Elmer Holder, born on September 6, 1925, embarked on a noteworthy journey that significantly impacted the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) and youth sports within Cumberland County. As an official, Holder's association with the TSSAA spanned an impressive three decades, starting in 1949 and concluding in 1980, the year he passed away on September 23. Over these thirty-one years, he dedicated his efforts to high school sports, officiating at district and region basketball tournament games with remarkable expertise and fairness.

Holder's contributions to TSSAA basketball were particularly outstanding, as he officiated at eight TSSAA State Basketball Tournaments, a testament to his skill, integrity, and the high regard in which he was held by the athletic community. His unwavering commitment to youth sports extended beyond the courts and fields. Holder's athletic journey began at Hiwassee Junior College, where he played baseball before transferring to Tennessee Technological University to continue his sporting endeavors.

Beyond his TSSAA official duties, Holder dedicated countless hours to supporting Cumberland County youth and Cumberland County High School, fostering an environment where young athletes could thrive. In recognition of his profound impact on the community and his contributions to high school sports, Cumberland County High School honored him by naming their football stadium "Holder Field," ensuring that his legacy would live on for generations.

In 1988, Elmer Holder's unparalleled service to TSSAA and his community led to his posthumous induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame. This honor celebrated not only his dedication as an official but also his legacy as a promoter of youth sports and community involvement. Holder's commitment to sportsmanship, fairness, and the development of young athletes serves as an enduring inspiration to all involved in high school athletics.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 1988
Category: Official