The Year of Watauga- MultiMedia

The springtime brought the perfect end to a perfect year. Our spring sports programs completely shattered the level of expectations and made it to a new height that no one anticipated. Our various teams broke many records and accelerated our school to a spot of athletic excellence.

Sophomore Ryland Brinker gets ready to play T.C Roberson at Watauga’s home, Leigh Copper Wallace, field on April 28, 2026. Photo Creds: Amelia Bennett

Beating the Odds: Watauga Men’s Lacrosse Wins the Kirkley Cup

Abbi Clark, Sports Desk Lead of The Powderhorn

The hike from Watauga High School down to the lacrosse field can be quite the journey. But that journey is similar to the work that is put into the rest of the season.

“We approached this year with diligence, knowing we could beat all of the teams there as long as we made sure to keep our games mostly mistake free,” said Junior, Ike Mance.

Though the team puts in lots of preparation, lacrosse can be different from other sports in the high country since there aren’t any other opportunities to play until high school.

“I've been playing lacrosse since my freshman year here at the high school,” said Mance. “When me and some middle school friends met an App State player who came to our PE class 8th grade year, he introduced us to the sport and we thought it sounded like a fun way to stay active.”

For most of the lacrosse team, high school tryouts are the first time they truly get to play the sport. Right off the bat they have to be ready to compete, which is what makes winning the Kirley Cup such a big deal.

"The Kirkley Cup is a yearly tournament where we compete against three other teams from the Triangle area,” said Mance. “It was an important step towards proving that Watauga lacrosse isn't just a club for people interested in the sport or who have nothing better to do, it's a group of teammates who want to win and are willing to work hard to make that happen.”

After weeks and months of hard work, the Watauga Men’s Lacrosse team was able to win the Kirkley Cup, and prove their hard work and dedication.

“Winning the Kirkley Cup was very amazing for our team because that is the first time we have ever won it. It was something coming in where we knew we could win, but it wasn't expected and was incredible to win,” said Sophomore, Louie Winger