Another "Tray" for Niners' Goldwire

Leemire Goldwire's busy off-season just got busier and noisier.

Goldwire, a junior shooting guard for the Charlotte 49ers, will celebrate his two-year wedding anniversary in July and he is working on wrapping up the spring semester with final exams.

Student, athlete, husband, what else is there? How about father?

Goldwire and his wife, Lakin, welcomed their first child on April 19 with the birth of their son, Leemire Goldwire III, who weighed in a 6 pounds 9 ounces. Both mother and son are doing well.

"Before having the baby, Lakin and I had already had a great relationship. We worked through arguments but with a marriage and school it was a lot of adjustments. Now, I wouldn't change it for anything in the world."

Goldwire III's nickname is "Tray," which prompted a question as to whether the name was influenced by his father's propensity at taking the 3-pointer.

"Nah," Goldwire said as he started to laugh. "It's only fitting because he is 'the third.' But it could work either way."

Goldwire said he is very excited about his upcoming final season at Charlotte.

"I can't wait for the season to start so all of us can get together and start playing," he said. Lamont (Mack) and Charlie (Coley) and DiJuan (Harris) are going to be great additions. We have big Phil (Jones). We're going to work hard, I will make sure of that."

Goldwire said he was relieved coach Bobby Lutz elected to remain with Charlotte, rather than take an offer from South Alabama.

"I am very glad he stayed. I did not want to play for anybody else and I told him that," Goldwire said. "I know the coach takes responsibility for the team, but it was the players that led to our bad season this year. We didn't take responsibility."