SportsWeek
Also Religion and Classifieds June 25, 2015
Photos by Craig T. Greenlee
Chris Jacobs (Glenn High graduate) was promoted to Double-A Birmingham on June 16.
Dash eager to get
'fresh start' in second
half of season
BY CRAIG T. GREENLEE
FOR THE CHRONICLE
When it comes to minor-league baseball, winning
games is not the end-all and be-all. The chief aim is to
develop players.
By that measuring stick, the Winston-Salem Dash is
doing OK. Prior to mid-season, the Dash had two players
(former Glenn star) Chris Jacobs and Keenyn Walker who
were promoted to the Double-A level with the
Birmingham Barons.
Additionally, Omar Narvaez, James Dykstra, Matt
Heidenreich and Trey Michalczewski were named
Carolina League All-Stars. In the meantime, Jake Peter
has taken his game to a new level as evidenced by an
impressive 20-game hitting streak.
"You measure success by Chris and Keenyn being
called up to play Double-A ball," said Dash manager Tim
Esmay, whose team posted a 30-40 record for the first half
of the season. "Anytime you see our guys move forward,
there's an excitement about what you're doing.
"This is all about developing players as to what's
best for them and how they can move forward in their
careers. For each player, the ultimate goal is to one day
win championships for the Chicago White Sox. It's our
job to figure out ways for them to develop those routines
to help them prepare to advance in their careers. Those are
the wins."
In Esmay's mind, the biggest surprises of the season
involve two members of the pitching staff. All-Star right
hander Heidenreich (8-2, 2.77 ERA) has proven himself
as Winston-Salem's most effective starter. The most
See Dash on B2
Dash closer Michael Ynoa recorded three saves and
a 2.40 ERA during the first half of the season.
FOOTBALL
TRACK
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For Rams, early-season
schedule will determine
much
BY CRAIG T. GREENLEE
FOR THE CHRONICLE
Seventy days. And counting.
The start of another Winston-Salem State football season is only two-and-half
months away. Even though the first official day of summer was last Sunday, the hunt for
productive recruits continues as the Rams seek to reload in the wake of last year's 9-3
finish.
Winston-Salem State opens the season with four straight road games. The tone for
the entire 2015 campaign could be determined based on how the Rams handle the first
month of the season. Coach Kienus Boulware realizes that the early-season encounters
will be an acid test for his crew.
WSSU will face UNC Pembroke in the season opener on Sept. 3. The Braves fig
ure to be much improved and are eager to show that they'll be better than their 2-8 record
from a year ago.
See Rams on B2
Portland's McKinley McNeill (in glasses) earned All-America honors in two
events at the New Balance track nationals held last weekend in Greensboro.
i
Mustangs relay earns bronze
medal at track nationals
BY CRAIG T. GREENLEE
FOR THE CHRONICLE
This year's New Balance National Outdoor Track and Field Championships had a
different kind of vibe for Parkland's girls. Six seniors graduated a few weeks ago. which
created a temporary leadership void.
Given Parkland's losses, which include two former state championship-meet MVPs
(Katlin Sherman and Ebony Williams), there was uncertainty about how the team would
fare at the nationals held in Greensboro last weekend. While it's clear that this is a tran
sition period, it's a mistake to presume that the program is finished as a viable factor at
See Mustangs on B2
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