Young Harris/Franklin Springs, Ga. | A pair of Conference Carolinas rivals separated by 84 miles looks to embark on a journey to hoist college athletics' newest trophy as Emmanuel University and Young Harris College compete in the inaugural installment of The Roar War rivalry series!
The Lions and Mountain Lions will compete throughout the year in 17 sports, utilizing a points system awarding on-field success and community service efforts. The trophy, named the Lions Cup, will be awarded to the winning school at its end of year banquet.
THE BREAKDOWN
0.5 points will be awarded to the school with the most three-point field goals made (M/W Basketball) and strikeouts (Baseball/Softball) when competing against each other.
1 point will be awarded for regular season HOME victories
1.5 points will be awarded for regular season AWAY victories
2 points will be awarded for postseason victories AND the highest finish in the Men's/Women's Track, Cross Country, and Golf Conference Tournament.
3 points will be awarded to the school with the most cumulative community service hours (M/W Basketball, Baseball, Softball)
LIONS TALK ROAR WAR
NATE MOORMAN, Vice President for Athletics, Emmanuel
"We're excited about the new Roar War rivalry with our friends at Young Harris. This is a great opportunity, not only to celebrate high level divisional competitions but also to showcase the sportsmanship and collegiality which is a pillar of Conference Carolinas."
AARON BESSEY, Athletic Director, Young Harris
"First off, a huge shoutout to our external team and Nate's external team at Emmanuel for working behind the scenes to make this idea come to life. It's a win-win when you can partner with an in-state institution that shares similar values, while also providing more competitive motivation at the same time. This will be a fun rivalry series for our student-athletes, coaches, and community to participate in for years to come."
TJ ROSENE, Emmanuel Men's Basketball Coach
"It is always a lot of fun to compete with Young Harris. Every time we play it feels like a war. Both teams fight so hard and do it with class. I think we both dread but at the same time look forward to these games."
JEREMY CURRIER, Young Harris Men's Basketball Coach
"Credit to both Young Harris College and Emmanuel University administrations for moving forward in establishing the Roar War rivalry. The close proximity of the two campuses, both schools competing in the Conference Carolinas Southwest Division, and the intensity of the games will continue to captivate our passionate fans and enhance our student athlete experience."
SYDNE STOKER, Emmanuel Women's Soccer Senior
"The Women's Soccer team definitely has a chip on our shoulder when it comes to our matchup with Young Harris. I think we as a group agree that these upcoming matches against them will definitely be a challenge we're not afraid of. Let's #defendtheden"
LINDSEY HUFFMAN, Young Harris Women's Basketball Coach
"I think it's a great move to establish the Roar War rivalry. Since joining the Conference Carolinas, there has been an intensity and closeness in our competition with Emmanuel. This rivalry will bring added excitement for our players and fans!"
ELLIE JACKSON, Emmanuel Women's Volleyball Junior
"The Roar War will bring out the competitor in me, making the games against Young Harris more intense and give me a reminder as to why I love the game!"
CAM BLESHOY, Young Harris Men's Basketball Senior
"I think this matchup deserves a rivalry because we have tight and competitive games and are battling for the Southwest Division. It's exciting because every game against them is an important one. There's always a great environment whenever we play Emmanuel."
KENNETH BELLAMY, Emmanuel Softball Head Coach
"We are very excited for the Roar War as it will bring even more energy and passion to our series with Young Harris. Anytime we play Young Harris you know it's going to be a great game."
GRACIE HUGHES, Young Harris Softball Senior
"This rivalry is exciting because it's like the "Battle of the Cats" between the Mountain Lions and Lions! I always love playing Emmanuel because they're always competitive, fast-paced games where something crazy could happen no matter what."
TIM STARR, Men's Soccer Head Coach
"We are thrilled to be a part of The Roar War rivalry with Young Harris. Every match between our sides is a tight contest, and September 17 will be no different. It is sure to be a great matchup, and we will leave everything on the pitch to keep the Lions Cup at Stephens Field!"
JACK ENRICO, Young Harris Baseball Junior
"I think what excites me is that we have played some close ballgames against them for the last few years. That series always seems to come at the end of the year when the standings are starting to shape up and you really see what each win or loss can do to you. I would say a moment that stands out is beating them in the conference tournament semifinals because we had a bit of a bitter taste in our mouth after they prevented us from winning the regular season outright."
HUNTER PIRKLE, Emmanuel Baseball Junior
"The series against Young Harris is one that we all have circled on our calendar. They are a great program and push us to be better which makes us want to beat them more than others."
LILLY GRIFFITH, Young Harris Women's Basketball Senior
"Since entering Conference Carolinas our matchup against Emmanuel has always been a competitive and fun one to watch and play in. Being in the same division and being relatively close in location fosters a great opportunity for a rivalry. There seems to be a different level of intensity and grit showcased during these games, which leads to greater sense of achievement when we come out on top!"
Catch the inaugural Roar War between EU and YH Volleyball at Young Harris on September 16th! Follow the Roar War standings on each school's website or social media platform.
Young Harris College
yhcathletics.com
Social Media- @yhcathletics
Emmanuel University
goeulions.com
Social Media- @emmanuelathletics
