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Hank Lee - Story desk manager WCNC/Utility infielder @PRNLive. Married to beautiful Tierra, cat rescue volunteer, among other things.

Hank Lee’s Journalist Portfolio

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Clemson, Notre Dame gearing up for gigantic matchup

Clemson, Notre Dame gearing up for gigantic matchup

News Journal — CLEMSON, S.C. - All eyes will be on Death Valley Saturday night when the No. 12 Clemson Tigers host No. 6 Notre Dame in a game that could have college football playoff implications for both schools. For Dabo Swinney's Tigers, it will have been over two weeks since they last hit the field, winning 20-17 at Louisville on September 17 th. Notre Dame hits the road for the second time this season after blowing out UMass last week. In the Irish's last road game, quarterback Malik Zaire was lost for the season after suffering a broken ankle.

Clemson ready for Georgia Tech's triple-option attack

Clemson ready for Georgia Tech's triple-option attack

Palladium-Item — CLEMSON, S.C. - For just the second time in five seasons, the Clemson Tigers will face the triple-option offense twice in a single season when they host Georgia Tech Saturday. The Tigers opened the season with a 49-10 victory over Wofford on September 5 th. In that game, Clemson's defense held the Terriers to just 123 rushing yards, the lowest output by Wofford's triple-option offense. Clemson and Georgia Tech have swapped victories in the series over the last several years, with the Yellow Jackets winning four of the last seven, albeit their victory in the 2009 ACC Championship Game was later vacated.

Panthers vs Jaguars: By the numbers

Panthers vs Jaguars: By the numbers

Greenville Tribune-Times — CHARLOTTE, N.C. - It wasn't pretty for the Carolina Panthers Sunday in Jacksonville, but Ron Rivera's team opened the regular season with a 20-9 win over the Jaguars. Here are some interesting figures from Sunday's game. 0: The Jaguars never crossed midfield in the second half Sunday after racking up 200 yards of offense in the first half. 1: Sunday's victory marked the first time the Panthers have ever defeated the Jaguars on the road. Carolina is now 3-3 all-time against the Jaguars. 2: Number of season opening wins for the Panthers under head coach Ron Rivera.

Panthers vs Jaguars: By the numbers

Panthers vs Jaguars: By the numbers

Greenville Tribune-Times — CHARLOTTE, N.C. - It wasn't pretty for the Carolina Panthers Sunday in Jacksonville, but Ron Rivera's team opened the regular season with a 20-9 win over the Jaguars. Here are some interesting figures from Sunday's game. 0: The Jaguars never crossed midfield in the second half Sunday after racking up 200 yards of offense in the first half. 1: Sunday's victory marked the first time the Panthers have ever defeated the Jaguars on the road. Carolina is now 3-3 all-time against the Jaguars. 2: Number of season opening wins for the Panthers under head coach Ron Rivera.

N.C. State eyeing first win at FSU since 2005

N.C. State eyeing first win at FSU since 2005

Home News Tribune — RALEIGH, N.C. - Fresh off a convincing victory against the Boston College Eagles, the N.C. State Wolfpack (6-3, 2-3 ACC) will hit the road for the final time in 2015 to face Dalvin Cook and the Florida State Seminoles (7-2, 5-2 ACC). Dave Doeren's team will have an opportunity to achieve something rarely done by past Wolfpack teams-win five games away from home. The last team to earn five victories on the road was the 1957 team, which defeated South Carolina 29-26 to earn the school's first ACC championship. N.C. State has struggled on the road in the series, defeating the Seminoles in Tallahassee just four times since 1952.

Fedora credits Chizik for turnaround of UNC defense

Fedora credits Chizik for turnaround of UNC defense

Hammonton News — CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The North Carolina Tar Heels have won seven in a row and are off to their best start since opening the 1997 season 8-0. Mack Brown's Tar Heels finished that season 11-1 with a Gator Bowl victory. Larry Fedora's team appears to be on the path to what could be a season to remember as they prepare to host archrival Duke Saturday. Easily the biggest turnaround for the Heels in 2015 has been the play of the defense.

Harvick 'Disgusted' with Recurring Pit Road Mistakes

Harvick 'Disgusted' with Recurring Pit Road Mistakes

popularspeed.com — After four races that featured a road course, restrictor plate racing, a repaved track and the all-new low downforce package, Sunday's race at New Hampshire looked to be a preview of what's to come when the Sprint Cup Series returns in September during the Chase. Along with a return to the standard 2016 rules package and Joe Gibbs Racing Toyotas dominating the top five, the New Hampshire 301 also saw the return of Kevin Harvick's frustration on pit road. The Bakersfield, Calif. native started in eighth and quickly worked his way into the top five.

Time Running Out for Early Contenders After Chase Bubble Trouble

Time Running Out for Early Contenders After Chase Bubble Trouble

popularspeed.com — Saturday night's Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway delivered plenty of drama for drivers battling on the Chase bubble. With a new surface and reconfiguration at the 1.5-mile oval, drivers and teams alike were unsure what to expect, but less than 15 laps into the race, they had an idea of what could happen. On Lap 10, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. got into the wall exiting Turn 4. Entering Turn 3, Stenhouse appeared to have a flat right front tire and slammed the outside wall, ending his night before the competition caution. Love tough tracks and low downforce just caught me off guard late exit.

LEE: Daytona Finish Shows Consistent Inconsistency

LEE: Daytona Finish Shows Consistent Inconsistency

popularspeed.com — For the third time in as many restrictor plate races in 2016, the NASCAR Xfinity Series had a controversial finish in Friday's Subway Firecracker 250 at Daytona. After taking the white flag, Aric Almirola led the field down the backstretch for the last time when all hell broke loose. David Ragan, subbing for Matt Tifft in the No. 18 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, was turned sideways after contact with Jeff Green as the pair raced for fifth in the outside line. The contact forced Ragan into the outside wall and collected several other cars, including Darrell Wallace Jr., Ryan Ellis and J.J.

Kyle Larson Penalized, Again

Kyle Larson Penalized, Again

popularspeed.com — CONCORD, N.C. - After a post-race inspection penalty at Michigan, Kyle Larson and Chip Ganassi Racing have been docked 15 championship driver and owner points by NASCAR. Following Sunday's FireKeepers Casino 400, Larson's No. 42 Target Chevrolet was found to be in violation of NASCAR sections 12-1; 20.17.3.1.2 for failing post-race laser inspection station measurements, resulting in a P3 penalty. Interim crew chief Philip Surgen has been fined $25,000 as a result of the penalty. Full-time crew chief Chad Johnston, who was serving a one-race suspension for a lug nut penalty at Pocono, was not affected by the Michigan penalty.

GAS N' GO: Kyle Busch's School of Charm

GAS N' GO: Kyle Busch's School of Charm

popularspeed.com — BROOKLYN, Mich. - Daniel Suarez finally put his name on the list of first-time winners in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Saturday, passing teammate Kyle Busch coming to the white flag to win the Menards 250 at Michigan International Speedway. Feels Like the First Time Suarez experienced an up-and-down afternoon in the Irish Hills. During a round of pit stops, the driver of the No. 19 Arris Toyota was caught speeding on pit road, taking him from the lead to 25th at lap 29. By Lap 45, Suarez had driven all the way to ninth place, and appeared to have one of the fastest cars on track.

Harvick Signs Contract Extension with Stewart-Haas Racing

Harvick Signs Contract Extension with Stewart-Haas Racing

popularspeed.com — Stewart-Haas Racing announced Thursday the organization has signed 2014 Sprint Cup champion Kevin Harvick to a long-term contract extension, putting to rest rumors that the long-time Chevrolet driver may leave the organization. In 2017, Stewart-Haas will compete out of the Ford camp. Harvick moved over to SHR in 2014, after spending 13 seasons with Richard Childress Racing where he won 23 career races. The move paid big dividends for the Bakersfield, California native, as he captured his first Sprint Cup Series championship in his debut season with the team. In 2015, Harvick finished second in the final standings, scoring 23 top-five finishes and winning three races.

Pit Road Problems Doom Dominant Harvick

Pit Road Problems Doom Dominant Harvick

popularspeed.com — Kevin Harvick appeared to have picked up where he left off at Dover International Speedway last September during Sunday's AAA 400. The 2014 Sprint Cup Series champion started on pole after qualifying was rained out, and once the green flag flew, he didn't look back. The No. 4 Jimmy John's Chevrolet was in his own zip code during the first green flag stretch of the race, leading by as much as seven seconds. Unfortunately for Harvick, his speed on the track didn't carry over to pit road. During the first round of pit stops, Harvick exited pit road second behind Carl Edwards.

Kyle Busch's Crew Chief Suspended for Lug Nut Violation

Kyle Busch's Crew Chief Suspended for Lug Nut Violation

popularspeed.com — Defending Sprint Cup Series champion Kyle Busch will be without crew chief Adam Stevens and his right front tire changer for one race after NASCAR found the race winning team to be in violation of the new lug nut policy following Saturday night's race at Kansas Speedway. Both Stevens and the front tire changer, Josh Leslie, have been placed on probation through December 31 in addition to a $20,000 fine for Stevens.

Blurred Lines: Time To Drop Locked Bumper Ban

Blurred Lines: Time To Drop Locked Bumper Ban

popularspeed.com — Stop me if you've heard this before: NASCAR is consistently inconsistent. Before we get any further, allow me to go ahead and put it out there. NASCAR's rule against locking bumpers in the XFINITY Series may be the most subjective and questionable rule the sport has ever seen, including the "100 percent" rule. NASCAR has never actually defined what is and isn't allowed when it comes to locking together in the draft. They only penalize what they deem to be excessive. How are competitors expected to follow a rule when there are no set guidelines for what is and isn't allowed?

Blurred Lines: Time To Drop Locked Bumper Ban

Blurred Lines: Time To Drop Locked Bumper Ban

popularspeed.com — Stop me if you've heard this before: NASCAR is consistently inconsistent. Before we get any further, allow me to go ahead and put it out there. NASCAR's rule against locking bumpers in the XFINITY Series may be the most subjective and questionable rule the sport has ever seen, including the "100 percent" rule. NASCAR has never actually defined what is and isn't allowed when it comes to locking together in the draft. They only penalize what they deem to be excessive. How are competitors expected to follow a rule when there are no set guidelines for what is and isn't allowed?

Panthers Preview: New York State of Mind

Panthers Preview: New York State of Mind

WCNC-TV (Charlotte, NC) — CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The unbeaten Carolina Panthers will continue their march toward perfect Sunday when they visit the New York Giants in a pivotal matchup for both teams' playoff positioning. For the Panthers, a win paired with an Arizona loss or tie guarantees the number one seed in the NFC and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. On the flip side, Eli Manning and the Giants are currently tied for first place in the quagmire that is the NFC East at 6-7. New York will most likely need to win at least two of their final three games to have a chance to make the postseason.

Panthers preview: Night time is the right time?

Panthers preview: Night time is the right time?

WCNC-TV (Charlotte, NC) — Philadelphia Eagles (3-3) at Carolina Panthers (5-0) Kickoff: 8:25 p.m. EST Broadcast info: TV - NBC, Radio - WBT 1110 AM in Charlotte Game location: Bank of America Stadium, uptown Charlotte Forecast: 70°, mostly cloudy skies with a slight chance of drizzle Head coaches: Ron Rivera: 36-31-1 overall, Chip Kelly: 23-15 overall Last week: Carolina def. Seattle 27-23; Philadelphia def. New York Giants 27-7 Series all-time: Philadelphia leads Carolina 6-3 Last meeting: Philadelphia def. Carolina 45-21 CHARLOTTE, N.C. - A week after finally taking down almost-rival Seattle, the Carolina Panthers return to the friendly confines of Bank of America Stadium for a nationally televised showdown with the suddenly relevant Philadelphia Eagles.

Panthers Preview: Panthers vs New Orleans

Panthers Preview: Panthers vs New Orleans

WCNC-TV (Charlotte, NC) — Kickoff: 1 p.m. Broadcast info: TV - FOX, Radio - WBT-AM 1110 AM in Charlotte Game location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte Forecast: Cloudy with scattered showers and some drizzle. Cool with highs near 70° Head coaches: Ron Rivera 34-31-1 overall; Sean Payton 80-50 overall Last week: Carolina def. Houston 24-17; Tampa Bay def. New Orleans 26-19 Last meeting: Carolina def. New Orleans 41-10 in the Superdome. Cam Newton completed 21 of 33 passes for 226 yards and 3 touchdowns. CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Panthers will face their first NFC South opponent of the season Sunday when the New Orleans Saints pay a visit to Bank of America Stadium.

Panthers Preview: Luck-y number 7?

Panthers Preview: Luck-y number 7?

WCNC-TV (Charlotte, NC) — CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Carolina Panthers will make their second straight primetime appearance this week when they host the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football. Gameday Essentials Indianapolis Colts (3-4) at Carolina Panthers (6-0) Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. EST Broadcast info: TV - ESPN/WSOC locally in Charlotte, Radio - WBT 1110 AM in Charlotte Game location: Bank of America Stadium, uptown Charlotte Forecast: 55° with light rain showers around kickoff, clearing throughout the game Head coaches: Ron Rivera: 37-31-1 overall, Chuck Pagano: 36-19 overall Last week: Carolina def. Philadelphia 27-16; New Orleans def. Indianapolis 27-21 Series all-time: Carolina leads 4-1 Last meeting: Carolina def.

Panthers preview: Can Carolina finally take down Seattle?

Panthers preview: Can Carolina finally take down Seattle?

WCNC-TV (Charlotte, NC) — Carolina Panthers (4-0) at Seattle Seahawks (2-3) Kickoff: 4:05 p.m. EST Broadcast info: TV -- Fox, Radio -- WBT 1110 AM in Charlotte Game location: CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington Forecast: 60°, mostly cloudy skies with scattered showers Head coaches: Ron Rivera, 36-31-1 overall, Pete Carroll 85-64 overall Last week: Carolina idle; Cincinnati def. Seattle 27-27 in OT Series all-time: Seattle leads 7-2 Last meeting: Seattle def. Carolina 31-17 in 2015 NFL Playoffs CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Carolina Panthers hit the road for the biggest challenge thus far of the 2015 season, as they take on the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field Sunday.

Game preview: Panthers at Jaguars

Game preview: Panthers at Jaguars

WCNC-TV (Charlotte, NC) — JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Panthers will open the 2015 regular season Sunday on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Both teams entered the NFL in 1995. Carolina and Jacksonville have played just five times over those 20 seasons, with Jacksonville holding a 3-2 edge in all-time meetings. Gameday essentials Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. Location: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Fla. Forecast: 79°, partly cloudy to mostly cloudy skies The last time these two teams met, Cam Newton led the Panthers to a 16-10 victory. It was the first victory for the Panthers under head coach Ron Rivera and with Cam Newton under center.

Harvick on Richmond pole after rain washes out qualifying

Harvick on Richmond pole after rain washes out qualifying

WCNC-TV (Charlotte, NC) — RICHMOND, Va. - Persistent rain forced NASCAR to cancel all track activities at Richmond International Raceway Friday afternoon. As a result, 2014 Sprint Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick will start on the pole for Sunday's Toyota Owners 400. By NASCAR rules, if qualifying is canceled, the field is set by first practice speeds. Harvick was fastest in Friday's only session, recording a lap of 129.069 mph. Harvick has three victories at the Virginia short track. Team Penske's Joey Logano will start alongside Harvick in second. Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards, and Denny Hamlin round out the top five.

Panthers Preview: Feelin' groovy in Music City

Panthers Preview: Feelin' groovy in Music City

WCNC-TV (Charlotte, NC) — CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Carolina Panthers will look to continue their undefeated season in Music City Sunday when they take on the Tennessee Titans. Gameday Essentials Carolina Panthers (8-0) at Tennessee Titans (2-6) Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. EST Broadcast info: TV - FOX, Radio - WBT 1110 AM in Charlotte Forecast: 62° and partly cloudy skies Head coaches: Ron Rivera: 40-31-1 overall, Mike Mularkey: 17-32 overall Last week: Carolina def. Green Bay 37-29; Tennessee def. New Orleans 34-28 (OT) Series all-time: Tennessee leads 3-1 Last meeting: Tennessee def. Carolina 30-3 (2011) The Panthers are one of just three undefeated teams remaining in the NFL and currently have a two-game lead in the entire NFC.
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