Haywood Christian Academy (HCA) announced the hiring of Stephen Sharpe as athletic director for the 2010-11 school year.

Sharpe has been at HCA for three years as physical education teacher. Sharpe has also spent the last eight seasons as Bethel Middle School's head baseball coach and nine seasons there as an assistant football coach. Sharpe graduated from Western Carolina University with a bachelor's degree in sociology and 61 additional hours in physical education and health.

"I am extremely excited to begin serving HCA as the athletic director," Sharpe said. "It is an honor to represent such a wonderful school community in this capacity. I look forward to working with student-athletes, coaches, parents, and faculty members to build on a great start with Red Wolves athletics. I am greatly indebted to Steve Teague and his wife Kelly for starting an athletic program from scratch and the positive momentum they have built during Steve's time in this position."

Sharpe has been at HCA since they opened their doors in 2007 teaching physical education to all grade levels. Sharpe has helped foster HCA's relationship with Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center, where upper level P.E. classes are held. The 1995 Pisgah graduate says he will have an emphasis on expanding and professionally developing the coaching staff and focusing on a new conditioning program for athletes.

"Being with HCA since it started, I see great potential in an already competitive program," Sharpe said. "I feel blessed to continue to work with the faculty, students and parents at HCA."