Even though a season was canceled, the owners kept paying the staff, which spent the time revamping the team’s operations.
Sports
Catch the latest sports news, scores, highlights, and community coverage from across Southwest and Southside Virginia with Cardinal News. From high school football rivalries and basketball championships to college athletics, local athletes, outdoor recreation, and regional sporting events, Cardinal News delivers in-depth reporting that celebrates the teams, traditions, and communities that define Virginia sports culture. Follow coverage from the New River Valley, Roanoke Valley, Blue Ridge region, and beyond with stories that spotlight hometown talent, game-day moments, and the passion behind local sports.
Roanoke College women’s swim team objected to trans athlete, faults school for lack of support
The trans athlete later quit the team, but the swimmers called on the Roanoke College administration, the NCAA and state lawmakers to prevent trans athletes from competing in women’s sports.
Pickleball fever comes to Martinsville-Henry County
The project is expected to bring eight courts to the region late next spring.
Smyth County teen on U.S. team that wins World Youth Fly Fishing Championship
Blake Hall, 14, won first place last year in a national competition, which put him in the running to compete on the U.S. team that fished in Bosnia.
Injured Boston Red Sox pitcher from Botetourt County will throw rehab innings in Salem
Zack Kelly will pitch three times during Salem’s homestand starting Sept. 5 and then hopes to be back in the majors.
Longtime rivals Alleghany and Covington begin their school merger with first football practice for combined school
Declining population has driven the change. The populations of Alleghany County/Clifton Forge and Covington have dropped nearly 50% from their respective peaks.
Virginia Tech’s Cam Phillips leads a parade of state football players making a career in the Canadian Football League
This year 20 players with Virginia connections are playing north of the border. Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia each have more players there than power schools such as Alabama.
British-born manager now guides the Salem Red Sox
Liam Carroll grew up in a country where soccer and cricket dominate, but he’s spent his life learning the quintessential American sport.
Halifax’s Andrew Abbott is lighting up the majors as a surprise star for the Cincinnati Reds
A pitcher, Abbott has a 4-1 record after seven starts to go with a 2.38 earned-run average.
Former Roanoke football star now starting in the Canadian Football League
Darrius Bratton, who went to William Fleming High School and the University of Virginia, is one of 20 CFL players this year with Virginia ties.

