Charlie Blackwelder

I wanted to take a few minutes to say a thank you to a good friend and excellent coach for the years of service he has given to the sport of fastpitch softball. Charlie Blackwelder and I worked hand in hand with each other for 3 years at Central Cabarrus HS. Charlie's love of the game was a fresh taste of what this game is all about,,, relationships with your players and their overall development as young ladies and players. His softball expertise was one of the key reasons for our success at Central Cabarrus, but he went so much deeper than that. If a young lady needed a new pair of cleats, it showed up in her locker the next day. No thank you needed. I saw him pay for meals, gloves, bats, batting cages, team packs, entry fees and hotel rooms - all for the love of the players.
At Central, I would go over to the shop at Blackwelder's Converters and talk for days to Charlie about softball and life. No work was more important than a friend or helping a player in need. Charlie's Dad had an influence in my becoming a better Christian and person thru his examples and life lessons. I owe so much to Charlie Blackwelder and his family. He is finished coaching due to Whitney moving into college, but his positive influence will forever be a witness to the Lord and for the players that played for him.
Along the way, Charlie was the Hoosier Tire Company of NASCAR in NC Fastpitch. He played against the well established organizations and played them tough. He respected all, but feared none. He often spoke to me about how he wanted to get to the level of the best teams as in the Lady Blues and Cardinals and he did that all as a one team organization. He loved playing those two teams because he knew they were what represented NC's best. Charlie Blackwelder has left his mark. A positive one. Congrat's to the Carolina Cobras on another successful season.

 

Agreed !!!

100 %--- guru

 

Very well said Coach Sherrill. Charlie is one of the nicest persons I have met. He is a gentleman and is very respectful to me everytime I have ever talked with him. He called me Mr. Turner. He ran a very respectful organazation also. Just a good all around person and very good at coaching in HS and travel ball. I will miss seeing him coach.

 

Yep

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Always liked playing Cobras because they were a great challenge and I always learned something from the experience. Many tough battles, almost always decided by a run and one play by either team decided same.
We supported each other at Nationals at every game we did not have a conflict and both teams represented the state well and with class! Charlie will be around as softball is in his blood at least I hope so! Best to U COACH!

 

Charlie

There are not enough good words to describe Charlie & Susan Blackwelder ! I know I will consider them friends for life. It was a very sad moment in Moline when the Cobras played their final game together, but we knew it would happen this yr. The best thing I ever did for Morgans softball career, was to take her to the Cobra tryout 7 yrs ago. She would not be getting ready to move in her dorm next week without playing for him, although I cannot leave out Coach Sherrill, as he was very instrumental also.
I can tell you why the Cobras were so successful throughout the yrs. It was because the girls loved & respected Charlie, cause they all knew he felt the same way for them. Guess you could say he was a master at constructive critiscism. He would always stay upbeat, even when we were losing, & that is why we had several come from behind wins.
I could go on & on but have to get back to work. Charlie is too good of a coach to hang it up, so lets hope somewhere we'll see him at a ballfield next yr. I do know that he has instilled an aggressive style of play into Morgan, that each team she will play for here on out will be measured to the Cobras. That will be hard to top !!!!!

 

I have never had the opportunity to meet Charlie and I hope one of these days, that will change. I have heard so many positive things about Coach Blackwelder that transcends all sports. He is one of those coaches that "gets it". He understands it's not about him, but about the people he has an opportunity to influence; And obviously, Coach Blackwelder, has touched many.

One hopes he doesn't stray too far and too long from the game. The game needs Charlie Blackwelder.

 

A TRUE CLASS ACT

Just wanted to say thank you Charlie for offering all the help(mind, body, equipment, and more). You have been a true inspiration of what a coach should be. You have put many ideas in my head about how the game should be played. You are a true class act and fastpitch softball will be less without you. You are really going to be missed and you are welcome at the Mudslinger practice and in our dugout anytime. Wish all the best to you, Susan, Whitney, and Chase wherever life takes you.

Thanks for everything,
Bart, the family, and all the Slangers!!

 

Charlie "My brother"

This is Charlie's sister, Donna, I'm writing this under Susan's name on TBR.
First of all I want Charlie to know how proud I am of him, so is the rest of his family. My brother is a good man. It seems my brother was judge about year or so ago, for some actions of parents/players that possible took place on the ballfield and on TBR. My brother has never disrespected any other ballclub, coach, nor parent or player. Like I said he is a good man and has became a GREAT coach. Charlie took over the Cobra name 6yrs ago, a young little team at 12U and gave all he had, heart and soul. I have enjoyed watching him coach, as his team grew over the years. I know the girls will miss him, but I can gaurantee you, cause I know my brother, he will be keeping up with all of you that go to college and play. Congratulations to my brother, Charlie Blackwelder for all his accomplishments with NC Fastpitch softball. You will always be #1 to me.

Love you Bro,
Donna

 

FishBo knows Charlie!....

....oh too well! lol. He's always been very gracious in losin...uuuhhhh, I mean kickin our butts all over the field. Class act my man. You've done things right!
I guess the coolest thing I can give props to Charlie is this....
...not only has he developed his own team, he's had a positive impact on many kids on the teams the Cobras played against.
To me, thats the definition of a winner. JDub.

 

PLAIN AND SIMPLE CHARLIE YOU DA MAN !!!!!!!!!
Not only as a coach but also as a person and a friend I have the UP MOST respect for Charlie as I do anyone Thanks to Susan and Whit and who could forget Chaser my new fishing buddy for making me and my family feel welcome !!!!!!!!


Thanks,
Donnie Gay and HP !!!!!!!!