Author Archives: Pirate Network

Pirate Baseball’s Wigginton Signs with Spalding University

ARSS, Baseball

Front Row (L to R): Melissa Stewart (mother), Eric Wigginton, Karen Wigginton (Stepmother)
Back Row (L to R): Brian Stewart (Stepfather), Aiden Stewart (Sister), Brian Hester (Charlestown Baseball Coach), Kurt Meyer (Rawlings Tigers Coach) and Jeff Wigginton (Father)

Yesterday, Charlestown baseball senior Eric Wigginton was joined by family, teammates, and coaches to sign his celebratory letter of intent to attend school and play baseball at Spalding University in the fall.

Located in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, Spalding University (SU) is a non-traditional private liberal-arts college with certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs in seventeen areas of study. Spalding University is a Top 5 School in the United States among those who operate on a block schedule where instead of taking four or more classes over 18 weeks twice per week, students take one or two classes every six weeks daily for approximately 100 minutes per day Monday through Thursday, allowing them to graduate in the same amount of time.

Spalding competes in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in 15 NCAA Division III sports including baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, track (indoor and outdoor), softball, and volleyball. Spalding baseball is currently receiving votes in the 2021 edition of the Collegiate Baseball News preseason poll. The Golden Eagles finished the shortened 2020 season with an 11-3 record, including a win over preseason No. 23 ranked Wisconsin-Whitewater. The Golden Eagles were ranked 18th in the Perfect Game Top 25 and on track for a third consecutive 30-win season when the 2020 season was shut down due to COVID-19.

Wigginton, who is a CHS Gold Glove winner, will major in business management and serve as a pitcher for the Eagles. Wigginton became a member of the Lumber Yard Baseball Training Facility’s 90 MPH Club this winter. The Lumber Yard is home to Wigginton’s travel baseball team, the Southern Indiana Rawlings Tigers Velo. When asked about his opportunity to play at the next level with the Eagles, Eric said, “When weighing all the pros and cons of what I was looking for in both a school, location, and opportunities in athletics, Spalding was the obvious choice. I am incredibly grateful for the support and instruction of my coaches, teammates, and teachers throughout the years who have played a role in my development as a student-athlete, and I am humbled by the belief that the Spalding coaching staff has placed in me to contribute to the Eagles’ pitching staff.”

Charlestown baseball coach Brian Hester shared the following sentiments on Wigginton: “Eric Wigginton is a coach’s dream. His passion, loyalty, and respect for the game and all that are involved has allowed him to excel as a player and person. His determination to work hard and to love the game of baseball has allowed him to achieve his goal of playing at the collegiate level.”

The Charlestown High School athletic department and WPMQ, The Pirate Network congratulate Eric and wish him a healthy and prosperous future as a Spalding University Golden Eagle.

Wigginton is the first of several Charlestown senior athletes expected to sign to play intercollegiate athletics in the coming months, so follow as we will share this news for all of those seniors.

Article contributed by WPMQ, The Pirate Network’s Dalton Hester.

The Wrestling Sectional Crown Belongs to Charlestown for the First Time in 26 Years

ARSS, Wrestling

 

Photo Credit: Jonathan Phillips/Ed. Melissa Stewart

In a school year filled with ups and downs like sleds on this week’s snowy hills, the Charlestown wrestling team has had their eyes set straight on winning a sectional crown. Not rain, sleet, snow, nor COVID would stop it. Through an abundance of caution, the team has stayed safe and healthy this season and worked relentlessly, anticipating the moment the Pirates stepped on the mat at Jeffersonville High School this morning.

Early energy fueled the Pirates as they lead the pack after the first two rounds. Then the Red Devils from Jeffersonville arrived with a late surge, sending ten wrestlers to the final round, while the Pirates matted nine. With fourteen weight classes to wrestle for a sectional championship, seven of those featured a Charlestown-Jeffersonville clash, and while the Pirates only won three of those (Deke Brown–182 pounds; Manuel Ordorica–195 pounds; and Lucas Gagnon–220 pounds), the rest of the field pulled their weight to give the Pirates the victory.The Pirates watched two others step to the top of the medal stand and be crowned individual sectional champions at the 138 pound weight class (Colin Knox) and the 152 pound weight class (Ben Phillips), both of which are undefeated on the season. The pivotal match fell on Lucas Gagnon who was wrestling the 220 pound class late in the match. Gagnon edged out Jaybreon Litsey of Jeffersonville with the 2-1 decision in the third round to seal the win. Gagnon said, “Winning this title means so much to not just me but to the entire Charlestown wrestling community. I would like to personally think the coaches and teammates who helped push me and make me better so I could help contribute to this great honor.”

The victory gives the Pirates their first sectional title since 1995, and only the third in school history (with the other in 1990).  All fourteen wrestlers qualified for regional, a first in school history, as the most previously was eleven. “I am especially excited that we were able to do it for my senior teammates. This has been a goal of all 14 of us since the beginning of the season,” said junior Ben Phillips.

The Pirates are a senior laden team lead by Colin Knox who notched his 100th win and 50th pin this season, alongside Deke Brown and Manuel Ordorica who recorded their 50th pins this season. Brown told WPMQ, “This was a great win for our whole team. We’ve been working toward this goal for not only months, but years. It feels good.”

It certainly felt good for the 9th year head coach, Adam Doherty. Doherty has spent 16 years with the Charlestown wrestling program so this is his first sectional championship at the helm, but he is no stranger to wrestling championships himself. Doherty was the 103  pound state champion in 1998 and the 112 pound state champion in 1999, going 97-0 over his last two seasons. He spoke with a lot of satisfaction in his voice after the match.  “Today was a great day for CHS Wrestling. It was our goal all year, and we were focused on making it happen. Today took a whole team effort. Every kid stepped up and gave 100%. I’m very proud of each and every wrestler for doing their part in what was an awesome day, ” shared Doherty.

The Pirates will travel back to Jeffersonville next Saturday for the regional. In accordance with COVID restrictions, the IHSAA has released the following information regarding attendance for spectators:
1. All host sites will have limited to no spectators and in accordance with their local health guidelines.
2. Maintain social distancing.
3. Wear masks/face coverings at all times.
4. Only congregate with members of own household. Social distancing should be maintained between different household units.

WPMQ will provide updates throughout the day as they become available.

 

COMPLETE RESULTS

1st Place (Individual Sectional Champions)

Colin Knox (Season Record 22-0)- 138 lbs.

Ben Phillips (31-0) – 152 lbs.

Deke Brown (27-2) – 182 lbs.

Manuel Ordorica (23-2) – 195 lbs.

Lucas Gagnon (20-3)- 220 lbs.

 

2nd Place–Advancing to Regional

Gavin Salisbury -120 lbs.

Alex Sheehan – 126 lbs.

Jakob Lewellen – 132 lbs.

Micah Keltner – 160 lbs.

 

3rd Place–Advancing to Regional

Kamm VanGilder – 106 lbs.

Carson Collier -113 lbs.

 

4th Place–Advancing to Regional

Braden Moore – 145 lbs.

Braden Morgan – 170 lbs.

Austyn Ramirez – 285 lbs.

Final Team Scoring:

Charlestown 273

Jeffersonville 268.5

Corydon 130.5

Salem 105

Eastern 104.5

Silver Creek 80.5

North Harrison 79

Providence 61

Borden 44

Crawford County 35

Rock Creek 28

New Washington 24

 

ARTICLE PROVIDED BY WPMQ, THE PIRATE NETWORK STAFF

Pirates Crowe and Wigginton Named School Winners for the Heisman High School Scholarship

ARSS, Baseball, Boys Tennis, Girls Basketball, Softball, Track & Field, Volleyball

Congratulations to Lanae’ Crowe and Eric Wigginton for being named Charlestown High School’s female and male (respectively) Heisman High School Scholarship winners.

The Heisman Memorial Trophy is renowned for symbolizing the pursuit of excellence with integrity. The Heisman High School Scholarship, presented by Acceptance Insurance, extends the Heisman prestige to our nation’s most esteemed male and female high school seniors by recognizing and rewarding outstanding scholar-athletes who understand that the most important victories not only happen on the field, but in their schools and communities. These remarkable young leaders set the example and make a game-changing difference every day, paving the way to greatness for everyone around them.

Crowe is a member of the Lady Pirate volleyball, basketball, softball, and track and field teams; Wigginton is a member of the Pirate tennis and baseball teams and is a girls’ basketball manager.  Both have advanced to the state round where those winners will be announced tomorrow.

https://heismanscholarship.com/

Vote for CHS for Indianapolis Colts Friday Night Football Tour Matchup of the Week

ARSS, Athletic Department, Football
Charlestown High School has been included in one of the Indianapolis Colts’ Friday Night Football Tour matchups of the week!
Round 1 voting runs until tomorrow October 6th at 10:00 P.M. in which fans will vote on their top matchup from 12 selections.
Round 2 voting runs Wednesday, October 7th at noon to Friday October 9th at 3:00 P.M. in which fans will choose from the top 5 vote getting matchups from Round 1. Schools making the Top 5 will be notified on Wednesday (10/7). Also for updates, you can follow @ColtsYouthFB on twitter.
Each top 5 matchup starts with a clean slate, so be sure to vote again for our matchup in Round 2!
If we should win, we could earn a $1,000 donation for our athletic department by being named the Friday Night Football Tour matchup of the week!

Pirate Tennis Claims First Sectional Title in 51 Years

ARSS, Boys Tennis

 

Front Row (L to R): Dawson Boyd, Alex Wright, Eric Wigginton, and Clayton Rothbauer Back Row (L to R): Coach Matthews, Jackson Snelling, Nick Broady, Carter Getz, Brandon Broady, James Broady, Michael Gillooly

Members of the Charlestown Tennis team set a very specific goal in August: Win Sectional.  On Friday afternoon, they did exactly that and it was the first title in 51 years for the Pirates.

In the first round of the sectional, the Pirates downed Henryville 4-1 sweeping the singles matches and winning at No. 2 doubles. The championship then began on Thursday afternoon, but was suspended by rain with Silver Creek holding a 2-1 lead having sealed victories at No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles, while Charlestown’s Dawson Boyd defeated the Dragon’s Josiah French 6-3, 6-4 at No. 3 singles. All that was left to determine the match was No. 2 singles and No. 2 doubles.

Heading into the delayed finish on Friday, Alex Wright lead one set and was tied at 5-5 at No. 2 singles.  He went on to defeat Zach Milton in the next two games to win 6-1, 7-5 and tie the match up at 2-2.

The sectional title came down to the No. 2 doubles match of Charlestown’s Clayton Rothbauer and Eric Wigginton against Silver Creek’s Jarrett Garr and John Hurley. Rothbauer and Wigginton had gone 8-0 in Mid Southern Conference play in the regular season with Silver Creek being the only school they did not compete against due to a quarantine. The Pirates’ and Dragons’ No. 2 doubles teams were tied a set and tied 2-2 in games with Rothbauer serving 15-love as play resumed on Friday.  The Pirates’ duo came out with a hot start and quickly took a 5-2 lead over the Dragons, but dropped the next two games to make it 5-4. In the final game, the Pirates took a 40-15 lead then a missed shot into the net by Silver Creek would give the Pirates their second sectional title in school history as Rothbauer and Wigginton would win 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 at No. 2 doubles.

Charlestown Coach Scott Matthews said, “We just tried to keep the ball in play and not think about the outcome and just play points. And that’s what we did.”

Eric Wigginton, the 4th year senior for the Pirates, told WPMQ staff back in August that tennis was “serious business this year” and that the goal was to win a sectional.  After the match he said, “It feels good to take down a powerhouse in tennis with their many sectionals and this being only our second one ever. I think they won like 29 in a row or something before Borden beat them last year. We wanted our shot at them and we got it and took advantage of it.  We said all along this was our year.”

We asked Wigginton about the emotions of winning the first set, losing the second, getting delayed, coming out hot, then dropping two games before finishing it off and he said, “We just had to stay focused. Going up 40-15, I felt a wave of confidence because Alex [Wright] had won so I encouraged our teammates who were watching to get up because I knew Clayton [Rothbauer] and I were ready to end it right there too.”

Charlestown advances to the Silver Creek Regional on Tuesday where they will face Jeffersonville at 4:30 p.m. There is an admission fee of $5.

Members of the Pirate tennis team are seniors Carter Getz, Michael Gillooly (1S), Clayton Rothbauer (2D) and Eric Wigginton (2D); juniors Brandon Broady (1D), Nathan Smith, Jacob Whitten, and Alex Wright (2S); sophomore Dawson Boyd (3S); and freshmen Nick Broady, Jackson Shearer, Ryan Sipes, and Jackson Snelling (1D). The Pirates are coached by Scott Matthews and James Broady.

 

Story and photos contributed by WPMQ Staff.

Tickets on Sale for Football at Scottsburg September 25, 2020

Uncategorized
Tickets to Friday’s football game at Scottsburg are now on sale to the public at the link below:
https://gofan.co/app/events/107054
Games have all been sold out so far, so be sure and get yours ASAP.
 
Here is more information regarding Friday’s game for those attending:
 
The game will be played at Scottsburg Middle School, 425 S 3rd St. Scottsburg. Gates open at 6:00; kickoff is 7:00 P.M. – A supervisor will be at the gate area to remind fans to mask up, direct fans on which gate to enter and to keep social distancing if there is a line. Fans will be expected to wear their mask unless seated and are using social distancing. Family members may sit together. Stickers have been used to designated spots for family members to sit together and remain socially distant from others. Restrooms will be monitored and only allow 5 people at a time in the restroom. Supervisors will be present to ensure that social distancing is being observed and the process is working. Satellite concessions will be available on the Visiting side. There will be a supervisors near this location to ensure social distancing. Immediately following the game, the stadium will be cleared. Fans are not allowed on the field. Team meals will not be allowed following the game. Fans/ parents will not be allowed to wait to talk to the players. Parent should return to their vehicles and can meet with their kids there. Supervisors will be stationed at each bleacher area to not exceed the 250 capacity limit.

McConnell Sets New Single Match Ace Record for Lady Pirate Volleyball

ARSS, Volleyball
Congratulations to Lady Pirate Volleyball standout Kylie McConnell. In last night’s Mid Southern Conference contest at Austin, she broke the single match ace record with ten service aces. The record was previously held by Kayleigh Smith and Savannah McClelland who each had nine.
The Lady Pirates were victorious in the five set match 23-25, 19-25, 25-11, 25-9, 15-7. According to Coach Tammy Nuxoll, “There were two hard fought matches won tonight by the JV and Varsity. Austin started the first two sets strong, and we struggled at different times with our passing, serving and offense. It just seemed when we did one area better another area fell apart. In the third set Kayleigh Smith got our offense rolling and then enabled other hitters to start getting better opportunities. Kylie McConnell also got on a great serving run in the third set to help our efforts. Once we started to get things going in the third set, we were able to settle down and play much stronger as a team. I was proud of the way we hung on and fought back after losing the first two sets.”
The Lady Pirates host Scottsburg on Thursday in another MSC matchup.
Story and graphic contributed by WPMQ Staff.
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