Athletic News

Jones Field Dedication

Sporting Clays State Champions

Several members of the shooting sports team earned top honors, bringing home trophies from recent state competitions. The team of Cat Bowman, Winnie Caughman, and Harper Rivers claimed the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Ladies Middle School Sporting Clays State Championship, showcasing their exceptional skill and teamwork. Additionally, the team of Grace McArthur, Lucy Mims, and Anna Lynn Skinner delivered an impressive performance, securing second place in both the S.C. Independent School Assoc. State Sporting Clays Championship and the SCDNR Varsity Ladies Sporting Clays Championship.

Special Winter Athletic Recognition

Boys Basketball
Knox Buxton ‘25 - All-Star Team
Thomas Creech ‘25 - Farm Bureau Heart of a Champion Player of the Month
Braedon Curtis ‘25 -  Farm Bureau Heart of a Champion Player of the Month
Hugh Humphries ‘25 - Region Player of the Year, All-Region Team
Shawn Michael Matthews ‘25 - All-Region Team, The Sumter Item The Grind Featured Athlete of the Month, The Sumter Item Athlete of the Week
Mr. Rip Ripley - Region Coach of the Year
Ford Wilder ‘26 - All-Star Team, All-Region Team
Girls Basketball
Emma Howle ‘25 - Farm Bureau Heart of a Champion Player of the Month
Grace McArthur ‘28 - Farm Bureau Heart of a Champion Player of the Month
Logan Mims ‘25 - All-Region Team
Caroline Moorman ‘27 - All-Star Team
Lilly Grace Przybyla ‘28 - All-Star Team, All-Region Team
Boys Bowling
Carson Geddings ‘26: All-State Team
Girls Bowling
Addie Geddings ‘31: All-State Team
 

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. 

Matthews Scores 1,000th Point

Shawn Michael Matthews received special recognition for reaching an incredible milestone by scoring his 1,000th career point during the game on January 27th. In honor of this achievement, he was presented with the game ball, marking a proud and memorable moment in his basketball career.

Bowling Teams Win State Championship

Baron Bowling dominated the lanes at the SCISA State Bowling Tournament in Columbia, bringing home the state championship titles for both the boys' and girls' teams! The boys' team, consisting of Luke Banar, Luke Bartlett, Carson Geddings, Maddox Moye, and Stirling Tindal, delivered an outstanding performance to claim the championship. The girls' team, featuring Anna DuBose, Addie Geddings, Molly Jones, McKenzie Gray Mills, and Camryn Wilmes, also showcased their skill and determination to secure the state title. Under the leadership of Coach Curtis Helms, both teams demonstrated exceptional talent and teamwork, making it a historic night for Baron Bowling!

State Champion Basketball Teams Recognized

Wilson Hall proudly welcomed the members and coaches of the state champion basketball teams from 1977, 1978, 1980, and 2000 to campus for a special recognition. Prior to the varsity boys' game in the Nash Student Center, these distinguished athletes were honored for their achievements and contributions to the school's rich athletic history. To celebrate the occasion, the Development Office hosted a reception, providing an opportunity for former players and coaches to reunite and reminisce about their championship seasons.

Humphries Scores 1,000th Point

Hugh Humphries reached a significant milestone in his basketball career by scoring his 1,000th career point during the Barons' victory over Hilton Head Christian on January 17th. To celebrate this achievement, he was honored with a special game ball in front of a packed gym at the Nash Student Center. The presentation took place before a varsity basketball game, with teammates, coaches, family and fans applauding his dedication and talent on the court. 

Nine Recognized by Sumter Touchdown Club

Nine members of the varsity football team were recognized at the Sumter Touchdown Club Banquet for their outstanding achievements on and off the field. Andrew Segars received the prestigious Academic Scholar Award for Wilson Hall, highlighting his excellence in academics. Thomas Creech, Owen Meyers, and Carson Wilsey were honored with a merit scholarship for their hard work and dedication. Additionally, Owen, Carson, Jackson Bonser, Milling Galloway, Cooper Scott, Ford Wilder, and Walker Wilson were named to the All-Area Team, a testament to their exceptional performance throughout the season.

Matthews Featured Athlete

Follow link for feature about senior Shawn Michael Matthews.

Special Fall Athletic Recognition

Cheerleading
Josie Jackson ‘25: WACH Fox Scholar Athlete of the Week
Boys Cross-Country
Abel Ayres ‘27: All-Region Team
Trip Hunt ‘28: All-State Team, All-Region Team
Ben Rabon ‘26: All-State Team
Caulder Williamson ‘27: All-State Team, Region Runner of the Year, All-Region Team, The Sumter Item Athlete of the Week
Girls Cross-Country
Mary Foley ‘28: All-Region Team
Molly Jones ‘25: All-State Team, S.C. Independent School Association Athlete of the Week, Region Runner of the Year, All-Region Team
Mary Ellen Thorne ‘26: All-State Team, All-Region Team
Emmie Williamson ‘29: All-State Team, All-Region Team
Football
Mr. Adam Jarecki: Region Coach of the Year
Jackson Bonser ‘25: All-Star Team, All-Region Team, Sumter Touchdown Club Special Teams Player of the Week (3), Sumter Touchdown Club All-Area Team, The Sumter Item All-Independent Team
Milling Galloway ‘26: All-Star Team, All-Region Team, Sumter Touchdown Club Offensive Player of the Week, Sumter Touchdown Club All-Area Team, The Sumter Item All-Independent Team
Andrew Howle ‘26: All-Star Team, Sumter Touchdown Club Defensive Player of the Week, The Sumter Item All-Independent Team
Owen Meyers ‘25: All-Star Team, Region Defensive Player of the Year, All-Region Team, The Sumter Item’s The Grind Featured Athlete of the Month, Sumter Touchdown Club All-Area Team, The Sumter Item All-Independent Team
Ben McLaurin ‘26: All-Star Team, All-Region Team, The Sumter Item All-Independent Team
Harris Naylor ‘26: All-Star Team, All-Region Team, The Sumter Item All-Independent Team
Cooper Scott ‘25: All-Star Team, All-Region Team, Sumter Touchdown Club Lineman of the Week, Sumter Touchdown Club All-Area Team, The Sumter Item All-Independent Team 
Ford Wilder ‘26: All-Star Team, All-Region Team, Sumter Touchdown Club All-Area Team, The Sumter Item All-Independent Team
Carson Wilsey ‘25: All-Star Team, All-Region Team, Sumter Touchdown Club All-Area Team, The Sumter Item All-Independent Team
Walker Wilson ‘26: All-Star Team, All-Region Team, The Sumter Item All-Independent Team
Golf
Mary Katherine Dutcher ‘27: Region Player of the Year
Swimming
Jacob Hewett ‘29: All-State Team
Logan Schumacher ‘25: All-State Team
Tennis
Jane McAdams ‘25: All-Region Team
Claudia Rhodus ‘27: All-State Team, All-Region Team
Volleyball
McKinley Bath ‘29: All-Star Team, All-Region Team
Olivia Cogswell ‘25: All-State Team, All-Star Team, All-Region Team
Molly Jones ‘25: S.C. Independent School Association Athlete of the Week
McKenzie Gray Mills ‘25: All-Region Team

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

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.