BLAST FROM THE PAST: Harper has never forgotten his Catawba County roots

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com CATAWBA – He left before the season began to chase his dream, but tonight would’ve been one that’s right up Justin Harper’s alley because he loves football and especially a big football game. Void of a sudden phone call with a great opportunity to resume coaching college football and focus on reaching his ultimate goal, Harper …

BLAST FROM THE PAST: Elder, Red Tornadoes had dream football season in 1996

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com HICKORY – David Elder still remembers a conversation from more than 20 years ago that predicted one of the magic seasons he was to coach in, but there was really no way to be fully prepared for it. He was talking to veteran Shelby head football coach Jim Taylor after the Golden Lions had beaten Hickory …

BREAKING NEWS: Cranford, Morgan lead picks for Lenoir-Rhyne Hall of Fame

HobbsDailyReport.com HICKORY – Lenoir-Rhyne University’s next Sports Hall of Fame class includes former star high school athletes from Newton-Conover and Hickory. The five new members — announced Tuesday by the school — are Christi Cranford, Jackie Gebhart, the late Bill Johnson, Cory Morgan and Jody Petty. The Hall Of Fame induction ceremony, part of LRU’s Homecoming Weekend, is scheduled Oct. …