By Stephen Smoot
Christie Brinkley and Baylee Beachler have shared one thing in common these past few weeks. Both got to be well-known as “cover girls” for doing what they do best.
Beachler featured on the top of the page sports section photographs for West Virginia Metro News and also the Charleston Gazette.
Beachler and her teammates from the historic state title winning softball team earned their way into post season accolades and all-star games.
She earned first team all-state, as well as the honor of captain of the Class A squad. Avery Townsend joined her on the first team list. Eric Crites, head coach, told West Virginia Metro News that “those two kids, if there ever is an A and an A plus, it’s those two kids . . . They were like a second group of coaches on the field for us” during the run for the title.
The second team list featured Lizzie Alt, Jenna Smith, and Susan Vincell.
One could have nearly fielded an entire team from players honored by the Potomac Valley Conference. Smith, Beachler, Alt, and Townsend earned first team selection while Jessica Parker, Chesnee Colaw, Vincell, and Jaiden Mitts were on the second team. Eric Crites was coach of the year and Beachler player of the year.
Monday, three senior softball stars competed in the Coaches USA all-star event that brings the best from the Shenandoah Valley area. The organization uses a Christian foundation to promote excellence in both the person and the performer.
Smith and Beachler will play for the Valley squad while Townsend will compete on the Mountain team. Two East Hardy Cougars, Addison Armentrout and Ginger Combs, will join Townsend.
Townsend also competed as Pendleton County’s lone representative for the victorious North basketball squad in last weekend’s all-star competition. She scored six points and hauled down an impressive number of rebounds. With no statistics recorded, that precise number cannot be known.
Said her head basketball coach, Donnie Kopp, “The accomplishments Avery has earned are not only amazing, but certainly well-deserved as well.” He noted that “to be selected to play in the softball and basketball all-star games is something that is almost unheard of in our era of specialization.”
Kopp also shared that Townsend “is a great student and most importantly an all-around wonderful person.”
