ASHEBORO — Hayden Waddell, who coached Uwharrie Charter Academy’s wrestling team to two dual team state championships, faces charges after a recent arrest and is no longer with the school.
Waddell, 25, is charged with misdemeanor child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile stemming from a May 5 incident when he allegedly stood by and allowed an unspecified number of juveniles to restrain and assault another juvenile.
Waddell, a former three-time individual state champion at the school and later a collegiate wrestler for Mt. Olive, also was a teacher assistant at the UCA in 2024 and 2025.
UCA superintendent Sharon Castelli released a statement, which in part reads: “Uwharrie Charter Academy is aware of the recent charge involving a former coach previously associated with our athletic program. At this time, this individual is no longer employed by or affiliated with UCA in any capacity.”
UCA announced Waddell’s hiring as wrestling coach in August 2024.
He took the coaching reins from his father, Chris Waddell, who’s an assistant principal for the high school at UCA.
