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CSD Spartan Media

CSD Spartan Media

CSD Spartan Media
Conner Shelton

Conner Shelton, Sports Editor, Podcast Editor

Conner Shelton is a CSD senior who is returning for his third year of Journalism. Conner loves all things sports, so you will typically find his work in the sports section of the Spartan Sentinel. The ultimate goal that Conner has in mind is to become a sports broadcaster once he graduates. He wants to be just like his favorite sports broadcaster, Kirk Herbstreit. Conner has always enjoyed writing more than reading, so Journalism has been such a great fit for him over the past three years.

Conner loves to spend his time playing baseball and piano. Fun fact, he has actually been playing the piano since he was five years old. You will typically find him outdoors hanging out with his dog, Charley. He loves to watch all sporting events and will most likely catch at least every single day.

Additionally, Conner has a younger sister named Carsyn who is in 8th grade and has been at CSD her whole life. Food is one of Conner’s favorite things in the whole world, and he especially enjoys any kind of pasta. Conner is excited for his senior year and for the opportunity to produce more sports content throughout the year.

Quote?

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

-Joshua 1:9

Walk-up Song?

“Cowgirls”

-Morgan Wallen

All content by Conner Shelton

Episode 15 – Seniors Speak “Live in the Moment”

Mia Kirsch, Callie Hobbs, Kate Saussele, and Conner Shelton
February 23, 2025

In this "all senior" episode, journalists Mia Kirsch, Callie Hobbs and Kate Saussele (with original music by Reina Henriquez) discuss what it's like going through their final year of high school. From...

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When asked to write about a person you love and share what makes this person special, Ben Gallagher (‘25) said, “The CSD Spartan mascot framed in a heart summarizes our school spirit. I love the Spartan mascot because it represents the community of CSD and school pride. Love isn’t just person to person but can also be used to describe the things we care for deeply and I do love my school.”

Photo story – The look of love ‘25

In an annual class exercise, journalism students share ideas and get answers to Valentine’s Day questions within CSD high school
Ben Gallagher, Callie Hobbs, Kate Saussele, Liam Bradley, Jaelyn Nguyen, Avery Nardone, Dylan Sherman, Mia Kirsch, Evan Mulligan, Elena Cunningham, Conner Shelton, and Brandon Amaya
February 14, 2025

Paired with images from Valentine’s Day at school, journalism students chose to answer one of the following questions in the captions. Why do you think Valentine’s Day is associated with the heart? ...

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Event participants of all ages begin the 2024 “The Sweet Fun Run” at CSD’s Spartan Park. The event welcomes participants of all ages to run, walk or roll four laps on the track enjoying a sweet treat in between each one. (Photo courtesy of The Sweet Fun Run club.)

Registration opens for third annual “The Sweet Fun Run,” a family-friendly charity event at Spartan Park

From an idea four years ago, the student event organizers soon hope to welcome the largest number of participants in the event's history.
Conner Shelton, Sports Editor, Podcast Editor
February 12, 2025

During the 2022 academic year, two Community School of Davidson (CSD) freshmen had the idea of starting a family friendly fundraiser that combined eating and running while building school spirit. After...

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The Community School of Davidson (CSD) Spartans football team begins every game the same way. Before the game, they go out on the field while holding the American flag to show pride for their country and their team. (Photo used courtesy of Mack Sidden ‘25).

A Spartan football season to remember

11 seniors and a team full of heart transform a season with a highly unusual start into something special
Conner Shelton and Dylan Sherman
December 20, 2024

At the beginning of the season, the Community School of Davidson’s (CSD) varsity football team often wondered what could possibly happen next. As if losing a lightning shortened game wasn’t enough,...

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Before doors opened, student artists and staff apply, last-minute organization to the “Under the Sea” gallery. As one of four different areas, The gallery, housed, visual, ceramics, wood and other art during Arts Night ‘24. (CSD Journalism class photo).

Photo story – CSD artists light up Arts Night

From visual, wood and ceramic arts to music, dance, tech, production, photography and more, the annual Arts Night brought to life the incredible talents of Spartan students.
Elena Cunningham, Conner Shelton, Mia Kirsch, Ben Gallagher, Liam Bradley, Evan Mulligan, Kate Saussele, and Brandon Amaya
December 16, 2024

On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, hundreds of Spartan students, families and friends entered via red carpet to a school transformed into a living, magical center of galleries, performances, interactive displays...

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Dylan Foltz (‘25) drives to the hoop in an early season varsity game. The excitement is high for both the boys and girls basketball teams as well as for the fans who return to Griffin gym for the upcoming winter sports season. (Photo used courtesy of Mack Sidden ‘25.)

Tis the season for winter sports

From basketball and cheer to indoor track plus swim and dive, winter athletes look to compete and earn wins this winter season.
Brandon Amaya, Conner Shelton, and Dylan Sherman
December 16, 2024

CSD’s winter Spartan athletes are back to bring life to Griffin Gym and the school during the cold winter months of the school year. With more than 100 athletes competing across multiple sports at both...

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Spartan Specific – Episode 14 – Following the 2024 MLB World Series

Conner Shelton, Mia Kirsch, and Ben Gallagher
November 23, 2024

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Beautiful skyline and music couple to raise $24.5 million for those in western North Carolina who were affected by Category 2 Hurricane Helene.

Concert for Carolina raises needed funds for western North Carolina

Looking back at a once in a lifetime North Carolina concert to raise funds for Hurricane Helene relief
Conner Shelton, Sports Editor, Podcast Editor
November 13, 2024
In the end, Concert for the Carolinas was just that, a once in a lifetime evening that fans appreciated and cherished, one that everyone at attendance hopes will never have to happen again.
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Episode 13 – High school students and part time jobs

Join Host, Mia Kirsch (‘25), and guests Conner Shelton (‘25), Chance Orsi (‘25) and Callie Hobbs (‘25) as they discuss everything related to school students having (or not having) part time jobs.
Mia Kirsch, Conner Shelton, and Callie Hobbs
October 27, 2024

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CSD Class of ‘25 seniors, from left: Logan Cain, Aidan Lewis, Jack Parrot, Bo Watson, Owen Hamilton, Conner Shelton, Collin Klebe, Colby Thompson, Jack Suthard, Ben Gallagher, Jett Kerber ('24 CSD graduate) and Noah Watson. The group had a guys dinner before their last Homecoming dance on Saturday (and asked Taylor Worley to take a photo). They filled an extra long table at Hawthorne’s Pizza.

Photo story – Spartans show up and show out at Homecoming

CSD’s Homecoming 2024 in words and pictures
Elena Cunningham, Mia Kirsch, Ben Gallagher, Conner Shelton, and Brandon Amaya
October 27, 2024

In late October, as students settle into the rhythm of the new school year, finish fall sports seasons and wait impatiently for the holiday season (which still seems far away), Homecoming festivities at...

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At the beginning of the season, the sight of anything Panthers-related made fans instantly unhappy. With the addition of new coaches and players plus a quarterback swap, Panthers fans have renewed hope heading as the 2024-2025 season gains traction.

A new hope in Carolina?

With a new coach, great new players, and a quarterback change, there is a new energy around the Carolinas Panthers football
Conner Shelton, Sports Editor, Podcast Editor
October 22, 2024
With a quarterback change and a win, there is more energy throughout the whole organization. Panther fans have hope for the future. Carolina has a great young coach and players who now bring the energy back to Carolina Panther football. The fans are even bringing back the old mantra from Panther great Sam Mills: “Keep Pounding.”
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For the CSD Spartans football team, it might seem like the weather has more to do with the schedule anything else this season. Hurricane Helene joins a thunder and lightning storm game postponement in a season that so far has been anything but normal.

Hut, hut, hurricane

Hurricane Helene blowing through Charlotte is just the latest twist in a (so far) unusual CSD Spartan football season
Conner Shelton, Sports Editor, Podcast Editor
September 27, 2024

When hurricane Helene came ashore Thursday night, September 26th, as the biggest storm ever to hit Florida’s “Big Bend” area, CSD’s football game against Mountain Island Charter had already been...

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Junior, Sam Mack’s (‘26) jersey and pads sitting outside the gym mean one thing, fall sports are back. With more than 150 athletes competing across nearly a half dozen sports, fall Spartans head into battle.

Fall sports back in action

Spartan fall athletes begin their seasons
Brandon Amaya, Dylan Sherman, and Conner Shelton
September 23, 2024

With the new school year comes a new fall sports season.The CSD Spartans compete in the Catawba Shores Conference (Class 1A and 2A) of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA). All...

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This year was a busy one for student journalist, Callie Hobbs. As both a Sports Editor and Opinions Editor, she learned to use the power of her voice in stories, podcasts and photo stories on the Spartan Sentinel.

[Photo] Sharing my voice

Callie Hobbs, Sports Editor and Opinions Editor
May 20, 2024

This year was a busy one for student journalist, Callie Hobbs. As both a Sports Editor and Opinions Editor, she learned to use the power of her voice in stories, podcasts and photo stories on the Spartan...

A 1976 Yale women’s rowing protest opened doors for women athletes. High schools like CSD now offer equal opportunities for girls to play the sports they love.

Yale women’s rowing protest remembered

How a bold protest on the water led to a change in women’s sports everywhere
Conner Shelton, Sports Editor and Podcast Editor
May 15, 2024

With the Civil Rights Movement, increasing women’s rights, political unrest and the start of the Vietnam War all happening at once in the 1960’s, the general behavior and acceptance in the United States...

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Episode 12 – NFL Draft Talk (before and after) with Noah, Ben and Conner

In segments recorded both before and after the NFL Draft, student journalists (and sports experts) Noah Roberson, Ben Gallagher and Conner Shelton get together and both before and after the 2024 NFL Draft to make predictions, talk about teams, review players and then look back on the happenings.
Conner Shelton, Noah Roberson, and Ben Gallagher
May 5, 2024

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As she led her Iowa Hawkeyes to back-to-back NCAA Championship appearances and set the NCAA all-time scoring record, Caitlin Clark attracted more male viewers to a more exciting style of basketball.

The Caitlin Clark effect

Over the past few years, one athlete, the all-time NCAA college basketball scoring leader, Caitlin Clark, has greatly changed the landscape of female sports. Her career at Iowa was one for the ages however her story doesn’t just end there. Now a member of the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark has the potential to become one of the greatest women's athletes of all time, breaking records humans have never seen and gaining viewership (and respect) for all current and future women athletes.
Conner Shelton, Sports Editor and Podcast Editor
May 4, 2024

Caitlin Clark runs off of a screen from her teammate in a conference game against Michigan State with five seconds left on a ticking clock. She calls for the ball, pump fakes her shot, then dribbles to...

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Episode 11 – A season to remember – CSD’S Lady Basketball Spartans look back

Journalist Callie Hobbs sits down with seniors Molly Feighery and Allison DeLay plus coach Matt Forrest to look back on a remarkable and extraordinary Community School of Davidson basketball season.
Callie Hobbs, Conner Shelton, and Isabel Sands
April 10, 2024

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There is no proven way to get a perfect bracket so why not go with your gut or pick games and teams using whatever strategy makes you feel confident.

They call it March Madness for a reason

Bracketology and picking more than 60 games is just as hard as it seems.
Conner Shelton, Sports Editor and Podcast Editor
March 21, 2024

The end-of-season college basketball tournament is a basketball fan's dream come true. For fans there is nothing better than a ton of games, upsets and most of all filling out the tournament bracket with...

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Originally pictured in Spartan Park’s initial 2017 plans, construction of the long awaited and anticipated baseball field is nearing completion. If progress continues on schedule, both the junior, varsity and varsity teams will play home games on the brand new field before season end.

If you build it, they will come

CSD’S Spartan Park baseball field is about to become a reality
Conner Shelton
March 17, 2024

When CSD first began the construction of Spartan Park in 2017, planners had the dream of allowing student-athletes to be able to play the sports they love in an amazing complex that they could call home.  During...

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Episode 10 – Shining a new light on Electric Vehicle charging

Join CSD junior, Kate Saussele, as she chats with her dad, an automotive electrical engineer and solar powered proponent, about the differences between gas and electrical, powered vehicles, how the purchase of a used EV is changing their lives and how solar charging could become a more accessible and affordable way to keep your EV on the road in the future.
Kate Saussele, Conner Shelton, and Isabel Sands
February 22, 2024

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There’s nothing like Carolina and Duke when it comes to rivalries. And when the basketball teams face each other, team supporters show their colors.

The clash of the blue bloods

It’s the biggest rivalry in the Carolinas and CSD Spartans show their colors as the next chapter of the clash of the blue bloods looms.
Conner Shelton, Sports Editor and Podcast Editor
February 22, 2024

UNC and Duke is arguably one of the greatest rivalries in all of sports. It is right up there with the Red Sox and Yankees baseball plus Auburn and Alabama football. Across the Carolinas, as the NCAA basketball...

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What’s your take on Valentine’s Day? From head to toe, journalists give answers (and pictures) of the holiday.

Photo story – The look of love

A (photo story) answers Valentine’s Day questions within CSD high school
Ava Jordan, Callie Hobbs, Evan Mulligan, Conner Shelton, Ben Gallagher, and Noah Roberson
February 20, 2024

Paired with images from Valentine’s Day at school, students chose to answer one of the following questions in the captions. Why do you think Valentine’s Day is associated with the heart? Love...

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Candy is often associated with Valentine’s Day but for CSD student journalists the holiday has different meanings entirely.

It’s not about the candy

Student journalists reflect on a holiday with mixed personal significance
Ben Gallagher, Ava Jordan, Noah Roberson, Isabel Sands, Callie Hobbs, Evan Mulligan, and Conner Shelton
February 20, 2024

Valentine's Day is a polarizing day. For those in relationships, it is an excuse to have fun with your significant other and to show your appreciation for them. For those who are not in relationships,...

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Episode 9 – Super Bowl 58 – Fun Facts, Getting to the Game, Predictions and more

Conner Shelton, Isabel Sands, Ben Gallagher, and Cade Lacy
February 7, 2024

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A shocked Luke Wetherbee (‘26) sees the score of the Packers vs. Cowboys game.

2024 Super Wildcard Weekend lives up to the hype

Ben Gallagher and Conner Shelton
January 25, 2024

The NFl's Super Wild Card Weekend is one of the craziest few days of the season. Six hungry teams face off for spots in the Divisional Round and every player puts it all on the line.  The Baltimore Ravens...

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New Year’s Day determines if the selection committee gets it right. The top four teams play in the two biggest bowl games.

After a shocking bracket reveal, it’s time for college football playoffs to take center stage

Conner Shelton, Sports Editor and Podcast Editor
December 19, 2023

Championship Saturday is one of the most anticipated college game days of the year. There are teams trying to win a conference championship (some for the first time) and others trying to improve the rankings...

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Episode 8 – Spartans Review – The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

Join student journalists Isabel Sands, Callie Hobbs and Ava Jordan (with original episode music by Allison Gottlieb) for a review of the latest Hunger Games release.
Isabel Sands, Conner Shelton, Callie Hobbs, and Ava Jordan
December 17, 2023

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The Carolina Panthers are the worst team in the NFL. as the owner just fired another head coach. It shouldn’t be a surprise that a football and a trash can go hand-in-hand this season.

Keep “pounding?”

The Carolina Panthers are the worst team in the NFL and their owner just fired another head coach. What’s the problem? Who is to blame?
Conner Shelton, Sports Editor and Podcast Editor
December 7, 2023

Another year and another Panthers head coach has been fired. This time Frank Reich has left the front of the line.  While the Panthers highly anticipated 2023 season has been an absolute disaster, Panthers...

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The Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce relationship is attracting a new breed of bracelet loving, finger nail painted fan to the sport of football.

Taylor Swift tackles….football?

Conner Shelton, Sports Editor and Podcast Editor
November 3, 2023

The Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce relationship is attracting a new breed of bracelet loving, finger nail painted fan to the sport of football.

Spartan Specific – Episode 7 – Israel, Hamas and the Gaza Strip

Conner Shelton, Isabel Sands, and Evan Mulligan
December 2, 2023

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Oliver Morris (‘25) evades a tackle as he makes his way into the end zone to give the Spartans a score against Country Day.

The “Rematch”

CSD football looks to avenge their only loss and continue to advance further into the playoffs.
Conner Shelton, Sports Editor and Podcast Editor
November 15, 2023

It’s one thing for a football team to travel to a visitor’s field and win once, it’s another thing to do it twice. If the Spartans have anything to say about Forest Hill coming to Spartan Park to...

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They always popular “Spartan Specific”Halloween episode kicks off our second year. Listen and learn all things about the spookiest, scariest holiday on the calendar.

“Spartan Specific” Podcast – THE Halloween episode is LIVE!

Conner Shelton, Isabel Sands, Ben Gallagher, Evan Mulligan, Ava Jordan, Callie Hobbs, Cade Lacy, and Noah Roberson
October 26, 2023

The second year of the “Spartan Specific” podcast kicks off with our always popular Halloween episode. Learn about costumes (who is wearing what), candy, movies,, the best places to trick-or-treat...

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It’s here (again) for ‘24 – ‘25 – Spartan Specific – give us a listen?!?!

CSD’s award-winning podcast returns for year 3 with new staff, new topics, new energy and new awesomeness.
Mia Kirsch and Conner Shelton
October 26, 2023

This is Spartan Specific, the first student written and produced podcast at CSD. Coming to you from Davidson, North Carolina, Spartan Specific is the voice of the Community School of Davidson High School....

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Many say the first week of fall is one of the most enjoyable at CSD. In the week leading up to Homecoming, CSD has a Spirit Week full of theme days, a packed football game and the first school dance of the year.

Spirit Week and CSD Homecoming 2023 – A week that was Spartantastic

Ben Gallagher, Ava Jordan, Evan Mulligan, Callie Hobbs, Isabel Sands, Conner Shelton, Noah Roberson, and Cade Lacy
October 3, 2023

Many say the first week of fall is one of the most enjoyable times at CSD. In the week leading up to Homecoming, CSD has a Spirit Week full of theme days, a packed football game and the first school dance...

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GUTS is exactly what the title says. It is everything about Rodrigo that she has kept hidden inside. Some songs may be about failed relationships, but others are about the struggles of not being taken seriously as a girl, or discovering that your decisions are, well, your decisions. (Image by Conner Shelton and fair use album cover credit - Geffen Records)

[Photo] Olivia Rodrigo’s new album has “GUTS”

Isabel Sands, Arts & Entertainment Editor and Podcast Editor
October 2, 2023

GUTS is exactly what the title says. It is everything about Rodrigo that she has kept hidden inside. Some songs may be about failed relationships, but others are about the struggles of not being taken...

Colorado Buffalo head coach, Deion Sanders, celebrates a great play in a week one contest against TCU

Coach Prime is back in action

Deion Sanders, former NFL defensive back/receiver and MLB outfielder, has taken the sports world by storm (again) over the past couple of months.
Conner Shelton, Sports Editor and Podcast Editor
September 26, 2023

Over the past few years the Colorado Buffaloes have fielded very weak football teams. The last time they were ranked in the AP Top 25 was 2020. And that was for just one week. All of this was bound to...

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The flags that surround the World History classroom serve as a reminder that the world Is open for student travel, especially during summer.

[Photo] Summer is the time for student travel

May 23, 2023

The flags that surround the World History classroom serve as a reminder that the world Is open for student travel, especially during summer.

Senior women’s soccer player, Cameron Koster, was the first Class of ‘23 Spartan athlete to sign a national letter of intent.

Cameron and company – CSD’s Class of ‘23 Spartan athletes set a huge recruiting mark

Conner Shelton and Ben Gallagher
May 22, 2023

When senior soccer player, Cameron Koster, signed her national letter of intent to play women’s soccer at Troy University back in the fall, no one knew that this would be the start of something great...

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The 2023 NFL draft’s first overall pick, Bryce Young, stands onstage with the commissioner on draft day in Kansas City.

Football surprises in Kansas City – a “Top Five” analysis of the 2023 NFL draft

Conner Shelton, Sports Editor
May 8, 2023

This year’s 2023 NFL draft took place in Kansas City, Missouri, home of Patrick Mahomes and the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs.  With no clear first pick this draft was full of surprises and...

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Kaycee Mullally (‘24) enjoys her learning lab time studying and catching up on homework to maintain good grades in her classes. Learning labs are open blocks during the CSD school day built into student schedules to help them learn time management and stay current with academics. “It gives me the chance to get ahead of my classwork,” Kaycee Mullally (‘24) said. “I also like to use the opportunity of a free period to go visit my friends.”

[Photo] Spartan 24 – A day at CSD high school (Photo Essay)

Ben Gallagher, Editor in Chief
April 30, 2023

Kaycee Mullally (‘24) enjoys her learning lab time studying and catching up on homework to maintain good grades in her classes. Learning labs are open blocks during the CSD school day built into student...

You know it is spring sports season when backpacks overflow with bats, cleats, lacrosse sticks and helmets.

CSD sports roll into spring looking Spartan strong

Conner Shelton and Ben Gallagher
March 28, 2023

Now in the third spring season after Covid, the CSD Spartans compete in the Catawba Shores Conference (Class 1A and 2A) of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA). 1A teams are Langtree...

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After months and months of waiting, Season 3 of the Netflix series OBX will again feature storylines and cliffhangers courtesy of the Kooks and the Pogues.

Storms on the horizon! Outer Banks (Season 3) finally drops.

Conner Shelton, Sports Editor
February 20, 2023

If you have watched the first two seasons of the Netflix series Outer Banks then you know how many cliffhangers the show dishes out to viewers. In fact, almost every storyline has more twists and turns...

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Fly, Eagles, Fly! Do they have what it takes to win a second title in five years. What about the 49ers, Bills or Bengals?

Are you ready for some (NFL playoff) football?

Conner Shelton, Sports Editor
January 14, 2023

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Pack the stands! CSD Spartans winter sports overview

Conner Shelton and Sinclair Berry
December 11, 2022

The banners hanging in the gym are just one of reminders of Spartan athletic spirit.

Does playing at a bigger (or better) high school help your chances of playing a sport in college?

Conner Shelton, Sports Editor
November 21, 2022

The goal of playing college athletics is essential for many high school students as they look to continue their athletic careers. Believe it or not, the size of the high school you attend can affect what...

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CSD football, with the hopes of winning conference (and more), is coming after you.

Set to score – Fall season Spartans back in action

Conner Shelton, Emma Davis, and Sinclair Berry
October 12, 2022

The CSD Spartans compete in the Catawba Shores Conference (Class 1A and 2A) of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA). 1A teams are Langtree Charter, Bradford Prep, Mt. Island Charter...

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