ROCKINGHAM — Senior Night had an added glow for the Richmond cross country and volleyball programs on Friday.
A surprise to the nine senior student-athletes, they had a night that recognized their athletic careers at Richmond Senior High School. Held at Raider Stadium, the “under the lights” spotlight gave them a memory they otherwise may not have gotten.
Suzanne Hudson, a civics teacher and Beta Club adviser at the high school, came up with the idea to hold the outdoor event following “Pink Night” in November. Currently under the state’s coronavirus restrictions, gatherings of more than 25 people indoors are not allowed.
Holding the event outdoors on the football field provided six volleyball players, three cross country runners and their friends and family the opportunity to participate in a longstanding tradition usually saved for the final home contest of their senior year.
“It’s important to give these kids every opportunity to make a memory,” Hudson said. “They’ve been going through all of this and working so hard. Most of them have been doing this since ninth grade or middle school. It’s important to honor that.”
With fellow senior Jaiden Tillman as the announcer, student-athletes were introduced and escorted by family members. A bio of each player was read, as well as favorite memories and advice for underclassmen. Dozens of fans and classmates watched from the stands.
The volleyball team recognized Georgia Grace Anderson, Taylor Chappell, Emy Cooley, Jakerra Covington, Kelly Hoffman and Shelly Hoffman. This year’s seniors in cross country are Alena Craddock, Carson Jordan and Will Thompson.
Cross Country: head coach Jessica Covington, Alena Craddock, Carson Jordan and Will Thompson.
“I’m glad we did it out here so we could have our family and friends celebrate with us,” Shelly Hoffman said. “Being with the team was an exciting night. We didn’t think we’d be able to have a senior night because of the restrictions, so this was really exciting.”
When this group of senior volleyball players were freshmen, Ashleigh Larsen was the junior varsity coach. A year later, she was promoted to varsity coach, and has seen all six players develop over the last four years.
“It has been a privilege to watch them grow from shy little freshmen into outgoing leaders in their senior year,” she said. “They have developed and grown so much over our four years together. I could not imagine doing it without each of them.
“They have each played a vital role for our program,” she continued. “As JV players they stayed for varsity games to cheer their teammates on and learn more about the game they have come to love. Many of them have made names of themselves across the conference, whether it was for volleyball or other sports.”
One story Larsen said that still gets the team to laugh is when she accidentally cut Shelly Hoffman as a freshman. Using a number system to identify players, the wrong number was posted, but a quick fix secured Hoffman’s spot.
“We’ve waited so long for this,” Covington said, holding back tears. “We’ve played together for four years and we’ve gotten so close. There was a lot of emotion tonight.
“This moment was more special than I thought it was going to be,” she added. “I’m glad we all got to come together and have this memory together as a team.”
Currently, the volleyball team is just over halfway through its season. Larsen said she is planning to cherish every remaining moment with her six seniors, as well as the rest of the team.
“It’s always a blessing to be able to be in the coaching position to get such a great group of girls that makes showing up to my job enjoyable each day,” Larsen commented.
“They are the reason I stick with it. I look forward to seeing where their journeys continue to take them in life and I hope that their time with the volleyball program has helped to shape a piece of them in some way.”
Jessica Covington has been coaching the cross country program for two seasons, and in that time she’s watched Craddock, Jordan and Thompson grow into successful runners, students and teammates.
“It is awesome to be able to honor our seniors and all the hard work they have done through the season,” she said. “COVID has made it hard to know what the next day brings. These seniors have made a point of pushing through and making the effort even knowing there is a chance of not being able to run in a meet.”
The cross country team wrapped up its regular season on Wednesday, getting all five of its meets in without issue. Runners will reconvene in early January for the conference championship, and gear up for regionals and states.
“It was dope, so awesome,” Thompson said with a smile. “We are so lucky and blessed to be able to come out here and have this opportunity. I didn’t think we’d be able to get a senior night, so I’m thankful for our coaches to make it happen.
“The best part of the season has been the team getting the chance to know one another better,” he added. “This year has been different and we’ve all been able to connect more and I’m grateful for that.”
Covington noted that Jordan has led the boys’ team consistently since she became the coach. She also highlighted Thompson’s improvement and Craddock’s willingness to always get better.
“Carson is always ready to put in the grunt work that is needed to be a good runner. He is always positive and a great leader,” she said. “Will has made such a huge progress this year. He had his new personal record this year and has worked so hard.
“Alena has always been eager and willing to go the extra mile. She never complains and will do any mileage necessary to improve. We are going to miss the seniors so much and cannot wait to see where their paths take them.
“I have been honored to coach such an awesome group of seniors,” Covington closed. “They are great leaders on and off the course. They have taught me so much as a new coach. Their sheer determination and improvement has been so impressive this year.”
PHOTOS: Click here to see photos from Senior Night.
VIDEO: Click here to watch a video of Senior Night, highlighting all nine seniors.
