Sports

Press file photo - Then-freshman Branch Browning hand-fights with a wrestler from North Henderson on Tom Raby Court last year.

Press file photo - Then-freshman Branch Browning hand-fights with a wrestler from North Henderson on Tom Raby Court last year.

Wrestling earns men’s, women’s victories

Will Woolever
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
It’s been another busy week for Panther wrestling. Following their Thanksgiving break, the team resumed their season Dec. 7, making their first of two trips in four days to East Henderson High School.
Senior guard McKenna Plemmons drives to the rim at Cherokee Nov. 26. (Press file photo)

Senior guard McKenna Plemmons drives to the rim at Cherokee Nov. 26. (Press file photo)

Women’s hoops earn first M7 win

Will Woolever
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Panther women’s basketball is 1-0 in the Mountain Seven Conference. On Friday, Dec. 13, the team traveled to East Henderson for their first conference game. With a 60-51 win over the Eagles, Franklin tipped off their M7 schedule on the right foot.
Press file photo - Gabe Harrison (left) and Tyler Koch (right) run the 55-meter dash at Swain Nov. 20. Koch won the event in a meet at Polk Dec. 14, clocking the second-fastest time in FHS history at 6.69 seconds.

Press file photo - Gabe Harrison (left) and Tyler Koch (right) run the 55-meter dash at Swain Nov. 20. Koch won the event in a meet at Polk Dec. 14, clocking the second-fastest time in FHS history at 6.69 seconds.

Track places 1st, 2nd at Polk

Will Woolever
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Panther track and field is among WNC’s best teams. On Saturday, Dec. 14, 15 area teams gathered at Polk County High School for the annual Reindeer Games meet. With several event wins including another state meet qualification, Franklin nearly completed a team scoring sweep.
Press graphic

Press graphic

Keyworth leads swim past M7 foes

Will Woolever
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Panther swim and dive has earned their fourth win in as many meets. On Dec. 7, the team returned to Franklin Health and Fitness for a five-team meet, including three Mountain Seven Conference foes.
Press file photo - Isabella Shope competes in the high jump at Swain Nov. 20. The junior is one of seven Panther individuals and two relay teams qualified for the 3A state meet in Winston-Salem Feb. 15.

Press file photo - Isabella Shope competes in the high jump at Swain Nov. 20. The junior is one of seven Panther individuals and two relay teams qualified for the 3A state meet in Winston-Salem Feb. 15.

Track hits more state marks at Swain

Will Woolever
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Panther track and field is one step closer to the state meet. Having met five qualifying marks for state in just their first two meets, on Dec. 4 the team continued their young season with a trip to Swain.
Photo courtesy of Amiee Bailey - Freshman Garrett Young (center) is pictured on the podium after placing second in the 215-lb. weight class at the North Knight Invitational at North Henderson Nov. 27.

Photo courtesy of Amiee Bailey - Freshman Garrett Young (center) is pictured on the podium after placing second in the 215-lb. weight class at the North Knight Invitational at North Henderson Nov. 27.

Young wrestlers impress

Will Woolever
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
It’s been a busy few weeks for Panther wrestling. With three meets under their belts in just the season’s first seven days, Franklin hit the road again leading up to Thanksgiving, traveling to Hiwassee Dam Nov. 22-23 and to conference rival North Henderson Nov. 27.
Photo courtesy of Jack Terrell - Former Panther wrestling standout Phillip Terrell (center) is pictured with two Truett-McConnell teammates.

Photo courtesy of Jack Terrell - Former Panther wrestling standout Phillip Terrell (center) is pictured with two Truett-McConnell teammates.

Terrell stars for Truett-McConnell Bears

Will Woolever
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Jack Terrell - For the Franklin Press Years of hard work, dedication and great coaching paid off for former Franklin Panther wrestler Phillip Terrell on April 25, 2022.
Press file photo - Then-junior Malaina Alberry battles a wrestler from Enka on Tom Raby Court last winter.

Press file photo - Then-junior Malaina Alberry battles a wrestler from Enka on Tom Raby Court last winter.

New-look wrestling opens season

Will Woolever
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Panther wrestling has a new look this year. As Macon Middle’s longtime head coach and cofounder of the KLAW (Kids Learning About Wrestling) youth club team, Jimmy Barnett’s name has become synonymous with the sport in Franklin.
Press photo/Will Woolever - (From left) Olivia Rinker, Zoi Walker and Kenna Keyworth dive off the block for the girls 100-yard butterfly at Franklin Health and Fitness Nov. 23.

Press photo/Will Woolever - (From left) Olivia Rinker, Zoi Walker and Kenna Keyworth dive off the block for the girls 100-yard butterfly at Franklin Health and Fitness Nov. 23.

Swim earns three wins, Walker earns Regional berths

Will Woolever
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Panther swim and dive’s regular season is underway. After months of offseason work, Franklin faced a busy schedule before Thanksgiving, swimming three meets in eight days from Nov. 15-23. With wins over four different WNC opponents, they earned a well-deserved week off for the holiday.
Press photo/Will Woolever - Junior Jack Teesateskie attempts a 3-pointer versus his former team at Cherokee Nov. 26.

Press photo/Will Woolever - Junior Jack Teesateskie attempts a 3-pointer versus his former team at Cherokee Nov. 26.

Men win thriller in Cherokee

Will Woolever
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Panther men’s basketball has earned a season-opening win. On Nov. 26 the team played their first official game, traveling to Cherokee for a clash with the talented Braves. In a thrilling come-from-behind victory, Franklin tipped off their regular season on the right foot.