Following a Special Called Board meeting, Ninety Six High School announced the appointment of Austin Sargent as the new Head Football Coach of the Wildcats. Sargent previously served as the Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line Coach at Emerald High School during the 2025 season. He also serves as an ELA teacher at Emerald High School, a position he has held for the past six years.
Coach Sargent joins the Wildcats with experience from both his collegiate playing days and his coaching background. A former standout Ninety Six High School student-athlete, Sargent’s journey includes a notable collegiate career as an offensive lineman at Gardner-Webb University. His transition into coaching has been marked by a commitment to player development, discipline, and a deep understanding of the "Wildcat" culture. Sargent has worked as an assistant head coach and position coach at Emerald High School for six years and previously at T.L. Hanna High School for two years.
"I am honored and humbled to be named the Head Football Coach at Ninety Six High School," said Coach Sargent. "Ninety Six is a community that loves its football, and I am eager to get to work with these talented young men and tremendous coaches. Our goal will be to compete at the highest level while building a program that the entire town can be proud of.”
"We are incredibly excited to welcome Coach Sargent to the Wildcat family," said Fitz Sprowl, Principal of Ninety Six High School. "His passion for the game and his dedication to mentoring young men both on and off the field make him the perfect fit to lead our football program into its next chapter."
Athletic Director Chase Duncan echoed those sentiments, noting, "Austin Sargent understands the tradition of excellence we have here in Ninety Six. We conducted an extensive search for a leader who could inspire our athletes and maintain the high standards of our athletic programs. Coach Sargent is that leader."
Superintendent Dr. Beth Taylor said, “Austin Sargent brings the knowledge, character, and professional experience to continue moving our football program in a positive direction. His familiarity and roots within our community are an added bonus. We have complete confidence that his hard work and dedication will result in excellence on and off the playing field for our student-athletes.”
In the coming weeks, Coach Sargent is expected to begin meeting with players and staff to outline his vision for the upcoming season and off-season conditioning programs.