By Thomas Grant Jr. Both Chapin and Lexington high schools produced two state champions this past school year. Their strong showings overalls in athletics helped the two Lexington County schools place in the Top Five of the 2023-24 Carlisle Cup for Class 5A. Conducted by the South Carolina Athletic AdministratorsContinue Reading
Lake Murray Elementary Teacher Wins Neon Apple Columbia, S.C. — Lake Murray Elementary School (District Five) art teacher Sherry Hope was honored by the Columbia Fireflies and given a Neon Apple. Hope was recognized at the Fireflies game July 28 and presented with a Neon Apple Award and a $250 prizeContinue Reading
Members of the Chapin soccer teams had the exciting opportunity to serve as ball boys and girls during the August 3 matchup between Liverpool and Manchester United at Williams-Brice Stadium. Lucas Rogers, Jacob Braden, Jalen Tucker, Logan Barilla, Lila Bowers, Addison Bagnal, and Macie Rogers were the ball boys andContinue Reading
The University of South Carolina has announced the third annual “A Celebration of Dawn Staley” featuring Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America. Roberts will join Staley for a fireside chat to discuss Staley’s life and career at this fundraising event, scheduled for August 13. The event will takeContinue Reading
The Town of Irmo recently honored Sheila Foster for her outstanding accomplishments in the University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program, presenting her with a proclamation from the town. Foster, who played at USC from 1978 to 1982, rewrote South Carolina’s women’s basketball record book, establishing herself as one ofContinue Reading
By Thomas Grant Jr. A fourth straight series comeback and second consecutive Coastal Plain League title was not to be for the Lexington County Blowfish. The Wilmington Sharks completed a Best-of-Three series sweep of the defending champions Friday at home. They defeated the Blowfish 9-2 in Game Two to winContinue Reading
By Thomas Grant Jr. Down 7-0 at Forest City after two innings, it appeared the Lexington County Blowfish’s chances as repeating as Coastal Plain League champion were sunk. Over the next seven innings, the Blowfish found their winning “stroke”. They scored 12 unanswered runs and held on for the 12-9Continue Reading
By Thomas Grant, Jr. So many events, so many ramifications for Lexington County Blowfish. The final week is guaranteed to end in a “blaze of glory” even with the final fireworks show planned for the regular-season home finale this Friday. After the last “Dog Day Wednesday” against the Forest CityContinue Reading
By Thomas Grant Jr. Chapin/Newberry Post 193/24 entered its Best-of-Three second-round American Legion baseball series with Richland Post 215 without homefield advantage. It stole it with a 7-5 win in Game 1 at A.C. Flora High School. The contest featured three ties and four lead changes. Chapin/Newberry took a 2-0Continue Reading
School District Five student-athletes had a successful 2023-2024. A number of athletes, coaches and teams from each high school in the district received state and region recognition in various areas. Chapin High School • Varsity Cheer named 5A State Champions • Taylor Graves named 5A Cheerleader of the Year •Continue Reading
By Thomas Grant, Jr. Lexington County Baseball Stadium was the site July 13 of the second annual softball game between the Michelin Plants #5 and #7. The charity contest, sponsored by the Lexington County Blowfish, raised $770 for the March of Dimes. The check was presented by Blowfish co-owner BillContinue Reading
By Thomas Grant, Jr. Former Lexington High School state champion Lauren Stephenson is now a tournament winner on the professional tour. The 27-year-old Stephenson won the Twin Bridges Championship on the Epson Tour this past weekend. Pulling away from a group tied for first place, Stephenson finished 1-over-par 72 toContinue Reading
By Thomas Grant Jr. It was three years ago when Will Taylor was selected in the 19th round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Texas Rangers. He was coming off a senior season at Dutch Fork High School where he led the program to another undefeated season andContinue Reading
Local fisherman Brian McLaughlin made quite a splash last weekend by reeling in a massive 65 lb. catfish at Santee. McLaughlin, who was fishing with Wayne Kanipe of K&K Printing, hooked the giant fish using cut bait in approximately 8 feet of water. McLaughlin, who owns Onesimus Venture Pressure WashingContinue Reading
By Thomas Grant Jr. With nine games remaining in the second half of the Coastal Plain League season, the Lexington County Blowfish find themselves in a two-way battle for first place. Standing in the way of the defending league champions returning to the post-season are the red-hot Martinsville Mustangs. EnteringContinue Reading
Local resident John Walker of Irmo recently made quite the splash when he reeled in a massive catch from a local pond. Using red worms as bait, Walker hooked what he describes as the biggest fish he’s ever caught in the area. Walker’s successful catch was made possible thanks toContinue Reading