by Chris Hunt and Aaron Garcia

Wilbert Vince Campagna, 78, better known at North Mecklenburg High School as “Coach Campagna,” died at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center on Feb. 4.

Campagna coached the Viking football team for 18 of his 36 years in coaching. He led the Vikings to four conference championships and a trip to the state playoffs’ Western final in 1992.

Campagna also served as North Meck’s athletics director, baseball and golf coach. He never suffered a losing season in 14 years on the diamond, retiring from North Meck in 1994. For his efforts, he was inducted into the Catawba College Sports Hall of Fame.