Sports are his passion, and during Zack’s tenure as a student at RJR, he earned 15 varsity letters — a Forsyth County record that led to Zack’s induction into the RJR Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015. He began as a team manager for the RJR football team during his freshman year in 2001 and quickly expanded to serve as a manager of the men’s and women’s basketball teams during the winter and baseball in the spring. 

Like many students, high school sports gave Zack a sense of community and belonging. But unlike his fellow RJR Demons, Zack has unique differences. He was born with ring 18, a rare chromosomal abnormality that impacts his mobility and speech, among other challenges. 

“Zack has a very determined and optimistic spirit,” says his mother, Eve Hinkle. “He has a great sense of humor, and there’s nothing like sharing a laugh to bond people together.”

Eve credits many people with supporting Zack’s passion for athletics, including the late Stan Elrod, who was RJR’s principal during Zack’s high school years and gave him his first opportunity as a football manager. Throughout Zack’s freshman year, RJR football seniors Michael Six, Mack Cross, Will Newell, Alex Moore, and Andrew Britt included him in everything they did, in and out of school. Chris Pinnix, RJR teacher and coach of RJR’s women’s basketball team, was another mentor as was the late Sergeant Major Green who served as RJR’s longtime golf coach and JROTC instructor. 

Neighbor and former RJR football coach Pat Crowley knows firsthand Zack’s impact on the RJR community. “As a former football player and coach, I really appreciate when people show toughness and a passion for their sport. In my opinion, Zack is the toughest guy I know. What he has overcome in life pays tribute to his passion for R.J. Reynolds High School and his toughness to show up every day. You can count on Zack, carrying the flag, leading us onto the field.”

Since graduating from RJR in 2006, Zack has remained a part of the RJR community. Principal Elrod helped him secure a job at the school, which he still holds today, working mornings in the cafeteria and afternoons with the various athletic teams. Additionally, each year a scholarship fund, established in Zack’s honor nearly 10 years ago through The Winston-Salem Foundation, provides four years of financial support to an RJR college-bound student-athlete. 

“Zack is a fellow who, despite the odds, makes his own breaks, but there is no question he found a nurturing, loving and inspiring community at RJR,” says Eve. “He feels a strong sense of home and carries a purpose every day into the halls. RJR is a great, big, diverse high school that has always been welcoming and inclusive of Zack. I credit that to leadership and parenting. Our family will be forever grateful.”

With Zack’s many longstanding ties to R.J. Reynolds High School and its athletics programs, it’s very fitting that the Entrance Hall for the new M. Douglas Crater Field & Stadium serving both RJR and Wiley Magnet Middle School, will honor his service, dedication and enthusiasm. Home Field Advantage, the nonprofit volunteer group leading the effort to fundraise and build the on-campus facility, recently announced the naming of the Zack H. Bacon IV Hall of Champions. Located on Northwest Boulevard, between the Wiley and RJR campuses, the Hall of Champions will include the ticket office, concessions, the Demon Shop, restrooms, and the Mary Garber – Stuart Scott Press Box. The Zack H. Bacon IV Hall of Champions also will be able to host team banquets, alumni reunions, and other school events.

Home Field Advantage committee member Greg Cox, an RJR alum and parent to four current and former RJR Demons, says the naming of the Zack H. Bacon IV Hall of Champions is a wonderful reflection of the school’s love and admiration for Zack. “For nearly 25 years, Zack Bacon has been the heart and soul of Reynolds athletics. Our student-athletes have learned from Zack and become better individuals as a result. His outlook on sports and life is just so impressive. I love sitting in the stands and looking down on the court or field to see Zack working his magic.” 

When the M. Douglas Crater Field & Stadium hosts its first games later this year, you can be sure that Zack will be there  – leading the team onto the field, proudly holding the RJR Demon flag high for all to see. 

Home Field Advantage is raising the final funds for the new on-campus facility serving teams and clubs at R.J. Reynolds High School and Wiley Magnet Middle School. To learn more or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.rjreynoldshomefield.com.