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Sports

Graham cheer squad shows out at NCA camp

Last week, the Graham High School cheerleaders had an opportunity to show what they’re made of in front of other cheer squads from across the state and they delivered.

At a National Cheerleaders Association camp held at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, the squad learned and performed three different routines: a band chant, a cheer and a band dance.

The team earned “excellence” awards for their band dance and cheer, which is the highest level they could get, and received a “superior” ribbon for their band chant.

National flag football champion maintains roots in Graham

Though she didn’t grow up directly within the town limits, Laneah Bryan has long been familiar with the city of Graham.

The granddaughter of local residents John and Sherry Bryan and born in nearby Weatherford, Laneah spent many childhood summers visiting her grandparents and exploring Possum Kingdom Lake and the local beauty that Graham and the surrounding area has to offer.

Now fully grown, 27-year-old Laneah has accomplished something most people can only dream of: she’s a national champion.

Youth fall soccer, football registration opens

Registration has started for the youth soccer and football fall leagues and is available online for children and adult volunteers.

Soccer registration

Parents can sign up their kids for the league which runs from Sept. 9 through Oct. 21.

The cost to register is $70 for U-6-U-14, $50 for U-4 and $40 for travel team only players. Registration will remain open until Friday, Aug. 18.

DCTF previews the Bobcats’ upcoming opponents

The 2023 summer edition of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football predicts a first-place finish for the Newcastle Bobcats in District 8-1A Division II.

In its preview, the publication expands on the Bobcats’ district opponents for the upcoming season.

Strawn Greyhounds

DCTF ranks the Strawn Greyhounds second in its preview. Led by head coach Dewaine Lee, the Greyhounds return five starters on offense and four on the defensive side of the ball. In 2022, Strawn finished the season with a 4-6 record overall, with a 1-2 record in district.

Opportunity of a lifetime: May selected for 2023 Dream All-American Bowl

Christmas had come and gone for Graham eighth grader Angel May and her family, but little did she know that she was about to receive the gift of a lifetime.

Angel is different from other girls her age due to the fact that she’s a football player. And it’s not just touch or flag football – Angel has been playing tackle football with all males while being the only female.

Sportswriter TC Gordon joins staff at The Leader

The Graham Leader has added a new writer to its staff dedicated to the multi-team sports coverage in Graham and Newcastle.

TC Gordon, a transplant from Utah, will be the man on the field in the upcoming seasons for the Steers, Lady Blues, Bobcats and Lady Cats.

Gordon grew up with his five brothers in a small city in southern California. He attended college at Brigham Young University–Idaho, where he received his degree in communication with an emphasis in news/journalism.

Gordon said he always knew he wanted to pursue a career in sports.

Dave Campbell’s ranks Bobcats first in District 8-1A DII

The 2023 summer edition of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football predicts a first-place finish for the Newcastle Bobcats in District 8-1A Division II.

Along with Bobcats, District 8-1A Division II features the Forestburg Longhorns, Gold-Burg Bears and Strawn Greyhounds. Following Newcastle in the first place spot, Strawn is predicted to finish second, Bowie Gold-Burg is predicted to finish third and Forestburg is predicted to finish fourth.

DCTF previews the Steers’ upcoming opponents

The 2023 summer edition of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football predicts a second-place finish for the Graham Steers in District 3-4A Division II. In its district preview, the publication expands on the Steers’ opponents.

Hirschi Huskies

DCTF ranks the Hirschi Huskies first in its district preview. Coached by Lawrence Johnson, the team will return five offensive starters and eight defensive starters.

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football ranks Steers second in District 3-4A Division II

The 2023 summer edition of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football predicts a second-place finish for the Graham Steers in District 3-4A Division II.

Along with Steers, District 3-4A Division II features the Midland Greenwood Rangers, Snyder Tigers, Sweetwater Mustangs and Wichita Falls Hirschi Huskies. Hirschi is predicted for the first place spot with Midland Greenwood finishing third, Snyder finishing fourth and Sweetwater in fifth.

Final day to sign up for Newcastle skills, setter clinics

Newcastle High School will be offering a junior high skills camp and a setter clinic next month, as well as the opportunity for private lessons. The last day to sign up for both opportunities is today, Friday, July 7.

The skills camp will be for incoming 6th-8th graders and will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a lunch break from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, July 12 at the NHS gymnasium.

Campers will work on fundamentals, such as passing, setting, hitting, serving and offensive and defensive schemes. The cost of the camp is $40.