The Washington Daily News will announce its Male and Female Athletes of the Year in upcoming editions of the WDN. The Female Athlete will be announced in Sunday's paper, while the Male Athlete will be announced in Monday's paper.
Past winners:
Female Athlete of the Year
2007 -- Suzanne Lee, Northside
2006 -- Meredith Knox, Washington
2005 -- Meredith Knox, Washington
2004 -- Melody Jo (MJ) Williams, Mattamuskeet
Male Athlete of the Year
2007 -- Lee Watkins, Washington
2006 -- Gerald Lawrence, Washington
2005 -- Bryan Haywood, Southside
2004 -- Trimane Goddard, Roanoke
Friday, June 27, 2008
Good times for a sports fan
Good times for a sports fan
Commentary by KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
The last couple of weeks have been hectic, but it’s been well worth it.
For anybody who is a sports fan, this month has been a dream.
Terrance Copper, a former Washington Pam Pack and East Carolina great, held his first football camp June 14. The New Orleans Saints star was joined by teammates David Patten, Devery Henderson, Lance Moore, Robert Meacham and Houston Texans fullback Vonta Leach.
One week later, Damien Wilkins returned home to host his Fourth Annual “Fun Day” event, which was preceded by a basketball camp. The Seattle SuperSonics star is already looking for bigger and better things next year.
This weekend, a pair of former Miami Dolphins greats will be in Plymouth at a football camp. Former Plymouth Vikings and Duke Blue Devils star Charles Bowser returned home for the Second Charles Bowser NFL Youth Football Camp. Bowser, a linebacker and member of the vaunted “Killer Bs” defense in the 1980s, will be joined by former Dolphins teammate Mark “Super” Duper.
Copper said he was pleased with his first football, and was appreciative of the help from all the volunteers.
“Sometimes it’s more than just giving money back,” Copper said. “Sometimes it’s about coming here and donating your time. That’s something I, and my fellow teammates and coaches, believe in. It’s not just me giving back; it’s everybody giving back.”
For Wilkins, he’s happy to see his annual basketball camp and “Fun Day” grow each year.
“It seems to get more and more special,” Wilkins said. “More and more people come out, we get more and more support from the community and it starts to mean a lot more to me with every one of them.”
Wilkins and Shena Locke, co-founder of Wilkins’ Dyna2mic Foundation, wanted to thank all the sponsors and contributors at this year’s event, including Action Rental, Andy’s Cheesesteaks & Burgers, the Beaufort County Boys & Girls Club, the Beaufort County school district, Dominoes, Golden Corral, King Chicken, Piggly Wiggly, Pizza Hut, St. Claire Trucking, Wal-Mart, Wilson Cleaning Mobile Service and all the volunteers.
Wilkins is thankful for the generosity.
“That’s very special,” Wilkins said. “It means a lot. They’re just showing their support, showing their interest and they’re showing that they care about these kids just as much as I do.”
Each of the professional athletes enjoys returning home, giving back to the community and putting smiles on the kids faces.
And that puts a smile on my face.
-----
Kevin Travis is the sports editor of the Washington Daily News. You may reach him at 940-4217, or by e-mail at Kevin@wdnweb.com.
Commentary by KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
The last couple of weeks have been hectic, but it’s been well worth it.
For anybody who is a sports fan, this month has been a dream.
Terrance Copper, a former Washington Pam Pack and East Carolina great, held his first football camp June 14. The New Orleans Saints star was joined by teammates David Patten, Devery Henderson, Lance Moore, Robert Meacham and Houston Texans fullback Vonta Leach.
One week later, Damien Wilkins returned home to host his Fourth Annual “Fun Day” event, which was preceded by a basketball camp. The Seattle SuperSonics star is already looking for bigger and better things next year.
This weekend, a pair of former Miami Dolphins greats will be in Plymouth at a football camp. Former Plymouth Vikings and Duke Blue Devils star Charles Bowser returned home for the Second Charles Bowser NFL Youth Football Camp. Bowser, a linebacker and member of the vaunted “Killer Bs” defense in the 1980s, will be joined by former Dolphins teammate Mark “Super” Duper.
Copper said he was pleased with his first football, and was appreciative of the help from all the volunteers.
“Sometimes it’s more than just giving money back,” Copper said. “Sometimes it’s about coming here and donating your time. That’s something I, and my fellow teammates and coaches, believe in. It’s not just me giving back; it’s everybody giving back.”
For Wilkins, he’s happy to see his annual basketball camp and “Fun Day” grow each year.
“It seems to get more and more special,” Wilkins said. “More and more people come out, we get more and more support from the community and it starts to mean a lot more to me with every one of them.”
Wilkins and Shena Locke, co-founder of Wilkins’ Dyna2mic Foundation, wanted to thank all the sponsors and contributors at this year’s event, including Action Rental, Andy’s Cheesesteaks & Burgers, the Beaufort County Boys & Girls Club, the Beaufort County school district, Dominoes, Golden Corral, King Chicken, Piggly Wiggly, Pizza Hut, St. Claire Trucking, Wal-Mart, Wilson Cleaning Mobile Service and all the volunteers.
Wilkins is thankful for the generosity.
“That’s very special,” Wilkins said. “It means a lot. They’re just showing their support, showing their interest and they’re showing that they care about these kids just as much as I do.”
Each of the professional athletes enjoys returning home, giving back to the community and putting smiles on the kids faces.
And that puts a smile on my face.
-----
Kevin Travis is the sports editor of the Washington Daily News. You may reach him at 940-4217, or by e-mail at Kevin@wdnweb.com.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Four area teams still alive
Four area teams are still alive in the N.C. High School Athletic Association state playoffs, including three softball teams -- all from Beaufort County.
The Washington Pam Pack will play host to Coastal Conference rival D.H. Conley in Tuesday's third round of the 3-A state softball playoffs.
The Southside Seahawks will play host to their Atlantic Conference rival Northside Panthers in Tuesday's third of the 1-A state softball playoffs.
The Williamston Tigers will play host to the Princeton Bulldogs in Tuesday's fourth round of the 1-A state baseball playoffs. The two teams met in 2004, with the Bulldogs winning both games in regional play. Princeton is the defending 1-A state champions.
The Washington Pam Pack will play host to Coastal Conference rival D.H. Conley in Tuesday's third round of the 3-A state softball playoffs.
The Southside Seahawks will play host to their Atlantic Conference rival Northside Panthers in Tuesday's third of the 1-A state softball playoffs.
The Williamston Tigers will play host to the Princeton Bulldogs in Tuesday's fourth round of the 1-A state baseball playoffs. The two teams met in 2004, with the Bulldogs winning both games in regional play. Princeton is the defending 1-A state champions.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Thanks for all you do, Mumsy
Thanks for all you do, Mumsy
Commentary by KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
There’s not enough space in this column, or enough space in my heart, to express to my mom just how much she means to me. Just how much I love her.
My “Mumsy” is my best friend. My biggest fan. My harshest critic.
She certainly doesn’t follow sports the way I do, but she’ll “glance” at nearly anything and everything I write. Her words of praise are always appreciated, as are her suggestions.
She always wants the best for her sons, and she’ll bend over backwards to make that happen.
Of course, I sometimes wonder if I should have heeded all her suggestions while growing up.
Mothers mean well. They really do.
Whether it’s spitting on a tissue and then rubbing it on your face to get the chocolate ice cream off your chin, or offering up the idea to wear a light blue tuxedo to your prom, the things they do for their sons and daughters are immeasurable.
Yes, it’s true. I wore a light blue tuxedo to my prom. My mom swears she didn’t offer up that suggestion, but I beg to differ.
An impressionable and already-geeky high school student, I remember hearing something to the extent of, “Why dress like everybody else?”
So I went against the grain. I showed up at prom looking like one of the dudes from “Dumb and Dumber,” only without the top hat and cane. I actually think the top hat and cane would have been better.
What would have happened had I chosen to wear a black tux? Would I have suddenly blossomed into a college sports star? Would I have been the star being written about instead of being the one writing about the stars?
My dear mom and I laughed about that just the other day.
It’s fun to share memories. And I’ve got a ton of great ones, thanks to her.
I remember my first game in little league. I wore a shirt that looked more like a giant dress. And I remember that I was awful. Instead of swinging the bat, I would stick it straight up in the air, praying for a walk. Mom was there, watching me proudly as I would either trot to first base or back to the dugout.
One of my fondest memories involves playing baseball in the backyard of my grandparent’s house. There was a fence at the end of the yard. Hit it over the fence and it was, obviously, a home run. I can still picture my mom, dad and grandparents sitting around a small table watching me and my brothers.
So many of my fondest memories revolve around my mom. She’s always been there for me, and I know she always will.
Thanks for everything, Mumsy. I love you.
Happy Mother’s Day.
-----
Kevin Travis is the sports editor of the Washington Daily News. You may reach him at 940-4217, or by e-mail at kevin@wdnweb.com.
Commentary by KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
There’s not enough space in this column, or enough space in my heart, to express to my mom just how much she means to me. Just how much I love her.
My “Mumsy” is my best friend. My biggest fan. My harshest critic.
She certainly doesn’t follow sports the way I do, but she’ll “glance” at nearly anything and everything I write. Her words of praise are always appreciated, as are her suggestions.
She always wants the best for her sons, and she’ll bend over backwards to make that happen.
Of course, I sometimes wonder if I should have heeded all her suggestions while growing up.
Mothers mean well. They really do.
Whether it’s spitting on a tissue and then rubbing it on your face to get the chocolate ice cream off your chin, or offering up the idea to wear a light blue tuxedo to your prom, the things they do for their sons and daughters are immeasurable.
Yes, it’s true. I wore a light blue tuxedo to my prom. My mom swears she didn’t offer up that suggestion, but I beg to differ.
An impressionable and already-geeky high school student, I remember hearing something to the extent of, “Why dress like everybody else?”
So I went against the grain. I showed up at prom looking like one of the dudes from “Dumb and Dumber,” only without the top hat and cane. I actually think the top hat and cane would have been better.
What would have happened had I chosen to wear a black tux? Would I have suddenly blossomed into a college sports star? Would I have been the star being written about instead of being the one writing about the stars?
My dear mom and I laughed about that just the other day.
It’s fun to share memories. And I’ve got a ton of great ones, thanks to her.
I remember my first game in little league. I wore a shirt that looked more like a giant dress. And I remember that I was awful. Instead of swinging the bat, I would stick it straight up in the air, praying for a walk. Mom was there, watching me proudly as I would either trot to first base or back to the dugout.
One of my fondest memories involves playing baseball in the backyard of my grandparent’s house. There was a fence at the end of the yard. Hit it over the fence and it was, obviously, a home run. I can still picture my mom, dad and grandparents sitting around a small table watching me and my brothers.
So many of my fondest memories revolve around my mom. She’s always been there for me, and I know she always will.
Thanks for everything, Mumsy. I love you.
Happy Mother’s Day.
-----
Kevin Travis is the sports editor of the Washington Daily News. You may reach him at 940-4217, or by e-mail at kevin@wdnweb.com.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Area teams in state baseball playoffs
NCHSAA Class 1A State Baseball Playoffs
First Round
Friday
6 p.m. - Northside at Midway
6 p.m. - Cape Hatteras at Williamston
6 p.m. - Roanoke at Bear Grass
6 p.m. - Plymouth at Jamesville
6 p.m. - Columbia at Camden
First Round
Friday
6 p.m. - Northside at Midway
6 p.m. - Cape Hatteras at Williamston
6 p.m. - Roanoke at Bear Grass
6 p.m. - Plymouth at Jamesville
6 p.m. - Columbia at Camden
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
2009-13 NCHSAA CONFERENCE REALIGNMENT
NORTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
REALIGNMENT COMMITTEE PROPOSAL 2009-13
4-A CLASSIFICATION
CONFERENCE 1 (6)
Ashley
Laney
New Hanover
Hoggard
New Bern
Rose
CONFERENCE 3 (8)
West Carteret
Havelock
West Craven
Washington
South Central
Conley, D.H.
White Oak
Jacksonville
1-A CLASSIFICATION
CONFERENCE 1 (7)
Creswell
Bear Grass
Jamesville
Columbia
Mattamuskeet
Ocracoke
Cape Hatteras
CONFERENCE 2 (8)
Manteo
Camden
Perquimans
Plymouth
Northside
Southside
Williamston
Roanoke
REALIGNMENT COMMITTEE PROPOSAL 2009-13
4-A CLASSIFICATION
CONFERENCE 1 (6)
Ashley
Laney
New Hanover
Hoggard
New Bern
Rose
CONFERENCE 3 (8)
West Carteret
Havelock
West Craven
Washington
South Central
Conley, D.H.
White Oak
Jacksonville
1-A CLASSIFICATION
CONFERENCE 1 (7)
Creswell
Bear Grass
Jamesville
Columbia
Mattamuskeet
Ocracoke
Cape Hatteras
CONFERENCE 2 (8)
Manteo
Camden
Perquimans
Plymouth
Northside
Southside
Williamston
Roanoke
Monday, April 14, 2008
Copper to hold football camp
Copper to hold football camp
By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
GREENVILLE — Terrance Copper has never forgotten his roots.
The New Orleans Saints star, who returned home this weekend to watch East Carolina’s annual Purple-Gold spring football game, got his start in Washington. Copper, who recently signed a two-year, $2.75 million contract with the Saints, will hold his first football camp in Washington this summer.
The Terrance Copper First Annual Football Camp will be held June 13-14 at Washington High School.
“It’s been something I’ve wanted to do,” Copper said. “It’s something I’ve been thinking about. The plans came together for me. I’m definitely looking forward to it.”
A banquet will be held on June 13, a Friday, at the Civic Center in downtown Washington. Curtis Johnson, the Saints’ receivers coach, will be the guest speaker.
Prior to his start with the Saints, Johnson was the receivers coach at the University of Miami for 10 seasons where he helped Andre Johnson, Santana Moss and Reggie Wayne, among others, earn first-round selections in the NFL Draft.
The camp, which will be for kids ages 7-18, will be held on June 14.
Copper will be joined by Saints’ teammates Reggie Bush, Deuce McAllister, Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, David Patten, Robert Meacham and Lance Moore. Also expected to help run the camp are former ECU teammate Vonta Leach, who is the fullback for the Houston Texans, along with former Pirates’ Richard Koonce, Marvin Townes and Donald Whitehead.
“We just want to get out there and motivate the kids,” Copper said. “We’re going to tell the kids to stay in school, to keep their grades up and to live their dreams because anything is possible.
“We should have a good time there.”
Copper, a new father, had a good time himself during this weekend’s ECU festivities. He and his wife, Kandy, recently celebrated the birth of a son, Tyreek, who joins siblings Terrance Jr. and Taniya.
“It’s great to come back,” Copper said. “It’s great to see all the guys I used to play with and then to see the new talent that’s on the field now.”
While the game was cut short because of inclement weather, the former ECU standout wide receiver and record-holder liked what he saw.
“They look pretty good,” Copper said. “They have some shoes to fill, especially with Chris Johnson leaving, but they’re looking pretty good.”
The 6-0, 207-pound Copper is currently in conditioning with his New Orleans teammates. While Copper already has four years of NFL experience to his credit, he’s far from complacent.
“I never take it for granted,” said Copper, who has 46 catches for 600 yards and six touchdowns in his career. “You could be here one day and gone the next. You have to take every day like you’re out trying to prove something.”
Copper, who hauled in 15 receptions for 156 yards and two touchdowns last year, said the Saints are hungry for a big year.
“Our whole mentality is Super Bowl,” said Copper, who has 24 kickoff returns for 467 yards (19.5 average) and 37 special teams tackles in his career. “If we don’t win the Super Bowl, our season is a failure. We believe we have the talent to do it and we have the coaching staff to do it.”
Copper and the Saints will start their season in London. New Orleans will kick off the 2008 NFL season Oct. 26 against the San Diego Chargers at London’s historic Wembley Stadium.
By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
GREENVILLE — Terrance Copper has never forgotten his roots.
The New Orleans Saints star, who returned home this weekend to watch East Carolina’s annual Purple-Gold spring football game, got his start in Washington. Copper, who recently signed a two-year, $2.75 million contract with the Saints, will hold his first football camp in Washington this summer.
The Terrance Copper First Annual Football Camp will be held June 13-14 at Washington High School.
“It’s been something I’ve wanted to do,” Copper said. “It’s something I’ve been thinking about. The plans came together for me. I’m definitely looking forward to it.”
A banquet will be held on June 13, a Friday, at the Civic Center in downtown Washington. Curtis Johnson, the Saints’ receivers coach, will be the guest speaker.
Prior to his start with the Saints, Johnson was the receivers coach at the University of Miami for 10 seasons where he helped Andre Johnson, Santana Moss and Reggie Wayne, among others, earn first-round selections in the NFL Draft.
The camp, which will be for kids ages 7-18, will be held on June 14.
Copper will be joined by Saints’ teammates Reggie Bush, Deuce McAllister, Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, David Patten, Robert Meacham and Lance Moore. Also expected to help run the camp are former ECU teammate Vonta Leach, who is the fullback for the Houston Texans, along with former Pirates’ Richard Koonce, Marvin Townes and Donald Whitehead.
“We just want to get out there and motivate the kids,” Copper said. “We’re going to tell the kids to stay in school, to keep their grades up and to live their dreams because anything is possible.
“We should have a good time there.”
Copper, a new father, had a good time himself during this weekend’s ECU festivities. He and his wife, Kandy, recently celebrated the birth of a son, Tyreek, who joins siblings Terrance Jr. and Taniya.
“It’s great to come back,” Copper said. “It’s great to see all the guys I used to play with and then to see the new talent that’s on the field now.”
While the game was cut short because of inclement weather, the former ECU standout wide receiver and record-holder liked what he saw.
“They look pretty good,” Copper said. “They have some shoes to fill, especially with Chris Johnson leaving, but they’re looking pretty good.”
The 6-0, 207-pound Copper is currently in conditioning with his New Orleans teammates. While Copper already has four years of NFL experience to his credit, he’s far from complacent.
“I never take it for granted,” said Copper, who has 46 catches for 600 yards and six touchdowns in his career. “You could be here one day and gone the next. You have to take every day like you’re out trying to prove something.”
Copper, who hauled in 15 receptions for 156 yards and two touchdowns last year, said the Saints are hungry for a big year.
“Our whole mentality is Super Bowl,” said Copper, who has 24 kickoff returns for 467 yards (19.5 average) and 37 special teams tackles in his career. “If we don’t win the Super Bowl, our season is a failure. We believe we have the talent to do it and we have the coaching staff to do it.”
Copper and the Saints will start their season in London. New Orleans will kick off the 2008 NFL season Oct. 26 against the San Diego Chargers at London’s historic Wembley Stadium.
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