Gary Dutton, born on May 31, 1943, embarked on a remarkable career in education and sports, impacting lives and shaping the future of athletics across Tennessee. His journey began at Loudon High School, where he dedicated over a decade of his life as a teacher, assistant football coach, and eventually Principal. During his tenure, Dutton was part of the Loudon High School football coaching staff that led the team to win the school's first TSSAA State championship in 1969, a landmark achievement for the institution.

After his impactful period at Loudon High School, Dutton transitioned to serve as the Supervisor for Instruction at Loudon County Schools from 1981 to 1995. In this role, he continued to influence educational standards and policies, enhancing the quality of education within the county.

Dutton's contribution to the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) began in 1995 when he initiated the Coaches’ Education classes. This endeavor marked the start of his enduring commitment to improving athletic coaching standards across Tennessee. Over the next 18 years, Dutton was instrumental in designing and conducting "Coaching Principles" courses, educating and enriching over 7,000 TSSAA coaches. This significant achievement underscored his dedication to not just the TSSAA but to the advancement of sports education statewide.

In addition to his service to TSSAA, Dutton also showcased his expertise and commitment to sports education on a broader scale. He served as a professor at Lincoln Memorial University for 18 years and was a member of the National Faculty for the American Sport Education Program (ASEP) for an equal duration. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to education, Dutton received the “Distinguished Educator” award from the Tennessee Department of Education in 1998.

Gary Dutton's illustrious career came to a close with his retirement in 2014. However, his legacy was immortalized in 2017 when he was inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame as a Contributor. This honor celebrated not just his service to TSSAA but also his lifelong dedication to enhancing sports education and coaching in Tennessee. Gary Dutton's career stands as a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of students, educators, and athletes.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2017
Category: Contributor