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.
SPORTS TALK
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…
Built on Love:
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…
SPORTS TALK
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.…
SPORTS TALK
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…
Lady Cougars Soccer Finds Its Fight Again
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…
SPORTS TALK
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…
CYA Football & Cheer Hosts First “CYA Gives Back Day”
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…
