Dan Black's career, culminated in a 2015 induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame, is a testament to his dedication and service to school sports in Tennessee. Born on October 19, 1949, Black’s career spanned over four decades, during which he profoundly impacted high school athletics as an administrator, coach, and leader.

Black’s foray into high school sports began as a boys’ basketball coach, a role he excelled in for 16 years at Maury City, Ripley, and Crockett Co. high schools. His tactical acumen and dedication to his teams yielded an impressive career record of 368 wins against 118 losses. However, his influence wasn’t confined to basketball alone; he spent nearly 30 years as an Athletic Director and 14 years as Principal at Maury City High School and Crockett Co. High School, showcasing his versatile administrative capabilities.

Beyond basketball, Black coached golf at Crockett Co. High School for a decade, further broadening his coaching repertoire. His leadership extended to the broader educational sector when he became Superintendent of Bradford Special School District in 2007, highlighting his commitment to enhancing educational experiences for students.

Black’s service to the TSSAA was particularly noteworthy. His involvement began in 2000 when he joined the TSSAA Legislative Council. His leadership qualities were quickly recognized, leading to roles as Vice-President from 2005 to 2009 and President since 2009. Throughout, he was a driving force in shaping policies and frameworks that enriched Tennessee high school athletics.

His contributions were recognized through numerous accolades, including TSSAA Principal of the Year in 2005 and TSSAA School System Administrator of the Year in 2011. Additionally, his schools won the prestigious A. F. Bridges Award six times under his leadership, confirming his commitment to sportsmanship and integrity in school sports.

Dan Black’s induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to a career dedicated to fostering excellence and character in young athletes across Tennessee. His legacy is a reminder of the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have on the youth and the sports they cherish.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2015
Category: Administrator