EMORY, Va. - In honor of the 2025 class of the Emory & Henry Sports Hall of Fame, the Emory & Henry University athletic department will be releasing a brief profile of a different inductee each day. Today's inductee is: Mike Stansbury.

Mike Stansbury – Football, Class of 1993

Mike Stansbury was a defensive force for the Emory & Henry football program in the early 1990s, anchoring one of the most dominant defensive units in program history. A four-year letterman and three-year starter at linebacker, Mike brought intensity, leadership, and consistency to the field every week, helping the Wasps to an impressive 30–10 record during his playing career.

As a senior in 1992, Mike captained a team that not only won the ODAC Championship but also advanced to the NCAA Division III Playoffs, defeating Thomas More in the first round. That season, he earned First Team All-ODAC and Second Team All-State honors after ranking second on the team in tackles and leading a defense that finished:

• 2nd nationally in scoring defense (7.6 points per game)

• 3rd in pass defense

• 8th in total defense

• 26th in rush defense
  The 1992 squad also finished the season ranked 8th nationally.

Mike's impact wasn't limited to one standout season. In 1991, he led the team in tackles and helped guide a defense that finished in the top 10 nationally in both scoring and pass defense. His career total of 267 tackles places him among the top 20 all-time tacklers in Emory & Henry history.

Following his collegiate playing days, Mike translated his deep understanding of the game into a remarkable career as a football official at nearly every level of competition. Over the past 19 years, he has officiated more than 200 games, including:

• 98+ NCAA games (Divisions I, II, III, NAIA)

• High school official for over 10 years, including multiple TSSAA playoff appearances

• Head Linesman in the Ohio Valley Conference

• Line Judge in Conference USA

• Crew Chief in the SAA and OVC

• Football Replay Official for Conference USA

• Two seasons as a professional official in the Arena Football League

• NFL training camp official for the Tennessee Titans (two stints)

• Official for postseason games including the Victory Bowl (NCCAA Championship), multiple NCAA Division III playoff games, and SAA Championship Games

• Field liaison for both the Liberty Bowl and Music City Bowl

Whether as a fierce linebacker or as a respected official, Mike Stansbury has dedicated his life to football at the highest level. His leadership, athletic excellence, and lifelong commitment to the game make him a truly worthy addition to the Emory & Henry Athletics Hall of Fame.

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