Welcome to The Seahawk Perch, your brand-new home for UNCW athletics coverage.

Here’s what you might be wondering as we get started:

What would drive a man to Rhode Island? UNCW basketball, of course.

Who the heck are you?

I’m Brant Wilkerson-New, a 2008 UNCW graduate who began my journalism career at The Seahawk, writing about everything from intramural sports to the 2006 CAA championship and everything in between.

My time at The Seahawk and Star-News eventually helped me reach my goal of covering college sports, spending time on the beat at Appalachian State, Duke, North Carolina and N.C. State.

I experienced some great moments on college basketball’s biggest stage, but through it all, there’s nowhere I’d rather be than Trask Coliseum for a big Charleston-UNCW game.

Launching something like this has been on my radar for a few years, and thanks to some life and career changes, the timing is finally right.

Thankfully, I have a number of talented friends that will be involved.

Of all the moments I’ve experienced around college basketball, this night was the sweetest.

What can readers expect at The Seahawk Perch?

We’ll tell you about the ‘What’, but expect more focus on the ‘How’ and ‘Why’.

Anyone can report a score or write out some play-by-play narrative, and that’s easy to find on the platforms that don’t know UNCW from UMKC.

Instead, we’ll dig into meaningful stories about the people, places and events that shape the programs in addition to analytics and trends to help explain what’s happening on the court, whether it be in words, photos, videos, podcast or social media content.

We’ll certainly have some fun along the way, and although we’re alumni and fans, we’ll try to paint an accurate picture rather than strictly being cheerleaders.

Expect a little recruiting coverage and routine looks around the CAA.

Can I become a contributor?

A major goal of this is creating another platform for UNCW students to get meaningful experience in sports journalism as writers, editors, photographers, videographers and digital content creators.

As The Seahawk Perch establishes its reputation, we’ll be seeking the opportunity for students to earn class credit for their work.

Contact TheSeahawkPerch@gmail.com

Are you making money?

Not yet! If the time and material commitments eventually dictate it, we might consider adding a premium option to cover costs.

Down the road, we’d like to have the opportunity to pay student contributors enough to finance a Thursday night out at Jerry Allen’s. 

Want to drop a few bucks in the tip jar for a coffee? Go ahead!

Bottom Line

Tell great stories, tell the truth, have fun and help UNCW students and athletes get the exposure they deserve.