Athletic News

Football State Runners-Up

The varsity football team’s season came to a close in the 3A state championship game as runners-up, after mounting an impressive comeback that fell just short with a final score of 21-24. This team has much to be proud of: an 11-2 record this season and a senior class that wraps up its varsity career with a 31-7 record. 

The Barons advanced to the championship game at Charleston Southern University for the second consecutive year after defeating John Paul II Catholic School 25-14 in the quarterfinal and Hilton Head Christian School 21-9 in the semifinal. School spirit soared throughout the season, fueled by the unwavering support of the Baron fans and the varsity cheerleading squad. The head coach for the team is Mr. Adam Jarecki.
 

Richardson Speaks at Football Devotion

Former New York Yankee and local sports legend Bobby Richardson inspired our football team at this morning's devotion, the final one of the season before tomorrow's state championship game. Players, coaches, and cheerleaders came together for prayer, breakfast, and fellowship to start the day with purpose and unity.

Howle & Scott Touchdown Club Players of the Week

Andrew Howle was selected as the Defensive Player of the Week and Cooper Scott the Offensive Lineman of the Week by the Sumter Touchdown Club.

Williamson Athlete of the Week

Caulder Williamson, a member of the boys cross-country team, was voted the Athlete of the Week by the readers of The Sumter Item.

Boys Cross-Country State Champions, Girls 2nd in State

The boys cross-country team won the S.C. Independent School Assoc. 4A State Championship with two runners selected for the All-State Team for finishing in the top 10, Caulder Williamson - 2nd and Trip Hunt - 8th. Also among the top five scorers for the Barons were Abel Ayres - 11th, Ben Rabon - 17th and Gavin Getz - 33rd. Led by Mr. Reid Schwartz, head coach, the team also won the Region Championship and finished with a record of 125-14.

The girls team placed second in the state competition with three runners named to the All-State Team: Molly Jones - 5th, Mary Ellen Thorne - 9th and Emmie Williamson - 10th. Also scoring for the Barons were Mary Foley - 16th and Jane Foley - 24th. Also coached by Mr. Schwartz, the Region Championship team earned a record of 87-22.  

Hewett Champion, Team 3rd in State Swim Meet

Jacob Hewett won two gold medals in the SCISA 4A State Swim Meet, winning the 200 individual medley (school record of 2:00.35) & the 100 breaststroke. He was also on the 200 freestyle relay team that placed second and the 400 freestyle relay team that finished third. In addition to Jacob, the following swimmers made the podium to receive medals: (silver) 200 freestyle relay team (Levi Jiang, Logan Schumacher, Banks Smith); (bronze) Cliff Bath - 100 freestyle and the 400 freestyle relay team (Cliff, Logan, Stirling Tindal) with a school record of 3:32.67. The team, which earned a season record of 67-3, placed third out of the 13 teams competing. A total of 21 swimmers from the boys and girls teams qualified for the state meet, with 10 qualifying for every event. Mrs. Jeanna Mahr was the head coach for both teams.
 

Galloway Touchdown Club Player of the Week

Milling Galloway was named the Sumter Touchdown Club Offensive Player of the Week.

Jackson WACH Fox Scholar Athlete

Josie Jackson ‘25 was named the WACH Fox Scholar Athlete of the Week on August 30 as part of the Friday Night Rivals football season. For this program, the South Carolina National Guard recognizes an exceptional student athlete from each participating school with a plaque presentation prior to each game.
 

Baron Media Day

Always an exciting day in our lower school, Baron Media Day promotes school spirit and provides positive interaction between the older and younger students on campus. Senior fall athletes visited students in 1st-5th grades during lunch, posing for photos with them and distributing autographed photographs. Mr. Rip Ripley, Assistant Athletic Director, coordinated the event. 

Bonser Touchdown Club Player of the Week

Jackson Bonser '25 was named the Special Teams Player of the Week by the Sumter Touchdown Club on August 30. Jackson, who was accompanied by Mr. Adam Jarecki, head football coach, was introduced and presented a plaque at a breakfast held at the Sumter Parks and Recreation Building. The award is sponsored by SAFE Federal Credit Union and Farmers Telephone Cooperative. 

Meyers Featured Athlete

Follow link for feature article about senior Owen Meyers.

Jones State Athlete of the Week

Senior Molly Jones was selected as the Athlete of the Week on August 26 by the South Carolina Independent School Athletic Association, which has 125 member schools. Molly is a member of the cross-country and volleyball teams.

Volleyball Team Earns National Recognition

For the ninth consecutive year, the varsity volleyball team was selected as an American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Academic All-American Team. The AVCA, in partnership with the United States Marine Corps, recognizes volleyball programs across the country in high school and college that excel in academics as well as on the court.

Baron Athletes Recognized at The Bobbys

Wilson Hall students won four awards at the Bobby Awards held at a red-carpet gala at the Sumter Opera House in June. The recipients were voted for by the readers of The Sumter Item. Clark Kinney ‘24 won the award for Best Male Athlete, and winning awards for their individual sports were Rylee Bath ‘24 (volleyball), Molly Jones ‘25 (girls track & field), and Caulder Williamson ‘27 (boys cross-country).

In addition to the four winners, Wilson Hall had nine nominees: Jackson Bonser ‘25 (soccer), Daniel Burton ‘24 (boys basketball), Hugh Humphries ‘25 (boys basketball), Mr. Adam Jarecki (coach),  Dylan Jones ‘24 (football), Aubrey Payne ‘24 (female athlete), Blake VanPatten ‘24 (baseball), Emmie Williamson ‘29 (girls cross-country), and varsity football (team). 

The program, inspired by ESPN's The Espy Awards, celebrates the best in Sumter-area sports. The Bobby is named for Sumter sports legend Bobby Richardson, the former World Series MVP for the New York Yankees. 

Spring Athletic Recognition

Baseball
Grayson Alexander ‘24: All-Star Team, All-Region Team
Jones DesChamps ‘24: All-Region Team
Landon Gilley ‘24: All-Region Team
Clark Kinney ‘24: All-Star Team, Region Player of the Year, All-Region Team
Ben Reynolds ‘24: All-Star Team, All-Region Team, Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week
Blake VanPatten ‘24: All-Star Team, All-Region Team
Soccer
Jackson Bonser ‘25: All-Star Team, Region Player of the Year, All-Region Team
Milling Galloway ‘25: All-Region Team
Daniel Kirby ‘24: All-Region Team
Michael Warrick ‘25: All-Region Team
Softball
Abby Bradley ‘25: All-Star Team, All-Region Team
Mary Paisley Geddings ‘28: All-Star Team
Talan Griffin ‘24: All-Star Team, All-Region Team, Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week
Sullivan Jarecki ‘24: All-Star Team, All-Region Team
Marybeth Van Patten ‘24: All-Star Team, All-Region Team
Boys Track
Hugh Humphries ‘25: Region Athlete of the Year
Girls Track
Molly Jones ‘25: Region Athlete of the Year

Kinney & Payne Athletes of the Year

Clark Kinney ‘24 and Aubrey Payne ‘24 are the Wilson Hall Athletes of the Year and were recognized at the Spring Sports Pep Rally. Clark was a member of the baseball, football, and speed and strength teams. and Aubrey was a member of the basketball, track and field, and volleyball teams.  
 

Jones & Payne State Track Champions

Winning the championship in the S.C. Independent School Assoc. Girls 4A State Track Meet were Molly Jones in the 400 hurdles and Aubrey Payne in the shot put. The team, coached by Mr. Rip Ripley, placed fourth overall. It won the Region Championship and finished with a record of 64-4.

Humphries, Relay Team State Track Champions

Winning the championship in the S.C. Independent School Assoc. Boys 4A State Track Meet were Hugh Humphries in the high jump and the 4x800 relay team (state meet record) of Abel Ayres, Jack Gratz, Ben Rabon & Caulder Williamson. The team, coached by Mr. Rip Ripley, placed fourth overall. It won the Region Championship and finished with a record of 62-5.

Jarecki Featured in The Sumter Item's The Grind

Senior Sullivan Jarecki was featured as May's selection for The Grind in The Sumter Item. Please click on the link to read the article: Sullivan Jarecki

Burton Signs with The Citadel

Daniel Burton committed to participate on the basketball team at The Citadel. A signing ceremony, held in the Nash Student Center, was attended by fellow students, faculty, coaches, and family. Daniel is a member of the basketball team coached by Mr. Rip Ripley.

Griffin Athlete of the Week

Talan Griffin, a member of the varsity softball team, was voted the Athlete of the Week by the readers of The Sumter Item on May 4.

Leard Wins Equestrian Championship

Emmi Leard won a blue ribbon in the SC Independent School Assoc. State Equestrian Show, placing first in the varsity intermediate over fences event. She also placed fourth in the varsity intermediate on the flat. Wilson Hall won 11 ribbons at the state show, including 2nd place ribbons for Josie Jackson & Karsen Jones.

Kinney Champion, Team Third in State Speed & Strength Meet

Clark Kinney ‘24 won first place for his weight class in the South Carolina Independent School Association State Speed and Strength Meet hosted by Wilson Hall. The team placed third overall, and Grayson Alexander ‘24, Andrew Howle ‘26 and Carson Wilsey ‘25 received medals for placing second in their respective weight classes. 

The athletes competed in the following events: 40-yard dash, pro-agility shuffle, vertical leap, bench press, broad jump, and power clean lift.

Additional team members were Tucker Burnette ‘24, Craig Busch ‘28, Milling Galloway ‘26, Nolan Gooch ‘28, Blake VanPatten ‘24, Caulder Williamson ‘27 and Walker Wilson ‘26. Mr. Sam Watford ‘16, Fitness Center Director, is the head coach for the team and he was assisted by Mr. Adam Jarecki, Mr. Rip Ripley and Mrs. Kurt Wilson. 
 

Reynolds Athlete of the Week

Ben Reynolds, a member of the baseball team, was voted the Athlete of the Week by the readers of The Sumter Item on March 30.

Matthews Athlete of the Week

Shawn Michael Matthews, a member of the basketball team, was voted the Athlete of the Week by the readers of The Sumter Item on February 22.

Winter Athletic Recognition

Boys Basketball
All-Star Team: Daniel Burton, Hugh Humphries & Shawn Michael Matthews
Region Player of the Year: Daniel Burton
All-Region Team: Daniel Burton, Hugh Humphries & Shawn Michael Matthews
Region Tournament Most Valuable Player: Shawn Michael Matthews
All-Region Tournament Team: Daniel Burton, Hugh Humphries & Shawn Michael Matthews
Region Coach of the Year: Mr. Rip Ripley
The Sumter Item Athlete of the Week: Daniel Burton

Girls Basketball
All-Star Team: Logan Mims
All-Region Team: Sullivan Jarecki, Logan Mims & Aubrey Payne
All-Region Tournament Team: Marybeth VanPatten

Girls Bowling
McKenzie Helms: 3rd in State Individual Competition

Equestrian
Josie Jackson: Interscholastic Equestrian Assoc. Region 4-Zone 4 High Point Award for the season in the Varsity on the Flat Division.

Scholastic Shooting Sports
The Sumter Item Athlete of the Week: Ann Weathers Blankenship

Blankenship Athlete of the Week

Ann Weathers Blankenship, a member of the shooting sports team, was voted the Athlete of the Week on February 15 by the readers of The Sumter Item.

Shooting Sports Wins Two State Championships

The team of Ann Weathers Blankenship ‘24, Jack Bowman ‘25 and Eddie Donnald ‘24, members of the shooting sports team, won both the State Skeet Championship and State Trap Championship at the S.C. Independent School Association (SCISA) Scholastic Shooting Sports Tournament held at the Palmetto Shooting Complex in Edgefield. 

The team also represented the school in the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) State Skeet and Trap Championships, winning the varsity school division in both competitions. Winning several individual awards in the trap tournament, Ann Weathers was the Ladies Varsity School Division High Over-All (HOA), Ladies Trap HOA, and Senior Lady HOA, for which she received a $2,000 scholarship. Eddie was the Senior Male HOA and also received a $2,000 scholarship.  

Ann Weathers swept the categories in the skeet tournament, winning Ladies Varsity School School Division HOA, Ladies Skeet HOA, and Senior Lady HOA for which she received another $2,000 scholarship. Eddie placed second for Senior Males, earning a $1,500 scholarship. 

The team of Cat Bowman ‘30, Harper Rivers ‘30 and Kate Skinner ‘28 won the SCDNR Skeet and Trap State Championships in the Ladies Middle School Division, and Harper was the Ladies Middle School Division HOA in trap. 

The team of Lucy Hayes Mims ‘26 and Anna Lynn Skinner ‘26 placed third in the JV Ladies School Division in the skeet tournament. The teams are coached by Mr. Brent Hiott.  
 

National Volleyball Best & Brightest Awards

Seniors Rylee Bath, Sullivan Jarecki, Aubrey Payne & Maggie Norris (pictured L-R) were selected by the American Volleyball Coaches Association for the Best & Brightest Award which was established to recognize students who excel on the court and in the classroom. Students must play in at least 50% of their varsity matches while maintaining a 4.0 or higher GPA. Only 1100 students were recognized nationwide for this award. Jarecki was named to the 1st Team, Bath to the 2nd Team, and Norris & Payne to the 3rd Team. The team is coached by Mr. Rip Ripley. 

Girls Bowling 2nd in State

The girls bowling team, coached by Mr. Curtis Helms, placed second in the South Carolina Independent School Association State Tournament held at Royal Z Lanes in Columbia. The members of the team are Anna DuBose ‘27, Hannah-Grace Hagood ‘28, McKenzie Helms ‘24, Victoria Singleton ‘24 and Camryn Wilmes ‘25.

McKenzie Helms placed third in the state individual bowling tournament. 

Donnald Signs with Emmanuel

Eddie Donnald committed to participate on the shooting sports team at Emmanuel University in Georgia. A signing ceremony, held in the Nash Student Center, was attended by fellow students, faculty, coaches, and family. Eddie is a member of the shooting sports team coached by Mr. Brent Hiott.

Kinney Signs with Washington & Lee

Clark Kinney committed to participate on the baseball team at Washington & Lee University in Virginia. A signing ceremony, held in the Nash Student Center, was attended by fellow students, faculty, coaches, and family. Clark is a member of the baseball team coached by Mr. Jay Jones.

Burton Player of the Week

Daniel Burton is the Hines Furniture Player of the Week (December 7) as voted by the readers of The Sumter Item. He is a member of the varsity basketball team coached by Mr. Rip Ripley. 

Football State Runner-up

The varsity football team advanced to the state championship game and finished the season with a record of 10-3. In the state quarterfinal, the Barons beat Northwood Academy 49-28 before defeating Florence Christian School 21-7 in the semifinal. In the state championship game held at Charleston Southern University, the Barons faced Hilton Head Christian School, a team it defeated in the opening game of the season. 

A high point of the season occurred during the second week with the defeat of Laurence Manning Academy at Spencer Field. In their 10 victories, the Barons outscored their opponents 403-157; the team scored a total of 430 points throughout the season.
 
The team roster had the following 15 members of the Class of ‘24, many of whom have played for Wilson Hall since the sixth grade: Grayson Alexander, Dillon Bartlett, Andrew Brown, Tucker Burnette, Slade Custer, Landon Gilley, Dylan Jones, Clark Kinney, Davis Lee, Luke Pedersen, Ben Reynolds, Sam Tristan, Blake VanPatten, Miles VanPatten and Britton Wells.

The head coach for the team was Mr. Adam Jarecki, and assisting him were the following: Mr. Travis Grass,  Mr. Chuck McCord, Mr. Horace Lee Scott ‘13, Mr. Sam Watford ‘16 and Mr. Kurt Wilson. Mrs. Mary Peyton Zilch Clepper ‘14 of Prisma Health was the athletic trainer and the student trainers were Carson Geddings ‘26, Emily Mason ‘25, Kadence Newman ‘25 and Kyrston Newman ‘26. Mr. Steve Hudson was the team’s statistician, and the team managers were Wyatt Moore ‘32 and Murrell Smith ‘32.