The Legacy and Future of Hobbton High School

Hobbton High School began its proud journey in education in 1956. The twenty-three-acre campus was purchased from Col. Graham Kerr Hobbs for $10,000, and Mr. Howard H. Simpson was appointed as the school’s first principal. He led Hobbton High with dedication for sixteen years, laying the foundation for the excellence that continues today.

For decades, Hobbton High has maintained a strong tradition of academic achievement, preparing students for success in college, careers, and life. Our graduates have gone on to excel in medicine, law, business, education, agriculture, the military, and numerous skilled trades.

In 2009, a major addition to the school expanded the cafeteria and added new administrative offices. The updated design beautifully incorporated the school’s original architectural arches, blending tradition with modern innovation. Today, Hobbton High School stands as a fusion of rich heritage and cutting-edge technology, meeting the challenges of education in the twenty-first century.

Excellence in Athletics

Beyond academics, Hobbton High has a proud and storied athletic tradition. Many of our athletes have competed at the collegiate level, with several advancing to professional sports, including the NFL and NBA.

One of our most distinguished alumni, Dee Hardison, was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. A standout football player at the University of North Carolina, Hardison became the school’s first defensive player to earn First-Team All-America honors (1977) without playing both offense and defense. He went on to enjoy a ten-year career in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, San Diego Chargers, and Kansas City Chiefs.

State Championships

• 1960 – Men’s Basketball

• 1984 – Men’s Basketball

• 1993 – Football

• 2014 – Men’s Shot Put – Samson Bradsher

• 2014 – Men’s Discus – Samson Bradsher

• 2018 – Men’s 100-Meter Dash – Josh Polk

• 2018 – Men’s 200-Meter Dash – Josh Polk

• 2018 – Men’s 300-Meter Dash – Josh Polk

• 2018 – Women’s Pole Vault – Lakelyn Bass

During the 2018–2019 school year, Hobbton High honored three legendary coaches by naming athletic facilities in their memory and recognition of their service. The football stadium was named for Coach Al Britt, who led the 1993 State Championship team; the gymnasium was named for Coach Kenny Bass, who coached the 1984 State Championship basketball team; and the baseball field was named for long-time coach Jimmy Byrd.

Looking Ahead

Exciting things are on the horizon for the Wildcat community! Plans are underway for a new Hobbton High School, with groundbreaking scheduled for 2026 and completion anticipated in 2029. The new campus will stand proudly across the road from our current school—continuing the Hobbton legacy of excellence while embracing the future of education.