Union County Sports

Blueprint for success

Central Academy’s burgeoning wrestling program takes big step this weekend

The room is far from finished. Duct work, fireproofing and valves decorate the otherwise bare ceiling. Wires hang like jungle vines and a partially finished Cougar painting adorns one wall.

Welcome to Central Academy of Technology and Arts’ wrestling “warehouse”.

Signs of Success

Seven Weddington High athletes sign National Letters of Intent

In years past, National Signing Day at Weddington High School was a one-table affair; there just weren’t that many Warriors earning athletic scholarships to warrant more space. Furthermore, there hardly was a need to find a location that could comfortably fit throngs of fans, faculty and family members. Usually, a hallway sufficed.

But this year at Weddington, they needed two tables and an auditorium.

Several Union County athletes to compete in college

National Signing Day 2010

The first Wednesday in February, also known as National Signing Day, kicks off college’s busiest period for inking high school athletes to National Letter of Intent. This year, 23 Union County athletes signed to continue their careers.

The Precocious One

Spartans’ sophomore making a name for himself on basketball court

It’s hard to believe that Shaun ­Stewart was ever intimidated by varsity basketball.

As freshmen on last year’s Sun Valley boys basketball team, Stewart and Jalen Witherspoon comprised one of Union County’s youngest backcourts. But they also proved to be effective, helping the Spartans to a 17-9 record and a berth in the Class 3A state playoffs.

But early on, said Stewart, the learning curve was steep.

Knotts leaving Independence

Early in the 2009 football season, Tom Knotts thought it might be time to leave Independence High School – and North Carolina, for that matter.

He had conversations with his financial advisor. And since Knotts would be eligible for retirement from Charlotte-­Mecklenburg Schools at the end of the school year, his advisor thought it would be a good time for him, financially, to make a move.

Midway through the Patriots’ season, Knotts already had decided he would go. This week, he made it official.