Robbinsville

The Robbinsville Black Knights won nine of the 14 weight classes contested in June 10’s Smoky Mountain Conference tournament. All names are listed from left. Kneeling in front are Jaret Panama (152 pounds), Luke Wilson (113), Aynsley Fink (106) and Jayden Nowell (126). Standing in back are Kage Williams, Wade Hamilton, Ben Wachacha, Kyle Fink and Carlos Wesley. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

The Robbinsville Black Knights won nine of the 14 weight classes contested in June 10’s Smoky Mountain Conference tournament. All names are listed from left. Kneeling in front are Jaret Panama (152 pounds), Luke Wilson (113), Aynsley Fink (106) and Jayden Nowell (126). Standing in back are Kage Williams, Wade Hamilton, Ben Wachacha, Kyle Fink and Carlos Wesley. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

14 divisions, 9 champions

Robbinsville – Another year, another thumping. For the fifth consecutive season, the Robbinsville Black Knights have laid claim to the Smoky Mountain Conference championship, after running up a team score of 230.5 points at June 10’s tournament.
One family, two awards, 30 years apart: Zoie Shuler (left) was named the Most Outstanding Female Track and Field Athlete of the Smoky Mountain Conference championship meet June 9. Her father Michael received the distinction of Most Outstanding Male Field Athlete in both 1991 and 1992. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

One family, two awards, 30 years apart: Zoie Shuler (left) was named the Most Outstanding Female Track and Field Athlete of the Smoky Mountain Conference championship meet June 9. Her father Michael received the distinction of Most Outstanding Male Field Athlete in both 1991 and 1992. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Family tradition

Cherokee – The sudden emergence of a Robbinsville freshman over the last month has shaken up the hopes of many girls track and field athletes who were hoping for a state championship bid. And the success is coming exactly 30 years after her father made waves of his own.

Elizabeth Carver

Elizabeth Phillips Crisp, 99 of Robbinsville, N.C. passed away, Friday, June 11, 2021, at her residence. She was a native of Graham County and the daughter of the late Burt and Hattie Hill Phillips.

Kristy Carver

Kristy Carver, 47 of Robbinsville, N.C., passed away, Friday, June 11, 2021, at her residence. She was a native of Graham County and the daughter of Bobby and Kathy Jenkins Carver.

Peggy Teesateskie

Peggy Lee Teesateskie, 72 of Robbinsville, N.C., passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 10, 2021 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C., after an extended illness.  She is the daughter of the late Lee Teesateskie and Caroline Wachacha Teesateskie.

Steve Patterson

Ronald Stephen Patterson, 70 of Miramar, Fla., formerly of Hayesville and Robbinsville, N.C., went home to be with his Lord and Savior at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Fla. on June 10, 2021.  He was the son of the late Ed Jr. and Ruby Woodard Patterson.

Dale Medlin

Dale Crawford Medlin, 71, changed his address from West Fort Hill Road in Robbinsville to the Golden Streets of Heaven on Monday, June 7, 2021, at the Charles George VA Hospital in Asheville.   He was born on July 26, 1949 to Clercy Elizabeth Hubbard Medlin and John Andy Medlin.

Madeline Garner

Madeline Postell Garner passed on Wednesday, May 9, 2021.  She was born on Aug. 12, 1928 in Robbinsville, N.C., to Abe L. Postell and Julie Jordan Postell.
The Robbinsville Black Knights gather for a celebratory photo after winning the June 10 regular-season finale in Hayesville 12-6. The win ended the Yellow Jackets’ undefeated season. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

The Robbinsville Black Knights gather for a celebratory photo after winning the June 10 regular-season finale in Hayesville 12-6. The win ended the Yellow Jackets’ undefeated season. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Giant slayers

Hayesville – Full of emotion, Robbinsville senior Jeb Shuler made an astute observation after the June 10 upset over the then-No. 1 ranked 1A team in North Carolina.  “They didn’t really have anything to play for. We did.”  He hit the nail on the head.
Kyle Fink has North Henderson’s Felix Montiel in a compromising position during the 195-pound bout of June 3’s “Battle of the Knights.” Fink would pin Montiel in the second period. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Kyle Fink has North Henderson’s Felix Montiel in a compromising position during the 195-pound bout of June 3’s “Battle of the Knights.” Fink would pin Montiel in the second period. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

“The Ville” set to host conference tournament

Robbinsville – The "Battle of the Knights" went to the visitors. Unfortunately, Robbinsville was the host. The Black Knights (16-4) dropped their only match of the week June 3, a 39-28 dual to North Henderson.