DANBURY, Conn. — A phenomenal performance by The University of North Carolina at Pembroke on Saturday at Elizabeth City State paid dividends for a member of the defensive line on Tuesday when redshirt freshman Donovan Wirt was named Eastern College Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week.
Wirt, a Raeford native and Hoke County graduate, totaled five solo tackles, including three sacks, as the Braves posted a convincing 66-14 victory over the Vikings on Saturday. The performance spearheaded a record day for UNCP, which amassed the second-most single game sacks in school history with nine, while also matching the program benchmark for tackles for loss with 16.
The Braves (1-1) will be back in action again on Saturday when they suit up to battle in-state foe Catawba (2-0) on Robeson County Schools Night at Grace P. Johnson Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Cross Country teams stay within USTFCCCA region rankings
NEW ORLEANS — On the heels of impressive showings at both the season-opening Elon Opener and last weekend’s Queens Twilight, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke men’s cross country team jumped two spots to the No. 4 position in the latest southeast region ranking by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.
The women’s team retained their position in the top 10 as well, but fell one spot to No. 9 in the first regular season edition of the poll.
The top two spots in the men’s poll remain unchanged as Mount Olive continued its perch atop the ranking, while Queens occupies the No. 2 position for the second-straight poll. Augusta, UNCP and Anderson round out the top 5.
On the women’s side, Queens and Mount Olive occupy the first and second positions, but Anderson is third, North Georgia is fourth and Wingate is fifth.
The Braves will return to action on September 23 when they make the long trek to Nashville, Tenn., to take part in the Trevecca Nazarene-hosted D2 Showcase.
