University of North Carolina Athletics
Former UNC Track Coach Passes Away
June 21, 1999 | General
November 3, 1998
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Former University of North Carolina Track and Field Head Coach Joe Hilton, who had been hospitalized since Sunday, passed away on Tuesday morning from congestive heart failure.
Hilton, 80, was a member of the Carolina staff since 1946 and head coach from 1963 until retiring in 1981. During his 19 years at the helm, Hilton coached 77 individual ACC champions, two national champions and five All-Americas. He coached three-time All-America Tony Waldrop, who was the NCAA champion in the 1000-yard run in 1973 and the mile run in 1974. Waldrop went on to run 11 consecutive sub-four minute miles.
Hilton's association with the University began in 1935 when, after graduating from High Point High School, he began his collegiate career as a student-athlete. He participated in football, basketball and track. After graduating from Carolina in 1940 with a bachelor's degree in physical education, Hilton coached at Goldsboro High School for two years. During World War II, he served as a deck officer in the Navy. Hilton returned to Chapel Hill after the war in 1946 to serve on the UNC coaching staff.
Comment from UNC Athletic Director Dick Baddour
"Joe Hilton was a special person. His love for the University is surpassed only by his love for its students. He was devoted to the UNC track program and was totally committed to the development of the student-athletes. We have all lost a true friend and a dedicated educator."
Comments from current UNC Track & Field Head Coach Dennis Craddock
"I am saddened to hear of Joe Hilton's passing. He was a mentor of mine and a person I always looked up to and admired as a young coach even when I was at the University of Virginia. He was a good friend. I'd gotten to know him better since I'd come to Carolina 14 years ago. He was always willing to help the track program. He loved coaching. He loved young people. It is a great loss. We call all cherish his memory because he certainly gave us all great memories."
