MEMPHIS, Tenn. – February 19, 2026 – Rhodes College Athletics proudly announces that longtime coach and administrator Mike Clary has been named to the 2026 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on the history of sports across the state.
"There is no one more deserving for induction into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame than Mike Clary," said Rhodes Director of Athletics Jim Duncan. "Since entering the college as a first-year student in 1973, Mike Clary has defined Southwestern at Memphis and Rhodes Athletics, and the mark he has made on thousands of Lynx student-athletes cannot be measured. To many, Coach Clary IS Lynx Athletics."
A 1977 graduate of Rhodes College, Clary dedicated 44 years to the institution as a student-athlete, coach, and administrator, becoming the longest-tenured athletics staff member in school history. He served as head football coach from 1984 to 1996, establishing himself as the winningest coach in program history and leading the Lynx to national prominence during the late 1980s.
In addition to football, Clary coached men's track and field and swimming and diving before guiding the Rhodes women's golf program to unprecedented success. Under his leadership, the women's golf team captured three NCAA Division III National Championships (2014, 2016, and 2017), including the first national title in school history.
Clary also served as Director of Athletics from 1990 to 2016. During his tenure, Rhodes significantly expanded its athletic offerings and consistently ranked among the top NCAA Division III programs nationally for both competitive excellence and academic achievement. In 2016, he was inducted into the Rhodes College Athletic Hall of Fame in recognition of his extraordinary contributions.
"Mike Clary's career is one of the most remarkable stories of dedication and service in Tennessee college athletics," said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. "For more than four decades at Rhodes College, Mike shaped generations of student-athletes as a coach, administrator, and mentor. His influence reaches far beyond the field of play, and we are proud to welcome him into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026."
Clary joins Monica Abbott, Matt Cain, the late Reggie Cobb, Antone Davis, Bubba Luckett, Charles McRae, and David Price as announced members of the 2026 induction class. The full class will be announced in the coming weeks.
The 2026 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Ticket and event information will be announced at a later date.
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers, and administrators who have made a meaningful impact on Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, fans, and supporters while celebrating achievements shaped through sports. The organization also seeks to educate youth on the importance of healthy habits and the positive role sports play in developing character and leadership.
About the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation
The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation operates entirely from revenue generated through the sale of its products. Since January 20, 2004, the Lottery has raised more than $8.1 billion to fund designated education programs, including college grants, scholarships, Drive to 55 initiatives, and after-school programs.
