Notes: Deep Run baseball coach resigns

Deep Run departure

Baseball coach Grant Odell is stepping down after starting the program at Deep Run High in 2003.

"I've decided it's time to spend time with my family," Odell, 52, said.

Odell has a daughter who plays basketball and softball about to enter Deep Run and another daughter not far behind.

"I want to focus my time and energy in the direction that puts my wife and family first," he said.

Odell has coached for 25 years. He was an assistant at Manchester High before taking the head coaching position at Matoaca. He coached the Warriors for eight years before taking the Deep Run job.

His teams have compiled an overall record of 219-149. Deep Run (with current ACC pitcher of the year Deck McGuire) was the state runner-up in 2007. The Wildcats' were the region runners-up this year and lost at West Springfield in the quarterfinals, a game in which Odell did not coach.

"It's been a pleasure working with the players, administration and community in starting a first rate program," Odell said. "The program has accomplished great things, and I truly believe a cornerstone has been laid for future success."

Odell will continue in his earth science teaching position at Deep Run. He also will continue as a coach for the Central Region team that competes in the Commonwealth Games baseball team.

"Thanks to my family, the players, parents, fans and school for all their support," he added.

Jersey retired

Amid all of the accolades volleyball star Kristin Carpenter has received this school year is a first at Hanover High that doesn't happen at every high school.

Carpenter's volleyball jersey and number (5) were retired.

Hanover activities director Bob Stratton said it was a good way to recognize Carpenter's accomplishments since the school was too young (six years old) to have a Wall or Hall of Fame.

Carpenter is headed to Penn State University where she will wear No. 5 for the back-to-back national champions. Despite her numerous offensive skills, she likely will be the Nittany Lions' libero, a passing and defensive position.

They said it

Times-Dispatch/Sports Backers Scholar-Athletes of the Year Carpenter and Ben DeJarnette of Atlee were asked at the annual banquet Monday who they turned to when things didn't go right:

"My sister Kasey [a 2004 Atlee grad who was an all-region and All-Metro setter] is probably the biggest mentor that I've had," Carpenter said. "When I was little, I always wanted to be her. She's a great person and a great athlete. I look up to her even though she's shorter than me. I go to her for everything."

Said DeJarnette, "Track is definitely a sport with peaks and valleys. My parents certainly know it hasn't been all winning. When I was going through injury troubles and sickness, they are the ones who were always with me. . . . And Virginia is one of the best states for distance running so you get beat. My teammates and Coach [Jim] Triemplar were always there, too."

Bates is Parade A-A

Thomas Dale soccer star Will Bates can add Parade All-American to his list of honors this season.

Bates and the rest of the boys and girls teams will appear in Parade magazine tomorrow.

A forward and member of the U.S. Junior National team, Bates was the Central District and Central Region player of the year. He also was named the Gatorade state player of the year. - Arthur Utley