Issue: Spring 2017 | Posted: June 1, 2017
David Blackstock
Alumnus of the Year
Presented to a 51社区 graduate for distinction in his/her profession, service to mankind, and/or contribution to 51社区.
David Blackstock served as 51社区鈥檚 women鈥檚 basketball coach for 17 seasons. During that time, the team won five district championships, 12 conference championships, an NAIA national championship, and went to numerous tournaments and finals.
Blackstock graduated from Union in 1964 with a degree in physical education and wellness. He says he learned many great values from his coaches and professors while attending Union.
鈥淢rs. Gracie Williams was the head of the physical education program at the time, and she had very high standards for the people in her department,鈥 Blackstock says. 鈥淪he taught us more than what was in books. She demanded that the guys in the program always act like gentlemen. She expected excellence from her majors regardless of what other courses you took or what other extracurricular activities you were involved in on campus.鈥
As a Jackson native, Blackstock says he always saw Union as a great Christian school. After receiving his bachelor鈥檚 degree from the university, he got a master鈥檚 degree from Memphis State University and a doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi. In 1973, he returned to Union as director of athletics and chairman of the Department of Physical Education, Wellness and Sport.
Blackstock coached Union鈥檚 baseball team for 11 seasons, and in 1983, his team finished third in the NAIA World Series. He compiled a 509-89 record during his 17 seasons as the coach of the Lady Bulldogs basketball team, leading them to the national title game three times. In 1998, the team won the NAIA national championship, and Blackstock was named NAIA Coach of the Year. He retired from coaching shortly after.
Blackstock has continued to work with athletics at Union, serving in the PEWS department and volunteering as a coach for the softball team. He and his wife, Armita, have been married for 50 years and have two children, Dixie and Rebel.
鈥淚 still come to some of the Lady Bulldog basketball games and softball and baseball games,鈥 Blackstock says.
