Wade Lipscomb
Class of 2004
Wade R. Lipscomb Jr., born on May 16, 1943, in Macon, Mississippi, was a distinguished figure in Huntsville, Alabama, renowned for his significant contributions to high school athletics and education. He graduated from Macon High School before earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Livingston University in 1969 and a Master of Science degree from Jacksonville State University in 1974.
Lipscomb began his coaching career at New Hope High School in 1969 and later served at Jacksonville State University. In 1974, he joined Huntsville High School, where he taught various mathematics courses, including General Math, Algebra I and II, Trigonometry, and Advanced Math. During his 21-year tenure at Huntsville High, Lipscomb coached multiple sports such as baseball, basketball, football, golf, and swimming.
From 1995 until his retirement in 2007, Lipscomb served as the Director of Instructional Support and Athletic Director for the Huntsville City School System. His tenure as Athletic Director at Huntsville High School was marked by remarkable success, with the school securing 41 state championships and finishing as state runner-up 39 times.
Lipscomb was instrumental in advancing high school athletics in Alabama. In 1978, alongside Sherry Ammons and Jim Oaks, he initiated the first Girls State Basketball Tournament. Former colleague Sherry Ammons remarked, "What Wade has done is to be an advocate for high school athletics all around, but for the girls tournament he was the lynchpin that held it all together."
In 1983, Lipscomb established a sixteen-team holiday basketball tournament, which evolved into The Huntsville Times Classic. He served as the tournament director for 21 years, with the event being regarded by many as Alabama's premier holiday basketball tournament. Additionally, in collaboration with Oktay Akbay, Lipscomb launched the first Boys and Girls State Soccer Tournament in 1991.
Lipscomb's dedication and impact were recognized statewide. He was named Athletic Director of the Year for Alabama in 2000 and, in 2001, achieved certification as a Certified Athletic Administrator through the National Interscholastic Athletic Administration Association. In 2003, he was inducted into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame, becoming only the seventh individual from Huntsville and Madison County to receive this honor.
Beyond his administrative roles, Lipscomb was actively involved in the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA). He served as the past President and Secretary-Treasurer of the AHSAA's District 8 Legislative Council for a decade and represented District 8 on the Central Board of Control for six years.
Lipscomb played a major role in the growth and development of this Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame.
Wade R. Lipscomb Jr. passed away on July 31, 2018, at Huntsville Hospital after an 18-month battle with cancer. He was 75 years old. His legacy continues to influence high school athletics and education in Huntsville and beyond.
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