Sports Briefs: Week of Oct. 29

Posted
Updated:

Chatham Charter workouts on pause

After an “individual with a connection to the school” tested positive for COVID-19, Chatham Charter paused all high school preseason workouts last week, along with face-to-face instruction.

The Knights won’t work out until at least Friday, Oct. 30, in compliance with state and local health department guidelines. High school students haven’t been on campus yet for classes — only K-5 students returned to the Siler City school earlier this month before the shutdown.

In an email to the News + Record, school communications director Beth McCullough said Chatham Charter administration learned of the positive coronavirus test on Sunday, Oct. 18. Administration held a virtual meeting and alerted staff, students and families that same Sunday afternoon.

The Chatham Charter athletic department had been holding workouts in some form since mid-June, when the NCHSAA first allowed schools to return under strict coronavirus safety protocols.

Per the NCHSAA, the Knights’ varsity cross country and volleyball teams can begin official practices/tryouts on Wednesday, Nov. 4 and competitions on Monday, Nov. 16.

Murrell, Henry set more XC records

Running unattached last weekend, Northwood cross country junior Caroline Murrell set a school record.

Murrell completed a 5K in 18:59.10 at the Monster Dash event in Hope Mills on Saturday, becoming the first ever Charger women’s runner to log a sub-19-minute time in the race. Per head coach Cameron Isenhour, it was also the first sub-19 5K for any women’s runner in Chatham County history.

Murrell ultimately finished fifth in the event. At the same event, junior Colin Henry also set a new school and personal record with a 16:10.30 time in the men’s 5K. He finished 11th in the Monster Dash event.

NCHSAA essay contest opens

Chatham County student-athletes can compete in the NCHSAA’s fall essay contest through the end of November for a chance at first-place and runner-up prizes.

The NCHSAA partnered with Click It Or Ticket, a program under the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, to put on the event. This year’s essay prompt is: “How has the shut-down impacted how teen drivers think about roadway safety?  What messages can you share with other young drivers and how can you impress upon them the importance of defensive driving?”

Essays are limited to 400 words, must use proper citations and must be submitted through an online portal by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on Monday, Nov. 30. Two first-place winners — one male, one female — will receive an Amazon gift card and “prize pack,” with possible gifts for runners up, too.

For more information, visit the portal at this link or email NCHSAA director of marketing Kayla Dempsey at kayla@nchsaa.org.