Seaforth hired Patrick Walton as its varsity boys’ basketball coach.

Walton will replace John Berry, who led the Hawks for two seasons before becoming the varsity boys’ basketball coach J.F. Webb. He will be Seaforth’s fourth coach since the school opened in 2021.

“Excited for this opportunity and looking forward to being part of the Seaforth community and all the great things that it has to offer,” Walton said.

Walton is returning to the high school level after years of coaching AAU and travel ball.

Prior to Seaforth, Walton worked his way up from volunteer to head junior varsity coach and to assistant varsity coach at East Chapel Hill in the 2000s. He then started the Voyager Academy program, leading the Vikings for three seasons from 2011-14.

“I had the luxury of coaching a lot of good kids even when I was at East Chapel Hill,” Walton said. “At Voyager, I had the luxury of coaching some high caliber players as well, as we were a new charter school in Durham. I had the opportunity to coach some high level people out there in Durham such as Jay Huff. I always used to train guys at different schools and different places and was also working with (the Council family). I knew the Council family from Ricky II all the way to III and IV and Rhianna and their family. Had the luxury of knowing Trey Murphy as well.”

After leaving Voyager Academy, Walton stepped into the world of travel basketball. He started at Triple Threat NC Basketball Center before leading youth teams with the CP3 Basketball Academy.

Walton said it was simply the “opportunity” that lured him back to high school at Seaforth.

“It’s right here in the backyard,” Walton said. “I’ve had opportunities in other places, but it’s not as convenient as a 15 minute ride down the street. So, this is an opportunity to at least be part of a community that’s continuing to grow. You know how Chatham County continues to grow, and I’m excited of all the things that it always has to offer. It’s right down the street from Northwood. Looking forward to having those games against Northwood and all the other schools in the Chatham County area.”

Before becoming a coach, Walton played basketball at Chapel Hill High School. He continued his playing career at Belmont Abbey for nearly three years before transferring to North Carolina Central University. Over the years, Walton built connections with top basketball figures in the Triangle, including former UNC basketball coach Dean Smith. He went to elementary school with Smith’s children and attended his basketball camps. Through their conversations and from watching him coach, Walton said Smith made an “impression” on him.

Walton would later coach players from UNC, Duke and NC State at the Greater North Carolina Pro-Am that was once a major summer basketball league held at NCCU.

Seaforth will also give Walton the chance to coach his son, Mason, at the high school level. Mason Walton, a sophomore, was a standout guard and Chatham County Middle School champion at Pollard Middle, a feeder school for Seaforth.

“I’ve been coaching rec teams here in Chatham,” Walton said. “I know the kids and the families behind closed doors. So, I’m excited to see some of the kids I’ll have the opportunity to coach for this upcoming season.”

Walton also has a rapport with Berry, who he’ll now have to coach against at least twice a year in Big Seven 4A/5A Conference play. The two were introduced to each other when they matched up at Voyager Academy and Woods Charter, where Berry previously coached.

Last season, Berry led the Hawks conference regular season and tournament championships. Seaforth, which also boasted the conference Coach of the Year and Player of the Year in Declan Lindquist, finished 18-7 (best winning percentage in school history) and reached the second round of the state playoffs.

“I think Coach Berry did an excellent job with what he did last season,” Walton said. “It’s a salute to what he was able to accomplish and what he was able to do.”

Walton said he isn’t trying to “duplicate” the strategies and play style that Berry implemented. The goal for him and the program this year, especially with a short offseason, is to “become one with the community.”

“That’s one of my biggest things,” Walton said. “Basketball to me is a tool, so I know we’re going to help these young men become great people, and I’m excited about that.”