EDENTON SPORTING LIFE

Although Lauren Baker lived across the Chowan River in Askewville as a young girl she grew up watching the Edenton Steamers. Baker loved playing sports as a child. Sports was something that Lauren claimed “came naturally to her” and softball became her game of choice in college.  

Lauren’s love of the game and her overall knowledge of the sport was one of her strongest traits.

When Lauren had the opportunity to volunteer last season and become fully involved with the Steamers she took a swing at the chance and connected on a home run career. When the  Steamers were searching for a new General Manager they didn’t need to look far, Lauren was already on the bench and will lead the Steamers as their new, female GM, into the 2025 season.  

“I am so grateful for this opportunity to lead the Steamers and for the community”,  said Baker.  “Edenton is such a great place to become involved. Our community stays engaged throughout the year which makes it so special to be a part of.”

Baker didn’t just raise her hand and get the job. As a Columbia International University Alumna with a degree in Sports Management along with a successful college softball career her qualifications are stellar.   

Being a female in sports taught Baker about leadership and has helped her grow her career in sports management.  

“It has shaped me into who I am today,” said Baker. “As sports is evolving so are females in leadership roles in the industry.” Baker hopes to inspire the next generation of women to ‘get in the game’. She maintains a very positive attitude towards the game and points out the ‘nay sayers’ about women in key management positions in national sports is easing.  

She became a standout athlete for the CIU Rams, earning the 2023 Deb Thompson Award for her competitive excellence and selfless service. Senior year, Lauren posted a .402 batting average, helped her team to a runner-up finish at the NCCAA Softball World Series and was named to the All-Tournament team.

Lauren’s attitude and dedication towards the game, the players and overall success of the team, drives her to succeed.

When asked if she has visions of going to the Major Leagues, Lauren sits back, smiles and claims to be concentrating on home runs for Edenton.  

The Edenton Sailing Club christened a fleet of stunning refurbished Sunfish sailboats last Thursday evening as the club’s donors were recognized with rounds of applause, heartfelt thank yous, and a table of hot dogs, drinks and condiments.

Matt Womble welcomed the crowd and explained how the club had come to this point.  

“Donors donated the boats in 2022. We got a graphic artist, Anna Fizsimonsto donate her time and expertise because she is Brian's Fitzsimons’ daughter, offered Womble.  

Fitzsimons is an award winning animator who is credited with many major film work.  

“Annadonated generously to allow all of these names to come to life, which we cannow see on the boats. But today, I just really want to thank the donors who were able to make it. 
Not everybody is able to be here. We try to do this at least three times, so thank you for being persistent and showing up. And if you wouldn't mind,  I'm gonna call out your names if you could just come up,” said Womble.  

Womble then asked each of the donors to join him as he announced their names and the names theuy chose for their boats. Matt and Toni Womble: "Jaws" - Stuart Proctor: "Junebug", John and Robyn Sams: "Titanic",  Frank and Marty McCarthy: "Clarence", Bill Battle: "G Pyrat",  Mike Tracey and Bonnie Pierce: "Belle-fast"  Judy and Joe Evans: "Jubilee” , Steve and Marian Schrum: "Little Red Dragon", Kevin & Lynn Isler (Mike):  "Barracuda", Jim Frens "Sunrise"

This is an open opportunity for anyone in the community to learn the ropes, chart your course and experience the thrill of gliding across the waves of Edenton Bay.  

Whether an inexperienced novice or a seagoing, weathered, sound crossing sailor, Thursday evenings may be the night you have been waiting for.  

The Edenton Sailing Club offers a wonderful sailing experience- new Sunfish cost over $5,000. and the club has 10 boats for the community’s sailing pleasure.  

While an enjoyable event on the high seas, sailors will learn some basic sailing techniques while enjoying the wet wave camaraderie of a Thursday evening sail  

Community Sailing will take place at Sunfish Park from 5:30- 8 p.m. If you have a life jacket, please bring it. If not the club can provide one.

The Sailing Club dates are: June 5, 12, 19, 26, July: 3, 4  (Sail Club Race), 10, 17, 31.  August: 7, 14, 21, 28. September: 11, 18, 25 (Last Day of the Season).  

See you next Thursday.

All the locals know where they are, however, to find the hidden assets Edenton offers, is a treasure hunt for knowledge. It doesn’t take deep digging, it’s surrounds us.  

Seldom does a local hardware store offer answers to most questions a sailor could have. However  Byrum’s Hardware is a center of sailing knowledge for Edenton sailors. Just ask Stuart Proctor. Anything you need to know about the wind, the sea, and how they work together to propel adeventures.

When he’s not managing Byrum’s Hardware, the family business, you may find Stuart harbor side sharing his vast knowledge of the sea with soon to be Sunfish sailboat captains.  

On Thursday evening, Stuart, Matt Womble, his uncle Ken along with Mike Burke manning the launch boat, offered instruction, advice and sailing camaraderie at Sunfish Park – the front lawn of The Herringbone Restaurant and proceeded to  launch the sailors on Sunfish into the sound.  

Before anyone’s feet got wet, Matt and Ken explained how to right a capsized Sunfish and Stuart offered a capsulized rendition of “pretty much everything a sailor needs to know to sail a Sunfish in the sound.”  

With everyone’s arms outstretched emulating Cormorants, he explained how to “see the wind and feel the wind”. The sailboat and kiteboarding instructor shared tacking techniques, explained a ‘broad reach’ and advised everyone to sail upwind to ‘use the wind to bring you home.’

It’s a regular Thursday evening event beginning at 5:30 p.m. Sailing usually ends by 7:30 but that’s really up to whether or not you can ‘see the wind, feel the wind.’