Around the area

Champions Day to be held Jan. 19
The Appalachian State athletics department will celebrate Champions Day Jan. 19 in recognition of its unprecedented third-straight NCAA Division I football national championship.

They’ll also celebrate the achievements of their perennially powerful men’s basketball and wrestling programs.

The festivities begin at 1 p.m. at the Holmes Center when doors open for fans that wish to receive autographs from Mountaineer football players and head coach Jerry Moore. In addition to the autograph session, the 2005, ‘06 and ‘07 national championship trophies, 2007 Southern Conference championship trophy and Old Mountain Jug will be on hand for pictures with fans. The autograph session lasts from 1-3 p.m., with a limit of two autographs from each player and coach per person.

At the conclusion of the autograph session, a ceremony will be held to officially unveil men’s basketball’s 2007 SoCon North Division championship and National Invitation Tournament banners, followed by tipoff for a crucial SoCon hoops showdown between ASU and Georgia Southern. Throughout the game, the football squad will be honored for its individual and team achievements, highlighted by a special halftime ceremony.

Following the basketball game, fans are urged to stick around for a free performance by the nationally renowned Rope Warrior, followed by a non-conference wrestling meet between the eight-time SoCon-champion Mountaineers and Virginia. The wrestling match begins at 6 p.m.

Admission to the autograph session, ASU-GSU game, Rope Warrior act and the wrestling match are all included with a ticket to the basketball game. Tickets can be purchased online by going to goasu.com, by phone at (828) 262-2079 or in person at the ASU athletics ticket office in the Holmes Center.

Middle school basketball
Scores from Jan. 7
Some scores from middle school basketball games:
Boys
January 7
Valle Crucis 44, Bethel 22
Appalachian Christian 23, Mabel 20
Green Valley 34, Cove Creek 22
Girls
January 7
Valle Crucis 32, Bethel 5
Mable 29, Appalachian Christian 17
Cove Creek 23, Green Valley 17