E.A “Spike” Corbin (1913-2003) began his coaching career at Williston, which was then Wilmington’s black high school. In 1956-57, Spike led Williston to state championships in football, baseball and basketball. After 20 years there, he went to Hoggard where the baseball field still bears his name.

Spike went on to become Athletic Director for New Hanover County and is credited with contributing to the careers of such notable athletes as Harlem Globetrotter, Meadowlark Lemon, tennis legend, Althea Gibson and baseball major leaguers Sam Bowen and Ron Musselman.