Issue: Spring 2018 | Posted: June 1, 2018

Old School

In Memoriam: David Blackstock

David Blackstock ('64), Union’s athletic director for 34 years and women’s basketball coach for 18 years, died Nov. 1 at age 75 after a lengthy illness.

A native of Jackson, Blackstock graduated from Union with a degree in health and physical education. He played baseball for the Bulldogs for four years. He became Union’s athletic director in 1973 after completing his Doctor of Education degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. He also held a Master of Education degree from the University of Memphis.

Starting in 1981, Blackstock spent 18 seasons at the helm of the women’s basketball program at Union, compiling a 509-89 overall record. He earned his 500th career victory during the 1998-99 season and led the Lady Bulldogs to the 1998 NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship.

His tenure as head coach of the women’s basketball team included 12 conference championships, five district crowns and 10 national tournament appearances in his final 12 years.

Blackstock took over the baseball program in 1975 where he, along with co-head coach Linn Stranak, guided the team to a third-place finish in the 1983 NAIA World Series, the only season Union participated in the event.

In the two seasons he coached the women’s softball team, from 2006-2007, the team compiled a 77-36 record with one NAIA Region XI tournament appearance.

Blackstock was enshrined in the NAIA Hall of Fame, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, the Madison County Sports Hall of Fame and the Union University Sports Hall of Fame. After retiring as athletic director in 2008, Blackstock stayed on at Union in a part-time capacity in institutional advancement while assisting in coaching the softball team.

Known around campus for years simply as “Coach,” Blackstock served Union for more than 41 years. The court of Fred DeLay Gymnasium was named for him in 2010.

In addition to his wife Armita, a 1968 Union graduate, Blackstock is survived by their two children, Dixie and Rebel, and by his brother R.T. and wife Nita of Penney Farms, Florida. He was a member of Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson. To donate: uu.edu/giving/blackstock