New Charlotte school’s athletics off and running: ‘They’re going to be remembered forever’

Jeff Smith wanted to get the Ballantyne Ridge athletic department running early.

Ballantyne Ridge, a new high school opening this fall in south Charlotte, has been holding practices and workouts for its sports teams over the past year. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools learned what it could from two-year-old Palisades High , which kicked off its inaugural football campaign with “Midnight Madness,” and fostered a community right away.

The school’s first athletic director, Smith took time to vet quality coaches and bring experienced leaders into the new programs. Ballantyne Ridge has been emphasizing communication, holding informational meetings with parents and setting expectations as it establishes culture and tradition.

“This is a unique opportunity,” Smith said. “How often can you say that you were a part of the start of something? Who’s going to score the first touchdown for Ballantyne Ridge? Who’s gonna score the first basket? Who’s gonna make the first assist?

“There are all these ‘firsts’ that we’re gonna have, and they’re going to be remembered forever. I told our coaches: Some of the little things that you do now — even a certain kind of warm-up that you do — those are things that will carry over.”

The sports teams are ready

Intended to alleviate overcrowding at Ardrey Kell and South Mecklenburg , Ballantyne Ridge opens in August.

Ballantyne Ridge High School, nicknamed the Wolves, is located at 12218 North Community House Road, three miles from Ardrey Kell. The new building is inside of Interstate 485, off Johnston Road in south Charlotte.

It’s been a bit of a challenge to find space for all of its sports teams to practice, especially during the school year. But they’ve figured it out.

A former assistant basketball coach at Queens University of Charlotte, Chris Caputi will be manning the sidelines for the Wolves’ inaugural boys’ basketball squad. Currently the athletic director at Carmel Middle School, he was able to hold spring conditioning for both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams inside his middle school gymnasium.

Since May, prospective Ballantyne Ridge football players have been practicing on outdoor fields at the Morrison Family YMCA. It was difficult for volleyball to get inside a gym during the spring — so, the team has been holding practices outdoors on sand courts.

“We know it’s gonna be a challenge, but we’re embracing that,” Smith said. “These are opportunities to learn. A lot of young players are going to get a lot of experience starting out. It’s crazy to think that four years from now, we can have hundreds of four-year lettermen because we’ll have to start with some younger players.

“We’re excited about the opportunity, and we’re ready.”