Class of 1985

A 1985 graduate of Apex High School, Rex lettered in four sports and was an All-Conference football and baseball player. Playing both ways in football, Rex ran for over 1,000 yards in his junior and senior seasons and led the team in interceptions during those seasons as well. During his senior season, he was selected to play for the North Carolina team in the annual Shrine Bowl, where he started as a defensive back and punter.

The excellence Rex brought onto the football field was matched when he stepped onto the baseball diamond for the Cougars. Rex had one of the greatest senior seasons in Apex baseball history, as he batted .585 as a senior and set the state record for stolen bases with 41. For his efforts, he was named the Wake County 3A Baseball Player of the Year and became the first Apex athlete to appear in the Sports Illustrated “Faces in the Crowd” feature.

If his exploits on the gridiron and baseball diamond were not enough, there was more. Rex was a starting forward on the basketball team and, during his senior year, helped lead Apex into the state playoffs. And when he had an off day in baseball during the spring, Rex would jump in and run the sprints for the Cougars track and field team. That, ladies and gentlemen, is a multisport athlete!

Upon graduation from Apex High School, Rex received an athletic scholarship to play football at the University of Richmond. While playing for the Spiders, Rex continued to distinguish himself. He was a four-year letterman as a running back. Of his many athletic accomplishments, however, he is quick to note the support he received from his family, friends, and coaches. And one of his most cherished memories is of the way his late father, Norm, taught him how to play and respect the game.