DELCO – State transportation officials are inviting people to review a proposal to improve safety and traffic flow on U.S. 74/76 in eastern Columbus County.
The public meeting will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 22, at Delco Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church at 238 Kaiser Road. The N.C. Department of Transportation will show proposed design maps at the meeting, answer questions and collect comments about the proposal.
The department proposes reconstructing several median openings along the four-lane highway between Byrdville Freeman Road and east of Money Hole Road. With the design, drivers on the side roads would turn right to enter the highway without the risk of crossing opposing lanes of traffic. Drivers then would enter a dedicated lane to safely make a U-turn, if they want to go in the opposite direction.
Details about the proposal can be found on this NCDOT page.
The design, known as a reduced conflict intersection, reduces by more than half the potential locations where a crash can occur compared to a conventional four-way intersection. The design has shown to reduce vehicle crashes by an average of 46 percent on corridors without traffic signals.
People who cannot attend the meeting may send comments and inquiries to Alex Henderson, a Division 6 project manager, by contacting him at 910-364-0603; P.O. Box 1150, Fayetteville, N.C. 28302; or by email at US74-76-ColumbusCounty@publicinput.com.
The department will consider comments collected on the final design through 5 p.m. Nov. 5. The project is scheduled to start construction in the spring of 2021.
NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate in this meeting. Anyone requiring special services should contact Lauren Putnam at lnputnam1@ncdot.gov or 919-707-6072 as early as possible, so that arrangements can be made.
People who do not speak English, or have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon request prior to the meeting by calling 1-800-481-6494.
The State Board of Elections will hold a telephonic meeting beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2019. Members of the public may listen to proceedings by dialing (914) 614-3221 and entering the code 349-156-109.
Public meeting materials will post on a rolling basis to the online meeting portal.
RALEIGH – Starting Nov. 1, the Agronomic Services Division’s fee for nematode species identification through molecular diagnosis, will increase from $10 to $20. Even with the fee increase, the agency’s molecular diagnostic testing is less expensive than what other state labs are charging farmers for the same service.
Molecular diagnosis is the only way to identify nematodes to the species level, and interest in that level of identification is on the rise because of concern over the Guava root know nematode, which is a very damaging pest of sweet potatoes, said Dr. Colleen Hudak-Wise, director of the Agronomic Services Division.
“A heavy infestation of the Guava root knot nematode will severely impact the quality of sweet potatoes and make a whole field unmarketable,” Hudak-Wise said. “Identifying root knot nematodes to the species level is critical in monitoring and controlling the impact of the pest to the sweet potato industry.
“Since July 1 of this year, our nematode lab has performed more than 250 molecular diagnostic identifications,” Hudak-Wise added. “That is more than double the requests for the same time period last year. The molecular diagnostic procedures are highly technical, time consuming and expensive. The fee increases will go towards managing increased laboratory supplies and staffing needs to process samples.”
The regular $3 fee per sample will still be charged for a routine nematode assay, because that testing must be performed first to obtain the genetic material needed for molecular diagnostics, Hudak-Wise said. Out-of-state samples may also be submitted for molecular diagnosis, but there will be an added $10 surcharge for processing. All molecular diagnostic samples will be processed immediately upon being received, even during the peak laboratory season.
In fiscal year 2019, the Nematode Assay Laboratory had a record-breaking year, with over 52,300 samples processed, including 2,878 molecular diagnostic samples.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agronomic Services Division provides diagnostic and advisory services that increase agricultural productivity, promote responsible land management and safeguard environmental quality.
DUBLIN – Bladen Community College invites the public to hear guest author and WRAL television personality, Scott Mason reading and sharing stores from his first published book, Tar Heel Traveler: Journeys Across North Carolina and his second book, Tar Heel Traveler Eats, that was released in October, 2014.
Mr. Mason will be presenting on campus Tuesday, October 15, 3019 at 11 A.M. in the Student Resource Center. The event is free and open to the public. This program is a part of the Writers Series at Bladen Community College and is made possible by a grant from the NC Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and Bladen Community College.
Scott Mason is a broadcast journalist with 30 years of television experience. He has won dozens of awards for documentaries, writing, and feature reporting, including three National Edward R. Murrow awards and 20 regional Emmys. In both 2004 and 2005, the Electronic News Association of the Carolinas named Scott the North Carolina Television Reporter of the Year.
Scott’s success caught the attention of WRAL-TV, the CBS affiliate in Raleigh, North Carolina. In April,1997, Scott became the station’s Documentary Producer. He researched, wrote, and produced nine documentaries before adding his talents to the nightly news team as a reporter specializing in features.
Today, Scott is known as the Tar Heel Traveler. His Monday-Thursday feature series on WRAL takes viewers along the back roads of North Carolina where he meets memorable characters, finds out-of-the-way places, and unearths fascinating historical footnotes. The series has
become so popular it has led to Tar Heel Traveler half-hour specials, which Scott produces each quarter.
Scott graduated in 1984 from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, where he majored in Journalism and Communications. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree in
creative writing at Queens University of Charlotte.
For more information about this reading and other events in the Writers Series of guest speakers at BCC, contact Dr. Joyce Bahhouth at 910 879-5540.
Vineyard Golf has announced that a Two-Man Invitational Golf Tournament will be held November 2-3 at its course located between Elizabethtown and White Lake on U.S. 701. This will be a Two-Man, Four-Ball and will be Pre-Flighted, Your Choice.
The Championship Flight will tee off on the 6,500 yard blue tees. The Player’s Flight will play the white tees measuring 6,100 yards and the seniors (65+) will play the gold tees measuring 5,400 yards.
The entry fee for the tournament will be $250 per team. Deadline for entry is Wednesday, October 30. There will be a practice round played Sunday-Friday, October 27-November 1 with a cart fee only charge.
Anyone interested in participating should call the Pro Shop at 910-247-6132 for more details.
East Bladen High School will have its annual homecoming parade through downtown Elizabethtown on Friday, Oct. 25 beginning at 3:30 p.m.
Anyone wanting to participate can contact Ms. Jennifer Ballard at East Bladen at 910-247-4610 with your information.
The parade lineup will begin at 3 p.m. down King Street and South Morehead Street and end at Fresh Foods on West Swanzy Street. The homecoming candidates and pageant winners will be in the parking lot of Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church.
Monday night NFL action … Green Bay Packers 23 – Detroit Lions 22.
MLB Playoff
National League
Washington Nationals 8 – St. Louis Cards 1 (Nationals lead series 3-0)
American League (series tied 1-1)
Astro vs Yankees 4:08 p.m. today
NASCAR Talladege 500 results (yesterday)
Ryan Blaney edged Ryan Newman by a bumper to win.
Bladenboro’s Beastfest is fast approaching … December ’53 and early ’54. All kind of unusual happenings … some, maybe most, tall tales, but it was the talk of the area. A sleek, black animal about 5 feet long killing dogs … according to some, others questioned, but it made for good conversation and all were on high alert. The Beast of Bladenboro. … It was the talk of the town, state and nation.
Think I best leave it there … Beastfest continues … next edition is Saturday, October 25th & 26th and it will be a fun time in the ‘boro. Hope you are making plans. …. Music, Old Cars, Fun Rides, Collard Sandwiches and so much more.
One more big event a few months later in ’54 … Hurricane Hazel arrived. … If you witnessed either event, you are at least … mmmm … old enough for Social Security.
5 Biggest Songs of the Summer: The 1950s
“Don’t Be Cruel” Elvis Presley
“Rock Around The Clock” Bill Haley & His Comets
“The Wayward Wind” Gogi Grant
“The Purple People Eater” Sheb Wooley
“The Yellow Rose of Texas” Mitch Miller
TABOR CITY –Junior Garrett Melvin fired in the first 2 goals Monday night to lead East Bladen to a 6-0 Three Rivers Conference boys soccer victory over South Columbus.
In the 3rd minute of play, Melvin took a ball over the top of the backline from senior Jake Evans and turned it into a goal. In the 5th minute, Melvin was pulled down in the box after a similar pass and blasted in the penalty kick for a 2-0 lead.
“Garrett brought it tonight and was on fire to start the game,” said Eagle Coach Jay Raynor. “When he plays like that he is tough to be stopped. The team needs his energy and the play he brought tonight more consistently.”
Senior Gabe Barber ran down the right flank then tucked a shot past the keeper just inside the far post for a 3-0 lead. Junior Drew Sholar was pulled down in the box on a breakaway then drilled in the penalty kick for a 4-0 Eagle lead.
“Gabe controlled the midfield and did a great job of orchestrating our attack,” noted Raynor. Barber was credited with 2 assists for the winners.
Evans banged in a goal 4 minutes into the second half. “Jake dominated tonight and generated attack after attack for us,” stated Raynor.
Senior Jon Von Rupp worked his way onto the end of a free kick from junior Will Hester from 30 yards out. Rupp tapped the ball into the net for the final Eagle goal.
“Jackson (Bostic) had a solid game for us as did Jon,” said Raynor. “They both have adhered to their roles and are very consistent. Will had a solid night especially with his placement of his free kicks and his shots from distance. He’s a huge piece to what we do when he’s on his game.”
The Eagles outshot the Vikings 34-0. “Our backs (Freddy Wooten, Jay McKoy, Milton Estrada, Chase Starkloff and keeper Jacob Priest had great games tonight,” said Raynor. “They weren’t threatened but made sure to put out some attacks that had a chance to get into our attacking 1/3.”
Raynor added, “Angel (Martinez) and Xavier (McKoy) played some big minutes tonight. Both were instrumental on set pieces for us tonight. Getting Xavier in the game and utilizing his height was a plus.”
“The guys played well and moved the ball,” concluded Raynor. “We did a great job of utilizing the entire pitch tonight. We also started strong and faded some as far as intensity goes. Have to keep our intensity up and firing on all cylinders at all times.”
The Eagles remained undefeated at 9-0 in league play and are 10-3-1 overall. East Bladen will host East Columbus on Wednesday night.
BLADENBORO – West Bladen celebrated Senior Night on Monday with a 2-1 Three Rivers Conference boys’ soccer victory over West Columbus.
Senior Leo Vasquez scored his first goal of the season for the Knights. Late in the second half, junior Kenni Gomez banged in the deciding goal off of an assist from Johnny Santana. It was Gomez’ 17th goal of the season.
Coach Phillip Turnage’s Knights improved to 4-5 in Three Rivers Conference play and 5-8-1 overall.
West Bladen’s Lady Knights, the Three Rivers Conference champions, will host First Flight, the champions of the Northeastern Coastal Conference, on Wednesday in the opening round of the NCHSAA Class 2A dual team tennis playoffs.
Coach Billy Bryant’s Lady Knights posted a perfect 8-0 record in Three Rivers Conference play and were 11-2 overall. First Flight matched that with an 8-0 record against Northeastern Coastal opponents and were 8-2 overall.
BLADENBORO – Whiteville Central claimed two victories but both Elizabethtown and Bladenboro won matches Monday in Waccamaw Middle School Conference volleyball action.
Elizabethtown opened Monday’s play with a 2-0 victory over Bladenboro by set scores of 26-24 and 25-15. The Lady Cougars then dropped a 2-0 decision to Central by set scores of 25-6 and 25-9.
Central won a pair of close sets 25-23 and 25-19 for a 2-0 victory over Tar Heel. The Lady Panthers claimed a 25-15 in their first set against Bladenboro, but the Lady Bulldogs battled back to win the final two sets 25-17 and 15-12 for the 2-1 victory.
Bladenboro and Elizabethtown will be playing Thursday at West Columbus.
NAKINA – Clarkton School of Discovery dropped their first Waccamaw Middle School Conference volleyball game Monday 2-0 to Nakina then battled back to claim a 2-1 victory over Tabor City.
Nakina won the first match 25-14 and 25-5, but Clarkton’s Lacy Young served out the first set of their match with Tabor City 25-0. “Lacy did something I’ve never seen,” said Lady Blue Devil Coach Chris Callihan. “She hit 25 service points in a row with 5 aces.”
Tabor City rallied to narrowly take the second set 25-23 and even the match, but Clarkton won the deciding set 15-7.
The Lady Blue Devils, now 2-2, will host Hallsboro and Acme-Delco on Thursday.
Riegelwood, NC – On October 12, 2019, Columbus County Sheriff’s Office joined forces with neighboring law enforcement agencies to conduct a checking station at the intersection of Hwy 87 and 11 in Riegelwood.
The goal of this combined enforcement effort was to ensure compliance of the motor vehicle codes and to reduce motor vehicle accidents, injuries, and death associated with impaired driving. Columbus County Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of the Forensic Test for Alcohol Branch of NCDHHS to provide their BAT Mobile Unit for the checking station. The BAT (Breath Alcohol Testing) Mobile Unit is equipped with a Magistrate’s Office, multiple breath alcohol testing stations equipped with Evidential Breath Alcohol testing instruments, finger printing equipment, and other necessities required to conduct a large scale checking station.
Columbus County checking station leads to over 40 arrests
Columbus County checking station leads to over 40 arrests
Columbus County checking station leads to over 40 arrests
Columbus County checking station leads to over 40 arrests
Columbus County checking station leads to over 40 arrests
Columbus County checking station leads to over 40 arrests
At 9:00 pm, law enforcement officers converged at the intersection of Hwy 87 and Hwy 11. The checking station ended at 12:00 am. As a result of this operation, fifty-two (52) traffic and criminal violations were charged. Four (4) arrests were made including three (3) DWI arrests and one (1) arrest for an outstanding warrant. Wayntrell Kelon Brown, 31, of Riegelwood was arrested and charged with Driving While Impaired. Irma Cruz, 54, of Riegelwood was arrested and charged with Driving While Impaired. Rasaan Eugene Ware, 31, of Pennsylvania was arrested and charged with Driving While Impaired. Aaron Kendrick Benton, 28, of Kelly was arrested on an outstanding warrant from Bladen County.
The following are a list of the violations from NC Checking Station:
4 – Drug Related
1 – Insurance Violations
1 – Tint Violations
4 – Seatbelt Violations
1 – Child Restraint Violations
6 – No License
5 – Driving while License Revoked
2 – Failure to Carry License Violation
10 – Tag Violations
7 – Inspection Violations
1 – Equipment Violation
6 – Open Container Violations
4 – DWI
Columbus county sheriffs office posted The following statement, “We would like to sincerely thank each officer and agency that participated in this operation. Thank you for your time and dedication!”
The following agencies participated in this checking station:
North Carolina State Highway Patrol
Forensic Test for Alcohol Branch of NCDHHS
Columbus County Magistrate S. Norris
Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office
Whiteville Police Department
October is Red Ribbon and Depression Awareness Month. October 11th was Depression Screening Day and is a great time to take a free Depression assessment screening, according to William Sellers of Eastpointe.
Most people feel low and sad at times. However, in the case of individuals who are diagnosed with depression as a psychiatric disorder, the manifestations of the low mood are much more severe and they tend to persist.
This information is confidential and is only seen by the person taking the screening. Let’s all support Depression Awareness Month by being pro-active about our own Mental Health.
Sellers stated, “Please share with others as we support Health, Wellness and Safety for Depression Awareness Month.”
In 2014, around 15.7 million adults age 18 or older in the U.S. had experienced at least one major depressive episode in the last year (6.7% of adults in the U.S.).
Depression occurs more often in women than men. Some differences in the manner in which the depressed mood manifests has been found based on sex and age. In men it manifests often as tiredness, irritability and anger. They may show more reckless behavior and abuse drugs and alcohol. They also tend to not recognize that they are depressed and fail to seek help. In women depression tends to manifest as sadness, worthlessness, and guilt. In younger children depression is more likely to manifest as school refusal, anxiety when separated from parents, and worry about parents dying. Depressed teenagers tend to be irritable, sulky, and get into trouble in school. They also frequently have co-morbid anxiety, eating disorders, or substance abuse. In older adults depression may manifest more subtly as they tend to be less likely to admit to feelings of sadness or grief and medical illnesses which are more common in this population also contributes or causes the depression, according to, adaa.org
Red Ribbon Month is to promote Drug Free Youth. The National Family Partnership, formerly the National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth, was established as a grassroots, nonprofit organization in 1980 by a handful of concerned and determined parents who were convinced they should begin to play a leadership role in drug prevention. The mission of the month is to lead and support the nation’s families and communities in nurturing the full potential of healthy, drug free youth, according to redribbon.org
Children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t, yet only a quarter of teens report having these conversations, according to the site.
Red Ribbon Week is October 23 through October 31, 2019. Children and adults may find information on how to promote awareness and take a leadership role in drug prevention by visiting redribbon.org.
WILMINGTON – West Bladen grad John Bowen has received legislative waiver relief from the NCAA and will be able to play men’s basketball in the 2019-2020 season at UNC-Wilmington.
Bowen had transferred closer to his Bladenboro home after playing two seasons at Belmont Abbey. The 6-8, 185-pound forward played in 56 games and started 23 of those contests averaging 6 points and 4 rebounds per game. Last season Belmont Abbey posted a 23-8 record and reached the Carolinas Conference championship game.
An All-Conference performer at West Bladen, Bowen averaged 16.4 points in his senior season as the Knights finished with an 18-10 record. The Knights were 20-8 in his junior year.
UNC-Wilmington Coach C. B. McGrath was quoted on the school’s athletic site saying, “John really impressed me on his visit with his athleticism and skill. He wants to be coached and wants to reach his full potential. He has a high ceiling and we’re excited he is a Seahawk. He is an above the rim player and that is something we love having. He has worked hard to progress and will continue with his mindset and work ethic.”
Bowen and the Seahawks will open the season November 5 at home against Johnson & Wales.
The Bladen County Board of Education held their recognitions and spotlights on Monday evening during their regular scheduled board meeting. The board members were first presented with an award of their own, the 2019 North Carolina School Boards Association Silver Bell Award. Vice President of the board, Mr. Glenn McKoy accepted the award from Bladen County Superintendent, Dr. Robert Taylor on behalf of the school board.
The NCSBA Silver Bell Award recognizes boards where every member has actively worked towards meeting their 12 hours of training during the July 1 through June 30 time frame, according to Valerie Newton with Bladen County Schools.
Bladen County Schools award
Bladen County Schools award
Bladen County Schools award
Bladen County Schools award
Next on the agenda the School Bookkeepers Academy graduates were recognized and presented with a certificate. The North Carolina Association of School Business Officials (NCASBO) Certification Program has been endorsed by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the North Carolina School Boards Association, and the North Carolina Association of School Administrators. The newly certified Bladen County Schools’ employees are Karen Hales from Tar Heel Middle School, Billie Jo Hester of Bladenboro Primary School, LaQuana Montgomery from Plain View Primary, and Phyllis Powers from West Bladen High School.
The monthly Student Attendance Banners were also presented during the meeting. Plain View Primary, Bladenboro Middle School and Bladen Early College were this month’s winners of the Attendance Banners.
San Diego, California- October 2019- Paul V. Norris, Agency Manager, Southern Farm
Bureau Life Insurance Company has earned the Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) designation
from The American College of Financial Services, Bryn Mawr, PA.
Candidates for the CLU® designation must complete a minimum of eight courses and 16
hours of supervised examinations. They must also fulfill stringent experience and ethics
requirements. Over 102,000 individuals have been awarded the CLU® designation since The
College was founded in 1927.
The Chartered Life Underwriter® is the highest standard of knowledge and trust and the
world’s most respected designation of insurance expertise. The College’s found, University of
Pennsylvania Wharton School professor Solomon S. Huebner, Ph.D., created the CLU® program
to meet the career education needs of men and women in life insurance and related financial
services. This prestigious course of study provides professionals with in-depth knowledge on
the insurance needs of individuals, families and business owners. Once the program is
completed, a CLU® can proved expert advice on a broad range of financial topics including life
and health insurance, pension planning, insurance law, income taxation, investments, financial
and estate planning, and group benefits.
Norris, a lifelong Bladen county resident, has been serving clients through North
Carolina Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance
Company and their affiliate companies for over 17 years. Norris earned his Life Underwriter
Training Counsel Fellow ® (LUTCF®) designation in 2009. He is very active in the community and
his church.
The American College is the nation’s larger non-profit educational institution devoted to
financial services. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has served
as a valued business partner to banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies and other for over
87 years. The American College’s faculty represents some the financial services industry’s
foremost thought leaders. For more information, visit TheAmeicanCollege.edu
Three distinguished UNC Pembroke alumni were honored at the 51st annual Alumni Awards and Hall of Fame Ceremony on Friday, October 11.
This year’s recipients are Barry Burch Jr., Young Alumnus of the Year; Mac Campbell, Distinguished Service Award; and James Ayars, Outstanding Alumnus Award.
The 2019 Hall of Fame Inductees are Iris Bethea, basketball; Roger Carr, basketball; Richard Thompson, baseball; Ray Nixon, baseball and Coach Tommy Thompson.
The awards recognize alumni who have shown exceptional dedication to the university and whose contributions embody the university’s values and mission.
Burch serves as senior advisor for Federal Affairs and Government Relations for the Office of Denver Mayor Michael Hancock. He is also director of Board and Commissions for the city and county. Since moving to Denver in 2012, Burch worked as a public school teacher, a fellow in the office of City Councilman Albus Brooks, and special aide to Mayor Hancock.
At UNCP, Burch served as student body president, Kappa Alpha Psi president and resident advisor. After earning his degree in political science in 1999, he was selected by Organizing for America to increase voter turnout. Most recently, he graduated from the University of Denver with a Master of Business Administration.
Caleb Malcolm, Alumni Association president (left) Barry Burch Jr., James Ayars, Mac Campbell Jr. and Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings
After earning his degree in business in 1968, Campbell began working alongside his father, Mac Sr., at Campbell Oil Company. After his father’s death, Campbell took over the family business and worked until his retirement in 2011. Over the years, he has been heavily involved in his community, serving on several boards including the Bladen We Care Foundation, UNCP Board of Trustees, Elizabethtown Airport Board, N.C. Department of Transportation, UNCP Foundation Board, UNCP Football Advisory Board and Bladen County Committee of 100.
Ayars, a 1986 graduate, and his wife, Jennifer, have been owners of Sandhills Gymnastics in Aberdeen since 1991. A lifetime member of the UNCP Chancellor’s Club, Ayars was among the founding board members in the early 1990s. His philanthropy extends to the classroom as he and his wife established the Ayars Family Scholarship in Chemistry, Physics, Math or Psychology.
After earning his degree in chemistry, he worked as a high school teacher. He taught school in North Carolina for 27 years. He is a member of the Southern Pines Rotary and a judge for USA Gymnastics. He most recently was appointed to the UNCP Board of Visitors.
2019 Hall of Fame inductees
Bethea was a two-sport student-athlete, playing softball and basketball for the Braves from 1991 to 1997. She currently ranks fourth on the women’s basketball program’s all-time scoring list with 1,759 points. She earned All-Peach Belt Conference honors following both the 1992-93 and 1993-94 campaigns, while also picking up PBC Player of the Week laurels during the 1993-94 campaign as well.
Carr was a two-time all-American for the Braves from 1979 to 1983. He tallied 1,508 points over that stretch and helped pace UNCP to more than 60 victories. A two-time All-Carolinas Conference pick as well, he picked up the first of his two all-American awards as a junior in 1981-82 after averaging 20.8 points and 58.5 percent field goal shooting.
Richard Thompson was a member of the baseball team from 1962-66, earning both NAIA All-District honors as a senior in 1966 after posting a team-best eight home runs in leading the Braves to a 28-4 record. He still ranks as the highest Major League Baseball draft pick in program history after being selected in the 3rd round (59th pick) of the 1966 MLB Draft.
Nixon starred on the baseball diamond from 1965-68 and made nine appearances as a senior and registered a perfect 8-0 record with a 1.12 ERA and 70 strikeouts. He registered eight wins as a junior and helped lead then-Pembroke State to nearly 100 victories over his four-year collegiate career.
Tommy Thompson is the winningest coach in the history of the UNCP Volleyball program. He led the Braves to an 186-81 (.697) record from 1981-88, and earned both NAIA District and Carolinas Conference Coach of the Year accolades following a 1983 campaign that watched the Braves register a 29-9 clip and claim their second-straight conference crown. Thompson also led the women’s tennis team to 34 wins from 1988-92 before serving more than two decades as the chair of the Health, Physical Recreation and Education Department.
