Mike Earwood is an inductee in the inaugural class of the Starr’s Mill Hall of Fame.

Earwood was the first head football coach and the first athletic director for Starr’s Mill, taking the job in 1997. He coached the Starr’s Mill team for 13 years and also coached the Rising Starr Middle School football team.

“I am very appreciative of being selected, but nothing that got accomplished couldn’t have happened without the parents, coaches, and administrators that were behind at all,” Earwood said. 

As head coach of the football team, Earwood worked with current head coach Chad Phillips to build the football team from scratch. They also built Panther Stadium, all the field houses, and all the locker rooms that students and visitors use today. 

“He was instrumental in setting a high standard and developing the great athletic culture we still enjoy today,” current head football coach Chad Phillips said. “It was his vision to have better than average facilities constructed here.”

Earwood retired with 38 years of coaching experience, including a state title at Carterville High School. Earwood had a career coaching record of 216-114-1. 

Earwood’s son was also involved in football, playing linebacker at Georgia Southern. Both Earwood and his wife continue to preach the importance of education. 

“My philosophy is about competition and kids and high school,” Earwood said. “When I took the job I felt like we never lost sight of the young people being athletes, but also having an education.”