The Hayesville High School 2019-20 athletic season ended abruptly in the spring when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down all athletic activities. While things didn’t end the way everyone had hoped, Hayesville was able to focus on a positive thanks to winning the Wells Fargo championship. The accomplishment gave HHS the title of “Best Athletic Program” in the Smoky Mountain Conference for the 2019-20 school year.
According to Hayesville’s athletic director Mike Cottrell, the Jackets could very well repeat that accomplishment. “With the excitement and commitment I’m seeing from our athletes, I’m predicting a successful year for Hayesville athletics.” While he admitted the logistics of creating schedules that comply with regulations put in place by the state has been tricky, Cottrell is convinced this year in athletics will be a memorable one. “We got confirmation from the North Carolina High School Athletic Association that we will definitely be having sports this year and while it will look different, it has the potential to be something great. Due to seasons overlapping, we might have some Lady Jackets playing in volleyball matches on Monday and Thursday then suit up for the basketball team on Tuesday and Friday or maybe a guy plays a playoff basketball game on Thursday and then is on the football field Friday night.”
High school sports in North Carolina are now less than a month away as cross country and volleyball programs will begin official practices on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Head coach for the Lady Jacket volleyball squad Tammy Dills said, “I’m excited for our HHS athletes to get to experience the game they love. My players have worked so hard during the off season waiting to see if they will even have a 2020 season. Knowing we will start in November gives an ease to my team.”
Putting on his basketball coach hat, Cottrell spoke about the changes to that season which will begin in January. “The biggest difference is we won’t have those lead-in games we usually have to prepare us for conference play. Instead we will be jumping right into conference games which will be intense and a lot of fun.” With the state changing post-season seedings, the battle for a SMC championship will be even more important as it will come with a No. 1 seed throughout the playoffs.
Normally contested in the winter, Hayesville’s wrestling schedule has been moved to the spring season. Coach Mark Modica looks to build on the success of the program last year which saw three HHS grapplers compete at the state tournament. “We’re looking forward to April 12 to begin practicing again,” Modica said. “Our schedule will be made available as we get more information from the state, but we are determined to bring home medals this year.”
One of the least affected sports is softball. While the schedule is somewhat compressed, the season will happen roughly during the same time frame as normal. Jerry Payne, head coach for the Lady Jackets, says his players are chomping at the bit. “After we had our 2020 season taken from us, we are excited to get on the field. I’m ready to see the girls out there competing and showing off the hard work they put in year in and year out.”
While Cottrell’s pride in the student athletes was clear, his appreciation for his coaches was also a topic of conversation. “These coaches, all of the coaches here at HHS, have done a fantastic job making adjustments and working together. With the overlap I mentioned earlier, our coaches are going to have to work together like never before. They are already planning together so while we might have to fine tune, we will all be on the same page.
It’s no secret that the Yellow Jackets have one of the most passionate and loyal fan bases in the state and Cottrell is hopeful Jacket Nation will be able to cheer on the black and Vegas gold in person. “Right now state regulations limit group size to 25 indoors and 50 outdoors, but if numbers keep going in the right direction and those regulations are loosened, we will be heading in the right direction to be able to allow everyone to come in and support our teams.”
Cottrell’s final comment was a summary of his prediction for the upcoming year in athletics. “Although it’s going to be condensed and intense, I think our athletes are going to thrive and Hayesville will be in the mix to win another Wells Fargo Championship.”