MORRISTOWN — Johnny Dalton was a member of Walters State’s inaugural Esports team in 2023 and now, he’ll have the chance to run the program.
On Friday, Dalton was officially announced as Walters State’s Esports coordinator.
“I am tremendously excited to be the new Esports coordinator,” Dalton said. “I believe the transition from a player and student into a coach and team leader offers a unique perspective on the needs of the program and its players. I intend to work with all of our team members to provide an environment where they can grow academically as well as professionally and thrive in our program while doing so.”
Dalton was on the “Call of Duty” team for Walters State in 2023, and that role should benefit him greatly when it comes to coaching the team now.
“Being a member of the team for the very first semester allowed me to be directly involved with decision making and helping to get everyone on the same page,” Dalton said. “We definitely felt like we had a lot to prove. The way that translates over to a coaching role is that I have intimate knowledge of the way our teams work and play together. I know what the team’s goals are and how determined they are to win. The way we continue to achieve success is to provide an environment where our players feel valuable to the team, they are worked with consistently so that their skills in the game improve and that their individual success is important too.”
Dalton can trace his Esports days back to 2009, when he started playing competitively. Dalton said that he played in some in-person “Halo” tournaments before trying out for the Walters State team last year. Dalton made the team, something he said was a dream.
As far as goals for the team, Dalton said he wants to continue to grow the program in Year 2 of its existence.
“The more players we have, the bigger the impact on lives we have,” Dalton said. “As a coach, it is really important to me that we grow our program into a beacon of excellence. I want people to hear about Walters State Esports and say to themselves ‘They have a lot of really great players over there; they must really have it figured out.’ I want students coming to us because we are the best at what we do and they want to be the best at what they do.”
The Esports season is set to begin this coming fall and will carry over into the spring of 2025. Dalton encourages anyone interested to come out for the team and give it a shot. If students are interested in learning more or want to join the Esports program, they can fill out a questionnaire online at https://www.wsccathletics.com/sports/esports/Esports_Questionnaire.
Chiefs announce baseball camp
ROGERSVILLE — Cherokee baseball will hold a camp for players going into grades 6-8 on July 8-9 from 5-7 p.m. each day. The cost is $30 per day. Each camper will need to have their glove, pants, helmet, cleats/turfs and a drink. For questions, contact head coach Augustus Fraley at augustus.fraley@hck12.net.
Lady Chiefs volleyball camp set
ROGERSVILLE — The Lady Chiefs volleyball camp for boys and girls in grades 4-12 will be held July 8-10 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Cherokee High School gym.
The cost is $40 per player and can be paid the first morning of camp. The cost is $40 per player and can be paid the first morning of camp. Visit https://form.jotform.com/241562648307055 to register, so that organizers can order shirts.
Signups underway for camp with state champs
The Lady Warriors Basketball Camp for rising first through fifth grade girls and boys will be held July 15-17 from 9 a.m. to noon at Rogersville City School.
The cost is $65 and includes a camp T-shirt and competition winner prizes.
Pre-register online. Pay by cash or check at the door. Make checks payable to Rogersville City School. Questions? Contact Coach Latosha Jackson at jacksonl@rcschool.net.
Chiefs to host mattress fundraiser
ROGERSVILLE — The Cherokee football team will host a mattress fundraiser on July 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the school gym. Anyone in the market for a new mattress, pillows, sheets or other sleeping items is invited to stop in.
The football team is also selling the annual Mobuck discount cards. Anyone interested in purchasing one can reach out to any football player.
Sign up now to ‘Ride for Hope’
ROGERSVILLE — Signups are underway for the “Ride for Hope” bicycle event. The former “Ride Like Hale” event is back Aug. 10 with a new name, but it still offers options for 21-mile, 36-mile or 62-mile rides. The rides, sponsored by Just Ride Bikes & Fitness, will leave Hawkins Elementary School in Rogersville starting at 8 a.m.
The entry fee is $35 and includes rest stops and lunch. Learn more and register online at rideforcamphope.com. Proceeds benefit Camp Hope of East Tennessee, a 100% free summer camp located in Hawkins County.
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