Athletics

Charlotte 49ers redshirt senior defensive end Alex Highsmith has been named third team all-America by the Associated Press (AP), becoming the first 49ers football player to be so honored. Highsmith also earned first team all-Conference USA honors for the second straight season.

Senior linebacker Jeff Gemmell reflects on his experiences at UNC Charlotte and the University’s first taste of postseason football.

The Charlotte 49ers, who rode a five-game win streak to bowl eligibility, have accepted an invitation to compete in the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl in the program’s first-ever bowl appearance.

The University’s Men’s Ice Hockey Club is crowdfunding to pay for travel to and from its competitions along the East Coast. Currently, team members use their own vehicles for travel. 

Saturday was Senior Day, and despite a near-constant rain, the Charlotte 49ers prevailed against Marshall University. The 24-13 victory made for the greatest day in Charlotte 49ers football history as the team reached bowl eligibility for the first time and achieved a school-record six wins.

On Veterans Day 2019, the University recognized military veterans for their service and officially opened Veterans Park, which honors UNC Charlotte community members past and present who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Charlotte 49ers defensive end Alex Highsmith has been nominated for the Burlsworth Trophy, which is awarded to the most outstanding football player who began his career as a walk-on and has shown outstanding performance on the field.Highsmith joined the 49ers as a walk-on in 2015 and was awarded a scholarship in summer 2017, following his red-shirt freshman season.

The UNC Charlotte Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Chapter, in conjunction with the 49er Alumni Campus Empoyees Network, will hold a Veterans Day supply drive through Friday, Nov. 15. Donations will go to active duty military service members.

Saturday, Nov. 2, is Military Appreciation Day as the Charlotte 49ers take on Middle Tennessee at 3:30 p.m. in Jerry Richardson Stadium. The University’s ROTC program will participate in a parade and a game ball delivery. A military flyover is scheduled before the game begins, after the national anthem.Young Alumni Supply Drive

On Friday, Oct. 25, several thousand fans packed Halton arena as the Charlotte 49ers hosted the Georgia Bulldogs in a benefit exhibition basketball game. Proceeds from the game went to the April 30th Remembrance Fund.