University of North Carolina Athletics
Michael Waddell to Sit Out 1999 Season
August 7, 1999 | Football
August 7, 1999
North Carolina freshman student-athlete Michael Waddell will attend the University as a partial qualifier as defined by the NCAA. Waddell is allowed to practice with the Tar Heels, but will have to sit out of competition this season. His high school grade point average far exceeded NCAA eligibility standards, but he fell a few points shy on the standardized tests.
"I am still excited about my future at Carolina," says Waddell. "I was a good student with good grades in high school and am confident I will meet the challenges here academically and on the football field. Obviously, I am disappointed that I will not be able to play this year, but I will do everything I can in practice to help the team succeed."
Waddell, a 5-11, 170-pound cornerback/kick returner from Ellerbe, N.C., earned Parade All-America honors last fall leading Richmond County to an unbeaten record and state championship.
Upon admission to UNC, Waddell attended and earned a pair of awards for academic achievement this summer in the Universitys Bridge Program. Bridge is a seven-week residential academic support program for select incoming first-year students. It is designed to aid participants personal and academic transition from high school to college. Students enroll in an English composition course and a math course.
"Michael has proven both in his coursework in high school and in the UNC Bridge program that he is capable of succeeding academically at the collegiate level," says head coach Carl Torbush. "He is an outstanding young man. I know we will enjoy watching his contributions to the University and its football program."
