Fondo events on the ROUVY indoor cycling app, or through USA Cycling state and regional championship events. Gran Fondo National Champions will be determined through timed-segment competitions for age-group male and female cyclists who complete on the Gran Route course of Gran Fondo Asheville. Complete details on qualification criteria are available on granfondonationalseries.com.
Presented by Applewood Manor Foundation
As the presenting sponsor for Gran Fondo Asheville and the Gran Fondo National Championship, Applewood Manor Foundation, plans to host course reconnaissance rides leading up to the events, as well as a VIP Experiences during the event weekend.
“Reuben Kline and I share a passion for bringing cyclists together for world-class experiences in great cycling destinations,” said Applewood Manor Foundation founder, Stephen Collins. “So, I am excited to support Gran Fondo Asheville and have the USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships here in Asheville, North Carolina.”
The 2026 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships are being held in Frederick, Maryland in conjunction with Gran Fondo Maryland on September 20, 2026.
About Gran Fondo National Series (granfondonationalseries.com)
Founded in 2012 by event director Reuben Kline, the Gran Fondo National Series is the largest and most competitive series of gran fondo cycling events in the United States. Gran Fondo National Series was the first series to implement timed-segment racing into US gran fondo events and has crowned Gran Fondo National Champions and Gran Fondo National Series Champions since 2012. Since 2020, Gran Fondo National Series has been the organizer of the official USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships.
In Partnership with Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission
The Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission is proud to support the 2027 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships and Gran Fondo Asheville as part of its mission to attract premier sporting events that enhance quality of life, generate economic impact, and showcase Western North Carolina as a world-class sports destination. Through strategic partnerships with event organizers, community stakeholders, and local leaders, the Commission works to create memorable experiences for participants and visitors while highlighting the region’s unique outdoor recreation assets and welcoming mountain communities.
About USA Cycling(usacycling.org)
USA Cycling is the national governing body for the sport of cycling and oversees the disciplines of road, track, mountain bike, cyclocross, gravel, BMX, esports, and paracycling. USA Cycling’s mission is to grow participation and engagement in the sport of bicycle racing and to achieve sustained international success across all cycling disciplines. USA Cycling supports cyclists of all levels and abilities, from those just beginning in the sport to international-caliber athletes. The organization identifies, develops, and selects cyclists to represent the United States in international competition through support of youth and interscholastic programs, amateur and grassroots racing events, athlete development initiatives, and operational support for cycling clubs, racing teams, and event organizers. USA Cycling has a membership of 60,000, sanctions over 1,500 events annually, and is a member of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). USA Cycling’s national headquarters is located in Olympic City USA, Colorado Springs, Colorado, with a regional office in Bentonville, Arkansas, home to the U.S. Mountain Bike National Team.
BLUE RIDGE VOLLEYBALL CLASSIC RETURNS TO ASHEVILLE ON SEPTEMBER 4-6, 2026, AT HARRAH’S CHEROKEE CENTER - ASHEVILLE
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The 2nd Annual Blue Ridge Volleyball Classic, in conjunction with Ingles, Markets, Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville, Pepsi, and New Belgium Brewing, will return to Asheville, North Carolina, at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on September 4-6, 2026. The lineup includes women's volleyball teams from Western Carolina, Seton Hall University, UNC Asheville, Bellarmine University, and Jacksonville State. Tickets are available for purchase via BlueRidgeVolleyballClassic.com, Ticketmaster.com, and at the iHeart Media Asheville Box Office located at the venue.
This is the second year of the Blue Ridge Classic. The first year featured Western Carolina, UNC at Charlotte, College of Charleston, and Bradley University competing in an action-packed invitational event.
“Western North Carolina has become a hotbed for quality high school volleyball. With Brevard, Polk County, and West Henderson claiming recent state championships and the storied tradition at Hendersonville High (state record of 12 championships), there’s little doubt that our region can compete with the best that the state has to offer. The Blue Ridge Volleyball Classic will show those athletes and area fans firsthand what it takes to compete at the college level,” said Chris Smith, President, Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission. “This event will serve as a great precursor to the Ingle’s Southern Conference Volleyball Tournament at the same venue in November.”
Western Carolina of the Southern Conference kicks off an extensive early season on the road as the host team for the Blue Ridge Volleyball Classic. Following an 8-21 record in 2025, two-time Southern Conference Coach of the Year Karen Glover, in her 16th year at WCU, returns to lead a youthful team on the brink of dominance. Learn more at https://catamountsports.com/sports/womens-volleyball.
"We’re looking forward to competing in the Blue Ridge Volleyball Classic in Asheville. It’s an early opportunity to test who we are against strong competition and set the standard for how we compete all season,” says Tim Ebbecke, head coach of Jacksonville State University’s women’s volleyball team. “Asheville is a great environment and an exciting place for our athletes to experience together, which makes it even more meaningful. This group takes pride in representing Jacksonville State, and trips like this are about building toughness, connection, and a team that plays for something bigger than itself." Coach Ebbecke, making his Gamecocks coaching debut after a stint as an assistant at Marshall University, leads a talented Jax State team looking to improve a 14-15 record in 2025. Learn more at https://jaxstatesports.com/sports/womens-volleyball.
Seton Hall University is looking forward to a promising 2026 season with junior OH Hanna Labanowska, junior setter Gwen Adler, and sophomore OH/RS Daria Safian returning to the court and new additions junior OH Alondra Villanueva, freshman OH Sam Shelton, and redshirt freshman Kennedy Horn. “Our athletes are hungry for this upcoming season; they have a chip on their shoulder to come in and compete at a high level. Unfortunately, we had an unsuccessful season with many season-ending injuries, said Head Coach Shannon Thompson. “The athletes have worked hard in this off-season and want to prove themselves early in the preseason to set a high standard for Big East conference play. We are looking forward to competing in a neutral-site event that is very promising to become a premier event for the mid-major programs.” Learn more at https://shupirates.com/sports/womens-volleyball.
Bellarmine University, led by head coach Rick Nold and returning seniors Outside Hitter Natalie Blend and Middle Blocker Erika Smith, is looking forward to big movement in the upcoming Atlantic Sun season. “We are really excited to compete in the Blue Ridge Volleyball Classic,” said Coach Nold. “We’ve had a great spring season and look forward to challenging ourselves against quality opponents in this unique event. We can’t wait to get the season started!” Learn more at https://athletics.bellarmine.edu/sports/womens-volleyball.
"Our program, and the student athletes we train, take a lot of pride in the high standards they have set for themselves and each other,” said Danielle Marante, head coach of the UNC Asheville women’s volleyball team. “The accountability is what makes this group special. They continue to push one another to be their very best on and off the court.” Big South Conference member UNC Asheville returns a deep squad of players that made a strong 2025 campaign, including an upset of the #1 seed in the conference tournament. The Bulldogs look to capitalize on their first conference championship appearance with a strong 2026 season. Learn more at https://uncabulldogs.com/sports/womens-volleyball.
Tickets for the championship tournament are on sale now for $15-$80 for general admission and Courtside options. Get your tickets and learn more at BlueRidgeVolleyballClassic.com today.
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 Western North Carolina. By generating a positive economic impact while promoting our region as a recognized top-tier sporting destination, the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports 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. 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.
ABOUT HARRAH’S CHEROKEE CENTER - ASHEVILLE
Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville (HCCA), which features the ExploreAsheville.com Arena and Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, annually hosts a diverse variety of events that reflect the creativity, uniqueness, and artistry that Asheville, N.C., and Western North Carolina are known for. In recent years, the facility has hosted world-class sporting events such as NBA Preseason Games, two Billie Jean King Cups Ties, the Ingles Southern Conference Basketball & Volleyball Championships, Blue Ridge Volleyball Championship, Asheville Championship, 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. For more information, visit HarrahsCherokeeCenterAsheville.com.
Welcome Back to Asheville: Jordan Carr Returns with the Asheville Tourists
For many athletes, professional baseball is a journey filled with new cities, new organizations, and countless miles on the road. For left-handed pitcher Jordan Carr, that journey has now brought him back to a familiar place: Asheville.
The Asheville Tourists recently welcomed Carr to their pitching staff, giving Western North Carolina baseball fans a chance to watch a former UNC Asheville standout continue his professional career in the city where his collegiate journey began.
“It’s a blessing to be playing professional baseball, and out of all the teams across the country I could have gone to, it's an incredible full circle moment to be playing in the same town where I've made so many memories and connections, both on and off the field,” Carr said. “The Bulldogs played a couple of games at Hometrust Park each year, and I remember how it gave me aspirations to play professionally, so to have the opportunity to do so at the same park in this town is special.”
Carr pitching for the University of North Carolina Asheville
A native of Pasadena, Maryland, Carr arrived at UNC Asheville in 2016 and quickly became a key contributor for the Bulldogs. As a freshman, he logged more than 70 innings on the mound and finished second on the team in strikeouts. Over three seasons in Asheville, Carr appeared in 30 games with 28 starts, recording 89 strikeouts across more than 150 innings pitched.
Following his time with the Bulldogs, Carr transferred to the College of Charleston, where his development took another step forward. The move allowed him to compete at a high level in the Colonial Athletic Association while refining his role as both a starter and reliever. During his two seasons with the Cougars, Carr posted a 4-3 record with a 4.26 ERA across 27 appearances and struck out 75 batters. His 2021 campaign included 51 strikeouts in 61.2 innings while helping anchor Charleston's pitching staff.
Carr Pitching for The College Of Charleston
His performance at Charleston caught the attention of professional scouts, leading to a free-agent signing with the Minnesota Twins organization in 2021. Carr spent parts of four seasons in the Twins' farm system, working his way through multiple levels of Minor League Baseball. During his time in affiliated baseball, he compiled a career record of 17-8 with a 3.54 ERA and 186 strikeouts across more than 230 innings pitched.
After being released by the Twins organization following the 2024 season, Carr continued pursuing his professional dream in independent baseball with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the Atlantic League. In 13 appearances, he posted a 2.25 ERA with 10 strikeouts across 12 innings pitched, proving he still belonged on the professional mound and continuing to work toward another opportunity in affiliated baseball.
Carr's connection to Asheville extends beyond the baseball diamond. In 2019, he served as an intern with the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, gaining hands-on experience in the sports tourism industry while continuing to pursue his athletic and professional goals.
“My internship with the ABRSC was also a great experience,” Carr said. “It gave me the opportunity to connect with and serve the people in Asheville at a deeper level. I got to experience some of the work that goes on behind the scenes to make such great events happen. I’m very grateful for my internship with ABRSC.”
Now, nearly a decade after first taking the mound for UNC Asheville, Carr finds himself pitching professionally in the same city that helped launch both his baseball career and one of his first professional experiences off the field.
Carr pitching for the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, A-affiliate for the Minnesota Twins
Looking back on his path from Asheville to Charleston, through the professional ranks, and now back to Western North Carolina, Carr says the journey has reinforced the importance of perseverance and perspective.
“It’s been an incredible journey so far. God is so great, and I’m just thankful to continue playing the game I love at the highest level,” Carr said. “The obstacles that I’ve been through have been nothing but growth and learning experiences that help me grow deeper in my faith. Two words that come to mind to reflect the path to this point are perseverance and patience.”
“After having a couple of major injuries, one in college and one while playing professionally, I realized I didn’t have a map laid out perfectly, and the next steps are not always clear. This opportunity to play for the Tourists helps me gain perspective and appreciation for what my identity is truly, while being grateful in every moment. I’m living out part of my dream to make it to the big leagues, and having the Asheville Tourists as one of the stepping stones to get there is truly special.”
For Asheville baseball fans, it's a unique full-circle moment. A former Bulldog, former Sports Commission intern, and now a member of the Asheville Tourists, Carr's return reflects the lasting impact Asheville can have on the people who live, study, work, and compete here.
As the 2026 season continues, Carr's story serves as a reminder that Asheville remains an important place for the development of talent, not only in sports, but in the careers and lives that grow alongside it. Whether on the mound, in the classroom, or through opportunities in the community, Carr's path has come full circle back to the city that helped shape it.
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: