Arts, Leisure and Sports
Photo: Cast of “An Ideal Husband” rehearses
The local theatre is putting a new twist on an old favorite with their upcoming production of “An Ideal Husband”. WFIR’s Emma Thomas with more:
Hugh Freeze (LU image)
Multiple media reports say Hugh Freeze will leave Liberty to become the head football coach at Auburn. An official announcement is expected later today.
(from Fox Sports) Auburn is hiring Liberty coach Hugh Freeze to take over the football program, more than five years after his resignation from SEC Western Division rival Mississippi amid both personal and NCAA scandals.
A person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Monday that Freeze has signed a memorandum of understanding with the school. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because final details of the contract were still being worked out and approved.
Sports Illustrated was first to report that Auburn was finalizing a deal with Freeze.
Freeze went 34-15 in four seasons at Liberty. He replaces Bryan Harsin, who was fired on Oct. 31 after going 9-12 in less than two seasons at a proud program that has fallen on hard times.
Freeze took over at Liberty in December 2018 and the Flames became the second program to win a bowl game during each of its first three seasons in FBS.
His 2020 team finished 10-1 and ranked No. 17. Liberty (8-4) was upset by New Mexico State 49-14 on Saturday in its regular-season finale, losing three straight after knocking off Arkansas.
Freeze is 68-44 in 11 seasons as a head coach.
From Mill Mountain Theatre’s website
A fresh take on an old classic brings celebrations of all four seasons to a local stage. WFIR’s Emma Thomas has that story:
Make the drive to Galax on weekends between now and New Years for “High Country Lights,” at Felts Park. The Christmas lights spectacular also features carriage rides, live music – and a special visit from Santa this Saturday. This is the 18th year for High Country Lights at Felts Park in Galax; admission is free. William Bottomley is the organizer behind the event:
See a link to more information here
A long-standing local tradition will have a new twist. Fashions for Evergreens will now have a personal touch from local residents. WFIR’s Emma Thomas reports on how the festive fundraiser has changed:
Photo: Runners in the 2021 Drumstick Dash
Nearly two decades after its first race, organizers say one local 5k continues to make waves in the community. WFIR’s Emma Thomas has that story:
Click here to register for the Drumstick Dash
The Salem Civic Center has hosted a variety of sporting events over the past 50 years-plus, including basketball, boxing, wrestling – even pro hockey. Now comes the Professional Box Lacrosse Association, and the Salem Mayhem franchise that debuts at the Civic Center on December 30 in a game against the Hampton Hammerheads. Season passes and single game tickets starting at 15 dollars for the Mayhem go on sale this Wednesday morning at 10am. George Manias is the team president; the first-year league owns all 9 franchises and will focus on rosters with American-born players:
(Salem news release) In its more than 50 years of existence, the Salem Civic Center has hosted a variety of professional sports including basketball, ice hockey, boxing, and wrestling, along with world class rodeo and ear-bending motocross. Now, fast-paced indoor lacrosse is set to make its mark in the arena as the Professional Box Lacrosse Association welcomes a Salem team to the fold for its inaugural season. The Mayhem is one of nine teams in the east coast based PBLA.
SALEM MAYHEM – VA. BINGHAMPTON BOMBERS – N.Y. CHARLOTTE BOOTLEGGERS – N.C.
ELMIRA RENEGADES – N.Y. HAMPTON HAMMERHEADS – VA. JIM THORPE ALL-AMERICANS – PA.
NEW ENGLAND CHOWDERHEADS SYRACUSE SPARK – N.Y. TRENTON TERROR – N.J.
Over the past 15 years, lacrosse has evolved into the fastest growing sport in America among both men and women, and
the PBLA plans to highlight the best parts of the game by showcasing the athleticism of collegiate lacrosse players.
The Salem Mayhem is set to open its season at home, Friday, December 30, against the Hampton Hammerheads.
“Every seat is going to be a good seat for this fast-paced action!” said Wendy Delano, Salem’s Director of Civic Facilities.
“The Indoor lacrosse set-up will be a perfect fit in our facility and it will be exciting to see the Salem Civic Center look
somewhat like it did in the old pro hockey days with the dasher boards, protective panels, and fast-paced action.”
The Salem Mayhem roster features elite athletes under the guidance of Coach Lindsay Sanderson. He is the former
general manager and head coach of the Philadelphia Wings, and he is a member of both the Ontario and
Canadian Lacrosse Halls of Fame.
The Mayhem’s first round draft pick was Kyle Leeming from Virginia Wesleyan. The Marlins netminder was ranked 4th in
the ODAC for save percentage.
SALEM MAYHEM 2022-2023 ROSTER
Kyle Leeming Brayden Brown Eric Dickinson Reece Eddy David Procoppio
Andy Myers Jacob Morris Bobby Dick Will Grise Todd Lloyd
2022-2023 HOME SCHEDULE
FRIDAY – DECEMBER 30, 2022 HAMPTON HAMMERHEADS 7PM – SALEM CIVIC CENTER
SATURDAY – JANUARY 14, 2023 CHARLOTTE BOOTLEGGERS 7PM – SALEM CIVIC CENTER
FRIDAY – FEBRUARY 10, 2023 SYRACUSE SPARK 7PM – SALEM CIVIC CENTER
SUNDAY – FEBRUARY 19, 2023 ELMIRA RENEGRADES 1PM – SALEM CIVIC CENTER
MONDAY – FEBRUARY 20, 2023 NEW ENGLAND CHOWDERHEADS 1PM – SALEM CIVIC CENTER
FRIDAY – MARCH 31, 2023 JIM THORPE ALL-AMERICANS 7PM – SALEM CIVIC CENTER
SUNDAY – APRIL 1, 2023 BINGHAMPTON BOMBERS 7PM – SALEM CIVIC CENTER
