North Lenoir looks to Honor Coach Tony Hill with Victory Over East Carteret

LA GRANGE, NC — September 9th, 2023, marked a day that forever changed the lives of everyone at North Lenoir High School. The tragic passing of Coach Tony Hill left a lasting impact on the entire community, and his memory continues to inspire those who knew him. One year later, the North Lenoir Hawks find themselves in a similar situation, starting the season 0-3. However, much like last year when they honored Coach Hill with a resounding 58-13 win over East Carteret, the Hawks (0-3) will once again look to rally for a huge win against the Mariners (0-3) at home.

Head Coach Larry Dale reflected on the indelible legacy Coach Hill left behind. “When you have the kind of love he had for the program and the school, that will never go away. He showed us all how to treat one another. That’s his legacy that will never die,” said Dale.

Coach Hill’s influence extends beyond the field and continues to inspire the players he mentored. Senior captain Petey Wiggins shared how much Coach Hill still impacts him. “Coach Hill was always that dude. If you needed a laugh, he was there. If you needed a hug, he was there. If you needed anything you could think of, he was there. He still impacts me today by giving me the motivation to play football in his name. I have not taken off the ‘Hawk Strong’ bracelet since I got it a year ago, which was made in honor of him. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about spending another day with Coach Hill.”

Fellow senior captain Jack Herring echoed similar sentiments, describing Coach Hill’s lasting impact on his life.

“Coach Hill’s attitude about everything was always great. There was never a moment of doubt when talking to him. It didn’t matter what the conversation was about—he always believed in you. He pushed you to limits you never knew you could go, and he always had your back no matter what. His knowledge about the game of football still lives with me to this day. Not a day goes by where I don’t think of him. It’s just the little things he did that really stand out. If you needed a laugh or a word of encouragement, he was your guy. I loved every moment with him and cherished everything he’s taught me.”

Herring went on to explain why tonight’s game is bigger than just football. “Tonight’s game is more than just a game for the team. This time of year, a year ago, all of our lives changed forever, so we know that he’s always with us every step we take in this game and especially in life itself. We’re prepared and ready to play in honor of Coach Hill.”

For Wiggins, tonight’s game holds deep significance as well. “This game means a lot. Around this time last year is when we lost him. It just means more knowing that this week last year we lost our coach and friend. I think the team knows that, and we’ve had a great week of practice. We are ready to play in honor of Coach Hill.”

With the memory of Coach Tony Hill guiding them, North Lenoir will look to break through and earn their first victory of the season, playing not just for themselves but in honor of the coach who left an everlasting impact on their lives.