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The Ironman Sword is Passed for CHS Athletics: New Ad Announced

CHERRYVILLE, NC (WNN) – Cherryville High School’s (CHS) long-time athletic director is stepping into retirement. Scott Harrill served the CHS community for 11 years and left big shoes to fill. Luckily for the athletic program, CHS found a familiar face to replace the former director.

After a thorough interview process, Shawn Hubers, the CHS principal, announced that Matt Powers would assume the athletic director position. This announcement came in a press conference on May 10, 2024.
Powers is a social studies teacher and head wrestling coach for CHS, but he has helped out in many departments during his time as an Ironman. He is entering his 20th year at CHS and is ready to take on this responsibility.
“I'm excited about the opportunity to transition into the athletic director's role,” said Powers. According to Principal Hubers, Powers stood out in the interview process because of his commitment to Cherryville. He exhibited an eagerness to learn about the position by working alongside Harrill to understand the athletic director's responsibilities.

“I am excited for Coach Powers [and] I'm excited for our athletic program. Coach Powers has a passion for Cherryville athletics,” said Principal Hubers.

The sentiments in the press conference were largely hopeful, acknowledging the transition as Harrill passed the baton to his successor. Harrill said some parting words, thanking his staff and the students for their hard work.

“I think we have the best staff of coaches in the state because I think of you as a family,” said Harrill.
Harrill will officially hang up his athletic director cap in June, but he plans on enjoying Cherryville athletics games, this time as a spectator.

“I love sports too much to just disappear,” said Harrill.
Many CHS coaches, once Ironmen themselves, now witness their own children participating in Cherryville sports. Powers even serves on the Cherryville Little League Board, furthering his commitment to all of Cherryville’s young athletes.

Looking ahead, Powers emphasized the importance of community support for Cherryville athletics. He plans to grow the department, specifically mentioning changes to communication.

Additionally, Powers wants to organize a dedicated weight room for his athletes. Weight training is an important aspect of athletic conditioning.

“We're looking at an on-campus weight room, some facilities to try to help make Cherryville High School a better place where our athletes can be given the opportunity that every athlete gets at other schools,” In a time of change, one constant remains: the dedicated athletics staff. Powers said CHS has the staff in place to be one of the best athletics departments in the state.

Harrill’s announcement follows the retirement of head football coach Tim Pruitt. Pruitt announced his retirement in March 2024. That same month, the school announced his replacement, Patrick Bowman.
“I'm excited about the guys that are retiring [and] I'm excited about the leadership that we have in place with Coach Bowman. But every one of these people in this room do a great job, and I've watched them from beside them,” said Powers.

CHS athletics has said goodbye to some influential coaches this year, but their predecessors will do their best to make the school proud. Powers starts as athletic director on July 1, 2024.

As Powers takes on these new responsibilities, he looks forward to continuing the traditions of excellence in athletics. The sword of the Iron Man is passed from one athletic director to another, ushering in an era of Powers.

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