By Staff
After guiding the Russellville varsity boys basketball team to the Class 3A state title in 1982, coach Jack Tucker refused to get in the team photo.
He believed the accomplishment was about the players not the coach.
Tonight Tucker will get the recognition he passed up 27 years ago.
"We will present him with a plaque that has his photo, record and accomplishments," said Russellville city councilman Jeff Masterson who was a member of that championship team. "It will hang in the lobby next to our photo."
Tucker compiled a career record of 533-242 and a 484-218 record at Russellville. He earned 3A Coach of the Year honors in 1972 and 1978.
Members of the 1982 team have been invited back to participate in the ceremony, but Masterson said the event is about more than the championship team.
"He is special to the town," Masterson said. "The place will be packed."
Russellville City Schools Superintendent Don Cox worked with Tucker from 1980 until Tucker retired in 1983.
"Coach Tucker was always a gentleman," Cox said. "This is a way to capture the tradition and honor the team."