The Shadow
LOW MOOR, Va. (VR) – In a heartwarming ceremony that highlighted hard work and dedication, Alleghany High School honored 12 student athletes who will continue their sports careers at the collegiate level, surrounded by proud families, friends and teammates. Director of Athletics, Ty Dobbs welcomed everyone in attendance and explained that because of the athletes hard work and dedication they are being recognized. Dobbs thanked teacher and football head coach Will Fields for being there for support during a transition within his job title. Ty Dobbs went on to mention Jennifer Raether, Charity Hale, Mary Tyree, Melinda Snead Johnson, Derek Cantrell and Dwayne Ross “They’ve been behind the scenes, but also some of your biggest cheerleaders.”
Mary Tyree, assistant Volleyball Coach took to the stage and mentioned that all three of the Lady Cougars that signed today have been part of a championship team in their high school career. The Varsity Volleyball team has been back to back champions in the Three Rivers District since consolidating. Tyree proudly stated “This has been a record year” the team made it to the Regional Championship, and won runner up and went as far as state quarter finals, which has never been done. Tyree closed with “I’m very proud of our program and very proud of these young ladies.”
Kaiya Lian was the first Volleyball signee, committing to Glenville State College where she will be majoring in Psychology. Lian has been a four year Varsity player, which in her career she was named First Team for three years in the Pioneer District and one in the Three Rivers. Kaiya also holds title of district player of the year for the Three Rivers District, first team all region, second team all state. Tyree went on to say that Kaiya was named team all times land and that she believes that that has never been accomplished.
Laken Tinger, was next which will be attending Hollins College studying public health. Tyree said that Tinglers career started in Bath County prior to ending her career as an Alleghany Cougar. She has played varsity volleyball for four years, she was named all district for three years at Bath County and for two years as a Cougar. Tingler has beeb a part of the second team all region and was a member of the back to back championship teams. “Laken is quiet but a good leader, she does whatever you ask of her” Tyree said in closing.
Football Head Coach Will Fields, echoed off of what Tyree stating that there has been a lot of firsts with the football team as well. Fields introduced Xzavier Hayslett, a four year starter who will be attending Ferrum College in the fall. Hayslett has crushed all of the football records for Alleghany including yardage, touchdown receptions. Xzavier has been has been named all district, all three rivers district twice and All state football player.
Seth Bradley, boys basketball head coach was next in line to recognize Chase Depriest. “Chase has been a key part of our program” Coach Bradley stated “we won our first region game as a new school, competed with the eventual state champion and our second round match up Chase had a big game that night.” Depriest will attend Randolph College in the fall, “we’re very excited to see him move up to the next level” Bradley said in closing.
Boys Soccer Coach Jose Aragones, introduced James Helmintoller-Quantz, which started his soccer career in JV. Helmintoller-Quantz is a starter and Coach Aragones described him as a “Soccer guy, meaning he breathes, lives for soccer and soccer is the only sport in his life.” James will attend Garrett College in the fall.
Seth Davis and Scott Dudding was joined on the stage with Eli Entsminger in recognizing his accomplishments. Davis, the Cougar jingle extraordinaire stated he was expecting a teleprompter but would have to refer to his chicken scratch. Eli is a four year letter, which David had to do some persuading to get Entsminger to play tennis. Within his career he has played a total of 120 matches and 185 practices which Eli hasn’t missed any. This season Eli is currently 10 and 0 in doubles, which most have been played against his brother. “We’ve had eight regional wins which he has been a part of five of those, and he has helped continue a streak of 12 straight winning seasons.” Eli will be attending Bridgewater College in the fall.
Head Softball Coach Keith Morris, Wells and Taylor were called to the stage to present the signees for Softball. Morris said that he has had the privilege of coaching them since they were little.
Laken Cantrell was the first signee to be recognized, Morris has coached her since she was eight in travel ball and now has the honor to coach her in the Varsity level. “The time that she puts in is incredible” she has been named first team all district for three years. Cantrell signed to go to Roanoke College where she will major in Psychology and minoring in criminology.
Brooklyn Hicks has been coached by Morris for years as well and he dubbed her as “The first one to get completely dirty, and to give the most effort out of anyone on the field.” Hicks will go on to play for Patrick & Henry Community College.
Tyra Rose, committed to Bluefield University for Pre Med was the next player for softball. Morris has coached Rose since she was seven, through rec league up to Varsity. “Rose has been a pitcher since minor league A scaring everyone to death when she’s on the mound.”
Savannah Cash told Morris that she wanted to play sports at the next level, well Savannah your dream has been granted. Savannah has signed for Randolph College, where she will pursue her athletic career. Morris also pointed out that Cash was not only a heavy hitter in softball but in volleyball as well. “Savannah ends up being a big bruise at the end of the season,” Morris jokingly stated.
Powerhouse Bryce Leitch was also recognized at today’s ceremony. Bryce is currently undecided but will be a pillar in athletics no. matter where she decides. Bryce has lead the Volleyball team, Softball team, and Basketball teams in their season success. She lit the basketball court up this past season, Dobbs said that it was comical with her dad being on the sidelines. “She really carried her team” Dobbs went on to say that she carried her team along with some other players, he closed with “I’ll put her up against any guy in this school for best athlete.
Tanner Hoke was described by Head Coach Ryan Kessinger as willing to do whatever is necessary for the team. Tanner has been on the Varsity team for three years. Hoke has signed on with Bluefield University.
The last commitment of the day was for Tyler Jackson, who mid season his junior year decided he wanted to pursue baseball at the next level. Kessinger said that Jackson was a very hard worker on and off season and that has lead to the opportunity of him playing at the next level. Tyler has signed with Bluefield University.
