The Flames’ season opener was a tough one as they ran into a real buss-saw as Toccoa Falls College easily handled WC, 90-55.
The game started out close, but soon got out of hand as the Eagles’ half-court pressure and fast-breaks dominated the Flames. TFC seemed to be running on all cylinders while the Flames never could get going, turning the ball over 19 times in the first half.
Although Welch allowed 58 points in the first half, one bright spot was that they were able to play even in the second half, being outscored by only three points and reducing their turnovers to just four.
The Flames were led by newcomer, Chris Simon, with 17 points. Carson Outlaw added 12. Lim Chol led Welch with nine rebounds and Simon had eight.
The Flames travel to St. Louis for a pair of games next Thursday and Friday.
October 20, 2014. Two years ago, Coach Larry Bryan believed that the 2014-15 season would be a special one. The Welch fans were able to witness some of that Monday evening as the Lady Flames easily disposed of Truett-McConnell’s JV, 69-40.
The game started out slowly as neither team could find the basket. Midway through the first half, the Flames had a meager 10-4 lead. But, then Welch went on a scoring run, led by freshman Claire Ryan, to take a 30-18 lead into the locker room.
The second half was much like the first, but the Flames were able to maintain the momentum they had in the first half and extend their lead while pressuring TMC into rushing their shots. And, because of that pressure, the Flames were able to push the ball up the court on offense, allowing them a number of open looks because of some excellent passing.
“I knew this would be an exciting freshman class,” said Coach Bryan. “I have been anticipating their arrival for a long time. It is fun to watch them mesh with our returnees. I was really proud of the way we played as a team. We still have things to work on, but this was a good start.”
All of the Flames got into the scoring column with Ryan leading the way with 16 points. There was also balance on the boards as four Flames grabbed seven rebounds apiece. Jessie Melvin and Ashton Johnson dished out six and five assists, respectively.
Welch’s next game will be on October 31st when they host Toccoa Falls College. Game time is set for 3:00pm.
Ashley Lockert has been named Welch College Head Volleyball Coach, according to Athletic Director Gary Turner. Lockert is a 2007 Welch College graduate and one of only a few volleyball players to have competed all four years as a member of the Flames.
As a student at Welch, in addition to volleyball, Lockert was involved in several areas of campus life. She was a student council representative, Charlotte Bronte Society Events Coordinator, Assistant Director of Musicals, and Concert Choir President.
Lockert has two things critical for success–a love of volleyball and a love for Welch College. She is determined to come in and advance the program. “I love volleyball,” Lockert stated. “Being able to return to my alma mater in this new position is very exciting. I am truly honored and humbled by this opportunity.”
“I am looking forward to working with Coach Lockert,” said Gary Turner. “Her enthusiasm and knowledge of the sport will definitely continue moving our program in the right direction.”
Lockert is currently a legal assistant/paralegal at Feeney & Murray P.C. She enjoys spending time with her family as well as musical theatre and “play” with the Cheatham County Community Theatre.
Ashley is married to Will Lockert, and they have two sons, Liam and Loghan. They attend Bethlehem Free Will Baptist Church where they are youth leaders and Ashley teaches pre-school children’s church.
Barry Simpson was recently named the Head Golf Coach for Welch College. After three years without a program, Simpson accepted the challenge to bring varsity golf back to Welch College.
He has hit the ground running, having met with current student-athletes who plan to play golf and has been on the recruiting trail as well, working hard to put together a solid team for the fall.
“This definitely wasn’t something I had thought about doing,” said Simpson. “But, when Gary (Turner) presented the idea, I was intrigued with the opportunity. I am really looking forward to the fall.”
“When we lost Coach (Sam) Horne after just one season, I was disappointed, to say the least,” said Gary Turner, WC Athletic Director. “I wanted someone who knows golf and understands Welch College. Barry will bring stability to our golf program and take it in the right direction. I am excited for what he is going to do for Welch College.
Simpson was born in Kansas City, KS and raised in Shawnee, KS, a suburb of Kansas City. After graduating from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in 1977, he served 4 years active duty in the United States Marine Corps. He attended Welch College from 1981-1986 graduating magna cum laude with a BA in Pastoral Administration. He served on the pastoral staff of New Hope Free Will Baptist Church in Joelton, TN for 22 years (1984-2006), 16 of which as Senior Pastor. He served as Director of Development for 4 years (2007-2010) at Free Will Baptist International Mission in Nashville, TN.
Currently, Simpson resides in Joelton, TN with his wife of 31 years, Jena Carrington Simpson and serves as Senior Pastor at the Heads Free Will Baptist Church in Cedar Hill, TN
Collyn Carter recently signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Welch College for the 2014-2015 school year. The 5’3” guard had a stellar high school career topped off by leading her team to the Alabama Christian Education Athletic Association, Division II championship game and being named tournament MVP.
During her senior year, the Decatur, Alabama, native had some very impressive statistics – averaging 14 points per game. She also led her team in assists, rebounds, and steals. For her career, she scored over 1,000 points.
“We are very excited to have Collyn join the Lady Flames for many reasons,” said Welch College coach Larry Bryan. “She is talented, athletic, energetic, and she loves to play the game. She is a person of character, a hard worker, a coach’s dream. Most high school players have to adjust to the shot clock, a faster-paced game and better competition at the college level and it won’t be any different for Collyn. What I like is her ability to tackle most any challenge. Her playing experience will help make the adjustment easier. We expect her to help us at both guard positions. I don’t think you can have too many players like Collyn. She is a welcome addition to the Flames’ program.”
Collyn will be a third generation student at Welch College, following her mother, Kelly (Carnes) Carter and grandmother, Linda (Kelly) Carnes.
Following in her father’s footsteps, Claire Ryan will continue her basketball career as a member of the Welch College Flames this coming fall. Ryan’s father, Brad, was a star for Welch from 1990-1994 and is one of four former Flames to have his jersey retired. Ryan’s mother, Tommie Jo, also attended Welch College. Claire signed a letter of intent on April 11, 2014.
Ryan had a stellar career for Mount Vernon Township High School in Mount Vernon, Illinois. The 5’8” point guard averaged 8.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game for Coach Jeff Lonnon. The Lady Rams were conference champions in 2013 and 2014 with Ryan at the helm, and she was rewarded by being named All-Conference Honorable Mention both years. She also is a good shooter knocking down 24 three-pointers while shooting 38% from the field.
“I have known that Claire was a ‘player’ for several years,” said Flames’ coach Larry Bryan. “She is an outstanding addition to our program and I am really looking forward to working with her. Her experience and leadership will make us a much better team. I want to acknowledge (assistant coach) Katie (Bryan) as a key in Claire’s recruitment.”
