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Gold Standard A trip to the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl punctuates a fun (for student-athletes and fans!) and successful fall 49ers athletics season BY PAUL NOWELL
While it didn’t deliver the storybook finish all Charlotte 49ers fans were hoping for, the 2019 football season was the most successful—and memorable—in program history. After competing in its first-ever bowl game, Charlotte finished the year at 7-6, notably with a home record of 5-1. On Dec. 20, facing a tough opponent in the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl, Head Coach Will Healy’s team attempted a secondhalf comeback—a move that had become a specialty during the regular season—but, ultimately, fell 31-9 to the Buffalo Bulls. Support for the team in the Bahamas was enthusiastic and strong, as more than 1,000 49ers fans traveled to the game. Approximately 400 supporters attended a pre-game pep rally, and more than 500 arrived ready for tailgating sponsored by the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association. Larry and Jean Leonard, both from the class of 1978 and season ticket holders since the inception of 49ers football, experienced “a great sense of 49er energy” starting with their flight from Charlotte to the Bahamas, alongside 40 other UNC Charlotte fans decked out in 49ers gear. The Leonards, who co-own Kings Greenhouse in Matthews, N.C., connected with old friends and made new ones. “We were proud to be 49ers at the game, and very proud of all the players and coaches,” said Larry. “We’re looking forward to the 2020 football season at UNC Charlotte.” Houston Helms ‘90, MBA ‘98, who is a member of the University’s Athletics Foundation Board, was en route to Nassau with alumni and others when bad weather prevented their cruise ship from docking. 48 UNC CHARLOTTE magazine
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Winter 2020
