From staff reports
Catawba defensive lineman Julian Hartsell has been added to the Tennessee Titans roster as a non-drafted free agent.
The Titans added 14 free-agent players one day after the 136-day NFL lockout ended. Hartsell was the only defensive lineman added.
Hartsell, 6-foot-2, 291 pounds, is an athletic guy who has run 4.9 40s and owns a 29-inch vertical jump. A native of Columbia, S.C., he had six sacks as a senior and was a first team All-SAC pick.
“He’s a big guy who can run so he’s got a chance,” Catawba coach Chip Hester said. “Now he’s got an opportunity — that’s all you want.”
Hartsell will report to Nashville’s Baptist Sports Park. The Titans’ first practice is set for Saturday.
SAC football
Defending SAC champion Wingate was tabbed by league coaches as the preseason favorite, the conference office announced on Wednesday.
Wingate received four first-place votes, while Lenoir-Rhyne and Tusculum picked up two each.
Catawba was picked fifth.
Voting points in the coaches poll: Wingate (52), Carson-Newman (49), Lenoir-Rhyne (42), Tusculum (40), Catawba (38), Newberry (33), Mars Hill (26) and Brevard (8).
The season opens on Thursday, Sept. 1, with conference play starting Sept. 17.
Throwback tourney
The annual Scooter Sherrill Alumni Throwback Basketball Tournament starts tonight at Carson at 6:30 p.m.
Carson takes on North Mecklenburg. Admission is $5. Three games are set for Friday and five for Saturday.
See Scoreboard.
South athletics
Angie Deal Chrismon has been named as the new athletics director at South Rowan.
A story is upcoming.
Reserved seats for the 2011 South Rowan football season will go on sale for returning ticket holders beginning Aug. 1 and continuing through Aug. 11.
Those wishing to purchase seats from last year may come by the school’s main office to purchase your tickets Monday Thursday, 8-noon and 1-3 pm.
Reserved seat tickets not sold by Aug. 11 will be offered to the general public on a first- come, first-serve basis beginning Aug. 15. Please call the school office with questions at 704-857-1161.
South Rowan first practice dates are:
Football — Saturday’s July 30, 7 a.m., meet at fieldhouse
Volleyball — Volleyball – Monday, Aug. 1, 7 a.m., gym
Soccer — Monday, Aug. 1, 5:30 p.m., practice fields
Tennis — Monday, Aug. 8, 11 a.m., tennis courts
Golf — Monday, Aug. 15, 9 a.m., Warrior, any girls interested in playing golf should contact Mr. Vinson at vinsonjt@rss.k12.nc.us).
Love shines
Austin Caleb Love, a rising 8th-grader at Erwin Middle School, is the National USBA Hotshot Champion.
Love poured in 27 points in one minute while competing with 35 others in the National USBA Tournament held at North Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Love is a point guard/ small forward for Centralina Crossover Rowan, a 13U boys travel basketball team.
“I love the game — its what I do,” Love said. “I have great coaches that work with me and a family that supports me.”
Love is the son of Debra Love. Grandparents are Robert and Betty Love of Rockwell.
Centralina Crossover Rowan competed in the National USBA Tournament in North Myrtle Beach and placed third out of 36 teams.
The roster includes Love, Kreshaun Alexander, Devon Morrison, Keldrick Wilson, Dearius Phillips, DJ Alexander, CJ Surrell, Cody Meadows, Bravon Goodlett, Josh Handy and Jayle Cagle. Coaches are Marvin Dixon and Bryan Corpening.
Local golf
After two rounds of the Carolinas Junior Championship being held at Gaston Country Club, Salisbury’s Alex Nianouris is tied for third at 71-68 — 139. He’s two shots off the pace.
Salisbury’s Troy Beaver is tied for 18th at 73-70 — 143.
Minor leagues
The Kannapolis Intimidators announced the promotion of Brady Shoemaker to Winston-Salem on Wednesday.
Replacing Shoemaker will be outfielder Keenyn Walker, the first-round pick of the Chicago White Sox in the June draft.
West Middle
The next West Rowan Middle School Athletic Booster meeting will be held Tuesday, Aug. 2, at 6 p.m. in Ms. Pless’ room and is open to all parents of WRMS students. Activities for the upcoming school year will be planned. Contact Cindy LaRue at 704-278-2797 for information on the club.