Sports

Members of MMS boys track and field show off their various medals at the NCRunners Middle School All-State meet in Concord May 2. (Photo submitted)

Members of MMS boys track and field show off their various medals at the NCRunners Middle School All-State meet in Concord May 2. (Photo submitted)

MMS track earns conference titles, statewide medals

Will Woolever
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
It’s been a good year for Macon Middle School track and field.Having won their second straight boys championship last year, Macon entered this spring among the Blue Ridge Athletic Conference favorites.
Kamden Reis competes in the long jump at the Mountain Eight Conference Championships at North Henderson April 30. The junior was named the meet’s Women’s Field Event MVP, placing first in the long jump, first in the triple jump and second in the high jump. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Kamden Reis competes in the long jump at the Mountain Eight Conference Championships at North Henderson April 30. The junior was named the meet’s Women’s Field Event MVP, placing first in the long jump, first in the triple jump and second in the high jump. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Track and field starts summer program

Will Woolever
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Long after the high school season, Panther track will still be hard at work.Through the last four years they’ve been one of the state’s best programs, earning 12 top-5 finishes at state meets between winter and spring.
Jones tees off on Hole #6 at Highlands Falls Country Club during the 5A West Men’s Regional Championships May 4.

Jones tees off on Hole #6 at Highlands Falls Country Club during the 5A West Men’s Regional Championships May 4.

Jones recounts FHS career

Will Woolever
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
One of Franklin’s greatest-ever golf careers is at an end.For the past few years, Tanner Jones has been among the best players west of Asheville, taking part in back-to-back state championships and placing eighth overall at Sapona Golf Club in Lexington last month.
Franklin's senior scholar-athletes show off their plaques on stage at the school's annual Athletic Awards Ceremony May 28.

Franklin's senior scholar-athletes show off their plaques on stage at the school's annual Athletic Awards Ceremony May 28.

Panther sports honor best of 2025-26

Will Woolever
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Another good year is in the books for Panther sports.On May 28, Franklin High School athletes, coaches and family members gathered in the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts for the school’s 2025-26 Athletic Awards Ceremony.
From left, Chad Engel, a Tuscola Mountaineer, Jonas Phillips and Ken Modlin compete in the 110-meter hurdles at the Mountain Eight Conference Championships at North Henderson April 30. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

From left, Chad Engel, a Tuscola Mountaineer, Jonas Phillips and Ken Modlin compete in the 110-meter hurdles at the Mountain Eight Conference Championships at North Henderson April 30. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Track extends top-5 streak at state

Will Woolever
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Panther track and field are among the state’s top teams once again.Having earned a West Region title from the girls and a runner-up finish from the boys, on May 15 they attended the 5A Championships in Greensboro, battling rivals from more than 40 other schools.
Fourth-year student Rachel Green scores one of her three goals in an exhibition match versus Franklin High School's JV team April 23. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Fourth-year student Rachel Green scores one of her three goals in an exhibition match versus Franklin High School's JV team April 23. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

MEC athletes, officials recount inaugural year

Will Woolever
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
It’s been a whirlwind year for Macon Early College athletics.Having gained permission in 2024 from the Macon County Board of Education, MEC fielded its first-ever athletic teams this school year, competing in basketball, soccer, track and field, and swim and dive.
New Vision gymnast Giovanna Williams shows off her vault gold medal at the USA Gymnastics Level 9 Eastern Championships in Savannah, Georgia, earlier this month. (Photo submitted)

New Vision gymnast Giovanna Williams shows off her vault gold medal at the USA Gymnastics Level 9 Eastern Championships in Savannah, Georgia, earlier this month. (Photo submitted)

New Vision gymnast earns national title

Will Woolever
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
A Franklin youth gymnast is a national champion.Through the past few years, Giovanna Williams has climbed into the sport’s top ranks, traversing the Southeast to compete in its toughest events.
Suzanna Cabe slides safely into second base while executing a fourth-inning steal at Macon Middle School May 8. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Suzanna Cabe slides safely into second base while executing a fourth-inning steal at Macon Middle School May 8. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Softball routs Erwin, advances to Round 3

Will Woolever
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Panther softball is on to Round 3 of the state playoffs.Having earned a first-round bye as one of the 5A West’s top teams, they entered the tournament’s second round Friday, May 8, hosting Erwin at Macon Middle School.
Senior Tanner Jones tees off on Hole #6 at Highlands Falls Country Club during the 5A West Regional May 4. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Senior Tanner Jones tees off on Hole #6 at Highlands Falls Country Club during the 5A West Regional May 4. (Press photo/Will Woolever)

Jones qualifies for state

Will Woolever
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Panther men’s golf’s talisman will compete for a state title.On May 4, the team traveled to Highlands Falls Country Club, hosting 43 other players for the 5A West Regional. There senior Tanner Jones advanced to state for the second straight year.
Anna Timan competes in the 100-meter hurdles at the Mountain Eight Conference Championships at North Henderson April 30. (Press file photo)

Anna Timan competes in the 100-meter hurdles at the Mountain Eight Conference Championships at North Henderson April 30. (Press file photo)

Girls track claims regional title, boys named runners-up

Will Woolever
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Panther women’s track and field are 5A West Champions. On May 8, both Franklin teams traveled to Jay M. Robinson High School (Concord) for the regional title meet, battling 18 other schools from Charlotte west.