Michael Tyrone Long, 21, was a shot put and discus standout for North Rowan High’s track team. He was a two-time state 2A champion in the shot put, winning the titles as a sophomore and a junior. In his last high school season, Long’s best throw in the discus (156-6) was seventh on the county’s all-time list.

When Long signed a track and field grant with Appalachian State, his North High coach, Robert Steele said he was happy Long had the opportunity to further his education and track career. “I’m confident he’ll keep working hard at Appalachian State,” Steele said. “He should only get better.”

This morning Steele spoke about Long’s potential and his death. “He was one of the finest young men I have had the opportunity to coach. He was a quiet guy, he didn’t say a lot.”

Steele said Long was an independent thinker with a mind of his own, a dependable hard worker. “I am sure a lot of track members on his team are just as sad as I am,” Steele said. “He was a fine young man and I am just sorry about this situation.”

At the time of his death, Long was employed by Thermoid/HBD Industries in Salisbury, a company that manufactures railroad and industrail hose roll coverings and rubber band products. Plant manager Dave Dockins said Long had been a production employee for a little more than a year.

At Appalachian State, Cathia Silver was Long’s academic adviser in the learning assistance program. Silver said Long left school after fall semester 1997.

“He needed to step out for a little while,” she said. “I believe he had plans to come back. He contacted us last summer and talked about the possibilities of returning or working out ways to transfer. He was still interested in returning to school. He needed a little extra time but I know getting his degree was real important to him and so was pursuing track.

Silver said Long was popular with the staff. “He just a big lovable kid. Everybody liked him. He was just a neat person.”