Let’s turn back time to the late 1960’s and the Raleigh School System. Desegregation was in its early stages and families living in the Oberlin and the Method neighborhoods were assigned to attend Broughton instead of Ligon High School. They lived within a specific radius of the school and were bused.
Enter Mike Carter, who was bused from the Method community. Mike (#24) brought his raw athletic talent from Martin Junior High School. His high school career included:
* Playing on the undefeated JV football team in 1966 and the JV Basketball team.
* 1967- As a varsity halfback Mike had 84 carries for 445 yds rushing as the season ended with an 8-2 record. He also ran track (the team placing 2nd in NC State Championship in 1968) and continued these 2 sports as a rising star for the duration of his high school career.
· The spring 1969 track season earned him school records in the 100 yd dash and the Broad jump on the way to helping the team earn “one of the top team” honors in 1969.
Mike Carter was an athlete’s athlete. He was a team player who was “all in,” regardless of the sport. His high confidence was contagious to everyone on his teams. But there’s more!
“My memories of Mike go back to Martin Junior High School. Mike was a star athlete, but he was more than that. He was a kind, mature and thoughtful person. I can not think of anyone that I respected as much as Mike.”- Tommy Bolus
“Mike had the best personality, always wearing a smile and always positive. When it was time to put on the Purple and Gold, he was ALL about the business at hand and you had better be as well! He was a gifted athlete and it showed every time he took the field. His speed, agility and desire made him such an outstanding player.
I could write memories we shared for a while. We were in several Service Clubs and the JR ROTC. Usually on Friday away games, Mike and I would be wearing our full JR ROTC uniforms. On many occasions we would hear someone say, “Hey, They have Army people on their team”. Mike always would give them a quick smile and say, “ No, We are Air Force “ Sonny Bass.
“Mike and I were teammates on the Spring Track Team. We were both broad jumpers and I was a half-miler in 1968 and 1969. He was gifted in so many areas as a sprinter as well. I distinctly remember one meet where he almost jumped out of the broad jump pit which was over 22 feet and he set a school record that day. He was always positive and the guy everyone wanted to hang out with. Beyond a gifted athlete he was a true team player whose ego never made him be boastful around the team. Talented, gifted and a fun person to know. I am proud to have known him when he was at his best”. Wesley Debnam, Class of 1969
Athletics Hall of Fame 2004
“Mike and I were teammates on Broughton's track and field team. He ran the sprints (100- and 220-yard dash) and broad jumped. I ran the 440-yard run, mile relay and occasionally broad jumped. Mike was also a football standout. He was feared by most defensive backs in our conference. His outstanding athleticism led to a full football scholarship at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, N.C. I continued in track and field with a scholarship at Saint Augustine's University in Raleigh. Whenever we competed against NCCU, Mike was always there cheering me on to victory. Mike had a career ending injury in his sophomore year that unfortunately ended his quest to become a professional football player.
Mike was a great teammate but a much better person and friend.”
- Henry Debnam, Class of 1968
Mike was actively involved in all aspects of Broughton life- Student government, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Hi-Y and the coveted Service Club. At the back of the Latipac are our class Superlatives- where you will find- WIT- Michael Leo Carter and Mary Catherine MacNair.
“At a time when racial turmoil and tension existed in schools throughout the country, a small group of men and women who had the courage to take steps to integrate Daniels, Martin and Broughton, unknowingly taught many of us lessons about care, respect and friendship that have guided so many of our lives!” Comments included in the Broughton Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony of Wesley Debnam by Doug McMillan.
Michael Carter was certainly one of those courageous kids who taught us many good lessons and values in life. Mike died April 6, 2023. He was buried in a private service. Sadly there was no opportunity for anyone to express the love, appreciation and respect he so rightly deserved. We hope this tribute to him brings happy memories of times with a classmate who played a huge role in creating a wonderful high school experience for us all and providing a lasting impact on so our young lives.
God,I am so sad to hear this news. One day in English class Mike was beiong messed with by a guy behind him who kept pushing the empty desk into Mike's back The teacher wanted to know if Mike was feeling ok. Mike said,
"I am fine, but this here chair keeps trying to crawl up my bac."
During the Martin Mustang championship game with those dreaded Daniel Blue Jackets, Mike ran 49 yards on an outside sweep to score a go-ahead TD.
The run was a thing of beauty. The pulling right guard blasted the defensive end, whos name I do not recall, but may have been similar to my last name.
Somehow, the Blue Bees scored and won a contested and controversial decision..
At Broughton, Mike scored repeatedly against the Whirly Birds, who simply had never seen anything as fast as Mike.
I had a great time with Mike and I will always cherish my memories of him.
Debbie Martin
Let’s turn back time to the late 1960’s and the Raleigh School System. Desegregation was in its early stages and families living in the Oberlin and the Method neighborhoods were assigned to attend Broughton instead of Ligon High School. They lived within a specific radius of the school and were bused.
Enter Mike Carter, who was bused from the Method community. Mike (#24) brought his raw athletic talent from Martin Junior High School. His high school career included:
* Playing on the undefeated JV football team in 1966 and the JV Basketball team.
* 1967- As a varsity halfback Mike had 84 carries for 445 yds rushing as the season ended with an 8-2 record. He also ran track (the team placing 2nd in NC State Championship in 1968) and continued these 2 sports as a rising star for the duration of his high school career.
· The spring 1969 track season earned him school records in the 100 yd dash and the Broad jump on the way to helping the team earn “one of the top team” honors in 1969.
Mike Carter was an athlete’s athlete. He was a team player who was “all in,” regardless of the sport. His high confidence was contagious to everyone on his teams. But there’s more!
“My memories of Mike go back to Martin Junior High School. Mike was a star athlete, but he was more than that. He was a kind, mature and thoughtful person. I can not think of anyone that I respected as much as Mike.”- Tommy Bolus
“Mike had the best personality, always wearing a smile and always positive. When it was time to put on the Purple and Gold, he was ALL about the business at hand and you had better be as well! He was a gifted athlete and it showed every time he took the field. His speed, agility and desire made him such an outstanding player.
I could write memories we shared for a while. We were in several Service Clubs and the JR ROTC. Usually on Friday away games, Mike and I would be wearing our full JR ROTC uniforms. On many occasions we would hear someone say, “Hey, They have Army people on their team”. Mike always would give them a quick smile and say, “ No, We are Air Force “ Sonny Bass.
“Mike and I were teammates on the Spring Track Team. We were both broad jumpers and I was a half-miler in 1968 and 1969. He was gifted in so many areas as a sprinter as well. I distinctly remember one meet where he almost jumped out of the broad jump pit which was over 22 feet and he set a school record that day. He was always positive and the guy everyone wanted to hang out with. Beyond a gifted athlete he was a true team player whose ego never made him be boastful around the team. Talented, gifted and a fun person to know. I am proud to have known him when he was at his best”. Wesley Debnam, Class of 1969
Athletics Hall of Fame 2004
“Mike and I were teammates on Broughton's track and field team. He ran the sprints (100- and 220-yard dash) and broad jumped. I ran the 440-yard run, mile relay and occasionally broad jumped. Mike was also a football standout. He was feared by most defensive backs in our conference. His outstanding athleticism led to a full football scholarship at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, N.C. I continued in track and field with a scholarship at Saint Augustine's University in Raleigh. Whenever we competed against NCCU, Mike was always there cheering me on to victory. Mike had a career ending injury in his sophomore year that unfortunately ended his quest to become a professional football player.
Mike was a great teammate but a much better person and friend.”
- Henry Debnam, Class of 1968
Mike was actively involved in all aspects of Broughton life- Student government, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Hi-Y and the coveted Service Club. At the back of the Latipac are our class Superlatives- where you will find- WIT- Michael Leo Carter and Mary Catherine MacNair.
“At a time when racial turmoil and tension existed in schools throughout the country, a small group of men and women who had the courage to take steps to integrate Daniels, Martin and Broughton, unknowingly taught many of us lessons about care, respect and friendship that have guided so many of our lives!” Comments included in the Broughton Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony of Wesley Debnam by Doug McMillan.
Michael Carter was certainly one of those courageous kids who taught us many good lessons and values in life. Mike died April 6, 2023. He was buried in a private service. Sadly there was no opportunity for anyone to express the love, appreciation and respect he so rightly deserved. We hope this tribute to him brings happy memories of times with a classmate who played a huge role in creating a wonderful high school experience for us all and providing a lasting impact on so our young lives.
Thanks for the Memories!
Rest in Peace Michael Carter
Laurie Vass
God,I am so sad to hear this news. One day in English class Mike was beiong messed with by a guy behind him who kept pushing the empty desk into Mike's back The teacher wanted to know if Mike was feeling ok. Mike said,
"I am fine, but this here chair keeps trying to crawl up my bac."
During the Martin Mustang championship game with those dreaded Daniel Blue Jackets, Mike ran 49 yards on an outside sweep to score a go-ahead TD.
The run was a thing of beauty. The pulling right guard blasted the defensive end, whos name I do not recall, but may have been similar to my last name.
Somehow, the Blue Bees scored and won a contested and controversial decision..
At Broughton, Mike scored repeatedly against the Whirly Birds, who simply had never seen anything as fast as Mike.
I had a great time with Mike and I will always cherish my memories of him.
Laurie Thomas Vass