CHS Men's Soccer and Ladies' Volleyball Teams Open Season with Wins, Band Prepares to Entertain

Cherryville, NC (WNN) - The fall sports season has begun, and both the men's soccer and women's volleyball teams have opened the season with wins. The other Fall teams will begin soon. These athletes are not the only ones who have been hard at work this summer; the Ironmen marching band has been diligently preparing for their halftime show for the upcoming football season, which begins August 21 at home, as well as for marching band contest season.

Men's Soccer

The Ironmen soccer team hit the home pitch on August 12, 2026, in their home opener against Sugar Creek Charter. Former ladies' and men's tennis coach, Brandon Shull, has taken over the head coaching duties and is assisted by Matthew Strother. They enter the 2026 season looking to improve on a tough 2025 season, in which they had only one win. Wednesday's victory was a huge step toward that goal as the Ironmen downed Sugar Creek Charter 3-2. Some talent was lost to graduation from last season's team; however, leading scorer Cole Kelly has returned, along with several new faces. 

The Cherryville Ironmen Men's Soccer Team practicing - Cherryville, NC - August 7, 2026

Mason Beam (WNN)

The match was a standoff for almost half of the first period before Sugar Creek hit their first goal at the 29:20 mark. Two minutes later, at 27:20, Arturo Lopez tied the match for Cherryville. Lopez was performing well before being sidelined with an ankle injury. At 25:22, Sugar Creek went up 2-1. Cole Kelly then picked up where he left off last season as he tied the score with 14:45 left in the first half. The score stayed tied for much of the final period, until Cole Kelly scored again at the 6:16 mark to give CHS a 3-2 lead. Cole would score again at 2:15, but it was nullified due to a violation. The Ironmen held on to win the match 3-2 and begin the season with a 1-0 non-conference record. They have another non-conference matchup on August 17 at Langtree Charter Academy. 

Several players had productive performances. Cole Kelly scored 2 goals, 4 points, and took 4 shots on goal. Isaiah Costner had 1 assist, took 2 shots, and earned 1 point. Arturo Lopez scored 1 goal, 2 points, and took 2 shots. Alex Alvarez earned 1 point with 1 assist. Izaiah Mercado took 1 shot, and goalkeeper Ethan Johnsen made 8 saves on 10 opponent shots on goal and had 2 goals against.

Lady Ironmen Volleyball

The Lady Ironmen volleyball team had a historic 2025 season, with several players setting school records and Coach Leigh Kiser surpassing the 200-career-win mark to become the winningest volleyball coach in Gaston County history. The team went deeper into the playoffs than any previous team, advancing to the third round with a 16-10 record. Things looked different heading into this season. Coach Kiser took a medical retirement, and 8 seniors graduated, many of them starters. Athletic Director Matt Powers, along with assistants Abby Owens and Allison Raines, stepped in to fill those shoes. Fortunately, some of the foundation remained from the previous team. Seniors Kate Mulvey, Mallie Emerson, Amber Brittain, and Sophie Williams, along with juniors Taylor Hudson and sophomore Mary Ellis Upchurch, return to bring experience and chemistry. 

The Cherryville Ironmen Volleyball Team Practicing - Nixon Gym - Cherryville, NC - August 7, 2026

Mason Beam (WNN)

Cherryville opened the season on the road in Gastonia on August 11 against the 5A Hunter Huss Lady Huskies. The LadyLady Ironmen picked up right where they left off last season. They downed Huss 3-2. The night didn't begin well as the Lady Huskies took the first two sets 25-19 and 25-20. Cherryville settled down and won the next three sets 25-21, 25-17, and 15-6. They showed grit and resilience in the comeback win.

The home opener for the Lady Ironmen was August 13th as they hosted the Lady Green Wave of Ashbrook. CHS won the first set 25-17, and Ashbrook captured the second 25-21. The Lady Ironmen play home matches in Nixon Gym, which is not air-conditioned. They are acclimated to the conditions, yet many opponents are not. Ashbrook seemed to wither as the night went on and Cherryville won the final two matches, 25-18 and 25-14. The 3-1 victory gives the Lady Ironmen an overall record of 2-0. They will open conference play at home on Tuesday, August 18. The JV team will play at 4:30 pm, and varsity is scheduled for 6:00 pm in Nixon Gym.

CHS Marching Ironmen

Members of the Ironmen marching band endured long, hot, sweaty days in July as they went through band camp in preparation for the upcoming marching season. "Dragon Hunt" is the program they will present during halftime of football games and during marching band contests. The band plays an important role during home football games, energizing and motivating the fans and players. Think of them as the liaison of a support system that helps increase fan enthusiasm and transfer it to the team through music and vocal support. The cheer team helps in this role as well, working in tandem, they are vital to keeping the fans involved in the game, which in turn helps motivate and encourage the players.

Band students during band camp

The Cherryville Ironmen Marching Band

The marching Ironmen are no strangers to awards, having won several first-place finishes last season. Recently, Director Cole Crawford was presented with an award for the band from last season. They were recognized as a program of distinction by the North Carolina Music Educators Association. 

On August 8, the band students held a carwash at the Cherryville Fire Department. The CFD has also been gracious in the past, allowing the students to set up car washes in their parking lot. Wise News Network was on hand with a live video to help spread the word as the band worked toward their goal of $2500. The final total was not immediately available, but at last count, they were very close to reaching their goal. The money will be used toward travel expenses, uniforms, equipment, etc. 

Once again this year, the band will host an Ironmen Marching Band Alumni night on September 18. All former band members are invited to participate during the football game that night as the Ironmen host the Golden Lions of Shelby. Deadline for signing up is September 11. 

Notes

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