Special to Iredell Free News

High school baseball and softball are off and running in the Iredell-Statesville School District.

On Tuesday night, the South Iredell Vikings Varsity and JV teams began the season with a hotdog supper and motivational speech from former NFL Carolina Panthers player Leonard Wheeler. Wheeler shared a message of trust, teamwork and goal setting with the players. He told the athletes that life is about setting and reaching small personal goals daily.

The athletes were joined by middle school baseball and softball players from Troutman Middle, North View School and Mt. Mourne School.

Athletic booster parent Fawn Hahnenburg said she was happy to start the season on a positive note. ”

Getting the season of on the right foot is so important. Our student athletes notice and appreciate when they are supported by the community, and we are looking forward to a successful season. Winning doesn’t just take place on the field, but we’re looking forward to that too!”