News Summary
Todd Knight, Newberry College’s head football coach, has signed a contract extension to stay with the team through 2031. Knight, the all-time winningest coach in school history, has seen significant success, including NCAA playoff appearances and conference titles. The team is currently mourning the loss of incoming freshman Mycheal Edwards-Wallace, who was tragically killed in a shooting incident, underscoring the emotional challenges facing the program as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Newberry, SC – Todd Knight, the head football coach at Newberry College, has signed a contract extension that will keep him at the helm of the Wolves’ program through 2031, solidifying his commitment to the team amidst recent tragedy. Knight is the all-time winningest coach in Newberry College football history, boasting a record of 96 victories since taking over as head coach in 2009.
This upcoming fall will mark Knight’s 17th season as head coach and his 23rd season overall at Newberry. He began his tenure at the college in 2003 as the defensive coordinator before being promoted. Under his leadership, the Newberry Wolves have made significant strides, earning four NCAA playoff appearances in 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2021, in addition to capturing three South Atlantic Conference (SAC) titles in 2016, 2021, and 2022. Knight has also been recognized as the SAC Coach of the Year on three occasions—2016, 2021, and 2022.
The 2022 season saw Knight’s team finish with a strong 9-2 record, claiming the SAC Piedmont Division title alongside the overall SAC championship. However, the Wolves faced disappointment when they were notably left out of the NCAA Division II playoffs, a situation Knight characterized as an unfortunate snub for his team. Over his coaching tenure, Knight has led the program to three seasons of at least 10 wins, including a remarkable victory against the No. 2-ranked defending national champions, West Florida, in 2021.
Tragically, the football program is now mourning the loss of Mycheal Edwards-Wallace, an incoming freshman, who was shot and killed at the age of 18 during a shooting incident in Kingstree, SC. The incident occurred at an apartment complex on a Sunday night, where Edwards-Wallace was one of two fatalities; two other individuals were left injured.
Edwards-Wallace was a promising athlete who had just graduated from Kingstree High School, where he earned multiple accolades, including recognition as an all-state, all-area, and all-region football player. He was honored as Kingstree High School’s Male Athlete of the Year and represented his school in the prestigious Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. Coach Todd Knight expressed deep sorrow over the loss, reflecting on Edwards-Wallace’s talent, character, and potential, which had made him a promising addition to the team.
Newberry College has officially released a statement extending condolences to Edwards-Wallace’s family and friends, acknowledging the profound impact of this tragedy on the college community. As preparations continue for the upcoming season, which kicks off against UVA Wise on September 6, the team is now faced with the emotional burden of their loss.
As of the latest reports regarding the shooting incident, no arrests have been made, and there are no updates available on the condition of the injured individuals involved. The tragedy of Edwards-Wallace’s passing serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictability that surrounds the events of a young athlete’s promising future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Florida Secures $5 Million Donation for Renewable Energy Research
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Newberry and Fairfield Counties
Tragic Shooting Incident in Columbia Claims Young Life
Todd Knight Secures Contract Extension at Newberry College
Landon Duckworth to Announce College Decision Soon
Charleston’s Tourism Industry Sees Significant Growth
USC’s International MBA Program Remains Top Ranked
Severe Thunderstorms Cause Widespread Power Outages in South Carolina
Chapin-Newberry Post Triumphs Over Greenwood Post in Tight Match
Landon Duckworth Set to Announce College Commitment
Additional Resources
- WLTX: Newberry College Football
- Wikipedia: Newberry College
- WIS TV: Incoming Newberry College Football Player Killed
- Google Search: Newberry College Football
- Men’s Journal: Mycheal Edwards-Wallace Killed
- Google Scholar: Newberry College Football
- On3: Newberry College Player Killed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Newberry College
- Newberry Observer: Football Announcements
- Google News: Mycheal Edwards-Wallace
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
