Mike Hunter, who is currently the Head Boys Basketball Coach for Christiansburg High School, is a former Ferrum College basketball, and Alleghany High School, 3 sport star (Football, Basketball, and Track & Field).
When I was growing up and playing youth sports, especially basketball, the first person I ever saw dunk in person and on the front page of the sports section of the Virginian Review was Mike, or “Air Hunter”.
Some of my best memories as a child, came at the yearly Jimmy Smith Basketball Camp, where Hunter and other local high school stars would serve as counselors.
I remember one time, around the age of 7 or 8 years old, during our lunch break at camp, Air Hunter jumped over one of his teammates, James “Woo” Hughes, and sent all 100 plus of us camp goers into a frenzy. As a kid, dunking was everything, and in the early 90’s, we had a lot of local highflyers, and Hunter led the pack.
In High School, Hunter was an all around athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and track & field.
His long jump record of 23+ feet from 1992 still stands today.
In Basketball, Mike was one of the primary players throughout his career, and was a part of one of the best teams in school history, under coach Jimmy Smith.
The 1992-93 Mountaineers, featured stars such as former Virginia Tech tight-end Todd Wheatley, finished with a record of 19-4, 9-1 at Home, and 7-3 in a tough Blue Ridge District.
The 92-93 team started the season 9-0, ironically beating his current team (Blue Demons) twice in that span, once in the first game of the season in which the Mountaineers won 61-36, and again in the ninth game of the winning streak with a 70-48 victory over the Blue Demons.
During that 92-93 season, the first loss came to Salem High school, who would go on to win the AA state championship the following year. AHS went on another five-game winning streak before losing again to Salem by 1 point.
The team went on to the District Finals, and lost a tough game to William Byrd (73- 76) at the Salem Civic Center, who they previously beat twice during the regular season.
In football, Hunter played like Michael Vick (former Hokie and number one overall NFL Draft pick), and has the stats to prove it.
Hunter’s most notable plays are a 91-yard touchdown run in 1991 as a junior, and a 91-yard touchdown pass in 1992 as a senior.
At Ferrum, Hunter, was one of the primary options on the team as early as his freshman year.
As a freshman in 1996, Hunter, was Conference Rookie of the Year, 1st team All-Conference (Dixie/USA South), and All-State Honorable Mention.
As a junior and senior, Hunter, rejoined the All-Conference squad, making 2nd team both years and Conference All-Tournament Team, in 1998 as a Junior.
Hunter, capped off his collegiate career as the 2nd leading scorer in Ferrum Basketball history with 1593 points.
Hunter, maintained the number two spot for 10+ years until the State and Conference Player of the Year (2011), Derek Mitchell (1624) moved into second. Currently, Hunter, is sitting at number 3 on the all time list.
Hunter, who is now in his 6th season as Head Coach for the Blue Demons in one of the toughest districts and regions in the state, is still competing in the same gyms and against the same schools as a high school star 20 years ago.
“Mike was a flat out athlete and competitor. He made you better and came to play every game. He made you want to be on his level. Back then, everyone wanted to ‘Fly like Mike’. I was two years younger than him, but if Mike got a dunk, I had to get a dunk. It was fun and we were all close friends, but we pushed each other everyday”, said (Woo) Hughes, one of Hunter’s teammates on how he best described Hunter.
Hunter’s competitiveness and all around athletic ability, definitely transferred to his son, Micheal Hunter Jr, or MJ for short, who is currently in his freshman year at Concord University, playing baseball.
With all of the accolades and accomplishments Hunter has obtained throughout his career, Mike Sr., would definitely say Mike Jr., is his greatest.
You can google Hunter Jr.’s name, and instantly see articles and even television interviews highlighting his all around athletic ability, and leadership skills on and off the field.
Hunter Jr., was a three-sport star in high school like his father, but instead of track & field, MJ played baseball.
Hunter Jr., was a three-year letterman in baseball and basketball, and was a four-year letterman in football.
Concord’s baseball season begins February 19th. MJ, will play middle infield and pitcher.
Hunter, plans to coach for another five-six years, before settling down to simply relax and spend more time with his family.
“I really enjoy coaching, and it’s what I’ve done passionately for the last 21 years. It’s going to be different not coaching my son, but I’m excited about the new experience and look forward to continuing to help young athletes grow, both on and off the court”, said Hunter.
Hunter’s Christiansburg team has also played the last three seasons in the local Mountaineer Invitational Tournament.
In the inaugural MIT tournament in 2018, the Blue Demons finished second place, (losing to Covington in the Championship). The team bounced back the following MIT tournament in 2019 and won the championship by beating his former Alleghany Mountaineers in the first round. Hunter Jr., was named the MVP of the tournament.
This past season, the Blue Demons finished in third place.
“It’s always fun going back home. Everyone gives our staff, team, and me a lot of respect, and anything that was requested as accommodations was provided. It’s also nice getting to play in front of parents and family and in the old gym that I’ve made so many memories in before. The best part is my wife, and MJ being able to experience the environment I played in”, said Hunter on his experiences of coming back home and coaching in front of his friends and family.
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