Football’s Clifton Elected to Stratford Academy HOF
Clifton was three-sport standout in high school
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.