USTA hosts community events during Fed Cup

Press release from the Untied States Tennis Association: 

As Fed Cup returns to Asheville, the USTA is once again hosting a variety of community events for players and fans of all ages and abilities to turn the United States’ First Round tie vs. Australia February 9-10 into another week-long celebration of tennis and to build on the sport’s growing popularity in Asheville since it first hosted Fed Cup last year.

World No. 17 Madison Keys, No. 23 Danielle Collins, No. 37 Sofia Kenin and doubles No. 13 Nicole Melichar will represent the U.S. in the 2019 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group First Round vs. Australia February 9-10 at the U.S. Cellular Center, the first site to host consecutive Fed Cup ties in the U.S. in 12 years.

In the year since the U.S. defeated the Netherlands in the 2018 Fed Cup First Round at the U.S. Cellular Center last February, tennis participation in Asheville has grown on multiple levels, especially among youth. The impact on tennis in the area since then includes:

A 12-percent overall increase in USTA League participation.A 20-percent increase in annual pass-holders and a 90-percent increase in junior (youth) play at Aston Park Tennis Center, Asheville’s flagship public tennis facility.Increases of 62 percent among juniors and 34 percent among adults participating in July’s Asheville Open Tennis Championships, the longest-running USTA tournament in North Carolina.

Below is a calendar of events leading up to and during the weekend’s matches, once again geared toward engaging the community. All are open to media:

Wednesday, February 6

Net Generation Kids’ Day and U.S. Captain Kathy Rinaldi Press Conference
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; U.S. Cellular Center Exhibition Hall
The USTA and USTA North Carolina will be hosting 260 kids from Buncombe County elementary schools for special Net Generation clinics. Team USA Captain Kathy Rinaldi will join the clinic at 11 a.m. for her pre-draw press conference. Net Generation is the USTA’s unified youth initiative to inspire the next generation of tennis players. Ingles Markets and Mission Health will support the Net Generation kids’ activities in Asheville.

Friday, February 8

Fed Cup Official Draw Ceremony
12 p.m., U.S. Cellular Center Lobby
Members of the U.S. and Australian Fed Cup teams and several special guests will take part in the official draw ceremony to determine the matchups for the weekend’s competition. The ceremony will be held in the U.S. Cellular Center lobby.

Adaptive Tennis and ‘Try Tennis’ Programs
5-7 p.m., Asheville Racquet Club Downtown
Local organizers will host a free adaptive tennis program for wheelchair players at the Asheville Racquet Club Downtown.
7-9 p.m., Asheville Racquet Club Downtown
USTA North Carolina is also hosting a free ‘Try Tennis’ event at the Asheville Racquet Club, an extension of the program that introduced more than 2,500 players to tennis in the state last year.

Saturday, February 9, and Sunday, February 10

NJTL Net Generation Clinics
9:30 a.m.-12 p.m., U.S. Cellular Center
On Saturday and Sunday, the USTA and USTA North Carolina will be hosting kids from local National Junior Tennis and Learning network (NJTL) organizations. NJTL is made up of more than 350 tennis and education chapters nationwide that are supported by the USTA Foundation through grants, scholarships, and technical assistance. These chapters reach more than 200,000 under-resourced youth on an annual basis. Following the clinics, participants will then attend the matches.

Green Ball, Middle School, and High School Net Generation Clinics
8 a.m.-12 p.m., Multiple locations
At locations off-site, USTA North Carolina will be hosting local middle school and high school players for Net Generation tennis clinics. It will also be hosting a ‘Green Ball’ camp for youth players age 10 and under, which is the highest level of play within the age group. Following the clinics, participants will then travel to the U.S. Cellular Center to attend the matches.

Sunday, February 10

Pride Day Brunch
The Bier Garden
A Pride Day Brunch will be hosted at The Bier Garden ahead of Sunday’s matches and will feature and appearance from a prominent local speaker.

USTA Player Development will also utilize the tie as a development tool for four top American juniors. Fourteen-year olds Katrina Scott (Los Angeles), Reese Brantmeier (Whitewater, Wisc.), Sophie Williams (Charleston, S.C.) and 12-year old Clervie Ngounoue (Washington, D.C.) will train alongside the team with USTA National Coach Richard Ashby.

In addition, local kids involved in the clinics will have a special role in the matches as part of the Net Generation initiative. Prior to the matches, kids will play on stadium court as part of a Net Generation demonstration. Local kids will also escort the players during the Opening Ceremony on Saturday and participate in the coin toss for each match with the chair umpire and competing players.

The USTA has partnered with Explore Asheville, Ingles Markets, Mercedes Benz of Asheville, Mission Health, New Belgium Brewing Company and Omni Grove Park Inn to bring this event to Asheville.

The First Round tie vs. Australia – a best-of-five match series – starts on Saturday, Feb. 9, with two singles matches beginning at 1 p.m. ET. Two reverse singles matches and the doubles match will follow on Sunday, Feb. 10, also beginning at 1 p.m. Fed Cup is the world’s largest annual international team competition in women’s sport, with approximately 100 nations taking part each year.

Keep up with Team USA using hashtag #TeamUSATennis on Facebook (@USTA), on Twitter (@USTA), and on Instagram (@USTA). Wilson is the official ball of the U.S. Fed Cup team. Deloitte is the official team sponsor of the U.S. Fed Cup Team.

- Mountain Xpress

Fed Cup 2019: U.S. returns with sport's young talent

Fed Cup: Even sans Venus and Serena, young U.S. team ready to take the torch, captain says

ASHEVILLE — U.S. Fed Cup captain Kathy Rinaldi came to Asheville a year ago accompanied by two of the biggest stars tennis has ever known. When she returns next week, she won't be. 

But even without Venus and Serena Williams, Rinaldi said the U.S. squad returning to Western North Carolina to take on Australia in the first round of Fed Cup is ripe with young talent that could be a force for years to come. It is headlined by the world's 17th-ranked singles player, Madison Keys, and Danielle Collins, who Rinaldi says had a "breakthrough" last year culminating in a January appearance in the Australian Open semifinals.

The team also includes Sofia Kenin, the world's 36th-ranked player who goes by "Sonya," and Nicole Melichar, who, like Rinaldi, grew up in Stuart, Florida, crossing paths on the court dating back to when Melichar was a child.

The event also is expected to draw sold-out crowds, boost the local economy and again put Asheville in the spotlight for hosting a prominent sporting event. 

"We do have some youngsters — even younger than (the current roster) — coming up through the ranks and the pathway is solid, the structure is pretty good and we hope these players, the young ones will keep stepping up," Rinaldi said. "Venus and Serena (have been) holding the torch for so long and have done so much for American tennis that it’s nice now to have some younger players able to step up."

This year is Rinaldi's third leading the U.S. Fed Cup team, winning a title in 2017 and finishing as runner-up to the Czech Republic a year ago. She said last year's team — which came to Asheville featuring the Williams sisters, CoCo Vandeweghe and Lauren Davis — had an "absolutely amazing" experience.

Last year's U.S. team cruised to a 3-1 first round Fed Cup win over the Netherlands, most notable as it marked Serena Williams' return to competitive tennis following the birth of a child with Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.

Rinaldi said it "should speak volumes" that Fed Cup returned to Asheville in consecutive years, the first city to host back-to-back in more than a decade. She and members of the U.S. team took part in the event's weeklong festivities a year ago, shared time together at the Omni Grove Park Inn and even toured Biltmore Estate.

"You could just feel it everywhere, every corner," she said. "Everybody was excited that Fed Cup was there. It just meant something, whether they were a tennis fan or they were not — all ages.

"That’s what makes Fed Cup so special, and I think Asheville just showed what Fed Cup is all about."

In October, U.S. Tennis Association Senior Director of Team Events Jeff Ryan said the decision to come back to Asheville this year ultimately was "very easy," citing the city's passion for the sport and its partnerships with local entities including with Explore Asheville and U.S. Cellular General Manager Chris Corl.

Corl said this week hosting last year's Fed Cup already has opened the door for the city and the venue to have conversations about other major sporting events.

Major renovations to the arena, which opened in June 1974, also are a contributing factor, he said. 

"The conversation is a lot easier to get started," Corl said. "Before, it was 15 phone calls and 20 emails and I would nag them to get on the phone. Now I send an email and I just say, 'Would like you to consider us?'"

And part of that selling point also comes with the experience of hosting an event like Fed Cup.

"Not only should you consider it, but one of the larger sporting entities came back two years in a row, which is something they don’t do," he said.

Most of the team and USTA representatives are expected to arrive in the community early next week. Tennis exhibitions for local school students are planned for Feb 6-8 at the U.S. Cellular Center with the event's draw ceremony planned for Feb. 8. Other outreach clinics, which are expected to draw more than 1,000 children, are scheduled during the week. 

Fed Cup play is Feb. 9-10. Tickets for the event still are available online at ticketmaster.com.

"We know we’re going to have a lot of support behind us and that really counts a lot in Fed Cup play because anything can happen," Rinaldi said. "It’s always nice to play in front of your home country and the fans there were so great to us last year, the community was so great to us.

"We’re all excited to get back and have that support and feel that support."

By Dillon Davis, Asheville Citizen Times

Madison Keys, Danielle Collins, Sofia Kenin, Nicole Melichar to Represent U.S. in 2019 Fed Cup First Round vs. Australia

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., January 30, 2019 – The USTA and United States Fed Cup Captain Kathy Rinaldi today announced that No. 17 Madison Keys, No. 23 Danielle Collins, No. 36 Sofia Kenin and doubles No. 13 Nicole Melichar will represent the U.S. in the 2019 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group First Round vs. Australia February 9-10 in Asheville, N.C.

World singles No. 14 and doubles No. 6 Ashleigh Barty, No. 46 Daria Gavrilova, No. 142 Priscilla Hon, No. 157 Kimberley Birrell and No. 160 Astra Sharma will represent Australia for Captain Alicia Molik in the best-of-five match series, which will be played on a hard court inside Asheville’s U.S. Cellular Center. The U.S. Cellular Center was the site of the U.S. team’s First-Round victory over the Netherlands last year and is the first site to host consecutive Fed Cup ties in the U.S. in 12 years.

Play will begin at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s two singles matches will pit each country’s No. 1 player against the other’s No. 2. Sunday will feature the two reverse singles matches –No. 1 vs. No. 1; No. 2 vs. No. 2 – followed by a possible fifth-and-decisive doubles match. A revised schedule for Sunday may take place if a team clinches in the third or fourth match. The matchups and order of play for the weekend’s matches will be determined at the official draw ceremony, which will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, February 8, in the U.S. Cellular Center lobby.

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com. Tennis Channel and Stadium will present live daily coverage nationally in the U.S., while WLOS-TV will carry the matches locally in Asheville.

The U.S. is 9-5 all-time vs. the Aussies and won their last meeting, 4-0, in the 2016 World Group Playoff. Prior to that, the two countries hadn’t met in Fed Cup since 1985. The winner of this matchup will advance to the Semifinals April 20-21 to play the winner of Germany and Belarus.

Keys, 23, will be appearing in her fifth U.S. Fed Cup tie, after sending the U.S. to its second straight Fed Cup Final last year with a tie-clinching singles win in the Semifinals vs. France. A 2017 US Open finalist and career-high world No. 7, Keys reached the semifinals at both the US Open and French Open and the quarterfinals of the Australian Open in 2018.

Collins, 25, was a breakout star of the 2019 Australian Open, reaching the semifinals in her first main-draw appearance in Melbourne. A two-time NCAA singles champion at the University of Virginia, Collins earned her debut U.S. Fed Cup nomination for the 2018 Final vs. the Czech Republic in Prague last November after a year in which she rose more than 130 spots in the WTA rankings.

Kenin, 20, is the youngest player in the Top 40 and began the 2019 season by winning her first WTA doubles and singles titles in consecutive weeks, in Brisbane and Hobart, respectively. Kenin made her Fed Cup debut in the 2018 Final in Prague as a 19-year old, only the third U.S. teen to make their debut in a Fed Cup Final, and spent 6 1⁄2 hours on court over two singles matches, including a 3 hour, 45-minute thriller vs. Katerina Siniakova in the deciding singles match.

Melichar, 25, is the top-ranked American in women’s doubles and won her fourth career WTA doubles title in Brisbane to start 2019. In 2018, she reached the Wimbledon doubles final and earned her debut Fed Cup nomination for the Final vs. the Czech Republic in Prague.

The USTA has partnered with Explore Asheville, Ingles Markets, Mercedes Benz of Asheville, Mission Health, New Belgium Brewing Company and the Omni Grove Park Inn to bring this event to Asheville. Last year’s tie generated an estimated $3.5 million economic impact on the region, and this year’s tie will feature a variety of community and kids’ events that will once again turn the competition into a weeklong celebration of tennis.

Fed Cup is the world’s largest annual international team competition in women’s sport, with approximately 100 nations taking part each year. The U.S. holds an overall 151-37 record in Fed Cup competition with a 41-6 record in home ties. For more information, including access to player and historical Fed Cup records, please go to www.usta.com/fedcup or www.fedcup.com.

Keep up with Team USA using hashtag #TeamUSATennis on Facebook (@USTA), on Twitter (@USTA), and on Instagram (@USTA). Wilson is the official ball of the U.S. Fed Cup team. Deloitte is the official team sponsor of the U.S. Fed Cup Team.

United States Tennis Association

Farm To Fork Fondo Expands To Asheville And Louisville In 2019

We're very excited to announce not just one but two brand new events for 2019: Farm to Fork Fondo – Asheville on June 29 & 30 nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains at Hickory Nut Gap Farm in Fairview, NC and Farm to Fork Fondo – Louisville on October 19 & 20 at the world-class equine operation Hermitage Farm in Goshen, KY.

FARM TO FORK FONDO - ASHEVILLE

The Asheville event will be the second stop of our 2019 Farm to Fork Fondo season and will highlight the Blue Ridge Mountains just outside of the vibrant city of Asheville. Fairview is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and filled with picturesque farmland and the edible adventures along the Western North Carolina Cheese Trail. 

Family-owned and operated, Hickory Nut Gap Farm will host all the festivities including a Meet the Farmers Dinner on June 29 where participants can dine with the participating farm families hosting aid stations along the ride routes. Hickory Nut Gap Farm will also host the start/finish on Sunday, June 30. Participants can expect rolling to hilly terrain in Asheville. 

In the Asheville area you’ll find an abundance of independent shops, farm-fresh eateries, and a remarkably distinctive mountain vibe is what you will expect as you stroll through the vibrant entertainment hub in the heart of Asheville. The passionate food culture has evolved the region's restaurants palate, and chefs are now seeking out sustainable food to provide farm-to-table restaurant experiences. Hickory Nut Gap Farm is both a destination and a source with pasture raised meats, agritourism, and other agricultural pursuits.

Fall in love with the land's gently rolling pastures that cradle herds of grass-fed cattle, pastured pigs, and free-range laying hens just as founders Jim and Elizabeth McClure did 100 yeas ago.

FARM TO FORK FONDO - LOUISVILLE

Our 2019 season will also extend just outside the home of the Kentucky Derby, and birthplace of Bourbon at historic Hermitage Farm in Goshen, Kentucky. With roots that span generations, Hermitage is a world-class equine operation tied in Kentucky’s rich farming industry. Purchased in the 1800’s as part of a land grant, Hermitage has been a working farm for nearly two centuries. Ride alongside renowned broodmares, foals, and yearlings that graze the land.

Hermitage will host all the festivities including a Meet the Farmers Dinner on October 19 where participants can dine with the participating farm families. Hermitage will also host the start/finish for the ride on Sunday October 20. Participants can expect flat to rolling terrain. 

Louisville is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiast because it prides itself on its green space. The city is home to 18-designed Frederick Law Olmsted parks. Spend your evening exploring the culinary capital of bourbon country, sipping Whiskey and indulging in famous Kentucky fried chicken.

Both rides will include the standard 4 Farm to Fork Fondo distances from an 8-10 mile Ramble Ride to a 70-90 mile Gran Fondo. Following the ride will be a catered farm-to-table barbecue and festival featuring live music and local vendors.

STAY TUNED

In the coming weeks and months, we will be revealing details on new course routes, partner farms, full weekend schedules, menus, lodging, and more!

Momentum builds for Asheville to host more world-class sports events like Fed Cup

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Momentum is building for Asheville hosting high-profile sporting events.

The FED Cup, featuring Venus and Serena Williams, is the highest profile sports event in the city's history to date.

The commission celebrated all 2018 successes, and honored board members, including Bruce Peterson, who was instrumental in Asheville hosting the Fed Cup.

"I agree it's the best event we've ever put on in Asheville," Peterson said of the Cup. "Last year we did such a great job they called and said, 'We want to come back,' and that was significant. I think last year Serena made the comment, 'Why don't we do this in Asheville every year?" so that was wonderful."

Peterson says $20 million came into Buncombe County's economy this year.

By WLOS STAFF

Tickets for SoCon Basketball Championships now on sale

Tournaments return to Asheville, N.C.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Tickets for the 2019 Ingles Southern Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships presented by General Shale are now on sale through Ticketmaster and the U.S. Cellular Center Box Office. The tournaments return to Asheville, North Carolina, and the U.S. Cellular Center for the seventh consecutive year.

All 10 SoCon men’s teams and all eight women’s teams will converge on Asheville for the tournaments, which begin with the women’s quarterfinals on Thursday, March 7. The women’s final will be Sunday, March 10, at noon Eastern, while the men’s final will be at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 11. Mercer is the defending women’s champion and UNC Greensboro is the defending men’s champion.

The tournament week will feature the return of the Downtown Dribble on the morning of Saturday, March 9, and the third annual Ingles Jamfest, a free concert and tailgate on March 10.

Several different ticket packages are available for purchase. Information about various ticket packages and how to purchase them is below.

Courtside Package (All Sessions - $800)

Contact Madison Davis at 828-734-2433 or email madison@ashevillesports.org.

This courtside VIP experience allows you to be part of the action. This package includes 2 Premium Courtside seats, 2 VIP passes, and a parking space in the exhibition level of the USCC for every session. There are a limited number of seats available.

VIP All-Session Package (All Sessions - $250)

Call the box office at 828-259-5736 or email Laura Weston, lweston@ashevillenc.gov.

Enjoy a reserved seat close the action and VIP Hospitality access. VIP Hospitality will open one hour prior to each session and will include pre-game meals and complimentary beer and wine. 

General Admission Tournament Book - $120

Available through Ticketmaster or the U.S. Cellular Center Box Office (828-259-5736)

General Admission Single Session - $20

Available through Ticketmaster or the U.S. Cellular Center Box Office (828-259-5736)

Youth (6-12)/SoCon Student Single Session - $10 (kids 5 and under get in free)

Available at U.S. Cellular Center Box Office (828-259-5736)

Single Session Group Rate (10 or more tickets to a single session) - $15 per ticket

Contact Andrew Lawrence at 919-418-6545 or email andrew@ashevillesports.org.

www.SoConSports.com

U.S. FED CUP TEAM TO RETURN TO ASHEVILLE FOR 2019 FED CUP FIRST ROUND vs. AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 9-10

U.S. Cellular Center to Become First Repeat Host Site for U.S. Fed Cup Team in 12 Years on Heels of 2018 First-Round Success

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Oct. 30, 2018 – The USTA today announced that the U.S. Fed Cup Team will return to Asheville, N.C., for the second consecutive year, as the U.S. Cellular Center has been selected to host the United States’ Fed Cup by BNP Paribas 2019 First Round tie vs. Australia February 9-10.

 The U.S. Cellular Center will become the first site to host consecutive Fed Cup ties in the U.S. since the Delray Beach (Fla.) Tennis Center in 2005-07. The U.S. Cellular Center hosted the U.S.’s First Round tie vs. the Netherlands this February in what amounted to a weeklong celebration of tennis in the region. The tie generated an estimated $3.5 million economic impact for the area, and sellout crowds saw the U.S. defeat the Netherlands to begin its 2018 Fed Cup title defense.

 The U.S. Fed Cup Team will attempt to win its second straight Fed Cup title November 10-11, taking on the Czech Republic in the Final in Prague. A free and open-to-the-public watch party for the Final will be held at New Belgium Brewing Company from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, November 10. The Final matches will be televised live on Tennis Channel beginning at 8 a.m. ET on Saturday and 6 a.m. ET on Sunday.

 The First Round against Australia – a best-of-five match series – begins Saturday, Feb. 9, with two singles matches. Two reverse singles matches and the doubles match will follow on Sunday, Feb. 10. Matches will be played on a temporary indoor hard court. The winner of this matchup will advance to the Semifinals April 20-21. Fed Cup is the world’s largest annual international team competition in women’s sport, with approximately 100 nations taking part each year.

 Tickets will go on sale to the general public on November 2 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. Two-day ticket packages for both Saturday and Sunday – the best initial ticket value – will be sold at prices ranging from $50 to $250, or $25 to $125 per day. Single-day tickets for Saturday or Sunday will be sold with prices ranging from $30 to $135 per day. Visit usta.com/fedcup for more information.

 USTA members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets in advance through an exclusive presale beginning October 30 and running through November 1, or while supplies last.

 "We couldn’t be happier to be bringing Fed Cup back to Asheville,” said USTA Chairman of the Board and President Katrina Adams. "Everything about the First Round tie vs. the Netherlands earlier this year was incredible, from our local business partners to the staff at the U.S. Cellular Center to the local volunteers and the enthusiastic community that cheered us on to victory. Asheville made for a perfect Fed Cup host, and we look forward to coming back.”

 The U.S. was drawn to host Australia for the 2019 World Group First Round when the draw took place in July. The U.S. is 9-5 all-time vs. the Aussies, and won their last meeting, 4-0, in the 2016 World Group Playoff. Prior to that, the two countries hadn’t met in Fed Cup since 1985.

 The USTA has partnered with Explore Asheville, Ingles Markets, Mercedes Benz of Asheville, the Omni Grove Park Inn and New Belgium Brewing Company to bring this event to Asheville.

 “I'm honored that Asheville has been chosen to host the Fed Cup for the second year in a row,” Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer said. “What a great opportunity to see these top athletes compete live, right here in downtown Asheville.”

 "The U.S. Cellular Center is honored to play host to this First Round Fed Cup event for the second year in a row,” said U.S. Cellular Center General Manager Chris Corl. “The community support and professionalism of the USTA staff, contractors, sponsors and local organizing committee, all of whom came together to make this event successful in 2018, was unprecedented here in Asheville.  We are looking forward to doing it again in a bigger and better way."

 The site selection is subject to final approval by the ITF. Tennis Channel will present live daily coverage of the World Group First Round.

 The U.S. holds an overall 151-36 record in Fed Cup competition with a 41-6 record in home ties. For more information, including access to player and historical Fed Cup records, please go to www.usta.com/fedcup or www.fedcup.com.

 Keep up with Team USA using hashtag #TeamUSATennis on Facebook (@USTA), on Twitter (@USTA), and on Instagram (@USTA). Wilson is the official ball of the U.S. Fed Cup team. Deloitte is the official team sponsor of the U.S. Fed Cup Team.

Inaugural "Special Needs World Series" a home run for everyone

Candler — WLOS - With the calendar about to officially flip to October, Major League Baseball will begin the playoff push towards the World Series. Special Needs Sports of WNC took the last Sunday in September to have their own championship, inviting special needs athletes and their families to Bob Lewis Park in Candler for a day filled with home runs and smiles. "It just gives them a chance to get out, do things that they normally don't have the opportunity to do, but mostly just to feel included," said Donnie Jones, the founder of Special Needs Sports WNC. "That's all anybody wants in anything." He added that the group has grown from around 40 the first year to 165 this season.

Anyone with special needs, regardless of age or disability, were invited to participate. Every player got to bat and round the bases as hundreds cheered them on and accompanied them around the diamond. "It's fun to be out with friends and teammates and athletes," said James Converse, one of the participants.

Martha Scott is the guardian of Terronionia, who uses a wheelchair to get around. "We went one week to watch, and I said, 'Terrionia, I think we could do that,'" laughed Scott. "So, we started the next week. That was back in 2011, and we have been playing every spring and fall since then."

Jones' teams usually practice and play in Hendersonville, but believes the opportunity to play at a world-class facility like Bob Lewis Park will be a memorable experience for all involved. "When you see their faces, it means more to me to see them, I think, than it does to them," he said.

Chris Womack

Sunday, September 30th 2018

Andrew Institute / Headlock on Hunger Presents Inaugural National Wrestling Coaches Association CEO Leadership Academy This Saturday

(Asheville, NC) No matter where it is- in business, education, public service, or athletics, everything rises and falls on its leadership. That has been the guiding premise for the past decade of the Andrew Institute for Leadership and Public Service that has brought world renowned  leaders into our community that not only brought their thoughts, expertise, and encouragement to established and aspiring leaders but focuses on the most important part of leadership - serving others. 

This Saturday, the Andrew Institute for Leadership and Public Service, Headlock on Hunger, the Eblen Center for Social Enterprise, and WNC Wrestlers in Business, will be presenting the Inaugural National Wrestling Coaches Association CEO Leadership Academy at the Waddell Client Service Center in Asheville. 

Developed by Michigan State's Dr. Dan Gould and modeled after the NWCA's College CEO Academy, the Scholastic CEO Academy was created to help wrestling coaches in many critical areas such as:  fundraising, recruitment and retention of athletes, communication strategies, working effectively with parents, and leading as a transformational wrestling coach.  

The five-hour program is offered at no cost thanks to the sponsorship of the National Wrestling Coaches Association and the US Marine Corps. 

“We are honored to have the Andrew Institute and Headlock on Hunger to be part of this inaugural event.” states Bill Murdock, executive director of Eblen Charities. “The wrestling community has been such a big part of Eblen’s outreach since our beginning and we are very happy to help present this great event to continue our partnership with wresting for Headlock and bring the best leadership programs to so many through the Andrew Institute. We are grateful to Mark Harris, regional chairman of Headlock on Hunger and Head Wrestling Coach of Enka High School for his hard work and bringing us this great opportunity.”  

Our appreciation to our Headlock on Hunger partners Arby’s, the Brumit Restaurant Group, Ingles Markets, and Pepsi for helping to provide more than three million meals in the past four years and for making this new event to North Carolina and Asheville. If you would like further information regarding the NWCA CEO Leadership Academy or Headlock on Hunger, please contact Mark Harris at 828.231.7933 or mark.harris@bcsemail.org.

Asheville Tourists, 12 other Carolina teams support Florence relief with 'Carolina Strong'

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — The Asheville Tourists, along with other baseball teams, are coming together to help with Florence recovery efforts.

Thirteen minor league teams are involved in both North and South Carolina.

The Asheville Tourists, Burlington Royals, Carolina Mudcats, Charleston RiverDogs, Charlotte Knights, Columbia Fireflies, Down East Wood Ducks, Durham Bulls, Greensboro Grasshoppers, Hickory Crawdads, Kannapolis Intimidators, Myrtle Beach Pelicans and Winston-Salem Dash announced today that they have created a joint GoFundMe page, raising funds for branches of the American Red Cross in affected areas of North Carolina and South Carolina.

Their effort is called the "Carolina Strong Relief Fund."

The thirteen-team dual state alliance will work together to maximize fundraising efforts across the state, using the hashtag #CarolinaStrong.

Both states have received unprecedented rainfall and flooding from a tropical cyclone, and hundreds of miles of roads were closed in each state.

"We've seen time and again that the residents of North and South Carolina are strong and resilient. In difficult times we stand by one another and lift up those in need. This time won't be any different," said the General Managers of the 13 MiLB teams in a joint statement. 

According to a press release, funds raised through this campaign will be donated to the American Red Cross in affected areas of North Carolina and South Carolina.