Sports

Coaching Special Olympians is life-changing

News Staff

Thursday, May 29, 2025

By Gary Corsair Sports Writer John Riley. Remember the name. “I want to be a professional golfer someday,” says Riley, a 42-year-old Clay County resident who’s been playing golf for exactly two months. A lofty goal, for sure, but don’t tell Riley it’s unrealistic.

Gary Corsair • Clay County Progress Hayesville standout student/athlete, Tate Roberts, is joined by, front, from left, Jason Roberts, Tate and Anisa Roberts; back, Don Roberts, Melissa Roberts, Betty McKinney and Carroll McKinney as he commits to attend Bryan College, where he will play baseball.

Roberts commits to playing college baseball

News Staff

Thursday, May 29, 2025

By Gary Corsair Sports Writer Hayesville multi-sport star Tate Roberts always wanted to play college football, but he abandoned that dream when Bryan College invited him to play baseball at the 90-year-old liberal arts college in Dayton, Tenn.

Hayesville's Kyle Shaheen can't believe the call as the umpire declares him out on a stolen base try. The call ended Hayesville’s best opportunity to go ahead against Cherryville.

What a game! What a season!

News Staff

Thursday, May 22, 2025

By Gary Corsair Sports Writer Kyle Shaheen stole third base and came home with a go-ahead run in the top of the seventh inning during Chance Hughes’ at bat as No. 8 seed Hayesville stunned No. 1 seed Cherryville, 2-1, in the third round of the NCHSAA baseball playoffs last Tuesday, May 13.

Sally Brock• Photo Harry Hearne and Jim Ackerly who compete regularly in doubles play in area tournaments won the Gold in their of the Senior Games.

Senior Games Pickleball Competition

News Staff

Thursday, May 22, 2025

By Sally Brock Guest Writer The 2025 Cherokee/Clay Senior Games continued last week as competition in multiple sports was completed at various venues throughout Clay And Cherokee counties. The local Senior Games are a part of the N.C.

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Jackets eject Raptors from playoffs

News Staff

Friday, May 16, 2025

By Gary Corsair Sports Writer Hayesville’s rousing, come-from-behind 8-3 win in the second round of the NCHSAA baseball playoffs at Scott D. Penland Field had all the thrills, chills and spills of a Joie Chitwood Thrill Show.

Norashea Patterson• Clay County Progress Will Brown got third place with 47 feet 4 inches.

Track team earns multiple spots at state championship

News Staff

Friday, May 16, 2025

By Norashea Patterson Sports Writer On Friday, May 9 the Hayesville High School Track team competed at the NCHSAA 1A West Regional 2025 in Columbus, N.C.

Gary Corsair • Clay County Progress From left, Barrett, Brynlee and Crystal Woody, Michael Mauney, Moriah Mauney, Mike Mauney, Brenda Carder witness Mike signing with Berea College, a liberal arts institution in Berea, Ky.

Two of Hayesville’s best will play college ball

News Staff

Friday, May 16, 2025

By Gary Corsair Sports Writer Two catalysts of Hayesville’s baseball success have committed to playing after high school at schools trying to turn around losing programs.

Barrett top angler in tournament

News Staff

Friday, May 16, 2025

By Joe Davenport Guest Writer Luke Barrett earned first place and the big fish award with a 4.28 pound spot during the Hiawassee River Bass Club May tournament held on Lake Chatuge. Here’s how the top anglers fared: • First Place: Luke Barrett , five fish, 17.46 pounds.

Photo by Sally Brock Simon Childs of Hayesville took Gold in the men’s singles Pickle Ball competition.

Pickleball Senior Games are scheduled

News Staff

Friday, May 16, 2025

By Sally Brock Guest Writer The Cherokee Clay Senior Games are continuing pickleball competition played in both Hayesville and Murphy. Area players are competing in men’s and women’s singles and doubles events as well as mixed doubles.

Chatuge Shores Ladies Golf League enjoying open day, from left: Mary Mott, Debra Estes and Martha Zimmer.

Ladies Golf League opening day

News Staff

Friday, May 16, 2025

Article Submitted Our golfers enjoyed a beautiful, sunny spring day on Tuesday, May 6, for our opening day of league play. The greens were rolling well and the rhododendrons were in full bloom. Our game was Net Odd Holes.