Edwin Hale Harris, born on March 10, 1929, embarked on a remarkable journey in the field of education and athletics, culminating in his 2005 induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame. Harris’s career began as a teacher and coach at Stokes Elementary School in 1951, swiftly moving to Hillsboro High School in 1952, where he dedicated seven years. At Hillsboro, he established himself as a proficient mentor, taking on roles such as Head Boy’s Basketball Coach, Head Baseball Coach, and Assistant Football Coach.

Transitioning into administrative roles in 1958, Harris served as Assistant Principal for five years at Hillsboro High School, before ascending to the role of Principal in 1963, a position he held for five years. His leadership and commitment to sports did not wane as he took on broader educational roles. From 1968 to 1981, Harris significantly influenced educational administration within the Metropolitan Board of Education's Central Office. His roles included Director of Secondary Education, Director of Public Information & Community Relations, and District II Superintendent.

Even after leaving public education administration, Harris continued contributing to education and athletics. He was the Head of Upper School at Franklin Road Academy from 1987 to 1993, later becoming Headmaster in 1994 for a year.

Throughout his diverse career, Hale Harris’s dedication to TSSAA stands out prominently. He was involved deeply in organizing basketball events, being the TSSAA Basketball All-Star game director for two years, Regional Basketball tournament director for two years, and District Basketball tournament director for six years. These contributions underscored his lifetime commitment to nurturing young athletes and promoting high school sports throughout Tennessee.

Furthermore, Harris received numerous accolades for his contributions to sports and education. Among them were awards such as Administrator of the Year for Metro Schools, District Basketball Coach of the Year twice, and induction into multiple sports halls of fame, including the Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame and the Metro Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1993. His contributions were recognized on a larger scale when he was inducted into the Region Six Athletic Association Hall of Fame as an Administrator in 1994, further exemplifying his extensive impact on high school sports and education.

Harris's service to the TSSAA and his broader contributions to education and athletics left a lasting legacy, rightfully celebrated by his induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2005.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2005
Category: Administrator