Coach Mike Knighton to Join Athletic Hall of Fame


Calling all Ripple Makers!

Please join us Sept. 27-29 for Alumni Weekend which will include a kickoff celebration for Christ School’s 125th anniversary, “The Game” with Asheville School, alumni awards, and an induction of Coach Mike Knighton P’87 into the Athletic Hall of Fame.  

Coach Knighton faithfully served the boys from 1981 to 2008 as Varsity Football Coach, Dean of Students, Director of Admission, Athletic Director, English teacher, and Director of Alumni Relations. 

Mike won 36 games in two stints as football coach (1981-91 and 1996-97), including the 1983 Asheville School game, which will forever be one of the biggest upsets in the 98-game series. Beyond the wins and losses, Coach Knighton’s warmth, humor, and generosity are his true legacy. Famous for entertaining adults and children with his storytelling, he made everyone he met feel special and valued. 

Coach Knighton encouraged boys to make a difference in the world, to be “ripple makers.”

The Class of 2006 dedicated the yearbook to Coach Knighton calling him “a beloved ‘Ripple Maker’ in our midst…One of the reasons he is fondly remembered by students, faculty, and alumni is because of his generous heart and absolute dedication to the school in so many capacities.”

Coach Knighton passed away in 2019, but due to COVID-19, a proper celebration of his contributions to Christ School had to be a muted the following year at Alumni Weekend. All former players and students are invited this year to honor this legendary Christ School figure. 

The full schedule for Alumni Weekend and the link to register can be found at this link.