Roane State softball player earns national recognition

Meriam Maynord

Meriam Maynord

Roane State Community College softball player Meriam Maynord was named an OC Sports National Junior College Athletic Association softball player of the week for games April 1-7.

The Raiders ripped off six consecutive wins that week behind Maynord’s offensive play. She batted .769 (10-for-13) with seven RBI and eight runs scored. The freshman from Livingston tallied three doubles, a triple, and two home runs for a 1.615 slugging percentage.

“We are very proud of Meriam,” Roane State head coach Sue Niemi said. “Being a national player of the week is a tremendous honor and a credit to Meriam’s hard work and dedication to the team.”

Maynord leads the Raiders with a team-high .409 batting average and six doubles. Her batting average is eighth in the conference.

Civic Center pool closes for maintenance April 12, 13

The Oak Ridge Civic Center swimming pool will be closed on April 12 and 13 for deck maintenance. The pool is scheduled to re-open April 15 on normal schedule.

For more information, call the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department at (865) 425-3450 or visit the city’s website at www.oakridgetn.gov

Big Ed’s Memorial Golf Tournament on April 26

Submitted

The 12th Annual Big Ed’s Memorial Golf Tournament on Friday, April 26, continues a long tradition that combines a great day of golf with active commitment to youth and families. The Tournament supports Community Mediation Services’ work with youths and families and honors the legacy of “Big Ed” Neusel, founder of Big Ed’s Pizza, and his belief in giving to others while seeking recognition from no one.

The Oak Ridge Country Club provides a beautiful and challenging venue for the Big Ed’s Memorial Tournament. The early registration deadline is April 15 with late registration available. Registration forms are available by calling (865) 483-6888 or e-mailing info@cms-tn.org. [Read more...]

Council approves Aldi rezoning, waterfront crosswalk signs, kayak rentals

The Oak Ridge City Council on Monday approved a rezoning that could allow an Aldi grocery store on South Illinois Avenue, solar-powered pedestrian warning signs on Melton Lake Drive, and a program to rent bicycles and kayaks at Melton Lake Park.

The Aldi could open on about 1.4 acres in the Woodland Town Center near Panera Bread and Aubrey’s restaurant this fall.

The pedestrian signs, as well as new pavement markings, could be installed at three crosswalks at Amanda Drive, Emory Valley Road, and Rivers Run on Melton Lake Drive. [Read more...]

Kayaks, bikes could be rented at Oak Ridge Marina

Melton Lake Park Marina Dock

An Oliver Springs company could replace an existing dock at the Oak Ridge Marina with a kayak dock under a five-year lease that could follow a pilot program. (Submitted photo)

An Oliver Springs company could rent kayaks and bicycles to the public at Melton Lake Park under a contract to be considered by Oak Ridge City Council on Monday.

Adventures Outdoors would use temporary space on Houseboat Row at Melton Lake Park as well as the bar area in the former New China Palace restaurant to rent and store the recreational equipment as part of a pilot program that could lead to a lease agreement.

It’s the next step in implementing a waterfront development plan approved by Oak Ridge City Council in December 2009, Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Director Josh Collins said in a memo to City Manager Mark S. Watson. That plan included key features such as a new picnic pavilion, walking trails, new playground, permanent restrooms, enhanced lighting and landscaping, outdoor casual dining, and recreational equipment rental.

[Read more...]

Register now for summer softball, early deadline March 18

Registration is now available for summer softball leagues sponsored by the city of Oak Ridge, a press release said.

Registration packets are available at the Oak Ridge Civic Center and online at www.orrecparks.org for teams interested in participating in the men’s, women’s, and co-ed softball leagues.

[Read more...]

Jaguars eliminate Wildcats from state tournament

The Southwind Jaguars opened up a wide lead in the fourth quarter and eliminated the Oak Ridge Wildcats from the state basketball tournament in a quarterfinal game on Wednesday.

The final score at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro was 69-47.

[Read more...]

Oak Ridge plays Southwind in Wednesday tournament game

The Oak Ridge Wildcats will play the Southwind Jaguars of Memphis on Wednesday morning in the quarterfinals of the state basketball tournament in Murfreesboro.

It’s the first game in the Class AAA championships, and it starts at 10 a.m. at the Murphy Center at Middle Tennessee State University.

[Read more...]

No guarantees, but Gaddis plans to win every game

Meet and Greet for Joe Gaddis

Several hundred people listen to Joe Gaddis during a Thursday evening reception for the returning Oak Ridge Wildcats football coach.

He can’t guarantee that the Oak Ridge Wildcats will win every game this fall, but returning football coach Joe Gaddis said he plans to.

Gaddis said he and his staff will revitalize fan support and increase the number of players. They will also rebuild confidence and excitement in the football program, Gaddis said during a Thursday evening reception at Oak Ridge High School Wildcat Arena.

We’re bringing it back, Gaddis told a few hundred people at the reception. Some of them wore T-shirts that said Gaddis’ Gang.

[Read more...]

Dodgeball tournament champions announced

Dodgeball Tournament Champions

The dodgeball tournament champion Ryan Goslings are, from left, Ben Williams, Patrick Williams, Ryan Mihealsick, Patrick Rader, Jishan Lakhani, Ross Landenberger, and Lauren DuBose. Not pictured is Coach Jill Landenberger. (Submitted photo)

The Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board hosted a Youth Dodgeball Tournament on Saturday, March 2.

The double-elimination tournament featured six teams with players ranging from sixth grade through 12th grade.

The Goslings faced off against the Globo Gym Purple Cobras in the championship match, with the Goslings winning 3-2.

[Read more...]

Catch the Leprechaun 5K at Melton Lake Greenway on Saturday

The American Cancer Society Catch the Leprechaun 5K starts at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Oak Ridge waterfront.

It is an Irish-themed 5k, and participants are encouraged come adorned in green, a press release said. It’s a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

The course will follow Melton Lake Drive and Melton Lake greenway. One lane of Melton Lake Drive will be closed from 8-8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning.

[Read more...]

Defense, team effort propel Wildcats past Sevier County to state tournament

Jaylin Henderson of the Oak Ridge Wildcats

Jaylin Henderson scores with about two minutes left in the first half, helping to lead the Oak Ridge Wildcats to a 61-45 win over the Sevier County Smoky Bears in a sectional game at Wildcat Arena on Monday.

Defense and a team effort propelled Oak Ridge past the Sevier County Smoky Bears on Monday, sending the Wildcats basketball team to the state tournament for the first time since 2007.

The final score was 61-45.

Oak Ridge (28-5) will find out who they play in Murfreesboro next week during a drawing on Saturday.

[Read more...]