East Texas A&M University Athletics

Danny Tharpe spent six seasons as an assistant coach for both the East Texas State tennis and basketball teams from 1969-74 and helping the Lions achieve a great amount of success in both sports.

Working with the Lion tennis teams, Tharpe helped mentor a handful of All-Americans, including Hall of Famers Robert Hochstadter and Harry Fritz. Working alongside legendary Lion Hall of Fame coach Bill Crabtree, Tharpe played an integral role in helping East Texas State capture the 1972 NAIA national championship.

Tharpe also worked with another legendary coach in Hall of Famer Jim Gudger, spending six years as an assistant on the men’s basketball team. The highlight of his tenure in Commerce was the 1973-74 season when the Lions won a share of the Lone Star Conference title and advanced to the NAIA District Four playoffs.