South Point High School - Clarion Yearbook (Belmont, NC)

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South Point Raiders Cleneh Another State Championship Left: E. Randolphs coach congratul Coach Tate after final out. ig 62 zekH thpd. Above: Number one and proud f I 4

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The 1981 players composed a team that improved daily through hard work on fundamentals. Practice sessions were marked by great hustle and enthusiasm due to the fine leadership of the seniors. The defense was a major key to success in l8l. Horne and Richards executed excellent pitching to a solid catcher, Tribble. Huffstetler filled a gap at second base with some great plays and was a constant threat on the bases. Hartness at shortstop gave good range and provided necessary leadership to the infield. Cooper at third base was solid as a rock. Ballard, Spargo, and Broome came up with some spectacular plays, especially in the state play-offs. The offense also contributed greatly to success. Timely hitting by Tribble, Home, Hartness, Richards, Cooper, and Spargo, and aggressive base running were the teamls trademarks. Pinch hitters Raines and Lee provided key hits. The skill and talent in the Raiderls offense put any good team's defense to test. Top: Jeff Spargo realizes he's safe. Middle left: Rabbit Richards tags base to put another man out. Middle right: Zeke Horne congratulated after a homerun. Bottom left: A strike or hit? The ball doesn't seem to be in the picture! Bottom right: Tim Ballard rounds a base. 126

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As the end ofthe school year neared, the baseball team worked their way into the championship series by defeating Lincolnton, A.C. Reynolds, and East Rowan in the western state play-offs. Graduation came and went. The thing on many students' minds was the beach. But as far as Coach Tate was concemed, the Grand Strand was closed. A few students were present, but it was mostly players' parents, alumni, faculty, and supporters in the community that routed the Raiders to victory. The opponent was a strong East Randolph. They brought with them talented players, an excellent coaching staff, and a good season record, but Raider determination tilted the odds our way. We shut ,em out 7-0 in the first match with Richards pitching a one hitter and Horne's homerun with 3 RBI's. By a score of 9-2 in the second game, the Raider baseball team won the 1981 State Baseball Class AAA Championship. The awards ceremony that followed commended the victory. Larry Tribble was awarded Best Defensive Player, Todd Horne the Best Hitter, Randy Richards the Most Valuable Player, and Dale Cooper along with Pete Hartness the Most Improved Players. All the team members received a plaque and a medal, but the award prized most by the team was the championship trophy. In two consecutive school years, South Point has won state championships in separate sports. South Point once again has proven its' ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE. Athletic director Jim Biggerstatl' presents a proud Coach Phil Tate with the award. 128 The Championship Plaque . and the Q0 ax ki 5 g Fi Trophy I Ili