Posted: Apr 30, 2018
Rocky Mount, N.C. - The North Carolina Wesleyan Department of Athletics has announced that long-time staff member Charlie Long has stepped down as head coach of the Battling Bishop baseball program. Long, who recently completed his 21st season at the helm of the program, will remain actively involved in athletics as a member of the NCWC Office of Advancement.
"I have had the honor and the privilege to be a part of the Battling Bishop baseball tradition since August of 1991," said Long. "Words cannot express the love I have for our program and the many memories that have been made over the years. The many young men that have worked so hard over the years have made me proud to be a Battling Bishop!"
He continued, "Sadly, there comes a time when we all must step away from one passion to follow another. After 29 years of coaching, that time is now for me."
Long leaves behind a coaching legacy that featured 475 career wins, 10 USA South Regular Season and/or Tournament Championships, several Coach of the Year awards, and the 1999 NCAA Division III National Championship. He is a 2016 NCWC Athletics Hall of Fame inductee and a 2017 Hall of Fame selection at his alma mater, the University of Mount Olive. The area native will now begin transitioning to his new role within the Office of Advancement, where he will continue to manage the Battling Bishops Club and improve community relations as Assistant Athletics Director.
"My hope and prayer is to continue to improve our athletic facilities through more alumni and community involvement than ever before," Long added. "I look forward to assisting greatly in the continuous growth of the campus!"