Sports NASCAR lower boom on Gibbs NASCAR hit Joe Gibbs Racing with some of the harshest penalties in history, including the indefinite suspension of seven crewmen, as punishment Wednesday for trying to distort results of testing following the Nationwide Series race last Saturday at Michigan International Speedway. Great Quale goes for the gold Let the games begin! As the world's best athletes compete for gold on the Olympic stage, what better time for our area's best prep football teams to start testing their mettle on the gridiron? Crazy eights lead way for Seniors KERNERSVILLE – Three teams tied at 8-under-par during the High Point Seniors Golf Association event at Maple Leaf Golf Club on Wednesday. Wake Forest soars with Deacon Tower What covers 122,000 square feet, rises 125 feet and includes 600,000 bricks, 184 televisions, 45 surveillance cameras and 464 speakers? A dream building that cost $47 million? The dream has become reality. Atlanta gets 2009 Labor Day race date NASCAR's premier division is making a Labor Day return to the southeastern U.S. in 2009. The move won't be an early September return at Darlington Raceway, where the Southern 500 occupied the Labor Day weekend date from 1950 until NASCAR opted for a move to what is now Auto Club Speedway in California in 2005. Wake wows with new facilities I saw how the other half lives on Tuesday afternoon. That was my feeling while taking a media tour of the new Deacon Tower, the massive seven-story structure rising from the west side of Wake Forest's BB&T Field. It's a press box. It's a bunch of luxury suites and club seats. It's more than impressive. Most stunning is the room reserved for the Moricle Society, an exclusive club of 21 Wake donors. The Moricle Suite includes 84 seats – the Moricle members and three guests each – and enough fancy chairs, polished brass and impressive woodwork to make the Biltmore House proud. Sedgefield draws rave reviews One by one, event organizers and Wyndham executives praised the success of the PGA Tour's return to Sedgefield Country Club. “We have seen so many positives from our move to Sedgefield,” said Wyndham Championship tournament director Mark Brazil. Battle leads Bison charge as hoops coach Patrick Battle has enjoyed a rapid ascent up the coaching ladder. Three years guiding the Guilford Middle School boys basketball team. One season in charge of High Point Central's junior varsity boys. And now, the top rung: varsity boys basketball coach for the Bison. Pettersson considers himself an Americanized Swede Born in Sweden, Carl Pettersson lived five years in England and has spent most of the past 16 years in the United States. So what nationality does he consider himself? No place like home for Pettersson Don't interrupt. He's on a roll. While speaking to the crowd late Sunday afternoon after capturing the $5.1 million Wyndham Championship, Carl Pettersson said: “It's special to win here, after growing up in Greensboro.” Pettersson makes Sykes, Wolfpack proud with win Richard Sykes proudly wore his N.C. State golf cap on Sunday at Sedgefield Country Club. With good reason. Sedgefield delivers winning product Good move, Wyndham Championship. From 1977 until last year, the Piedmont Triad's PGA Tour event was conducted at Forest Oaks Country Club in southeastern Guilford County. The tournament, called everything from the Greater Greensboro Open to the K-Mart GGO to the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro to the Wyndham Championship, was moved from spring to fall to summer. McCarron steals some of Pettersson's thunder Scott McCarron entered the interview room late Saturday afternoon to a distinctive scent. “Smells like popcorn,” he said. Laird makes a name for himself Martin Charles Campbell Laird should not be confused with Melvin Laird. Martin Laird is from Glasgow, Scotland, Melvin from Omaha, Neb. Brown claims seventh Bowman Gray title Tim Brown wrapped up his seventh Bowman Gray Stadium championship with a victory in the 150-lap modified season finale after his main points challenger Burt Myers ran into trouble. Brown, who entered the event with a 28-point lead, ran in third place until Myers and Junior Miller crashed fighting for the lead, knocking Myers out of contention. Brown led the rest of the way and won the title by 68 over Myers, who settled for 11th place. Pettersson puts impressive number on the board He's on the board, for goodness sakes. Not the scoreboard, although he's at the top of that too. Carl Pettersson is a board member of what is formally known as the Piedmont Triad Charitable Foundation. Azinger weighs Ryder Cup options Under normal circumstances, Scott McCarron, Davis Love III, Kevin Streelman, David Toms and others playing the Wyndham Championship would have no chance to make the Ryder Cup. That was before new United States captain Paul Azinger came along. Familiar names, strangers dot leaderboard The familiarity factor at the top of the Wyndham Championship leaderboard went in opposite extremes Thursday. On one hand, unheralded PGA Tour members Bob Heintz, Martin Laird, Scott Sterling and Garrett Willis stand tied for third or better after the first round of this $5.1 million event at Sedgefield Country Club. Weaver positioned for weekend action C. Damian Velasquez knows his stuff. A veteran PGA Tour caddie, Velasquez – “They call me V for victory,” he said – has carried the bags of Stewart Cink and Carlos Franco, among others, in recent months. On Thursday, the native of Venezuela left Sedgefield Country Club impressed after caddying for amateur Drew Weaver of High Point. All roads could lead to High Point race Mike Foster feared that his dreams of hosting a street race in High Point as a fundraiser for two educational projects and other things would be killed in their infancy by race-course designer Chris Kneifel. Foster, an airline pilot who has no previous experience in racing but loves British sports cars, was afraid that Kneifel would look at downtown High Point and say that it was not suitable for a race course. No Love for Sedgefield? Not quite Davis Love III has the right to feel irritated. After an impressive history at Forest Oaks Country Club – including tournament wins in 1992 and 2006 and a 2003 redesign of the southeast Guilford County golf course – Love watched as the PGA Tour event up and left. Heck, the father of one of Love's college teammates at the University of North Carolina – John Hughes – once owned Forest Oaks. Brown sets his sights on seventh Bowman Gray title So far, Tim Brown enjoys a season like no other in his lengthy career at Bowman Gray Stadium. He owns a season personal best six wins and has qualified fastest for 10 of the 12 meets so far at the quarter-mile track. Benson could clinch Caraway crown Saturday Even though the last points-paying night is Oct. 4, the battle for Caraway Speedway's track championship could be over Saturday. That's because only three late-model races remain after this week and Randy Benson's lead over his friend Pete Stewart is 150 points, which is enough to clinch the title if the margin remains the same or increases. Golfers brace for tough Sedgefield test Beware. Sedgefield Country Club, all dressed up and ready to go for Thursday's first round of the Wyndham Championship, will be far from the shortest golf course on the PGA Tour. And it will be far from the easiest. Hutchens leaves RCR, joins DEI Bobby Hutchens is no longer associated with Richard Childress Racing. Hutchens, who served in supervisory roles for many years with Childress before becoming general manager of the RCR-Dale Earnhardt Inc. engine program last year, was named to the new position of vice president of competition at DEI on Tuesday. McLardy soars from Greensboro to European Tour Andrew McLardy lives in Greensboro. He plays on the European Tour. Something doesn't fit. “It's not a tough flight,” McLardy insisted on Tuesday before playing a practice round at Sedgefield Country Club. “You go to Charlotte and then to London. Seven hours. It's nothing.” Mediate drops out GREENSBORO – Rocco Mediate, one of the biggest and earliest names to commit to the Wyndham Championship, officially withdrew on Monday. Weaver eager for Wyndham challenge When Drew Weaver won the British Amateur on June 24, 2007, everything changed. Hit and Run It was bound to happen. Since golfers on the PGA Tour are independent contractors, they can pick and choose which tournaments to enter. HiToms rule CPL for third straight year COLUMBIA S.C. – While the faces may change, the results never seem to for the Thomasville HiToms. Alamance County native eager for shot with Panthers As a graduate of Southern Alamance High, Chris Conklin could live in one of several communities within the mostly rural area outside Burlington. Colonial Country Club event goes to playoff THOMASVILLE – The team of Terry and Michael Cromer won in a sudden-death playoff over two other groups to claim first place in the Colonial Country Club member-guest tournament. Panthers start fast, outlast Colts One minute into Saturday night's preseason game, Julius Peppers soared through the air with the greatest of ease. Arms extended, the Carolina Panthers' former Pro Bowl defensive end jumped on quarterback Jim Sorgi, recording a sack and forced fumble in one play. Wyndham comes home to Sedgefield When major championships land at courses designed by the legendary Donald Ross, an almost-reverent tone gets used to describe Pinehurst No. 2, Oakland Hills, Oak Hill and the like. If PGA Tour players love playing Ross designs so much, though, why is it that a regular Tour stop hasn't been played on one of his courses for years? So far, so good for Panthers On a pleasant August evening, the Carolina Panthers did everything right when it mattered most. Then again, do preseason games really matter? That was the question on Saturday night as the Panthers opened their preseason schedule by jumping ahead 14-0 and beating the Indianapolis Colts 23-20 in overtime at Bank of America Stadium. Colts' stars won't come out against Panthers Even though most of tonight's NFL preseason game at Bank of America Stadium will be played under dark skies, one thing is certain. The stars will not come out for the Indianapolis Colts. HiToms ground Pilots After surviving a scare a few hours earlier, top-seeded Thomasville sent out its ace, Justin Sarratt, in the HiToms second-round Petitt Cup game against the Peninsula Pilots. Sarratt pitched a masterpiece, shutting down the Pilots while his offense eventually wore down the Peninsula staff in a 8-1 victory. Trinity's Pittman watches summer stock soar After a hectic summer of basketball camps and tournaments, Josh Pittman has joined Trinity High's cross-country team. Don't worry. He understands that his future remains in basketball. Wyndham gets royal treatment Two sports legends will be at the Wyndham Championship next week, and they won't be playing golf. Arnold Palmer, golf's king, and Richard Petty, the king of stock car racing, will be on the first tee at Greensboro's Sedgefield Country Club on Wednesday at 5 p.m. as part of the opening ceremony. Area golfers fare well in N.C. Senior Four-Ball Charlotte's David Strawn and Winston-Salem's Logan Jackson successfully defended their championship in the N.C. Senior Four-Ball tournament on Thursday. They shot 67-69-68 for a 12-under-par 204 total. High Point's Brad Burris and Raleigh's Sid Aldridge shared second at 68-67-70–205. Clifton stays firmly planted in basketball More than three years after his college basketball career ended, Dwon Clifton remains in the game. The former Westchester Academy star's most recent career move probably will keep him in the game for a long time. HiToms eager for third straight Pettit Cup crown With the best record in the Coastal Plain League wrapped up Monday night, HiToms manager Matt McCay faced an easy decision entering Tuesday's game. Change nothing. HPU's Barbour blazes hot path during summer Late recruits usually attract suspicion in college basketball. Nick Barbour has attracted nothing but praise this summer. Sedgefield adds three more stars Eight days before the tournament's first round, the Wyndham Championship received three more impressive commitments on Wednesday. Two major winners from 2007 – Zach Johnson and Angel Cabrera – and international star Paul Casey are all ranked among the top 50 players in the world and will play at Sedgefield Country Club next week. They join a field that also will include defending champion Brandt Snedeker, Vijay Singh, Davis Love III, Rocco Mediate, Tim Clark, Carl Pettersson, Lucas Glover, David Toms, Davis Duval, John Daly and 2007 British Amateur champion Drew Weaver of High Point. Hobson sparks HiToms past Mustangs Manager Matt McCay's decision to resist the temptation of overusing his position players during an impressive stretch run may have paid huge dividends this week. For the fourth time in seven days, a well-rested HiToms squad engaged in a game that was decided in the final inning. Fortunately for Thomasville, Tuesday night's regular-season finale broke in the HiToms favor as they defeated Martinsville 5-4 at Finch Field. Singh brings star power to Wyndham When Vijay Singh announced last month that he would play in the Wyndham Championship, tournament director Mark Brazil made a bold and accurate statement. “This is one of our biggest commitments in years,” he announced. Panthers get kicks with unheralded Lloyd Last winter, the Carolina Panthers made a significant move that went relatively unnoticed. They signed Rhys Lloyd to a multi-year contract. Sportscenter SunDevils enjoy lucky 7 Thousands of swimmers, parents and coaches gathered at the High Point Elks Lodge Monday for the High Point Community Swimming Association swim meet. Sixty-four events later, the fun was complete, champions were awarded and memories were forged. Long balls propel HiToms to CPL's best record The HiToms lead the Coastal Plain League in home runs this season. Blake Forsythe's team-leading 10th blast will be the shot most remembered by players, coaches and fans during what has turned out to be another magical summer at Finch Field. Panthers' Smith strikes again It was always a matter of when. To media members who have covered wide receiver Steve Smith for several years, his sucker punch of Carolina Panthers teammate Ken Lucas last week was no surprise. A popular topic of conversation among Panthers writers has been predicting when Smith was going to lose his temper and do something stupid. Favre-Packers saga soars to new lows The Brett Favre-Green Bay Packers saga took a turn for the ridiculous on Sunday night. Favre confirmed his plans to report to Packers' camp today and flew to Green Bay yesterday evening. Dickerson, Harris take Creek Invitational Dave Dickerson and Jeff Harris made birdie 3 on the ninth hole in Sunday's alternate shot format and won The Creek Invitational at Willow Creek. Dickerson and Harris beat Bob Crawford and Don Mairose on the last hole of the shootout. Grizzlies trip HiToms, 9-8 The Thomasville HiToms capped their regular-season road schedule with a 9-8 loss to the Gastonia Grizzlies on Sunday night. PGA Tour stop a short drive from Willow Creek Harold Moose, who currently serves as the director of public relations at Furnitureland South, has enjoyed a long career in the furniture industry. He might have done OK in the hotel and hospitality world, too. Geiberger's 1976 win at Sedgefield a memorable moment Al Geiberger sounded a little hazy on what exactly his current job entails. “I'm the pro emeritus, whatever that means,” Geiberger said with a laugh of his gig at Stone Eagle Golf Club in Palm Desert, Calif., where Bill Gates is a founding member of the lush course in the mountainous desert region. “At my time of life it's a fun job to have – if you can call it a job.” Johnson finds his groove The sleeping giant appears to be finally awakening on the Cup circuit. After a half-season or so of struggling, Jimmie Johnson is getting into a rhythm. Football teams suit up On the first day of football practice one year ago, Rodney McKoy was walking in the door of the T. Wingate Andrews gym to meet his players for the first time. Spending eight months getting ready for a season sure beats the 10 minutes of prep time McKoy had as a last-minute hire. HiToms clinch second-half division title After dropping two extra-inning affairs this week, the Thomasville HiToms erased the bitter taste of defeat in dramatic fashion Friday night. Despite trailing for a third straight game, the HiToms clinched the West Division of the Coastal Plain League by topping the Martinsville Mustangs 8-7 at Finch Field. Area prep football players can't beat the heat Beat the heat or enjoy the setting sun? When it comes to football practices in August, mid-day sessions are out for area high schools due to strict heat guidelines set by the county systems. At Southwest Guilford, Scott Schwarzer said he likes to start practice at 9 a.m. so everything is wrapped up before the scorching noon sun becomes a factor. HiToms end long win streak vs. Asheboro THOMASVILLE – All good things must come to an end. On Thursday night, the Asheboro Copperheads snapped the HiToms' 15-game home winning streak at Finch Field by notching an 11-6 win in 10 innings. Hit and run: 'Angel in the outfield' sparks team The way Mark Scott and his teammates on the Jamestown United Methodist Church softball squad see it, the opposition never stood a chance this summer. And maybe that's OK. High schools set fall practice dates The dog days of summer have arrived just in time for area high schools to begin their practices for the fall sports season. The following schools have reported the dates below for the opening days of practice. Benson remains cool about hot streak Maturity, experience and age have a way of helping keep the proper perspective on success. Johnny Benson is a prime example of that these days. HiToms fall in 10th to Mustangs MARTINSVILLE, Va. – The surging HiToms will have to wait at least one more day to clinch their spot in the Coastal Plain League's Petitt Cup Tournament. L.W. Miller on hostile turf as Modified Tour goes to Bowman Gray WINSTON-SALEM – In a quest for another NASCAR Southern Modified Tour championship, L.W. Miller faces his stiffest test of the year this weekend. Pemberton apologizes for fiasco At least NASCAR competition director Robin Pemberton didn't try to dodge and weave around controversy on Tuesday. HiToms pound Catawba Valley THOMASVILLE – Thomasville put together four insurance runs in the bottom of the seventh and downed the Catawba Valley Stars of the Carolina-Virginia Collegiate League 9-4 in an exhibition game at Finch Field. Pettys announce short-term lineup MOORESVILLE – Kyle Petty will return to the driver's seat for one race in the near future. Former Ledford coach picked for NCHSAA hall ENTERPRISE STAFF REPORT CHAPEL HILL – Ken Browning, a former coach at Ledford High School, is among eight people in this year's class chosen for induction into the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame. Petty put on sidelines again MOORESVILLE – Add another race to Kyle Petty's break from driving on the Cup circuit. Hobson gains weekly Coastal Plain honor THOMASVILLE – Thomasville second baseman Wes Hobson was named the Coastal Plain League hitter of the week while Petersburg's Christopher Nelson was tabbed the pitcher of the week for July 23-July 27, the league announced. HiToms remain hot with exhibition win THOMASVILLE – Even though it was an exhibition, the HiToms continued to roll Sunday, trampling Kernersville of the Carolina-Virginias Collegiate League, 7-2, Hit and Run Fiasco, Disaster. Pathetic, Inexcusable. Unacceptable. Hornish seeks more Indy magic Just returning to compete at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend is huge for Sam Hornish Jr. “Indianapolis brings back some of the earliest memories I have of going to races along with Michigan,” Hornish said earlier this week. “Those are two places that are really special to me as far as being a spectator and enjoying racing with my parents. I think my mom and dad went to the Indianapolis 500 when my mom was eight months pregnant with me. I think that's really cool – I have been there in a lot of different ways.” Beatty powers HiToms Saturday night's matchup between the Gastonia Grizzlies and the Thomasville HiToms shaped up to be a pitcher's duel until C.J. Beatty intervened. With two outs in the bottom of the third inning, Beatty's three-run homer broke open a scoreless game. Richard Jones added a solo shot and Wes Hobson had an RBI single as the HiToms went on to win 5-1. Some things you may not have known about Goose Gossage The Baseball Hall of Fame adds eight legends to its membership today in Cooperstown, N.Y. Relief pitcher Goose Gossage, managers Dick Williams and Billy Southworth, former commissioner Bowie Kuhn, executives Walter O'Malley and Barney Dreyfuss, writer Larry Whiteside and broadcaster Dave Niehaus join the list of Hall of Famers enshrined. HiToms sink SwampDogs The scene at Finch Field is beginning to feel eerily familiar. The HiToms pounded out eight runs on 13 hits en route to an 8-1 victory over the Fayetteville SwampDogs, moving to 31-16 for the season and 15-4 in the second half. New-look Panthers open camp today Around 10 minutes past nine this morning, the Carolina Panthers get to work for real. They begin training camp workouts in the heat at Wofford College in Spartanburg, preparing for a season in which they hope to erase the stigma of a 2007 season in which they missed the playoffs with a non-winning mark for the second straight year, posting a 7-9 mark that sounds better than their play actually was. U.S. men's basketball team feels golden pressure The U.S. men's Olympic basketball team hit the court for the first of five-pre Beijing exhibitions last night against Canada. The American team, which rolled past the Canadians, is loaded with big-name NBA stars. Head coach Mike Krzyzewski is a master motivator and should be the ideal man to mold this collection of talent into a juggernaut. N.C. State, Marquette series stirs memories N.C. State and Marquette have reached an agreement for a home-and-home men's basketball series. The Wolfpack will play host to Marquette this Dec. 22, then visit Marquette the following season. Brickyard becomes Stewart's fun yard As far as the racing part goes, Tony Stewart indicates he will enjoy this week's venture to the place where he wants to win the most. That was not always the case when Stewart stepped onto the Indianapolis Motor Speedway grounds. That's because it's the place the Indiana native dreamed about winning as he drove past its grandstands that separate a street from the racing surface. It's the place that he obsessed about while driving past its massive grandstands that separate a street from the main straightaway. HiToms rally last Copperheads, 8-6 Ben Thielsen's two-run single in the top of the eighth inning sparked the Thomasville HiToms to an 8-6 victory at Asheboro on Thursday night. Thielsen's hit tied things at 6-6. Sonny Meade's sac fly gave the HiToms a 7-6 lead. The HiToms added a run in the ninth, scoring on a wild pitch. Nichols, Owen smash records at High Point Junior Josh Nichols and Tanner Owen captured High Point Junior Golf Championships in record-setting fashion on Wednesday at Oak Hollow. Nichols carded a final-round 64 to set a tournament record for low 18-hole score and won the boys 16-18 championship flight at 72-64–136. His two-day total tied for the lowest in event history. Little quickly locates victory lane at Caraway Mack Little III is going on eight years as a utility locator for the City of High Point. He didn't need nearly that long to find victory lane as a late model stock racer at Caraway Speedway. Brown sees Bowman Gray streak come to an end Before losing some of his Bowman Gray Stadium points lead Saturday night, Tim Brown suffered the end of a streak. It was an ending that he found unacceptable. High Point Junior golfers post sizzling marks Andrew Kersey and Christian Hawley carded 69s to share the lead in the boys 16-18 championship flight after Tuesday's first round of the High Point Junior Golf Championships. The first round was played at Blair Park with today's final round set for Oak Hollow. No place like home for Hayes Tuesday turned out to be bigger and better than William Hayes expected. Selected in the fourth round by the Tennessee Titans in April's NFL draft, the 2003 High Point Andrews product signed a four-year contract, a development that would have been huge by itself. Petty hands keys to Labonte for Brickyard 400 Terry Labonte isn't through substituting for Kyle Petty in the Petty Enterprises No. 45 Dodge. The Petty team announced Tuesday that Labonte will be in the car for Sunday's Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The move assured the car of making the starting lineup for one of the most important races of the year because Labonte is guaranteed a starting spot as the first driver eligible to use a provisional berth reserved for past Cup champions. NASCAR upholds DEI penalties MOTORSPORTS NOTEBOOK: Dale Earnhardt Inc. received the usual treatment in a NASCAR appeals hearing Monday. Ray, Bridges spark West GREENSBORO – The 2008 edition of the East-West All-Star girls basketball game had a local feel as two from the area were among those who mixed it up Monday night at the Greensboro Coliseum. Star Aquatics swimmers wear state crowns CHARLOTTE – Four Star Aquatics swimmers splashed to state titles in the N.C. Long Course 14-Under Championships that ended late Sunday night at Mecklenburg Aquatic Center. Harrington defends British crown Padraig Harrington blew me away with his performance in Sunday's final round of the British Open. The unflappable Irishman with the quick smile and dead-eye accuracy defended his Open championship with an effort for the ages. Harrington overcame brutal playing conditions to post a four-stroke victory and cement his status as a links legend in the making. Jones captures Colonial Ladies Invitational Carole Jones nipped Darcy Lepir by two strokes to capture the Colonial Ladies Invitational golf title at Colonial Country Club on Sunday. Jones carded rounds of 75 and 75 for a 4-over-par 150 total over the 5,133-yard, par-73 layout. Lepir posted rounds of 75 and 77 for her 152, while Marcia Burge finished third at 80-75–155. Willow Creek crowns Memorial Cup champs The Memorial Cup at Willow Creek produced sizzling scores on a sizzling Sunday. The format was best ball gross of the two-man team and play was held in two divisions – open and senior. Mike Bivins and Kim Mansfield won the open division (played from the blue tees) at 15-under-par 130 after rounds of 66 and 64. Farley Davis and Robert Davis took second at 66-69–135 with Jeff Murrow and Andy Swaim third at 67-71–138. What I did on my summer vacation Ricardo Viera took the concept of a “working vacation” to a whole other level. In High Point this month to visit family, Viera ended up returning to Florida following an “I'll be working for somebody else” vacation. Surprises filled first half of Cup season Technically, this weekend's inactivity isn't truly a halfway break for NASCAR's top division. When the checkered flag waved over Kyle Busch last Saturday night at Chicagoland Speedway, the finish marked the end of the 19th race of the season – one event past an even split between the halves of the 36-race scheduled. HiToms sweep Owls The Thomasville HiToms made a clean sweep of the Forest City Owls Saturday night, winning both games of a doubleheader at Finch Field. The first game began Saturday with one out in the bottom of the second, as part of a continuation of a suspended contest from July 4. J.B. MacDonald – who started the Independence Day game with two scoreless innings and a 1-0 lead – pieced together a complete game, allowing only two runs on eight hits and four strikeouts in an 8-2 HiToms victory. Travelin' man: Kennington logs many miles to race If cloning were allowed or one of the laws of physical science could be suspended, D.J. Kennington wouldn't mind. That way he could be in two places at the same time today and again on Saturday of next week. Or could have been three times earlier this year and could be four more times in August and September. Mustangs corral HiToms A night after pounding out a record 22 runs on 19 hits, the Thomasville HiToms managed to hit the ball fairly well, but their pitching didn't hold up. The HiToms dropped an 8-6 decision to the Martinsville Mustangs on Friday night at Hooker Field. British Open offers compelling storylines Sure, this year's British Open lacks the overpowering presence of Tiger Woods. But that doesn't mean the event is short on major drama. HiToms explode for 22 runs THOMASVILLE – Dust off the record book and get the whiteout ready: The HiToms shattered their former franchise mark of 19 runs in a game in Thursday night's 22-1 win over the Martinsville Mustangs. Crane advances at Pinehurst PINEHURST – Former Ragsdale star and current North Carolina standout Sydney Crane has advanced to the quarterfinals of the 106th North & South Women's Amateur Championship at Pinehurst No. 2. Smith lands dream job at Ledford Officials at Ledford High School wasted little time in filling their baseball coaching vacancy. Brown moves into driver's seat at Bowman Gray Trouble. Trouble. Trouble. Tim Brown chose to stay away from it while Burt Myers found it last Saturday night. Ninth unkind to HiToms again KILL DEVIL HILLS – Some critics of the Coastal Plain League complain about the unbalanced scheduled that has teams playing so many games within its own division. Adams leaves Ledford diamond for office post Coach Adams is becoming Mr. Adams – although the former Ledford baseball leader said he's still got plenty of coaching left in him. Ninth-inning Edenton rally sinks HiToms EDENTON – A seesaw battle that began in the eighth inning saw Edenton prevail 6-5 over the Thomasville HiToms on Tuesday night. Panthers club sends 43 to AAU Nationals KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Of the 50 High Point Panther track club members who qualified for the AAU Region 3-A Track and Field Championships at the University of Tennessee, 43 finished in fourth place or better to earn spots in the AAU Junior Olympics national meet at Eastern Michigan University later this month. Taking the Helm(s) at High Point Central High Point Central athletic director Mike Cook says the Bison baseball program is in good hands. Big hands, too. “He drinks a canned drink, you can't see the can in his hands,” Cook marveled while smiling in the direction of Ken Helms' imposing figure. Wrenn helps HiToms stay hot ASHEBORO – Former Wesleyan Christian Academy standout Wes Wrenn limited Asheboro to a single unearned run in seven innings of work and the Thomasville offense came through with four runs in the seventh and eighth innings for an 8-2 win Monday night at McCrary Park. Womble gets alternate spot for 'Big I' SOUTHERN PINES – Davis Womble, a rising freshman at Wesleyan Christian Academy, grabbed a sixth-place tie at the state qualifier of The Trusted Choice “Big I” Junior Classic at Mid Pines Golf and Resort. HiToms pour on runs vs. Grizzlies THOMASVILLE – About the only thing that could slow down the HiToms against the Gastonia Grizzlies on Sunday night was a 50-minute rain delay just after the second inning. Hit and run: More East-West memories coming soon In case the muggy days, near-daily threats of pop-up thunderstorms and 9 p.m. sunsets weren't enough of a reminder that we're deep into the summer, another helpful hint is on the way. High Point Heat athletes reach nationals NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Gabrielle Gray earned first-place finishes in the AAU Track and Field Region 3A tournament, coming home Sunday with firsts for the High Point Heat club in the 100 and 200 meters and earning a spot in the national championships later this month. Beatty happy to swing hot bat for HiToms The kids at Finch Field clamor for autographs along the first-base line after each game, waiting for each of their summer heroes to come say a kind word and sign the offered item. Every HiToms squad has players who seem to become fan favorites, and certainly one of this year's candidates for Mr. Congeniality is center fielder C.J. Beatty. Butters' impact on Blue Devils remains strong Tom Butters doesn't get out much anymore. He's 70 now, a decade removed from his long tenure as athletic director at Duke, and his love of playing golf has been deflected by multiple knee replacements and pulmonary fibrosis. Still, Butters' mind remains sharp, his memories vivid. In May, the Ohio native came to the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh to discuss his induction into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. Sarratt's gem sparks HiToms sweep Justin Sarratt's one-hitter in Game 1 and a six-run inning in Game 2 sparked the Thomasville HiToms to a doubleheader sweep of Gastonia in a pair of seven-inning contests. Sarratt entered the Saturday twinbill with stellar stats that only got better following a 1-0 victory. Already 4-1 for the season with a 1.37 earned run average, the Clemson hurler allowed only a single up the middle by Kaleb Herren in the fifth. Gastonia's only other base-runner came on an error as Sarratt didn't allow a walk and struck out nine. Jones' blast lifts HiToms in 11th What failure to hold a late-inning lead? What inability to score in the bottom of the ninth after a lead-off double? “All that other stuff ... the bottom line is, I'm a big fan of winning,” said smiling HiToms manager Matt McCay. Jones doesn't leave 'Cape' in Massachusetts In the summer ball hierarchy, the Cape Cod Baseball League is known as THE place to be for aspiring pro players. Often, young college players will excel for their teams in the spring, spend a summer on a high-level wooden bat squad such as those in the Coastal Plain League and then land in the Cape. There, Cape Cod all-stars get introduced at Fenway Park, and many eventually play there – and elsewhere – in the majors: 212 former Cape players were on major-league rosters last season. Kernersville ousts Post 87 from American Legion playoffs The Post 87 Junior HiToms saw their season end with a 10-9 loss to Kernersville Post 36 in Game 4 of their best-of-5 American Legion first-round playoff series on Friday night. Post 36 rallied from a 9-5 deficit with five runs in the bottom of the eighth to clinch the series. Kelly Surface's two-run homer was the key blow for Kernersville in the eighth. Kernersville grabs 2-1 series lead over Post 87 Kernersville Post 36 rolled to a 19-5 victory over the Post 87 Junior HiToms in Game 3 of the best-of-5 American Legion first-round playoff series on Thursday night at Finch Field. Post 36 grabbed a 2-1 series lead. Game 4 is tonight at 7 in Kernersville. Game 5, if needed, will be played on Saturday at Finch Field. That game time is to be determined. Singh commits to play in Wyndham Vijay Singh made the Wyndham Championship field even stronger on Thursday by becoming the highest-ranked player to commit to the $5.1 million PGA Tour event. A three-time major winner, Singh currently stand No. 10 in the Official World Golf Rankings. He joins a growing list of golfers who have announced they will play in the event, set for Aug. 14-17 at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro. Other commitments include defending champion Brandt Snedeker, Rocco Mediate, Davis Love III, David Toms, Tim Clark, Carl Pettersson and Lucas Glover. High Point's Drew Weaver, the 2007 British Amateur champion, also will play. Tour de France pedals memories The Tour de France cycling race provides some of the most breathtaking sports photography of the season. I marvel at the lush greenery and colorful sunflowers that appear every year when I open my Associated Press photo browser here at the office and search “Tour de France.” Golden memories: Inman recalls Petty's first start Columbia Speedway long ago became overtaken by trees and brush as its buildings and grandstands crumbled, the victim of encroaching development in the suburbs of South Carolina's capitol. The half-mile track was known for operating on Thursday nights, because that was the day that the soldiers at nearby Fort Jackson were paid, a quirk of scheduling that helped it attract most of the best late model drivers in the region to what was a dirt surface for most of its existence. College coaches continue non-stop grind In slightly more than two weeks, the college basketball world will pause to remember Skip Prosser on the one-year anniversary of his death. Has much changed since that tragic afternoon of July 26, 2007, when Prosser collapsed in his office from a heart attack following countless trips to basketball camps with little rest? Clifton helps Wall climb recruiting charts A decade ago, Dwon Clifton of High Point's Westchester Academy was a prime recruit for Atlantic Coast Conference basketball teams. An athletic wing, Clifton often was listed among the nation's top 50 players and frequently sat behind the bench at UNC and N.C. State games. He wanted to play in the ACC, and most schools in the league were hot on his trail. N.C. stars look to shine on Olympic stage They came from North Carolina towns or in-state colleges. They trained and sacrificed and, in many instances, delayed their careers to maintain their dreams of earning spots in the Olympics. Many have succeeded, judging from the athletes with local connections who will participate in the Summer Olympics starting Aug. 8 in Beijing, China. HiToms survive wild 12-11 affair After scoring seven runs in the fourth inning, the HiToms appeared in full control of Tuesday night's game against Asheboro. The Copperheads proved otherwise, forcing Thomasville to strike back again and again before the HiToms finally pulled out a 12-11 victory on a wet night at Finch Field. Harrell left his mark on and off the court The death of John Harrell last week did not attract much attention, even within North Carolina. That's a shame. The fact that Harrell died at age 50 of an aortal aneurysm was surprising enough. He was much too young, much too intelligent, much too significant to pass away in 2008. At the time of his death, the former mathematics major at Duke lived in Fairfax, Va., and worked as a consultant for Verizon. Former NFL players eager 'to give back' at camp Next Level keeps reaching another level. On Saturday, it will reach into High Point. Post 87 wins playoff opener KERNERSVILLE – The Post 87 Junior HiToms won a wild one in Monday's opener of the American Legion Baseball Area III playoffs. HiToms fall for first time in second half MARTINSVILLE, Va. – A four-run eighth inning for the Martinsville Mustangs on Monday afternoon handed Thomasville its first defeat of the second half of the Coastal Plain League season. Busch makes more magic Given the turn of events Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway, it is hard not to believe that this might be Kyle Busch's year on the NASCAR circuit. By all rights, he should have taken out half of the field when his Toyota wouldn't steer heading toward turn three just past the halfway mark in the 400 plus five. HiToms bash Copperheads When the raindrops stopped falling from the sky Sunday night, the HiToms replaced them with home run balls. Thomasville sent three long balls soaring over the Finch Field wall in right field and got more stellar pitching during an 11-0 victory over Asheboro. C.J. Beatty got it started with a rocket in the second inning for a 1-0 lead. Following a 65-minute rain and lightning delay, Richard Jones smoked a solo shot in the fifth and Chris McGuiness sent a towering shot just over the fence for a three-run homer in the sixth. All-Star Game set for historic stage The Major League All-Star Game occupies a special place in the American sports landscape. And this year's contest figures to be especially majestic. When baseball's brightest stars take the stage at Yankee Stadium on July 15, they'll be part of history. Cozart feels at home on HPU diamond Less than two weeks ago, Craig Cozart and his wife, Michelle, left their comfort zone at the University of Central Florida for a brave new world. Kyle Busch wins a wild one DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – With his run of luck continuing, Kyle Busch wound up on the right side of a close finish at Daytona International Speedway. Terry Labonte keeps coming back for more Terry Labonte first joked when talking about Mark Martin's change of heart. “I think he is crazy,” the two-time Cup champion said of Martin deciding to tackle the full schedule in 2009 after scaling back to a part-time effort last year. Hamlin hammers down at Daytona Even with a caution that brought a green-white-checkered finish in overtime, Kurt Busch felt there was no way he could beat his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin. He was right. DEI drivers sweep front row Dale Earnhardt Inc. brought back memories of its past glories on Friday. The fellow that led the charge for the team founded by Dale Earnhardt was something of a surprise. Stewart seeks better luck this time If Tony Stewart didn't have bad luck, as the saying goes, he'd have no luck at all this season. Stewart could easily boast as many as four 2008 victories heading into Saturday night's 400-mile race at Daytona International Speedway. Instead, he has none. Coach K focuses on Duke and USA Mike Krzyzewski admitted the obvious earlier this week. Duke's head basketball coach, entering his 29th season, cannot hide the fact that he won't be able to devote much time to the important July college recruiting period. NASCAR confiscates Truex Jr.'s Chevy Another team lost a car to NASCAR on Thursday. The sanctioning body seized the No. 1 Chevrolet fielded by Dale Earnhardt Inc. for Martin Truex Jr. after its roof did not fit templates during inspection before practice. NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said the car would be taken to the NASCAR research and development center in Concord for further examination. Mackey rolls dice, hits Caraway jackpot B.J. Mackey took a gamble. The risk paid off handsomely Wednesday night with a victory in the 200-lap Rusty Harpe Memorial race at Caraway Speedway. Mackey rolled the dice because he used the same that car he normally uses in the UARA-STRAR Series, taking a chance that if he wrecked it, he could not compete in this weekend's UARA race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Weaver gets another shot at the pros With one year of college eligibility remaining, Drew Weaver will wait at least a year before turning professional. It only seems like the High Point resident is already a pro. Bowman Gray breaks for holiday Fourth of July weekend means no racing at Bowman Gray Stadium as some of the Modifieds head down the road to Caraway Speedway. With all that has transpired at the quarter-mile track this year, it would not be a surprise if some of the drivers are ready for a break. Is UNC standout Taylor-made for Panthers? Don Gregory wasn't exactly sure why the Carolina Panthers drafted Hilee Taylor in the seventh and final round in April. Drivers geared up for Caraway's big night ASHEBORO – If tonight's race were just a run-of-the-mill late model show at Caraway Speedway, Travis Swaim most likely would pass. Gardner-Webb officially joins Big South CHARLOTTE – Gardner-Webb University officially became the 10th member of the Big South Conference on Tuesday, giving the league 10 schools for the first time since 1994. HiToms falter in bid for first-half crown FOREST CITY – The Owls scored the tying run in the bottom of the eighth inning and won Monday night's contest 7-6 in the 11th to deny the Thomasville HiToms the first-half title in the Coastal Plain League West Division. Marcy Hart upbeat about her game Several times during the U.S. Women's Open, Marcy Hart offered the same assessment of her play. “I'm encouraged,” she said. UNC's Fox nabs Baseball America honor DURHAM – One week after guiding North Carolina to a third straight top-three finish at the College World Series, head coach Mike Fox was named national coach of the year Monday by Baseball America. HiToms stumble GASTONIA – With a chance to move into first place in the Coastal Plain League's Western Division, Thomasville came up short Sunday. Hit and Run Several days later, I'm still confused. I don't understand what the Charlotte Bobcats' new head coach, Larry Brown, and personnel boss Michael Jordan were thinking during the recent NBA Draft. Bourbour claims President's Cup HIGH POINT – Brett Barbour protected his lead to prevail in the President's Cup tournament that ended Sunday at Willow Creek. Panthers gear for basketball season Officially, college basketball practice opens in October. The regular season begins in November. Unofficially, we know better. Any NCAA Division I player understands that basketball is virtually a year-round sport and June typically marks the starting point for the next season. Bostic gets involved in football again GREENSBORO – Earlier this summer, Joe Bostic laced on a pair of cleats and went back in time. Stewart leaves open possibility of leaving Gibbs at end of the season Joe Gibbs steadfastly maintains that he expects Tony Stewart to stay until his contract expires at the end of next season. McGuinness powers HiToms past Grizzlies THOMASVILLE – The scheduled postgame fireworks display at Finch Field got off to an early start Friday night as the HiToms were able to pound the ball early and put away Gastonia 7-3. HPU fills baseball vacancy High Point University athletic director Craig Keilitz believes the second time will be the charm in his search for a head baseball coach. Hendrick, Mears announce split One of the dominoes in driver movement on the Cup circuit for 2009 officially fell Friday. Rocco's return a big boost for Wyndham GREENSBORO – Rocco Mediate, a two-time winner of Guilford County's PGA Tour event, made a big-time announcement on Thursday by becoming the first professional golfer to publicly commit to playing in the Wyndham Championship. McCay getting to know his HiToms THOMASVILLE – After a long season that ended a few days earlier than North Carolina's baseball team had hoped, many of the Tar Heels had little to look forward to on their long flight home from Omaha, Neb. Thomasville blanks Petersburg, moves within game of first PETERSBURG, Va. – Justin Sarratt pitched seven innings of four-hit ball and Sonny Meade and Chris McGuiness powered a late offensive surge as the Thomasville HiToms beat Petersburg 5-0 Thursday night. Rush a legend locally, beyond In a racing career spanning more than 20 years, Ken Rush knew how to get to victory lane. Kemp greateful for earliest influences provided by his coaches GREENSBORO – In many ways, Dick Kemp could not go wrong as a child and young adult. Truex knows now is time to stage rally Last season, Martin Truex Jr. became one of the surprises on the Cup circuit. This season, he is shocking no one. HPU men spurned again by local schools It makes so much sense. It has become so difficult. Once again, the High Point University men's basketball team will not play obvious nonconference opponents during the 2008-09 season. HiToms hitting their stride THOMASVILLE – Any lingering concerns about the Thomasville HiToms' slow start this season officially can be put to rest. Oak Hollow Ladies headed for playoff The Local Golf Roundup: HIGH POINT – After the third leg of competition between members of the Oak Hollow Ladies Golf Association, a tie at 16 points apiece for the Bluebird and Cardinal teams resulted, setting up a playoff to be scheduled later in the year. HiToms devour Asheboro THOMASVILLE – Monday afternoon truly was a “Picnic in the Park” for the Thomasville HiToms. After Finch Field welcomed fans of all ages for a pre-game picnic, the matinee turned out to be quite a treat for the 1,442 in attendance as the HiToms throttled Asheboro 8-0. ACC prospects appear slim in NBA draft Atlantic Coast Conference basketball players usually pour into the NBA Draft, with no league beating the ACC's 2007 marks of six first-round picks and nine overall selections. The pour will become a trickle during Thursday night's annual selection meeting. Hit and Run It's not unusual for someone with in-state or Atlantic Coast Conference connections to make the U.S. Olympic men's basketball team. Tar Heels run out of magic in Omaha OMAHA, Neb. – Every time North Carolina stepped to the plate Sunday against Fresno State at Rosenblatt Stadium, everyone held their breath. The Tar Heels had avoided elimination from the College World Series two nights in a row with dramatic late-game home runs, and with UNC one win away from a third consecutive trip to the CWS finals, there was no telling what could happen. Miller loses 69th victory at Bowman Gray WINSTON-SALEM – Junior Miller didn't win Bowman Gray Stadium's 100-lap modified feature on Saturday night after all. Couples championships on the links – er, line HIGH POINT – Tucker and Bob Crawford rolled to a two-day total of 151 to win the gross division of the High Point County Club-Willow Creek Couples Club Championship. Goins...Going...Gone Herb Goins is retiring as Director of Athletics for Guilford County Schools – but it only seemed right to chat with him at T. Wingate Andrews High School. An empty office for the interview to take place beckoned – but it only seemed right for Goins to pause at the Red Raiders' trophy case for a moment's reflection. Crawfords lead Willow Creek Club Couples Bob and Tucker Crawford carded 74 to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the Couples Club Championship at High Point Country Club's Willow Creek Golf Course. Larry and Debra Forrester stand second in gross play at 75. Saturday's format was best ball of the couple. Ringers don't guarantee road course success As sure as summer brings picnics and homemade ice cream, the Cup series' annual trip to the road course at Sonoma, Calif., prompts owners of struggling teams to boot out their regular drivers in favor of guys who do most of their racing turning right as well as left. Today's edition of the 220-mile event is no exception. The struggling Wood Brothers put Australian road racer and learning Nationwide Series driver Marcos Ambrose in their No. 21. Trying to stay in the top 35 in owner points, DEI put Ron Fellows in its No. 01 in place of Regan Smith and Chip Gannasi put his Grand-Am champion Scott Pruett in the No. 41 in place of Reed Sorenson. layout.order not defined. Today's Sports