Sam Brooks, born on October 24, 1932, was celebrated for his profound impact on high school athletics as he was inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2009. Brooks spent 28 years at South Pittsburg High School, dedicating himself to nurturing young athletes in multiple sports. As a basketball coach for the same duration, he left an indelible mark with a record of 443 wins against 289 losses. His leadership led the team to secure five district championships, one region title, a sub-state title in 1986, and four Sequatchie Valley Conference Tournament Championships.

Aside from basketball, Brooks also invested 11 years in coaching baseball, where he led his teams to two district championships. His versatility shone through as he spent six years coaching track and field, and another six years guiding the golf team. Furthermore, as an assistant football coach for 15 years, he played a crucial role in South Pittsburg winning its first Class A State Championship in 1969.

Brooks’s contributions extended beyond coaching, as he served as an assistant principal at South Pittsburg High School for 12 years. His influence was also felt in the broader athletic community. He was instrumental in spearheading classification in basketball, a move that enhanced the organizational structure of the sport within TSSAA. Over 34 years, Brooks coached over 1700 games, matches, and events, demonstrating his deep commitment to high school athletics.

His service to TSSAA included stints as Secretary/Treasurer for the Sequatchie Valley Conference for 16 years and roles on the AP Top 10 Committee in football and basketball. Notably, Brooks was involved in the TSSAA TOPS program, further showcasing his dedication to sports education. Recognized as the Teacher of the Year in 1964 and a four-time Sequatchie Valley Conference Coach of the Year, Brooks left a legacy that continued to be honored through an annual scholarship presented to a South Pittsburg athlete in memory of him and his wife, Helen Brooks. His 2009 induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame celebrated a career not merely marked by wins and losses but characterized by profound contributions to the development of student-athletes and the sporting community in Tennessee.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2009
Category: Coach