Niner Times alum Trevor Wilt, 2017 graduate, was eager and excited to share his journey from the halls of Student Media to the baseball field in a presentation to students Nov. 13.

Wilt, who serves as Director of Entertainment & Fan Engagement for the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers encouraged students to put themselves out there, be seen and put in the time. “This is literally the platform of where I got to be where I am,” he said, “It all started here in the Niner Times.” 

During his time in Student Media, he was sports editor for two years and hosted various sports shows for Radio Free Charlotte. He was instrumental in expanding video - filming sports, interviewing players, and also anchoring “Chalk Talk.” Wilt was a recipient of the Student Niner Media Spirit Award, recognizing him for being the go-to guy and cheerleader for all of the organizations housed within. 

“It’s so cool walking these halls and seeing all these papers. We started this route of putting all the papers up back in 2015.” Niner Times covers adorn the walls of the newsroom, as they have since Trevor and friends started the trend. Students still display every cover - gaining knowledge and insight from looking at issues from the past. It’s become a standing tradition.

“The countless hours we spent down here was incredible,” he said. While in Student Niner Media he worked in areas other than sports, pitching in to write news and entertainment, as well as creating and editing video. “I learned that my sophomore year, whenever I started with Niner Times. I was like, I can be who I want to be. We did some crazy videos, we did some crazy interviews and had some crazy times down here, but so many fun times. (It’s about) surrounding yourself with other people that feel that same way,” he said. The friends he made in Student Media have become life-long friends, with some working at ESPN and others hosting podcasts and continuing to work in photography.

Nowadays, he dons his signature gold vest, energizing the fan experience for the Cannon Ballers. His main goal is to bring enjoyment to fans and simply “make someone’s day.” “I always had this excitement about life,” he said. And now he gets to share that excitement with thousands of fans. 

In addition to working for the minor league team, he is still very involved with UNC Charlotte athletics, serving as a color analyst for Charlotte 49ers basketball. Fans look to him for his wit, humor and insight. He truly is a 49er for life, and it is another way he can continue his life-long passion for sports. 

In addition to his dual career, the Concord native also finds time to contribute to his community, participate in events and hold speaking engagements. He’s received numerous awards for his contributions including 2022 Dancing For the Arts Judge’s Choice Winner, 2024 Cabarrus County Hometown Hero and 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Rising Star.

Davis Cuffe, Evan Campos, Kelli Blackburn with Trevor Wilt, who's holding a framed photo from his days at Niner Times.