The area TSSAA umpires association presented Arts & Sciences with the first Terry Cordell Memorial Softball Sportsmanship Award shortly before its District 5-A high school softball game Tuesday at Silverdale Baptist Academy. Cordell was the assigner of umpires for softball and baseball in the Chattanooga area for more than 20 years.
"We wanted to do something to honor the name of Terry Cordell," said Larry Bateman, who took over the assigning after Cordell died of a heart attack on July 19, 2011. "We felt like this was the best way we could do it."
Unrelated to their behavioral recognition, the Lady Patriots also performed a benevolent act earlier this season when they presented former Silverdale player Shelby Duggard, who can no longer play because of a heart condition, some softball-themed roses and a gift bag. CSAS coach Michelle Meyners said junior Joya Greer had the idea to do something for Duggard and the rest of the team complied.
The Lady Patriots earned the sportsmanship award by a vote of the area softball umpires.
Westin Ray"It's a huge honor that people think that highly of my girls," Meyners said.
The local baseball umpires chose Howard as the recipient of the first Cordell Memorial Award in their sport.
Rhea County's Westin Ray sign with Volunteer State
Rhea County's Westin Ray will sign baseball scholarship papers with Volunteer State Community College this morning.
"Like every kid he has had a dream of playing on the college level somewhere. I love the junior college route," said Rusty Ray, his coach and father. "He had opportunities to go NAIA, but this will give him the opportunity to grow, and we'll see where he is two years from now.
"I feel like they're getting a kid who hits for average and who will steal bases for them when he gets on."
Westin is the Eagles' leadoff batter and center fielder and is currently hitting .524 with 46 runs scored and 35 stolen bases.
Tennessee Wesleyan getting Keyshun Bradley
Keyshun Bradley from Brainerd's 2017 state-tournament team signed this week to continue his basketball career at Tennessee Wesleyan.
The 6-foot-3 Bradley played just one season with the Panthers after transferring from Hixson and averaged almost 11 points a game, according to Brainerd coach Levar Brown. Playing on the wing, he led the team in blocked shots and was second in steals.
"He's a great character kid, and even in his transition year with us he did some things he hadn't normally been doing," Brown said. "He really earned his scholarship."
Bradley agreed that he made notable progress in his short time at Brainerd and believes he has "really good potential." He knows some players at Wesleyan and likes the program's history and the small-school atmosphere with small class sizes.
"I like the vibe there. I think it's a good fit for me," he said.
Duo heading to Emory & Henry
East Ridge's Deondre Chambliss and Jordan Harvey are scheduled to sign celebratory football letters of intent this afternoon with Emory & Henry.
Chambliss (6-1, 265 pounds) was an offensive lineman and Harvey (6-2, 185) was a wide receiver and defensive back for the Pioneers.
"If we'd had more linemen, Deondre would probably have played fullback for us," East Ridge coach Tim James said. "I think that's actually where they'll give him a look. From what they've said they'll look at Jordan as a hybrid outside linebacker type that can drop into coverage.
"Both are good students and made 20-plus on the ACT."
Amber Rogers to run at Cleveland State Community College
Red Bank's Amber Rogers signed scholarship papers this week to continue her cross country career at Cleveland State Community College.
Rogers transferred to Red Bank from Rhea County, where she had been a state qualifier in cross country the previous two seasons. Later this month she'll be attempting to qualify for the state track and field meet as a member of Red Bank's 4x800 relay team and as an individual in the 3200 run.
"She's an upstanding young lady," Red Bank coach Hugh Enicks said. "She's very trustworthy and a hard worker."