Pete Stafford, born on June 27, 1940, dedicated nearly four decades of his life to education and athletics, profoundly impacting the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) and the lives of countless students before his 2001 TSSAA Hall of Fame induction. His career as a teacher and coach began in 1963 at Sevier County High School, where he served until 1968, coaching football and wrestling. He continued his journey at Young High School in Knoxville until its closure in 1976, managing football, track, and basketball teams. Following the school's consolidation, he moved to South-Young High School, focusing on football until 1991.

In parallel to his coaching endeavors, Stafford transitioned into administrative roles. From 1983 until his retirement in 2002, he served as an assistant principal at South-Young High School and later at South-Doyle High School, following another school consolidation in 1991. His leadership also extended into athletic administration; from 1987 to 2002, he was the Athletic Director for the same institutions, overseeing various programs and activities.

Stafford's commitment to TSSAA was exceptional. He sat on the TSSAA Legislative Council for 13 years, from 1989 to 2002, spending the last three as its Vice-President. Additionally, his profound involvement as a TSSAA official spanned over four decades (1961-2004), during which he officiated numerous wrestling and baseball tournaments, including 26 state wrestling tournaments.

Pete Stafford's contributions were widely recognized, earning him several accolades such as the Tennessee Athletic Director of the Year in 1996. His legacy includes inductions into multiple halls of fame, reflecting a career that transcended mere participation, embodying true devotion to sports and education within Tennessee.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2001
Category: Administrator