http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com Smith River Sports Complex News Friday, 17 May 2013 12:00:12 EST HD CMS en daily 1 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/96 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/96 Thursday, 16 May 2013 12:00:00 EST

Smith River Sports Complex hosts VACA State Soccer Tournament

Thursday, 16 May 2013 12:00:00 EST The Smith River Sports Complex (SRSC) will be hosting the Virginia Association of Christian Athletics (VACA) high school girls state soccer tournament this weekend, Fri., May 17-Sat., May 18, 2013. There will be two games played on Friday evening at 5:00 p.m.: Dayspring vs. Fresta and Shenandoah Valley vs. Southwest Virginia Home School. On Saturday, at 10:00 a.m., the consolation game will be played between the losers of the Friday games. At 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, the championship game will be played. Teams included in the tournament are No. 1 seeded Dayspring Christian Academy from Blacksburg, Va., No. 1 seeded Shenandoah Valley Christian Academy from Stephens City, Va., No. 2 seeded Fresta Valley Christian School from Marshall, Va., and No. 2 seeded Southwest Virginia Home School based out of Roanoke, Va. Admission for the games are $5 for adults, $3 for students, $15 for families, $3 for seniors (60 and over), and children 6 and under are free. "It's quite an honor for the kids to be able to play on this quality of fields," said Pete Trout, VACA Tournament Director."We're pleased to host this state championship here at SRSC. We always enjoy being able to offer up our facility to participants that may not always have a chance to play here," said Billy Russo, Director of Operations for the SRSC. For further questions, please contact Amanda Gray, Director of Marketing at (276) 638-5200, ext. 2 or agray@SouthernVirginiaSports.com. For more information on events at the Complex visit www.SmithRiverSportsComplex.com.  http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/97 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/97 Thursday, 09 May 2013 12:00:00 EST

The Smith River Sports Complex has received a boost in funding from The Harvest Foundation as the complex continues working toward self-sufficiency.

Thursday, 09 May 2013 12:00:00 EST From Bulletin staff reportsThe Smith River Sports Complex has received a boost in funding from The Harvest Foundation as the complex continues working toward self-sufficiency. Harvest has awarded the Southern Virginia Recreation Facilities Authority $655,000 over three years to put toward the sports complex's operating costs, Harvest announced Wednesday. That brings the foundation's total funding for the complex, toward both construction and operation, to more than $10 million. Harvest paid the complex's roughly $8.5 million construction cost. Since it opened in 2009, the facility has received an additional $1.7 million in grants from Harvest, said Gladys Hairston, the foundation's marketing director and program associate. Billy Russo, operation director for the complex, said that as the complex has generated more and more revenue, Harvest has reduced its support by roughly $25,000 to $50,000 per year. Hairston and Russo said Harvest funds are used toward various costs such as marketing, facility maintenance and office expenses. Revenue generated by the complex now accounts for about 56 percent of its budget, with the remaining44 percent being Harvest funds, Russo said. The recreation authority aims for the complex to be an economic driver for the community as well as a venue for local events, Hairston said. The complex generate more than $2 million in revenue in 2011 and more that $3 million last year, when it hosted more that 250 events, including athletic tournaments, camps and community gatherings, she said. Revenue is expected to approach $5 million this year, she added. The revenue includes rental fees, event sponsorship, concession sales, donations and funds raised in the community, Russo said, adding that a small amount of revenue is received from event ticket sales and hotels. Harvest funding is useful to the complex, according to Russo. "But we also understand they (Harvest) don't want to fund us forever," he said. "That's why we've changed our strategy." The complex now has a full-time development employee whose job is to find other funding sources, such as grants, he mentioned. Russo said the goal is for the complex to be self-sufficient, hopefully in three years. "We're headed in that direction," he said, adding he cannot be certain that the goal will be achieved by then. For now, Harvest considers the complex to be a good investment. "Athletics have always been a major pastime in Martinsville-Henry County," Hairston said. "To have a facility like the Smith River Sports Complex in our community has only increased this passion, as evidenced by the increases in events and revenue each year." It is rare, she said, to drive by the complex at night and on weekends and not see hundreds of players, coaches and spectators there.Hairston said the complex has become "a cherished facility" for local school and recreational soccer, t-ball and football programs. It also draws thousands of athletes and spectators from locally and beyond for non-traditional sports such as Ultimate Frisbee and lacrosse, she said. The authority's board, the complex's staff and numerous volunteer "have worked tirelessly to promote this local gem throughout the region," she said. "they've done an exceptional job." The complex has become "the premier sporting destination for our region and it has proven its ability to generate significant income for our local economy," said authority board Chairman Jimmy McGarry. "We are pleased that Harvest has recognized the significant impact" that the complex has on Henry County-Martinsville, McGarry said. "We continue to grow our schedule of events for local sports and fitness activities, as well as tournaments attracting out-of-town visitors." http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/94 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/94 Thursday, 25 April 2013 12:00:00 EST

32 teams from all over the Atlantic Coast Region will be competing to move on to National Championship

Thursday, 25 April 2013 12:00:00 EST April 25, 2013, Martinsville, VA: The 2013 USA Ultimate Atlantic Coast D-1 College Women's and Open Regional Championships will be held at the Smith River Sports Complex this weekend, April 27th and 28th. Games will start on Saturday at 9 a.m. and run through 6:30 p.m. On Sunday games will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The men's championship game is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday and the 2nd place game to qualify for the Championships is schedule for 1 p.m. The women's championships game is scheduled for 1 p.m. This event is free to the public.There will be a total of 16 Open and 16 Women's teams competing with 2 Open and 1 Women's teams qualifying to represent the Atlantic Coast region at the National Championship tournament on May 24-27 in Madison, WI. Over 12,000 student athletes on more than 700 college teams from across North America entered the USA Ultimate College Championship Series in early April.This Ultimate Championship will bring over 700 athletes and coaches to the Martinsville-Henry County area generating a great economic impact."We are very excited for the high level of competition that occurs every year at the Atlantic Coast Division I College Regional Championships," said Dave Branick, the Atlantic Coast Open College Director. "The event includes 32 teams from schools in Delaware, Maryland, DC, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, all competing for a coveted spot at the College Championships. ."Combining the non-stop movement and athletic endurance of soccer with the aerial passing skills of football, a game of Ultimate is played by two seven-player squads with a high-tech plastic disc on a field similar to football. The object of the game is to score by catching a pass in the opponent's end zone. Ultimate is a transition game in which players move quickly from offense to defense on turnovers that occur with a dropped pass, an interception, a pass out of bounds, or when a player is caught holding the disc for more than ten seconds."We are really excited to host this USA Ultimate sanctioned regional qualifying event," stated Billy Russo, Director of Operations for the Smith River Sports Complex. "We feel that this event will continue to put us on the map to host more high level events in the sport of ultimate and others in the future."USA ultimate is the National Governing Body for the sport of Ultimate in the United States. Their mission is to advance the sport of Ultimate by enhancing and promoting Character, Community, and Competition. "The staff at Smith River Sports Complex make our lives as event organizers incredibly easy, so returning to SRSC this year was a no-brainer," Branick said when asked why USA Ultimate decided to return to the Smith River Sports Complex. "From providing amazing fields and facilities to handling tasks like field lining, water runs and trash pick-up, the staff make it easy for us to focus on coordinating with teams and supervising competition. Streamlining our responsibilities the weekend of the event really frees the organizers up to make sure the event comes off without a hitch."Women's Teams:1. Virginia2. North Carolina-Wilmington3. North Carolina-Chapel Hill4. Maryland5. Virginia Tech6. James Madison7. Towson8. South Carolina9. Duke10. Clemson11. American12. Delaware13. Appalachian State14. Georgetown15. George Washington16. Virginia Commonwealth Men's Teams:1. North Carolina-Chapel Hill2. North Carolina-Wilmington3. Maryland4. Virginia5. James Madison6. Virginia Tech7. Georgetown8. Appalachian State9. George Washington10. Clemson11. Johns Hopkins12. Delaware13. William & Mary14. George Mason15. South Carolina16. North Carolina StateFor more information visit www.SmithRiverSportsComplex.com or call (276) 638-5200. To learn more about USA Ultimate visit http://www.usaultimate.org.For the schedules please visit these links:Women's: http://scores.usaultimate.org/scores/#college-womens/tournament/12548Men's: http://scores.usaultimate.org/scores/#college-open/tournament/12664 ### http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/93 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/93 Friday, 19 April 2013 12:00:00 EST

This weekend the Smith River Sports Complex played host to the Pomerstone Classic, a tournament featuring some of the top women's college club lacrosse teams in the country.

Friday, 19 April 2013 12:00:00 EST Sunday, April 14, 2013By MARK THOMPSON - Bulletin Sports EditorThis weekend the Smith River Sports Complex played host to the Pomerstone Classic, a tournament featuring some of the top women's college club lacrosse teams in the country.Eighteen teams from around the country - including six teams ranked in the top 10 of the WCLA national rankings - descended on the SRSC for the tournament. That number was down from 36 total teams after half of them had to back out due to the scheduling change.The Pomerstone Classic was originally scheduled for the same weekend as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway, so tournament director and co-chairman David Pomeroy moved the tournament to this weekend, Friday through today.He's currently dicussing details with the SRSC about returning for another tournament in November - this time with the 36 teams originally planned for."We had over 100 teams interested for last weekend's date, so we'll definitely hit the 36 (team) mark," Pomeroy said.But this weekend's tournament was more than just 18 teams competing and hoping to improve their résumés against some of the top teams in the nation.In many ways, it was a test of the SRSC and for the SRSC. Pomeroy said the complex was everything he hoped it would be after holding the same tournament last spring at Northeast Park in Gibsonville, N.C."We wanted to grow, and this complex was what we wanted, a small-town complex on the east coast that could fit a decent amount of teams that makes it worth their time to travel," Pomeroy said. "We had teams traveling from Utah and around the U.S., spending thousands and thousands of dollars. I wouldn't want a team to come here without a complex like this."Pomeroy said he's from a small town and likes interacting with local business owners and supporting the local restaurants, as opposed to a big city.SRSC Director of Marketing Amanda Gray said providing that small-town feel is one of the strengths of the complex and the Martinsville-Henry County area."That's a reason why we have a lot of the tournament directors continue to return to the Smith River Sports Complex, because we work so well within our community," Gray said. "They actually go out to our local businesses and support the restaurants, and the restaurants and everyone just gives off such a welcoming vibe that they want to keep returning."But the tournament isn't just a test of the SRSC, but a test for the complex.Gray said members of the governing body of U.S. Lacrosse were in attendance - certainly a group that the complex could benefit from by making a good impression.But making an impression is not anything the SRSC has struggled with, if their partners with countless other weekend tournaments in a variety of sports has been any indication."For example, with Michelle Ng, she does Ultimate Frisbee. When we first started with her, she only did one event with us. This year she's already held three tournaments with us," Gray said. "So the retention rate, we're having them come back and booking more events. And just from that one Ultimate Frisbee tournament we had, like I said we got three more from Michelle, but we got two others from word of mouth spreading from her."So it's not just the Smith River Sports Complex, it's a whole community involvement, and we're very lucky to have the support within our area."Gray hopes the Pomerstone Classic, named after Pomeroy and co-chair Mindy Stone, will return in November.Pomeroy said he was impressed with the area and added that he's a NASCAR fan, making a trip over to see Martinsville Speedway a must.If the weekend's a success, Pomeroy may be back in time to see some fresh tire marks at Martinsville Speedway following the Goody's Fast Relief 500 on Oct. 27. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/92 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/92 Thursday, 11 April 2013 12:00:00 EST

The Smith River Sports Complex (SRSC) is proud to announce the hire of their new Director of Fund Development, Lloyd Barber.

Thursday, 11 April 2013 12:00:00 EST The Smith River Sports Complex (SRSC) is proud to announce the hire of their new Director of Fund Development, Lloyd Barber. The Director of Fund Development position is new to the Smith River Sports Complex with the primary duty being to help maintain and generate funding sources while also completing several other tasks. "We are very excited to have Lloyd on our team at SRSC," said Billy Russo, Director of Operations for the Smith River Sports Complex. "Her professional experience as well as her knowledge of our area and the people and businesses are an advantage that we look forward to." Lloyd Barber and her husband, Gus, have lived in Martinsville since 1987 minus a two year stint in Los Angeles. She grew up in Richmond, Virginia and graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science degree from the McIntyre School of Commerce. Lloyd has been actively involved with several organizations in the local community where she assisted and led fundraising projects while also holding various titles. She is a sustaining member of the Charity League, member of the Piedmont Arts, SPCA and YMCA. She was one of the founding members of the Friends of the Boys and Girls Club where she helped grow the membership. For her professional career Lloyd worked in marketing for Kayser Roth Hosiery and Kraft General Foods. She taught technology at Carlisle School for 9 years where her two children attended and coached the girls' varsity tennis team. Most recently she did part-time bookkeeping for several organizations in the area. In her spare time she enjoys working out at the YMCA, tennis, music, and spectator sports. "I am glad to be a part of this team working at the Smith River Sports Complex," said Lloyd Barber. "I look forward to seeing the Complex continue to grow and succeed in its mission to enhance the visibility and image of the area and positively impact the economy." The SRSC opened in June 2009 and was funded by a grant provided by the Harvest Foundation. The Southern Virginia Recreation Facilities Authority, established under the Code of Virginia and empowered by the City of Martinsville and Henry County, is responsible for creating partnerships and strategies to promote and manage an exceptional sports and entertainment facility to its maximum potential possible known as the Smith River Sports Complex. This complex fulfills the community need for diverse sports opportunities and enhances the visibility and image of the Martinsville-Henry County area . Through sports tourism SRSC brings additional revenues to support local businesses and boosts economic growth in the region. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/91 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/91 Monday, 08 April 2013 12:00:00 EST

Nationally ranked collegiate women's lacrosse come to SRSC

Monday, 08 April 2013 12:00:00 EST Pomerstone Classic College Club Girls Lacrosse TournamentNationally ranked collegiate women's lacrosse come to SRSCThe Smith River Sports Complex(SRSC) will host the Pomerstone Classic April 12th-14th. Games will begin April 12th at 7:00 pm and end April 14th at 1:00 pm. The 2nd annual Pomerstone Classic is put on by the Mid-Atlantic Women's Lacrosse League(MAWLL). "Lacrosse is quickly becoming a popular sport at SRSC. The Pomerstone Classic is the first college club lacrosse event that SRSC will host and the first women's lacrosse event. This event was brought to SRSC from discussions that started at the US Lacrosse Convention in Philadelphia in 2012." Said Director of Operations Billy Russo, "We are excited to host this event with the organizers from the Pomerstone Classic and hope to extend our partnership with College Club Women's Lacrosse in the future with more events". "Spectators can expect to see top notch nationally ranked collegiate women's lacrosse being played at an amazing complex" said tournament Director David Pomeroy. " I decided to have the tournament in Martinsville and at the SRSC because of the great scenery and humbling service offered in the business' of town. This area is a great way to get away from the everyday hustle and bustle of our lives." Division I schools that will be participating are Westminster College, Syracuse University, University of Virginia, Ohio University ,University of Alabama, Towson University ,Miami University (OH), University of Toledo as well as the following division II schools; Loyola University, Elon University, Appalachian State University, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina-Wilmington, James Madison University, University of Utah, Oakland University, Villanova University.  For more information about the Smith River Sports Complex and upcoming events please visitwww.SmithRiverSportsComplex.com or contact Amanda Gray at (276) 638-5200 for any questions or concerns. For the 2013 schedule click here   http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/90 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/90 Tuesday, 19 March 2013 12:00:00 EST

A dedication ceremony will be held in honor of the late Henry County Administrator, Benny Summerlin, for his contributions to the Southern Virginia Recreation Facilities Authority (SVRFA) and the Smith River Sports Complex (SRSC).

Tuesday, 19 March 2013 12:00:00 EST A dedication ceremony will be held in honor of the late Henry County Administrator, Benny Summerlin, for his contributions to the Southern Virginia Recreation Facilities Authority (SVRFA) and the Smith River Sports Complex (SRSC).The dedication will be held Sunday, March 24th at 3:00 p.m. at the Smith River Sports Complex Legacy Courtyard. In case of bad weather the dedication ceremony will be held in the meeting room in the SunTrust Pavilion building in the Legacy Courtyard area."In the boardroom, he was able to quickly get to the root of issues and to offer solutions. At the Complex, he was always quick to offer assistance when the Complex needed something that the County could provide," said Chairman of the SVRFA board James R. McGarry. "Because of him, the relationship between the Smith River Sports Complex and Henry County became a true partnership." The late Benny Summerlin was a member of the original Board of Directors for the SVRFA and served from 2006-2012. Mr. Summerlin was a vital part in the completion of many projects at SRSC such as having VDOT signs installed, a maintenance facility built and use of a vehicle for the SRSC. Thanks to his persistence and dedication to the SVRFA and SRSC these projects among several others were accomplished. "Benny's dedication and commitment to SVRFA and the Smith River Sports Complex from day one went above and beyond," said Director of Operations Billy Russo. "His time and advice given to the Board and particularly the staff at SRSC has reflected in the success we have had as an organization up to this point. His volunteerism and expertise will be sorely missed but will always be remembered." http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/89 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/89 Wednesday, 13 March 2013 12:00:00 EST

Ultimate Frisbee returns to SRSC to compete in the Virginia is for Layouts

Wednesday, 13 March 2013 12:00:00 EST  Build it upUltimate Frisbee returns to SRSC to compete in the Virginia is for Layouts March 12th, 2013, Martinsville, VA: The Smith River Sports Complex (SRSC) will hold the 2013 Virginia is for Layouts Ultimate Frisbee Tournament this weekend March 16th and 17th. Games will begin both Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 AM. There will be 19 division III teams traveling to the SRSC and Martinsville-Henry County to participate in this skill building tournament. "Virginia is for Layouts caters specifically to D-III (small school) teams as well as developmental teams, and we offer special skills sessions for these teams," said tournament director Michelle Ng. " We are bringing in coaches from Seattle, Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, and the Triangle Area to run these sessions, so this tournament is a huge undertaking and a lot of fun!" There will be 13 schools represented at this weekend's tournament. Teams such as University of Notre Dame, James Madison University, Elon University, Cornell University, Swarthmore College, Williams College, University of Pennsylvania, Wellesley College, Dartmouth College, College of William & Mary, Davidson College and Cornell University. "This is our third ultimate event in the last five weeks bringing in athletes from all over the country." stated Director of Operations for the SRSC Billy Russo. "We hope everyone around the community supports this event and the athletes who will be visiting local businesses." This event is free to the public and concessions will be open. For more information about the Smith River Sports Complex and upcoming events please visitwww.SmithRiverSportsComplex.com or contact Amanda Gray at (276) 638-5200 for any questions or concerns.### http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/88 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/88 Friday, 08 February 2013 12:00:00 EST

Ultimate Frisbee returns to SRSC to compete in the Commonwealth Cup

Friday, 08 February 2013 12:00:00 EST Without Limits will host the 2013 Commonwealth Cup on February 16th and 17th at the Smith River Sports Complex(SRSC). The Commonwealth Cup will bring a total of 16 Ultimate Frisbee teams to the area that will add support to the local economy. Teams from all over the east coast will be participating in the competition beginning at 9 a.m. both days. Virginia is for Layouts and Virginia Fusion are the other Ultimate Frisbee tournaments Without Limits runs in Martinsville-Henry County(M-HC). With this new addition it will now mark 3 events that the organization holds at SRSC."The community is always incredibly welcoming to the participants in our events. The staff at the Smith River Sports Complex and at the Comfort Inn Martinsville (our tournament hotel) are so professional and helpful," said Tournament Director Michelle Ng, when asked why they continue to return to the M-HC area. "The SRSC is also one of the best facilities I have ever run an event at. The fields are well-maintained and the facilities are immaculate!" Spectators can expect to see a number of East Coast teams, both from around the state of Virginia and nearby states, as well as from cities much further away. Both MIT and Harvard will be in attendance. "Many of these teams are striving to compete at the highest level of the college women's division, and this tournament represents the first step toward achieving that this season," Ng said.Teams that will be competing are:Massachusetts Institute of Technology sMITeUniversity of Virginia Hydra BGeorge Washington University HippoUniversity of Rochester EZsHarvard University QuasarLiberty University DMACsCollege of William & Mary Mother HuckersUniversity of Maryland Helpful Corn BDavidson College DUFUniversity of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Pleiades BUniversity of Richmond RedhotsUniversity of Mary Washington Mary MassacreGeorgetown University Huckin' FoyasVirginia Commonwealth University Biscuit VilliansSaga UltimateWake Forest University RuckusLehigh University GravityFor more information about the Smith River Sports Complex and upcoming events please visit www.SmithRiverSportsComplex.com or contact Amanda Gray at (276) 638-5200 for any questions or concerns.### http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/87 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/87 Thursday, 31 January 2013 12:00:00 EST

Sign up now for the 2013 Smith River T-Ball Season

Thursday, 31 January 2013 12:00:00 EST The Smith River Sports Complex (SRSC) is excited to announce that preparation for the 2013 Smith River T-Ball League has begun. Participant enrollment for the 2012 season was higher than it had ever been in the past with last season's grand total being 275 participants and 19 teams.The SRSC is accepting registration forms from now until March 31st and the registration fee is $30.00 per child. Children must be 4, 5, or 6 years old on April 30th, 2013 to be eligible to participate. Participants may mail registration to SRSC at 1000 Irisburg Rd. Axton VA, 24054 or you may register in person at SRSC from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.on March 2nd, 9th,16th, and 23rd. You may also download forms from SRSC's website www.SmithRiverSportsComplex.com here.A coaches meeting will be held on April 4th at 7 p.m.in the SunTrust Pavilion meeting room at the complex to discuss teams and practice. Games will be played on Saturday's starting in May until June. Parents and volunteers are very important to the Smith River T-Ball League so please indicate on your child's registration form if you are able to volunteer. Director of Operations Billy Russo said, "We are once again excited to be hosting our t-ball league this year. This is a great opportunity for kids who do not play soccer or football to play a sport at our facility"."It's a blast and as a parent I know my child enjoyed the season because she started asking about a month ago when she was going to play T-Ball again," said Brittney Harrison who was a coach and parent for the 2012 T-ball season.For more information about the Smith River Sports Complex and upcoming events please visit www.SmithRiverSportsComplex.com or contact Amanda Gray at (276) 638-5200 for any questions or concerns. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/86 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/86 Wednesday, 16 January 2013 12:00:00 EST

SRSC attends multiple sporting conventions to recruit tournaments to the area

Wednesday, 16 January 2013 12:00:00 EST January 12, 2013, Martinsville, VA: The Smith River Sports Complex (SRSC) staff just returned from Philadelphia, PA where they exhibited at the 2013 US Lacrosse National Convention on Jan. 11-13.US Lacrosse promotes the convention as the largest gathering of the lacrosse community each year, not including the games themselves. It was projected that well over 6,000 people in the lacrosse industry attended.By exhibiting at large sporting conventions it gives SRSC the opportunity to interact with sports industry professionals to learn new concepts and trends, promote upcoming events, and create awareness for the SRSC brand and Martinsville-Henry County. A primary reason for SRSC to attend these conventions is to meet with multiple key decision makers in order to bring tournaments back to the Martinsville-Henry County area.SRSC has seen success in recruiting tournaments from these conventions such as the upcoming lacrosse tournament, the Pomerstone Classic. This lacrosse tournament will take place April 12-14, 2013 and will bring around 20 college club girls teams from Alabama, New York, Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, North Carolina, Texas, Utah, Michigan, and Pennsylvania to the M-HC area. The initial contact came from meeting the tournament organizer, David Pomeroy, at 2012 US Lacrosse Convention."SRSC is thrilled to be bringing more and more lacrosse events to Martinsville-Henry County. We have seen a big increase in the number of lacrosse events we have hosted as well as our influence on the sport's decision makers from attending the National Convention in the past, and we see it as important to continue to cultivate these relationships in the future," said Billy Russo, Director of Operation for SRSC.This week the staff at SRSC will travel to Indianapolis, IN for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America's Convention (NSCAA) taking place Jan. 16-29. Billed as "The World's Largest Annual Gathering of Soccer Coaches," each year the NSCAA Convention draws approximately 4,000 coaches and more than 9,000 attendees over five days.For more information about the Smith River Sports Complex and upcoming events please visit www.SmithRiverSportsComplex.com or contact Amanda Gray at (276) 638-5200 for any questions or concerns. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/85 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/85 Monday, 19 November 2012 12:00:00 EST

There were no soccer balls Saturday at the Smith River Sports Complex, but there were still plenty of goals.

Monday, 19 November 2012 12:00:00 EST Sunday, November 18, 2012By BULLETIN STAFF REPORTS -The Cardinal Cup Fall Classic - an Old North State club lacrosse tournament - returned to the Martinsville and Henry County area for the second time this year, and with it came 28 teams and a host of parents and spectators.The SRSC had to open up an additional parking area to accommodate all the vehicles - including one Winnebago - and play raged on across five fields from 9 a.m. until sundown."It's a good thing to see for sure, to see it all filled up," said Billy Russo, director of operations at the complex.And for Russo, it's good to see the complex being used successfully for a sport other than soccer.While the SRSC has used past two weekends to host large-scale soccer tournaments, the complex has been diversifying its offerings over the past several years.Russo said the SRSC has five lacrosse tournaments on the schedule for next year in addition to a few other mainstays."That's a step in the right direction," Russo said of the additional lacrosse events for next season. "With Ultimate Frisbee and football, tee ball, field hockey and everything else we're trying to do, this is another sport we're trying to get as many events into the complex as possible to make people realize that we can utilize this space in different ways."This weekend's Cardinal Cup Fall Classic involves U11, U13, U15 and U18 club lacrosse teams, and the tournament will wrap up play today to determine champions for each division.The teams mostly hail from North Carolina - a large section of squads are from the cities of Chapel Hill, Raleigh and Durham - but teams from the Roanoke area also came down as well.No teams from the Martinsville and Henry County area are participating.This weekend's lacrosse tournament caps a busy stretch for the SRSC, as the complex has hosted events three weekends in a row.The USA South men's and women's soccer and volleyball tournaments were held Nov. 3-4, the 64-team Piedmont Shootout took place Nov. 9-10, and the lacrosse tournament is going on this weekend.Russo estimated that including teams, parents and other spectators, a total of around 8,000 people visited the complex during the last three weekends.Mark and Kathy Goldsmith, the tournament's directors, plan to host two lacrosse tournaments at the SRSC next year, Russo said. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/84 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/84 Friday, 16 November 2012 12:00:00 EST

Tournament organizers saw success with tournament held this past summer and decided to host another tournament this fall

Friday, 16 November 2012 12:00:00 EST The Smith River Sports Complex (SRSC) will host another lacrosse tournament organized by ONS this weekend, November 17th & 18th. The tournament is set to begin at 9 AM for both Saturday and Sunday and admission is free for both days. The Cardinal Cup Fall Classic will feature 28 teams of U-11, U-13, U-15, and U-18 age divisions. Teams will be traveling from Roanoke, Chapel Hill, Raleigh Durham, and all over the Triad area. The Cardinal Cup is sponsored by the Old North State (ONS) Foundation- a North Carolina non-profit organization. The ONS Foundation provides support for the development and enhancement of playing, coaching, and officiating opportunities in the sport of lacrosse. Tournament directors, Mark & Kathy Goldsmith, decided on returning the SRSC after they saw the success from the past one. "The first Cardinal Cup in the summer of 2012 was very successful for a first time tournament. We had 29 teams participating then so we are very pleased to see a similar turnout for the fall tournament," stated Kathy Goldsmith. "The feedback from the summer was fantastic which is why we decided to do a fall tournament. We had so many parents and coaches tell us that the Cardinal Cup was one of the best run tournaments they had ever been to and how much everyone loved the facilities at the Smith River Sports Complex," said Kathy Goldsmith. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/82 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/82 Wednesday, 14 November 2012 12:00:00 EST

Athletes from all over return to the Martinsville-Henry County area to claim the title for the NCAA Division III USA South Athletic Conference

Wednesday, 14 November 2012 12:00:00 EST October 18, 2012, Martinsville, VA: For the fourth straight year, the Smith River Sports Complex (SRSC) will be hosting the NCAA Division III USA South Conference's Soccer Championships on November 2nd-3rd, 2012. Additionally, the USA South Volleyball Championship's new home is also the Martinsville-Henry County (M-HC) area, creating the new title of Fall Sports Festival. Both soccer and volleyball championships are committed to return to the M-HC area until 2014.Men's and Women's Soccer will be played at the Smith River Sports Complex while Women's Volleyball will play at William F. Stone Hall at Patrick Henry Community College (PHCC). There will be four Men's Soccer, four Women's Soccer, and eight Women's Volleyball teams coming to the area to play for the USA South Fall Festival Championships. "We've held a Spring Sports Festival with one city hosting all six championships for the past seven years and it has been a hugely successful event for the Conference," said Rita Wiggs, Commissioner of the USA South Conference when asked why they decided to bring both championships to Martinsville. "It has been a goal to do the same type of event for our fall sports championships, but we needed to find a city with appropriate facilities, staffing and desire to host our soccer and volleyball championships." The USA South Conference is primarily a southwest/central Virginia and North Carolina based conference featuring nine teams in those areas: Averett University, Christopher Newport University, Ferrum College, Greensboro College, Mary Baldwin College, Methodist University, Meredith College, N.C. Wesleyan College, and William Peace University. The Conference has added three institutions this summer, two from Georgia (Piedmont College and LaGrange College) and one from Tennessee (Maryville College), bringing the total number of full-time members to 12. The teams will arrive Thursday, November 1st and will have the opportunity to practice. Later that night, the SRSC will host a banquet at the National Guard Armory in recognition of the 2012 USA South fall season. To kick off the festivities there will be an opening ceremony at 11:30 a.m. at the Smith River Sports Complex in collaboration with the Special Olympics on Friday November 2nd. The Men's Soccer semifinals are set to start at 12 and 2:30 PM at SRSC while the Women's Soccer semifinals will begin at 5 and 7:30 PM. Also on Friday, at PHCC, the Volleyball quarterfinal matches will be at 1, 3, 5, and 7 PM. On Saturday, the Men's and Women's Soccer Championships will be played at 2 and 5 PM, respectively. Over at PHCC, Volleyball will play both the semifinal and championship rounds on Saturday. Semifinals will start at 12PM and 2 PM with the championship starting at 6 PM. Tickets for each day will be $6 dollars for adults and $3 dollars for children. There will be weekend passes available which will differ depending on the group size, please call (276) 638-5200 for the prices. When asked why the USA South Conference enjoys returning to the SRSC and the Martinsville-Henry County area, Wiggs replied that "firstly, the excellent playing surface at the Complex and that is always a top priority for our coaches. Secondly, the reception that we have received from everyone we have dealt with in Martinsville, and at the Complex, has been warm and welcoming. We are very pleased with the friendships and relationships that have developed during the last 2-3 years."Coca-Cola is the presenting sponsor of the 2012 Fall Sports Festival. All sponsors & partners who supported this event are: Patrick Henry Community College, the Martinsville & Henry County Economic Development Corporation's Tourism Division, Comfort Inn who is the host hotel, Martinsville & Henry County Chamber of Commerce, Stifel & Nicolaus, the YMCA of Martinsville Henry County, Quality Catering & The Gallery, and the Special Olympics of Virginia. To find out more on the USA South Athletic Conference visit www.usasouth.net. For information on the event or purchasing tickets, please call the Complex at (276) 638-5200 or visit www.SmithRiverSportsComplex.com. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/83 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/83 Wednesday, 14 November 2012 12:00:00 EST

The weekend was full of suprises and upsets for the USA South Fall Sports Festival Soccer & Volleyball Championships. 

Wednesday, 14 November 2012 12:00:00 EST Methodist Wins 2012 USA South Men's Tournament TitleMARTINSVILLE, Va. - Methodist University forward Eirik Nordseth tallied the match's lone goal in the 27th minute as the third-seeded Monarchs claimed a 1-0 victory over fifth-seeded Greensboro College in the title game of the 2012 USA South Men's Soccer Tournament which took place on Saturday, November 3 at the Smith River Sports Complex in Martinsville, Virginia. The win earns the Monarchs their first-ever USA South tournament championship.For his championship-winning goal, Nordseth collected Tournament Most Valuable Player accolades.With the victory, the Monarchs claim the USA South's automatic bid into the 2012 NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Tournament.2012 USA South Men's Soccer All-Tournament Team:F - Eirik Nordseth, Methodist (MVP)F - Anders Peterson, MethodistF - Jalon Brown, Christopher NewportMF - Drew Clukey, GreensboroMF - Kevin Vigebo, AverettMF - Shane Davis, MethodistD - Logan Paussa, GreensboroD - Nahom Hargwoin, MethodistD - Jason Curfman, GreensboroGK - Manbi Nyepon, GreensboroGK - Pat Hamel, MethodistTournament ScheduleFirst Round - Saturday, October 27#8 Piedmont - 1 #1 Christopher Newport - 4#7 Maryville - 0 #2 Averett - 1 (SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28)#6 Ferrum - 0 #3 Methodist - 3#5 Greensboro - 0 #4 N.C. Wesleyan - 0 (Greensboro advances on PK's, 5-3)Semifinals - Friday, November 2 (Smith River Sports Complex - Martinsville, VA)#5 Greensboro - 2 #1 Christopher Newport - 0#3 Methodist - 1 #2 Averett - 1 (Methodist advances on PK's, 4-3)Final - Saturday, November 3 (Smith River Sports Complex - Martinsville, VA)#5 Greensboro - 0 #3 Methodist - 1Averett Wins 2012 USA South Women's Soccer Championship (MARTINSVILLE, VA)- Averett University forward midfielder Mathilda Hansson scored six minutes into overtime as the top-seeded Cougars claimed a 3-2 victory over third-seeded Christopher Newport University in the title game of the 2012 USA South Women's Soccer Tournament which took place on Saturday, November 3 at the Smith River Sports Complex in Martinsville, Virginia. The win earns the Cougars their first-ever USA South tournament championship.For her two goals in the finals and a USA South Tournament record tying six total scores during the tournament, Averett's Pernilla Milton collected Tournament Most Valuable Player accolades.With the victory, the Cougars claim the USA South's automatic bid into the 2012 NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Tournament.2012 USA South Women's Soccer All-Tournament TeamGK - Malin Borjesson, AverettD - Joy Piirto, Christopher NewportD - Taylor Ortman, AverettD - Kelsey Thomas, Christopher NewportMF - Dani Gunderson, Christopher NewportMF - Chelsea Wolfe, Christopher NewportMF - Sandra Johansson, AverettMF - Mathilda Hansson, AverettF - Ashley Howarth, MaryvilleF - Taylor Brown, MeredithF - Pernilla Milton, Averett (MVP) Tournament ScheduleFirst Round - Saturday, October 27#8 Methodist - 1 #1 Averett - 5 (SUN, OCT. 28)#7 Ferrum - 1 #2 Maryville - 4#6 Greensboro - 0 #3 Christopher Newport - 4#5 Piedmont - 0 #4 Meredith - 1 (2ot)Semifinals - Friday, November 2 (Smith River Sports Complex - Martinsville, VA)#4 Meredith - 1 #1 Averett - 2#3 Christopher Newport - 2 #2 Maryville - 0Final - Saturday, November 3 (Smith River Sports Complex - Martinsville, VA)#3 Christopher Newport - 2 #1 Averett - 3 (ot)CNU Captures 2012 USA South Volleyball Tournament Championship (MARTINSVILLE, VA) - The 2012 USA South Volleyball Tournament's semifinal and finals took place on Saturday, November 3 at Patrick Henry Community College in Martinsville, Virginia.In semifinal action, top-seeded Christopher Newport swept fourth-seeded Averett, 3-0, while second-seeded Maryville topped third-seeded N.C. Wesleyan, 3-1.In the finals, Christopher Newport defeated Maryville, 3-1 (31-33, 25-16, 25-18, 25-14), to earn the program's sixth consecutive tournament crown. The Scots jumped out to a one-set lead but the Captains quickly recovered for the victory. The Captains' Cory Harris was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player as she notched a double-double of a match-high 18 kills and ten digs in the final match. With the win, CNU earned the USA South's automatic berth into the NCAA Division III Tournament2012 USA South Volleyball All-Tournament Team:Kelsey Handel, MaryvilleCory Harris, Christopher Newport - MVPAbby Hogge, Christopher NewportAlyssa Kidd, Christopher NewportChastity Lacy, Christopher NewportTeri Lind, MaryvilleKara Strickland, Maryville Tournament Schedule(all matches played at Patrick Henry Community College - Martinsville, VA)First Round - Friday, November 2#8 Methodist - 0 #1 Christopher Newport - 3#5 Piedmont - 0 #4 Averett - 3#6 William Peace - 0 #3 N.C. Wesleyan - 3#7 Meredith - 0 #2 Maryville - 3Semifinals - Saturday, November 3#4 Averett - 0 #1 Christopher Newport - 3#3 N.C. Wesleyan - 1 #2 Maryville - 3Final - Saturday, November 3#2 Maryville - 0 Christopher Newport - 3 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/79 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/79 Tuesday, 07 February 2012 12:00:00 EST

Sports complex impact gauged SRSC says economic impact doubled.

Tuesday, 07 February 2012 12:00:00 EST By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff WriterThe Smith River Sports Complex more than doubled its estimated impact on the local economy between 2010 and last year.Billy Russo, operations director at the complex, estimated the impact in 2011 at more than $800,000. That was a conservative estimate, according to Russo and Amanda Gray, director of marketing and public relations at the complex. They said the estimated economic impact of various events includes:$325,000 from the Virginia Fusion 2.0 Ultimate Frisbee Tournament;A total of $256,000 from the Piedmont Youth Soccer League's (PYSL) Piedmont Shootout Soccer Tournament Series;$104,000 from the USA South Men's and Women's Soccer Championships/NCAA Division III USA South Conference Tournament;"At least $80,000" from the Regional Adult Ramirez Soccer League;$30,000 from the Carlisle Classic Field Hockey Tournament;$6,000 from a "Stick-It-To-Cancer" Club Field Hockey Invitational.Several factors were responsible for the increase, including expanded offerings and events held in six sports last year compared with five in 2010, when the economic impact was estimated at $400,000, according to Russo and previous reports.The sports complex held its grand opening in August 2009. The Harvest Foundation paid nearly $9 million to build the facility, which was envisioned to help boost the local economy by promoting tourism by attracting visitors to the area. The Southern Virginia Recreation Facilities Authority (SVRFA) manages the facility.Both Russo and Gray said the complex has hosted Frisbee, soccer, lacrosse, football, flag football, field hockey and other events. It also includes spaces for families, church groups and others to rent for various special events."Competitive tournaments such as the Virginia Fusion 2.0 Ultimate Frisbee Tournament, the USA South Men's and Women's Soccer Championships and three Piedmont Shootout Soccer Tournament series provided" entertainment and attracted "a steady flow of visitors from 25 states," Gray said.The Frisbee event, for example, attracted more than 900 athletes to the area from 20 states, Gray said.She explained that the National Association of Sports Commission uses data provided by the complex to calculate the economic impact.Russo said that after an event, local hotels are polled to determine the number of rooms reserved or filled for the event. The estimated local impact is derived by multiplying the number of rooms by the $125 estimated average spent per hotel room, including the cost of the hotel room as well as food, gas and "everything else they spend here," he said.Although as many as four players stayed in each hotel room during the Frisbee tournament, the average used to calculate the estimated impact was based only on the number of rooms, not the number of people in each room, Russo said.Most of the participants and visitors for that event spent two nights in the area, Gray said.She added that several teams participating in the "Stick-It-To-Cancer" Club Field Hockey Invitational also spent the night in local motels/hotels, with an estimated impact of $6,000.The USA South Men's and Women's Soccer Championships/NCAA Division III USA South Conference Tournament generated an estimated impact of $104,000, and the estimated economic impact of the Regional Adult Ramirez Soccer League, which attracts visitors and players from North Carolina and other areas, was "at least $80,000, and that is a very low-ball" estimate because it accounts only for people who rented hotel rooms, Gray said.The impact of visitors to the area who do not spend the night but who eat in area restaurants and buy fuel and other incidentals at local convenience and other stores was not included in the calculations, Russo said.It "is hard for us to really calculate" that impact, he explained.Gray said the complex is working with the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation's Tourism Department to find a way to capture that data.Russo noted that the complex also is home for local teams, including Carlisle School and the PYSL. The economic impact figures do not include money PYSL and Carlisle pay to use the facility.Several visitors stayed in the area during last fall's PYSL Piedmont Shootout Soccer Tournament Series, a three-weekend event that generated a combined estimated impact of $256,000, Gray said.The Carlisle Classic Field Hockey Tournament attracted nine teams to a weekend event for an estimated $30,000 economic impact, Gray said.The tournaments and travel teams "bring in family members," some of whom stay in local hotels, Gray said.Other events, including Averett College soccer games, the Virginia Association of Christian Athletics Soccer Championship and Southside Football League's Kids of Steel Fall Brawl, also affected the local economy, Gray said.The complex's calendar is filling up for 2012 with repeat events as well as new ones. For instance, Russo said it recently added a volleyball tournament that is expected to attract 180 athletes.The complex also hopes to become more regional in scope and expand its draw in adjacent areas, Russo said.For information about getting involved with the complex or to rent a facility, contact Gray or Russo at 638-5200 or visit www.SouthernVirginiaSports.com. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/78 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/78 Tuesday, 31 January 2012 12:00:00 EST

The Smith River T-Ball League will now be sponsored by the Smith River Sports Complex!

Tuesday, 31 January 2012 12:00:00 EST The Smith River T-Ball League will now be sponsored by the Smith River Sports Complex! For more information and registration forms please go to the web page www.southernvirginiasports.com/contentPages.cfm/contentVariable/Smith_River_TBall http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/77 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/77 Wednesday, 09 November 2011 12:00:00 EST

Chiefs win playoff rematch with Covenant.

Wednesday, 09 November 2011 12:00:00 EST By DAVID REYNOLDS - Bulletin Sports WriterComing into their state quarterfinal match against Covenant School, the girls on the Carlisle field hockey team had a little more on their minds than advancing to the next round of the playoffs.In a rematch with a team that bounced them from the state semifinals a year ago, the Chiefs also wanted a healthy dose of revenge.Thanks to one of their best halves on the season, the Chiefs got both in a 4-0 win Tuesday afternoon at the Smith River Sports Complex."We knew we wanted to take back what we lost last year," senior Robbi Jensen said, "and we did it."With the victory, the Chiefs (13-2 overall) advanced to their fifth straight state semifinal, where they will face Fredericksburg on Friday."It is the best feeling in the world to beat them," senior Alanna Ferguson said. "We definitely got our revenge this year."Despite the four-goal margin of victory, Tuesday's game was tight until the final minutes.The two teams went into halftime with the contest still scoreless, and the Eagles appeared very dangerous offensively after earning four penalty corners before intermission."This team was just evenly matched with us," Chiefs coach Meade Seiy said. "Once again, the defense just stepped it up, and of course the offense - the girls just turned it on in the second half. I can't even describe it."But a game that was back-and-forth for 30 minutes tilted the Chiefs' way in the opening moments of the second half. Just 35 seconds after intermission, Jensen flicked a lining shot into the back of the net to give Carlisle its first lead.After the ball advanced up the field due to a couple Covenant fouls, Jensen eventually weaved her way through 40 yards of Eagle defenders after a restart to get herself in position for the shot."At halftime we all were talking to each other as a team, how important it was to get it in, and so I think all of us were fired up," Jensen said. "We decided to trust each other, and as long as you trust each other, the ball tends to go into the goal."After taking the lead, the Chiefs used that momentum to nearly notch a few more goals in the following minutes, but their chances either went just a bit wide of goal or were kicked away by the Covenant keeper.But with a little more than 17 minutes to go, Ferguson was sent off the pitch for five minutes after being issued a yellow card, giving the Eagles their best chance at scoring all day.After working the ball deep into Carlisle's side of the field, Covenant earned its fifth penalty corner of the day after a Carlisle violation in the scoring area.Without Ferguson, one of the "flyers" for Carlisle on penalty corners, the Eagles managed to get off a hard shot from point-blank range. But the ball bounced off Chief keeper Virginia Zentmeyer with a loud thud to preserve the home team's 1-0 edge.Just minutes after Zentmeyer's save, Jensen doubled that lead after teammate Emily Morgan was fouled while taking a shot, earning the Chiefs a penalty stroke.Jensen calmly slid the ball into the lower right corner of the goal, and that opened the floodgates offensively for Carlisle.The Chiefs added two more scores in the final three minutes on goals by Morgan Hill and Emily Morgan."We went into the game with an offensive mindset, and we came out with an offensive mindset," Ferguson said. "I feel like this was one of the best games we've played. We were all so positive with each other, and we linked up with one another, and we really found each other up top and in the back."Zentmeyer made five saves in the game, and the Chiefs bottled up Covenant junior Taylor Brown, who has committed to play at the University of Virginia, from doing much of anything near the goal.On Friday, Carlisle will travel to Virginia Beach to face Fredericksburg, a team it has played four times in the past four years.The Chiefs have a 2-2 record in those games, with each team having won a regular-season game and a state-semifinal game against the other.The game will take place at 5 p.m. at the National Training Center."I am so proud of these girls. Robbi and Alanna have been with me for six years," Seiy said. "Just to see them come through the program as little jayvees, and now they're leaving me and going on to playing in college. It's like they're my children, seeing them go. It's amazing. I love this team."Carlisle 4Covenant 0Covenant 0 0 - 0Carlisle 0 4 - 4Scoring SummaryCA - R. Jensen goal, 30:35CA - R. Jensen goal (penalty stroke), 49:04CA - M. Hill goal (A. Ferguson assist), 57:23CA - E. Morgan goal (L. Yeaman assist) 58:11 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/76 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/76 Sunday, 06 November 2011 12:00:00 EST

CNU men, Shenandoah women earn tourney titles.

Sunday, 06 November 2011 12:00:00 EST Christopher Newport's football team showed up at halftime of the soccer team's USA South conference tournament final Saturday.The soccer team also decided to show up in the second half.Christopher Newport's undefeated side scored a minute into the second half, and generally controlled the period with the Captains' football team roaring at every turn of the final against North Carolina Wesleyan. CNU held on for a 1-0 win at the Smith River Sports Complex, which hosted both the men's and women's tournaments for the third straight year."We go to all their games, and they go to all our home games," said Winston Mattheison, the MVP of the tournament who scored the game-winner for the Captains. "When they came, it got us pretty pumped up to play."Shenandoah University completed a remarkable run in the women's bracket, as the No. 2 seed upset top-seeded Christopher Newport 1-0 in the final after beating Avere in penalty kicks in Friday's semifinal. The win gives Shenandoah an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament that it probably wouldn't have gotten otherwise.In the men's final, North Carolina Wesleyan (7-5-6 overall) controlled much of the first half - a bit of a surprise given CNU's unblemished regular season.But when the football team showed up after beating Ferrum to cheer on the Captains (17-0-1), the game turned.Captain forward Winston Mattheison flicked on a free kick from Sean Moriarty just inside the far post to a roar from the football players and accompanying CNU fans, and the momentum was all Captains from there."I think we just needed to make a little bit of an attitude adjustment" (at halftime), Christopher Newport coach Steve Shaw said. "...At halftime we said, ‘Look, we're gonna start the game again - everybody can go in there with their own game and their own rhythm.'" Mattheison also scored in last year's tournament final for Christopher Newport at the SRSC. "Winston is a big-game player, and I think that that's what you need in order to win a championship," Shaw said. "He's broken almost every record that we have at CNU, and probably that includes scoring game-winning goals."UNC-W, playing for its NCAA Tournament life since it had no hope of an at-large bid, struggled to create chances for most of the second half. But it also managed to keep CNU off the board despite some excellent chances. Bishop goalkeeper Alberto Faisca made several outstanding sprawling saves to keep his team in it.That allowed UNC-W to make the game interesting in the final few minutes. Julian Mingo-Gonzalez's shot with five minutes left clipped the top of the crossbar; Adama George hit a ball from 25 yards out that went just wide a minute later; and another strike by Mingo-Gonzalez went out for a corner with one minute on the clock, but the Patriots cleared it without issue."They got that goal on the free kick in the first minute of the second half, and I think that gave them the momentum," UNC-W coach Frankie Taal said. "CNU is a good team. You have to really get them out of their rhythm, because once they get that momentum and confidence, they're one of the best teams in the country."The Captains move on to the NCAA Division III tournament, where they have made the Elite Eight three of the past five years."I think this is our most dangerous team," Shaw said. "I think that this team has seen more than any other team. They've won more games than any other team. I think they have seen more downfalls, and have had the heartbreaks to now move through and overcome that kind of adversity and be more successful than any other team."Shenandoah's win on the women's side also went down to the wire.The game was played fairly evenly over the first 60 minutes - perhaps even slightly in favor of Christopher Newport (11-8-1), though neither team had many clean looks at goal.But the Hornets (15-6-1) finally found a path to the frame off a set piece.The 40-yard cross from the right side bounced before keeper Meghan Gumbs came off her line to punch it away. But a Hornet attacker put the ball right back into the mix behind Gumbs, and forward Amber Womack hammered it home from the goal line with 20:57 remaining."I didn't think either one of us was gonna score from the run of play," CNU coach Ruth Keegan said. "We both have lethal players on set pieces - ones that can serve it and ones that can finish. Unfortunately, they finished."The goal seemed to pump even more life into Shenandoah, which had several other excellent opportunities in the waning minutes."Once we had that, and knowing that, ‘Yeah, we will win this,' we knew what we had to do," Womack said.Christopher Newport had a dangerous free kick from 40 yards out with around 3 minutes remaining, but goalkeeper Kat Terza, the MVP of the tournament, grabbed the cross with ease.Shenandoah won in its last ever USA South tournament, as it will move to the ODAC conference next year."There's no question we wanted to leave the USA South with a bang," Shenandoah coach Liz Pike said. The USA South, meanwhile, has no intentions of leaving the SRSC anytime soon. "We don't have any interests in moving anywhere right now, so I think so far so good to have it right here," USA South Assistant Commissioner Mike Christie said.Christie added that the conference is in discussions about bringing the conference's volleyball tournament to Martinsville as well.That would be a welcome addition to the SRSC, especially if the complex can profit from these tournaments. Bily Russo, the complex's director of operations, is hopeful that it at least broke even on the soccer tournament this year after losing some money a year ago, he said."I think we're in good shape, and if we're even close to breaking even then I think that's a positive sign going forward," Russo said. "This tournament, what it does for us is, when I go out and recruit other events, we say, ‘Hey, we're home to the USA South conference championship, we've hosted it three years in a row to successful reviews.' That trumps a lot of the shortcomings." http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/75 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/75 Friday, 28 October 2011 12:00:00 EST

Various Championships will be played this weekend at the Smith River Sports Complex.

Friday, 28 October 2011 12:00:00 EST Various Championships will be played this weekend at the Smith River Sports Complex.The Smith River Sports Complex will be having a busy weekend with many championship titles being fought for. The Virginia Association of Christian Athletics, Carlisle boys Soccer, Carlisle Field Hockey, and the Blue Ridge Soccer League under 14 travel teams will all be competing for their respective championship titles.The Carlisle boy's soccer team will be playing this Saturday against Holy Cross at 5 p.m. "This is something these boys have been coming out and working together for over a year now," said Richard Hall, one of Carlisle's coaches. "We are very fortunate to have a coach like Enda Crehan who has been able to get us to the level we are and this has been a team effort that includes the coaches, boys, their families, friends, and the school."Ranked number one by maxpreps.com the Carlisle boy's soccer team has consistency and tradition down to an art. Before every match they go to Binding Time Café for their ritual bagels and smoothies. After that they warm up for exactly an hour and six minutes and complete every task as they have from the very start of their season."Our kids are very hungry for the title, we fell behind one zero tonight and then came back and scored 3 goals against one of the perennial powerhouse teams," said Enda Crehan, head coach for the Carlisle boy's soccer team about the game against Eastern Mennonite last night.Carlisle Field Hockey will be playing this Saturday against Chatham Hall at 3 p.m. "We have played solid and smart all year and that is what we will have to do in the championship this year," stated Meade Seiy, head coach for the Field Hockey team. The Virginia Association of Christian Athletics (VACA) will also be competing on Friday and Saturday. On Friday at 6 p.m. Fresta Valley will be competing against Timberlake on Field 4 and New Covenant will be playing Southwest Virginia Home School on the Taco Bell Field 5. Saturday the consolation match will be played at 12 p.m. and the championship will be played at 2 p.m. with both games on Field 4. The Blue Ridge Soccer League Under 14 Travel Playoffs will be played on Saturday with two games going on at 2 p.m. and then again at 5 p.m. on Fields 1 & 2. The teams that will be competing in the playoffs will be PYSL Hurricanes U14B, Danville Blast U14B, Roanoke Star U14 Boys Premier Blue and Lexington Vultures U14B. For more information or questions, contact Amanda Gray, Director of Marketing or Billy Russo, Director of Operations, at 638-5200 or visit www.southernvirginiasports.com. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/72 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/72 Thursday, 27 October 2011 12:00:00 EST

Carlisle's boy's soccer team has a No. 1 state ranking, and it is being rewarded.

Thursday, 27 October 2011 12:00:00 EST By BULLETIN STAFF REPORTS -Carlisle's boy's soccer team has a No. 1 state ranking, and it is being rewarded.The Chiefs raked in all-Virginia Independent Conference awards, including coach of the year for Enda Crehan, player of the year for Preston Key and 10 first- and second-team honors - all but one player in the starting lineup.Key, Corey Gaylor, Reuben George, Jihun "Duke" Lee and Marvin Soyka took first-team honors, while Nick Clark, Michael Decker, Dong Lee, Miles Rachner and Bennett White were second-team nominees.Crehan, who has had stints at both prep and college positions around the country and in other countries, earned his first coach of the year award."As I said to the players (Wednesday), I'm coach of the year, but really I couldn't have done it all without (assistant coaches) Richard Hall and David Key, and the players doing everything that they needed to do," Crehan said."It's very nice to get the award, it's very nice to get honored by your fellow coaches as coach of the year, but to me that award is a team award."Preston Key, who primarily plays central midfield for the Chiefs, is second on the team in points (37) and assists (13) and third in goals (12)."He deserves it," Crehan said of Key. "He's been very good. But there are other players who could have gotten it as well, and I'd be saying the same thing about them."Crehan said he was pleasantly surprised by the number of players who were honored."You can never tell how every other coach sees what you've got," Crehan said. "I thought we'd get a good few, but I never thought we'd get 10. But obviously everyone else feels like we've done a good job at Carlisle."The Chiefs will host Eastern Mennonite at 5 p.m. tonight in the VIC semifinals at the Smith River Sports Complex. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/73 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/73 Thursday, 27 October 2011 12:00:00 EST

Carlisle will play for VIC championship Saturday.

Thursday, 27 October 2011 12:00:00 EST By PAUL MONTANA - Bulletin Sports WriterTrailing 1-0 to Eastern Mennonite in a playoff game Thursday, Carlisle didn't panic.The Chiefs didn't consider the possibility of an undefeated regular season with a loss in the conference tournament semifinals.Instead, they bounced back like the top-ranked team in the state.Carlisle took the lead back before halftime and added an insurance goal in the second half, notching a 3-1 win over Eastern Mennonite in the Virginia Independent Conference semifinal Thursday at the Smith River Sports Complex."There was never a doubt. I could see it in their eyes," Carlisle coach Enda Crehan said."We preach it to them: If we get a goal down, we go get three, we go get two. And that's it, it's just a huge belief."The Chiefs (16-0 overall), who replaced EM earlier in the season as the top-ranked team in VISAA Division II, advanced to the VIC tournament final against Holy Cross on Saturday at the SRSC.Eastern Mennonite (10-6-2) scored the opening goal when Will Montgomery's shot went through the hands of Carlisle goalkeeper Michael Decker."Once that goal went in, we knew that wasn't a real goal off their skill, that was just a mistake on our part," defender Miles Rachner said. "We knew we were gonna get it back."The Flames threatened to extend the margin on a corner kick a few minutes later, but defender Bennett White saved a header off the goal line.Then Carlisle made a corner of its own count.In the 16th minute, the Chiefs' Corey Gaylor played a high corner kick right at goalkeeper Isaac Driver, and the ball went off his hands and into the back of the net. It knotted the score at 1-1 five minutes after EM's opening goal.Carlisle assistant coach Richard Hall said Gaylor's shot was intentional; it was designed to test the keeper on a windy day at the SRSC."That's what you hope for," Crehan said. "It was a great corner."The score stayed that way until Carlisle's Jihun "Duke" Lee created a goal on his own just before the half.Lee took possession inside the box, dribbled across the face of the goal with his right foot, then turned and blasted a shot just under the cross bar in the 38th minute."He can't go to his left. If he does, it could end up in the stands," Crehan joked. "But I tell you what, when he goes to his right, he's so tricky to play against. So tricky. He's got quick feet. He's just very dynamic."Lee, a junior, had tried the same move twice earlier in the half, but Driver made two saves on shots on the ground. On the third attempt, Lee went high, and it paid dividends."I tried to go high (on the goal)," Lee said. "Actually, the other guys just told me every single time to get it off my foot. I just wanted to try to shoot."With that goal, the Chiefs stole the momentum. Carlisle had the majority of the chances after halftime as the Flames struggled to play catch-up."Going down 2-1 at halftime, momentum had shifted, and we just didn't recover after that," EM coach Kendal Bauman said."They play very physical and they never give up, and I think that was the difference in the game today."After the Chiefs missed several excellent chances to start the second half, they scored on another corner in the 54th minute. This time Preston Key was the taker, and his high-arching ball was crushed home by the head of Marvin Soyka waiting on the back post."Preston put a great ball on the back post, and Marvin is just there," Crehan said. "There's no one better to smash that ball home."Meanwhile, Carlisle's defense all but shut down the pass-happy Flame attack, as the Chiefs won the shooting battle 18-11.Crehan singled out the play of Rachner, who made tackles and picked off balls all over the field. Rachner had missed the first four weeks of the season with an ankle injury."When he got hurt, we were like a three-legged table without him," Crehan said. "He's all heart; it's amazing."Decker made seven saves for the Chiefs.Carlisle 3, Eastern Mennonite 1Scoring SummaryFirst HalfEM - W. Montgomery goal 10:07C - C. Gaylor goal 15:05C - J. Lee goal 37:47Second HalfC - M. Soyka goal, P. Key ast. 53:14 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/74 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/74 Thursday, 27 October 2011 12:00:00 EST

Lady Chiefs advance to BRC title game.

Thursday, 27 October 2011 12:00:00 EST By PAUL MONTANA - Bulletin Sports WriterWhen asked how she prepares for Carlisle's field hockey team, North Cross coach Sarah du Plessis had a telling answer."Besides crossing our fingers?" she cracked.For teams in the Blue Ridge Conference, it seems there's not much else they can do.The Chiefs waltzed through their the BRC tournament semifinal match on senior night, winning 11-0 over North Cross on Thursday at the Smith River Sports Complex.Carlisle, ranked No. 4 in VISAA Division II, advances to Saturday's final against Chatham Hall at the SRSC.Chiefs coach Meade Seiy said before the season that this team is as talented as the 2009 squad that won the state title, and she's not changing her tune in the postseason."I feel like this team can go all the way," she said. "It's just a matter of, they've gotta want it, and they've gotta play well."It's hard to argue with the Chiefs' performance Thursday.Robbi Jensen had four goals, Alanna Ferguson had a goal and three assists, and Lori Yeaman had four assists for Carlisle. Emily Morgan and Morgan Hill each had a pair of goals, and Michelle Arroyo also put in two goals for the Chiefs (11-2 overall, 6-0 BRC), which passed in and out of the Raiders' packed-in defense."We had probably some of the best passing all season tonight," Ferguson said. "We really linked up, and we saw each other really well. We opened our eyes on the field, and I think our goals just came from our really good passes and communication today."Morgan netted the Chiefs' opening goal less than a minute into the game, then put in another on a pass from Ferguson less than three minutes later.A lull of 15:33 passed before a shot from Jensen near the circle deflected off a defender to the upper corner. That sparked a run of five goals in the final 11 minutes of the first half to give the Chiefs a 7-0 lead at the break.Plessis has seen Carlisle a number of times over the years. She said this team isn't necessarily better than in other seasons - "they're just always good," she said."One thing that I really like about them watching them play is that they will just knock themselves out to save a ball from going across the line," she said. "And they tell each other where to be. They're very good at anticipating."The closest the Chiefs have come to a conference loss this season was a 4-2 win over Chatham on the road. Chatham is the only BRC foe to score on Carlisle all year; on the season, Carlisle has outscored conference teams 47-2.The Chiefs' only losses this season came in a tournament they hosted Sept. 23-24 at the Smith River Sports Complex. Those defeats may have helped the Chiefs, Seiy said."I think that tournament really turned up the volume as far as the way we play," Seiy said. "Our passing game has improved so much since that tournament."The only concern now for Carlisle is how it will react when its next tough opponent comes around."It's very scary," Ferguson said of routinely winning lopsided games. "We've had a lot of cancellations for our really good games, so it's been difficult without that good competition. But I think our team is very well-prepared, we're well-conditioned, and we're ready to play in states."Seiy said that last year's exit in the VISAAA, Division II semifinals - a 2-0 loss to Covenant - provides plenty of motivation."The semifinal last year against Covenant, they felt like they didn't play their game. They were taken out of their game," she said."Mentally, they're so there. We've just gotta physically get there."Carlisle 11, North Cross 0SCORING SUMMARYFirst HalfC - E. Morgan goal.C - E. Morgan goal, M. Hill ast.C - R. Jensen goal.C - A. Ferguson goal, L. Yeaman ast.C - M. Arroyo goal, A. Ferguson ast.C - A. Ferguson goal, L. Yeaman ast.C - R. Jensen goal, A. Ferguson ast.Second HalfC - R. Jensen goal, A. Ferguson ast.C - M. Hill goal, L. Yeaman ast.C - M. Arroyo goal, L. Yeaman ast.C - R. Jensen goal. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/71 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/71 Sunday, 23 October 2011 12:00:00 EST

Lady Chiefs have won the conference six straight years.

Sunday, 23 October 2011 12:00:00 EST Lady Chiefs have won the conference six straight years.Carlisle's field hockey team defeated Virginia Episcopal School 5-0 on Saturday. The Lady Chiefs (10-2 overall, 6-0 Blue Ridge Conference) have clinched their sixth straight BRC title.The Carlisle field hockey team notched another shutout on Sunday, blanking Virginia Episcopal School to clinch the Virginia Independent Conference regular season title.It is the sixth year in a row the Chiefs (10-2, 6-0) have won the regular season title under coach Meade Seiy.Alanna Ferguson netted a hat trick for Carlisle, and Robbi Jensen and Emily Morgan also scored.Eliza Moore, Lori Yeaman, Morgan Hill and Ferguson each tallied an assist in the game.The Chiefs' defense allowed only one shot all game, and it went wide of the goal.Carlisle's next game will be its opening game in the conference tournament 5 p.m. Thursday at the Smith River Sports Complex. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/68 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/68 Monday, 19 September 2011 12:00:00 EST

Often when there's a new coach, there is a learning curve.

Monday, 19 September 2011 12:00:00 EST By PAUL MONTANA - Bulletin Sports WriterOften when there's a new coach, there is a learning curve.Carlisle's learning curve under first-year coach Enda Crehan has included an undefeated start in five road games, including wins over the two-time defending VISAA Division II champion and last year's runner-up.Crehan put Carlisle through a rigorous four-week preseason regimen after taking over, and it has paid off to the tune of a 5-0 start, including 3-0 in the Virginia Independent Conference.Their five-game road trip included 63 hours of travel, according to assistant coach Richard Hall."The long travel, obviously the tough preseason I've asked of them, and combining that with academics as well, they've really shown a lot of character to travel these distances and show these results against very good teams," Crehan said.Crehan, who was an assistant for Averett University's men's team before taking the job at Carlisle, said he came into his new job with "a university attitude." His preseason included "countless hours" of running, technical and tactical work and 11-on-11 scrimmages, he said.Crehan replaced Harry Lance, who stepped aside after six years coaching Carlisle, but Hall and David Keys stayed on as assistants."I think the preseason was huge," said Crehan. "It gave us just a chance to identify, ‘Well all right, we need to fix that. We can fix it tomorrow, we've still got two weeks.' Giving yourself enough time to firstly identify weaknesses and then fix them was the key for us."Carlisle beat Highland, the two-time defending state champion, 7-1 Sept. 10, then went to Holy Cross three days later and won 2-0.Holy Cross beat the Chiefs three times last season, which included bouncing them from the Virginia Independent Conference tournament semifinals and from the state tournament semifinals.So far this season, the Chiefs have outscored their opponents 22-4."Obviously it was nice to beat the state champions and to beat the state runners-up. I know Holy Cross has been a thorn in the side for Carlisle soccer," Crehan said."We start every training session like we haven't played a game, or we haven't done anything yet. We start always from zero...I commend them on that. Even when we go to Highland and win 7-1, the next game they were as ready and prepared as they were the first training session I ever had them."Carlisle will play a home game against Liberty Christian Academy at the Smith River Sports Complex on Thursday. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/69 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/69 Monday, 19 September 2011 12:00:00 EST

With an assist from some plane reservations, Phoenix, a club team based out of Raleigh, claimed the elite club championship at the Virginia Fusion Tournament at the Smith River Sports Complex.

Monday, 19 September 2011 12:00:00 EST By FROM BULLETIN STAFF REPORTS -With an assist from some plane reservations, Phoenix, a club team based out of Raleigh, claimed the elite club championship at the Virginia Fusion Tournament at the Smith River Sports Complex.Riot went 6-0 in pool play and should have played in the finals, but the Seattle-based team had players who had to catch a flight and could not participate in the game.So instead of facing off against Riot, Phoenix defeated Molly Brown 15-8 in the championship game. Both teams finished 5-2 in pool play, but each handily lost to Riot earlier in the weekend.Nemesis, a team from Chicago, also completed pool play with a 5-2 record, but Phoenix and Molly Brown had better point differentials.In the regular club championship, Sweet T edged Baha 14-11.On the college side of the tournament, Dartmouth won three games on Sunday, the last against Penn State in the championship.Including pool play, Dartmouth went 7-0 in the tournament. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/70 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/70 Monday, 19 September 2011 12:00:00 EST

In Piedmont Youth Soccer League action this weekend, several local teams came away with wins.

Monday, 19 September 2011 12:00:00 EST In Piedmont Youth Soccer League action this weekend, several local teams came away with wins.The 19-and-younger Hurricanes shut out PASA 7-0 on the road thanks to the scoring efforts of Martinsville High School's Zach Corcoran. Corcoran had four goals all by himself, and Marvin Soyka, Lucas Prilliman and Jake Sharpe added one goal each.The 18- and 19-year-old Lady Hurricanes tied Amherst on the road, with Julia Teague and Casey Crews each scoring a goal.The 14-and-younger PYSL team blew out Lexington 7-1, with William Wagoner leading the way with four goals. Avery Mills tallied two goals in the game as well, and Tucker Robinson netted one score.The 13 and younger PYSL team claimed a tight victory against the Halifax Phoenix on the road, winning 1-0. Jacob Porter scored the winner for the Hurricanes.The 11-and-younger PYSL team tied Smith Mountain Lake 3-3 on the road. Skyler Barnes led the way with two goals, and Kahlil Travis also scored.The 17-and-younger PYSL team did not play this weekend. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/65 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/65 Sunday, 18 September 2011 12:00:00 EST

Southern hospitality and scenery earned the area high marks from some of the hundreds of people here this weekend for the Virginia Fusion Ultimate Frisbee Tournament at the Smith River Sports Complex.

Sunday, 18 September 2011 12:00:00 EST By ASHLEY JACKSON - Bulletin Staff WriterSouthern hospitality and scenery earned the area high marks from some of the hundreds of people here this weekend for the Virginia Fusion Ultimate Frisbee Tournament at the Smith River Sports Complex."I love it here ... the area is very quaint and everyone is super laid back and friendly," said Jean Steele of Greensboro, N.C., who came to see her daughter, Abby Nappier, play on a team from Chicago.In all, about 900 women on 36 teams are competing in the Ultimate Frisbee Tournament here this weekend at the sports complex off the U.S. 220 bypass. The matches, which are described as a combination of football and soccer played with a Frisbee, continue until mid- afternoon today.While here, some of the players, families and fans had a chance to look around, stay in local motels and eat at local restaurants. All those interviewed liked what they saw.Ronald Ochoa, who was here supporting the Veto team from the Washington, D.C. area, arrived in the area Friday and enjoyed visiting some of the area antique shops, he said Saturday afternoon at the sports complex. It was great to "see furniture and pictures from the 1800s ... there's so much story (and history) here," he added.Area businesses also got high marks from the visitors.Ochoa said he was impressed with the friendly and fast service at Biscuitville on Virginia Avenue. "The people were really nice and it was a nice breakfast."Nappier was also impressed with Biscuitville. "The biscuits were great," she said - especially because there isn't a Biscuitville in Chicago.Also, people's hospitality and friendliness was "a lot different than Chicago," she said."We were greeted as soon as we entered the parking lot of the complex ... everyone was so nice," said A.J. Creden, another player on the Chicago team.The team arrived late Friday night and on Saturday morning, the players ate at the Binding Time Cafe on Spruce Street, according to teammate Courtney Eccles."They were very nice and helpful with directions and the owner said he was coming to watch the game, which was so nice," Creden said, adding that he liked the cafe's coffee.While at the tournament on Saturday, the teammates from Chicago saw a box of doughnuts from Tasty Creme Donuts on West Church Street. That was all it took to convince them that "we are definitely going to Tasty Creme," Creden said.Emily Kosmerl, who plays on a team from Columbus, Ohio, went to Najjar's Pizza on Virginia Avenue in Collinsville on Friday night and "it was tasty," she said.Natalie Kruse, also on the Columbus team, grabbed a salad and a sandwich for lunch on Saturday at Arts and Deli in uptown Martinsville. She also said that she staff was "super friendly and the food was really good."Kruse visited the Big Chair while she was in uptown and took pictures in front of it, she added.Both the Chicago team and the Ohio team were staying at the Comfort Inn on Virginia Avenue.The hotel staff was "some of the nicest people I've ever met," said Chrissy Hedges, a player on the Ohio team.Each of the team members said that they probably wouldn't have time to explore the area much since they were going to be at the tournament all weekend. But Hedges said if she found time, she wanted to go bowling.Eccles said that she knew of a group that went to the Wild Magnolia restaurant at Patrick Henry Mall on Friday night.The hospitality and scenery may have gotten their attention, but while at the tournament, the players were impressed with the complex itself."This is an awesome facility ... we rarely play on fields this great," Kosmerl said.The scenery around the facility caught the eye of Steele.Steele originally is from Michigan where "everything is flat." But in Martinsville, "there is a lot of natural beauty," she said."The trees and the rolling hills are very pretty ... you can't find that in Chicago," Eccles said.Ochoa liked the "wilderness" in the Martinsville area as well. The forests, rivers and dams are "very pretty ... It looks like a nice place for biking," he said.Steele planned to visit some of the area walking and hiking trails and the Philpott Dam outlook while she was in the area, she said. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/66 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/66 Sunday, 18 September 2011 12:00:00 EST

Local businesses rolled out the welcome mat for the estimated 900 participants in the Virginia Fusion Ultimate Frisbee Tournament being held this weekend at the Smith River Sports Complex.

Sunday, 18 September 2011 12:00:00 EST By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff WriterLocal businesses rolled out the welcome mat for the estimated 900 participants in the Virginia Fusion Ultimate Frisbee Tournament being held this weekend at the Smith River Sports Complex.Some motels and restaurants put greetings on their business signs; some put materials in welcome bags to help guests find services and amenities in the area. All are hoping that the teams will enjoy their stay here and want to return.At the Comfort Inn of Martinsville, team members reserved 61 of the more than 70 available rooms, said Scott Wilson, general manager."We have prepared really, really hard" to ensure the motel is ready for the guests, he said. "We made sure all rooms were ready, and we'll have two people working the front desks. We've also got menus from restaurants" to give to guests in the hopes that will "send them out into the community."Also, the inn's marquee includes a welcome message for tournament participants.Advance preparations were important because "we want them to come back," he said.Billy Russo, director of operations at the sports complex, said 20 states are represented in the three team divisions at the tournament. There are eight elite club women's teams, eight regular club women's teams and 20 college women's teams taking part.Teams have come from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University and James Madison University, as well as Rutgers: the State University of New Jersey, Georgetown University and South Florida University, Russo said.Besides the college teams, the Seattle (Wash.) Riot Ultimate Frisbee Team - which Russo called "one of the best teams" in the U.S. - also participated.Other teams came from Pittsburgh, New York City, Baltimore and other areas, he said.In all, 36 teams, with an average of 25 people per team, are in Martinsville and Henry County over the weekend for the tournament, Russo said. And, he said, that number "does not include parents, boyfriends or other family members.""The two days of revenue is really good for this area," said Wilson. "I just moved here from Charlotte (N.C.), and anything I can do to help this community" he is willing to do.Wilson and Russo both said that they have worked with Jennifer Doss, director of tourism with the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp., to ensure businesses benefit as much from the tournament as possible.Doss said she and others prepared 900 welcome bags that were distributed during tournament registration. The bags hold a community brochure with general information about the area and surrounding communities, a dining guide, information about upcoming events and coupons for some local businesses "to entice participants to come out and shop and dine," she said.Although food will be available at the complex, Doss said "after the tournament or in between when they have a break, we're hoping they will explore our communities."Local businesses decide whether to include information in the welcome bags, Doss said."We have a newsletter that goes out to every hotel, restaurant, gas station, spa" and other businesses in advance of community events, she said. The newsletter offers businesses the opportunity to participate and asks if they want to contribute anything to the welcome bags, Doss said."We welcome any businesses that want to participate in any of our programs," Doss said, adding that a USA Tournament is slated for later this fall, along with several other events."Any business that wants to partner and participate with us can do so by providing coupons or information about their business" that will be included in welcome bags at no cost to businesses, she said.The Quality-Dutch Inn Martinsville had "about three teams (as guests) and we're happy to have them," said Tammy Bowles, director of sales and marketing. The majority are staying two nights and occupying about 30 rooms, she said.The guests represent several areas, including New York, Charlottesville and Maryland, Bowles said. The hotel is prepared for the guests, and brought in additional staff in the food service area, she added."We have more people staffing the dining room ... to accommodate breakfast and dinner," Bowles said. While she anticipates guests "will be eating all over town, of course we hope that some will be eating here."The hotel also includes a welcome to participants on its marquee, Bowles said. "We hope they continue to come back to the area."The sports complex, she added, is a boon for businesses in Martinsville-Henry County."I praise it all the time," Bowles said. "It's wonderful, and they're just continuing to grow."A few tournaments were held at the complex in its first year, she said, and "last year, they had a lot. This year, they're full. ... We're looking forward to it being a prosperous" addition to the area. "Everybody benefits."Joann Green, manager of the Knights Inn - Martinsville, said that inn also boarded tournament guests.Tournaments at the complex and other events elsewhere "are very good for business," Green said. She added that some participants in a fishing tournament at Smith Mountain Lake also had booked rooms there.The added business "is really wonderful," Green said.Restaurants had geared up to serve an influx of patrons, according to Virginia King, a spokesperson for Hugo's Quality Casual Dining in uptown Martinsville.King said the business placed coupons in the welcome bags "to encourage the players to come to the restaurant." A temporary sign also was installed to help guide them to the eatery.Once uptown, King said she hoped the visitors would explore shopping options there.Rose Siler, manager of Captain Tom's Seafood, said she also is "certainly hoping for" increased business from tournament players, fans and families. "Any added business is always good," she said.The seafood restaurant also included coupons in welcome bags, and "we're hoping to get some feedback," Siler said."We have a full staff" scheduled to work all weekend, she added. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/67 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/67 Sunday, 18 September 2011 12:00:00 EST

On one field Saturday during the Virginia Fusion Ultimate Frisbee tournament at the Smith River Sports Complex, one player sprinted step-for-step with a rapidly moving disc, catching up to it only as she snared it while sliding in the back of the end zone.

Sunday, 18 September 2011 12:00:00 EST By DAVID REYNOLDS - Bulletin Sports WriterOn one field Saturday during the Virginia Fusion Ultimate Frisbee tournament at the Smith River Sports Complex, one player sprinted step-for-step with a rapidly moving disc, catching up to it only as she snared it while sliding in the back of the end zone.On an adjoining field a few minutes later, another competitor wasn't so lucky. Her dive toward a Frisbee in the scoring area came up a few inches short, and she got face full of grass and dirt instead of the catch.Despite the differing outcomes, both the plays made the same point.This is a serious sport."There's a lot of sprinting. It's different from a lot of sports in that you sprint really, really hard for a few seconds and then stop," said Jenny Fey, who plays for the Washington, D.C., based Scandal. "It's a lot of stop-and-go, which can be jarring."Seven of the eight women's club teams at this weekend's event placed in the top-10 at the national club championships last season, and for most of them, this is the final tune-up before the qualification process begins for nationals this year.And watching them effortlessly whip the Frisbee all over the fields Saturday, it was easy to forget that developing those skills is a little tough."The skill set you need for the throws is really, really hard," Fey said. "Going from not being able to throw at all to throwing a little bit, there's a much bigger jump to being able to throw really well, especially when there's people playing defense on you."An Ultimate field is set up a lot like a football field, except it has 20-yard end zones. Its most basic rules are that players can advance the Frisbee in any direction by passing it to teammates, and no one is allowed to run once he or she has control of the Frisbee. If the team with possession of the Frisbee lets it hit the ground, the other team takes possession.But along with those simple rules are a handbook full of much more complex ones that deal with fouls, pivot feet and other violations.The only team in the Elite Club division to escape Saturday's pool play without a loss was Riot (3-0), a team from Seattle that finished third last season at nationals.Riot captain Gwen Ambler said one of her team's goals this weekend was to gain experience playing in the Eastern time zone, as games at nationals will begin at 9 a.m. EST - 6 a.m. Seattle time.Only about half of Riot's roster was able to make the trip, Ambler said, but there were a few other benefits of Riot making the cross-country trek."Often teams don't bring their full roster when they come out West, so now, although we're not bringing our full roster out East, we get to see them at their full strength and use this as a really great scouting tool," she said.The tournament caught some rain during its morning games, making the Frisbee a little wet and the grass a little slick. Despite the cold and wet weather, a couple of players welcomed the rain because it made the ground a little softer for diving."We're used to this weather. It's been raining so we feel like we're at home," said Lizzy Shiel, captain of Chicago's Nemesis (3-1). "We were hoping for warmer weather, but hopefully (today)."On the college side of the tournament, North Carolina (4-0), Dartmouth (4-0), Swarthmore (4-0) and Penn State (3-0) earned the top spots in today's championship bracket after sweeping pool play. They will be joined in the bracket by Virginia (3-1), Delaware (3-1), Pittsburgh (3-1) and James Madison (2-1).Tournament play begins at 8:30 this morning, and the last championship game starts at 3:30 p.m. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/64 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/64 Friday, 16 September 2011 12:00:00 EST

If you've never seen an Ultimate Frisbee game before, University of Virginia player Kaley Bender makes it sound pretty nifty.

Friday, 16 September 2011 12:00:00 EST If you've never seen an Ultimate Frisbee game before, University of Virginia player Kaley Bender makes it sound pretty nifty."It's sort of a game that's a mix between football and soccer," Bender said. "Just expect a lot of cool plays, and lots of movement, and lots of ups going for the disc."Football, soccer, cool plays, movement and ups. Doesn't sound too bad.Locals will be able to witness all of it this weekend at the Smith River Sports Complex, which is hosting the Virginia Fusion tournament - a women's Frisbee tournament that includes both club and college teams."The last couple weeks we've seen a lot of people that are gonna come out, that are interested just to see what it is," said SRSC Director of Operations Billy Russo. "There's a lot of kids that are from this area that went to college that know about the sport, so they'll probably be here and try to advocate for it."Thirty-six teams and an estimated 900 players will participate in what is considered a premier national tourney."Really you can tell the quality of the tournament from where people are coming from, and I know that there are teams coming from the West Coast," said Bender, who also competes for a Charlottesville-based club team.Indeed, teams from as far away as Seattle and Colorado will be competing. College teams include Virginia, North Carolina, Duke, Clemson, Maryland, VCU, William & Mary, James Madison and Georgetown, among others.Generally speaking, Ultimate Frisbee is not a varsity sport in college - most are college club teams."We expect it to be a huge economic impact to the area, that's the number one goal," Russo said. "And the other reason (for hosting the tournament) is to really showcase this facility to people across the country, and to see if we could pull one of these events off."There will be three divisions in the tournament: Club (eight teams), College (20) and Elite Club (eight). Pool play is Saturday, and division champions will be determined Sunday.Games begin at 8:30 a.m. both days. There will also be a skills clinic for college players from 5:15 to 7 p.m. Saturday.For more information, including the full schedule of games, see virginiafusion.wordpress.com. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/63 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/63 Wednesday, 14 September 2011 12:00:00 EST

The Smith River Sports Complex will host one of the largest women's Ultimate Frisbee tournaments in the country this weekend.

Wednesday, 14 September 2011 12:00:00 EST The Smith River Sports Complex will host one of the largest women's Ultimate Frisbee tournaments in the country this weekend.The Virginia Fusion tournament will be held Saturday and Sunday, bringing teams from all over the country and Canada to Martinsville and Henry County. More than 900 athletes are expected to participate."We are excited to host our first Ultimate Frisbee event. With teams coming from all over the country, this is truly a great event to showcase our facility to so many different visitors," said Billy Russo, director of operations for the Smith River Sports Complex, in a news release.Tournament play will start at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, and rounds will be played all day with the last one beginning at 7 p.m. The first round Sunday will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the last round will end at 3:30 p.m., with the Elite Championship game starting at 2:15 p.m.There are three competition levels in ultimate: Club, Elite Club and College. Eight of the top-10 finishers at last year's USA Ultimate Club Championships will be in attendance in the Elite Club division, and a number of regionally and locally competitive teams will participate in the Club and College divisions. College teams will include Duke, Penn State, Virginia, William & Mary, Clemson, James Madison, Rutgers and many others.Without Limits, an organization dedicated to creating and developing opportunities for women ultimate players, will co-host this tournament along with two teams, Colorado-based Molly Brown and Massachusetts-based Smith College LunaDisc. In an attempt to further their goal of growing the sport, they will run both a skills clinic and a networking event at the tournament.The teams hope to use ultimate as a way to build bridges of understanding and community for players from different social and cultural backgrounds."Without Limits is thrilled to be bringing Virginia Fusion to Martinsville. We look forward to bringing some of the best teams in the country together, as well as creating some valuable skills clinic and community building opportunities," said Michelle Ng, co-founder of Without Limits and member of Molly Brown.Admission is free, and concessions will be open.For more information about the event and Ultimate Frisbee, visit www.withoutlimits.com, www.usaultimate.org or www.southernvirginiasports.com, or contact Amanda Gray at 638-1387. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/62 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/62 Monday, 12 September 2011 12:00:00 EST

The Smith River Sports Complex is meeting its two primary goals of providing fitness opportunities to local residents and serving as an economic catalyst.

Monday, 12 September 2011 12:00:00 EST By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff WriterThe Smith River Sports Complex is meeting its two primary goals of providing fitness opportunities to local residents and serving as an economic catalyst, with an estimated impact of more than $500,000 last year, complex officials say.And they are predicting even more growth in the coming year.Billy Russo, director of operations at the complex, estimated its local economic impact last year at more than $500,000, calculated on a base figure of $125 spent per day per visitor who stays in a local hotel."We had a good year," Russo said.Tournaments held at the complex attracted visitors from 20 countries and 26 states, he said. Those people stay in local motels, eat in restaurants and spend money in other ways that help the local economy, he added."Things are going very well. We have a lot of activities. A lot of diverse activities" are underway or scheduled, said Jimmy McGarry, chairman of the Southern Virginia Recreation Facilities Authority (SVRFA) which oversees the complex.The Harvest Foundation built the nearly $9 million facility and then turned it over to the authority to manage. The complex opened in 2009, and in June 2010, Harvest announced a three-year, $865,895 operating grant to support the authority and programs at the complex.The total complex budget includes the grant funds from Harvest, as well as income generated by events, rentals, sponsors, concessions and supporters, McGarry said.That revenue totaled $225,000 in fiscal 2010-11, which exceeded the $208,000 projected in the complex's budget, he said.It also was nearly double the $130,000 in revenue generated in fiscal 2009-10, McGarry said.At the same time, "we were able to keep our expenses low enough to afford to make field six playable and still not go over our projected expenses," he said.The complex hosted events in five sports - football, flag football, lacrosse, field hockey and soccer - and added events in most of those, McGarry said.Other "special events" were possible by using what Russo referred to as "festival grounds" adjacent to the main facility for a Civil War reenactment, Smith River Fest and numerous camp-outs, such as those by Scouting groups, McGarry said.Also, a local parks and recreation department sponsored a "Family Float" in which participants floated to the complex, "camped out there that night and floated on the next day," McGarry said.Russo said other festivals and special events are planned, and "hopefully, that (sector) will grow."Complex staff and volunteers also worked with the Virginia Museum of Natural History to hold the Earth Day celebration, Russo said. That event and the Smith River Fest are examples "of how much we're partnering with" other organizations/individuals in the community, he said.Between 15 and 20 visitors use the canoe launch at the complex each day, while many others use the walking trail and playground, he said.There also has been an upswing in sponsorship, fundraising and concession sales, Russo said.There are different categories of sponsorships, McGarry said. Four of the fields now are sponsored, compared to "a year ago, (when) we had either had zero or one," he said.Other areas of the complex also have sponsors. The complex has 12 corporate sponsors and a total of 19 business partners in various categories, McGarry said.A new campaign, dubbed "Friends of the Complex," was created to get area residents involved in fundraising for start-up and event costs, Russo said.McGarry said the group has 58 members, which may be individuals, families or businesses.Concession sales are "always tied to the number of events and the number of people coming to the events," he said. Sales increased from last year "because our number of events are up and the number of spectators are up," he said.Concession sales were among the items included in the year end revenue total, he added.The complex also rents its facilities to local churches, businesses and individuals, Russo said. This year, "we hosted our first wedding," he said. Other events included family reunions, meetings/picnics, parties and baby showers.Capital improvements included renovating the maintenance facility to protect equipment and reconfiguring the SunTrust Pavilion to accommodate three offices. The complex and the Piedmont Youth Soccer League (PYSL) cooperatively began work on a sixth soccer field that will be ready this fall, Russo said.The next year is expected to be "unprecedented," Russo said, with a growing schedule of events and bookings already made through early December.In addition to the "expanded local recreation play and leagues every day and weekend, the complex will host 14 events in six different sports," and it is projected to attract more than 2,000 people to local hotels over a three-month period, Russo said.Upcoming events will include a "Stick It To Cancer" Smith River College Club Field Hockey Tournament on Sept. 11 to benefit the National Cancer Research Foundation, Russo said.The Virginia Fusion 2.0 Ultimate Frisbee Tournament on Sept. 17-18 is a first at the complex, Russo said. It is expected to draw 36 teams from 20 states and Canada. More than "900 athletes will hit the field in one of the largest Women Ultimate events in the country," he said.With more events scheduled, McGarry predicted the number of visitors, and the amount of revenue generated both at the complex and in the community, will increase over the next year.As one caveat to future growth, Russo said he is working to change the perception that the facility is a "soccer complex. We would like to get people to stop calling us that."Instead, he is encouraging people to call the facility what it has become: A sports complex. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/61 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/61 Sunday, 11 September 2011 12:00:00 EST

On Sunday September 11th the Smith River Sports Complex hosted the Smith River "Stick it to Cancer" Club Field Hockey Invitational.

Sunday, 11 September 2011 12:00:00 EST On Sunday September 11th the Smith River Sports Complex hosted the Smith River "Stick it to Cancer" Club Field Hockey Invitational. Women's College Club teams from Clemson University, Coastal Carolina University, UNC-Wilmington, and High Point University competed in the event, each playing 3 games apiece in a round robin format. The event was a benefit for the National Cancer Research Foundation. The Complex raised $500 through the sale of "Stick it to Cancer" t-shirts, a raffle, and other donations. The T-shirts were made possible by Memorial Hospital of Martinsville-Henry County and Checkered Flag Sports.Scores 11:00 AM Coastal Carolina vs. Clemson - 1-0 Coastal CarolinaHigh Point vs. UNC-Wilmington - 4-2 High Point1:00 PM Coastal Carolina vs. UNC - Wilmington - 1-0 Coastal CarolinaHigh Point vs. Clemson - 3-0 Clemson3:00 PM Clemson vs. UNC-Wilmington - 1-0 UNCWHigh Point vs. Coastal Carolina - 2-0 High PointThe event also had a local impact on the economy with an estimated $6,000 plus spent on local hotels, restaurants, gas, etc.The event was the first Field Hockey Tournament that SRSC has ever hosted and the first of many planed in the future. "We were very pleased with this inaugural event and we were excited to be able to make a contribution to the National Cancer Research Foundation, and hope that we can continue to run & host events like this in the future", said Billy Russo, Director of Operation of SRSC. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/60 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/60 Friday, 02 September 2011 12:00:00 EST

Carlisle's new head coach, Enda Crehan, didn't get to watch many Carlisle games last year, and though the 2010 Chiefs team finished with a 17-6-1 record en route to a state semifinal appearance, he's not ready to make predictions or go on the record about season-ending goals for this year's team.

Friday, 02 September 2011 12:00:00 EST By JOHNNY BUCK - Bulletin Sports EditorCarlisle's new head coach, Enda Crehan, didn't get to watch many Carlisle games last year, and though the 2010 Chiefs team finished with a 17-6-1 record en route to a state semifinal appearance, he's not ready to make predictions or go on the record about season-ending goals for this year's team.His players are a different story, however."Our end of season goal is the one almighty goal, which is to get that win at state," said senior defender Miles Rachner. "And I believe we can make it there this year, for sure, because honestly, there's lots of teams in our division that we know, that we've played, that have lost lots of seniors" to graduation.The same cannot be said about the Chiefs.Carlisle brings back all but one starter from the 2010 team -graduated defender Tanner Barbour - while adding two talented transfer students and several promising up-and-comers from the junior varsity program."I think we haven't lost any talent on the field," said Rachner, "maybe even improved."Central defender Marvin Soyka, another returning senior starter, didn't feel the need to qualify his statement with a "maybe.""I think we're way better," said the native German flatly.Indeed, talk to the players on this year's team, and it's apparent that not only do they want to win the program's first VISAA Division II state championship, they think it's an extremely realistic goal.In contrast, Crehan, who replaces retired skipper Harry Lance, is holding his cards a little closer to the vest."It's a big year for us. A big year for Carlisle soccer," said Crehan, who previously served as an assistant coach for Averett University's men's soccer team, as well as the director of coaching for PYSL. "We're blessed to have some good players all over the park, but again, everything depends on how we play. And then you need a little luck along the way, as well."The Chiefs have been experimenting with a number of different playing formations, and entering Thursday night's season opener at North Cross - which Carlisle won 2-0 - several starting positions were still up for grabs.That being said, the key contributors are taking shape for the Chiefs (1-0 overall), who will most likely use a 4-3-3 formation the majority of the time.Up top, Carlisle will be led by forwards Corey Gaylor (Jr.), Reuben George (Sr.) and Jihun Lee (Jr.), who goes by the nickname "Duke.""Corey, Reuben and Duke, all of them last year scored a lot of goals for us," said Crehan."I think once we click, we'll be golden," he added.Probable midfield starters include returners Preston Key (Jr.) and Jermaine Soyka (So.), as well as first-year foreign exchange student Osman Sillah (So.), a tall, talented player from Finland."They're all in shape. I expect a lot out of them," Crehan said of his midfielders, noting that Sillah and Key could also see time at forward. "They know I expect a lot out of them. And if we can get all I'm gonna ask out them, then we'll be successful."On the back line, Crehan expects central defenders Marvin Soyka (Sr.) and Bassett High School transfer Bennett White (So.) to form a strong unit with outside defenders Rachner and Nick Clark (Jr.).The coach added that 2010 starter Dong Lee (Sr.) could also start on the outside, while Clark might see some time in the midfield."On defense, we have a lot of good players, on offense, we have a lot of good players," said Lee, a foreign exchange student from South Korea. "In general, we are good."In goal, Carlo Pacifico (Sr.) edged Michael Decker (Sr.) for the starter's spot. Pacifico finished with three saves in the Thursday's shutout win.George, the striker who finished with 19 goals and seven assists last year, said this year's team should be "way better" than last year's."This year we are both physically and technically stronger," he said.Crehan probably wouldn't argue with that assessment, though he will continue to look for areas that could improve on a club that lost 3-0 in the state semis last year."I think we're strong. I think we're strong in all positions," he added. "Again, it's all a matter of how we perform that day. You see the best teams in the world, and (sometimes) they have an off day." http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/59 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/59 Thursday, 01 September 2011 12:00:00 EST

Meade Seiy invented a new position for her Carlisle field hockey team, but she doesn't quite know how to define it.

Thursday, 01 September 2011 12:00:00 EST By PAUL MONTANA - Bulletin Sports WriterMeade Seiy invented a new position for her Carlisle field hockey team, but she doesn't quite know how to define it.It's sort of a midfielder, but also sort of a forward. "A mid-forward-person," Seiy said.Or, as her players call it, a "midward."It's a special position for what could be a very special team.The Lady Chiefs graduated just one senior from the team that lost in the state semifinals last season. So, there is no question that the state championship is the goal for this year's team - something Carlisle last accomplished in 2009."These girls could be on the same caliber as the 2009 state championship team," Seiy said.That team, which Seiy called the best she's ever coached, went undefeated en route to the VISAA Division 2 state title.The state title "has gotta be the goal with this talent that I've got coming back," Seiy said. "Hopefully we will be there that Saturday in November."The 2010 Chiefs went 15-3 and made the state semifinals, but lost 2-0 in a hard, contested match to Covenant - the same team that the 2009 Chiefs beat in the state championship."I was just so frustrated and so angry, because we weren't on that day," said senior captain Alanna Ferguson of the defeat. "It didn't reflect our season, I didn't feel like.""It gives me a sense of revenge to get back at 'em," said fellow senior captain Robbi Jensen. "It gives me some fire to play harder."When the Chiefs return to the postseason, it will be with a new formation - one that Seiy essentially created out of thin air.In years past, Carlisle played with four forwards, three midfielders and three defenders. This season, the Chiefs will subtract a midfielder while debuting two new positions, both of which Seiy said are her own inventions: The "midward," a midfielder/forward hybrid, and the "diamond," a defender/midfielder hybrid.The major factors for the new formation are Jensen and Ferguson, who will be the only two true midfielders."I feel that Robbi and Alanna can handle that midfield by themselves," Seiy said. "I want to have a little bit more of a scoring threat, so I want to have this new position."In the new formation, Liza Moore (left wing), Michelle Arroyo (center) and Lori Yeaman (right wing) will start up top, and Emily Morgan will play the new "midward" position."I think it definitely helps," Jensen said of the "midward" spot. "Because we just have an extra person in there, either to go in to score, or to stay back to help on D."Behind Jensen and Ferguson will be a diamond formation on defense, with the designated "diamond" defender above two fullbacks and a sweeper in the back. Caroline Jordan will be at the "diamond" slot, Katie Ryan and Katie Pike will play fullback, and Olivia Evans will start at sweeper. Virginia Zentmeyer will start at goalkeeper for Carlisle (1-0 overall)."I feel really good about our defense," Seiy said. "That defense back there is solid, and Virginia in the goal, she's phenomenal."Even with the new formation, the Chiefs emphasized that their basic philosophy hasn't changed."We still play the same way," Jensen said.And their goal hasn't changed either."They didn't like to lose that game" in the state tournament last year, Seiy said. "I think the sting is still there. They want to get back there and get it back." http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/58 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/58 Thursday, 18 August 2011 12:00:00 EST

After three years of flag football, Troy O'Dell and Ivan Hairston's children wanted a little something more out of their games.

Thursday, 18 August 2011 12:00:00 EST By DAVID REYNOLDS - Bulletin Sports WriterAfter three years of flag football, Troy O'Dell and Ivan Hairston's children wanted a little something more out of their games.Specifically, they were tired of waiting around for a chance to start hitting one another."They begged us to try to start a league," O'Dell said. "That's how the league came about, because the kids were tired of playing flag football."Due to those requests, O'Dell and Hairston decided to found the Southside Youth Football League last year, a tackle league open to children in kindergarten through the fourth grade.Last year's version had two teams composed of players from Martinsville and Henry County, and those teams played against each other and a team from Eden, N.C., at the Smith River Sports Complex (SRSC) and the Boys and Girls Club in Eden.O'Dell said he hopes to have enough participants for three area teams this year, and the league is also adding a team from Danville into the mix. O'Dell said his team will also be competing with teams from Rockingham County, N.C., and Reidsville, N.C."Once they get their pads and helmets on, you can see their face light up," O'Dell said. "They really get into it once the pads are on."In Southside Youth Football, there is no weight limit for defensive linemen, a difference between leagues set up by the Martinsville and Henry County Departments of Recreation. In those leagues, O'Dell said, players who weight more than a certain amount are only allowed to play on the offensive line.Running backs are restricted to being 111 pounds and lighter in O'Dell's league, he said.O'Dell anticipates 100 participants in the league this year, and he hopes to get enough kindergartners and first graders to separate them from the older and bigger third and fourth graders.Last year the league had ‘fun quarters' for the smallest and youngest children in the league, but O'Dell would like to have full games instead of just ‘fun quarters' this season.As with any contact sport, injuries are a risk. But last year, O'Dell said, all the injuries his players sustained were minor."Actually, we had no injuries, knock on wood, we had no injuries, no broken legs or arms or anything like that. As far as safety wise last year, it was really great," O'Dell said. "Some kids got hurt for a play or two or got hit real hard and got the breath knocked out of them, but that's to be expected."If all goes to plan for O'Dell and Hairston, the other founder of the league, Southside Youth Football might have an effect on some high school fields on Friday nights before it's all said and done."My and Mr. Hairston's thinking is that our area seems to be way behind everywhere else. We haven't had a state championship football team here (in a long time)," O'Dell said. "I think that starting them young, the high schools will see the rewards of us starting this league once they get to high school, because they'll be playing for 7 to 10 years before they get to high school."Registration for the Southside Youth Football League is held from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday in August at the SRSC.The cost is $50, and parents can also register their children during the first week of practice at the end of August and beginning of September.For more information, contact O'Dell at 618-4143 or Hairston at 224-4799. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/57 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/57 Monday, 15 August 2011 12:00:00 EST

The Smith River was flowing a little swifter than usual by 10 a.m. Saturday morning.

Monday, 15 August 2011 12:00:00 EST By DAVID REYNOLDS - Bulletin Sports WriterThe Smith River was flowing a little swifter than usual by 10 a.m. Saturday morning.That made the normally still and lazy route of the river race at the Smith River Fest a little more challenging, and it made the race more enjoyable for its competitors."They did a pretty large dam release, about 1,000 cubic feet per second, which is three or four times higher than it normally is here," said Ron Bell of Roanoke. "That brought the water level up enough to create four or five small class one rapids, which made it fun."Michael Amos of Mayodan, N.C., cruised into the finish at the Smith River Sports Complex with the fastest time of the day at 34 minutes, 57 seconds. Amos, who finished almost two minutes in front of second-place finisher Allen Bumgarner (36:51), took the overall title and the men's racing kayak division.In men's recreational kayak, which was separate from the men's racing kayak due to differences in the lengths of the boats, Scott Keaton won with a time of 43:10.The women's recreational kayak had the closest finish of the day, with Linda Rachner edging Kimberly Hall by just six seconds. Rachner reached the finish in 48:09, and Hall completed the course in 48:15.Francine Smith took the 60-and-older division in the women's recreational kayak with a time of 50:42.In the solo canoe, Jeff Gobble finished in 41:37 to float to a victory, and Joey Dimeglio earned the 60-and-over title with a time of 52:06.Bell, who used a stand-up paddle board to navigate the course, finished in 54:56."They were real nice and accommodating. They created a whole new division for me," Bell said. "Obviously I got first place because there was only one entrant."In the mixed kayak division, which pairs two people in one large kayak, Robert Cardwell and Regina Dalton made their way down the river in 44:13.Cardwell, who hails from Stoneville, N.C., said it was their third time attending the festival. He and Dalton brought three boats to the event, and after the competitive race, they did the course again to relax and have fun on the river."In the competitive part, we usually argue all the way down because we're not able to get into position to pass someone or whatever," Cardwell joked. "It's still a good time though. We had a good time overall."In the family tandem canoe, Peter Katt and Kristen Katt won after finishing in 49:47. Christopher Hill and Sandra Medlin won the mixed tandem canoe in 53:49.Organizers at the Smith River Fest estimated that a crowd of a little more than 500 showed up at the event, which also included a 24-foot climbing wall, a variety of bouncy castles, an inflatable obstacle course and vendors for a a multitude of products.Vendors were selling boating equipment, food, clothing, bracelets and other trinkets during the day.Singer Amanda Joyce also performed after the top finishers were announced at the event.Several different kinds of boats were available for rent as well, and plenty of people in attendance took canoes and kayaks on the water after the race to row for fun.The festival also drummed up some interest in the recreational activity from non-boaters in attendance."There's a lot of people up here who don't paddle, and that's what I like to see. I've had several people talk to me about getting a boat," said Bev Bryant, president of the Smith River Valley Canoe Club. "Our club, we teach people how to roll, roll-backs, and so I've talked to a couple people about that already today."The most popular attraction for children at the event was the climbing wall, which had three sections - easy, medium and hard.Dylan Cochran, 7, the son of Brenda and Kevin Cochran, was one of the many children who made it all of the way up and rang the bell at the top.Cochran said he had climbed a wall that was higher at his school, but that the hard section of the wall gave him some trouble on his first try.He went up the medium route on his second try and appeared to have no trouble getting to the top."Kind of," Cochran said when asked if climbing the wall was easy, "but the hard side wasn't."Race ResultsSaturday at the Smith River FestMen's racing kayakMichael Amos 34:57Allen Bumgarner 36:51Lee Jones 37:07Sam Keaton 39:22Ray C. Banker 55:50Kent David Kendall 56:56Women's recreational kayakLinda Rachner 48:09Kimberly Hall 48:15Cindy Edgerton 54:10Alison Parker 55:48Debbie Hogan 1:04:18Kim Shrewsberry 1:05:18Men's recreational kayakScott Keaton 43:10Jared Hoernig 50:25Danny Banker 56:01Women's recreational kayak (60 and older)Francine Smith 50:42Solo canoeJeff Gobble 41:37Solo canoe (60 and older)Joey Dimeglio 52:06Paddle boardRon Bell 54:56Mixed kayakRobert Cardwell/Regina Dalton 44:13Family tandem canoePeter Katt/Kristen Katt 49:47Mixed tandem canoeChristopher Hill/Sandra Medlin 53:49 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/56 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/56 Monday, 11 July 2011 12:00:00 EST

One good thing about unpaid semi-pro football players: You can't lock them out.

Monday, 11 July 2011 12:00:00 EST By PAUL MONTANA - Bulletin Sports WriterOne good thing about unpaid semi-pro football players: You can't lock them out.On the other hand, you can't make them come to practice either.That was the root of the problem for the Virginia Storm last season, when they went 3-9 in their first year as a Martinsville-based team."I'm a product of Magna Vista, and that's just something I'm not used to," said lineman Hugo Hughes."It was real frustrating," Storm coach Chris Weeks said. "You game plan and game plan on what you want to accomplish in a practice, and when you show up and you only have a fourth of the guys there, you have to rethink your strategy on the spot. It slows your momentum on what you're trying to build off of.'"If the Storm want to be more competitive this season in the Central Carolina Football League, then showing up to practice will also be the root of the solution. And Weeks said this year's team understands that notion."The difference from last year is that the guys are focused, and everybody's understanding we've got the same goal right now, that we go out and win a championship," Weeks said.Already, the Storm are off to a better start than a year ago. They won their opener 34-16 Saturday night at the Smith River Sports Complex - in last season's home opener, they were drilled 48-0 by the Carolina Eagles, who went on to go undefeated and win the CCFL title.After that game, several players noticed the number of "suits" - as in, coaches - on the Eagles' sideline. At the time, the Storm had just one: Weeks.So Weeks addressed that issue as well this year, adding Tony Moon as the offensive coordinator and making Magna Vista High School graduate Donnie Wilkerson a full-time line coach."Having those extra coaches on hand definitely helps out, because it's more of a player-per-coach ratio," Weeks said. "It helps keep things going."Moon, who has more than 35 years of coaching experience at the youth and high school levels, Weeks said, will run a multiple-I formation look with elements of spread. It's the same offense as last year, but with a few more wrinkles courtesy of Moon."Basically, the offense I've always ran was his offense anyway," Weeks said. "There will be some changes to the offense, mainly because he's a little bit more in-depth into the offense than I am."Kenny Perry, or "KP" as his teammates call him, will once again take the majority of the snaps at quarterback. But Perry, a coach at Bassett High School and easily one of the best athletes on the team, will also line up at receiver and get some carries, Weeks said - like the 90-yard touchdown run he had Saturday.But most of the carries will go to returning tailback B.J. Jumper, and Weeks said he will also insert linebacker Lamar "Juicy" Brown at tailback on occasion.Where Weeks sees the most offensive improvement, however, is on the line and at wide receiver.The Storm added several impressive rookie receivers, Weeks said, including former U.Va.-Wise player Stephon Jennings."We should be a lot more balanced offensively than what we were last year," Weeks said. "We were running the ball pretty good last year, so we should be able to balance that out with the receivers we have."The offensive line, anchored by Hughes, will be "a lot bigger" and "more athletic" than last year, Weeks said. And on top of that, the team's linemen are more committed."That is the key," Weeks said. "Once the guys see that we have the big guys coming out, and coming to practice, that really motivates the whole team to really get out there and want to work hard and get better."The offense was a bit sluggish in the opening win. The only offensive touchdown Saturday was the 90-yard run by Perry; the defense scored three TDs and forced three safeties to account for most of the scoring."I think our biggest problem was our timing between the quarterback and wide receivers was a little off," Weeks said, adding that the Storm dropped three touchdown passes."There was times we just weren't on the same page," Perry said. "We just need to practice that a lot more."But three defensive touchdowns, three safeties and five forced turnovers - including three interceptions - can't be a bad sign for the defense."Our defense is only gonna get better from this point," Weeks said. "I did not expect my defense to come out that well and perform, but we really had some rookies that came in and stepped up and played beyond the expectations."The linebackers will be the strength of the Storm's 3-5 defense, which will be run by Weeks. In addition to Brown returning at linebacker, Weeks also likes rookies Terrence Cooper, a GW-Danville High School product, and Terrence Harris, of Dan River High School.Perry will bring his athleticism to the secondary, but the unit will be anchored by Martinsville High School graduate Darian Dunbar, Weeks said.Out of the 65 players on the opening-game roster, 25 played high school football in the Piedmont District and another went to Carlisle. And that's not counting another 13 players who signed with the team after they saw the Storm's win Saturday at the SRSC, Weeks said.If his players show the commitment that was lacking a year ago, Weeks believes that turning a 3-9 record into a championship over the course of a year is not unrealistic."Even being 3-9 last year, six losses were three points or less," Weeks said. "You turn those games around, we easily could have been 9-3."I feel with the direction the team is focused on going right now, we easily could be a team that's contending for the championship." http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/55 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/55 Sunday, 10 July 2011 12:00:00 EST

The Virginia Storm's defense scored three touchdowns and had a safety, helping the team to a 34-16 win over the Richmond County Golden Bears in their opening game at the Smith River Sports Complex on Saturday.

Sunday, 10 July 2011 12:00:00 EST The Virginia Storm's defense scored three touchdowns and had a safety, helping the team to a 34-16 win over the Richmond County Golden Bears in their opening game at the Smith River Sports Complex on Saturday.The Storm's defensive TDs were highlighted by Jeff Redd's 109-yard interception return for a touchdown, which set a team record, according to coach Chris Weeks. That play came with under five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter to put the game away. The Martinsville-based team also had fumble recoveries for touchdowns in both the first and second quarters to give the Storm a 16-10 lead at the half. Then the Storm defense started the third with a safety to take an 18-10 lead. The Storm's only offensive score came on a 90-yard quarterback sneak by Kenny Perry early in the fourth quarter. Perry finished 4-of-17 for 29 yards passing and rushed for 104 yards on four carries. Richmond County quarterback Michael Johnson completed 5 of 18 passes and had three interceptions. For more on the Storm, see Monday's edition of the Martinsville Bulletin. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/54 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/54 Wednesday, 06 July 2011 12:00:00 EST

The Virginia Storm, a Martinsville-based semi-pro football team, open their season Saturday against the Richmond County Golden Bears at the Smith River Sports Complex.

Wednesday, 06 July 2011 12:00:00 EST The Virginia Storm, a Martinsville-based semi-pro football team, open their season Saturday against the Richmond County Golden Bears at the Smith River Sports Complex."We are excited about the new group of rookies we have this year," Storm coach Chris Weeks said in a news release. "We are more explosive on offense this year with more speed. We are also a lot more disciplined football team."The Storm went 3-9 and advanced to the second round of the playoffs in their first year in Martinsville last season. They previously were the Gretna Storm. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/53 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/53 Tuesday, 05 July 2011 12:00:00 EST

The Virginia Storm semi-professional football players are getting geared up for the second year of exciting games at the Smith River Sports Complex.

Tuesday, 05 July 2011 12:00:00 EST The Virginia Storm semi-professional football players are getting geared up for the second year of exciting games at the Smith River Sports Complex.The first home game at the Smith River Sports Complex is July 9th vs. Richmond County Golden Bears at 7:00pm on Turf Field #4. Miss Greater Franklin County, a finalist for Miss Virginia, will be in attendance to do the coin flip.The Virginia Storm are members of the Central Carolina Football League. The Storm provides an opportunity for young men to continue playing football past their collegiate or scholastic careers. The Storm provides inexpensive family entertainment and is the premiere adult amateur football team in Central Virginia. They partner with the Community Storehouse of Martinsville-Henry County and offer a dollar off admission for those spectators that bring a canned or non-perishable food item to the game."We are excited about the new group of rookies we have this year. We are more explosive on offense this year with more speed. We are also a lot more disciplined football team," said Head Coach Chris Weeks."We have seen the team really make a commitment to becoming better in the last year and we look forward to seeing those results on the field- we're excited about another season of Virginia Storm Football at the Sports Complex," stated Billy Russo, Director of Operations at the Smith River Sports Complex.For more information and/or a full schedule please visit www.southernvirginiasports.com or call Billy Russo at 276-638-5200. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/52 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/52 Thursday, 30 June 2011 12:00:00 EST

Area high school football teams are already competing.

Thursday, 30 June 2011 12:00:00 EST Reporter: Nick KingArea high school football teams are already competing. On Tuesday at Smith River Sports Complex in Henry County 12 teams from Virginia and North Carolina gathered for some 7-on-7 action.It was Magna Vista head coach Joe Favero's idea.It was the second summer in a row for the "Border Bash." The event saw each team play five morning games in a round robin set-up followed by a single elimination tournament after lunch.While it's not quite the same without pads and the linemen, coaches say there are definitely benefits."Getting kids out here and getting them going through football and throwing the ball around and catching the ball and seeing kind of what our young kids are doing and who's going to move up and be ready to play," Favero said."You're facing the best from the other school as opposed to mixing your kids in and out and playing those guys. Sometimes you get a false sense of security of how well you're doing until you line up against somebody else's best," Tunstall Head Coach Buddy Brown said. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/51 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/51 Tuesday, 28 June 2011 12:00:00 EST

In Harvey Taylor's senior year, Magna Vista's offense will probably score plenty of points.

Tuesday, 28 June 2011 12:00:00 EST By PAUL MONTANA - Bulletin Sports WriterIn Harvey Taylor's senior year, Magna Vista's offense will probably score plenty of points.But what may win or lose games for the two-time defending Piedmont District champions will be an inexperienced defense. That was as glaring as the scorching-hot sun during the Border Bash 7-on-7 Passing Tournament on Tuesday, as the Warriors reached the semifinals of the 12-team tournament before falling in a 53-52 shootout to Randleman High School. "We have all new secondary personnel, and we've just got to help out the young guys," said MVHS linebacker Zaukeus Witcher, one of four returners to the team's 3-4 defense. "We're gonna be good. Once we're all united, we're gonna be fine." On the heels of a number of high-scoring thrillers to decide the championship matchup came an anticlimactic game - Hillside High School, the defending Group AAAA state champion in North Carolina, crushed Randleman 35-4 after its quarterback and several others had to leave early due to prior commitments. Randleman quarterback Kyle Farlow - the grandson of the late NASCAR great and Martinsville Speedway legend Richard Petty - torched Magna Vista en route to the championship game, but then had to leave to catch a flight. "I hate we didn't show a little bit better" in the championship, Randleman coach Shane Handy said. "But we were worn out, man." But even if it had Farlow, Randleman still would have had its hands full with Hillside, which sent seven players to NCAA Division I schools this year. "It's just building team chemistry, cohesiveness, communication - the kind of stuff that helps go through the season," Hillside coach Antonio King said of the team win. The Warriors fared the best of the four area teams in the tournament, which annually pits Virginia teams against squads from North Carolina. Bassett went 3-2 before falling in the quarterfinals, and both Carlisle (1-4) and Tunstall (0-5) lost in the first round. Magna Vista's offense couldn't be stopped. But the defense had almost as much trouble getting off the field. On a 40-yard field where 20 yards earned a first down, the MVHS defense had just two stops in its quarterfinal win over Cummings. But it only needed one, as the offense scored on all eight of its possessions in the 60-50 win, with Taylor throwing repeated bombs to the end zone - many on the possession's first snap. DeShaun Penn and Jalen Hayden were his chief recipients. But against Randleman, the defense gave Taylor and Co. no help. Farlow's offense scored on every possession as he repeatedly found pockets in the teeth of the Warriors' defense, and one interception from Taylor - which earned three points for the defense in the tournament - was all Randleman needed. "Defensive-wise, some of the DBs, and safeties, we've just got to play harder, practice harder, just get better," said Taylor, who will also likely play cornerback for the Warriors this season. And, Favero noted, it will be a little different when his speedy linebacker corps is allowed to rush the quarterback - and hit people, as opposed to the touch-and-you're-down rules of 7-on-7. "We played a lot of zone; we run a lot of zone on Friday nights," Favero said. "I was telling the guys, they're gonna catch the ball in the holes of the zone, people can do that. You've just got to be able to close down on that space really quick. And then on Friday nights it's a collision; today, it's a little tap." Bassett, which will have to replace talented athlete Shaq Finney in all three phases of the game, was also knocked out by Randleman, 37-18 in the quarterfinals. "I thought our guys did OK," BHS coach Jay Gilbert said. "We didn't play well at times, but that was the first real organized tournament we've done all summer." The most productive Bengal player on both sides of the ball may have been Daniel Martin. At the very least, Martin was one of the day's more dazzling players; on one play against Randleman, he juked several players near the line of scrimmage before exploding down the length of the field for a score. "Daniel's a very smart kid, and he's very athletic," Gilbert said, but he "just needs to start playing at the level that he's capable of playing. I don't think he plays as hard as he could. When he does, I think he's going to be an exceptionally good player at whatever sport he plays." Carlisle got its only win against T.W. Andrews before a loss to McMichael ended its day. But the Chiefs didn't exactly start out on the right foot; already with a typically small roster, Carlisle's two captains, quarterback/safety Tyshawn Mitchell and wide receiver/corner Eldrick Gunter, overslept and missed the first two games. "They were probably up playing video games - like every teenager does - all night," Carlisle coach Mancino Craighead laughed. "They were a little embarrassed, because that's my two captains, and going into the season, that's not a good way to start it. I was upset to start off with, but as the day went on, I got a little bit better with it." Tunstall's five losses included one by three points and another by six. The others came by at least 14 points. Hidden Valley and James River also participated in the tournament. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/50 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/50 Sunday, 19 June 2011 12:00:00 EST

A curious young boy looked up Saturday afternoon at mustached and bearded Gens.

Sunday, 19 June 2011 12:00:00 EST By PAUL COLLINS - Bulletin Staff WriterA curious young boy looked up Saturday afternoon at mustached and bearded Gens. Robert E. Lee and "Jeb" Stuart, both in uniforms."Are y'all from the South or the North?" the boy asked. "We're from the South, sir," responded genteel Lee. Actually, he is David Chaltas of Jeremiah, Ky. Gen. Stuart, in real life Wayne Jones of North Augusta, S.C., said later that is a big reason why Civil War re-enactments are important: to educate young people. If that little boy didn't know about the Civil War before, "he'll know after today," Jones said. Minutes later, Union and Confederate cannons began firing from about 75 yards apart in a field at the Smith River Sports Complex in Axton in a prelude to the re-enactment of the Battle of Martinsville. That actually was a hotly contested cavalry fight on April 8, 1865, according to writer Darryl Holland. The re-enactment, which continues today at the sports complex, is being presented by the Stuart-Hairston Camp 515 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) in Martinsville. As the cannons fired Saturday, Jones and Chaltas crossed a rope separating spectators from the combatants. Chaltas began to speak, perhaps partly to the spectators and perhaps pumping up the battle re-enactors: "They are coming to Virginia. Virginia, remember your heritage. ... We do this for God, we do this for country, and we do this for honor ... ." Chaltas referred to the smell of cannon fire as ambrosia. It also smelled a little like burned eggs. Jones told the spectators that war re-enactments bring history to life and engage the senses more than reading about history in a book. In all, about 18 Union and 25 or so Confederate soldiers from several states took part in the approximately 45-minute re-enactment of the Battle of Martinsville in Saturday's hot, humid weather. At each end of the battlefield were infantry soldiers standing shoulder to shoulder in a couple of lines behind one another and firing their muskets/rifles. The soldiers on both sides had to reload after each shot (traditionally a maximum of three times a minute). Standing shoulder to shoulder in formation made their firepower more concentrated and presumably could kill more enemy that way. In the real Battle of Martinsville, which was a calvary engagement (soldiers on horseback), Union soldiers had repeat-firing rifles while the Confederates could fire only one shot at a time, and local historian Tom Perry said he thinks that was why Union soldiers won the battle. Union forces also outnumbered the Confederates. After several volleys of fire in the re-enactment, the Union forces had the advantage as more Confederate bodies lied strewn on the field. "Load 'em up, boys. Load 'em up," a Confederate sergeant yelled, instructing his soldiers to reload their weapons. At one point, he scolded one soldier: "Are you a coward?" Several times, the Union forces slowly advanced a few feet, standing shoulder to shoulder, and began firing again in the new location. The Confederates would back up a few feet to a new position, from which they would shoot. Ransom Autry of Thomasville, N.C., portrayed a Confederate surgeon and has researched them. He wore a white medical coat and carried a yellow flag but no weapon. He said in an interview earlier that as a surgeon he would try to save the wounded soldiers, amputating legs when bullets shattered leg bones, removing bullets and sewing up wounds when leg injuries were less severe. Autry said he would have an assistant put those with head and gut wounds in the shade, give them morphine or if a medical painkiller wasn't available, a mixture of liquor and water, and give them a chance to write their final letters to loved ones because in most cases they wouldn't survive. Only after he finished attending those on the battlefield with a greater chance of survival, would he return to attend to those with head and gut injuries, Autry said. On one Union volley, nearly a dozen Confederates were brought down. Confederate reinforcements came, but the Union soldiers continued to advance. On the sporadic times when Union soldiers were shot, some of the spectators cheered. Finally, the Union soldiers charged, walking fast or running, toward the Confederates. Some Confederates were killed by gunfire; some, like historian and Confederate re-enactor Allen Jackson of Ridgeway, engaged in hand-to-hand combat before dying. Only a couple Confederate soldiers escaped. Afterward, Confederate re-enactor Gary Elliott of Danville said he was hot and sweaty during the battle in his long-sleeved, multilayered uniform. He said he has taken part in several dozen re-enactments since 2006, and this one felt like "a tactical demonstration," showing how troops maneuvered. He has been in some re-enactments with as many as 8,000 to 10,000 people where he got more of an adrenalin charge and experienced what amounted to tunnel vision, where he was focused only on what was in front of him, he said. One of the close to 200 spectators, a woman who declined to give her name, giggled that she liked the re-enactment - except her side lost. Richard Handy of Martinsville, who has been to several re-enactments before, said it was "great. You can see something not so far away. I just hope it gets bigger." He said it was the first re-enactment attended by his 10-year-old son, Gage, who was thrilled with it. For instance, the sound of real gunfire is nothing like you hear on TV, dad said. "I think it will spark his interest in Civil War history," Richard Handy said, adding that Gage now wants to read "Red Badge of Courage." Pam Thrush of Roanoke, who knows one of the re-enactors, said, "It was very interesting. I would like to go to more of them. It seemed authentic." Her 12-year-old son, Gabe, said, "I really loved it," and he added that he would like to become a re-enactor. "I really like the Civil War." Daniel Young is the current commander of Stuart-Hairston Camp 515 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) in Martinsville, which presented this first re-enactment of the Battle of Martinsville, and he hopes it will become an annual event. He said having a re-enactment was a long-time dream of commander Raymond Sayers, who died in 2009, and all 15 camp members wanted to hold it and "have done everything they possibly could" to put it on. Virginia King, president of the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society, who placed her hands on her ears during part of the gunfire, said events such as the re-enactment bring visitors to the area, which helps the economy, and she thinks visitors will go home, tell others about it, and more people will come next year. Perry said it was a pretty good turnout for a first re-enactment, and he thinks the event has great potential, especially considering the sports complex is near a major highway and Martinsville had a real battle, whereas with some re-enactments there was no battle there. The re-enactment will continue today. Gates will open at 9 a.m., a church service by Parson Alan Farley is scheduled for 11 a.m., and the battle will begin at 2 p.m. Several "sutlers" (representing people who traveled around and sold provisions to Civil War troops) and vendors are set up. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and younger. Parking is free. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/49 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/49 Friday, 17 June 2011 12:00:00 EST

School's out, but here's your chance to catch a local hands-on history lesson.

Friday, 17 June 2011 12:00:00 EST School's out, but here's your chance to catch a local hands-on history lesson. The Smith River Sports Complex outside of Martinsville is hosting a two day Civil War re-enactment. This is a first for the complex.Officials there say this event could have a huge impact locally. The area's been engaged in their own economic battle. It's why they hope this one will be both educational, and financially beneficial.They say it's the closest you'll come to a glimpse of what life might have been during the Civil War."A lot of history books don't even mention much about the war between the states or the Civil War," said Daniel Young, Commander of Camp 515, Sons of the Confederate Veterans. "They're very skimpy about what they show and teach.""It is extremely educational. For anyone who's historically minded or interested in the 19th century at all, this is a wonderful thing to do in your back yard," said Shane Miles, Federal Officers for the Battle of Martinsville, Union Soldier and a Union Federal Officer.Aside from what you might see on the field, this is also a hands-on experience for families. Experts here have all sorts of replicas here from items used during that time period."You actually get to talk to someone, see someone, who's actually wearing the uniform. They can see it, they can touch it, they can interact," said Miles.And just as they might have then, soldiers will have needs as they come into town. Luckily officials here say, those needs will add up to local spending."Now they will spend money in restaurants and the area while they're here on the weekend," said Billy Russo, Director of Operations Smith River Sports Complex."We estimate the an average soldier in soft dollars that are spread out throughout the community, represent usually a thousand dollars to the community per man that shows up," said Miles.We're also told Generals Jackson, Lee, and Stuart will be there. The event is both Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event is free for kids 12 and younger. Otherwise, the cost is $5 a person. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/48 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/48 Friday, 20 May 2011 12:00:00 EST

The Smith River Sports Complex and Virginia Amateur Sports will host VYSA sanctioned Coventry Commonwealth State Soccer competitions in Martinsville.

Friday, 20 May 2011 12:00:00 EST The Smith River Sports Complex and Virginia Amateur Sports will host VYSA sanctioned Coventry Commonwealth State Soccer competitions in Martinsville. The Complex is partnering with the Piedmont Youth Soccer League (PYSL) to recruit soccer players and teams for the games on August 20-21, 2011.The Coventry Commonwealth State Games of Virginia are excited to add this soccer competition to the list of sports for 2011. The Competition will offer a 3-game guarantee. The competition is an unrestricted tournament open to U9-U19 players. Registration deadline is August 1, 2011. Registration fees are as follows: U9-U14: $275 per team, U15-U19: $300 per team."As chairman of the site selection committee for the 2011 and 2013 national competition of the State Games of America (SGA), I was able to visit numerous sport sites, venues and facilities in Charlotte, San Diego, Colorado Springs, and Hershey Harrisburg who were interested in hosting the 2011 and 2013 SGA. Smith River Sports Complex matched the quality of the outdoor facilities our team was able to visit during our selection process. The fields, the amenities and the expertise and commitment of staff easily matched or exceeded the facilities we visited. Virginia Amateur Sports is proud to announce that we will be holding our soccer and flag football competition of the 2011 Coventry Commonwealth Games at the Smith River Sports Complex in Martinsville, Virginia," said Pete Lampman, President, Virginia Amateur Sports.For more information about the Coventry Commonwealth Games visit www.CommonwealthGames.org or www.SouthernVirginiaSports.com. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/47 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/47 Sunday, 24 April 2011 12:00:00 EST

Chia creatures, beware! Some homegrown competition is sprouting up.

Sunday, 24 April 2011 12:00:00 EST By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff WriterChia creatures, beware! Some homegrown competition is sprouting up.Visitors at the Earth Day Festival on Saturday at the Smith River Sports Complex learned from local Girl Scouts how to make dirt babies.To make a dirt baby, fill a panty hose leg with grass seed and dirt, roll it up so it looks like a head and decorate it with a face, said Shawna Murdock, a member of Girl Scout Troop 53.With watering and proper care, "it will grow out grass that looks like hair," said 10-year-old Will Jarrett of Martinsville, who made one.Watching the hair grow "can be really fun," Murdock added.The Earth Day Festival, sponsored by the Virginia Museum of Natural History, featured fun activities targeted toward young people. Along with the dirt babies, the activities included inflatable games, such as one similar to a basketball court with nets at each end. The children were tethered to the center of the game, which made it hard to reach the nets and dunk objects into them.Live music and kayaking opportunities also were provided.The purpose of the event was to help people learn how to have fun outside and care for the environment, as well as learn about resources available locally to help them do so, according to Tamara Poles, nature and outdoors education manager for the museum.An attendance estimate was not available, but a large crowd was there looking at exhibits and playing on inflatables and athletic fields.One exhibit taught people how to recycle to reduce the amount of waste going into landfills. It noted that materials such as glass, plastic, paper and metal can be recycled to make new products such as toilet paper, jackets, purses and automobile parts.Yard waste, such as grass clippings, and scrap food can be put in compost piles where it will erode and become vitamin-enriched fertilizer that can be strewn on gardens and house plants, the exhibit mentioned.The Dan River Basin Association's exhibit featured a large plastic container filled with water and macroinvertebrates - small creatures such as crayfish and snails that lack backbones. Macroinvertebrates found in rivers and other water bodies help maintain water quality, such as by eating bacteria.Many people who stopped by the exhibit dipped their hands into the water and picked up the creatures for closer inspection.The association provided festival-goers with information on the importance of keeping water clean."Several students were telling me more information than I've been giving them," said DRBA President Wayne Kirkpatrick. He said that is good because it means they are retaining what they learn about the environment.Kimberly Wilson of Martinsville brought her two children to the festival. She said it was nice because it was "something for families to do together."Kristen Jarrett, Will's mother, said the sports complex itself is "just fantastic.""Anything they have out here to promote the community is just wonderful," she said. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/46 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/46 Wednesday, 20 April 2011 12:00:00 EST

The Smith River Sports Complex and Virginia Amateur Sports will host both the Coventry Commonwealth State Flag Football and Soccer competitions in Martinsville.

Wednesday, 20 April 2011 12:00:00 EST The Smith River Sports Complex and Virginia Amateur Sports will host both the Coventry Commonwealth State Flag Football and Soccer competitions in Martinsville. The Complex is partnering with Henry County Parks and Recreation to recruit teams for the Flag Football games on July 16, 2011. Additionally, the Complex is partnering with the Piedmont Youth Soccer League (PYSL) to recruit soccer players and teams for the games on August 20-21, 2011.The Flag Football games are on July 16th and teams are guaranteed three games in a Round Robin tournament. The games are for adults over the age of 18. Registration is $350 per team with a maximum of 18 players and the deadline to register is July 8, 2011.The Coventry Commonwealth State Games of Virginia are excited to add this soccer competition to the list of sports for 2011. The Competition will offer a 3-game guarantee. The competition is an unrestricted tournament open to U9-U19 players and adults. Registration deadline is August 1, 2011. Registration fees are as follows: U9-U14: $275 per team, U15-U19: $300 per team, Adults (20 & up): $325 per team."Virginia Amateur Sports is celebrating its 22nd Anniversary of the Coventry Commonwealth Games and we are proud to announce that we will be partnering up with the outstanding staff and facility, the Smith River Sports Complex in Martinsville, Virginia to hold these events. In our search to find a location to hold our two new competitions: soccer and flag football, Smith River Sports Complex provided us everything we needed to hold a quality successful event. The staff at the Complex have the knowledge, expertise and experience to market, promote and organize the competitions for us. It promises to be a win-win situation for everyone involved," said Pete Lampman, President, Virginia Amateur Sports.For more information about the Coventry Commonwealth Games visit www.CommonwealthGames.org or www.SouthernVirginiaSports.com. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/45 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/45 Sunday, 20 March 2011 12:00:00 EST

If you want confirmation that the Smith River Sports Complex is a state-of-the-art soccer facility, just ask Virginia Tech men's soccer coach Mike Brizendine why he has brought his team there two years in a row.

Sunday, 20 March 2011 12:00:00 EST By PAUL MONTANA - Bulletin Sports WriterIf you want confirmation that the Smith River Sports Complex is a state-of-the-art soccer facility, just ask Virginia Tech men's soccer coach Mike Brizendine why he has brought his team there two years in a row."I mean, look at this facility!" he said Saturday with a smile, in spite of his team's 4-2 loss in an exhibition game to High Point just a few moments earlier."Every time that we've done it, they've done a great job," he added. "It's just a great place to be. We get fan support, we're treated well. Plan on seeing the Hokies here for a number of years."Tech was one of eight men's college teams to attend the second annual Smith River College Showcase at the SRSC on Saturday, and Billy Russo, the director of operations at the complex, said that all plan on coming back next year.The other teams came from High Point, UNC-Greensboro, James Madison, Radford, Appalachian State, Lees-McRae and Averett."I think it went really well," Russo said following the conclusion of the last match."A lot of these teams don't have turf facilities like this," said Enda Crehan, the director of coaching with the Piedmont Youth Soccer League and an assistant coach for Averett's men's team. "It's just an overall great event."Even though the stands weren't packed - Russo admitted he would have liked to see larger crowds, particularly in Saturday's perfect weather - there were plenty of reasons for the showcase's participants to smile.The college teams got to play quality competition - in some cases, better competition then they're used to seeing.And jammed in the middle of the day's college contests was a showcase game for the Uppr9t Academy, a local training academy that features players from the Henry County, Roanoke and Greensboro areas. It is run by Wes Lewis, a Martinsville native, whom area coach Richard Hall called "one of the best technical trainers around."Uppr9t features some of the most talented players from Henry County's schools - talented enough that the college coaches in attendance were in the stands watching, with folders containing player profiles and notepads in hand.The academy divided the teams based on the local clubs players compete with - a Roanoke Stars team (red) and a Guilford United FC team (white), which is where most of the Henry County players compete.The two teams tied 0-0 in a 45-minute game, but the score was little more than a footnote."Three times on the sideline, I had a High Point coach ask me who a kid was," said Hall, coach of the white team. "It's a great opportunity to get kids that work really hard an opportunity to be seen without having to travel all over the place," not to mention avoiding a costly tournament-entry fee that most college showcase tournaments require.Added fellow white team coach David Keys: "A lot of the showcases are many teams and a few coaches, and here it was just two teams and a lot of coaches."And for the coaches, too, it was a unique opportunity to get their teams quality matches and recruit all at the same location."That doesn't happen very often. That's obviously a bonus," Brizendine said."I think it's a great concept," High Point coach Dustin Fonder said. "All of the college coaches who brought our college teams here, it gave us during a natural break something to do, and it's something for the local kids to get exposed to the college coaches. So I think it's a win-win for everybody involved."While the Uppr9t showcase featured the most local players, it was not the main event of the day.The matchup between Virginia Tech and High Point was not only the marquee game of the event, but also an intriguing matchup. The Hokies, out of the powerhouse Atlantic Coast Conference, have struggled to losing records since making the national semifinals in 2007. High Point is in a considerably weaker Big South conference; on the other hand, the Panthers went an undefeated 8-0-0 to win the league's regular-season championship.The Hokies came out strong in the first half, scoring goals in the eighth and 47th minutes while dominating possession. But High Point rallied after halftime, scoring four unanswered goals, including two crowd-pleasing free kick goals from Shawn Sloan - one of them from roughly 40 yards away.Fonder said it was "a good response character-wise" for his team to come back from the two-goal deficit; Brizendine, however, noted that he substituted most of his reserves in the second half, and expected the quality of play to go down for his side.Tech, of course, is of particular interest to the high volume of fans in this area. Brizendine was an assistant coach on the team that made the College Cup in 2007 before taking over the program in 2009."This spring, we're making leaps and bounds," he said of the program's status. "We've had 10 recruits sign for this next year, so a good freshman class coming in this year. We're going to need to bring in another one, and that's going to add quality and depth. And I think that's gonna get us back to where we're accustomed to being."Not to be outdone, the SRSC came out ahead, as well.Russo said that the only expenses incurred by the complex were for hiring officials and part-time staff members at the event, which came to roughly $1,000. He estimated that concessions drew $2,000, and between $600 and $700 in ticket sales.And next year, Russo said he wants to make the event even bigger. He wants to add a high school tournament to the day. He also said he wants to invite more college teams, noting that several schools, such as Virginia Commonwealth University, were interested in participating, but couldn't do to the overlap of their spring breaks."Once we get this event more extablished," Russo said, "I think it will be a really big event." http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/44 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/44 Sunday, 13 March 2011 12:00:00 EST

The Smith River Sports Complex will host the 2011 Smith River College Showcase on Saturday.

Sunday, 13 March 2011 12:00:00 EST The Smith River Sports Complex will host the 2011 Smith River College Showcase on Saturday. College teams from Virginia Tech, James Madison University, High Point University, Appalachian State University, Lees-McRae College, Radford University, Averett University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) will participate.The showcase will hold two sessions and a showcase game. Highlights of session two will include a full game at 2:15 p.m. between Lees-McRae and Averett, as well as a 3:15 p.m. game between Radford and ASU. The showcase game will feature Virginia Tech facing High Point at 4 p.m."We are excited to be participating in the second annual Smith River College Showcase," said Coach Fonder, head coach at High Point University. "The staff at the Smith River Sports Complex has done an outstanding job of bringing in quality teams from all over the region, and the facilities are state-of-the-art. We hope the local community will come out and support this great event, as it will be a fantastic opportunity for local players and parents to witness college soccer at the Division I level."In addition to the college games, there will be an Uppr9t high school game showcasing area high school talent at 1:15 p.m."In what we hope will be an annual inclusion, the Uppr9t showcase will showcase elite talent from PYSL, local high schools and players from Roanoke and Greensboro," said Wes Lewis, Owner/Director Uppr9t Soccer.Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children ages 13-17 and Free for senior citizens, children younger than 12 and players wearing their soccer jerseys. Tickets are good for all games. For more information about the showcase, visit www.southernvirginiasports.com or call 403-5968. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/43 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/43 Sunday, 06 March 2011 12:00:00 EST

From the Bengal Bash on Friday, there was one constant theme from participating area coaches: Getting comfortable with new faces.

Sunday, 06 March 2011 12:00:00 EST By PAUL MONTANA - Bulletin Sports WriterFrom the Bengal Bash on Friday, there was one constant theme from participating area coaches: Getting comfortable with new faces.Bassett's and Magna Vista's boys and girls soccer teams both competed in the 12-team event at the Smith River Sports Complex, in which teams played three or four exhibition games, each with a duration of half of a full high school game.The reigning Piedmont District Champion Bassett Bengals performed best in both the boys and girls, as the boys went an undefeated 4-0 while the girls went 1-1-2.Here is a look at what areas the coaches see as strengths and things that need improvement as the spring season approaches.Bassett Boysq GAMES: W 3-0 vs. Christiansburg, W 2-0 vs. Carroll County, W 3-0 vs. Magna Vista, W 2-1 vs. Rustburg.q POSITIVES: "My young guys stepped up," BHS coach Larry Wylie said, noting that Ben White, a freshman, scored a goal, while new faces Ethan Truman, James Craig and Jake Sharpe also played well. "Lucas Prillaman, our leading goal-scorer from last year, was not there last night, but yet we still found ways to get the ball in the back of the net."q NEEDS WORK: "One of our attacking tactics, which is switching the ball through the midfield, we did not do a good job of that last night," Wylie said. "We seemed to be isolated in transition or delayed in transition. We didn't put pressure on the ball like we normally do, we were sporadic at it. Those things just have to get instinctive."He also added, "We did not run our set pieces very well last night, the ones that we had in place."Bassett Girlsq GAMES: L 4-0 vs. Northside, W 1-0 vs. Magna Vista, D 1-1 vs. Carroll County, D 1-1 vs. Rustburg.q POSITIVES: "We were without a couple of key players, and we were able to get some good looks at some new players in some different spots," first-year Bassett coach Melissa Blair said. "Even though we only return eight players from last year's team on a team of 22, I feel very positive about this season."q NEEDS WORK: "Our possession, passing the ball. And defense," Blair said. "We graduated (goalkeeper) Lynn Murphy, who was two-time Piedmont (District) player of the year, and sweeper Mara Doss, and Alexis Cunningham. Those are some big shoes to fill. We're probably going to have to move some players around a lot, but I think we're gonna be able to do that."Magna Vista Boysq GAMES: W 4-0 vs. Christiansburg, L 3-0 vs. Bassett, W 2-1 vs. Carroll County.q POSITIVES: "I thought we were very relaxed and under control," Magna Vista coach David Sergeant said. "Everybody had good composure. They understood and did their roles and did their jobs very well."q NEEDS WORK: "One thing I noticed is we need to challenge for 50-50 balls a little bit more, and keep our shape defensively a little bit better, and just play together more," Sergeant said. "We've got a lot of new kids ... As we get more comfortable with each other, I think we'll be all right."Magna Vista Girlsq GAMES: L 4-0 vs. Northside, L 1-0 vs. Bassett, D 0-0 vs. Carroll County.q POSITIVES: "I think just seeing all the new girls that got to come out, just seeing what they were capable of in a game situation was probably one of the biggest benefits," MVHS coach Ryne Powell said. "We had a lot of freshmen step up and show what they were capable of, and had a lot of upperclassmen step up and fill the shoes that they have to do as returning players."q NEGATIVES: "I think the biggest thing we're gonna have to work on is, we just have a lot of new people, and getting that continuity," Powell said. "We're gonna have to get together and become more of a team. Just as far as getting the new people ingrained into what we're doing, as well as the returning people." http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/42 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/42 Thursday, 03 March 2011 12:00:00 EST

http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com/article.cfm?ID=27567

Thursday, 03 March 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com/article.cfm?ID=27567 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/41 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/41 Friday, 25 February 2011 12:00:00 EST

Martinsville's Smith River Sports Complex has plans to finish a sixth soccer field.

Friday, 25 February 2011 12:00:00 EST Martinsville's Smith River Sports Complex has plans to finish a sixth soccer field. Officials say it's not just about love of the game- they say more fields, means more money for the area too.With more fields, they can host bigger tournaments. In the past, they have had to turn away as many as 30 to 40 teams. And with the ability to host more teams, they say will come more local spending."More people spending money, more people staying here, more shopping- all those good things!" said Kimberly Payne with the Smith River Sports Complex.Grading has already started on the field. Day to day, we're told it will primarily be used for youth soccer. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/39 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/39 Thursday, 24 February 2011 12:00:00 EST

A sixth field is being developed at the Smith River Sports Complex, paid for by the Piedmont Youth Soccer League (PYSL) and the Southern Virginia Recreation Facilities A...

Thursday, 24 February 2011 12:00:00 EST Thursday, February 24, 2011A sixth field is being developed at the Smith River Sports Complex, paid for by the Piedmont Youth Soccer League (PYSL) and the Southern Virginia Recreation Facilities Authority.Work began in mid-February to develop the field, which had been used as a practice field, according to Kimberly Payne, marketing director for the Southern Virginia Recreation Facilities Authority, which manages the complex.The authority and PYSL will share the $10,000 total cost, with PYSL contributing $4,000 and the authority paying for the remaining $6,000, Payne said."PYSL is pleased to support the development of the Smith River Sports Complex by making a donation towards the improvements to field number 6," said Andy Quirk, vice president of the PYSL."Since the league started playing on the impressively maintained pitches and facility, the number of players in the league has increased significantly," Quirk said. "The playing experience and enjoyment of our players using such a first-class facility is a partnership we wish to grow and continue."Billy Russo, the director of operations at the complex, said the $10,000 cost will come from a variety of sources, including sand that will be mixed with the soil, an in-ground irrigation system, chemicals, fertilizers and labor.Development of the sixth field will "allow the complex, PYSL and other tenants to expand programs," according to Russo."It will allow us to bring additional teams as well as revenue. The more teams we can host, the more economic impact we'll have with more players" visiting the community and patronizing local hotels and restaurants, Russo said.Development is expected to be completed by Sept. 1, Payne said.The field initially will be used as a training field for PYSL, but later it will be used "for overflow when we bring in the bigger tournaments," Payne said.Russo noted that the complex turned away roughly 40 youth teams that were interested in competing in the PYSL Shootout. The addition of the sixth field would allow the complex to add as many as 15 more teams to a similar youth tournament in the future, he said. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/40 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/40 Thursday, 24 February 2011 12:00:00 EST

The Smith River Sports Complex announces the development of a sixth field.

Thursday, 24 February 2011 12:00:00 EST The Smith River Sports Complex announces the development of a sixth field. Development on field #6 started on February 15 and should be ready for play by September 1, 2011. The field will be used for the Piedmont Youth Soccer League (PYSL) training and to help increase the amount of play available when both the Complex and PYSL bring in tournaments.The SRSC estimates the total cost for development of field #6 at $10,000. The PYSL board voted unanimously to support the development with a $4,000 donation."PYSL is pleased to support the development of Smith River Sports Complex by making a donation towards the improvements to field #6. Since the league started playing on the impressively maintained pitches and facility, the number of players in the league has increased significantly. The playing experience and enjoyment of our players using such a first class facility is a partnership we wish to grow and continue" said Andy Quirk, Vice President of PYSL."Field #6 will allow the Complex, PYSL and other tenants to expand programs. It will allow us to bring additional teams, as well as, revenue. The more teams we can host the more local economic impact we'll have with more players in local hotels, restaurants, etc." said Billy Russo, Director of Operations. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/38 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/38 Tuesday, 22 February 2011 12:00:00 EST

Pioneer Athletics has announced the winners of their 2010 Fields of Excellence® awards.

Tuesday, 22 February 2011 12:00:00 EST Pioneer Athletics has announced the winners of their 2010 Fields of Excellence® awards. From a pool of over 200 applicants, Pioneer selected 76 athletic fields. Faced with tightened budgets and being asked to do more with less, the field crews of these schools and organizations exemplified team work and dedication in 2010. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/37 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/37 Thursday, 03 February 2011 12:00:00 EST

Patrick Henry Community College's soccer program hit the field for the first time in August 2012, according to a news release from the school.

Thursday, 03 February 2011 12:00:00 EST By JOHNNY BUCK - Bulletin Sports EditorPatrick Henry Community College's soccer program hit the field for the first time in August 2012, according to a news release from the school.PHCC announced Wednesday that the school will field a men's and women's team, becoming in the process the only school in Virginia with a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) soccer program.PHCC Athletic Director Christopher Parker has already hired the head coaches for both teams, naming Scott Haywood the men's coach and Larry Wylie the women's coach.Haywood, of Chicago, Ill., spent the past two years with the Everton FC team of the English Premier League. In addition, Haywood has coached with the Chicago Fire of the MLS, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Lambuth University and the University of Memphis. He is also the founder and director of the Back of the Net Soccer Academy. He holds a B.S. degree from the University of Memphis and a master's degree in Sports Management from Virginia Commonwealth University."I'm excited about it, I really am. I'm looking forward to it," said Haywood of the PHCC job. "I love the area, I love the people. I think I can make a difference."Haywood, who grew up in Kansas City, Mo., fell in love with this part of the country while working toward his master's degree at VCU.He will remain the director of coaching for Everton FC this season but plans to leave that position in order to work at PHCC."After coaching professionally, I want to get back to coaching players who play because they love it," he said.Haywood said it's not that he doesn't enjoy coaching professional soccer, it's just that he feels his impact can be greater when dealing with young adults who are still finding their way."One thing I love about coaching college that I think this is more important than anything: I still hear from players I coached in high school or college 20 years ago," he explained.Parker felt the hire was a home run."We are very excited to have such a high caliber of coach start the program here at PHCC," said Parker of his men's coach. "He is going to make things happen here at a very fast pace."Wylie, the current boys soccer coach at Bassett High School, played collegiately at Longwood University in Farmville and professionally for the Colorado Rapids.On Wednesday, he called the job an "ideal" opportunity."It's really probably a coach's dream as far as entering intercollegiate level," said Wylie, who lives in Collinsville. "You get to start a ground-up program. You get to mold a program the way you want to mold it. You get to bring your philosphy, your teachings. You're not following in anyone's shadow."There's pressure, but there's no pressure. You know what I mean?" he added.Since the women's team will play in the fall and Bassett's boys team competes in the spring, Wylie said he plans to coach both teams in 2012.Wylie has 10 years of high school coaching experience in Virginia, and he has organized indoor and outdoor soccer venues in the Suffolk and Portsmouth area, according to the release.He will bring "a physical, high-pressure brand of soccer, creating turnovers and a very fast speed of play" to PHCC's women's team, he said.Wylie also plans to recruit in-state players most of the time, including athletes from the immediate area."We're the only junior college program in the state, so that's a big draw," he said. "I plan on staying within the state. Now, I will go out of state if players contact us, but for the most part" I'll recruit Virginia residents, he said.Parker herladed the hiring in the release."Larry is overly excited about this job, and he will be a great asset to PHCC," Parker said. "His knowledge of recruiting in Virginia is going to greatly impact the men's and women's teams."Both PHCC teams will compete against fellow Region X soccer teams such as Wake Technical Community College, Cape Fear Community College, Louisburg College, USC-Sumter, USC-Aiken, Spartanburg-Methodist College and Tri-County College.The Patriot soccer clubs will compete at the NJCAA Division I level, and all home matches and team practices will take place at the Smith River Sports Complex.Anyone interested in competing for PHCC's soccer teams should contact the athletic department at 656-0313. For more information, visit the school's sports website at www.phccsports.com. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/35 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/35 Sunday, 09 January 2011 12:00:00 EST

With players coming from all corners of the globe for a professional soccer tryout at the Smith River Sports Complex on Saturday, naturally some players hailed from hot-weather climates.

Sunday, 09 January 2011 12:00:00 EST By PAUL MONTANA - Bulletin Sports WriterWith players coming from all corners of the globe for a professional soccer tryout at the Smith River Sports Complex on Saturday, naturally some players hailed from hot-weather climates.For them, Martinsville was a rather rude, frigid awakening."These guys coming from Brazil must feel like they've gone into Siberia," said head coach Matt Weston. "Unbelievable."The sub-freezing temperatures steered most fans away from the SRSC for F.C. New York's tryout, but players from all over the globe braved the weather as they attempted to make their name known to Weston, Enda Crehan, and other evaluators for the club from the professional United Soccer League.Although the brutal weather understandably kept most fans indoors, they missed some quality soccer. Players ranging from talented teenagers, to recent Division-I college players, to seasoned pros from other teams in the USL showed up at the tryout for F.C. New York, a startup team in the USL that is in the process of forming its first 25-man roster.The tryouts were invite-only, and 55 players turned out to the SRSC. Countries represented included France, Brazil, Spain, Germany and even Japan.While Weston's networks throughout the world helped attract some players, simply having New York in the team's title also helped recruit talent from all corners of the globe."I've had players get in touch who have just googled New York, and all of a sudden they've sent me a resume," Weston said. "The greatest thing about being in New York is that you get to have exposure to the world."With players flying in from all over the globe, a little snow dusting wasn't about to halt the event that had been in the works for a year or more. That's why SRSC Director of Operations Billy Russo, Director of Marketing Kimberly Payne, and other volunteers spent some five hours clearing snow and ice off the fields and walkways Saturday morning.That diligence allowed the four-hour tryout to go on, which featured mostly scrimmages among the players as the coaches observed."Ultimately you see everything you need to see an 11-v-11 game," Weston said. "It doesn't take me really long to see what I long from a player. It's consistency, and it's finding a player who looks like they belong at this standard. And there's only a few people who do."The tryout concluded with a showcase game for the public, though few fans remained to witness it.Four 11-man teams were assembled, and each team played one full half of soccer as the fading sunlight only made the conditions tougher on athletes and spectators, alike.Still, the tryout went on for obvious reasons. But the bigger question was, what is a team based in Gardens City, N.Y. doing in southern Virginia?The biggest reason was Crehan and his networks in soccer. Crehan, who is helping Weston select players for the F.C. New York roster, is known locally as the Director of Coaching for the Piedmont Youth Soccer League, but his soccer roots go far deeper than that. He has coached from coast-to-coast, and estimated that he has contacts in some 40 states.His expansive network includes Weston, whom he met in Long Island roughly a year ago, Crehan said. Weston wanted to market his team outside of New York; his buddy Crehan offered the facility, and a deal was struck."I wanted to get out away from New York," Weston said. "I wanted to get to another part of the country. This is a hotbed for soccer down here. For me, once I spoke to Enda, it was a no-brainer that it was the thing to do - good for P.R., good for marketing. And also reach out to the local population here - which Enda has spoken highly of - and have them come out and see some quality soccer."This weekend's tryout - which continues with another session today at the SRSC - is the second of three tryouts for F.C. New York; the first occurred in November. Weston said he already has an idea of who will make the team, and will likely extend offers for several players before the final tryout Jan. 15-16 in New York.From there, Weston said he hopes to build a fan base that allows F.C. New York to survive. That's part of why he wants an ethnically diverse team: to win over a similarly diverse group of soccer fans in New York."In New York, the ethnic diversity of the place is great," Weston said. "You've got the Ecuadorians, El Salvador people, Honduras, Caribbean. And I'm reaching out to those communities, because those are the soccer fans who are going to come by and support your teams. Hopefully we can build a fan base which can help the club make money and survive. Because a lot of USL clubs have found it hard to survive."The big thing for me is to get this team quickly into an internationally known soccer club, and I think we've got a great chance of making that happen." http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/36 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/36 Sunday, 09 January 2011 12:00:00 EST

With players coming from all corners of the globe for a professional soccer tryout at the Smith River Sports Complex on Saturday, naturally some players hailed from hot-weather climates.

Sunday, 09 January 2011 12:00:00 EST By PAUL MONTANA - Bulletin Sports WriterWith players coming from all corners of the globe for a professional soccer tryout at the Smith River Sports Complex on Saturday, naturally some players hailed from hot-weather climates.For them, Martinsville was a rather rude, frigid awakening."These guys coming from Brazil must feel like they've gone into Siberia," said head coach Matt Weston. "Unbelievable."The sub-freezing temperatures steered most fans away from the SRSC for F.C. New York's tryout, but players from all over the globe braved the weather as they attempted to make their name known to Weston, Enda Crehan, and other evaluators for the club from the professional United Soccer League.Although the brutal weather understandably kept most fans indoors, they missed some quality soccer. Players ranging from talented teenagers, to recent Division-I college players, to seasoned pros from other teams in the USL showed up at the tryout for F.C. New York, a startup team in the USL that is in the process of forming its first 25-man roster.The tryouts were invite-only, and 55 players turned out to the SRSC. Countries represented included France, Brazil, Spain, Germany and even Japan.While Weston's networks throughout the world helped attract some players, simply having New York in the team's title also helped recruit talent from all corners of the globe."I've had players get in touch who have just googled New York, and all of a sudden they've sent me a resume," Weston said. "The greatest thing about being in New York is that you get to have exposure to the world."With players flying in from all over the globe, a little snow dusting wasn't about to halt the event that had been in the works for a year or more. That's why SRSC Director of Operations Billy Russo, Director of Marketing Kimberly Payne, and other volunteers spent some five hours clearing snow and ice off the fields and walkways Saturday morning.That diligence allowed the four-hour tryout to go on, which featured mostly scrimmages among the players as the coaches observed."Ultimately you see everything you need to see an 11-v-11 game," Weston said. "It doesn't take me really long to see what I long from a player. It's consistency, and it's finding a player who looks like they belong at this standard. And there's only a few people who do." http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/33 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/33 Friday, 07 January 2011 12:00:00 EST

A professional US Soccer team could be picking some of its star players in Henry County this weekend. FC New York will be holding a tryout at the Smith River Sports Complex. Hundred...

Friday, 07 January 2011 12:00:00 EST A professional US Soccer team could be picking some of its star players in Henry County this weekend.FC New York will be holding a tryout at the Smith River Sports Complex. Hundreds submitted tapes, but only 67 were chosen to compete.As soccer players convene on this field they'll be looking to secure a spot on FC New York's pro roster."I think it's a great opportunity for not only soccer lovers, but if you were interested in athletics at all to come out and see some great talent on the field," said Billy Russo, Director of Operations at the Smith River Sports Complex.The contendors hail from around the globe."They're coming from all over, Brazil, Belgium, France, Italy, Argentina," said Russo. "They're coming from pretty much all- all over the world. "And when these folks shoot, hard hit Martinsville and Henry County score."We get a tremendous amount of traffic through the hotel that we normally wouldn't have," said Tammy Bowles, with the Quality Inn Dutch Inn Hotel and Convention Center.They're not just staying at hotels, or playing on the fields."They're spending money in the restaurants, they're going shopping," said Bowles.Since its opening, the Smith River Complex has boasted a similar impact."Over the past 6-8 months we've actually had a $400,000 economic impact on the area," said Russo."We're seeing people that we would never see before. I mean it's bringing in folks from everywhere and it's just exposing us to a broader range of tourism," added Bowles. "I mean it's just great."Because when folks come to play at the Smith River Sports Complex, officials hope they'll come back to play- and pay- in the area too.The players will also play a showcase game of soccer at the end of the tryouts. That's Saturday at 5:00pm. You can buy tickets at the field, but if you wear your club jersey, you get in free. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/34 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/34 Friday, 07 January 2011 12:00:00 EST

While some people say "there's nothing to do in Martinsville," there actually are a lot of activities for people of all ages and interests here.

Friday, 07 January 2011 12:00:00 EST By ELIZA WINSTON - Bulletin Staff WriterWhile some people say "there's nothing to do in Martinsville," there actually are a lot of activities for people of all ages and interests here.The Bulletin provides several ways to keep up with those events, including the Cultural Calendar, which appears each Thursday in the Accent section, and the daily Calendar, which appears each day in the news section of the Bulletin as well as its online edition.Now, the Bulletin is starting an occasional column on the who, where and when of what's going on in the area.This week, Jennifer Doss, the director of tourism for the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp., is suggesting people stop by the FC New York Pro Tryouts event at the Smith River Sports Complex. The event also appeared on the events calendar of the Martinsville tourism office, which can be found at www.visitmartinsville.com.Whether you grew up here or just moved here, you may have noticed that soccer is a big deal in Martinsville. If you are a long-time soccer buff or you can't figure out what the fuss is all about, you may find this event worth a look.The FC New York Pro Tryouts will be held Saturday and Sunday at the Smith River Sports Complex. It's going to be a great event to meet other local soccer enthusiasts and see the sport in action.FC New York is a pro soccer team that will begin its inaugural season in May, said sports complex operations manager Billy Russo. Players will range in age from around 18 to 25, and a few may be older."They're coming from all over the place," he added.The players competing for a spot on the team will include college athletes from schools in Virginia and North Carolina, said Russo, but they also will come from as far as Brazil, Argentina, France, Italy and Japan."Our tryouts are brimming with excellent résumé's, with players flying in from around the world as well as all four corners of the U.S.," said Matt Weston, FC New York's technical director.Who can you expect to see in the audience? Local coaches and players may come out to see the techniques used in the tryouts, said Russo. Scouts, managers and college recruiters also may be there.Tryouts will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Then there will be a showcase game at 5 p.m. Saturday, followed by a 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. tryout Sunday.For $6 admission, spectators can watch all three events this weekend, said Russo.The Smith River Sports Complex is located at 1000 Irisburg Road in Axton.Some other events in the area this weekend include:• The First Friday Art Walk will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at Studio 107, at 105 East Church St. in Martinsville. Visitors can tour the studios, meet artists and view original art. Admission is free.• A movie viewing and discussion of moonshine, including the sale of moonshine during prohibition and its effect on NASCAR, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Philpott Lake Visitor Center auditorium, 1058 Philpott Dam Road in Bassett. Admission is free. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/32 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/32 Tuesday, 04 January 2011 12:00:00 EST

The Smith River Sports Complex will host a FC New York invite only professional tryout at the Smith River Sports Complex on January 8-9, 2010. The tryouts are bringing players from 1...

Tuesday, 04 January 2011 12:00:00 EST The Smith River Sports Complex will host a FC New York invite only professional tryout at the Smith River Sports Complex on January 8-9, 2010. The tryouts are bringing players from 15 countries: Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Belgium, Germany, France, Portugal, Ireland, England, Denmark, Italy, Bulgaria, Nigeria, Canada and Japan, as well as, over 16 states.A showcase game will be held on Saturday, January 8th at 5:00pm. Tickets for the game are $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for children 6 to 12 and free for children under 5. The actual tryouts are being held from 1:00pm to 4:30pm on January 8th and from 9:00am to 1:00pm on January 9th. There will be about 65 players trying out for the FC New York team part of the United Soccer League (USL).FC New York will hold three professional tryouts between November and January. The third date of January 15-16, 2011 back in New York will showcase the best talent from the first two tryouts. An evaluation of some of the country's best players will also be on the agenda of Technical Director Matt Weston as he plans to attend the annual USL Combine in late January before finalizing his roster."After a very competitive and high caliber November tryout in New York, the search is well and truly underway to assemble the roster for FC New York's inaugural season in USL Pro" said Matt Weston, FC New York's Technical Director. "Our tryouts on January 8th and 9th at the Smith River Sports Complex in Southern Virginia are brimming with excellent resume's, with players flying in from around the world, as well as, all four corners of the US. We hope to discover some real talent and have high hopes that the weekend will produce the talent we want to wear the FCNY shirt in 2011."Instrumental in bringing the professional tryouts to the Smith River Complex is current Director of Coaching for the Piedmont Youth Soccer Club and Averett University Assistant, Enda Crehan. Crehan said" I am currently involved in soccer at all levels in this area, from University to Club and Olympic Development and I have seen the huge growth and love for the game over the past year and a half. When this opportunity arose with Matt I had to jump at it. Soccer in this area is growing and with these tryouts coming to the area I have no doubt it will add interest to an area that has a huge soccer appetite for the beautiful game," said Crehan. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/31 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/31 Monday, 03 January 2011 12:00:00 EST

An estimate shows that activities at the Smith River Sports Complex had a nearly $400,000 impact on the local economy, and that is expected to grow this year, officials said.

Monday, 03 January 2011 12:00:00 EST By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff WriterAn estimate shows that activities at the Smith River Sports Complex had a nearly $400,000 impact on the local economy, and that is expected to grow this year, officials said.The Piedmont Shootout youth soccer tournament alone injected more than $300,000 locally, according to Kimberly Payne, marketing director at the complex, and Billy Russo, operations manager there. The USA South college soccer tournament generated more than $52,000 in the area, they said.Other events at the complex affected area businesses as well, but to a lesser degree, according to Russo and Payne. Estimates are that the Legendary Lacrosse Showcase, which featured prep players, generated at least $11,500; the Cougar Classic college soccer tournament, $10,000; and the Battle by the River club soccer tournament, about $8,500, according to Payne.The estimates were provided by the National Association of Sports Commission and Sports Virginia, based on information submitted by Payne.A proprietary method is used to calculate the impact, based mainly on the number of visitors staying in hotels, Payne said.Some area hotels confirmed that their business increased when tournaments and other events were held at the complex.Tammy Bowles, director of sales and marketing at the Quality Inn/Dutch Inn, said events held at the complex "have been wonderful for us. We have seen a huge increase with the two large events."The increased business has helped fill in the gaps after "so many corporations have left," Bowles said.The Econo Lodge (formerly Best Western) also saw a "slight increase. It's definitely helped increase" the number of rooms filled there, said Joyce Foddrell of the lodge's staff.The biggest impact has come "from the family and teams" staying there, she said.Jeffrey Parker, manager at the Jameson Inn, said business there also has increased, mainly during the Piedmont Shootout, when the inn was filled to capacity."Other than that, we've really not seen a difference," Parker said. But, he understands the complex still is growing and adding events, he said."Definitely more events" will generate more business, Parker said, adding that he "absolutely" hopes the complex will continue to add more events and tournaments.Payne and Russo said the affect on hotels is proof that the entire community benefits when events are held at the complex. That is because visitors who stay in local hotels also eat in local restaurants, shop in local stores and buy necessities such as fuel, they said.The complex also partners with local businesses, such as restaurants, to provide concessions at the complex, Russo said. That gives those businesses a boost, he added.So far, events have attracted thousands of visitors from 14 states and Canada to the community, Payne said. That is based on surveys and information from hotels.The number of events held at the complex has "tripled since last fall," Russo said. "We plan on bringing those events back and expanding" the activities in 2011.He thinks that will happen, in part, because "we are finding that once we host" an event or tournament, it is easier to book the next year, Russo said.Feedback from surveys and visitors also illustrates the popularity of the complex, he said.A survey modeled after one used by the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp. collects data that includes ZIP codes and whether a visitor stayed at a hotel, Payne said. Visitors also are asked if they bought gas, visited retail stores or restaurants and if they plan to return, she said.The survey specifically asks "what they like most and what they like least," she said. Many indicated that the complex "is an amazing facility in an area they would not have expected," Payne said.Of the surveys Payne has seen, visitors said they would return, she said.Surveys are distributed online, at hotels, at the complex itself and on its website, and they are handed out to visitors during bigger events, Payne said.The complex opened in July 2009, and has hosted soccer, football, flag football, field hockey and lacrosse events. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/30 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/30 Sunday, 02 January 2011 12:00:00 EST

The Smith River Sports Complex will host an invite-only tryout this weekend for FC New York, a team in the professional United Soccer League.

Sunday, 02 January 2011 12:00:00 EST By BULLETIN STAFF REPORTS -The Smith River Sports Complex will host an invite-only tryout this weekend for FC New York, a team in the professional United Soccer League.The tryouts are bringing players from 15 countries - Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Belgium, Germany, France, Portugal, Ireland, England, Denmark, Italy, Bulgaria, Nigeria, Canada and Japan - and over 16 states.The main event for fans is a showcase game, which will be held Saturday at 5 p.m. That follows the first actual tryout from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.A second tryout will be held the following day from 9:00am to 1:00pm.There will be about 65 players at the tryout, the second of three for FC New York. The third tryout will take place Jan. 15-16 in New York, and will showcase the best talent from the first two tryouts.FC New York technical director Matt Weston will also attend the annual USL Combine in late January before finalizing his roster."After a very competitive and high caliber November tryout in New York, the search is well and truly underway to assemble the roster for FC New York's inaugural season in USL Pro," said Weston. "Our tryouts on January 8th and 9th at the Smith River Sports Complex in Southern Virginia are brimming with excellent resumes, with players flying in from around the world as well as all four corners of the U.S. We hope to discover some real talent and have high hopes that the weekend will produce the talent we want to wear the FCNY shirt in 2011.'For more information, contact Billy Russo at 403-5968 or Matt Weston at 866-827-0154.Martinsville Bulldog BoosterClub will meet MondayThe Martinsville Bulldog Booster Club will meet Monday at Arts & Deli, which includes dinner served beginning at 6pm.The business session will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature a report from Martinsville boys varsity basketball coach Kelvin Jackson. All interested parties are invited to attend.For more information, contact Tim Byrd at 638-2727 or 252-5052. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/29 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/29 Sunday, 26 December 2010 12:00:00 EST

The Smith River Sports Complex opened during the summer of 2009 Hollani Davis WDBJ7 - Anchor/Reporter 7:00 p.m. EST, December 26, 2010 Henry Co. - A sports complex in Henry County is gear...

Sunday, 26 December 2010 12:00:00 EST Henry Co. - A sports complex in Henry County is gearing up to host a pro soccer group in January. FC New York is a new start-up team that has scheduled try-outs for the first month of 2011. Players from 15 countries will descend on the Martinsville-Henry County area for a shot to make the team. Overall, Smith River's sports fields have seen a lot of activity this year. The draw is exactly what both the city and county were banking on when the complex opened 17 months ago. Officials estimate various tournaments during that time span have generated roughly 400 thousand dollars for the local economy. Some of those tournaments include: The Cougar Classic, the Battle by the River and the Legendary Lacrosse Showcase. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/28 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/28 Monday, 20 December 2010 12:00:00 EST

FC New York are holding 'invite only' professional tryouts at Hofstra University, Long Island, NY (Nov 20-21) The Smith River Sports Complex in Virginia (Jan 8-9) and a third date (Jan 15-16) back at ...

Monday, 20 December 2010 12:00:00 EST FC New York are holding 'invite only' professional tryouts at Hofstra University, Long Island, NY (Nov 20-21) The Smith River Sports Complex in Virginia (Jan 8-9) and a third date (Jan 15-16) back at Hofstra University. An evaluation of some of the country's best players will also be on the agenda of Technical Director Matt Weston as he plans to attend the Annual USL Combine in late January before finalizing his roster.After speaking with numerous players and coaches from both the United States and Europe, Weston has compiled a list of players he would like to target alongside the players who have already been 'screened' and asked to attend."I am looking for a mixture of players, from the outstanding college graduate to the seasoned pro. It's important to find a player with the desire to make it at the pro level as well as the confidence and ability to ensure they stay there. Having a good blend of youth and experience is also key as the youngsters can grow and blossom under the tutelage of not only the coaching staff, but also the seasoned professionals who know what it takes to play at this level." http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/27 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/27 Wednesday, 15 December 2010 12:00:00 EST

The Smith River Sports Complex opened in July 2009 primarily as a "soccer complex". Since then, the Complex hosted soccer, football, flag football, field hockey, l...

Wednesday, 15 December 2010 12:00:00 EST The Smith River Sports Complex opened in July 2009 primarily as a "soccer complex". Since then, the Complex hosted soccer, football, flag football, field hockey, lacrosse and is capable of hosting any field sport. From August to December the SRSC "kicked it into high gear".The SRSC hosted the Christian Athletics Outreach soccer tournament, Averett Cougar Classic soccer tournament, Battle by the River club soccer tournament, Legendary Lacrosse showcase, Virginia Storm semi-pro football season, Carlisle field hockey and soccer seasons, Martinsville Middle School soccer season, USA South Athletic Conference soccer tournament, PYSL Piedmont Shootout, SoccerOP 3V3 soccer tournament, and several youth and adult soccer and flag football leagues.The Complex developed partnerships and great working relationships with athletic coaches, trainers and directors at Carlisle, Martinsville City schools and Henry County schools. Piedmont Youth Soccer League (PYSL) moved all games to the Complex and improved its' recreation numbers and tripled the travel program participants.Three main goals lead the SRSC staff: providing a facility for locals to enjoy, creating a positive economic impact on the community and becoming self-sustainable. Local citizens use the Complex daily to book events at the picnic shelters or in the meeting room, walk, play on the playground and/or watch sports. In addition, the most recent events have proven to provide a positive economic impact for the community. In terms of money generated into the community through hotels, restaurants, etc. the Cougar Classic brought in $10,000, the Battle by the River brought in $8,500, the Legendary Lacrosse Showcase brought about $11,500, the USA South tournament brought over $52,000 and the Piedmont Shootout over $300,000.The SRSC hosted thousands of visitors from 14 states and Canada over the year with about 1,500 hits to its' website monthly from 17 countries including the USA. In January, the FC New York professional soccer tryout will bring players from 15 countries and all over the United States. Other events to look forward to this Spring are: local sporting events, Bassett Bengal Soccer Bash, PYSL Martinsville Madness youth tournament, SRSC Women's and Men's College Showcases and much more.For more information or questions, contact Kimberly Payne at 403-5970 or Billy Russo, Director of Operations, at 638-5200. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/26 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/26 Monday, 15 November 2010 12:00:00 EST

By PAUL MONTANA - Bulletin Sports Writer In the past, the Piedmont Youth Soccer League has lagged behind the Roanoke Star travel soccer program at just about every leve...

Monday, 15 November 2010 12:00:00 EST By PAUL MONTANA - Bulletin Sports WriterIn the past, the Piedmont Youth Soccer League has lagged behind the Roanoke Star travel soccer program at just about every level.The PYSL 15-and-younger team has at least put that notion in question.In the championship match for the 16-and-younger bracket, the PYSL 15s fell in penalty kicks to the 16-and-younger Roanoke Star Elite in one of the final matches of the two-day Piedmont Shootout tournament at the Smith River Sports Complex.The two teams played to a 2-2 draw before going to penalty kicks, where Roanoke prevailed 4-3."Roanoke used to be the powerhouse, but we have slowly caught up, and we're there," PYSL director of coaching Enda Crehan said. "We're there on a couple of levels with them.""What I take out of it is, they didn't beat us in the field of play," said PYSL coach Richard Hall. "That's the best Roanoke has to offer at the 16 age-level."While Roanoke fielded a team comprised of mostly 16-year-olds, the PYSL players were all 15 and younger. At just about every position on the field, Roanoke had a significant advantage in both size and speed.But thanks to a sturdy defense, some fine goalkeeping from Koby Johnson and a tactically advanced squad that effectively moved the ball, PYSL hung with Roanoke even as the Star won the shots-on-goal battle 12-3.Twice, the PYSL 15s battled back from one goal down. Trailing 1-0, PYSL forward Misael Sanchez - who wreaked havoc on Roanoke's defense throughout the evening - measured a shot from 30 yards away that clanged off the crossbar. Brandon Smith's first rebound-header hit the crossbar again, but he made good on another rebound attempt to knot the score at 1-all.A few minutes later, Miles Bent gave Roanoke a 2-1 lead with a blast from 30 yards away. But pesky PYSL wouldn't quit.With seven minutes remaining in regulation, outside back Penn Hartsell played a pretty pass down the sideline to Sanchez, who quickly whipped a cross into the penalty area. Roanoke keeper Ryne Bower appeared to have an easy save of the cross as it hopped into the box, but a hustling Smith headed the ball into the net just before Bower could get a grip."Brandon is a torrential crasher," Hall said. "When the ball gets to bouncing around, he's a physical kid, he's a strong kid. That's where he's at his best."Johnson's 10 saves - including several breakaway stuffs - kept PYSL in the game throughout and particularly as it moved to overtime, "in his most complete game so far," Hall said.But to PYSL's dismay, both Sanchez and Johnson - two of the players who had been integral to the 2-2 draw in regulation - sent their penalty kicks over the crossbar, and Roanoke came out with the win.The host club, though, walked away with plenty of respect from its peers."I thought they were fantastic," said Ryan Hambright, coach of the Roanoke 16s. "I thought that both of those kids that they had up top (Sanchez and Smith) could easily be elite-level players in any city, whether it's Richmond, Virginia Beach, or any of them."The PYSL 15s - who have scored 59 goals while giving up just five this season in the Blue Ridge Classic League - won three games in a row en route to the final at the Piedmont Shootout, including a 1-0 win over a 15-and-younger Roanoke squad Saturday.But the 15s weren't the only PYSL players who found success in the Piedmont Shootout.PYSL's 17-and-younger team won the tournament by virtue of its 4-0 record in the 19-and-younger bracket, including a 2-1 win over the PYSL 19-and-younger squad.PYSL 17s coach David Keys pointed to defenders Miles Rachner and Nick Clark and forward Bryson Collins as having outstanding tournaments for his team. Rachner and Clark are Carlisle students, while Collins attends Martinsville High School."We did very well technically and moving the ball around," said Keys, who has seen his team score 36 goals while giving up just four in the Blue Ridge Classic League. "Everyone contributed. It was a true team effort."The 13-and-younger PYSL team also won the Piedmont Shootout with a 2-0-1 overall record, including a 3-2 win over Roanoke's 13-and-younger team Saturday.PYSL also fielded two 11-and-younger boys teams (overall records: 0-3 and 1-2) and a 16-and-younger girls team (overall record: 0-3) in the tournament.Other winners at the tournament were: Roanoke Star Elite (11-and-younger boys, 11-and-younger girls, 13-and-younger girls), Roanoke Valley Youth Soccer Club (12-and-younger boys), Salem Sabres Maroon (12-and-younger girls), GUFC (14-and-younger boys), Valley AFC Arsenal (15-and-younger girls) and ODSC Crunch (16-and-younger girls). http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/25 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/25 Sunday, 14 November 2010 12:00:00 EST

By PAUL MONTANA - Bulletin Sports Writer The first day of the second annual Piedmont Shootout travel soccer tournament at the Smith River Sports Complex attracted 3,000...

Sunday, 14 November 2010 12:00:00 EST By PAUL MONTANA - Bulletin Sports WriterThe first day of the second annual Piedmont Shootout travel soccer tournament at the Smith River Sports Complex attracted 3,000 to 4,000 people, according to SRSC director of operations Billy Russo and Piedmont Youth Soccer League director of coaching Enda Crehan."Everything is going great," Russo said. "All the comments have been very good on all sides that I've heard. There aren't any complaints. All the games are on time, which is really good."The crowd included an unexpected number of local patrons who did not have a child in the tournament, SRSC director of marketing Kimberly Payne said, including some from as far away as North Carolina."We saw lots of local people who must have read about it or heard of it through our advertising who just came to watch, so that's really good," she said.Russo added that there also were college coaches on hand to scout the players.Of the nearly 70 teams at the tournament, Russo estimated that 30 of them are staying in hotels this weekend, including teams from as far away as West Virginia and South Carolina.The Dutch Inn is the main hotel for the tournament, and its rooms are sold out, Russo said. He added that "I wouldn't doubt" that other hotels are also full.Russo estimated that each out-of-town family may spend an average of $150 per day food, lodging and shopping. Estimating 16 players with families per team on 30 teams comes to a rough estimate of $72,000 funneled in from out-of-town tournament participants, by Russo's calculation.The complex also made more money from concessions Saturday than they did in the two-day tournament last season, according to Russo. In addition, both the SRSC and PYSL are selling merchandise in the form of T-shirts, sweatshirts, and even the noise-making vuvuzelas that became famous with their frequent use at last summer's World Cup in South Africa."Everything's selling tip-top," said Crehan of the PYSL merchandise.With none of the teams eliminated until tomorrow's playoff games, that means another infusion of funds for the complex, the PYSL and the surrounding community.And, of course, there's the soccer, which from all accounts was high-quality under exceptional weather.Said Crehan: "Everything went absolutely fantastic. All the teams are playing well, we had good results. The logistics have been perfect. The weather was great. It was just fantastic." http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/24 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/24 Friday, 12 November 2010 12:00:00 EST

By PAUL MONTANA - Bulletin Sports Writer If you think the USA South Conference soccer tournament was a big event at the Smith River Sports Complex last weekend, brace y...

Friday, 12 November 2010 12:00:00 EST By PAUL MONTANA - Bulletin Sports WriterIf you think the USA South Conference soccer tournament was a big event at the Smith River Sports Complex last weekend, brace yourself.This weekend's Piedmont Shootout will showcase between 65 and 70 travel soccer teams at the complex, including seven teams from Martinsville's own Piedmont Youth Soccer League.This weekend's event will be "our largest attended event," attracting between 3,000 and 4,000 people on the tournament's first day, Saturday, according to SRSC director of operations Billy Russo."The good thing about it for us, a lot of the parents that travel, they don't go anywhere," Russo said. "They stay at the complex all day."Probably the busiest event we have is this event. It's huge for us concession-wise, it's huge for us to showcase the facility."The tournament will feature boys and girls from 11-and-younger to 19-and-younger age groups, with games running from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday on all of the complex's five fields.PYSL is fielding two boys teams in the 11-and-younger age group; one boys team each in 13-and-younger, 15-and-younger, 17-and-younger and 19-and-younger; and a girls team in 16-and-younger.Each team is placed in a three- or four-team bracket, and is guaranteed at least two games against teams within the bracket.In most of the brackets, the teams are then reseeded based on their two-game record for Sunday's semifinal games, which also begin as early as 8 a.m. Final games follow later in the day, and those playoff brackets with four teams will also have third-place games.Lights at the facility allow the late-night game scheduling, which is one of the many perks of the complex, according to PYSL director of coaching Enda Crehan."It helps with scheduling," said Crehan, adding that "for a 12- or a 16-year-old old, it's cool to play under the lights. You feel like a real professional maybe. That's really a great factor.""Everyone's looking forward to playing on the surface because it's so good," he added. "It's a great atmosphere, it's a central location. That I think is the key, is that it's a great facility."The tournament became so popular after it debuted last year that PYSL had to turn away some teams simply because they couldn't accommodate them, said Russo and Crehan.Part of its popularity is because of the all-weather turf fields. The Piedmont Shootout was one of three soccer tournaments on the same weekend last year, Russo said, but the other tournaments in Richmond and Greensboro were canceled due to rain.Parents and coaches knowing that the tournament will withstand in mid-November weather - "unless there's a freakin' hurricane," joked Russo - is part of what brought even more teams to the tournament this year."That helped, I think," Russo said. "People have been to our facility. We're not fresh anymore."Russo added that the complex staff learned from last year's experience. The concession stands stand ran out of food and drinks last year due to the unanticipated attendants, but measures have been taken to make sure that won't happen this year, he said.Fields 1 and 2 will be split in half for the 11-and-younger and 12-and-younger age groups to play their small-sided games in the morning. The older players will use Fields 3, 4 and 5 throughout the day, and Fields 1 and 2 in the afternoon and evening.In addition to testing the teams' quality of soccer, the tournament will also test players' conditioning, with several teams playing games back-to-back Saturday."It's going to be a good weekend," Crehan said. "We're looking forward to it." http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/23 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/23 Wednesday, 10 November 2010 12:00:00 EST

By DEBBIE HALL AND PAUL MONTANA - Bulletin Staff Writers Last weekend's soccer tournament at the Smith River Sports Complex was deemed a success, in part because the...

Wednesday, 10 November 2010 12:00:00 EST By DEBBIE HALL AND PAUL MONTANA - Bulletin Staff WritersLast weekend's soccer tournament at the Smith River Sports Complex was deemed a success, in part because the community helped support the event.Several sectors of the community were involved in the USA South Men's and Women's Soccer Championships, according to Jimmy McGarry, chairman of the Southern Virginia Recreation Facilities Authority (SVRFA), which oversees the complex."We partnered with local restaurants, hotels, the YMCA and other businesses to include them in the experience in offering this great event in our area," said Billy Russo, director of operations at the complex.For instance, McGarry said a championship banquet was held Thursday at the Dutch Inn, "and we directed" teams and players to other restaurants, he added.Complex and authority staff partnered with hotels to hold rooms for the eight teams participating in the two-day tournament, McGarry said."We had to have some rooms on hold to make sure we could house" the teams that had little advance notice they were in the tournament, he said. "We worked with hotels to secure guaranteed rooms for them."The sports complex staff "constantly works with" the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp.'s Tourism Office and other facets of the community, McGarry said, adding the tournament last weekend was no different.The tourism office distributed 300 informational brochures to athletes taking part in the soccer tournaments."I'm not sure how much direct input they had on the tournament, but we work with them on coordinating" various efforts, he said, and added many local businesses also sponsored various aspects of the tournament.The title sponsor, Coca-Cola, donated $3,000, and the Martinsville-Henry County EDC gave $1,000, according to Russo. Other sponsors, including Clarence's Steak & Seafood House, Bojangles, Applebee's, Elizabeth's Pizza and Chick-fil-A, also gave food, money or both for the tournament."Sponsorships offer businesses an opportunity to have their name on advertising and all promotional material," he said. Many businesses purchased ads in programs sold for the event.Volunteers also play an integral part."We are fortunate to have a bunch of volunteers, but we need more," McGarry said.According to Kimberly Payne, director of marketing at the sports complex, all of the roughly 20 volunteers were from the community.They collected admission and sold programs, concessions and Smith River Sports Complex merchandise, McGarry said.Eight of the volunteers served as "team hosts" and provided information or directions as needed, Payne said."We need volunteers to help with a youth tournament" this weekend, mainly to provide information and sell concessions, McGarry said. Although admission will not be collected, more teams are expected for that event.Because the complex negotiates contracts for each tournament on things such as the cost of renting the fields, admissions, concessions and other fees, McGarry said revenue generated by each event varies."Some expenses we pay, some expenses they (tournament organizers) pay," and the same is true for profits made from tournaments, he said. "The contract spells out expenses and income" and the division of each.McGarry and Russo said they do not yet know how much profit the complex made from the tournament.Russo said the cost of the tournament was between $10,000 and $12,000. That included paying referees, hotel accommodations for the conference commissioners and sports information directors, and the improvements made to host the event."All indications are that we at least broke even, and may have even made a little money in the process," Russo said. "From a complex standpoint, we improved on ticket sales from the previous year, though we do not have the exact number yet.""From the conferences' standpoint, we filled all of their needs and requests from the previous year, provided them with a covered press box and scorers' table with heaters," said Russo, who called the tournament a success. He added that the covered press box will remain at the complex and will be used for future events.Mike Christie, the assistant commissioner for the USA South conference, agreed with Russo's assessment."Our experience here the last two years has been very positive," he said. "We've heard a lot of positive things from our coaches. Any improvements that we've asked for have been given."Christie added that the decision to continue holding the tournaments at the complex is up to the presidents and athletic directors of the participating schools, but "there are nothing but positive things from our end."Russo said he is "confident we've done what we needed to do to bring" the tournament back next year.Payne also noted that the USA South holds all of its spring sports tournaments in one location, and she hopes that the conference could similarly have all of the fall sports tournaments in Martinsville. Other USA South fall sports include volleyball and cross-country.Christie said it "is somewhat feasible" to have the volleyball tournament come to the area, but the conference's cross country meet traditionally happens a week earlier.For soccer, the facility was ideal, Christie said."The playing between the lines is superb," Christie said. "We've heard it everywhere, from coaches to players to team administrators.""We heard nothing but good things from their conference officials and their players and coaches about their entire experience in Martinsville and Henry County," Russo said."The most important thing for us is" there were more than 300 people in town for the tournament, "staying in hotels, eating at restaurants, and spending their money here," Russo said. "That economic impact for the community makes" the hard work associated with "the tournament all worth it." http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/22 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/22 Sunday, 07 November 2010 12:00:00 EST

The Smith River Sports Complex will host a FC New York invite only professional tryout at the Smith River Sports Complex on January 8-9, 2010. Matt Weston, Technical Director for FC New York, will invite the top 20 Division 1 colleges, 12 Virginia Division 1 colleges, 12 North Carolina Division 1 colleges and 10 South Carolina Division 1 colleges to participate in the event at the Complex.

Sunday, 07 November 2010 12:00:00 EST The Smith River Sports Complex will host a FC New York invite only professional tryout at the Smith River Sports Complex on January 8-9, 2010. Matt Weston, Technical Director for FC New York, will invite the top 20 Division 1 colleges, 12 Virginia Division 1 colleges, 12 North Carolina Division 1 colleges and 10 South Carolina Division 1 colleges to participate in the event at the Complex.FC New York are holding three professional tryouts between November and January. The third date of January 15-16, 2010 back in New York has recently been set where the best talent form the first two tryouts will be asked back for a final assessment. An evaluation of some of the countries best players will also be on the agenda of Technical Director Matt Weston as he plans to attend the Annual USL Combine in late January before finalizing his roster.Weston has compiled a list of players he would like to target alongside the players who have already been "screened" and asked to attend. "I am looking for a mixture of players, from the outstanding college graduate to the seasoned pro. It's important to find a player with the desire to make it at the pro level as well as the confidence and ability to ensure they stay there. Having a good blend of youth and experience is also key as the youngsters can grow and blossom under the tutelage of not only the coaching staff, but also the seasoned professionals who know what it takes to play at this level," said Weston.Instrumental in bringing the professional tryouts to the Smith River Complex is current Director of Coaching for the Piedmont Youth Soccer Club and Averett University Assistant, Enda Crehan. Crehan said" I am currently involved in soccer at all levels in this area, from University to Club and Olympic Development and I have seen the huge growth and love for the game over the past year and a half. When this opportunity arose with Matt I had to jump at it. Soccer in this area is growing and with these tryouts coming to the area I have no doubt it will add interest to an area that has a huge soccer appetite for the beautiful game," said Crehan. For more information or questions, contact Kimberly Payne at 403-5970 or Matt Weston at 866-827-0154. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/21 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/21 Tuesday, 02 November 2010 12:00:00 EST

Complex to host USA South tourney Tuesday, November 2, 2010 The 2010 USA South Men's and Women's Soccer Championships will be held Friday and Saturday at the Smith River Sports Complex. The...

Tuesday, 02 November 2010 12:00:00 EST The 2010 USA South Men's and Women's Soccer Championships will be held Friday and Saturday at the Smith River Sports Complex. The top four men's and women's teams will come to the Complex to compete for the tournament title.An estimated 275 athletes and administrators will arrive to the area beginning Thursday."We hope local residents will come out and support this tournament so we can bring it back in years to come," said Billy Russo, the director of operations for the complex. "We want them to feel welcomed by our community with a big crowd for their games."On Friday, the men's semifinals will take place at noon and 2:30 p.m., and the women's semis will be at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, the men's championship game will begin at 2 p.m., and the women's championship game will start at 5 p.m.The USA South Conference competes in the NCAA Division III ranks with North Carolina and Virginia schools. This will be the Sports Complex's second year hosting the event."The primary advantage of bringing our soccer tournament to Martinsville is the opportunity to provide a quality tournament experience for our student-athletes," said Rita Wiggs, USA South commissioner. "The city of Martinsville and the staff at the Smith River Complex were so welcoming and accommodating last year. We are excited to return to Martinsville and hope the Martinsville community will come out and enjoy USA South soccer at its finest."Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children. Full concessions will be sold, including Chick-fil-A sandwiches, Elizabeth's pizza and Bojangles biscuits.For more information or questions, contact Kimberly Payne at 403-5970 or Russo at 638-5200. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/20 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/20 Friday, 29 October 2010 12:00:00 EST

By PAUL MONTANA - Bulletin Sports WriterAs Carlisle goalkeeper Virginia Zentmeyer and sweeper Olivia Evans stood side-by-side in the mouth of their goal for the majority of an ...

Friday, 29 October 2010 12:00:00 EST By PAUL MONTANA - Bulletin Sports WriterAs Carlisle goalkeeper Virginia Zentmeyer and sweeper Olivia Evans stood side-by-side in the mouth of their goal for the majority of an hour-long contest Thursday, they often had plenty of time to kill.Mostly, they kept their eye on the action. But occasionally, Zentmeyer admitted, "we get gossipy."It's understandable when you play defense for Carlisle.As they do against many opponents, the Chiefs crushed North Cross 6-0 Thursday in the Blue Ridge Conference semifinal match at the Smith River Sports Complex.It took a few minutes for Carlisle to get going against the winless Raiders (0-13). The Chiefs won 10-0 in the eams' previous matchup at the SRSC, but Carlisle was unable to find the net for the first 13 minutes Thursday, which included seven short corners.But after Michelle Arroyo scored on the rebound of Robbi Jensen's shot out of yet another short corner, the Chiefs got going, putting in three goals in a span of 8 minutes."I thought we came out very flat. I wasn't quite sure where we were going," Carlisle coach Meade Seiy said. "It took a good five, six, seven minutes to get there, but once we got in a rhythm and we started pushing the ball down the field, things started to relax a bit."The opening goal also got Jensen going. The junior dribbled circles around the Raiders throughout the match, often beating two defenders or more before looking for a shot.She scored the Chiefs' second goal on another short corner, firing to the near post off a feed from Alanna Ferguson.Jensen's flashiest goal was her second. Off a feed from Grace Ann Edgerton, Jensen cut the ball to her backhand side, then smacked a chopper that cut through a host of Raiders before hitting the boards on the backside."The reverse? Yeah, I like doing that," said Jensen with a giggle. "It's fun."The junior completed a hat trick on a penalty stroke prior to halftime, easily firing past the outstretched foot of goalkeeper Meagan Mulhauser.Jensen didn't score in every game this year for Carlisle, but come playoff time, "Coach tells me I need to take the ball down and get it in the cage," she said.Defensively, Zentmeyer and company stood idle for the majority of the game. The Raiders didn't manage a shot until a desperation 40-yard blast that went well wide of Zentmeyer as the first half expired.North Cross put up a better fight in the second half, holding the Chiefs scoreless into the 52nd minute and even earning two short corners, requiring Zentmeyer to make three saves."We did a lot better today than the last time we played them here," North Cross coach Emily Phillips said.But the Chiefs came alive again in the final 10 minutes. Alanna Ferguson beat two defenders before feeding Emily Morgan for an easy finish in the 52nd minute; a few minutes later, Lori Yeaman took the ball herself on a 3-on-2 from midfield and finished low to the back post.Still, Seiy would like to see improvement, particularly in the area of penalty corners. The Chiefs had 23 shots on goal, many of which came on their 16 short corners."We need to be scoring so much more on our corners," Seiy said. "That's something we'll just work on. We'll keep perfecting it."The Chiefs will look for their fourth straight BRC championship Saturday, when they will host the VES/Chatham Hall winner at the SRSC. Game time is slated for 2 p.m.Carlisle 6 North Cross 0Scoring Summary First Half C - M. Arroyo, ast. R. Jensen. 13:07. C - R. Jensen, ast. A. Ferguson. 15:40. C - R. Jensen, ast. G. Ferguson. 20:56. C - R. Jensen, PS. 29:27. Second Half C - E. Morgan, ast. A. Ferguson. 51:32. C - L. Yeaman. 55:07. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/19 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/19 Thursday, 28 October 2010 12:00:00 EST

For those avid football fans who can't bear to wait through August training camps for high school, college and NFL football to arrive, there is another football season just around the corner.

Thursday, 28 October 2010 12:00:00 EST For those avid football fans who can't bear to wait through August training camps for high school, college and NFL football to arrive, there is another football season just around the corner. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/18 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/18 Wednesday, 27 October 2010 12:00:00 EST

The 2010 USA South Men's and Women's Soccer Championships presented by Coca-Cola are being held at the Smith River Sports Complex on November 5th and 6th. The top f...

Wednesday, 27 October 2010 12:00:00 EST The 2010 USA South Men's and Women's Soccer Championships presented by Coca-Cola are being held at the Smith River Sports Complex on November 5th and 6th. The top four men's and women's teams will come to the Complex to compete for the Championship. An estimated 275 athletes and administrators will arrive to the area on Thursday, November 4th for a banquet.On Friday, November 5th the men's semi finals are at 12pm and 2:30pm and the women's semi finals are at 5pm and 7:30pm. On Saturday, November 6th the men's championship game is at 2pm and the women's championship game is at 5pm. Tickets are $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. Full concessions will be sold including Chick-fil-A sandwiches, Elizabeth's pizza, and Bojangles biscuits.The USA South Conference is NCAA Division III with North Carolina and Virginia schools. This is the Sports Complex's second year hosting the event. Billy Russo, Director of Operations for the Complex, said, "We hope local residents will come out and support this tournament so we can bring it back in years to come- we want them to feel welcomed by our community with a big crowd for their games.""The primary advantage of bringing our soccer tournament to Martinsville is the opportunity to provide a quality tournament experience for our student-athletes. The city of Martinsville and the staff at the Smith River Complex were so welcoming and accommodating last year. We are excited to return to Martinsville and hope the Martinsville community will come out and enjoy USA South soccer at its finest," said Rita Wiggs, USA South Commissioner. For more information or questions, contact Kimberly Payne at 403-5970 or Billy Russo, Director of Operations, at 638-5200. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/17 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/17 Saturday, 16 October 2010 12:00:00 EST

The Virginia Storm look to put on a good show when they take the field Saturday night for the team's first home game of the season at the Smith River Sports Complex, according to head coach Chris Week...

Saturday, 16 October 2010 12:00:00 EST The Virginia Storm look to put on a good show when they take the field Saturday night for the team's first home game of the season at the Smith River Sports Complex, according to head coach Chris Weeks. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/16 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/16 Friday, 15 October 2010 12:00:00 EST

Carlisle School's athletic program has agreed to a long-term partnership with the Smith River Sports Complex, the school announced recently in a news release. Carl...

Friday, 15 October 2010 12:00:00 EST Carlisle School's athletic program has agreed to a long-term partnership with the Smith River Sports Complex, the school announced recently in a news release.Carlisle will hold all soccer practices and home games at the complex this fall, as well as some of its field hockey games. In addition, Carlisle's Upper Division students, each of whom must complete 30 hours of community service before graduation, may volunteer at the complex for special events and tournaments."Over the past year the complex has partnered with Martinsville City Schools, Henry County Schools and Carlisle to offer our facility to the youth in our area and to improve their quality in athletics and in life," said SRSC director of operations Billy Russo. "We are excited to continue developing these partnerships."Since Carlisle began playing at the complex, the soccer program has seen a 50-percent increase in the number of players on the roster, the release stated. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/15 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/15 Monday, 11 October 2010 12:00:00 EST

High school lacrosse players from all over the country and Canada gathered at the Smith River Sports Complex in Henry County Sunday, October 10th. Their mission ...

Monday, 11 October 2010 12:00:00 EST High school lacrosse players from all over the country and Canada gathered at the Smith River Sports Complex in Henry County Sunday, October 10th.Their mission was to improve their skills and hopefully get recruited to the college ranks.Coaches from VMI, Roanoke and Ferrum Colleges were among those scouting talent.Another goal was to drum up interest and perhaps bring a lacrosse tournament to the complex next summer. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/14 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/14 Thursday, 30 September 2010 12:00:00 EST

Carlisle School kicked off its soccer and field hockey seasons one minute after midnight Sunday at the Smith River Sports Complex.

Thursday, 30 September 2010 12:00:00 EST Carlisle School kicked off its soccer and field hockey seasons one minute after midnight Sunday at the Smith River Sports Complex. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/13 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/13 Tuesday, 28 September 2010 12:00:00 EST

The Smith River Sports Complex will hold a Legendary Lacrosse individual showcase on October 10, 2010. Nat St. Laurent is the camp director for Legendary Lacros...

Tuesday, 28 September 2010 12:00:00 EST The Smith River Sports Complex will hold a Legendary Lacrosse individual showcase on October 10, 2010. Nat St. Laurent is the camp director for Legendary Lacrosse and recently appointed assistant men's Lacrosse coach at Washington and Lee University. St. Laurent holds instructional camps, team camps/tournaments, and positional clinics. This is his first Lacrosse event at the Smith River Sports Complex.The individual showcase being held on October 10th will bring 70 to 100 players from nine states and Canada. Players already signed up are coming from Canada, Michigan, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. These players come to the showcase for two main reasons, according to St. Laurent, which are recruiting and instruction. Recruiting is the main draw, but players come from all over to enhance their skill levels and participate in the challenging clinic portion.Coaches from NCAA Division I, II and III will be present as an opportunity for players to gain exposure to these coaches and schools for recruiting purposes, according to St. Laurent. Currently, coaches from Virginia Military Institute, Roanoke College, Wheeling Jesuit, Ferrum College, Washington and Lee University, Marymount University and Pfeiffer University will be at the Complex on October 10th; St. Laurent expects to see 10 to 15 coaches in attendance.St. Laurent referred to the Smith River Sports Complex as an "ideal location" for this showcase and stated, "it's an unbelievable facility with great staff that are open and energetic and helping me spread the game of Lacrosse." St. Laurent thinks this event is a great opportunity for the state and area and encourages all local residents to come "see some very talented Lacrosse players". St. Laurent, also, mentioned his intentions to bring a Lacrosse team tournament to the Complex in June 2011.For more information or questions, contact Kimberly Payne at 276-403-5970 or Billy Russo, Director of Operations, at 276-638-5200. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/12 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/12 Sunday, 12 September 2010 12:00:00 EST

By JOHNNY BUCK - Bulletin Sports EditorMore than 1,500 people entered the gates of the Smith River Sports Complex on Saturday, but not all were there for soccer. The comp...

Sunday, 12 September 2010 12:00:00 EST By JOHNNY BUCK - Bulletin Sports EditorMore than 1,500 people entered the gates of the Smith River Sports Complex on Saturday, but not all were there for soccer.The complex hosted a 5K run in the morning and a semi-professional football game in the evening. The Piedmont Youth Soccer League had more than 20 games on its season-opening day, while Averett University hosted the Cougar Classic, a Division III soccer tournament.Safe to say the place was bustling with activity.And that's just the way Billy Russo wants it."This is probably one of the top three busiest days we've had," said Russo, the director of operations at the SRSC."Last fall, we had just soccer, and we had a couple of events," he explained. "This year, we have not only soccer but field hockey, youth football, flag football, adult football, lacrosse. We're all over the place. And so we've shown that we've grown. That's important to us, and it's exciting."The day began with the Run for Recovery 5K, sponsored by Piedmont Community Service's Drug Task Force.The race and its sister event, the Walk for Recovery, featured more than 30 participants. Last fall, the inaugural Run for Recovery was held at the Martinsville city park, according to Valerie Blevins, the Drug Task Force and event coordinator.This year's event went even better, she said."It was excellent. We had more people involved in the cause this year. I think the 5K was a high point," said Blevins, who got volunteer assistance from local high schoolers, church members and the Carlisle cross country team, among others. "(The SRSC staff) were great to work with. I wanted it here because I come out here and walk, and we want to support (the complex)."Jason Dove, a Bassett resident, won the 5K with a time of 20 minutes, 14 seconds.The PYSL, which uses the SRSC as its home base, had 40 youth teams from six age divisions playing Saturday, according to Peggy Cassady, the league's director of recreation.The PYSL has more than 400 children involved, Cassady said. They compete in leagues ranging from the "Tiny Canes," a 4-and-younger division, to the 14-and-younger level.The PYSL also has several youth travel teams of various age divisions, including 18-and-younger. Three of those travel teams played Saturday afternoon, while two more were scheduled to play games at 2 p.m. and 3:50 p.m. today.Meanwhile, on the synthetic fields, Averett Unversity's men's soccer team hosted the Cougar Classic tournament Saturday afternoon. The Cougars beat the LaGrange Panthers, 3-2. In the tournament's other game, Guilford College downed the Piedmont College Lions, 5-1.The Cougar Classic will continue on Sunday, when Averett plays Piedmont and LaGrange battles Guilford. Both games are set for 1 p.m. start times. Saturday evening, Martinsville's semi-pro football team, the Virginia Storm, beat the Carolina Gators, 13-12.The combination of events had spectators from as far away as Georgia and Conneticutt at the SRSC, according to Kimberly Payne, the complex's recently hired director of marketing.Payne spent her day filming video and taking pictures of the busy complex for use with marketing materials, the SRSC's website and Youtube.The complex also arranged for aerial photos to be taken Saturday of the busy venue and its 450 parking spaces, which were completely filled by 9:30 a.m and remained that way for much of the afternoon.Payne said the photos and videos will be helpful in marketing so that "people can actually see people playing on the field and see what the fields look like."She also spent some time speaking with spectators, inquiring about their experience at the complex and their plans for lodging, and dining in the area.Payne said that event-filled days like Saturday's have a definite economic impact on the area. She estimated that at least 30 hotel rooms were booked by the college soccer teams, and noted that one of those teams had dinner reservations for 50 people at a Ridgeway restaurant Saturday evening. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/11 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/11 Monday, 02 August 2010 12:00:00 EST

By CHASE YOUNG - Bulletin Sports Writer Carlisle School kicked off its soccer and field hockey seasons one minute after midnight Sunday at the Smith River Sports Complex. ...

Monday, 02 August 2010 12:00:00 EST By CHASE YOUNG - Bulletin Sports WriterCarlisle School kicked off its soccer and field hockey seasons one minute after midnight Sunday at the Smith River Sports Complex.About 75 people stayed up late for the school's first Midnight Madness event. In addition to officially opening practice for both teams, it was a fundraiser that allowed alumni to reconnect with one another and Carlisle, said Hugh Haskins, director of development for the school."It was a tremendous success," Haskins said. "I just think we pulled the event off, and it was a great success as far as creating a buzz for both programs."We're going to make it an annual event every year," he added.Despite rain, which Haskins said probably kept a number of fans and alumni from attending, the event drew about 75 fans, 15 of whom were alumni, and raised about $500, he said."I think the weather hurt our fundraising efforts, but it definitely didn't dampen the fun or excitement," said Haskins.In accordance with Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association rules, practice for fall sports could not begin until 12:01 a.m. Sunday. This year, coaches and players didn't waste any time getting started.Both teams' coaches said Midnight Madness is something they hope to do again."I would love to see it in the future, now that we have the first one under our belt," said field hockey coach Meade Seiy. "I thought it was great for the girls, and I'm sure the boys enjoyed it on their side."In what both Seiy and boys' soccer coach Harry Lance considered a "fun and exciting" event, the two teams split a field in half and ran through a series of light warm-ups with current athletes before running scrimmages in which alumni were invited to take part."I thought it was a neat way to ease into the regular practice schedule, and we mainly just wanted to make it a fun environment," said Lance.With both teams beginning traditional practices today and little time before they begin battling opposing schools, both coaches said Midnight Madness was a good way to create excitement about the upcoming season."Having them all back together officially was good to see where we are, where we need to be," said Seiy.The Lady Chiefs, who capped an undefeated (16-0 overall) season last year with the school's second VISAA state title, have about two weeks before they compete in the Mount Tabor Tournament on Aug. 14 at Mount Tabor High School in Winston-Salem, N.C.The soccer team will take the field for its first game of the season Aug. 23 against New Covenant in Lynchburg. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/10 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/10 Friday, 16 July 2010 12:00:00 EST

By CHASE YOUNG - Bulletin Sports Writer The Virginia Storm look to put on a good show when they take the field Saturday night for the team's first home game of the season a...

Friday, 16 July 2010 12:00:00 EST By CHASE YOUNG - Bulletin Sports WriterThe Virginia Storm look to put on a good show when they take the field Saturday night for the team's first home game of the season at the Smith River Sports Complex, according to head coach Chris Weeks.The Storm, a semi-professional football team based in Martinsville/Henry County, will face off against the Concord Eagles, and according to Weeks, the prowess of the Eagles' quarterback will require much of the team's attention."I think the biggest thing we need to do defensively is contain the quarterback," said Weeks. "I think if we can shut their running game down, we should have a chance of winning the ball game."The Storm, which predominantly utilize a 4-3 defense but also use the more unusual 3-5-3, will rely on defensive tackles Travis Broadhurst, who graduated from Magna Vista, and D.J. Edmunds, a G.W. Danville product, to do much of the heavy lifting, according to left tackle and three-year Storm veteran Hugo Hughes.Broadhurst (6-foot-7, 360 pounds) and Edmonds (6-3, 290 pounds) will both likely require double teams according to Hughes, and thus will open up room for linebackers and defensive backs to make plays. Weeks added that free safety Arkaile Garner (5-10, 205), a Patrick Henry High School product, strong safety Darion Dunbar (5-8, 175), of Martinsville High School, and defensive end Caesar Tatum (6-2, 260), of Bassett High School, will also be key contributors on defense.While the Storm could operate out of a slew of offenses considering the teams' wealth of receivers and running backs, Weeks said the team will utilize a spread offense on Saturday."I'd like to see us jump out early with a big lead utilizing our passing game if we can," said Weeks. "I think if we can get that success going early with passing the ball, we should definitely open things up later on in the game with our running game."The acting field general for the Storm will be Kenny Perry, an assistant football coach at Bassett High School and graduate of North Carolina A&T."We have deadly, deadly speed at all positions," said starting center Curtis Hairston, adding that "you can't take your eye off of (Perry). If you try to over cover one guy, then he's going to hurt you. And if you leave one guy unattended, then they're going to hurt you."Perry had success last week against the Richmond County (N.C.) Golden Beards. He connected on a pass to rookie wide receiver O'Shane Valentine for a 25-yard touchdown, and the QB returned a kickoff about 80 yards for the team's only other score."Kenny was definitely the player of the week last week," said Weeks.The Storm's main running back is six-year veteran Tim Bryant (6-1, 200) according to Weeks, and the primary wide receiver is three-year veteran Brandon Jumper (5-10, 240, Magna Vista), although rookie receivers Valentine (5-10, 175) and Quintin Watkins (5-11, 175, Carlisle) are "vying for a lot of playing time."Despite falling 20-12 in their opening contest, the Storm are excited about playing their first home game at SRSC and hope for a large turnout to help fuel their drive on the field."Having that, as we consider with our fans, the 12th man there in support really pumps the guys up. They enjoy playing in front of a big crowd, and it definitely helps with a little bit of motivation going into the game when we see that big crowd there to pump us up," said Weeks.While the Eagles are not the Storm's biggest rival - that title belongs to the Carolina Heat, - Weeks said the team is always "psyched" to get on the field.The Storm has partnered with the Community Storehouse this season, and the team will take $1 off the admission price for any fan who brings at least one can of non-perishable food to the event.The current admission price is $6 for anyone 12 or older; $3 for children 6-12 and free for those 5 and younger.Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and concessions will be sold at the complex.***** A Few names to know from the Virginia Storm Name: Kenny Perry Position: Quarterback Age: 27 Height: 6-3 Weight: 225 Notes: Perry had a hand in the team's only two touchdowns during a Week 1 loss on July 9. He scored the Storm's first TD on an 80-yard kickoff return and connnected on a pass to rookie receiver O'Shane Valentine for a 25-yard score. Perry was a wide receiver at North Carolina A&T University and said he enjoys being the field general because he has good field vision and likes reading defenses. Perry takes the field after a three-year hiatus. He is an Algebra teacher at Laurel Park Middle School and moved to the area two years ago.***** Name: O'Shane Valentine Position: Wide receiver Age: 18 Height: 5-10 Weight: 175 Notes: Valentine, a recent graduate of Bassett High School, was a running back who also ran track and field for the Bengals. Valentine was the only person other than Perry to score for the Storm last week. He snagged a 25-yard pass for one of the Storm's two scores.***** Name: Tim Bryant Position: Running back Age: 32 Height: 6-1 Weight: 200 Notes: A product of Patterson High School in Maryland, Bryant has been with the Virginia Storm for six years. A veteran member of the team, Bryant holds the Storm's career record for rushing yards and will play an integral role in its success this season, according to head coach Chris Weeks. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/9 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/9 Friday, 09 July 2010 12:00:00 EST

By PAUL MONTANA - Bulletin Staff Writer For those avid football fans who can't bear to wait through August training camps for high school, college and NFL football to arrive, ...

Friday, 09 July 2010 12:00:00 EST By PAUL MONTANA - Bulletin Staff WriterFor those avid football fans who can't bear to wait through August training camps for high school, college and NFL football to arrive, there is another football season just around the corner.The Virginia Storm, a semi-pro football team based in Martinsville, begins its season Saturday with a road game against the Richmond County Golden Bears in Rockingham, N.C.This is the first year that the team has called Martinsville home, as it previously hailed from Gretna. The relocation was made largely because of the team's roster, which features numerous players who formerly competed in the Piedmont District and continue to live in the Martinsville-Henry County area.The Storm, whose players range from recent high school graduates to coaches in their 30s, has been practicing twice per week since late March, and players can't wait to hit the field."The season is just getting started, so right now we're just finding our niche," said Storm center Curtis Hairston. "We have a lot of weapons, and offensively we're going to be tough. We're going to put some points on the board, no doubt about it."The team is also anxious to debut in a new league. The Storm will play in the Central Carolina Football League this season, after competing in the Mason Dixon Football League since the team debuted as the Lynchburg Storm in 1993.The CCFL is a 15-team league with a 12-game regular season ending Sept. 25 before a 12-team playoff determines the league champion."The CCFL is supposedly a lot tougher than the MDFL," Hairston said. "But, team-wise, I think we match up pretty well. It's not in me to say that I'm afraid, so I think we can be pretty good. I think we can come in and dominate, to be honest."The team has a roster of 57 players, about half of whom are newcomers, according to offensive lineman Hugo Hughes.The Storm will make its home debut in its Week 2 game against the Carolina Eagles on July 17 at the Smith River Sports Complex. The team has drawn hundreds of fans in the handful of games played locally in years past, and hopes to draw a crowd this season with more frequent home games at the SRSC."It gives Martinsville and Henry County something else to look forward to," Hairston said. "We have the Mustangs and I love those guys. ... This is something for people who don't, per se, care for baseball as much, but they go because it's something to do.""To appreciate it, you have to see it, because we're doing what we love to do for absolutely nothing," he added, noting that Storm players are not paid employees of the team. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/8 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/8 Wednesday, 23 June 2010 12:00:00 EST

By JOHNNY BUCK - Bulletin Sports Editor Tuesday's "Border Bash" 7-on-7 passing tournament attracted eight football teams from outside the Piedmont District, and yet the ...

Wednesday, 23 June 2010 12:00:00 EST By JOHNNY BUCK - Bulletin Sports EditorTuesday's "Border Bash" 7-on-7 passing tournament attracted eight football teams from outside the Piedmont District, and yet the title game featured two very familiar schools.Magna Vista's "Team A," made up of skill players expected to start on the varsity this fall, downed Bassett 29-22 in the championship game Tuesday at the Smith River Sports Complex.The Warriors, who began the morning by losing their first two games, played spoiler to Bassett, a team that entered the title game with a 7-0 record and the event's top seed."I don't think we were awake," said MVHS head coach Joe Favero when asked about his team's slow start. "I said, ‘I hope we don't ever play a real game in the morning,' because we were terrible. But we got better as the day went. Harvey (Taylor), he was on fire all afternoon. The guys caught the ball well, and the defense played well."Interceptions by Magna Vista's Keon Mabin and Tyshawn Mitchell proved to play a big part in the outcome of the title game.Mabin's interception came on the first possession of the game and halted a BHS drive. Mitchell's pick came near the end of the 20-minute contest, when he jumped a route along the sideline and intercepted a ball to give his team a 27-22 lead.On offense, MVHS quarterback Harvey Taylor completed a short touchdown pass to running back T.C. Carter, an over-the-shoulder score to Carter and a long TD pass down the right sideline to Trevor Kellam.After falling behind early, Bassett, which alternated between quarterbacks Mason Maples and Dashaun Valentine, took a 20-18 lead on a short touchdown pass to receiver Shaq Finney in the middle of the endzone.It was Finney's second TD of the game, and one of many on the day for the rising senior, according to BHS head coach Jay Gilbert.Gilbert also added that Finney had perhaps 20 total catches in the eight games played and "six or seven interceptions" while manning his cornerback position.MVHS retook the lead, 24-20, on the long pass to Kellam. Following a BHS first down that pulled the scored to 24-22, Mitchell, a former Carlisle quarterback, pulled in the game-sealing interception for the Warriors' defense.Despite the title-game loss, Gilbert was very pleased with his team's play.On June 12, the Bengals finished with a 2-3 record in a similar passing tournament at George Wythe High School, failing to make it out of the first round.That poor finish made Tuesday's 7-1 record, not to mention his team's 271 total points scored, look all the better."This was a big improvement over the George Wythe tournament," said Gilbert. "We went to George Wythe and didn't play well at all. ... That's what you look for in the offseason, is improvement, and we've definitely improved a lot since George Wythe."Gilbert is undecided about who will start at quarterback this fall for BHS, but he did say he does not want to split the starting spot between Valentine and Maples, as he did last year."I've told them both that come (early August), one of them will be the starter," he said.In addition to scoring on passing touchdowns, teams could also receive 3 points for a defensive interception, 9 points for an interception returned for a TD, 2 points for a first down, 2 points for forcing a turnover on downs and 1 point for completing an extra-point conversion pass after a touchdown. Franklin County (4-3) lost to Bassett, 28-12, in the semifinals, while Cummings High School (6-1) of Burlington, N.C. lost to Magna Vista in the semis, 28-25.Other schools in the 12-team field were Alleghany (4-3), James River (3-3), G.W. Danville (3-4), Magna Vista's junior varsity team (2-4), Eden (N.C.) Morehead (2-4), Bartlett Yancey (2-4-1) and William Campbell (1-5).Tunstall finished 0-6 in the tournament, though it did lose two games on last-second, long-bomb touchdowns. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/7 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/7 Thursday, 17 June 2010 12:00:00 EST

SRSC To Host Passing Tourney Thursday, June 17, 2010 The Border Bash 7-on-7 Passing Tournament will feature up to 16 area football teams on Tuesday at the Smith River Sports Complex. Th...

Thursday, 17 June 2010 12:00:00 EST SRSC To Host Passing Tourney Thursday, June 17, 2010The Border Bash 7-on-7 Passing Tournament will feature up to 16 area football teams on Tuesday at the Smith River Sports Complex.The event, which is open to the public and free of charge, will test the aerial skills of varsity football teams from Virginia and North Carolina. Each team will have a center, quarterback and five eligible wide receivers. Each game will last 20 minutes, and every team is guaranteed six games in the tournament.Play will begin at 9:30 a.m. June 22. The championship game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. the same day. Competing teams include: Magna Vista, Bassett, Franklin County, Tunstall, G.W. Danville, Alleghany, Moorehead, Bartlett-Yancey, Cummings, William Campbell and James River. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/5 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/5 Monday, 14 June 2010 12:00:00 EST

By HOLLY KOZELSKY - Bulletin Staff Writer Saturday was a big day at the Smith River Sports Complex, but not because it was the second day of World Cup play. Instead, a wedd...

Monday, 14 June 2010 12:00:00 EST By HOLLY KOZELSKY - Bulletin Staff WriterSaturday was a big day at the Smith River Sports Complex, but not because it was the second day of World Cup play. Instead, a wedding was held at the soccer complex.The bride and groom, Virginia Thornburg and Brandon Duncan of Danville, aren't even soccer fans. They just liked the setting."She's wanting (a) red and white country" setting, said the bride's mother, Pamela Thornburg of Martinsville. With the fields, the red and white building "and the rock walls, it works."Red and white decorations adorned the gates leading to the park. The ceremony was held in the courtyard in front of the two buildings, and Elder Edneecas Law presided.The groom, a drag racer in his mid-20's, rode in on his motorcycle. The bride, 21 and a 2007 graduate of Bassett High School, entered from the pavilion and met him in front of the center landscaped circle. Rows of chairs were set up for the groom's family on one side of the circle and the bride's on the other. They planned for 75 to 100 guests."We were looking around for different objectives. At first she wanted the redneck type" of wedding, but phased out that idea in favor of a country feel, Pamela Thornburg said. "She was coming by there (the soccer complex) one day and we saw it. It just dawned on us, why not? It looked like it would fit everything: playground for the children to keep the little ones occupied, and area for the adults to dance, and we don't have to worry about alcohol," which is not allowed there.The courtyard was roped off for the wedding, and the outer areas of the park remained open to the public.After the ceremony, the reception featured a traditional Southern barbecue dinner and dancing.The family was happy with the arrangement, and they hope others try it for family events, too. "It shows people there's other uses for the complex than just for sports," Thornburg said.Thornburg has two other children. "One had a church wedding, and the other one had one at the (Philpott) dam. Between the three, I think Virginia's is going to be the most unusual," he said. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/6 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/6 Monday, 14 June 2010 12:00:00 EST

By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer The Smith River Sports Complex has scheduled a full slate of sporting events. New this summer, the Virginia Storm, a semi-pro adult...

Monday, 14 June 2010 12:00:00 EST By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff WriterThe Smith River Sports Complex has scheduled a full slate of sporting events.New this summer, the Virginia Storm, a semi-pro adult football team, will hold all of its home games at the complex.The team, which plays in the Central Carolina Football League, is described on its website as "the premiere adult amateur football team in central Virginia." It gives young men an opportunity to continue playing football after their collegiate or scholastic careers end, the site says.Chris Weeks, the team's president, said moving home games from Gretna to the complex "was an easy choice to make" because more than half the team members are from the Henry County-Martinsville area.They are graduates of Magna Vista, Martinsville, Bassett and Patrick County high schools, as well as Carlisle School and the former Laurel Park and Fieldale-Collinsville high schools, according to an online player roster.The players with local ties attract "a huge (fan) following" in the area, Weeks said.Other players come from Danville, Halifax County, areas in North Carolina and West Virginia, and they should attract visitors to the area, according to Jimmy McGarry, Chairman of the Southern Virginia Recreation Facilities Authority (SVRFA) board.The board operates the sports complex, which is on Irisburg Road in Henry County.The Storm's game schedule begins July 17 and ends Oct. 2, according to the complex's website. "They will be playing six of their seven home games at the complex," McGarry said.Billy Russo, director of operations at the complex, said last year the team also played a few of its home games at Bassett High School. About 800 fans attended those games, Russo said."We're projecting at least that many" will attend games at the complex, and possibly more, Russo said. As a result, the complex is partnering with city and county school divisions to bring in more bleachers and additional seating for spectators, according to Russo and McGarry.Additionally, the complex is partnering with the Martinsville Speedway to borrow moveable, metal crowd control barriers that will be used to help define bleacher space, McGarry said.Other types of football also will be played at the complex, including 7-versus-7 high school football, being organized by Magna Vista High School, and flag football, organized by city and county recreation departments.Russo explained that most high schools participate in 7 versus 7 passing tournaments during the summer.Players in the fast-paced games that generally are played in 25 minutes mainly include a center, a quarterback and five receivers, Russo said."This is a real fast-paced game played on a short field" that measures 40- by 40-yards, Russo said. Twelve high schools have signed up to compete in the June 22 tournament, he added.A one-day lacrosse tournament tentatively scheduled for July 17 will be held on the same day as one of the Storm football games, McGarry said."Right now, it is 95 percent" certain the Southwest Virginia Lacrosse Association tournament will be held, Russo said. At least 11 teams have signed up to participate, with play from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on five fields.Virginia Storm will play football between 7 and 10 p.m. on the same day, he said. All of those games will be played on Field 4, which is the artificial turf field.Two different events held on the same day "really gives us an opportunity to showcase" the complex as a multi-purpose facility, McGarry said.The activities will bring revenue to the complex."Fees on almost all of our (sporting) events" are negotiated on an individual basis, Russo said. For instance, because the complex is hosting the lacrosse tournament rather than running it, Southwest Virginia Lacrosse Association will pay a $1,000 rental fee - about $500 less than the set fee, Russo said.He explained that because the games are played during daylight hours, there will be a cost savings because lights will not be needed."Plus, this will be the first time they (lacrosse) are here. We want them to enjoy themselves" and attract others to the game, Russo said.The complex will keep any concession profits, and the lacrosse team is not charging admission. Virginia Storm will pay $225 per game, which "is a pretty good deal," Russo said. That will offset the costs of providing electricity.Russo said he was not part of those contract negotiations, but "this is another deal we're happy about." In this case, Virginia Storm will keep the gate proceeds, Russo said - he thinks admission will be $5 per person - and the complex again will keep concession proceeds.Among the future goals for the complex is to run more events rather than hosting them, Russo said. Then, the complex also would benefit from registration fees.Several summer camps - for children, teens and adults - also are scheduled, McGarry said. The different events are "good for us. It's good for the community" because it will bring tourists and their revenue, McGarry said. "It's also good for kids to be able to see adults playing a sport they (youngsters) are interested in."That is because adults are role models and show youngsters that sports "are not just for kids," McGarry said. "They can continue playing" after becoming adults. For more information on times/dates of play or a calendar of events, call the facility at 403-5968 or visit the website at www.southernvirginiasports.com. http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/4 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/4 Sunday, 21 March 2010 12:00:00 EST

By JOHNNY BUCK - Bulletin Sports Editor A brand new complex, a beautiful spring day and some live college soccer - it turned out to be a recipe for success. The Smit...

Sunday, 21 March 2010 12:00:00 EST By JOHNNY BUCK - Bulletin Sports EditorA brand new complex, a beautiful spring day and some live college soccer - it turned out to be a recipe for success.The Smith River College Showcase featured six men's college soccer teams on Saturday at the Smith River Sports Complex, drawing roughly 1,500 total spectators, according to Dennis Toney, SRSC executive director."The coaches were really very positive about it," said Toney. "They all committed to come back again next year. So our hope would be we'd maybe expand it to eight to 10 teams, add more games, do a night session next year around a high school event. So that would be our way to do it I think.."College teams competing in the event were UNC-Greensboro, Radford, Virginia Tech, High Point, Longwood and Averett. Since college soccer is played in the fall, these games counted as spring scrimmages.Each team played twice on Saturday, meaning coaches had plenty of opportunities to get younger, less experienced team members on the field."That's a big emphasis, to get those guys playing time and experience. And you know, with young kids it takes time.," said Mike Brizendine, Virginia Tech's head coach. "They've got to adjust and get used to the speed of play. So we've got a little ways to go. Again, I'm happy with some things, but some things are going to have to get better."Virginia Tech lost both of its games by the same 1-0 score. The first defeat came to High Point, while the last came to Radford.Radford forward Anthony Payne volleyed in the game winner against Virginia Tech on a long James Leith assist in the first half."It's always good to beat Tech, you know?" he said afterward. "The team right next door you don't really like but you respect. It's always good to beat your neighbors."Radford lost to UNC-G 1-0 in an early game, and Longwood beat Averett 3-0.Scores for the High Point/Longwood and UNC-G/Averett games were not available late Saturday night.In addition to another men's showcase next year on the same weekend, Toney said he'd like to add a women's event. He said that showcase might be played on the Saturday of Martinsville Speedway's race weekend.If the reaction of men's coaches is any indication, Toney shouldn't have trouble finding women's teams to fill the bill."It's wonderful. I'll tell ya, all of us are like, ‘Man, we would love to have a place like this in Blacksburg,'" said Brizendine. "It is really something. ... It was great, and I hope that we can get back down here next year." http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/81 http://www.smithriversportscomplex.com/news/details/ID/81 EST

Athletes from all over return to the Martinsville-Henry County area to claim the title for the NCAA Division III USA South Athletic Conference

EST October 18, 2012, Martinsville, VA: For the fourth straight year, the Smith River Sports Complex (SRSC) will be hosting the NCAA Division III USA South Conference's Soccer Championships on November 2nd-3rd, 2012. Additionally, the USA South Volleyball Championship's new home is also the Martinsville-Henry County (M-HC) area, creating the new title of Fall Sports Festival. Both soccer and volleyball championships are committed to return to the M-HC area until 2014.Men's and Women's Soccer will be played at the Smith River Sports Complex while Women's Volleyball will play at William F. Stone Hall at Patrick Henry Community College (PHCC). There will be four Men's Soccer, four Women's Soccer, and eight Women's Volleyball teams coming to the area to play for the USA South Fall Festival Championships. "We've held a Spring Sports Festival with one city hosting all six championships for the past seven years and it has been a hugely successful event for the Conference," said Rita Wiggs, Commissioner of the USA South Conference when asked why they decided to bring both championships to Martinsville. "It has been a goal to do the same type of event for our fall sports championships, but we needed to find a city with appropriate facilities, staffing and desire to host our soccer and volleyball championships." The USA South Conference is primarily a southwest/central Virginia and North Carolina based conference featuring nine teams in those areas: Averett University, Christopher Newport University, Ferrum College, Greensboro College, Mary Baldwin College, Methodist University, Meredith College, N.C. Wesleyan College, and William Peace University. The Conference has added three institutions this summer, two from Georgia (Piedmont College and LaGrange College) and one from Tennessee (Maryville College), bringing the total number of full-time members to 12. The teams will arrive Thursday, November 1st and will have the opportunity to practice. Later that night, the SRSC will host a banquet at the National Guard Armory in recognition of the 2012 USA South fall season. To kick off the festivities there will be an opening ceremony at 11:30 a.m. at the Smith River Sports Complex in collaboration with the Special Olympics on Friday November 2nd. The Men's Soccer semifinals are set to start at 12 and 2:30 PM at SRSC while the Women's Soccer semifinals will begin at 5 and 7:30 PM. Also on Friday, at PHCC, the Volleyball quarterfinal matches will be at 1, 3, 5, and 7 PM. On Saturday, the Men's and Women's Soccer Championships will be played at 2 and 5 PM, respectively. Over at PHCC, Volleyball will play both the semifinal and championship rounds on Saturday. Semifinals will start at 12PM and 2 PM with the championship starting at 6 PM. Tickets for each day will be $6 dollars for adults and $3 dollars for children. There will be weekend passes available which will differ depending on the group size, please call (276) 638-5200 for the prices. When asked why the USA South Conference enjoys returning to the SRSC and the Martinsville-Henry County area, Wiggs replied that "firstly, the excellent playing surface at the Complex and that is always a top priority for our coaches. Secondly, the reception that we have received from everyone we have dealt with in Martinsville, and at the Complex, has been warm and welcoming. We are very pleased with the friendships and relationships that have developed during the last 2-3 years."Coca-Cola is the presenting sponsor of the 2012 Fall Sports Festival. All sponsors & partners who supported this event are: Patrick Henry Community College, the Martinsville & Henry County Economic Development Corporation's Tourism Division, Comfort Inn who is the host hotel, Martinsville & Henry County Chamber of Commerce, Stifel & Nicolaus, the YMCA of Martinsville Henry County, Quality Catering & The Gallery, and the Special Olympics of Virginia. To find out more on the USA South Athletic Conference visit www.usasouth.net. For information on the event or purchasing tickets, please call the Complex at (276) 638-5200 or visit www.SmithRiverSportsComplex.com.