Clifton, Tucker named to SAC Hall of Fame
Que Tucker was selected as the SAC Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.
ROCK HILL, S.C. - Tim Clifton was announced as a member of the 2026 South Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame Class, as released by the league Friday, March 27.
The SAC will also honor the recipient of the Conference's Distinguished Alumni Award, which will be given to Mars Hill's Que Tucker.
Clifton, who led Mars Hill from 1993-2025, is the winningest coach in program history and ranks second in South Atlantic Conference history in both overall and conference victories. Over a distinguished 49-year coaching career, he built a legacy defined by sustained success and a commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the field.
During his tenure, Clifton coached more than 20 All-Americans and over 100 All-Conference selections, with six former players advancing to the NFL. He also coached Jonas Randolph, the only Harlon Hill Trophy winner in SAC history. In his final four seasons (2021-24), he guided the Lions to two Mountain Division titles while posting a 28-12 overall record and a 24-9 mark in conference play.
Tucker, the recipient of the SAC Distinguished Alumni Award, has built an outstanding career in athletic administration and leadership. She has served as Commissioner of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association since 2015 and has been with the organization since 1991, overseeing governance for more than 400 member schools, 14 sports, and 90 state championships annually.
A Mars Hill graduate, Tucker began her career as a teacher and coach before serving as an assistant women's basketball coach at NC State under Hall of Fame coach Kay Yow. She has earned numerous honors throughout her career, including induction into the NCHSAA Hall of Fame, the North Carolina Athletic Directors Hall of Fame, and recognition with the National Federation of High Schools Citation Award. She is also a member of the Mars Hill Athletic Hall of Fame and currently serves on the Mars Hill Board of Trustees.
To read the full release, please click here.
The 2026 South Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame Banquet will take place on May 28 as part of the Conference's Spring Meetings in Charlotte, N.C.
