While on the sidelines at various events, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some cool athletes (high school, college, and professional), but it’s not everyday that you get to meet an Olympic medalist. 

What started as a rainy, gloomy morning ended up as a sunny day full of wondrous clouds over the Cherokee Central Schools as they hosted the Smoky Mountain Conference cross country championship on the afternoon of Wednesday, Oct. 17.  Cherokee Middle School’s boys and girls teams both took second place in their respective team events. 

Mariah Bahe, a member of the Navajo Nation with Eastern Band Cherokee heritage, has qualified for the USA Boxing Elite & Youth National Championships at Salt Lake City, Utah on Dec. 2-8. 

Three members of the Cherokee Lady Braves golf team competed in the 1A/2A Western Golf Regional Championship at Cedar Rock Country Club in Cedar Rock on Monday, Oct. 15. 

Cherokee’s defense held Andrews to 128 total yards and shut them out in a game on the chilly, fall evening of Friday, Oct. 12 at Ray Kinsland Stadium.

Three members of the Cherokee Lady Braves golf team have qualified for the 1A/2A West Regional competition starting Monday, Oct. 15 at Cedar Rock Golf and Country Club in Lenoir.  A total of 58 young ladies will compete for the 26 spots to qualify for the state meet on Oct. 22-23 at the Foxfire Resort and Golf Club in Foxfire Village. 

Next week, Cherokee High School will host the Smoky Mountain Conference cross country championship and I’m very much looking forward to seeing the fans – oh, and the runners too.