Mike Davis is an inductee in the third class of the Starr’s Mill Hall of Fame. 

Davis was one of the first assistant principals for Starr’s Mill and joined when the school first opened in 1997. Davis was also the second athletic director for Starr’s Mill overseeing all 23 varsity sports. He worked in these positions until he retired in 2015. 

“He was a very good guy,” former athletic secretary Terri Watkins said. “He had a very gentle way with the students.” 

In 1980, Davis started his coaching career where he worked as an assistant football coach at The Ohio State University. He worked there for six years until he left to be the head football coach for Youngstown State University where he worked for four years. He started his teaching career at McIntosh High School in 1990 and stayed there until Starr’s Mill opened.

“He treated the students, the players, and coaches like family,” former football head coach Chad Phillips said. “He was for everybody, for every coach.”

Davis passed away in February of 2020 at the age of 61.

“He was a driving force behind creating a championship mentality,” Phillips said. 

During his time as the athletic director, Starr’s Mill won state championships in four different sports: boys soccer in 2000 and 2010, girls soccer in 2006, girls volleyball in 2004, and the 300m hurdles in 2006. 

“[He was] just a great person,” baseball head coach Brent Moseley said. “[He was] a very smart person.”

Davis was born Waukegan, Illinois, and moved to Chillicothe, Ohio, at a young age. He attended The Ohio State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science with a focus in Secondary Education Social Studies, a Masters of Science with a focus in Physical Education/Athletic Administration, and a Masters of Arts with a focus in United States Constitutional History. 

After moving to Georgia Davis then continued his education where he attended the University of West Georgia and earned a Masters of Arts with a focus in Secondary Education Social Studies, and a Specialist of Education with a focus in Education Leadership and Administration. He also attended the University of Georgia where he obtained a Masters of Education with a focus in Education Leadership and Administration. 

During Davis’ time at The Ohio State University, he found a passion for football. He then followed his passion and took a job as an assistant football coach which then led to his decision to be an athletic director. 

“Starr’s Mill was his home,” Phillips said.