Folks attending this year's Big Atlantic Classic basketball dinner got some encouraging words from Heisman trophy winner and former number one draft choice Cam Newton.
"Hopefully anything that I say will be of some encouragement to somebody," Newton said.
The Carolina Panther Quarterback's message to the audience at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center was simple.
"I'm just going to stress the mistakes that I've had and that's the only way I know how to speak," said the quarterback.
While it's great to see a celebrity in the area, all the athletes were focused on the upcoming games.
"We're going to play some tough teams," said Greenbrier East player Chaunte McDowell. "Westside is undefeated."
"We can't let anybody come in here and beat us in our house," said Woodrow Wilson guard Donte Nabors. The tournament is played at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center-the same place Woodrow Wilson plays its home games.
The event is hosted by Greenbrier Resort owner Jim Justice, who thinks this tournament gives people a glimpse of the state tournament.
"Playing events like this on open goals and playing multiple games back-to back," Justice said. "It sure reflects the state tournament atmosphere."
More than 40 teams ranging from Elementary to high school will take part in the Classic.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:58 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:58:10 GMT
Chris McKinney didn't always dream about being a fighter, but once he was introduced to Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts, that's all he's thought about. "I wrestled for a long time and then after high
Chris McKinney didn't always dream about being a fighter, but once he was introduced to Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts, that's all he's thought about.
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:36 PM EDT2013-05-16 22:36:59 GMT
Princeton Senior High School is home of the Tigers....and the most competitive senior powder puff team. "We haven't lost a game yet and we plan to keep it that way and go out with a bang," said senior Stephanie
Princeton Senior High School is home of the Tigers....and the most competitive senior powder puff team. "We haven't lost a game yet and we plan to keep it that way and go out with a bang," said senior Stephanie
Friday, May 10 2013 6:54 PM EDT2013-05-10 22:54:20 GMT
If you Google Kelshawn Grant, you'll find football articles. If you youtube him, you'll find a 3 year old video of him playing basketball. Recently, this athlete added a new sport to his resume."He runs
Kelshawn Grant is a middle school track star that is putting up stats comparable to high school scores.
Wednesday, May 8 2013 6:17 PM EDT2013-05-08 22:17:30 GMT
This fall Samuel Ouedraogo will get to play basketball on a national stage. He was selected to play in a tournament for his native country Burkina Faso in Africa. "It's a blessing, a dream come true,"
This fall Samuel Ouedraogo will get to play basketball on a national stage. He was selected to play in a tournament for his native country Burkina Faso in Africa.
Monday, May 6 2013 10:54 AM EDT2013-05-06 14:54:16 GMT
Linda K. Epling Stadium hosted the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic conference tournament today and Miner's head coach Tim Epling was happy to be asked to hold the event. "It's the last year that
Linda K. Epling Stadium hosted the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic conference tournament today in Beckley.
Friday, May 3 2013 6:33 PM EDT2013-05-03 22:33:15 GMT
Friday nights are a big deal at Beckley Motorsports Park. "I like to say that we have a party here and a race breaks out," manager Joe Jackson describes his facility.With two sides of the track, one that
Beckley Motorsports Park gears up for races every Friday night.
Thursday, May 2 2013 9:43 AM EDT2013-05-02 13:43:01 GMT
"My brother threw a no hitter!" Joey Lacek shouted to the croud after realizing what his younger brother Jake just accomplished. Liberty High School baseball team beat PikeView Tuesday 1-0, but for their
"My brother threw a no hitter!" Joey Lacek shouted to the croud after realizing what his younger brother Jake just accomplished. Liberty High School baseball team beat PikeView Tuesday 1-0, but for their family it was more than just a win.
Wednesday, May 1 2013 10:28 AM EDT2013-05-01 14:28:05 GMT
An unhappy football player is making changes. In published reports released overnight, Geno Smith has released his agent. The move comes after the former WVU quarterback was drafted in the second round
In published reports released , Geno Smith has released his agent. The move comes after the former WVU quarterback was drafted in the second round of the NFL Draft.
Tuesday, April 30 2013 6:41 PM EDT2013-04-30 22:41:51 GMT
With nice weather in our forecast outdoor activities are back on our minds. West Virginia is filled with options to enjoy the outdoors and we had to visit one of them. Burning Rock, an adventure park
With nice weather in our forecast outdoor activities are back on our minds. West Virginia is filled with options to enjoy the outdoors and we had to visit one of them. Burning Rock, an adventure park in Raleigh County was just the place to go.
Tavon Austin was the first Mountaineer off the board on Thursday as the St. Louis Rams traded up to add the former West Virginia star to their arsenal. The Buffalo Bills had the No. 8 overall selection
Rams trade up to grab prized West Virginia wide receiver, highest Mountaineer off the board since 2005.