Abby Moreland of Sabillasville has been recognized for her success both in the classroom and on the court at Wilson College. Moreland, a member of the Wilson College women’s volleyball team, was recently named a United East Scholar Athlete by the United East Conference for the Fall 2025 season. She is among 57 student-athletes from…

Seventeen wrestlers from the Catoctin Youth Association (CYA) Wrestling program competed in the MMWL End-of-Season Championship the first weekend in March, showcasing their hard work and dedication throughout the season. The tournament brought together some of the league’s top competitors, and all 17 wrestlers represented CYA with determination and sportsmanship on the mat. Six wrestlers…

by Alisha Yocum The Catoctin Youth Association (CYA) Basketball once again had a fun-filled day raising money on February 23 to help cover costs like gym rentals, uniforms, equipment, paid officials, and league fees. The goal was for each player to raise at least $50 to help support the league. The number of shots attempted…

Alisha Yocum Each year, Catoctin Youth Association (CYA) Basketball takes time to recognize a special group of players: those finishing their final season of middle school basketball. This year was no different, as the organization honored both the Girls and Boys Varsity Mid-Maryland 8th grade players at the conclusion of their seasons. The recognition celebrates…

By Marylou Baker The 2026 Maryland State NASP (National Archery in Schools Program) tournament was held in Westminster, Maryland, on March 13 and March 14. Several local schools participated in the tournament, including Emmitsburg Elementary, Thurmont Middle, Thurmont Elementary, Sabillasville Environmental, and Wolfsville Elementary. The tournament is divided into six different divisions: elementary, middle, and…

With Michael Betteridge Where’s Your Glove? April brings an end to the winter high school sports season and the beginning of the spring season. We transition from basketball to baseball and softball. We move from indoors in stuffy gyms, weighed down by our winter gear protecting us from record cold, to outdoors and the beautiful…

Alisha Yocum Many in the community may attend sporting events at Catoctin High School (CHS), but they may not know and understand the importance of the Catoctin Sports Boosters and the role they play for Cougar athletes. Catoctin Sports Boosters, Inc. is a nonprofit that assists and supports athletics programs at CHS. Through sponsorships, donations,…

Over 100 Catoctin High School (CHS) and Thurmont Middle School (TMS) students raised over $15,000 for the Maryland Special Olympics through the Polar Bear Plunge.

With Michael Betteridge Madness In March I’m mad! I’m mad because every time I get comfortable, something changes.  Just about the time I get used to a routine…wham! Somebody changes something. Change has become routine. It doesn’t matter whether it’s politics, work, health, or sports.  Change is everywhere. I’m sick and tired of change. Back…

Remembering Catoctin’s Championship Season Alisha Yocum Twenty years ago, the Catoctin Girls Basketball team was finishing its regular season and preparing for the postseason. It was a team with no expectations to make a deep run. Coach Amy (Murray) Entwistle, just 22 years old at the time, was still finding her way. That season, Catoctin…

With Michael Betteridge Go West Young Man! Last year at this time, I wrote about skiing and snow conditions. I lamented how we hadn’t had any truly cold winters or snow since 2021. The last really big winter was 2010 and the Snowpocalypse! We had 70 inches of snow that year—44 inches in February alone.…

With Michael Betteridge Never Say Anything Bad About Someone January is always the time of the year during which we reflect on the past year and prepare for the new year. We use the successes and failures of 2025 to shape our plan to increase the former and limit the latter. We take stock of…

The 2025 season marked a turning point for the Catoctin High School Lady Cougars Soccer Program, a year defined by resilience, growth, and belief. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jimmy Ward, the Lady Cougars battled through a challenging season, filled with close contests, breakthrough performances, and defining moments. While the year ended with a…

With Michael Betteridge The Real Reason for the Season Every December, we move from fall high school sports into winter sports. It’s a difficult transition from warm weather to cool weather, then cool weather to cold weather. We move from football, soccer, and field hockey outside to basketball and wrestling inside. I always use this…

The Catoctin Youth Association (CYA) Football & Cheer program has been hard at work this season—not just on the field, but in the community as well. This fall, the organization launched its first-ever “CYA Gives Back Day,” an initiative designed to teach young athletes the importance of generosity, community service, and gratitude. The event, organized…

With Michael Betteridge Fasten Your Chinstraps Recently, I had a conversation with high school football historian and guru, Sheldon Shealer. Sheldon is the chairman of the Communications Department at Mount St. Mary’s.  Sheldon has a Ph.D. in sports media.  His website, mdprepfootball.com, is the repository for high school sports history. Sheldon knows high school football!…

Catoctin Girls Soccer Building New Identity Alisha Yocum The Catoctin High School Girls Varsity Soccer team is off to a great start to their 2025 season, with a historic win over South Hagerstown. In the late days of summer, Catoctin High School announced the hiring of a new Girls Varisty Soccer Coach, Jimmy Ward. His…

With Michael Betteridge Golf Is A Puzzle Without An Answer A sports topic we’ve never covered before in this column recently became big news in Thurmont: GOLF!  Catoctin Cougars freshman Callen Edmonston was named athlete of the week last September after recording a five under par 31 at Maple Run Golf Course in Thurmont during…

Alisha Yocum With its sweeping views and signature hillside overlooking the field, Catoctin High School’s (CHS) football stadium has long been a local landmark. This season, football moms Jenn Cregger, Kathleen Davis, Kate Gray, Diana Merritt, and Elle Smith are launching a spirited campaign to “Fill the Hill.” “We have an awesome community, and we…

With Michael Betteridge Dreams Can Come True I’m not sure if anyone in Thurmont realizes how unique it is to have their very own radio station. Radio stations don’t belong to individuals. They are licensed to individuals and businesses by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) on behalf of the local community. In Maryland, WTHU is…