PILOT MOUNTAIN — The East Surry Cardinals faculty fought it out on the basketball court Thursday at home in a spirit of fun and competition to raise money for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The Red Bird Warriors took on the Cardinal Crazies and came out on top by a score of 68-65. Volleyball Coach Caleb Gilley sunk the final points that sailed the Warriors into the victory.
Sam Marsh, president of the Student Council, along with Vice President Christopher Holshouser, helped to organize the faculty game and fund-raising activities associated with it. Seniors Tyler Pardue and Zach Koons also helped to announce and organize the event, said East Surry Soccer coach Bill Hart.
In total, the faculty, along with students, raised more than $200 to contribute to ALS awareness and research.
All participants in the faculty game came to the floor with hand-picked nicknames and several dressed in “crazy” fashion to suit the Cardinal Crazies name. Though fun, the game still had moments of intense competition between faculty. Many dug for loose balls and aggressively fought for take-aways.
Assistant Principal Brent Long, along with Librarian Stephen Gady, officiated and kept things in check, often with a smile.
Long said, “I had to officiate a talented group both in athletics and education. They played like they were in their youth.”
Jennifer Sawyers, known as “the solution” along with Caleb Gilley, “legend in his own mind,” both tied for the high of 14 points for the Red Bird Warriors.
Brandon Cook, “the iron chef,” led the Cardinal Crazies and had the game high of 15 points.
During half-time door prizes were given after Coach David Johnson’s team took on Coach Darrin Haywood’s team in free-throws. Haywood’s team won by one basket.
Basketball Coach Keith Gunter said he would have coached himself to be better conditioned for the game and “keep some shooters from getting free at the perimeter.
Soccer coach Bill Hart said, “I’ll just stick to soccer.”










