Tom Coughenour's career, spanning forty years from 1964 to 2004, is a monumental narrative in the annals of sports coaching in Tennessee. Born on December 19, 1941, Coughenour's journey began as a teacher and coach at Robinson Junior High School in Kingsport, Tennessee, where he moulded young minds from 1964 to 1973. His quest for nurturing sporting excellence then led him to Dobyns-Bennett High School, marking a fruitful tenure until his retirement in 2004.

While at Dobyns-Bennett High School, Coughenour undertook multiple roles, including that of an assistant football coach. However, his most profound impact was felt in the domains of track and field, and cross country. Coughenour's strategic acumen and inspirational mentorship culminated in remarkable success, illustrated by his teams securing four TSSAA State Championships in boys’ cross country (1989, 1990, 1995, 1996), one in girls’ track and field (1995), and two in girls’ cross country (1992, 1997).

Renowned for his dedication and humility, Coughenour’s coaching prowess was recognized through multiple accolades. He was lauded as Coach of the Year nine times, underscoring his excellence and influence in high school athletics. Particularly noteworthy was his honor as the Male Coach of the Year in District 1 for the inaugural A. F. Bridges Sportsmanship Award in 1998-99, emphasizing not only his teams' performances but also his commitment to sportsmanship and character building.

Despite retiring from teaching in 2004, Coughenour's passion for coaching remained undimmed, as he continued to dedicate himself to coaching cross country and assisting in track. His former athletes remember him not just for the victories but for his immense contribution towards shaping their futures, instilling values that transcend the realm of sports. In recognition of his illustrious career and significant contribution to the TSSAA and the lives of countless young athletes, Tom Coughenour was deservedly inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2001, celebrating an extraordinary legacy in Tennessee sports history.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2001
Category: Coach