SOTM: Striker Scores Athlete of the Week
- Gray Farrar
- Nov 5
- 2 min read
Every week since the mid-1980s, the Charlotte Observer recognizes outstanding high school talent by choosing an Athlete of the Week. For the week of September 18th, Charlotte Catholic junior Rex Bumgarner was selected for the prestigious award.
Rex has quickly made an impact on Charlotte Catholic soccer. He started as a striker on the varsity soccer team and became varsity captain in just his first year. In addition to his high school accomplishments, Rex is a starter and captain on the ECNL National Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA) team, earning impressive achievements while traveling around the country for tournaments.
Rex earned the recognition from Charlotte Observer writer Jay Edwards after his standout performance against Weddington. Charlotte Catholic won the game 5-2, with Rex scoring two of those goals and assisting on another. Reflecting on the match, Rex admitted, “Weddington was the hardest team so far.” Rex also powered the team to a dominating 9-0 shutout against Piedmont, scoring two more goals in that game.
The team under his leadership has achieved an astounding 16-2-1 record and stands a strong chance of surpassing last year’s 20-5 mark, which is the best in Charlotte Catholic history. Coach Gary Hoilett noted that Rex earned his role as captain for his positive contributions to the team. He said, “After watching his growth, not just as a player, but as a team player, I liked what I saw with his maturity and his leadership skills. He always seems to know what to say at the right time.” His teammate, Damian Archbold, echoed this sentiment, stating that what truly helps Rex lead is “the voice he has on the field and off the field.”
Mr. Hoilett further praised Rex’s on-field abilities, highlighting his effectiveness in front of the net. “Rex is a good finisher; he scores a lot of goals,” Hoilett confirmed. “He has great individual skills to lead his players and create his own shot in the goal.” Rex’s leading and scoring abilities have proven vital to the Cougars’ success this season.
