The O’Neal School announced it has won the NCISAA 2A Wells Fargo Cup for the third time in the past four years (after finishing second in 2021-2022). The Wells Fargo Cup is awarded annually to the top athletic program in each classification across North Carolina. Schools win the award in each division based on points earned throughout the academic school year.
Consistency was the key to success this year, as O’Neal saw 11 out of the 16 varsity teams finish the season in the top 10 in the NCISAA 2A rankings, and six of those teams finished in the top eight, earning Wells Fargo Cup points. Additionally, boys and girls cross country finished in third place overall, boys golf finished at NCISAA runners-up, and girls golf and girls swimming were crowned NCISAA state champions.
“Last year was another successful year for O’Neal and we are very proud of the efforts of our teams, student-athletes and coaches, shared O’Neal athletic director James Franklin. “Over the last four years, we have continually competed at the highest level. To win the Wells Fargo Cup for the third time in four years demonstrates the dedication and drive of the students and coaches within our programs.”
The Falcons last won the Wells Fargo Cup in 2020-2021, coming out of the pandemic to repeat as Wells Fargo champions after their 2018-2019 victory (due to COVID, there was no Wells Fargo Champion crowned in the 2019-2020 school year). Additionally, O’Neal won the Wells Fargo Cup in 2000-2001, when the school began competing in the 2A division. From the 1990-1991 school year through 2000-2001, O’Neal won what was at that time called the Wachovia Cup seven times, competing in the 1A division.
Previously called The Wachovia Cup before Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., purchased Wachovia Bank, schools have been recognized since 1985, and the award is presented and sponsored by Wells Fargo.
Courtesy photo/Contributed.
