LeBron James is a two time NBA champion and considered by many to be one of the best players in league history. His net worth is estimated at over three hundred million dollars. He has become an international brand and marketing machine. He is also one of the few NBA stars that went directly from high school to the pros.
LeBron burst onto the sports scene in his hometown of Akron, Ohio playing for St. Vincent St. Mary high school. He was an instant star, garnering nation wide attention for his transcendent performances on the court. National media descended upon Akron in the hopes of seeing the best player since Michael Jordan.
“Going to high school with LeBron was life changing. Now everyone knows, if you know anything about sports or basketball, Akron is the home of LeBron James,” said Eddie Mcshaffrey.
Eddie attended St. Vincent St. Mary from 2002 to 2006 and got to experience the rise of LeBron first hand. While in high school LeBron racked up some impressive stats.
Infographic created by Jeffrey Boulden using Microsoft Numbers. All data retrieved from www.uproxx.com
In his senior year LeBron won All-Ohio division II first team, Mr. Basketball in Ohio and the state tournament MVP. After graduation he was the first pick in the 2003 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Mike Jeanmaire also attended St. Vincent St. Mary with Eddie and got to witness the greatness of LeBron.
“Going to high school with a celebrity like LeBron was insane. Everyone always wanted his autograph. Kids even tried to steal his shoes or his jerseys because they knew they could sell them,” said Jeanmaire.
As a testement to LeBron’s growing celebrity, Eddie Mcshaffrey admits that part of the reason he chose to go to school at St. Vincent St. Mary was because of the chance to witness history. High school players are rarely drafted to the NBA and there may never be another as great as LeBron. Eddie considers himself lucky, not many can say that they went to high school with LeBron James.
*Super Bowl 50 fans at Dig & Dive in Wilmington, NC 2-7-16*Super Bowl 50 print at Dig & Dive in Wilmington, NC 2-7-16
As reported in a previous article, Panther Nation, the Carolina Panthers Roaring Riot fan club has a new chapter in Wilmington, NC. As the Panthers wins kept piling up, the fan club’s memberships have been as well. With the Panthers now in Super Bowl 50 against the Denver Broncos, the Roaring Riot is at a fever pitch and making preparations for a huge tailgate event to watch the game at Dig & Dive sports bar. The tailgate event is going to feature prizes, give-a-ways, a corn hole tournament, and a drawing for a fifty-five inch flat screen T.V. Dig & Dive is the headquarters for the new Wilmington chapter of the club.
“We want all of Panther Nation to come out in full force to support the team,” says Marcus Carpenter, member of the Roaring Riot.
*T.V. raffle prize at Dig & Dive in Wilmington, NC 2-7-16
The game looks to be a very competitive match-up. Carolina is led by NFL MVP Cam Newton while Denver is led by future hall of famer Peyton Manning. This game will pit the best offensive team in the league in Carolina versus the best defensive team in the league in Denver. Here is how a comparison of the teams looks.
*Infographic created by Jeffrey Boulden using Microsoft Numbers
Dig & Dive in Wilmington, NC 2-7-16
The Roaring Riot has gained several new members locally this year and hopes to continue to expand into other cities nation wide to bring Panthers fans together and change the culture of the fan base. Membership fees come with discounts on Panther’s gear, game ticket discounts, and group activities. This is a historic year for the club as the Panthers have had their best season ever and new members are signing up daily. The perfect finish to the year would be a Super Bowl victory.
When asked about the Panther’s chances Marcus said, “We got this. This is our year, Cam won’t let us down.”
*Roaring Riot fan club at Dig & Dive in Wilmington, NC 2-7-16
Women have came a long way in their struggle for equality. Today they can participate in most any endeavor that men can. The realm of sports has been a little slower to change. There are still some sports where some see it as taboo for women to play. One of these sports is rugby. Rugby is a very physical sport that is similar to american football played without any pads. For most of the history of the game, women were not thought to be athletic enough for such a rough sport. Now women all over the world are beginning to take up the sport in growing numbers.
Locally in Wilmington, there is a group of women who are determined to change these misconceptions. The Cape Fear Women’s Rugby club met today at the Flytrap Downs field for an intro to women’s rugby clinic. All women over the age of eighteen were invited to come out and learn the game. The girls started with a few warm-up stretches and then began some practice drills. The returning veteran players helped some of the newer members hone their passing, tackling, and scruming techniques.
Kettie Norton has been playing rugby for several years and is a long standing member of the Cape Fear Women’s Rugby club.
“Last year was our first year, so we are still gaining ground. We have been working with the UNCW women’s rugby to make sure their numbers grow and we grow so everyone can continue to see more growth.”
The event was a great success with several new comers showing interest in the sport. With women’s sports as a whole continuing to gain ground on the men’s, rugby is positioned to be a major new addition.
When asked why she liked rugby Kettie said, “You can as a woman, be a little rough in a game and you don’t have to be refined.”
This weekend a massive winter storm attacked the eastern part of the country. Record snowfall amounts and blizzard conditions crippled much of the east coast. The storm’s effects were even felt as far south as here in Wilmington, NC. Saturday’s high temps were around freezing with wind gusts up to thirty miles per hour. On a day like that most people would stay inside and curl up with a book. For others it seemed like a great opportunity to get out and do some paddle boarding.
The 8th annual Cold Stroke Classic paddle board race was held this Saturday morning at the Blockade Runner Hotel and Resort in Wrightsville Beach. The event was sponsored by The Coastal Urge outfitting company, with a portion of the proceeds going to Saint Baldrick’s foundation for cancer research. Paddle boarders from all over the state met to compete for cash, prizes, and bragging rights. The race consisted of a men’s and women’s division with each having a recreational category and an elite category. The recreational racers would complete a three and a half mile course while the elite racers would go seven miles.
Infographic retrieved from www.coldstrokeclassic.com
All races started and ended at the Blockade runner, paddling counter-clockwise around South Harbor Island. The Coast Guard was on hand to pick up any competitors that got too cold to finish. There were a few racers that had to be picked up to get their core temps back to the normal range, but no one was seriously injured.
Ben Roth won the men’s elite division with a time of one hour and twenty-five minutes.“It was probably the best time I have ever done in a seven mile race,” said Ben while warming up after the event.
The top three racers from the elite divisions took home cash prizes, but everyone who raced got a prize donated by sponsors. The awards after party featured draft beer, a live DJ, and warm chili. The Cold Stroke Classic is meant to be difficult, but this year’s conditions were the biggest challenge yet.
“This was probably our coldest, windiest year,” said race coordinator Katie Peters. “Considering everything that could have gone wrong, I think we had a very successful event.”
Paddle boarding is growing in popularity nation wide. It’s a great work out and a good opportunity to get out and explore nature. As the Cold Stroke Classic has proved, it can even be enjoyed year round.
Wilmington is a port city situated at the mouth of the Cape Fear River where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The history of Wilmington is linked to the Cape Fear and all the industries that depend on it for survival. The Cape Fear River provides recreational fishing and boating opportunities as well as the water we drink and the seafood we eat. Since 1993 the Cape Fear River Watch has been dedicated to preserving the health and cleanliness of the river. Cape Fear River Watch is a grassroots, non-profit organization that is dedicated to improving and preserving the health, beauty and cleanliness of the Cape Fear River. They depend heavily on donations to reach their goals. Their biggest fund raising event of the year is the StriperFest Banquet and Auction.
StriperFest’s goal is to raise money to help improve migratory fish populations. The Striped Bass is a highly sought after fish for recreational anglers. It’s numbers are slowly rising due to the efforts of the Cape Fear River Watch to help the fish get past damns and locks to reach it’s spawning grounds.
This year’s event was held Friday night at the Coastline Convention Center in downtown Wilmington. The event featured live music, a catered buffet, beer and wine, raffle drawings, and a live auction. There was also a fishing tournament Saturday where local anglers competed for trophies and prizes. The event was a huge success raising well over 16,000 dollars. Towards the end of the night Cape Fear River Watch’s executive director, Frank Yelverton, addressed the crowd, “This is the biggest StriperFest we have ever had. With your help we will bring back the migratory fish populations.”
Ogden beer and wine store, Fermental, hosted a fundraiser Saturday night to raise money for the construction of an outdoor skateboard park planned for the northern section of Wilmington. Oskar Blues Brewery, who was on site to provide beer tasting and samples, hosted the event.
Local residents have long tried to get the project started but lack of funds has been a constant roadblock. Many in the area view a skate park as a great addition for the youth of the community. The park will give local teens a place to hang out after school and stay out of trouble. It will also provide a healthy outdoor activity to keep kids active. There have been many academic studies that have shown the positive physical and mental health effects of skate parks for a community and the low rate of injuries.
The event started slowly with a few guests trickling in, but really started to pick up once the rain slowed down.
“We had a good turn out and I think we raised a lot of money. As soon as the rain stopped more people came out,” said Fermental manager Steve Gibbs.
The music duo of Chasing Opal provided the night’s musical entertainment, while the Funky Fresh Food Truck was on hand to provide food for hungry attendees. Fermental provided the perfect setting for the event with its cozy atmosphere and eclectic selection of wine and craft beers. The event proved to be a success, and the skate park is one step closer to reality.
Professional football is easily America’s most popular sport. Every Sunday fans all around the country gather together to watch their favorite team do battle. Watching an NFL football game for most fans is a social event. But what can fans do when they cannot make it to the stadium to see the game in person? The best way to recreate that live stadium atmosphere is to go to a sports bar. The beers are cheaper, the food is better, and parking is not nearly as big a headache.
Every city has its share of sports bars that cater to different fans. If you are a Carolina Panthers fan in Wilmington NC, then Dig & Dive is where you want to be on Sundays. Dig & Dive is the new home for the Roaring Riot Carolina Panthers fan club. The Wilmington chapter of the club is just getting started and Dig & Dive has been named an official Carolina Panthers bar. The Roaring Riot seeks to grow the Panthers fan base and connect fans with each other to show support for the team.
Outside of Dig & Dive, the official Wilmington Panthers Bar
The Carolina Panthers were an expansion team in 1995. After some initial success, the team underachieved for most of its history. The Panthers fan base has always been strong, considering its one of the few NFL teams in the south. The fans have been hungry for a winning team for years. It appears the wait is over. This is a great time to be a Panthers fan. The Panthers are currently 14-0 and seeking to become the first team since the 1972 Miami Dolphins to finish the season undefeated. The Panthers are led by MVP candidate Cam Newton at quarterback, and one of the league’s best defenses. Interest in the Panthers has never been greater, and this season is looking to be their best ever.
Watching a Panthers game at Dig & Dive is a fun, party atmosphere. There are always great specials, prizes, and giveaways. The Roaring Riot fan club now adds another layer of excitement. If you are a Carolina Panthers fan in Wilmington, the best place to be on Sunday’s is at Dig & Dive.
Wilmington, North Carolina is a beautiful beach town. People move here from all over the country to enjoy the sun, sand, and outdoor lifestyle. Part of that outdoor lifestyle is the thriving beach volleyball community. UNCW has even added sand volleyball as it’s newest sport. Beach volleyball is a huge sport in Wilmington, and one of the best places to play is at Dig & Dive sports bar. Dig & Dive is located at 3525 lancelot lane and has been a favorite hangout since 2012. In the summer time, the bar is packed with league players enjoying a few beers after a match or hanging by the outdoor tiki bar. Other outdoor games are also enjoyed such as corn hole and dodgeball.
Volleyball fans viewing the action from the deck at Dig & Dive in Wilmington, NC
But what about the winter time? How does Dig & Dive survive as a volleyball bar in the winter? The answer is simple, it’s called the frostbite league. Wilmington winters can be surprisingly cold. It’s not unheard of to see a few inches of snow and ice each year. The league runs from January until the spring. Dig & Dive offers sand socks and hoodies to help keep players warm. They also place heaters around the patio for players to warm up.
In the winter with less patrons, Dig & Dive has to diversify it’s offerings and find other revenue streams. Candace Gonzales is the general manager at Dig & Dive. She believes offering volleyball year round can help sustain the business in the slow months. Special tournaments and free play are also extended through the winter. Dig & Dive is also a destination for live sporting events and holiday parties.
Another new feature for the winter is the addition of the Dig & Dive shuttle bus. With the purchase of food or a beverage, customers can get a free ride downtown or to the beach bars. This service not only keeps the roads safe, but helps attract more customers. The shuttle will even pick you up at the end of the night and bring you back to Dig & Dive.
Beach volleyball is obviously a summer sport, but if you have the courage to brave the cold, it can be enjoyed year-round. Even though the winter is here, that doesn’t mean the fun has to end. League play continues at Dig & Dive and the great food and friendly staff keep you smiling. No need for sunscreen, just throw on some sand socks and try the frostbite league.
The Rally Monkeys and All Sets are Off faced each other Wednesday night to determine who would move on to the finals of the intermediate, B skill level tournament at Dig & Dive in Wilmington, North Carolina.
“Four-man tournament play begins between “Rally Monkeys” and “All Sets are Off” Wednesday, Dec.2, 2015, in Wilmington, NC at Dig & Dive. (Photo by: Jeffrey Boulden)”
Play was hampered most of the evening by a steady drizzle of rain that made things a bit more difficult for the players to get good control. Once the rain tapered off, play improved with some great shots.
“Rally Monkeys” prepares to serve to “All Sets are Off,” Wednesday, Dec.2, 2015, in Wilmington, NC at Dig & Dive. (Photo by: Jeffrey Boulden)”
The Rally Monkeys made great use of their serve the entire night scoring numerous points with hard overhand shots.
“Rally Monkeys” concentrates on returning the serve. Wednesday, Dec.2, 2015, in Wilmington, NC at Dig & Dive. (Photo by: Jeffrey Boulden)”
The Rally Monkeys also did a great job returning serve the entire match. The back line players continually were able to dig the serve so teammates could get under the ball for accurate sets.
“All Sets are Off” goes for the kill shot, Wednesday, Dec.2, 2015, in Wilmington, NC at Dig & Dive. (Photo by: Jeffrey Boulden)”
The kill shots were a big part of the Rally Monkeys success. Most went unblocked and if a defender did attempt the block, the front line players easily poked the ball out of their reach.
“Rally Monkeys” defeat “All Sets are Off” 21-15 21-13 to advance to the tournament finals, Wednesday, Dec.2, 2015, in Wilmington, NC at Dig & Dive. (Photo by: Jeffrey Boulden)”
All Sets are Off kept the score close but in the end fell in defeat 21-15 and 21-13. Their problems returning serve and setting the ball limited their ability to move on to the next round. The tournament will resume next week starting at 6:30 p.m. at Dig & Dive.
The Wilmington, NC area is fortunate to have lots of great beach volleyball leagues and venues. Beach volleyball is growing in popularity nationwide and locally, as evident by UNCW adding a beach volleyball program. As the game becomes more popular here in the port city, many new players will start to look for leagues to join and places to play. There are three major venues in the area that have year-round leagues of all skill levels to join. Each one offers a great place to play, learn the game, and have fun. Depending on the preferences of the player, each venue offers something different.
Outside of Dig & Dive Beach Volleyball facility in Wilmington, NC.A view of the sand volleyball courts at Dig & Dive in Wilmington, NC.
*All photos owned and taken by Jeffrey M. Boulden
Located at 3525 Lancelot Lane in Wilmington, NC, Dig & Dive is a new comer to the beach volleyball. According to their business registration, they opened their doors in 2012. Dig & Dive has eight well groomed courts and offers year-round play, open seven days a week. League play consists of doubles, 4-man, and 6-man. Referees are provided at no extra cost. All skills levels are welcomed, including A, BB, B, and C. They also offer a King of the Beach and Queen of the Beach series, that crowns the best individual male and female player by tallying points accumulated for each win. Dig & Dive is a great place to learn the game and make new friends. They strive to make the venue very family friendly with other games kids can play while the adults play volleyball. Beginners will love this venue because of the numerous skill levels offered. Advanced players can also play here to find some of the area’s best competition in the higher leagues. While being one of the area’s newest beach volleyball spots, it is quickly becoming a favorite for locals.
Exterior of Captain Bill’s in Wilmington, NC.A view of the ten sand volleyball courts at Captain Bill’s in Wilmington, NC.
*Photos owned and taken by Jeffrey M. Boulden
Located at 4240 Market Street in Wilmington, NC, Captain Bill’s has been a local favorite for many years. According to their business registration, they have been open since 1982. Captain Bill’s offers skill levels from A (advanced) to CC (beginner). Their facility consists of ten lighted sand volleyball courts. League play begins in February and runs through January. All leagues are co-ed with two females required on the court per team. Referees are provided at no extra cost. League games are played every day of the week except Saturday. Captain Bill’s is focused on being the area’s number one venue for beach volleyball. They offer free clinics to improve your skills, an end of league player’s party, and meet and greets for interested players to find a team to join.
“Captain Bill’s has been around for 25 years, it’s a real family environment with a great mix of people,” says Adam Hyatt. Adam is one of the area’s best players and started this season with a 16-0 record at Captain Bill’s. He also coaches for the Cape Fear Volleyball Club and has a national ranking in Volley America play.
Captain Bill’s is the most established venue in the area and has years of experience hosting volleyball tournaments and leagues. This is a great venue for the area’s top competition.
Exterior of the Lazy Pirate in Carolina Beach, NC.The beach volleyball court at the Lazy Pirate in Carolina Beach, NC.
*Photos retrieved from Lazy Pirate Facebook Page by Jeffrey M. Boulden.
Located at 701 North Lake Park Boulevard in Carolina Beach, NC, The Lazy Pirate is the newest addition to the area’s beach volleyball scene. According to their business registration, they have been open since 2007 and added volleyball courts in 2014. They have two sand volleyball courts and offer league play in the fall, spring, and summer. The Lazy Pirate is also the only area venue that is actually at the beach, with the Atlantic Ocean only a few hundred yards away. Play is co-ed with 4-man teams. League play consists of eight week sessions. A, B and C skill levels are represented.
“It’s a great place to join a team. It’s super fun, they are really clean and family oriented. Everyone just wants to have a good time. Pretty much any person can enjoy playing there, if you don’t there is something wrong with you,” says Carolina Beach resident and former Lazy Pirate employee Jamie Lunsford.
The Lazy Pirate has always been a Carolina Beach favorite for it’s great food and live music. Their entry into the area beach volleyball scene is a welcome addition. This venue brings more of a laid back atmosphere with more casual players having fun. They do however offer advanced skill levels for those who want better competition. It also brings an extra element of fun playing so close to the actual beach.
