Football’s Clifton Elected to Stratford Academy HOF

MARS HILL, N.C. - Over the past weekend, Mars Hill head football coach Tim Clifton celebrated more than just a victory over No. 13-ranked Tusculum that put the Lions in first place in the South Atlantic Conference. On the night before, he was inducted into the Stratford Academy Athletic Hall of Fame.

"I was very humbled and honored to be inducted into my high school's hall of fame," Clifton said.

Clifton attended Stratford Academy in Macon, Ga., for two years from 1970-1972. During his two years at the high school, he was a member of the varsity football, basketball and baseball teams.

Clifton was a part of three state championship teams as Stratford Academy won titles in football in 1970, basketball in 1970-1971 and baseball in 1972. In 1972, he won the Dr. John Paul Jones Award, given to the top senior male athlete.

In football, Clifton lettered as a quarterback, running back and safety. He was named All-State in 1971 and holds the school record for longest interception return at 103 yards. Clifton also averaged 38.8 yards per kickoff return for his career.

Clifton started at point guard on the basketball team and at shortstop and second base on the baseball team. He was named All-State in baseball in 1972 after posting a career batting average of .337.

"I was surrounded by great people in the coaching staff and the administration, including former head football coach Bobby Brown, former head baseball coach Bubber Adams, former head basketball coach Richard Reid, athletic director Grady Smith, Dr. Joe and Sue Hill and Marvin Davis," Clifton noted, adding, "Coaching and playing sports is all about relationships. Those people helped direct my life."

2010 marks the 18th season Clifton has been at the helm of the Mars Hill football program. He holds a career record of 96-87.

Mars Hill will travel to Lenoir-Rhyne on Saturday. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m.