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E.E. Smith Sports Hall of Fall call for nominations

The E. E. Smith Sports Hall of Fame announces the opening of nominations for the Class of 2024. The nominations will be open until July 31, 2023. The E. E. Smith Sports Hall of Fame (HOF) was initiated in 2021. Known as the Golden Bulls, the HOF seek to recognize alumni for their distinction and notable contributions in various capacities in their chosen sports fields.

The Hall of Fame also honors longstanding supporters, administrators, staff, and volunteers who have shown loyalty and passion to the Golden Bulls and their rich athletic culture. These are individuals who have been supportive off the field to the cause of E. E. Smith High School athletics. Nominations are open to honor and preserve the illustrious contributions of these individuals.

E. E. Smith High School has a long and rich sports history. Over the years, it has produced a plethora of exceptional, nationally celebrated athletes and coaches. These individuals have made names for themselves due to their outstanding athletic abilities and by winning state and national college championships, Super Bowls and by making game changing contributions as coaches and players on the college and professional levels. 

Nominations for the E.E. Smith Sports Hall of Fame, Class of 2024, will remain open until July 31, 2023. Nomination forms can be accessed on the web site of the E.E. Smith Sports Hall of Fame (www.eesmithsports.com). Nominators must ensure that the nomination form is filled out completely and that the nominee meets all the established criteria for the Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame Selection Committee will not accept self-nominations or anonymous nominations. All nomination forms will be filed and reviewed for up to 3 years if the nominee is not inducted into the current class.

For questions or help contact John Brown at jbrown1098@aol.com. 

 

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Merritt Eats Demands Reimbursement from Merritt Centennials for Missing Advertisement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Merritt, BC – Merritt Eats by Canuck Eats, a leading local food delivery service, is issuing a statement regarding the outstanding debt owed by the Merritt Centennials Junior Hockey Club for a missing advertisement. After nearly three years of unresolved communication, Canuck Eats seeks a resolution and full reimbursement for the unfulfilled marketing agreement.

In April 2021, Canuck Eats initiated contact with the Merritt Centennials regarding the removal of their sponsored rink board. The company discovered that their advertisement, previously displayed prominently within the arena, had been prematurely removed. Despite repeated attempts to address the issue with ex Marketing Manager Jared Thomas, and current manager Collin. The Centennials failed to rectify the situation or provide reimbursement for the advertisement.

William Tsui, representative of Canuck Eats, has communicated extensively with the Merritt Centennials and Mayor Michael Goetz, seeking clarification and resolution. However, these efforts have proven futile, with little accountability demonstrated by the hockey club. Canuck Eats has diligently followed up and provided all necessary documentation to support their claim for reimbursement.

Canuck Eats firmly believes that the responsibility for returning or reimbursing the advertisement lies with the Merritt Centennials. As an affected party, Canuck Eats calls for the immediate return of the advertisement or full reimbursement of the marketing expenses. The company expects the Centennials to address this matter promptly and rectify their failure to fulfill the agreed-upon terms.

Canuck Eats regrets the need to escalate this situation publicly but sees no other recourse to resolve the issue. The company remains committed to supporting local sports teams and organizations. However, it emphasizes the importance of accountability and fulfilling contractual obligations for fair and ethical business practices.

To learn more about Canuck Eats and its commitment to supporting local communities, visit https://canuckeats.com/pages/press.

About Canuck Eats

Canuck Eats is a prominent local food delivery service committed to connecting customers with their favorite restaurants. With a user-friendly platform and a vast network of partner establishments, Canuck Eats offers a convenient and efficient way to enjoy a wide variety of cuisines. The company takes pride in supporting local businesses and fostering community growth.

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Arts & Entertainment Business Leisure Activities Services Sports

Fayetteville Mustangs Professional Arena Football Team announce groundbreaking partnership with Fortuna Business Management Consulting (BMC)

Fortuna BMC, recently honored as the Greater Fayetteville Chamber’s New Business of the Year, stands as a distinguished global consultancy renowned for its exceptional ability to provide tailor-made and innovative solutions to a wide array of business obstacles. However, what truly distinguishes them is their unwavering commitment to hiring veterans, ensuring the provision of efficient and effective services that not only benefit their clients and the community at large but also cater to the needs of disabled veterans. Their resolute mantra of “getting things done” aligns seamlessly with the relentless pursuit of success on and off the field exemplified by the Fayetteville Mustangs. As a veteran-owned enterprise, Fortuna BMC remains dedicated to bringing meaningful employment opportunities to transitioning veterans within the Fayetteville community. Moreover, as part of their initiative to revitalize downtown Hay Street, they are currently finalizing a contract for a substantial 10,000 square feet of office space, solidifying their local focus and deep sense of honor in being an integral part of the Fayetteville community.

 

 

 

With the partnership now in motion, the Fayetteville Mustangs and Fortuna BMC are poised to take on fresh challenges, achieve unprecedented milestones, and provide an elevated level of excellence to their clients and stakeholders. The shared vision and values of the two organizations will undoubtedly lead to unparalleled synergy, resulting in transformative outcomes and unforgettable experiences.

 

 

 

The Fayetteville Mustangs express their deep pride in aligning themselves with Fortuna BMC, a company that shares their unwavering commitment to success, innovation, and supporting veterans. Leveraging Fortuna BMC’s expertise and unwavering dedication, the Mustangs aim to strengthen their growth trajectory and reinforce their position as a formidable force within the sports industry.

 

 

 

The partnership is marked by a sense of celebration and excitement as the Fayetteville Mustangs and Fortuna BMC embark on a collective journey filled with endless possibilities. Together, they intend to redefine excellence, ignite passion within their fanbase, and make a profound impact in their community.

 

 

 

As the partnership takes shape, stakeholders and fans alike eagerly anticipate the incredible transformations and achievements that lie ahead for the Fayetteville Mustangs and Fortuna BMC. This groundbreaking alliance promises to inspire greatness, instill innovation, and create a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.

 

 

 

Follow the Fayetteville Mustangs and Fortuna BMC on their journey as they work hand in hand to achieve greatness, empower veterans, and leave an indelible mark on the sports and business industries.

 

 

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Education Media & Communications Public Affairs Sports World

Initiative to rename Westarea Elementary to James A. Raye Elementary

Fayetteville NC – Prominent leaders in Cumberland County N.C. have formed a committee seeking to rename Westarea Elementary School, an established educational institution in Fayetteville, North Carolina, as part of a new initiative to honor NFL legend James A. Raye Jr. The proposed name change to James A. Raye Elementary aims to pay tribute to the remarkable achievements and contributions of this esteemed athlete, coach, and community leader.

James A. Raye Jr. is an American football coach and former player who has left an indelible mark on the world of football. From his humble beginnings at the segregated E.E. Smith High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to his illustrious college career as a quarterback for the Michigan State Spartans, Raye’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Raye’s college career included notable highlights, such as serving as the backup quarterback for the 1966 Spartans team that played in the Rose Bowl and starting in the legendary 10-10 tie game against Notre Dame, often referred to as “The Game of the Century.” As the South’s first black quarterback to win a national title, Raye played a pivotal role in breaking down racial barriers in college football.

Following his playing career, Raye transitioned to coaching, leaving an indelible mark on the NFL. With a coaching career spanning 36 years and 10 different teams, Raye excelled as an offensive coordinator and was widely regarded for his adaptability and leadership skills. His contributions to the San Francisco 49ers during the 2009 season, where he adeptly adjusted the offense despite key player injuries, earned him high praise from peers and experts.

The initiative to rename Westarea Elementary as James A. Raye Elementary aims to honor Raye’s exceptional legacy and inspire future generations. By bestowing his name upon the school, Cumberland County seeks to celebrate Raye’s achievements both on and off the field and to provide a lasting testament to his commitment to community service.

“We are thrilled to embark on this initiative to rename Westarea Elementary as James A. Raye Elementary,” said Roy McNeill, spokesperson for the initiative. “James A. Raye Jr. is not only a renowned NFL figure but also an exceptional role model, mentor, and community leader. We believe that by renaming the school in his honor, we will inspire students to strive for greatness and to make a positive impact in their communities.”

The initiative is currently seeking support from the Board of Education and influencers in Cumberland County. Furthermore, individuals are encouraged to sign the petition in favor of the name change, showing their solidarity with this significant undertaking.

For more information about the initiative and to support the petition, please visit https://chng.it/nZ8Nj5zXK6

 

 

About James A. Raye Jr:

James A. Raye Jr. is a celebrated American football coach, former player, and senior adviser to NFL vice-president Troy Vincent. With a remarkable college career as a quarterback for the Michigan State Spartans and a coaching career spanning 36 years in the NFL, Raye has left an indelible mark on the world of football. He is also known for his dedication to community service and mentorship. 

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Gaming Leisure Activities Lifestyle Retail Sports

Unplug and Play: Merritt Toys and Games Relaunches Online Store with Board Games, RPGs, and More

Merritt, BC – Merritt Toys and Games is pleased to announce the relaunch of its online store at merrittgames.com. The new website offers an extensive range of board games, D&D RPGs, Gundams, and other toys and games for enthusiasts of all ages, providing an excellent alternative to electronic devices.

As a small town, Merritt has always valued the importance of community connections and quality time spent together. Merritt Toys and Games believes that board games and other tabletop games provide the perfect opportunity for family and friends to gather and bond over shared interests.

In today’s digital age, it is more important than ever to encourage young minds to explore beyond screens and engage in interactive play. Board games and other tabletop games help develop important social, strategic, and problem-solving skills while fostering creativity and imagination.

“We believe that providing a space for tabletop gaming enthusiasts in Merritt is essential,” said the spokesperson for Merritt Toys and Games. “Our store offers an opportunity for families to disconnect from their devices and connect with each other, while also providing a space for enthusiasts to come together and share their love of gaming.”

Merritt Toys and Games is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all customers. The company offers a wide selection of high-quality products, including bestsellers, board games, D&D RPG, Gundams, and everything else. All purchases are backed by a satisfaction guarantee, and the company provides live personal support during business hours from Tuesday to Saturday.

To celebrate the relaunch, Merritt Toys and Games is offering a 5% discount on the first purchase for customers who sign up for the company’s newsletter. To stay up-to-date with the latest news and promotions, customers can subscribe to the newsletter on the website.

For more information, please visit merrittgames.com or contact Merritt Toys and Games at 250-800-0634 or hello@merrittgames.com.

About Merritt Toys and Games:

Merritt Toys and Games is a toy and game store based in Merritt, BC. The company offers an extensive range of board games, D&D RPGs, Gundams, and other toys and games for enthusiasts of all ages. Merritt Toys and Games prides itself on providing customers with a fast, reliable, and secure shopping experience.

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Arts & Entertainment Celebrity Family & Parenting Sports World

The Fayetteville Woodpeckers to keep baseball going year round at the TJ Robinson Life Center

A batting cage dedication will take place on Thursday, November 17th at 5 pm at the TJ Robinson Life Center, Blackridge Road, Hope Mills, NC, as part of a donation of baseball equipment by the Fayetteville Woodpeckers.

For many young people in nearby schools and towns, sports go beyond simple enjoyment. Every year, more than 60 million kids and teenagers between the ages of 6 and 18 take part in organized sports in local schools and youth sports centers around them. Additionally, at least 61% of people who participated in sports regularly as children have higher rates of success in life, better communication skills, lower rates of drug and alcohol abuse, higher standards of living, and more active relationships with their families, partners, communities, and social networks.

Through the TJ Robinson Life Center, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers have provided baseball equipment to promote youth participation in baseball and sports. Thanks to the donation, young people will have free access to baseball equipment and other possibilities to learn about the sport. The TJ Robinson Life Center is a multi-sport and community gym in Hope Mills, North Carolina, that provides young people of all ages, races, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds with equal opportunities. Youths in nearby Fayetteville schools and neighborhoods now have access to batting cages and other baseball gear like bats, gloves, helmets, and pitching machines. The donation aims to inspire young people to learn about baseball and get involved in the sport without the financial obstacles that could have otherwise prohibited them from doing so enabling them to study, develop, and thrive in a stable environment.

About TJ Robinson Life Center 

TJ Robinson Life Center offers continuous assistance to the neighborhood and homes through wellness, development, and support, to the neighborhood through inclusion and participation regardless of gender, religion, or status. Designed for neighborhood residents, the TJ Robinson Life Center is a multisport and fitness facility. The TJ Robinson Life Center aspires to and works hard to be the change that our neighborhood needs.  In addition to offering a world-class sporting environment that everybody can enjoy, it plays a crucial role in helping today’s youngster’s personal growth.

To learn more, click here

 

About Fayetteville Woodpeckers 

 

The Fayetteville Woodpeckers are a Class A minor league baseball team based in North Carolina and an affiliate of the World Champion Houston Astros. They play their home games at Segra Stadium in the heart of Downtown Fayetteville. The Fayetteville Woodpeckers are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the city of Fayetteville as well as the surrounding areas. One of their guiding principles is to encourage and facilitate youth sports, which has made a real impact on the Fayetteville neighborhood.

To learn more, click here.

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E.E. Smith Sports Hall of Fame 2023 Inductees

 

The National Association of E.E. Smith Alumni and Friends, Inc. (NAEESAF) and The E.E. Smith Sports Hall of Fame (EES SHOF) are proud to announce the second annual class of inductees into the E.E. Smith Sports Hall of Fame. The E.E. Smith Sports Hall of Fame was established August 9, 2021, with the mission to recognize the noteworthy achievements and contributions of student athletes, teams, coaches, school staff, and volunteers who donated extraordinary amounts of time and talent to the E.E. Smith athletic program.

 

The HOF Initiative Committee is excited to announce the E.E. Smith Sports Hall of Fame Second Class as follows:

• Three former coaches who helped to create and continue Smith’s outstanding winning sports legacy —  Ida Askew, Henry A. Black, and Milton A. Butts.

• Fourteen former E.E. Smith athletes who excelled in various sports at EES and in college: Joyce Vaughn Battle ’81 Basketball, Robert Brickey ’86 Basketball, Nettie Toomer Council ’48 Basketball, Carl Galbreath ’45 Football, Angela Hill ’90 Basketball, Carey Hughley ’61 Football, Samara Dobbins Johnson ’91 Basketball, Connell Maynor ’87 Football, Earl McNeill ’68 Basketball and Baseball, Garvin Stone ’69 Football, Brandon Wallace ’05 Wrestling, Bobby Earl Williams ’58 Football, Colette Williams Valentine ’82 Track and Field, Roszella Major Williams ’78 Track and Field.

• One Legacy Family of outstanding athletes, The Cole Brothers: Ben ‘57, Alexander (Fuzzy) ‘61, Allen ‘62 and Lamb ‘67.

• Three North Carolina State Championship Men’s Basketball Teams: 1937, 1938, and 1950.

• The 1939 Men’s Basketball Team who were Finalist in the National Championship.

 

The HOF Initiative Committee, on behalf of NAEESAF members, will introduce the second class of inductees at the home basketball game,Friday, December 2, 2022, vs. Saint Paul’s.  The Second HOF Class will be formally inducted into the E.E. Smith Sports Hall of Fame at a ceremony during a Gala Banquet on Sunday, May 28, 2023, as a part of the NAEESAF’s 2023 Annual Memorial Day Weekend Reunion activities.

 

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Arts & Entertainment Celebrity Media & Communications Sports World

E. E. Smith Sports Hall Of Fame Calls For Nominations For Class Of 2023

 

The E. E. Smith Sports Hall of Fame announces the opening of nominations for the Class of 2023. The nominations will be open until August 31, 2022. The E. E. Smith Sports Hall of Fame was initiated in 2021. 

Known as the Golden Bulls, thesealumni are recognized for their distinction and notablecontributions in various capacities in their chosen sports fields.

The Hall of Fame also honors longstanding supporters, administrators, staff, and volunteers who have shown loyalty and passion to the Golden Bulls and their rich athletic culture -individuals who have been supportive off the field to the cause of E. E. Smith High School athletics. Nominations are open to honor and preserve the illustrious contributions of these individuals.

E. E. Smith High School has a long and rich sports history. Over the years, it has produced a plethora of exceptional, nationallycelebrated athletes and coaches. These individuals have made names for themselves due to their outstanding athletic abilities and by winning state and national college championships and Super Bowls and by making game changing contributions as coaches and players on the college and professional levels. 

Nominations for the E.E. Smith Sports Hall of Fame, Class of 2023, will remain open until August 31, 2022. Nominationforms can be accessed on the web site of the E.E. Smith Sports Hall of Fame (www.eesmithsports.com). Nominators mustensure that the nomination form is filled out completely and that the nominee meets all the established criteria for the Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame Selection Committee will not accept self-nominations or anonymous nominations. All nomination forms will be filed and reviewed for up to 3 years if the nominee is not inducted into the current class.

For questions or help contact John Brown at jbrown1098@aol.com. 

 

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Arts & Entertainment Family & Parenting Non Profit Public Affairs Sports

Woodpeckers Announce Partnership With TJ Robinson Life Center

  

 

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Fayetteville Woodpeckers have partnered with the TJ Robinson Life Center to advance youth involvement in baseball. The donation will provide youth with free access to baseball equipment and other opportunities to learn about the sport of baseball.  

  

The Woodpeckers Foundation and Community Leaders Program donated $10,000 to the TJ Robinson Life Center, a new multi-sport and fitness community center in Hope Mills, North Carolina. The TJ Robinson Life Center focuses on providing youth with equal opportunities, regardless of socioeconomic status.  Funds will be used to purchase batting cages and baseball equipment, including bats, gloves, helmets and a pitching machine. The purpose of the donation is to encourage youth to learn about baseball and be involved in baseball without financial barriers. This donation is part of the Community Leaders Program, which supports youth sports and military initiatives in the Fayetteville area. 

 

In addition, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers will host a free “Day of Play” at the TJ Robinson Life Center. Members of the TJ Robinson Life Center will be able to learn about baseball and participate in a skills clinic run by players of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers. For more information on the Woodpeckers Foundation or the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, please visit www.fayettevillewoodpeckers.com.   

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E.E. Smith High School Sports Hall of Fame Announces Inaugural Class of Inductees

Press Contact

LaVar Wright

wright.lavar@gmail.com

(910) 988 8447

 

For Immediate Release

Fayetteville, North Carolina

The National Association of E.E. Smith Alumni and Friends Inc recently formed a Sports Hall of Fame (HOF) and is proud to announce its inaugural class of inductees. Its mission is to recognize and honor the noteworthy achievements and contributions of student-athletes, teams, coaches, school staff, and volunteers who donated extraordinary amounts of time and talent to the athletic program at E.E. Smith High School, Fayetteville, NC.

During the annual E.E. Smith High School alumni reunion weekend, on May 29, the 2022 class will be inducted into the E. E. Smith Sports Hall of Fame at the Ramada by Wyndham at 1707 Owen Drive, Fayetteville, NC. We invite friends, family, alumni, and the community to attend the first of many ceremonies to honor the 2022 Hall of Fame class. This is a semi-formal affair, and you must show proof of vaccination card or negative test result within 72 hours of the event, at the door to attend. Please contact John Brown at jbrown1098@aol.com or (267) 625-4464.

The inaugural class includes 6 coaches and 15 players with distinguished achievements at the high school, college, or professional levels in their respective sports.

E.E. Smith High School High Sports Hall of Fame Inaugural Class

COACHES

Dennis (D.T.) Carter – Graduated from EES in 1939 and returned as coach in 1952. Won a pair of state football titles. Nationally recognized for his intramural program.

William J. Carver Jr. – Versatile athlete who starred at E.E. Smith and Hampton Institute, now Hampton University. He served as an assistant coach for the football and baseball teams before becoming the head coach in both sports. Later served many years in administration for Cumberland County Schools and as Athletic Director at Fayetteville State University.

David (D.S.) Kelly – Head football and basketball coach at EES, winning the state basketball title in 1950.

Isaiah (Ike) Walker Sr. – Member of the 1950 state championship basketball team. He returned to EES in 1960 and coached numerous sports, and took his 1985 basketball team to the state finals.

Latanya (Dee) Hardy – Star basketball player at EES and UNC-Pembroke. As a coach, she guided her team to conference titles in volleyball and basketball. In addition, her 2020 basketball team shared the 3-A state title.

Roy McNeill – Played basketball at Fayetteville State University, where he was twice MVP. He coached basketball at EES from 1993-99 with a 185-62 record. His teams won three sectional titles.

PLAYERS

Charles Baggett – Record-setting quarterback at Michigan State University. He played professionally in the CFL. In addition, he spent many years coaching in Division 1 college football programs and in the NFL.

Brian Bulluck – Three-sport star at EES who played for North Carolina State University and later with the Indianapolis Colts.

Aaron Curry – Played at Wake Forest University where he won the Butkus Award and in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders. He is currently a defensive assistant and linebacker coach for the Seattle Seahawks.

Russell Davis – Played at the University of North Carolina and in the NFL with the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, and the New York Giants.

Joey Evans – Versatile athlete who played defensive end at the University of North Carolina and was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Bishop Harris – Three-sport star at EES who attended North Carolina College, now North Carolina Central University (NCCU). He later served as the head football coach at NCCU. He also coached for several Division 1 college programs and spent 14 years as an assistant coach in the NFL.

Joe Harris – Played at Georgia Tech. As a member of the Los Angeles Rams, he was the first Fayetteville player to appear in an NFL Super Bowl game.

Jason Terrell Hunter – Played college football at Appalachian State University, where he made All-Conference and second-team All-American. He also played in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos, and Oakland Raiders.

Luther (Nick) Jeralds– Played at North Carolina College, now North Carolina Central University, and briefly in the NFL. He was later involved in local and state politics. A Cumberland County Middle School and the football stadium at Fayetteville State University are named in his memory.

Jimmy Raye – A three-sport starter at E.E. Smith, he was All-State in football and basketball. He was the quarterback for the famed 1966 Michigan State University team, which tied Notre Dame University 10-10 in the “game of the century.” Those two teams were National Co-Champions of College football in 1966. He coached briefly in college before spending 36 years as an NFL assistant coach.

Mark Smith – Played running back at EES, went on to play wide receiver at the University of North Carolina, and was drafted by the Washington Redskins.

Larry Tearry – All-ACC center at Wake Forest University, he started two seasons with the Detroit Lions in the NFL.

Demarcus (Tank) Tyler – Starred at North Caroling State University and played in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Carolina Panthers.

Dimitrius Underwood – Played for Nick Saban at Michigan State University. He was drafted in the first round of the NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings and also played with the Miami Dolphins and the Dallas Cowboys.

Doug Wilkerson – Star player attended North Carolina Central University. He was drafted in the first round of the NFL draft by the Houston Oilers. Spent 14 seasons with San Diego Chargers. He was named to three consecutive Pro Bowls and was first-team All-Pro in 1982.