Ex-WCU coach reassigned
as P.E., health counselor

CULLOWHEE — Kent Briggs, the former Western Carolina University head football coach, recently was reassigned within the university to the position of physical education and health counselor for the department of health, physical education and recreation.

Briggs, an Asheville native, who played quarterback at Reynolds High and WCU, was fired last November after posting a six-year record of 22-43 and losing 19 of the last 20 games over the past two seasons.

Two years remain on a contract extension given to him in 2006 that pays $110,823 annually.

In his new role, Briggs will provide educational outreach services to physical education classes at public schools across Western North Carolina.

Former UNCA baseball star
nets one-year, $4.35 deal

HOUSTON — Former UNC Asheville baseball star Ty Wigginton and the Houston Astros avoided arbitration, agreeing last Friday on a $4.35 million, one-year contract.

Wigginton, who earned $2,775,000 last season, joined the Astros in July in a trade with Tampa Bay for reliever Dan Wheeler. In 50 games with the Astros, Wigginton, 30, batted .284 with six homers, 18 RBIs and 12 doubles.
He can earn an additional $50,000 in performance bonuses this year.

Hot Chocolate 10K, 1K races
planned Saturday morning

The Isaac Dickson Hot Chocolate 10K and the IK Kids Climb will begin at 9 and 9:45 a.m., respectively, Saturday at Isaac Dickson Elementary School, 125 Hill St. in Asheville.

The races will benefit the non-profit Isaac Dickson PTO. To register, visit www.hotchocolate10k.com. Entry forms also can be picked up and dropped off until Friday at the school office.

Registration for the 10K is $20 for adults and $15 for ages 14 and under.The 1K registration fee is $5. For more information, call 301-3071.

UNCA men’s cagers rated
No. 20; George recognized

The UNC Asheville men’s basketball team rose to No. 20 in the latest edition of the CollegeInsider.com mid-major poll released on Jan. 14. The Bulldogs received 171 votes from mid-major coaches around the nation.

Meanwhile, UNCA junior center Kenny George was named the Big South Conference co-player of the Week, the league announced Jan. 7. He shared the honor with Chavis Holmes, a former Christ Church standout.

George recorded a team-high 16 points and 13 rebounds off the bench in UNCA’s 61-58 win over South Carolina on Jan. 5. He hit 8-of-11 from the floor, including a go-ahead dunk with less than 30 seconds left. George had five offensive rebounds and blocked three shots.

Holmes scored 24 points and drained 5-of-9 3-pointers to lead VMI to a 102-99 win at Mercer. He scored 11 of VMI’s last 14 points over a span of 1:49 and hit the game-winning 3-pointer with 4.6 seconds left.

As for UNCA’s team ranking, the Bulldogs, with 171 votes, were ranked ahead of Holy Cross (132), Valparaiso (122) and Southern Conference leader Davidson (227).