In January, we celebrated our 10th anniversary of Fight Night for Kids presented by The Charlotte Bobcats, an event that has produced almost $1,000,000 for local children's charities. We also celebrated the legacy of Humpy Wheeler, a true Charlotte hero; we were a witness to CIAA basketball history as we watched both men's and women's teams from Johnson C. Smith University win their championships, which were played for the fourth consecutive year at Time Warner Cable Arena; and, the A-10 Women's Basketball Tournament took place at Halton Arena on the UNC Charlotte campus and was won by the Lady 49ers. . .and that's just the first quarter of the year!

 

Over the next few months, we can look forward to:  the USA  Pee-Wee Hockey Nationals at the Extreme Ice Center; great college golf featuring local favorites Belmont Abbey, Davidson and Charlotte at The Palisades Collegiate Golf Classic; world class equestrian competition at the Charlotte Jumper Classic and the Queen's Cup Steeplechase; professional bass fishing at Lake Norman as the Walmart FLW National Guard Open returns to our Region; the PGA's Quail Hollow Championship; NASCAR's Pit Crew Challenge, All Star Race and Coca Cola 600; "River Roar", the Region's only corporate raft race at the US National Whitewater Center; world-class swimming competition at the Mecklenburg Aquatic Center as Charlotte UltraSwim features Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps; and finally the State Games of North Carolina, in and around the Charlotte Region in June.

As for 2010 and beyond, we are very excited about Charlotte's choice as Host City for the ACC Football Championship game to be played at Bank of America Stadium next year and in 2011. And there are more events in the works, as you might expect.

Our job is to work with our strategic partners to bring new sporting events to our Region, events that you will want to attend and support. Even in this tough economic environment, you can rest assured we are up to the task. At our "Member Appreciation Night" which was held recently at BlackFinn American Saloon, in the heart of the Center City, we wanted to show our heart-felt thanks to those who help us and  for all they do for us. Although a small gesture on our part, it was meant to say that, especially in these stressful times, we know how fortunate we are to have them (and you) as part of the Sports Commission "team".

Brandyn Curry, Hopewell High School, was named MECA-7 Conference Player of the Year for the 26-1 Titans boys' basketball team. He will attend Harvard this Fall.

 

Alana Hadley, a 6th grader at Community House Middle School, finished first among 554 females and fifth overall among 1,200 participants in the Cupid's Cup 5K run, averaging 5:39 minutes per mile.

 

Charlotte 49er senior forward Lamont Mack was named to the third team All Atlantic 10 basketball team for 2008-2009.

 

The Johnson C Smith University men's and women's basketball teams won the 2009 CIAA Basketball Tournament, held for the 4th consecutive year in Charlotte during the last week of February. Both teams advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament.

 

The Charlotte 49ers lady's basketball team captured the A-10 Women's Tournament crown which was played in Charlotte at Halton Arena. They received an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament with the victory.

 

Steve Joyner, JCSU men's head basketball coach, notched his 400th victory during the regular season this year. Very few coaches have reached this lofty milestone as Coach Joyner joins an elite group.

 

The West Charlotte girls won the State 4-A basketball Championship by beating Durham Hillside at the Dean Dome in Chapel Hill, giving the Lions' girls and boys a total of 9 state basketball titles. Also, the Lion's Christal Caldwell was named to the All-State Team, leading the voting for the second straight year.

 

Queen's University All American Michael Crouch won the national championship in the 5,000 meter run at the 2009 Division II Indoor Track & Field Nationals in Houston. He defended the same title which was won last year by the Royals' Daniel Kanyaruhuru.

 

Gastonia Ashbrook High School Senior Justin Crawford won the 60-meter hurdles at the National Scholastic Indoor Track & Field Championships in New York City.

 

North Mecklenburg High School's boys Indoor Track and Swimming and Diving teams won NCHSAA 4-A State Championships this Winter Season, as did Providence High's girls Swimming and Diving team.

 

Our Charlotte Checkers earned a play-off spot for their great play this year. This is the 4th consecutive season the team has qualified for post-season play. For play-off tickets and schedule information, go to www.gocheckers.com.

Coming Up This Quarter...

Fifteen college golf teams will converge on Charlotte this month as the Sports Commission hosts the 12^th Annual The Palisades Collegiate Golf Classic presented by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. The tournament, played at The Palisades Country Club, began in 1998 and has grown into arguably one of the finest college golf tournaments in the southeast.

 

Joining the host teams Belmont Abbey, Charlotte and Davidson in the field are Elon, Francis Marion, Kennesaw St., Longwood, Louisville, Marquette, Nebraska, Old Dominion, Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth, West Florida, and Winthrop. 

 

The Charlotte 49ers team has won the event for the past four years, including a 6-stroke victory over Virginia Commonwealth in the 2008 Classic.  Both Charlotte and Louisville advanced to the NCAA D-I National Championships last year, with the 49ers finishing tied for 8^th and the Cardinals finishing 10^th.  In addition, Belmont Abbey and West Florida advanced to the NCAA D-II National Championships in 2008, with BAC finishing tied for 12^th place and West Florida winning the D-II National Title.

 

Sponsors of The Palisades Collegiate Golf Classic are Hood Hargett, Keith Corporation, R.T. Dooley, Harris Teeter, Pepsi, Promo Threads, Jim 'n Nicks BBQ, Bojangles , Lance, egolf Tarheel Tour and Sabona.

Atlantic-10 Championships at UNC Charlotte

 

For the first time in school history, the Charlotte 49ers women's basketball program won the Atlantic-10 (A-10) tournament and went to the big dance. Monday, March 9th, the 49ers claimed victory over Richmond 59-54 to claim the tournament championship and secure their spot in the NCAA Tournament. This was the 49ers second trip to the NCAA tournament, the first was in 2003 with an at-large bid.

 

Charlotte coach Karen Aston said "I am really thrilled for our players and coaching staff they really wanted to win this Championship and make the NCAA Tournament. Our team paid the price all season with their hard work and they have been rewarded with a conference championship and a trip to the NCAA Tournament. Our program has been on the verge for a few years and we have now taken the next step." 

 

Congratulations to Coach Aston and her team on a great season. 
 

Fight Night for Kids presented by The Charlotte Bobcats

The 10th anniversary event was held at the Charlotte Convention Center on January 22, 2009. Sponsors for this year's event, in addition to the Bobcats, included Perry's at Southpark, Beck Automotive Group, Bojangles, Jack Daniel's, the Hilton Charlotte Center City, Rose Chauffeured Transportation, and the Tinderbox. Also, special thanks go out to Ascension Aviation, WBT, North American Lawn & Landscape and East Coast Entertainment.

Attendees were treated to a fabulous cuisine prepared by the Convention Center staff, top shelf beverage service, world- class entertainment, fabulous auction items and the opportunity to win a 2009 Mercedes. The professional boxing portion of the evening included a surprise this year, as two MMA bouts were introduced to wide acclaim from the guests.

 

The Fight Night for Kids Foundation has made grants approaching $1,000,000 to over 50 local children's charities during the ten years we have been in existence. Thanks to everyone who participated in 2009!

An Evening with Humpy Wheeler

Over 170 people attended this event at the McGlohon Theatre on Tuesday, February 17.  Various individuals from Mr. Wheeler's past were on-stage with him throughout the night, including  emcee Harold Johnson.  Other participants included Leo Hindery, Jr., Bonecrusher Smith, Tom Cotter, Jim Duncan, David Hill, Bobby Bunch and Rick Hendrick.  Eric Hyman, Athletic Director at the University of South Carolina, presented Mr. Wheeler with a framed jersey that had his name and number on it from his playing days.  The Catawba Valley Scottish Society at Rural Hill received a portion of the proceeds from this event.

 

On Thursday, February 12th, the Charlotte Knights held their 2nd Annual Night with the Knights at the Charlotte Convention Center.  The 300 people in attendance were honored with the presence of Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. as the keynote speaker.  He shared stories about his time with the Charlotte O's as well as with the Baltimore Orioles.  Chris Chambliss, the new Manager for the team, also addressed the crowd.  Charlotte Knights opening day is April 4th at 11:15am against the Gwinnett Braves.  For tickets and more information, please visit www.charlotteknights.com.  


CIAA Men's & Women's Tournaments

This year's showcase of the CIAA Basketball Tournaments was a huge success! Alumni, current students, parents, and fans all congregated in Charlotte's Center City for the long weekend in February. The excitement in the Time Warner Cable Arena was phenomenal! The bowl was packed, the concourse was full of vendors, and more importantly, the games were uber competitive!

Congratulations to Coaches Steve Joyner and Vanessa Taylor of Johnson C. Smith for their success on the court as both the Men's and Women's teams won the Championship titles.