News Summary

The Sallie B. Howard School in Wilson, North Carolina is transitioning to membership in the N.C. High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA), marking a significant turning point for its athletic program. With enhanced competition and new sports offerings, the school aims to elevate its competitive edge while ensuring player safety. The upcoming season features multiple sports, including football, boys soccer, and a girls flag football program. Principal Glenn Reaves and the coaching staff are committed to fostering a thriving athletic environment as students prepare to showcase their talents.

Exciting Changes Ahead for Sallie B. Howard School: NCHSAA Membership and New Athletic Opportunities

Wilson, North Carolina, is buzzing with excitement as the 2025 North Carolina high school boys soccer season approaches, with the first practices kicking off on July 30. It’s not just the soccer players that are gearing up; the Sallie B. Howard School is making some big strides as it transitions to membership in the N.C. High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) after spending 16 years solely focused on middle school athletics.

A Leap into the Big Leagues

As Sallie B. Howard enters its 29th year, the move to the NCHSAA is a thrilling development for the school’s athletic program, paving the way for enhanced competition and opportunities. The school has witnessed a rapid expansion of its varsity sports program since 2022, showing promising signs of growth and success. Under its previous association, the Eagles showcased their talent by sweeping the track and field championships in the CAA4SC.

A Shift in Strategy

Principal Glenn Reaves has emphasized that joining the NCHSAA aligns perfectly with the school’s goal to elevate its competitive edge. However, this new affiliation comes with a set of rules and regulations that the school must now navigate. One important change is that Reaves will no longer be able to take on active coaching positions as he has in the past.

Boosting Player Safety

With this transition, there is also a stronger focus on player safety. The NCHSAA mandates that an athletic trainer or certified first responder be present at all practices and games—a new requirement that Sallie B. Howard is preparing to meet. Moreover, the Eagles have formed a partnership with the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf, allowing them to use the school’s facilities for home football games while retaining their use of the Gillette Soccer Complex for soccer games.

Expanded Athletic Offerings

The upcoming school year will see a more diversified athletic program, featuring football, boys soccer, volleyball, and cross-country in the fall, basketball in the winter, and girls soccer and track and field in the spring. The football program is undergoing a major transformation as it shifts from an eight-player to an 11-player format, promising to ramp up the excitement for fans and players alike.

New Opportunities for All

In addition to the changes in football, the school is introducing a girls flag football program, taking part in the NCHSAA’s initiative to pilot the sport in various schools. The revival of the wrestling program is also on the horizon, depending on attracting a committed coach. This year, for the first time, Sallie B. Howard will also field a junior varsity basketball team, alongside plans to introduce a middle school 11-player football team, but not a junior varsity team just yet.

Unleashing Competitive Spirit

Coach Marquis Spell is thrilled about the opportunities that come with transitioning to 11-player football. The players have been actively engaging in summer workouts, with around 30 students participating and showing their dedication to the upcoming season. With a strong track record of a 7-1 record last season and a 10-5 record over the first two years of independent eight-player football, the Eagles are poised for success as they step into this new chapter.

Community Engagement and Home Games

One of the most exciting aspects of this transition is the potential for deeper community engagement. With their new status, home games will be more accessible to fans compared to their previous independent standing. Fans can look forward to exhilarating matches against Parrott Academy, Jones Senior, North Edgecombe, and Washington County. Plus, most away games will be located within 90 minutes of the school, improving travel logistics for the players.

Looking Ahead

The transition to NCHSAA membership marks a significant turning point for Sallie B. Howard School’s athletic program. As they prepare for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on the Eagles, who are ready to soar to new heights in high school athletics. With the groundwork laid, the school and its athletes are eager to seize every opportunity that comes their way!

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