During the month of February, in honor of Black History Month, the NCHSAA website will feature information about African-Americans who have made major contributions to the great tradition of high school sports in our state. We hope you find these both entertaining and informative. Our thanks to Rick Strunk, former NCHSAA Associate Commissioner, on his research into many of these articles and Championships.
LAWRENCE DUNN
Lawrence Dunn enjoyed an excellent coaching career in basketball and baseball as well as track and cross country at a couple of schools in Wake County. A graduate of Berry O'Kelly High and then North Carolina A&T State University, where he was an outstanding basketball player, Dunn is probably best remembered for his success coaching basketball.
He guided the Garner women's basketball team to a state championship and a perfect record in the 1977-78 season. Then, from 1979 to 2001, he guided the Athens Drive men's basketball program to 445 victories against just 193 defeats. His teams won numerous conference championships in men's basketball and also captured titles in cross country. Dunn coached the East squad in the North Carolina Coaches Association all-star basketball game in 1990.
He was involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and as advisor for the student council at Athens Drive. He was officially inducted into the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2013.
