Mike Raybon has made enormous contributions to high school athletics in general and wrestling in particular in North Carolina. A graduate of Bandys High in Catawba County, Raybon earned his BS degree at Appalachian State in 1963 and then began his teaching and coaching career. From 1965 to ’84, he was the head wrestling coach at Ragsdale, where he started the program. He posted a 216-45-2 mark in that sport, including seven unbeaten seasons, 14 conference championships and three state championships. He served as assistant principal at Ragsdale for a couple of years and then eight years at Southwest Guilford before returning to Ragsdale in ’95 as athletic director, a position he currently holds. He has won numerous Coach of the Year awards at the conference and state level and for years either directed or served as consultant for the NCHSAA state wrestling championships, helping turn it into a signature event. He has also served as commissioner for several high school athletic conferences and for over 30 years was an outstanding wrestling official.
July 8, 2019
