At its recent annual banquet, the Raleigh Sports Club awarded $2,000 scholarships to four Wake County student athletes: Emily Bedsole of Ravenscroft, Devon Hathaway of Millbrook, Sarena Triesh of Athens Drive and Blake Williams of Wake Forest-Rolesville.
“We are proud to be a part of a club that rewards student-athletes who are making the right decisions and being a positive influence for other students,” said Katherine Lowman, who this past year served as the first woman president of the RSC. “One of the strong bonds of the Raleigh Sports Club members is our love of sports and the positive impact that sports can have on the lives of young people.”
Coach Todd Worley, who has been teaching and coaching at Sanderson High School since 1995, was presented with the club’s 2013 Robert Powell Distinguished Service Award. The award was renamed this year after Powell, who passed away in January. Powell made significant contributions to the club through his long time membership, his willingness to expend the time, effort and dedication to fulfill a job he loved, serving as treasurer for the past six years.
Worley, who currently is the varsity men’s and women’s (or what I call boy’s and girl’s) soccer coach, is a two-time State Coach of the Year, a five-time Conference Coach of the Year and a Regional Coach of the Year. He has coached the East-West all-star game and coached the North Carolina-South Carolina all-star game.
Keynote speaker Mick Mixon, who is the radio announcer for the Carolina Panthers, honored Worley and the four student-athletes by telling humorous stories and weaving in wise advice.
Below are the introductions for the student-athletes which were presented by Lowman and club vice president Greg Pierce.
Emily Bedsole
Our first Scholarship goes to Emily Bedsole who is a disciplined and dedicated athlete participating in Cross Country and swimming at Ravenscroft School. Emily’s parents are Dr. Scott and Val Bedsole and are sitting at Table 26. Also here to support Emily is her Coach, Leslie Payne.
Emily is the Concertmaster of the Upper School Orchestra, President of the National Honor Society and Captain of the Varsity Cross Country and Swim Teams. Her participation in the 2012 American Cancer Society’s Hood to Coast Relay helped her team raise over $55,000 for the cause.
Coach Payne says Emily is a Renaissance woman! An outstanding student, a hard-working athlete and one of a handful of students who has ever earned 13 Varsity letters in a high school career. She has also received the Presidential service award multiple times for her countless hours of community service. Her determination and desire to excel will serve her well as she enters college.
Emily, for your outstanding performance in the classroom as well as in sports, The Raleigh Sports Club is happy to present you this scholarship.
Devon Hathaway
Our next Scholarship recipient is Devon Hathaway who is a team Captain of the Millbrook High School Swim Team. She is also a member of the several national academic societies, as well as French and Math honor Societies.
Devon’s parents Richard and Lisa Hathaway and her sister, Ashley are here with her tonight.
Devon’s self-discipline contributes greatly to her ability to successfully balance stellar academics, extra-curricular activities, volunteer work and a high level of high school swimming.
She was willing to do what every the team needed and was willing to sacrifice individual events in order to strengthen relay teams. With all her outside activities, Devon was among the most dedicated swimmers on the team and clearly earned the respect of her teammates.
She practiced the hardest, continuously pushing herself, while at the same time displaying a very positive, joyful, happy attitude.
Devon will be attending the College of Charleston Honors College in the fall.
Devon, for your outstanding performance in the classroom as well as Swimming, The Raleigh Sports Club is happy to present you this scholarship.
Sarena Triesh
Sarena Triesh is our third Scholarship recipient and is a 3 sport Varsity Athlete playing volleyball, basketball and softball at Athens Drive High School.
Sarena’s parents, Mike and Sue Triesh, her brother Sammy, and the head women’s varsity basketball coach, Dayna Jordan, are all here tonight.
Sarena loves the game of basketball and never misses a practice. She plays guard with confidence and discipline and inspires everyone around her to work hard. Coach Jordan describes her as being a difference maker on the floor, with an optimistic attitude and dedicated to her sport.
Sarena organizes team Service Projects and led a weekly project of reading to mentally impaired elementary students this season. After college,
Sarena hopes to go into teaching.
Sarena, for your outstanding performance in the classroom as well as your 3 varsity sports, The Raleigh Sports Club is happy to present you with this scholarship.
Blake Williams
Our last Scholarship recipient is Blake Williams who has led the Wake Forest-Rolesville Football team on Defense since his sophomore year, under Coach Reggie Lucas and then Athletic Director, Deran Coe, who are both here to support Blake.
His parents, Joel and Chris Williams are here, as well as and his principal, Patti Hamler.
Blake is a hard worker and gives 100% all the time. He has helped his team compile a 30–7 record the past 3 seasons. He sets a good example for his team by always showing good sportsmanship and cheering on his teammates.
Voted the Cap 8 Defensive player of the year, Blake also served as his team captain. He has played football since he was 5, loves the game and plays with a lot of heart while displaying confidence and great leadership.
Blake excels in his studies and is active in several school clubs; also plays baseball and works at Youth football camps and helps the youth at his church.
Blake, for your outstanding performance in the classroom as well as on the football and baseball field, The Raleigh Sports Club is happy to present you this scholarship.
