Ralph Benson, born on July 14, 1923, and who passed away on July 13, 1993, had a distinguished career as a teacher and coach spanning three decades, from 1951 to 1978 and then later from 1983 to 1985. His induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 1995 was a testament to his significant contributions to high school sports in Tennessee.

Benson’s career began at Mt. Pleasant High School from 1951 to 1953 before moving to Summertown High School, where he coached from 1953 to 1969. He then dedicated nearly a decade of service from 1969 to 1978 and a final stint from 1983 to 1985 at Lawrence County High School. Throughout his tenure, Benson achieved notable success in basketball, amassing over 400 game victories and leading his teams to five TSSAA State Tournament appearances. His leadership and coaching skills not only brought success on the court but also instilled values of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance in his players.

In honor of his remarkable influence both on and off the court, the Lawrence County Arena was rechristened the Ralph Benson Memorial Gymnasium. Benson was revered by his team members, who often described him as their hero in just two words: Ralph Benson. Jack Dodd, reflecting on Benson's impact, once remarked with deep respect that if Benson had asked him to "run through a brick wall," he would have attempted to do just that. This level of admiration and the enduring legacy of his coaching and leadership were key reasons for Ralph Benson's celebrated induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame, an honor reflecting his outstanding service and contributions to TSSAA and high school sports in Tennessee.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 1995
Category: Coach