The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) announced yesterday that my father, Larry Taft, will be inducted into the association’s hall of fame on April 9th.
My father has been a writer and journalist for nearly 40 years, covering a variety of sporting events across the nation. His writing and reporting has won him several awards over the years, but I’m not convinced that this aspect alone is why the TSSAA has decided to honor him in this way. I think it’s more than just writing and commitment to his craft that sets my dad apart.
As a kid, I used to be annoyed at how long my dad would sit and talk with an athlete, coach, athletic director, or the owner of a team. And I didn’t understand why he would spend hours at his computer writing about the conversation he had just finished. Now I wish I could witness and pay attention to all those interviews so I could learn how my dad connected and engaged with people. He didn’t sustain a 40 year career by writing about stats or batting averages or wins and losses.
Instead, he told stories about people. Storytelling, writing, and reporting was his job. But connecting with people became his art.
I’ll never forget the time my dad and I walked up to a group of men that were huddled around Peyton Manning. As we broke into the circle and the informal chitchat subsided, Peyton Manning reached out his right hand and greeted my dad with a, “Hey Larry, how ya doing?”
“PEYTON MANNING KNOWS MY DAD!!!!” screamed my internal voice.
Here is the career bio that the TSSAA used in their press release on Tuesday:
Larry Taft—longtime sportswriter with The Tennessean in Nashville. Has covered high school sports for nearly 40 years, having worked his first boys state basketball tournament in 1973 and his first football championship in 1974. He has worked professionally for the Knoxville News-Sentinel, The Democrat-Union (Lawrenceburg), and The Tennessean. He served as the Director of Media Relations at TSSAA for 16 months, before returning to The Tennessean to cover prep sports. He is currently in his fourth year as the Sports Editor at the paper. Mr. Taft has a true passion for high school athletics, and has always made sure it got the coverage it deserved. He enjoys the history of high school athletics and has done numerous nominations warranting the induction of countless TSSAA Hall of Fame members.
Congratulations Dad!
Your tribute will mean more to Larry than the award itself. Well said.
Larry, this is awesome what Jared wrote about you. I totally understand what he’s saying. Just yesterday Tom and I ran into Bob Hardison (former Franklin coach) and he told Tom how much he always enjoyed reading what he wrote – it was like a great story. Most of these writers today have no idea how to do that, you guys were in a league of your own. Brenda Squires
Jared, It was so nice of you to recognize your father’s writing ability and dedication to sports and those people that are involved in sports. Most people forget the stats eventually but never the people who make the stats. In order to appreciate the sports folks he was friendly. But then, I believe Larry just loves people. Along with and very importantly he is a christian and I have known him since he was a young boy.
How wonderful, Larry and you do so deserve all of it You have the abilities to walk with the best and yet come down to the small hometowners like you so freely did for me on occasions for my career fairs at school. I do think the honor is tremendous, but to be honored by your own like Jared did means even more. Congrats and enjoy!!!
Jared, this is a wonderful tribute to your dad. Knowing you since a child and also knowing him, I know that he is proud of this blog. You and Lee do him proud and I know he is thankful for both of you and all the other children he has made a part of his life over the years.
Congratulations to your dad! I think it’s awesome he’s being rewarded for so many years of hard work.
Absolutely wonderful article! It describes
Larry perfectly. He’s has been the major factor in promoting high school athletics in Tn. I’m sure he feels honored by this award but even more so by the loving tribute given by you. Congratulations friend!!!!
Thanks Jared
Nice job Jared! If there is a writing gene in your family then I think you must have it. You wrote about wishing that you had paid more attention to your dad and his wonderful interviewing skills. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve listened to him chat with someone and then quietly say “May I ask you a question?” The answer was inevitably yes, your dad would proceed with something thoughtful, and then he would listen – really listen – to every answer. It works well with all walks of life and is a little like watching someone peel an onion or the skin off a ‘tater. The only thing your dad loves more than high-school athletics is his family. You have certainly honored him with your words here. Congratulations to you both!
Are you reading Linchpin because Stalls was described as a linchpin in the Grace community?