Another Successful Spring for Catoctin Rec Softball
Catoctin Rec Council (CRC) Softball wrapped up a very successful spring thanks to some of the best weather in memory. This year, CRC fielded teams at all age groups: 8U, 10U, 12U, and 15U, with over 80 girls from the area. Our teams played groups throughout the Frederick County Girls Softball League, including Middletown, Carroll…
Thurmont Teams Meet in Babe Ruth Playoff Semifinals
The two Thurmont 14U Babe Ruth teams each played their way through the playoff bracket, setting up an all-Thurmont semifinal matchup. The Thurmont Blue Crabs entered the weekend 18-2, and the Thurmont Dirt Devils were 15-4-1. The teams would both win their way into the semi-finals, where they faced each other for the opportunity to…
New Midway Elementary School Goes to NASP World Championship
The Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Association sponsored a second group of students in the National Archery in Schools Program. The New Midway Elementary School’s archery team participated in the National Championship in Kentucky in May and won! The team advanced to the World Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida, on June 18-20. Pictured from left: (standing) Nolan…
Fishing Tournament Results from Fort Ritchie Event
Annual Fort Ritchie Community Center Bass Fishing Tournament. More than 50 anglers participated in the event sponsored by Cobblestone Hotel & Suites. Swomley recorded several catches on the day and won the tournament with a fish that measured 17¾ inches. Milton Ricketts and John Dixon took second and third place honors in the adult division.…
SPORTS TALK
With Michael Betteridge The Boys of Summer As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we get ready for events all over the region that inspire us and build our communities. Fireworks, cookouts, carnivals, parades, and vacations, it’s all a part of the wonderful July summer break during this special year. One thing that inspires…
Top Shots Represent Thurmont at Area Trapshooting Events
by Alisha Yocum Members of the Thurmont Top Shots, part of the Thurmont Conservation and Sportsman’s Club, recently competed in several local and regional trapshooting tournaments. Trapshooting is a shooting sport in which participants use shotguns to shoot at clay targets, often called “clay pigeons,” that are launched into the air from a single machine…
SPORTS TALK
With Michael Betteridge One Tiny Spark Every year at the end of the high school sports season, I traditionally like to wrap up the Catoctin spring sports season in this column on a high note and thank our seniors who are heading out for larger pastures and broader horizons. The big news this spring season…
MSMU Sophomore Breaks Track Record
The Mount St. Mary’s University (MSMU) Track & Field team recently competed in both the Messiah Invitational and the JMU Invitational in April. During the meets, Sophomore Camryn Jones-Howard broke the school record in the triple jump with a distance of 12.45 meters. She surpassed the previous mark held by her teammate, Madelyn Valpy, who…
Smith Pitches No-Hitter
Taylor Smith, a former Catoctin High School softball player, pitched her first no-hitter of her collegiate career. Smith, a freshman at the University of Virginia, struck out three and walked three batters in the team’s 8-0 win over NC State on April 25. “She was executing on both sides of the plate and was super…
Catoctin’s Newest State Champions and National Champion
The MPSSAA (Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association) Indoor State Track and Field Championship was held on February 17, 2026. Catoctin High School came home from the meet with two state champions! Freshman Kaila Jones won the shot put with a throw of 36 feet 11.75 inches. This was a personal best, and she broke…
SPORTS TALK
With Michael Betteridge This Team Is Fun Sports teams develop a personality. It develops as the challenges of the season unfold. Injuries, tough losses, big wins, and unexpected developments can mold the “vibe.” After a little over a month of softball, you can pretty much see and feel the personality of our Cougars softball team.…
BRSA Makes Donations to Local Archery Teams
The Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Association (BRSA) recently made a donation of $1,500 each to the Emmitsburg Elementary School (EES) and Thurmont Middle School Archery Teams. Both teams have students who will be advancing to the National Competition in May in Kentucky. BRSA President, Kevin Ditch, says it is important for the organization to support things…
Sabillasville Student Named United East Scholar Athlete
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 CYA Wrestlers Compete in MMWL End-of-Season Championship
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…
CYA Shoot-A-Thon Scores Big for Youth Basketball
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…
CYA Celebrates Mid-Maryland 8th Grade Players
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…
Two Local Youths Take First Place in the Maryland State NASP Tournament
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…
SPORTS TALK
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…
Catoctin Sports Boosters Making a Difference for Cougar Athletes
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,…
CHS & TMS Students Raise Money for Special Olympics
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.
