Winston-Salem, N.C. – The North Carolina High School Track & Field and Cross Country Hall of Fame announced the 2024 class, naming High Point University Track & Field and Cross Country Head Coach Mike Esposito to the honors. The N.C. High School Track & Field and Cross Country Hall of Fame recognizes athletes, coaches and officials who have significantly impacted the sports on the high school level and beyond.  

"I am truly honored and humbled by this recognition and would like to thank the committee for choosing me among the many equally qualified coaches throughout North Carolina," Coach Esposito commented. "Thirty-plus years ago, I walked into a gold mine at Mount Tabor High School. I was blessed to be surrounded by talented and high character student-athletes in a setting with tremendous administrative support. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to be assisted by passionate coaches who were in the sport for all the right reasons. The parental support I received throughout the the years was phenomenal as well.

"What success I have achieved would not have been possible without my amazing parents, rock star wife, and all those who believed in our vision for the greatest sport in the world. A special thank you to Dr. Vert, whose support helped me take the next step in my career. Most importantly, I would like to thank all of the student-athletes who I have been fortunate to work with over the years. This award is due to their hard work, dedication, and willingness to be coached. This Hall of Fame recognition is due to all of the above."

Coach Esposito coached at Mount Tabor High in Winston-Salem for 17 years (1988-2005) before coming to High Point. He guided the program to 11 state championship titles, developed four individual national champions and was an eight-time North Carolina Coach of the Year.
 
"In 2005, I decided to enter the collegiate ranks at a small, quiet university in High Point," Esposito said.  "At our first staff meeting, I heard Dr. Qubein speak of his vision for the university. To say what has transpired since then is amazing would be an understatement. All I can say is 'Wow!' The track and field/cross country programs have grown to our current prominence due to the incredible support of the administration, alumni, parents, and friends of the program. In addition, I have the best coaching staff in America and we have some very lofty goals for the future of this program." 
 
During his time at High Point, Esposito has continued his tradition of excellence, producing three All-Americans, eight qualifying student-athletes for NCAA championships and 64 qualifying for regional championships.

Esposito has led the Panthers to two Big South Conference cross country championships, six Big South outdoor track and field championships and four Big South indoor track and field championships. He was named conference track and field coach of the year 10 times and cross country coach of the year twice.

"Coach Esposito loves the sport of track and field with a passion that is impossible to match and he is incredibly deserved of his place in North Carolina track and field history," HPU Deputy AD Drew Sanchez said. "He is a valuable addition to High Point University track and field staff and has cultivated a great experience for all the student-athletes who have competed for him. We are proud of all his success at the high school level and at High Point University. We look forward to his continued leadership directing our cross country and track and field programs to conference and national prestige."
 
A statewide committee of 22 track and field and cross country coaches, officials and media representatives who cover the sport extensively nominated and elected the class.  
 
The induction ceremony will be Feb. 3, 2024, in Winston-Salem during the Mondo Elite High School Invitational at the JDL Fast Track, which will house the Hall of Fame. Each elected class has been honored at the meet, which is the premier indoor meet in North Carolina each season. 
 
"High school track and field has existed in North Carolina for more than 100 years, with the first outdoor state championship held in 1913, the first indoor track meet held in 1922, and the first high school cross country meet held in 1929," Brett Honeycutt, N.C. High School Track & Field and Cross Country Hall of Fame Founder," said "and North Carolinas has a strong history of national success, dating to the 1930s when High Point High competed at cross country nationals in New Jersey. It is our goal to honor those who have helped make this sport so great in our state, and these first five classes are a great start at letting people know how much talent has come through North Carolina."