Sonny Smith snagged one of ETSU’s highest ranked recruits out of North Carolina. A Top 100 USA player, Thaxton was courted by the biggies, but Smith landed him.

Unfortunately, Smith took off for Auburn and was followed by his assistant, Jim Hallihan, as head coach. Hallihan was enamored with another center on the team - and refused to play Thaxton.

By Thaxton’s senior year, the fans took to yelling “Thaxton…Thaxton…Thaxton” until Hallihan felt forced to put Charles in the game.

A great person, loved by fans and fellow students, Thaxton shot a .783 percentage - yes, over 70 percent - in 22 games during his senior year. Hallihan still refused to play him, except when the crowd started shouting his name. Charles looked like Charles Barkley on the floor, a rebounding machine. His nickname was “The Bull.” Automatic points whenever he came in the game.