Sports

Members of the MoveMore Elite track and field team are pictured at North Buncombe July 10. Credit: Photo submitted

Members of the MoveMore Elite track and field team are pictured at North Buncombe July 10. Credit: Photo submitted

MoveMore Elite impresses at North Buncombe

Will Woolever
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Nearly two months after the state championships, MoveMore Elite track and field remains hard at work. As part of the gym’s summer program led by Franklin head coach Matt Harlfinger, more than a dozen current and former Panthers traveled to North Buncombe July 10 for an offseason meet.
Cadee Breedlove passes the ball to a teammate during a recent FAST water polo practice. Credit: Press photo/Will Woolever

Cadee Breedlove passes the ball to a teammate during a recent FAST water polo practice. Credit: Press photo/Will Woolever

FAST starts water polo team

Will Woolever
Thursday, July 23, 2026
By the time they get home from practice, the players on Franklin’s newest sports team are exhausted. For years the Franklin Amateur Swim Team have stayed in shape while their classmates relax, spending long hours in the pool throughout their summer breaks.
Hailey Janoe (foreground) swims a close race with Highlands' Agatha Jestin in the girls 8 & under 25-yard backstroke during the Mountain Swim League Championships at the Macon County Rec Park July 18. Credit: Press photo/Will Woolever

Hailey Janoe (foreground) swims a close race with Highlands' Agatha Jestin in the girls 8 & under 25-yard backstroke during the Mountain Swim League Championships at the Macon County Rec Park July 18. Credit: Press photo/Will Woolever

The Franklin Amateur Swim Team has extended an incredible streak.

Will Woolever
Thursday, July 23, 2026
For the past two decades FAST has dominated the Mountain Swim League, capturing conference titles in each of the past 21 years. At this year’s championship meet July 18 at the Macon County Rec Park, the Fins claimed an unprecedented 22nd straight title.
Photo submitted

Photo submitted

Smith dedicates win to Ledford

Will Woolever
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Franklin’s resident pool shark has earned a memorable win. On the weekend of June 26, recent Franklin High School graduate Gage Smith traveled to Jacksonville, Florida, for the Junior International Championships, battling some of the nation’s top youth players.
Tanner Jones teeing off on Hole #6 at Highlands Falls during the 5A West Regional May 4. (Press file photo)

Tanner Jones teeing off on Hole #6 at Highlands Falls during the 5A West Regional May 4. (Press file photo)

Jones places 2nd at N.C. Junior Championship

Will Woolever
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Franklin’s top youth golfer remains one of the state’s best. On the week of June 22, recent Franklin High School graduate Tanner Jones traveled to Catawba Country Club near Hickory for the 59th annual N.C. Junior Boys’ Championship.
Ryan Raby (right), Franklin High School's longtime men's golf head coach and new athletic director, is pictured with former golf standout Tanner Jones (center) and departing A.D. Matt Bradley at last year's 3A State Championship. (Press file photo)

Ryan Raby (right), Franklin High School's longtime men's golf head coach and new athletic director, is pictured with former golf standout Tanner Jones (center) and departing A.D. Matt Bradley at last year's 3A State Championship. (Press file photo)

A new era has begun for Panther athletics.

Will Woolever
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Amid construction of a new high school, the program’s past year has been one of change, with several teams being forced to play their home games elsewhere. Ahead of the unveiling of a new FHS stadium, the department will also have a new leader this fall.
FAST's Michael Canzone (foreground) wins a close race with Highlands' Justin Powell in the 13-14 boys 100-yard breaststroke July 9. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

FAST's Michael Canzone (foreground) wins a close race with Highlands' Justin Powell in the 13-14 boys 100-yard breaststroke July 9. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

The Franklin Amateur Swim Team has continued an incredible streak.

Will Woolever
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
For more than two decades FAST has controlled the Mountain Swim League, earning their 21st conference title in a row last year. With their fifth win of the summer over Highlands and Murphy July 9, they capped their 18th straight unbeaten regular season.