Area sports briefs: Collins qualifies for U.S. Amateur

From staff reports

Will Collins (Salisbury, Virginia) qualified for the U.S. Amateur by finishing as the 36-hole medalist with a 6-under 138.

Collins shot 65 and 73 at the Hayfields Golf Club in Hunt Valley, Md.

The U.S. Amateur will be held Aug. 24-30 at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa.

Collins was a first-team All-State selection by the Virginia State Golf Coaches Association this season. The rising junior led the Cavaliers with a 72.76 stroke average and ranked 10th in the ACC.

- Steedley promoted

Left-handed pitcher Spencer Steedley (East Rowan) has been promoted to the Double-A New Britain Rock Cats of the Eastern League.

Steedley was outstanding this season for advanced Class A Fort Myers, posting a 4-0 record with six saves and a 1.79 ERA.

He allowed two hits and two earned runs in an inning in his Double-A debut on Monday.

- East cross country

East Rowan boys and girls cross country practice begins Saturday, Aug. 1, at Dan Nicholas Park.

Meet at the entrance. All participants must have a physical.

For information, contact Rick Roseman at 704-279-7334 or Jon Heidrick at 704-213-2365.

- Lady Braves softball

Lady Braves 12-under softball team is holding tryouts on Aug. 8 at 9 a.m. at Locust Parks and Recreation.

The second-year team is looking to add three utility players and a pitcher.

The Braves placed second in the AAU National Championship in Concord earlier this month. Call coach Kelly at 704-485-8357 or 704-438-0739 for more information.

- China Grove baseball

China Grove will hold registration July 27-Aug. 14 for its youth baseball and softball leagues at Dale's Sporting Goods.

Baseball league levels include Coach Pitch, Junior and Senior. Girls softball will have leagues for ages 6-13.

Cost is $40. Call James Solomon at 704-857-1439 for information.

- South football tickets

Fans who had South Rowan reserve seats for football last season still have an opportunity to renew season tickets before they are offered to the general public.

Tickets can be purchased from 8-3:30 p.m. until July 30. If you can't make it to the school, call 857-1161, ext. 280.

Reserve seating will go on sale to the general public starting Monday. Season tickets can be purchased from 8-3:30 until the opening game.

- Carson athletics

Carson begins football practice on Saturday, Aug. 1, at 7:30 a.m.

All prospects must have a physical to participate.

On Monday, Aug. 3, Carson soccer and tennis practice begins at 8 a.m. The volleyball team's first practice is at 5 p.m.

The cross country team also begins practice on Aug. 3 at the corner of Patterson and Main streets in China Grove at 9 a.m. All athletes must have a physicals.

- Fesperman in showcase

South Rowan's Kim Fesperman was selected to compete in the Queen of Diamonds Showcase South that will be held in Rock Hill, S.C., on September 4-6.

Fesperman plays second base for the Carolina Angels travel team.

Selection for the showcase was based on ability, potential, academics and nominations by coaches.

The QDSS, now in its fourth season, is the second-largest fast-pitch softball showcase in the US. It will include athletes from 33 states and Canada.

- CCFL

The Iredell Warriors shut out the Carolina Gators 25-0 in a CCFL opener. William Marion and Eric Daniels paced a defense that held the Gators under 100 yards. Monty Knox keyed Iredell's rushing attack.

- GARS event

Seventy-nine GARS members played in the annual tournament at Warrior Golf Club on Monday.

Boyce Caudle shot his age — 81.

Low 'A' Flight winner was Tom Talbert with a net of 57.85. Low 'B' Flight winner was Bill Hathcock with a net of 62.32. Low 'C' winner was Ed Lockhart with a net of 56.13. Low 'D' Flight winner was John Rader with a net of 59.44.