Spartanburg Day Football Coach Patrick Moffitt Finalist For “Driving Greatness” National Coaching Award

By Scott Chancey

Special Writer

SPARTANBURG-- Spartanburg Day School varsity football head coach Patrick Moffitt has been named one of five national finalists for Charter UP's 2026 “Driving Greatness” campaign, an award recognizing coaches who make a lasting difference in the lives of young athletes both on and off the field.

CharterUP announced the five finalists on Tuesday, Nov. 3, following a nationwide nomination process celebrating coaches who demonstrate exceptional leadership and dedication to their student-athletes.

A Spartanburg Day School parent nominated Moffitt for the award, which led to him being named one of the five finalists from across the nation.

The national recognition comes as Moffitt completes a milestone season at Spartanburg Day School, where he has led the return of varsity football for the first time in more than 40 years.

Since joining the school in 2024, Moffitt has played an instrumental role in rebuilding the Griffins' football program from the ground up. Beginning with a Middle School team in 2024, the program expanded to junior varsity in 2025 before returning to varsity competition this fall.

While bringing varsity football back to Spartanburg Day School represents a significant achievement, Moffitt's influence extends well beyond the scoreboard. His coaching philosophy emphasizes personal responsibility and the development of young men who understand the importance of commitment to something greater than themselves.

Before arriving at Spartanburg Day School, Moffitt spent nine years as head football coach at St. Andrew's School in Middletown, Delaware. He previously played quarterback at Williams College in Massachusetts, where he was a three-year starter and earned New England Small College Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors.

His experience as both a player and coach has helped shape his approach to developing the Griffins' program, with an emphasis on building a foundation that will benefit Spartanburg Day School student-athletes for years to come.

“What Coach Moffitt has accomplished at Spartanburg Day School goes far beyond bringing varsity football back to our campus,” said Dave Skeen, Head of School. “He has built a program that our students and school community can be proud of, but more importantly, he is making a lasting difference in the lives of the young men he coaches. Patrick genuinely cares about his players and the people they are becoming. To see his commitment recognized on a national stage is a tremendous honor for him and for Spartanburg Day School.”

CharterUP's second annual “Driving Greatness” campaign recognizes coaches across the country who go above and beyond to inspire young athletes and positively influence their communities.

Moffitt joins four other finalists representing schools and athletic programs in Texas, Illinois, New York, and California.

The national winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize, while the winning coach's school will receive $10,000 in CharterUP transportation credit, bringing the total prize package to $20,000.

Public voting is now open and will continue through Nov. 16 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. Members of the Spartanburg Day School community, alumni, families, and supporters are encouraged to cast their votes for Moffitt at www.CharterUP.com/Live. The national winner is scheduled to be announced Nov. 18.

About Spartanburg Day School:

Established in 1957, Spartanburg Day School is a nationally accredited independent school serving students from 2K through 12th grade. Located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the school offers a challenging academic program complemented by opportunities in athletics, fine arts, and extracurricular activities. For more information, visit www.spartanburgdayschool.org.

About CharterUP

CharterUP is a transportation technology company that connects schools, athletic teams, businesses, and organizations with charter bus transportation services nationwide. Its annual Driving Greatness campaign recognizes coaches who make a meaningful impact on young athletes and their communities.

The Griffins football team returned to establish a varsity football program for the first time in over 40 years this season under the direction of Coach Moffitt.

The team was a member of the SCISA AA region, and they team only had one senior on the varsity team that finished 1-8 on the season.

The Griffins win came over Thornwell Charter School on August 28 in a 17-14 win. They concluded the 2026 win with a loss against Greenwood Christian on October 30.

Junior place kicker Armin Pader made two field goals in the win while Charlie Wilson scored on a 72-yard punt return to help key the school’s first win in varsity football since they defeated Camden Military 23-0 on November 9, 1979.

While the team experienced first year varsity growing pains this season, the Griffins should be vastly improved for the 2027 season with nearly every player returning to the team.

Some of the stats leaders for the 2026 season include freshman QB Charlie Birch who completed 44-of-92 passes for 573 yards and three TD’s. Birch also had an interception on defense along with 17 tackles.

Junior RB/LB Heath Boyd was the team’s top rusher with 134 yards gained on 65 carries. On defense he had 30 tacklers. Soph WR/LB Charlie Wilson was the team’s top WR with 21 catches for 176 yards and three TD’s. On defense he was tied for the most tackles with 33.

Pader, a highly regarded soccer prospect, made 4-of-4 field goals with a long of 49 yards. He scored 15 points for the team this season.

Several other players had excellent seasons as first year varsity players on defense. Soph DB Tyler Fernanders tied for the most tackles on the team with 33. Junior RB/DE Gibbes Montgomery had 28 tackles on defense, while junior DT Ben Brown had a sack and four tackles. Soph DE Nick Querin had 27 tackles also. Freshman DE Coltin Lyle had 17 tackles.

Freshman Rutledge Wall also contributed at QB completing 7-of-20-passes for 174 yards.



Coach Moffitt was assisted by Chris Cormier, Justin Crain, Andrew Vaught, and Rick Martin this season.