From staff reports

Catawba returns to action and hosts  South Atlantic Conference rival Wingate in women’s basketball today at 5 p.m.

There are several D-II polls. Catawba (9-0, 4-0) is ranked as high as 19th nationally.

Out of 304 schools playing D-II women’s basketball, Catawba ranks 13th in scoring margin, winning by an average of 21 points per game.

Catawba plays at a  fast pace and ranks 11th nationally in scoring with 83.7 points per game.

Catawba ranks 15th with 9.2 3-pointers made per game and is 21st in turnover margin with a plus-7.

Catawba hasn’t played since winning an exhibition at D-I UNC Wilmington on Dec. 19.

Wingate (9-2, 3-1) lost at home to Lincoln Memorial, but is always one of the better teams in the SAC. Wingate owns league victories against Coker, Carson-Newman and Lenoir-Rhyne and won twice in Puerto Rico in its most recent action.

A standout for Wingate has been freshman Bryanna Troutman (Salisbury). She’s averaging 11.2 points and 8.5 rebounds.

Troutman has helped Wingate be an excellent rebounding team (plus-8), while Catawba (plus-6) also has rebounded well.

• Catawba’s men don’t play today. They’ll return ti to the court on Saturday afternoon as part of a home doubleheader against Carson-Newman

• Livingstone’s teams are at Lincoln on Saturday.

First Pitch Dinner

The First Pitch Dinner to benefit Catawba College’s baseball program will be held on Saturday, Jan. 25, in Peeler Crystal Lounge in the Robertson College-Community Center on the Catawba  campus.

Cocktail hour will be from 6-7 p.m., with the dinner and speaker  from 7-8:30 p.m.

The keynote speaker will be Marty Brennaman, who has close ties to Rowan County sports. He was the voice of the Cincinnati Reds for 46 years.

All proceeds will help support the 2020  season for Catawba  baseball.

Alumni remarks will be made by former Catawba pitcher Wil Huneycutt.

There will be a special recognition of former Catawba player and former East Rowan coach Brian Hightower.

Tickets are $100. Call 704-637-4474 for tickets before Jan. 17.

NFL

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Javon Hargrave (North Rowan, South Carolina State) was named to the FCS all-decade team for 2010-19.

Hargrave posted 29.5 sacks and  45 tackles for loss in his last two college seasons at South Carolina State.

Hargrave has been a four-year starter for the Steelers and has posted 10.5 sacks during the past two seasons.

He’ll be a free agent this off-season and it’s uncertain if he’ll be re-signed by the Steelers or will sign with a new team. He’s put himself in position for a big contract.

HS wrestling

The Grapple at the Grove Tournament will be held at South Rowan on Jan. 18.

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Davie County High will honor Buddy Lowery for 43 seasons of coaching  from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12.