Rutherford Weekly

Teagan Hill of Rutherfordton defi nitely hopes to return to Lake Imogene at Isothermal Community with the American Jet Ski Association (AJSA) series for another racing competition. The 15-year-old R-S Central student was among 78 racers competing at the summer series event held the weekend of August 12. Approximately 2,000 spectators watched the inaugural AJSA event. Teagan is a 6X national, 4X world champion, current points leader in the Premier Pro 1050 class and it was his father Brad Hill who helped secure the venue at Isothermal. "The race at ICC was defi nitely one to remember. There was a lot of tight battles and great racing going on everywhere. It was nice to have a race in my hometown because a lot of people I knew came to watch. It was defi nitely my favorite race site. There were many factors that made the ICC race such a fun one," Teagan said. Brad Hill, who owns JBH Enterprises (contracting company) in Rutherford County is AJSA's Chief of Race Operations. "Our area is a great place with many things to do and see, and (brought) some exciting jet ski racing to Spindale," Brad said. "As a resident of Rutherford County, I am excited to share this amazing community with my race family and friends." Brad helps fi nd venues for AJSA so he traveled to the headquarters of AJSA in Chattanooga, TN to invite the association to consider coming to Rutherford County. "With a common interest in bringing racing back to the Southeast of the country, we contacted them and gave them some venues where we could host the regional racing here and they agreed. An ICC alumni, Brad said "I knew the background and I knew ICC would be a good place to race." He contacted one of the college's vice presidents and acquaintance Stephen Matheny and inquired about the possibility. "I ran this crazy idea by him and a few minutes later he called back and said 'we are in'." "They were generous enough to give us a very reasonable rate to rent the facility and were amazing to work with." "Part of Isothermal's mission is to connect the community with diverse cultural experiences, so we are very pleased to be able to host such an exciting event," said Dr. Margaret Annunziata, Isothermal's president. Brad said all the sponsors, Rutherford County Sheriff's Department, Rutherford County Tourism and Spindale Police Department 'were so absolutely amazing to work with." Others also showed up to help during the three days. "They were at our disposal anytime we needed them," he said. Brad, who serves as the Chairman of the Board for Church of the Exceptional, also said he approached Rutherford Life Services (RLS) about being the recipient of race proceeds. "Proceeds from Friday's corporate challenge races went to the local charity, which was the RLS which is dear to my heart." Brad said many of those who attend the Church of the Exceptional are also clients at RLS. "We also approached them to see if they had any members who would like to jet ski," Brad said. "After working out a plan with them, we got members to ride a jet ski with a co-pilot and they raced for timed laps on Friday afternoon," he said. They loved it." "This was one of the most fun races we've had all year," said Keith McAfee, AJSA's chief partnership offi cer. "I hold the distinct honor to be the fi rst to ever ride a jet ski on that lake. Continued on page 3. YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS SOURCE! YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS SOURCE! ISSUE NO. 34 • August 24, 2023 ISSUE NO. 34 • August 24, 2023 • • RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408 RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408 LOCAL LOCAL Al Always ways POSITIVE POSITIVE Al Always ways N.C. TRACTOR & FARM SUPPLY 299 Railroad Ave., Rutherfordton • 828-288-0395 Mobile: 828-429-5008 • mf1dpshehan@gmail.com SALES • SERVICE • PARTS IF YOU BUY ANYWHERE ELSE YOU WILL PAY TOO MUCH! IF YOU BUY ANYWHERE ELSE YOU WILL PAY TOO MUCH! PROUDLY SERVING RUTHERFORD, CLEVELAND, GASTON, LINCOLN, POLK COUNTIES AS THE AREAS HOMETOWN MASSEY FERGUSON DEALER. Great Selection Great Selection Our 31 st Year • Over 25,000 Weekly Readers Article by Jean Gordon. Photos by Pat Nanney & Contributed. AJSA hosts its Ðirst race at Lake Imogene AJSA hosts its Ðirst race at Lake Imogene Brad Hill, chief of race operations for the AJSA presented exhibitions. Marilla Okpych had her fi rst experience ever on a jet ski Saturday. She said it was a wonderful experience. This client (front) from Rutherford Life Services (RLS) had an opportunity to ride a jet ski. All proceeds from the event were given to RLS. Teagan Hill, 6X National, 4X World Champion, current point leader in the Premier Pro 1050 Class, racing across Lake Imogene. Spectators, family, racers hoping for a return

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