CHARLOTTE, N.C. (CHARLOTTE SPORTS LIVE) — The Carolina Panthers honor Weddington High School’s head football coach, Andy Caprone, with the team’s Don Shula High School Coach of the Year award.
The team presented the award at a recognition ceremony at the high school on Friday. Panthers and GMC representatives presented Caprone with a commemorative trophy and a $2,000 grant check to support the high school athletics program.
“Coach Capone’s sustained success and dedication to making a meaningful difference beyond the field have left a significant mark on our region,” said Carolina Panthers Director of Community Relations Riley Fields. “The Carolina Panthers and GMC are honored to name Weddington High School’s Andy Capone as the team’s High School Coach of the Year and nominee for the national Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award.”
Promoted from assistant to head coach in 2018, Capone established dominance in North Carolina, going 15-1 and winning a state title in his first season. His teams embarked on a seven-year run that produced seven consecutive playoff appearances, the first undefeated season in program history, and three state titles. Weddington is 90-9 under Capone’s leadership, making him the all-time winningest coach in school history.
As a result of these accomplishments, Caprone has been named Friday Night Fever NC Coach of the Year, 4x Conference Coach of the Year, 3x Union County Coach of the Year, 2024 NC East/West All-Star Game Coach, 2023 Charlotte Observer Coach of the Year, and most recently, American Football Coaches Association 35 Under 35.
Additionally, Capone’s program has had a 100% graduation rate since he took over in 2018. Weddington has established a pathway for players to continue playing football, with over 30 players who have received college football scholarships and two playing in the NFL.
