What current Lincoln County resident once coached at the high school in Sparta?
ANSWER:
Buddy Radford is the correct answer. He was an assistant coach at Lincolnton High during its 1962 title season before taking the head job at Sparta High. In 1963 the Saints finished second in their region to Lincolnton, thanks to a 32-0 Red Devil victory when the former assistant faced his previous boss, Thomas Bunch, for the first time. Buddy returned to Lincoln County years later as the principal at the Elementary School. After retiring from the education field, Buddy entered the real estate profession. You can see him at most home games sitting in front of the press box.
Herb Garrett, a member of the band from the early 1960's, was the first to name Buddy as our answer. He also told us that Buddy was considered a "hunk" back in those days. Devil Radio Announcer Neal Reed also told us it was Buddy.