A. F. Bridges, born on March 17, 1905, is revered for his extensive contributions to high school sports, culminating in his 1982 induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame. Before stepping into his notable role with the TSSAA, Bridges amassed a wide range of experiences in the educational field. His career embarked in 1926 as a teacher and coach, roles he held until 1946 across several schools including Milan High School, Chester County High School, Trenton Peabody High School, and Byars Hall School in Covington, TN.

From 1936 to 1946, Bridges served as a school superintendent first for Trenton Schools, then moving to Covington Schools. It was after these distinguished stints that he transitioned into an influential administrator within sports. In 1946, Bridges took on the mantle of Executive Secretary for the TSSAA, a position he held with distinction for 26 years until 1972. During his tenure, he was notably the first full-time Executive Secretary for the association, striving to promote and develop high school athletics across Tennessee.

Bridges’ work extended beyond administrative duties; from 1952 until 1969, he acted as Secretary/Treasurer of the Girls’ National Basketball Rules Committee for Secondary Schools for 17 years, significantly contributing to the governance and promotion of girls' athletics at a national level.

Throughout his career, Bridges garnered respect and recognition not only within Tennessee but also on a national scale. He was lovingly nicknamed "Mr. TSSAA" for his relentless dedication, which spanned numerous facets from advocating for girls’ athletics to implementing respected training programs for officials. Apart from his work with the TSSAA, Bridges also served in various capacities on several National Federation of High Schools Committees, further cementing his legacy in high school sports management.

His impact was widely acknowledged; he was honored by the House of Representatives at its 87th General Assembly, awarded the National Federation’s highest honor—the Certificate of Merit, and later inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Bridges’ contributions extended beyond sports, as seen in his post-TSSAA life where he continued to serve his community in the Bank of Trenton & Trust Company until 1982, and as a beloved figure in local events like the Trenton Teapot Festival in 1984. A. F. Bridges passed away on February 9, 1992, leaving a lasting legacy in Tennessee high school sports.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 1982
Category: Administrator