Official

Ray Street

Inducted 1989


Ray "Gabby" Street, born on March 17, 1924, carved an indelible mark in the annals of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA), contributing significantly to high school sports in Tennessee over decades, leading to his well-deserved induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 1989.

Street's illustrious journey with the TSSAA began in 1949, not long after which he became a pivotal figure in the association. His role was not confined to one sport; Street demonstrated his versatility and commitment by officiating in both boys and girls state basketball tournaments, a testament to his contribution across gender lines in high school sports. He officiated five TSSAA Boys State Basketball Tournaments and three TSSAA Girls State Basketball Tournaments. Beyond the state-level competitions, Street's presence was significant in numerous district and region basketball tournaments, laying a foundation for fair play and sportsmanship among young athletes.

His dedication to basketball extended into a leadership role as he served for eight years as the TSSAA Supervisor for the South Central Basketball Officials Association. This position exemplified his commitment to nurturing and overseeing the development of officiating standards within the sport, ensuring that the quality of officiation met the high expectations of the TSSAA.

Street's versatile officiating career wasn't limited to basketball; he also officiated high school baseball for 15 years and slow-pitch softball for 20 years, further showcasing his multi-sport officiating capabilities. Moreover, his expertise was recognized at the collegiate level, where he officiated in the Ohio Valley Conference for 20 years, bridging the gap between high school and college sports.

His contributions were further acknowledged beyond the state level when he was awarded the National Federation Interscholastic Officials’ Association Distinguished Service Award in 1991, two years after his Hall of Fame induction, underscoring his broad impact on and off the field.

Through decades of service, Ray Street not only profoundly impacted TSSAA but also set a high benchmark in sports officiating, inspiring future generations to emulate his dedication and integrity in promoting high school sports across Tennessee.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 1989
Category: Official

Other 1989 Inductees

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