Campbell University

A native of Roanoke, Virginia, Ernie White was inducted into the Campbell Hall of Fame in October 2007.  A two-time NAIA All-American in the decathlon, he also became the second Campbell male track and field athlete to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
 
As a sophomore in 1983, White gained NAIA All-America honors by finishing fifth in the national decathlon championships. He again claimed All-America status during his junior year of 1984 and was runner-up in the decathlon at the NAIA national meet.
 
As a senior, he qualified for the 1985 NCAA Division I Decathlon championships and placed 10th overall, seventh among American finishers. He won the pole vault during the 1985 decathlon championship with a school-record 16-feet, ¾-inches showing, which still stands as the school record in the event.
 
In addition to recording the second-highest decathlon scoring in Campbell history – 7711 points, the list of White's accomplishments continues. He finished second in the 1985 Penn Relays decathlon and also represented his country in the USA vs. Canada 1985 track meet. He finished ninth in the 1985 U.S. Track & Field Championships decathlon.
 
White graduated from Campbell with a degree in physical education in 1985 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant through the Campbell University Army ROTC program. He continued his competitive career while serving as graduate assistant coach at his alma mater in 1986 and won the Florida Relays decathlon.
 
Following his competitive career, White moved into the coaching ranks at William Fleming High School in Roanoke, Virginia. During his tenure as track and field coach from 1986 through 2000, White coached the 1988 girls indoor state champion in the hurdles, and the 2000 boys state champ in the triple jump. He also coached a 2001 Nike indoor high school All-American in the triple jump and the 2002 Nike triple jump national champion.
 
White continues to teach at William Fleming High School in addition to operating his business, Yard Barbers, LLC. He and his wife, Dee, live in Boones Mill, Virginia.