William Fred Shelton, born June 9, 1938, dedicated his professional life to education and athletics, significantly impacting high school sports in Tennessee. His illustrious career, spanning over three decades, led to his deserved induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 1995, a testament to his contributions and achievements in the realm of high school athletics.

Beginning his journey in 1961, Shelton embarked on a 13-year tenure as a teacher and coach at McCord Elementary School and later at Marshall County High School. At McCord, he quickly showcased his coaching prowess, leading football and basketball teams to remarkable records of 9-1 and 18-2, respectively. However, it was at Marshall County High School where his impact deepened, particularly with the girls' basketball team. From 1962 to 1974, Shelton not only amassed an overall record of 255-21 but also secured 10 District Titles, 6 Region Titles, and eight TSSAA State Tournament appearances. His coaching zenith arrived in 1972 when he led the team to a perfect 31-0 season, culminating in a TSSAA State Championship, a notable highlight in his coaching career.

Shelton's leadership extended beyond coaching into administration. He served as the principal of Marshall County High School from 1979 to 1984 and later as the superintendent of Marshall County schools from 1988 to 1995. His governance in these roles demonstrated his commitment to both academic and athletic excellence.

Notably, his service to TSSAA was marked by a 5-year term on the Board of Control from 1979 to 1984. Further solidifying his legacy, Shelton coached two TSSAA All-Star teams in 1969 and 1971, winning both matches, and led the Lewisburg girls’ team to a state championship in 1980. Even after his official career ended, Shelton continued to influence young athletes, coaching AAU teams to state runner-up positions from 2002 to 2004.

Shelton's 1995 induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame celebrates not just his coaching and administrative victories but his unwavering dedication to Tennessee's high school athletics.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 1995
Category: Administrator