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BY C.Y. Peters

On Friday, June 28th, the Carter County Sports Hall of Fame will host its annual Awards Banquet at Milligan University, featuring none other than legendary former Kingsport football coach, Graham Clark, as the guest speaker. This much-anticipated event celebrates the accomplishments of local athletes and acknowledges the contributions of individuals to the community’s sports culture.

Coach Graham Clark, who retired in 2018 as the winningest football coach in the history of Dobyns-Bennett High School, brings with him a legacy of excellence and a career filled with remarkable achievements. Over his 25 seasons at the helm of the Dobyns-Bennett football program, Clark amassed an impressive 233 wins, boasting a winning percentage of over 77%. His overall coaching record stands at an astounding 271-74.

Clark’s tenure was marked by sustained success, guiding the Indians to 18 conference championships and securing 25 consecutive playoff appearances. His leadership saw the team reach the semifinals three times, the quarterfinals five times, and complete nine undefeated regular seasons. Such consistent performance not only highlights his strategic prowess but also his ability to inspire and develop young athletes.

Throughout his career, Coach Clark received numerous accolades, being named Conference Coach of the Year ten times. His influence extended beyond the local level, as evidenced by his selection as a finalist for the prestigious American Football Coaches Association Power of Influence Award, where he ranked among the top twelve coaches nationwide.

In recognition of his significant contributions to football and his enduring impact on the sport, Clark was inducted into the Tennessee Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2014. More recently, in 2021, he was honored with induction into the Dobyns-Bennett Alumni Hall of Fame. His legacy is further cemented by his two-term presidency of the Tennessee Football Coaches Association, spanning six years, during which he played a pivotal role in founding the Mountain Empire Chapter of the National Football Foundation.

The Carter County Awards Banquet promises to be an evening of celebration and inspiration, with Coach Clark’s address serving as a highlight. Attendees can look forward to hearing insights and stories from one of Tennessee’s most respected and successful football coaches. This event not only honors the achievements of local sports figures but also underscores the values of dedication, leadership, and community involvement that Coach Graham Clark exemplifies.  The Banquet doors open at 5 pm and tickets are available at www.carterhalloffame.com.