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The structure of this web site is to honor those individuals that have devoted their lives to serving Arizona's youth with leadership, excellence, and success.  The men and women inducted into the Arizona High School Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame are the epitome of their profession and are being honored by their peers.  As of this writing 220 great coaches/educators have been inducted into this place of honor.  The Hall of Fame inductions began in 1984 with 32 charter members.  Usually a group of 5 new worthy coaches are added annually after a preceding member and/or the Executive Board induction committee nominates and then selects the candidates on the basis of their tenure, merit, and other exemplary characteristics.  We hope you enjoy moving through this history of excellence in Arizona High School Athletics.  You are navigating through a membership of coaches that have all been a coach for 20 years in the same sport, more than one sport, had unparalleled success, and/or have served their respective coaches' associations in various volunteer capacities.  Enjoy this trip down memory lane. There is a handsome public display of all 220 coaches in the Gila River Arena in Glendale just inside Gate 7. 

Hall of Fame

Jerry Dawson is a baseball coach's baseball coach.  His record is one many aspire to equal, if possible.  Jerry was the head baseball coach at Scottsdale Chaparral for 37 years when he stepped down in 2010.  Coach Dawson leaves behind a state leading 773 victories against only 301 defeats. ...Read more

The Duane family has led Tempe Union and Corona del Sol High Schools to decades of excellence in Arizona prep basketball history.  Father and son have led young men in the Tempe District to court excellence for almost 50 years.  Sam Duane Sr. had a remarkable career leading the Tempe Buffalos to...Read more

Bobby Gonzalo coached wrestling for over 35 years at Peoria High School.  His Panthers built a 178-38-2 record during Gonzalo's tenure.  Coach Gonzalo led his boys following the wise old adage, "don't curse the darkness, light the candle."  The 1998 Peoria Panthers won a whopping 465 matches,...Read more

Valorie McKenzie was the head volleyball coach at Horizon High School since they opened the doors in 1980.  Her Huskies were the State 5A Champions in 2009, 2010, and 2012.  The Huskies were the State Runners-Up in 2000, and 2011.  Coach McKenzie has been honored by being the National Coaches...Read more

Paul Williams has been a very successful girls track coach at Cactus High School for over 20 years.  Coach Williams has led his Lady Cobras to five 4A State Track Titles (1987, 1999, 2000, 2007, and 2008).  Williams' teams were the State Runners-Up twice (2005, 2008), and third in the state meet...Read more

Nick Karantinos was the head wrestling coach at Mesa Red Mountain High School in the 1990's and 2000's.  His Mountain Lions won the Arizona State 5A Team Title in 1994.  His teams won 5 other region championships during his tenure.  Coach Karantinos dual meet record was an amazing 442-88-1. ...Read more

Roy Fenton was recognized by his alma mater Eastern Illinois University as the Outstanding Educator in the 2010 alumni awards.  Fenton spent his career at Dysart High School on Phoenix west side coaching primarily track.  Fenton's dual track meet recored was an unbelievable 144-4.  His Dysart...Read more

Coach Sharon Austerman began her unparalled coaching career when she started the volleyball program at Cortez High School in 1969.  She subsequently served as Cortez' head coach for 28 years.  Her teams posted 402 wins for a winning percentage of nearly 75%, qualified for the state tournament 27...Read more

John Gleeson has the rare distinction of having two baseball fields that bear his name.  Coach Gleeson led the Salpointe Lancers for most of the 1960's and personally built most of the baseball complex while also developing winning teams.  In 1969 Gleeson moved over to Flowing Wells High School...Read more

Cliff Myrick starred for Tucson High School's Badgers baseball team (batting average .533)  when they won the 5A State Title in 1945. Myrick went on to star in American Legion Baseball at the National level before coming back to Tucson to play for Frank Sancet at the University of Arizona. ...Read more

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