Freshman defensive back Chaz Penwright (Rural Retreat) makes a
tackle for Averett University.
Amiee Schaffer-Bullion, Averett University
As a freshman defensive back at Averett University in Danville, Virginia, Chaz Penwright is embracing the grind of college football.
“I would say it is pretty much a full-time job,” he said. “Between classes, meetings, practice, recovery and walk-throughs, I would say it takes up 95 percent of my days being a collegiate student-athlete.”
The former Rural Retreat High School star is surviving and thriving and recorded a team-high eight tackles on Saturday in a 42-7 Old Dominion Athletic Conference loss to Randolph-Macon.
“I feel like I have not been doing too bad so far,” Penwright said. “I felt like I did not have a very good game at all the week before and had some missed tackles and blown coverages, but I got back right this week and knew what I had to do.”
His 29 tackles are currently tied for fourth-most on the team and he’s also had two pass break-ups.
Not bad for a newcomer.
Not bad at all.
“I was very surprised when my number was called,” Penwright said. “We had two really good guys go down with some pretty bad hand injuries. … I felt like I earned the spot just by doing all the right things, just being overall focused and doing what I am coached to do.”
The 5-foot-8, 165-pound Penwright was a beast on both sides of the ball during his time at Rural Retreat.
“I do miss playing offense at times, but I feel like my best fit is defense, for sure,” Penwright said. “I am on a couple of special teams as well.”
Penwright was a two-time VHSL Class 1 state wrestling champion too and went unbeaten as a senior. The Indians won the team title in his final season.
“Now for wrestling, I don’t miss doing the sport necessarily,” Penwright said. “But what I do miss is the team from my senior year. We were such a tight-knit group of guys. I can’t even explain it.”
Penwright is making quite the impact with his new team.
“I’m very blessed for the opportunities I have been given and I am so thankful for all the support I get from my parents [Chaz Sr. and Jennifer],” Penwright said. “I call them almost every day whenever I can. Talking to them just really gives me peace of mind and keeps me confident.”
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Wytheville getting arena team
Professional football is coming to Wytheville this spring as the expansion Virginia Haulers of the American Arena League will play games at Hitachi Energy Arena.
The team opens their inaugural season on March 26 before the Haulers play the first of four regular-season home games on May 8.
Mount Airy, North Carolina, resident Josh Resignalo will serve as the team’s general manager and head coach.
Other members of the AAL are the Columbus (Georgia) Lions, Jersey Bearcats, Montgomery (Alabama) Catfish, Ohio Legends, Rome (Georgia) Red Cats, Memphis Blues, Mississippi Wolfpack, North Texas Steam, Texas Desperados, Texas Wildcats and Tri-City (Nebraska) Horsemen.
Hitachi Energy Arena is already the home of the Blue Ridge Bobcats of the Federal Prospects Hockey League. The Bobcats debuted during the 2023-24 season and have a large following of loyal supporters.
Panthers best Indians
Volleyball
Channing Waldie went for 13 kills and three blocks as the Northwood Panthers routed Rural Retreat 25-17, 25-17, 25-20 in a Hogoheegee District match.
Emma Burress (12 digs, 11 kills, three aces), Pyper Chapman (17 digs, two aces) and Aubree Kegley (28 assists, 10 digs, two aces, two kills) played pivotal roles too for the Panthers.
Mazzie Fontaine (five kills), Emery Sage (21 assists, 15 digs), Alice Martin (nine digs, four aces), Alexa Vineyard (10 digs), Grace Atkins (five kills, two blocks) and Ada Childress (four kills) were tops for Rural Retreat.
Rebel runners place high at Hogo meet
The Hogoheegee cross country crews met at Sugar Hollow Park in Bristol, Virginia, with Patrick Henry’s Braydon McCracken taking first for the boys.
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