News Summary
Newberry College’s head football coach, Todd Knight, has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the team until 2031. This comes during a challenging time as the program mourns the loss of incoming freshman Mycheal Edwards-Wallace. Knight, now entering his 17th season, is the all-time winningest coach in Newberry history, with a record of 96 victories. He has led the Wolves to multiple playoff appearances and championships, but faces challenges this season with key player departures and performance issues.
Newberry, SC – Todd Knight Sign Contract Extension Amid Tragedy
Newberry College has announced that head football coach Todd Knight has signed a contract extension that will keep him leading the team through 2031. This decision comes as Knight continues to build on his legacy as the all-time winningest coach in Newberry football history, with an impressive record of 96 victories.
As Knight enters his 17th season as head coach, he reflects on his 23 years at Newberry College, where he has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the football program. Knight joined the college in 2003 as the defensive coordinator and was promoted to head coach in 2009. Under his leadership, the Wolves have made significant achievements, including four NCAA playoff appearances in 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2021, as well as three South Atlantic Conference (SAC) titles in 2016, 2021, and 2022.
Last season, Knight guided the Wolves to a 9-2 overall record and secured the SAC Piedmont Division title along with the overall SAC championship. The season was highlighted by a nail-biting victory against Mars Hill, where the Wolves triumphed with a score of 27-24 at home. Knight has been honored as the SAC Coach of the Year on three occasions for his exceptional contributions to the team.
Spring practice for the upcoming season will commence on March 24, with the spring game scheduled for April 26 at noon. As the team continues to prepare, they are working to overcome the challenges faced in recent seasons, including a disappointing 3-7 record in 2024. The Wolves are also confronting key player losses, with significant contributors like Luke Taylor, Colby Taylor, and Chucky Roach departing from the team, further complicating defensive strategies. Additionally, there are ongoing efforts to address issues related to quarterback performance that have hindered the team over the past two seasons.
In another tragic development, Newberry College has confirmed the untimely death of incoming freshman football player Mycheal Edwards-Wallace, an 18-year-old standout from Kingstree High School. Edwards-Wallace was killed in a shooting incident on June 29 at an apartment complex in Kingstree, SC. His death has sent shockwaves through the community and the college’s football program, as he was set to start his collegiate career against Point University on September 13.
Edwards-Wallace had recently graduated from high school, where he was celebrated as the Male Athlete of the Year and demonstrated exceptional talent on both the offensive and defensive lines. He had also participated in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, which showcases the best high school football players from North and South Carolina. The college community has expressed deep condolences to Edwards-Wallace’s family and friends, with officials emphasizing that he will always remain a part of the Newberry family.
As of now, police are continuing their investigation into the shooting incident, and no arrests have been reported. The tragedy of this loss adds a somber note to the upcoming season as the Newberry College football program mourns the loss of a young athlete with great potential.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Newberry College Football
- Newberry Observer: Spring Practice Schedule
- On3: Mycheal Edwards-Wallace Killed
- WACH: Player of the Week Newberry College
- The State: Tragedy Impacting the Football Program
- Wikipedia: Newberry College
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