Barons Searching for Community Heroes

Five to be recognized on-field July 28 – August 1

Birmingham-BaronsThe Birmingham Barons announced Thursday they are searching for five Birmingham area citizens to be recognized as the team’s inaugural “Barons Community Heroes” class in 2015.

Beginning today, fans have the opportunity to nominate individuals who they believe are deserving of recognition at a Barons baseball game. By visiting Barons.com and clicking “Barons Community Heroes” on the community tab, fans will be instructed to complete a nomination form that can be submitted during home games or emailed.

Whether the nominee is currently/formerly a teacher, firefighter, law enforcement officer, military personnel or a volunteer, the Barons are looking for those who have made a difference in the Birmingham community and want to recognize those unsung heroes.

“The Barons are a community-driven business, and we believe this is a great way to give back to a community that has shown us so much support for so many years,” Barons General Manager Jonathan Nelson said. “We want to be able to give those individuals the attention and recognition they deserve for their hard work and dedication to the Birmingham area, and who better to ask for suggestions than those whose lives they have impacted most; their neighbors.”

If chosen, one person shall be recognized on-field each night July 28 – August 1 as the Barons host the Mississippi Braves at Regions Field. Nomination forms are due Sunday, May 31 at midnight.

Birmingham opens the 2015 season Thursday, April 9 as Regions Field hosts the Mobile BayBears at 7:05 p.m. To order tickets, visit Barons.com or call (205) 988-3200. For more information, visit us at www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Birmingham Barons. Click here to view the original story.

Knights Announce 2015 Scholarships with Founding Partners

From L-R -- 2014 Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship recipients: Adam Miranda (NC State), Xena Nguyen (UNC - Chapel Hill), Sarah York (Wake Forest) and Homer the Dragon.
From L-R — 2014 Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship recipients: Adam Miranda (NC State), Xena Nguyen (UNC – Chapel Hill), Sarah York (Wake Forest) and Homer the Dragon.

Charlotte-Knights-2014The Charlotte Knights are once again teaming up with two of their founding partners to provide educational funding through two unique scholarships for high school students. The Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship, presented by Carolinas HealthCare System, along with the Charlotte Knights STEM Scholarship Program, presented by Piedmont Natural Gas, each represent the team’s focus on community initiatives.

“We are excited to once again team with Carolinas HealthCare System and Piedmont Natural Gas on these very important scholarships for local high school students,” said Chris Semmens, Charlotte Knights vice president of sales. “Supporting education is one of our primary goals and we look forward to working with our founding partners to help local students prepare for successful careers.”

The Knights and Carolinas HealthCare System began their partnership in 2013 with the Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship program. That season, the Knights honored high school students John Dock Tallent (Appalachian State University), Gisele Bailey (Harvard University) and Stephanie Smith (UNC – Chapel Hill) as the inaugural recipients of the Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship program presented by Carolinas HealthCare System. Last season, three more high school students were awarded a $1,000 scholarship each — Adam Miranda (NC State), Sarah York (Wake Forest), and Xena Nguyen (UNC – Chapel Hill).

In an effort to improve educational funding for high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in health care, the Charlotte Knights and Carolinas HealthCare System will once again provide three $1,000 college scholarships to local high school seniors in 2015.

“Carolinas HealthCare System’s vision is to lead the transformation of health care delivery and a key part of that effort is attracting the next generation of motivated, creative health care professionals,” said Carol Lovin, Executive Vice President of Carolinas HealthCare System. “Partnering with the Charlotte Knights to provide these scholarships is a great way to help turn that vision into reality.”

The Knights and Piedmont Natural Gas also will award three $1,000 college scholarships to high school seniors from the Charlotte region who plan to attend college and pursue studies in the STEM disciplines of science, technology, engineering or math. Last year, Piedmont and the Knights awarded three $1,000 scholarships to students attending college within Piedmont’s service territories in North and South Carolina. The three winners of the inaugural scholarship were EmmaLee Apple (Alamance Community College), James Reynolds (Bob Jones University), and Cody Wright (Guilford Technical Community College).

“STEM education is a focus area for Piedmont Natural Gas, and we are happy to join the Knights in offering these scholarships to students in the Charlotte region,” said Timothy Greenhouse, managing director of community relations for Piedmont Natural Gas. “Piedmont will continue to support programs like this that expand educational opportunities in our communities.”

The Carolinas HealthCare System scholarships will be awarded during an on-field ceremony at BB&T Ballpark on Tuesday, July 21, while the Piedmont Natural Gas scholarships will be awarded during an on-field ceremony on Thursday, July 23.

More details about each of the scholarships, along with applications to apply, guidelines and more, are now available at charlotteknights.com. All applications must be emailed to scholarships@charlotteknights.com or mailed to Charlotte Knights Annual Scholarship at 324 South Mint St., Charlotte, NC 28202. All applications must be postmarked by May 1, 2015.

* 2015 Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship Application
* 2015 Charlotte Knights STEM Scholarship Application

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charlotte Knights. Click here to view the original story.

Now accepting nominations for Local Heroes Nights to recognize community leaders

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(Ray Marsden/Kannapolis Intimidators)

 

Kannapolis-IntimidatorsThe Kannapolis Intimidators, Class A Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, are now accepting nominations for a new “Local Heroes Night” series in 2015. Throughout the season, the Intimidators will be recognizing those who have gone above and beyond for our community by dedicating a night at the ballpark in their honor. Fans can submit nominations online at IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

*Click here to Nominate a Local Hero*

“There are people in our community that have been a hero in one way or another to those they serve. Teachers and coaches, police officers, firefighters, public servants, religious leaders, volunteers, and so many others have played such an important role in the growth and development of our community. We want to give them a chance to be recognized,” said Randy Long, Intimidators General Manager.

Local Heroes will be recognized at an Intimidators home game during the 2015 season with the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch, receive premium tickets to the game, and have their contributions to the community celebrated throughout the game. Nominations will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Kannapolis Intimidators. Click here to view the original story.

Send in your ACN Charity Night applications

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Kannapolis-IntimidatorsThe Kannapolis Intimidators have teamed up with ACN Inc. to once again host Charity Spotlight Nights during the 2015 season to give local non-profit organizations a larger platform to raise money and awareness for their cause. Organizations can apply through the team website or by calling the front office at (704) 932-3267. Groups interested in applying are encouraged to do so now as consideration will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. ACN Charity Spotlight Nights will be on five Friday nights during the 2015 season: April 17, May 1, May 23, June 26, and July 31.

Up to four area non-profits will be able to set up an information table on the stadium concourse to promote their cause to fans on each ACN Charity Spotlight Night. Organizations will also receive vouchers for discounted tickets to distribute to supporters throughout the community. The Intimidators will donate 50% of proceeds from these vouchers to the organizations. During each ACN Charity Spotlight Night, the Intimidators will also recognize that night’s spotlighted non-profits over the public address and on the scoreboard.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Kannapolis Intimidators. Click here to view the original story.

Barons, FOX6 WBRC & Life South Host Blood Drive Feb. 13 at Regions Field

Donate Blood Friday, February 13 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the Schaeffer Eye Center Club Lounge

Birmingham-BaronsThe Birmingham Barons, along with FOX6 WBRC and Life South Community Blood Centers, are hosting a community blood drive Friday, February 13 at Regions Field.

“Being an active Birmingham community partner is extremely important to our organization, and this blood drive is another event in which we want to continue our commitment,” Barons General Manager Jonathan Nelson said.  “This past December we hosted a coat drive in which the great folks in this community supported, and we hope that we receive that same support with this blood drive. It is an honor to work with FOX6 and Life South. We hope to promote the importance of blood donation, and we hope to see a lot of donors at Regions Field who want to impact the lives of those in need of a transfusion.”

Life-South-Community-Blood-CentersThe drive is located in the Schaeffer Eye Center Club Lounge, hosted on the second floor at Regions Field, and is set to run from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. All participants will receive a drawstring backpack, courtesy of Life South.

“FOX6 WBRC is excited to partner with the Barons and Life South to provide a service that is extremely important to the Birmingham community,” stated FOX6 WBRC Marketing Director Jim Heinrich.

Donors must be 17 or older, (16-year-olds may donate with written parental consent) weigh 110 pounds or more and show I.D. All donors receive a recognition item and a cholesterol screening. For more information about Life South Community Blood Centers, call (888) 795-2707 or visit lifesouth.org.

“We are in emergency need for blood,” Life South Birmingham Community Director Brian Garrett said. “We appreciate the partnership with the Barons and FOX6 WBRC in an effort to get the Birmingham community involved and giving back to local patients.”

Birmingham opens the 2015 season Thursday, April 9 as Regions Field hosts the Mobile Bay Bears at 7:05 p.m. Tickets for opening night are currently on sale and are available for purchase online, by phone or in person at the Joe Drake Ticket Office at Regions Field. For more information about the Barons Regions Field and the complete 2015 schedule, please call (205) 988-3200 or visit www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Birmingham Barons. Click here to view the original story.

Barons Host Winter Warm-Up Coat Drive

Barons team with WIAT 42 & iHeartMedia’s NewsRadio 105-5 WERC for annual event.

 

Birmingham, AL – The Birmingham Barons announced Tuesday they are partnering with WIAT 42 and the team’s flagship radio station, iHeartMedia’s NewsRadio 105-5 WERC, to bring the Winter Warm-Up Coat Drive to Regions Field. Beginning Thursday, Dec. 11 at 5 a.m., new and lightly-worn coats can be donated at the ball park, along with multiple drop-off stations at the Lakeshore, Montclair and Trussville Wal-Mart locations.

“We are always looking for ways to give back to the community and this is the perfect opportunity,” Barons General Manager Jonathan Nelson said. “We are excited to team up with WIAT 42 and iHeartMedia for this worthy cause. We hope to see a great turnout Thursday as we give help to those who need it most this holiday season.”

The drive is scheduled to run until 6 p.m., and those interested in donating to the cause are welcome to stop by any of the four convenient locations at any time. All coat sizes are welcome and appreciated, including coats for children and adults.

“The Birmingham Barons have always been great broadcast partners with us at NewsRadio 105-5 WERC,” Program Director John Mountz stated. “We both have a common purpose, to serve the public in Birmingham and the greater Birmingham listening area. It is for this reason we are honored to once again partner with the Barons on this worthy endeavor.”

Barons’ mascot Babe Ruff is set to visit each location throughout the day, while WIAT 42 on-air personalities are set to greet participants at Regions Field. The CBS affiliate will also broadcast from the stadium, featuring live shots during the evening news.

“There is such an urgent need to help families stay warm during the winter in Central Alabama,” WIAT’s Andy Caliendo said. “WIAT 42 is proud to partner with the Birmingham Barons and be a part of the Winter Warm-Up Coat Drive. We’re committed to our community and this is just one way we’re working to serve our viewers. WIAT 42’s dedication to providing ‘Coverage You Can Count On’ not only applies to news and weather coverage, but also to our community.”

Birmingham opens the 2015 season Thursday, April 9 as Regions Field hosts the Mobile Bay Bears at 7:05 p.m. For information about the Barons Regions Field and the complete 2015 schedule, please call (205) 988-3200 or visit www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Birmingham Barons. Click here to view the original story.

Charlotte Business Journal Honors Knights & BB&T Ballpark With Two Awards

The Knights welcomed 696,601 fans through the gates in 2014. (Jon Strayhorn)
The Knights welcomed 696,601 fans through the gates in 2014. (Jon Strayhorn)

Charlotte-Knights-2014The Charlotte Business Journal named the Charlotte Knights among their inaugural Heavy Hitters Commercial Real Estate award winners earlier this week. The Knights were honored with the Economic Development Award for New & Existing Industry and the Top Hospitality/Entertainment Development Award. Members of the Charlotte Knights staff will accept the awards on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte.

“We are very honored to be the recipient of these prestigious awards,” said Charlotte Knights Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer Dan Rajkowski. “We are very proud of BB&T Ballpark and very appreciative of the support we have received from the Greater Charlotte Region and our fans throughout our inaugural season.”

The awards honor the best commercial real estate deals and developments across the region from June 30, 2013, to July 1, 2014. The winners were selected by a panel of industry experts working in combination with the Charlotte Business Journal staff.

BB&T Ballpark, which opened its gates on Friday, April 11, 2014, was the most visited Minor League Baseball venue this season. Including the Triple-A National Championship Game, the Knights welcomed 696,601 fans during their inaugural season in Uptown Charlotte — leading all of Minor League Baseball in attendance. The ballpark also welcomes thousands of additional guests year-round with events such as Charlotte BeerFest, the Toshiba trade show, and the City of Charlotte’s Back To School Day.

The Charlotte Knights will begin their second season at BB&T Ballpark on Thursday, April 9 with their 2015 home opener against the Norfolk Tides (Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles). Season tickets are currently available and fans can purchase tickets online at charlotteknights.com, by phone at 704-274-8282, or in person at the BB&T Ballpark Ticket Office.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charlotte Knights. Click here to view the original story.

BB&T Ballpark Awarded Prestigious LEED ® Green Building Certification

CharlotteKnights_2014-09-04
LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices.

Charlotte-Knights-2014The Charlotte Knights announced that BB&T Ballpark has been awarded LEED ® (level of certification). LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices.

“The Knights organization was committed to the LEED certification of the ballpark,” said Gau Gupte, Odell. “The entire team, including the architects, contractors and engineers, focused the goal of being LEED certified from day one. This included energy efficient systems, high performance building envelope design and green material choices and construction processes.”

The LEED rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the foremost program for buildings, homes, and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance. More than 58,000 commercial and institutional projects are currently participating in LEED, comprising more than 10.7 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and more than 140 countries.

BB&T Ballpark achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at achieving high performance in: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

“The green building movement offers an unprecedented opportunity to respond to the most-important challenges of our time, including global climate change, dependence on non-sustainable and expensive sources of energy and threats to human health,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “The work of innovative building projects such as BB&T Ballpark is a fundamental driving force in the green building movement.”

The 2014 inaugural season at BB&T Ballpark was a record-breaking one for the Knights, who led all of Minor League Baseball in attendance with 687,715 fans in 71 games. With 31 sell-out crowds, and an average of 9,686 fans per game, BB&T Ballpark was the most visited ballpark in the country in just its first season.

In anticipation of more interest in the Knights Uptown, Charlotte Knights ownership authorized the creation of a new 501 (c) (3) organization named Knights Charities. The first initiative involved a commemorative brick program installed in phases at BB&T Ballpark’s main gate. Fans responded by investing in hundreds of bricks that netted more than $75,000 to the coffers of Knights Charities.

Knights Charities has already made an impact in the Charlotte community. With help of corporate sponsors, the team has generated more than $70,000. Annual events such as Pink Knights, the Charlotte Knights Golf Classic, and others resulted in more than $35,000. Knights players contributed to the cause with funds raised for runs scored, double plays, and triples.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charlotte Knights. Click here to view the original story.

Bring school supplies Friday for free ticket

Intimidators teaming up with Walmart for Back to School Night

KannapolisIntimidators_2014-08-25

 

Kannapolis-IntimidatorsThe Kannapolis Intimidators have teamed up with Walmart to host Back to School Night on Friday, Aug. 29, featuring a school tools donation. Fans that donate three (3) school supplies at the Box Office will receive a free general admission ticket to that night’s game against the Greensboro Grasshoppers. Gates open at 6 p.m. with first pitch at 7:05 p.m.

School supplies will be donated to Communities in Schools North Carolina. The Intimidators are proud to team up with Walmart for this promotion. Area Walmart stores are encouraging customers to “Build A Communities-In-School-NC-logoBackpack” for elementary, middle and high school students as the new school year gets underway. Items collected through this drive will then be distributed to public school students in need.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Kannapolis Intimidators. Click here to view the original story.

Two Peanut-Controlled Nights Set for August

For both games, the Knights will welcome all fans with peanut allergies in Power Alley sections 124-126 for a great night of baseball.
For both games, the Knights will welcome all fans with peanut allergies in Power Alley sections 124-126 for a great night of baseball.

Charlotte-Knights-2014On Wednesday, August 6, the Charlotte Knights will host their first of two “Peanut-Controlled Games” at BB&T Ballpark this season. Fans with peanut allergies will be able cheer on the Knights in the team’s “Peanut-Controlled Zone” where sales of peanuts will be halted in that section and fans will not be allowed to consume peanut products in that area.

“We wanted to make sure that those with peanut allergies have their chance to enjoy a game at BB&T Ballpark this season,” said Knights COO Dan Rajkowski. “Our hope is that these two games will provide those fans and families with peanut allergies a chance for a safe and enjoyable game in Uptown Charlotte.”

Gates open at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6 as the Knights host the Gwinnett Braves (Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves) in a 7:05 p.m. game. The second of the two games will take place on Sunday, August 24 at 5:05 p.m. at BB&T Ballpark as the Knights host the Norfolk Tides (Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles). Gates open at 4:00 p.m. on August 24.

For both games, the Knights will welcome all fans with peanut allergies in Power Alley sections 124-126 for a great night of baseball. Signage will be present to alert other fans that the area is a “Peanut-Controlled Zone” and no peanuts will be consumed in that area for the duration of the day. For the least peanut-exposed path to the Power Alley sections, fans should enter BB&T Ballpark through the center field gate.

Tickets in the Power Alley sections for each of the “Peanut-Controlled Games” are just $8 in advance and are available by phone at 704-357-8071, online at www.charlotteknights.com, or in person at the BB&T Ballpark Ticket Office. Fans ordering online should use promo code “peanutfree”.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charlotte Knights. Click here to view the original story.

Help Paint the Park Purple on July 3

Great-Falls-VoyagersOn July 3, the Great Falls Voyagers will team again with the Cascade County Relay for Life when they play the Helena Brewers in the 2014 edition of Paint the Park Purple. Local Relay teams have helped raise funds for the American Cancer Society through the sale of tickets to the game as well as special T-shirts.

AmCancerSoc-Relay4LifeThe amount of money raised through the local teams will determine how “purple” Centene Stadium becomes. For example, $100 raised by teams will result in a banner being hung at the ballpark. For every hundred dollars raised after that, another form of on-field recognition will be triggered:

Fundraising levels:

$1-100 – Banner hung up at the ballpark
$101-200 – Pre-game parade for all teams
$201-300 – Pre-game balloon release
$301-400 – Players, coaches, staff, and Relay teams wear purple armbands
$401-500 – Purple banner painted on field
$501+ – Purple ribbons handed out to all fans in attendance

 

How the money is raised

Local Relay teams will be selling General Admission tickets for the July 3rd game against the Brewers. Each $8 ticket will result in $4 going back to the Relay. T-shirts to the event are $20 with $4 going back to the Relay team. Ticket and T-shirt packages are $25 with $7 going back to the Relay team. Ten packs of tickets for the game will be $80 with $44 going back to the Relay team. And the Ultimate Team Fight Pack of ten tickets and ten T-shirts is $250 with $75 going back to the Relay team.

For more information on how to contact a local team for tickets or shirts, you can call the Voyagers’ business office at 406-452-5311 or Cascade County Relay For Life Co-Chair Heidi Reiste at 406-781-1827.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Falls Voyagers. Click here to view the original story.

F&M Bank High School Baseball Classic opens on Wednesday with new format

Opening round, winners bracket held at CMC-NorthEast Stadium

KannapolisIntimidators_2014-04-15

 

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (April 15, 2014) – The annual F&M Bank High School Baseball Classic returns to CMC-NorthEast Stadium, home of the Kannapolis Intimidators, with a new format in 2014. The eight-team field will compete in a bracket-style tournament from April 23-25 with all opening round and winners’ bracket games taking place at CMC-NorthEast Stadium. Consolation bracket games will be held at nearby A.L. Brown High School in Kannapolis. Tickets are only $6 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and children 3 and under will be admitted free.

This year’s field includes A.L. Brown, Carson, J.M. Robinson, Mt. Pleasant, North Rowan, Northwest Cabarrus, Salisbury, and South Rowan.

The F&M Bank High School Baseball Classic schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, April 23
Games 1-4 at CMC-NorthEast Stadium
Game 1: 11:00 AM – Carson vs. Salisbury
Game 2: 1:30 PM – J.M. Robinson vs. NW Cabarrus
Game 3: 4:00 PM – Mt. Pleasant vs. A.L. Brown
Game 4: 6:30 PM – North Rowan vs. South Rowan

Thursday, April 24
Games 5 & 6 at A.L. Brown
Game 5: 11:00 AM – Loser Gm 1 vs. Loser Gm 2
Game 6: 1:30 PM – Loser Gm 3 vs. Loser Gm 4

Games 7 & 8 at CMC-NorthEast Stadium
Game 7: 4:00 PM – Winner Gm 1 vs. Winner Gm 2
Game 8: 6:30 PM – Winner Gm 3 vs. Winner Gm 4

Friday, April 25
Games 9 & 10 at A.L. Brown
Game 9: 11:00 AM – Loser Gm 5 vs. Loser Gm 6
Game 10: 1:30 PM – Winner Gm 5 vs. Winner Gm 6

Games 11 & 12 at CMC-NorthEast Stadium
Third-Place Game:
Game 11: 4:00 PM – Loser Gm 7 vs. Loser Gm 8

Championship Game:
Game 12: 6:30 PM – Winner Gm 7 vs. Winner Gm 8

The Kannapolis Intimidators are in the 20th season of professional baseball in Kannapolis and the team’s 14th as the Class A Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Since the team moved to Kannapolis in 1995, 77 players that have played in Kannapolis have gone on to the Major Leagues. This year’s team is managed by Pete Rose Jr. CMC-NorthEast Stadium is located off I-85 at exit 63. For ticket information, please contact the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or visit www.IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Kannapolis Intimidators. Click here to view the original story.

West, Senior Services honored at Coaches Luncheon

2014 Dash make first public appearance at annual event

Howard West speaks after accepting the Service Through Sports Award. (Rebecca McNeely/W-S Dash)
Howard West speaks after accepting the Service Through Sports Award. (Rebecca McNeely/W-S Dash)

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (April 1, 2014) – The Winston-Salem Dash presented longtime high school boys basketball coach Howard West with their Service Through Sports Award and announced Senior Services as their 2014 Charity Partner in front of a record crowd of almost 200 attendees during the club’s annual Coaches Luncheon on Tuesday afternoon at BB&T Ballpark.

Currently the head boys basketball coach at Forsyth Country Day High School, West boasts a 736-313 (.702) record in his coaching career. Almost 600 of those victories have come in the state of North Carolina, where West has coached at four different schools. He trails only the late Harvey Reid for the most victories in North Carolina High School Athletic Association history.

West spent the first 15 years of his coaching career in Virginia before coming to North Carolina and joining Eden Morehead High School in 1984. Five years later, the Lynchburg, Va., native took over the head coaching position at Reynolds High School, where he won three straight state championships from 2000-02. In 2005, West moved to Reagan High School as its coach and Athletic Director. He stayed there until last season when he left for FCD.

“I’m humbled and honored to win this award,” West said at Tuesday’s event. “Looking at this list of past winners is incredible. I’m very happy to be involved with that group of local sports figures.”

The late Clarence “Big House” Gaines, who coached Winston-Salem State University’s men’s basketball team for 47 years, was the inaugural winner in 2010. Wake Forest University baseball coach Tom Walter took home the honor in 2011, while Bob and Lisa Gfeller’s work through the Matthew Gfeller Foundation was recognized in 2012. Last year, the organization honored late FOX8 sportscaster Rich Brenner.

Senior Services of Winston-Salem helps older adults remain at home as long as possible while living with dignity. The organization also helps caregivers through services and education that will benefit them. Since its inception in 1962, its “Meals on Wheels” program has distributed nearly five million meals, while its Home Care program has been providing in-home nursing and healthcare services for Forsyth County seniors since 1978.

“We are absolutely thrilled and so appreciative to be the Dash’s 2014 Charity Partner,” Richard Gottlieb, President and CEO of Senior Services, said Tuesday. “It’s great to be a part of the Dash’s organization this year.”

Over the last four years, the Dash have worked with Brenner Children’s Hospital, the Centers for Exceptional Children, the Ronald McDonald House of Winston-Salem and, most recently, Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County as the club’s charity partner. As the team’s 2014 Charity Partner, Senior Services will benefit from the proceeds of the Dash’s Commemorative Brick Program, through which fans can purchase an engraved brick that is installed outside BB&T Ballpark’s main gates beyond right-center field.

In addition to these two special announcements, Dash manager Tommy Thompson spoke about the 2014 Dash, who kick off their season on Thursday night at BB&T Ballpark. Dash players and coaches mingled with all of the attendees, and the club held their annual Media Day immediately following the luncheon.

BB&T Ballpark’s fifth season begins Thursday at 7 p.m. with the first of a four-game series against the Wilmington Blue Rocks (Kansas City). For tickets or more information on the team, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Winston-Salem Dash. Click here to view the original story.

Voyagers 9 Innings of Reading Program off to a Strong Start

(GREAT FALLS, Mont.) – The Voyagers “9 Innings of Reading Program” presented by the Great Falls Voyagers and sponsored by Noodle Express and Great Falls College, is off to a strong start in 2014. During the first three weeks of the program there has been close to 5,000 total prizes awarded to students who have reached their reading goals at Lewis and Clark, Mountain View, Whittier, Valley View, Roosevelt, Belt, Sunnyside, and Meadow Lark Elementary Schools.

“We are excited about the response that we have already received for the first three weeks of this program,” said Scott Lettre, Director of Sales, “We love to see the local elementary school students get excited about reading.”

The Voyagers look to award around 15,000 prizes to these local elementary school students by the end of the 9-week long reading program that will end on May 9th. Starting the week of May 12th, the Voyagers will be throwing a pizza party at each school. All students who completed all 9 innings of the program will receive an invitation to this pizza party, with special guest, Orbit.

Each week during the program, students from these schools have certain goals to reach based on what grade they are in. These goals are then divided by difficulty into four categories: single, double, triple, and home run. Each student is able to win a prize depending on what category they meet.

Prizes for the 2014 reading program include a pencil, bookmark, notebook, luggage tag, eraser bracelet, water bottle, and a free youth ticket to one of our four reading program days during the 2014 season. The reading program dates at the field are June 24th, July 12th, August 7th, and August 29th.

The reading program is currently in its second year. During the first year in 2013, there were five local elementary schools that participated.

“I really think the program was wonderful,” said Jennifer Crisman, Mountain View Elementary Librarian about the first year of the program, “Anytime we can get students excited about reading and continue to read solidly for nine straight weeks, we are definitely accomplishing a beautiful goal.”

The Voyagers are excited to partner with local school districts for this program, along with sponsors Noodle Express and Great Falls College.

The Voyagers will open their season June 16th against the Billings Mustangs on the road and will open at home on June 21st against the Billings Mustangs.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Great Falls Voyagers. Click here to view the original story.

Intimidators inaugural Reading All-Stars include hundreds of students from Kannapolis City Schools

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (March 19, 2014) – The Kannapolis Intimidators are excited to announce that, as a part of the team’s new reading program, hundreds of students in Kannapolis City Schools are among the first in the community to be named 2014 Reading All-Stars.

The Intimidators’ Reading All-Stars Program challenges third through eighth grade students to read four extracurricular books in four weeks to be named a Reading All-Star and receive a complimentary ticket to an Intimidators game and participate in a pre-game parade around the field. The four-week reading program for Kannapolis City Schools recently came to a close, and students will receive a voucher through their schools in the coming weeks good for a ticket to the KCS Reading All-Stars Celebration Game on Friday, April 4, at 7:05 p.m. at CMC-NorthEast Stadium.

“The Reading All-Stars program has been a tremendous success, and we are extremely grateful to the Kannapolis Intimidators for bringing it to our schools,” said Dr. Pam Cain, Superintendent of Kannapolis City Schools. “Building a love of reading is one of the most important things we can do to help children succeed, and we look forward to continuing this outstanding partnership.”

In addition to working with KCS, the Intimidators have also teamed up with Cabarrus County Schools, Rowan-Salisbury School System and Stanly County Schools to offer this opportunity to more than 33,000 third through eighth grade students in the community. The reading period for students in Cabarrus, Rowan and Stanly counties is still in progress.

“We launched this program to do our part to encourage local students to get excited about reading,” said Intimidators General Manager Randy Long. “If giving these children a fun experience at the ballpark will get them to pick up a book, then we are more than happy to reward them for their hard work.”

In addition to providing a complimentary ticket to the students who are named a Reading All-Star, the Intimidators are offering discounted tickets for $3 to family members of the students to attend the Celebration Game.

Dates of Reading All-Stars Celebration Games for other school districts are Friday, May 2 for Cabarrus County Schools; Friday, May 16 for Stanly County Schools; and Sunday, May 18 for Rowan-Salisbury School System. Information on attending the Celebration Games will be distributed through the schools two to three weeks before the game.

The Intimidators are preparing for the 20th season of professional baseball in Kannapolis and 14th as a Chicago White Sox affiliate. Opening Night of the 2014 season is Thursday, April 3, against the Greenville Drive (Boston Red Sox) at 7:05 p.m. Since the team came to town in 1995, a total of 77 players have gone from Kannapolis to the Major Leagues, including 2007 NL MVP Jimmy Rollins and former NFL standout and 1998 Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams. Season tickets, mini-plans and single-game seats are currently available by calling the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or by visiting the team website at www.IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Kannapolis Intimidators. Click here to view the original story.