North Carolina Central University Athletics

    Milton F. “Toby” Fitch, received his undergraduate degree in 1969, and a law degree in 1972, both from NCCU.
    Toby, as he is affectionately known, served as the Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach from 1969 through 1973.  As a member of the coaching staff, he played a most significant role in coordinating the teams’ Defensive Unit which resulted in winning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Football Championship in 1972 and 1973.  His teams also appeared in two post season games (the Boardwalk Bowl and the first Pelican Bowl).
    To his credit, Toby’s guidance, dedication, hard work, and genuine love for a group of young Black men produced the likes of two Kodak All-Americans (Maurice Spencer and Charles “Bubba” Smith), one MEAC Defensive Player of the Year (Alexander Jones), nine First Team All-MEAC selections and two Second Team All-MEAC selections, two players selected to play in the Black College All-Star Game (Bobby Miller and Joe Harrell), four NCCU Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees (Maurice Spencer, Frank Tate, Alexander Jones, and Louis Breeden), nine players chosen to play professionally.
    The “Wrecking Crew,” the nickname Toby gave to the Defensive Unit, was ranked No. 1 in the MEAC in 1972 and 1973.  They also ranked No. 1 in the nation in Pass Interceptions in 1972 and 1973.
    Aside from athletics, Toby was instrumental in the academic development of the players on those teams.  He made contributions to the team library by collecting and placing books in the coach’s office to be shared by members of the football team.  His interaction with other instructors and advisors ensured all concerned that the players were closely monitored as he made nightly visits to their dormitories.  He made sure that freshmen teamed up with upperclassmen for classroom assignments and other academic projects.  He often stressed the importance of removing the “dumb jock” image from the football program and how important education would be in life after football.
    Throughout his life, Toby has led by example.  In 1975, he opened the Law Office of Fitch, Butterfield, and Sumner.  He served in the North Carolina General Assembly from 1985-2001.  During this tenure, Toby became the second Majority Leader but the first African American Majority Leader, the first Minority Whip, and the first in the history of the State of North Carolina to preside over the North Carolina House.
    Toby received the appointment of Superior Court Judge in 2001 and still serves in that capacity.  He is also the Grandmaster of Prince Hall Masons of North Carolina.