Tim Clifton to be inducted into MHU Athletics Hall of Fame
The winningest coach in program history will be inducted on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025 when the Lions face UVA Wise.
MARS HILL, N.C. – The Mars Hill Athletic Department has revealed its 2025 Hall of Fame Class.
In a rare, special occurrence, the department has elected to announce a standalone inductee for the class: legendary football head coach Tim Clifton.
Clifton, who led the Lions since 1993, is the winningest coach in program history and ranks second in the South Atlantic Conference in both overall wins and conference wins. His 49-year coaching career had been defined not only by on-field success but by his unwavering commitment to developing young men of character and fostering a family-centered culture within the program.
Clifton's tenure was marked by extraordinary achievements both on and off the field. He coached more than 20 All-American players at Mars Hill and more than 100 All-Conference players. Six of his former players went on to compete in the NFL, and he coached Jonas Randolph, winner of the Harlon Hill Trophy—Division II's equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. Randolph remains the only Harlon Hill Trophy winner in South Atlantic Conference history.
In recent years, Clifton continued to demonstrate his coaching excellence. Across his last four seasons (2021-2024), he guided the Lions to two Mountain Division Championships with an overall record of 28-12 and a conference record of 24-9.
Beyond his program's success, Clifton had been a respected voice in Division II football, serving on the All-American Committee and both regional and national committees for the division.
Before arriving at Mars Hill, Clifton built his coaching foundation through positions at Evans Junior High School, Clarke Central High School (where he helped win a national title in 1979 as quarterback coach), the University of South Carolina, Virginia Military Institute, Fayetteville State University, and Ferrum College.
A native of Macon, Georgia, Clifton played collegiately at Mercer University, where he met his wife, Joy. They have been married 48 years and have two children and four grandchildren.
"Coach Clifton's accolades are extremely impressive," Director of Athletics Rick Baker stated. "His devotion to the student-athletes, football program and the University for 32 years makes this induction well deserved."
Coach Clifton will be inducted at halftime of the Lions' final home game of the season versus UVA Wise on Saturday, November 8. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
