2023 BCAT Hall of Fame Inductees
Dana McWilliams
Conference championships-16
District championships-11
Region championships-9
Sectional/sub state appearances -14
State championships-3 (2017,2018,2022)
State runner ups-3( 1999,2001,2016)
State Final Fours-3 (2007,2008,2020)
Games won as of Jan 9- 748
Record as of Jan 9 748-204
AF Bridges coach of the year 2002-03
AF Bridges Female Coach of the year 2021-2022
2017 TSSAA Coach of the Year
2018 Tennessean Coach of the year
2022 BCAT Coach of the Year
2021-22 TSSAA Distinguished Service Award
January 6th 2022 – Court dedication Upperman High school
2018 undefeated season 37-0
Miss basketball finalists -12 ( 5 winners)
28 players received college scholarships
2018 Inducted to Tennessee Tech Sports Hall of Fame
30+ win seasons -10
David Russell
Jesus Patino
My Childhood:
I was born on Margarita Island, off the coast of Venezuela in 1962. The youngest of six children, my mother called me a “miracle” because she was 47 when I was born. At 13, I began playing basketball. At the time, I was a little lost and missing my father, who had died. I met Coach Doug Hines, an American basketball coach who came to Venezuela to coach my team. Meeting him changed the direction of my life. His family adopted me as a teenager and brought me to Clinton, Mississippi where I graduated from high school and later Mississippi College. During my teen years I also played for the Venezuela Junior National Team and later, played 13 years in the Professional Basketball League.
Who I am:
Growing up on an island, my first love is saltwater fishing. My dream is to live near the ocean again and have center console boat.
Basketball is my second love. As a young person I thought I could play it forever. I’ve never become bored with it or gone away from it. Basketball is a huge part of my identity. Basketball has taken me all over world. The most important people in my life have come to me through basketball. I even met my wife at half court after a ballgame.
Finally, I am an avid reader. Learning is endless. I am in a constant pursuit of new knowledge or trying to improve what I already know. The Power of Positive Thinking is a foundational book that has helped me, personally, my players and students, and my family. That book changed my outlook on life. I love any reading that helps me be a better person.
My Ups and Downs:
I experienced so much success and fame as a professional player in my country. When I moved to the USA, my experience was quite different. I encountered racism- something that didn’t exist in Venezuela. An English professor told me my English was so bad that I “would never get a job”. Some kids at Clinton High asked what I was. I didn’t look white or black. Later, when I got my teaching certificate, prospective employers either passed me over or made fun of my name- a very normal name for Spanish speakers.
I am a person who is motivated by adversity. I had the mindset that I would show everyone who doubted my abilities what I could really do and who I really am. I made the Dean’s List in every college I attended. I was inducted into the Who’s Who of American Teachers. I hold a Master of Education degree. I have been voted Tennessee Coach of the Year twice. I have had a beautiful life with my family and a successful career. I have been fortunate to have true friends and supportive coaches and mentors.
Conclusion:
As a coach, I’ve never really been concerned about winning, or becoming a famous coach. I just love the game. All I’ve really wanted to do was pay it forward. It being all the support I’ve been given throughout my life. My passion is to grow young men into great human beings.
My biggest coaching accomplishment is my long-lasting relationships with former players. A majority of them still come to me for advice on real life. I love that we still talk after so many seasons have passed. I tell my player and my staff that life is about relationships- on and off the court. The rest will work itself out.
Finally, there are two main factors that determine success. One, the person’s determination and willingness to make sacrifices to achieve their goals. Two, how well the person bounces back from failure. It is nearly impossible to become successful without inner motivation, listening to advice, and accepting the love of the people in your life path.
David Byrd
