GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida High School Athletic Association is proud to announce the eight (8) newest members of the Florida High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

With the 35th induction class, the FHSAA Hall of Fame celebrates more than 104 years of interscholastic competition featuring some of the most accomplished student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and officials from the state of Florida.

“We are honored to celebrate these eight remarkable individuals whose contributions have left a lasting mark on interscholastic athletics in Florida, “said FHSAA Executive Director Craig Damon. “It is with great pride that we welcome them as the FHSAA Hall of Fame Class of 2025.”     
  
The newest class of FHSAA Hall of Fame inductees is (in alphabetical order):

• Craig Curry, a trailblazing student-athlete in Florida high school athletics, remembered not only for his exceptional talent on the field but also for his courage and leadership in the face of social change. In 1965, when federal desegregation closed George Washington Carver High School, Curry crossed the racial divide to enroll at historically white Coral Gables Senior High School. There, he made history as the school’s first Black quarterback, a groundbreaking role that faced intense opposition at the time yet ultimately helped reshape the landscape of Florida high school sports. Curry quickly proved himself as both a dynamic athlete and an inspirational leader. In 1966, he led the Cavaliers to a stunning 20–7 upset victory over defending state champion Miami High School. His unforgettable senior season in 1967 became one of the most dominant campaigns in Florida history. Under his leadership, Coral Gables posted a perfect 13–0 record, captured the large-school state championship, and was later honored as the “Team of the Century” by the Florida High School Athletic Association. That powerhouse squad scored 410 points while surrendering only 26, highlighted by three consecutive 39–0 victories over Columbus, MacArthur, and Southwest, as well as a 16–0 triumph over national champion Miami High in the Orange Bowl. Known by some as “The Negro Quarterback,” Curry embraced the title and transformed it into a symbol of pride and excellence, breaking stereotypes on his terms. Much like Jackie Robinson in baseball, Curry’s resilience and success on the football field helped bridge racial divides, forging unity at Coral Gables Senior High and in the surrounding community. After high school, Curry continued his athletic and academic journey at the University of Minnesota, where he became one of the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten while earning degrees in psychology and business. In 1972, he was selected in the 8th round of the NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, becoming the franchise’s first African American quarterback draftee. He ultimately pursued a career beyond professional football, excelling as an educator, athletics administrator, corporate leader, and author. His book, Raising the Bar, tells the inspiring story of how he transformed a once-divided school, achieving both athletic success and lasting racial harmony. Curry’s impact has been recognized far beyond the football field. In 2017, the City of Coral Gables officially declared June 13 as “Craig Curry Day,” honoring his historic role as part of the school’s first integrated graduating class and celebrating his legacy as a pioneer in athletics, education, and leadership. Through talent, courage, and perseverance, Craig Curry redefined what it meant to be a quarterback and a leader. His career stands as a testament to the unifying power of sports and his enduring influence as one of Florida’s true trailblazers.

 

• James Day, a prominent figure who for more than three decades set the gold standard for excellence in high school track and field in Florida. As the legendary head coach at William M. Raines High School in Jacksonville from 1965 to 1997, Coach Day built the Vikings into a powerhouse, mentoring generations of student-athletes and leading them to championships, scholarships, and lifelong success. Under his leadership, Raines compiled an outstanding record of 612 wins, 82 losses, and nine  ties, capturing two state championships, six state runner-up finishes, 37 regional titles, and 36 district championships. Coach Day was also the driving force behind the Bob Hayes Invitational Track and Field Meet, which he began leading in 1967. Through his vision and leadership, the event grew into the nation’s largest single-day high school track meet, attracting top talent from across the southeastern United States. He also introduced a middle school division in 1996 and developed the event into a training ground and clinic for young athletes. Even after retiring in 1997, he continued serving as Meet Director, overseeing an event that welcomed over 215 schools, 4,500 athletes, and 300 volunteers annually. Beyond coaching, Day served as Athletic Director at Raines for 20 years. His accolades include being named Track Coach of the Year ten times by local newspapers, Coach of the Year by the Jacksonville Track Club (1976), and the Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) (1976). He received a Life Membership Award from FACA in 1980, became its first African American President in 1989, and was honored as the National High School Track Coach of the Year the same year. Coach Day was inducted into the Florida Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1985, the Florida Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame in 1987, the Raines High School Boosters Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001, the Bob Hayes Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2002 and the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2015. In 2011, Raines High School named its athletic field house in his honor: the James (Coach) Day Field House.

 

• Nickolas Grasso, a trailblazing administrator who has dedicated more than 35 years to shaping the landscape of high school athletics in Florida through visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to student-athletes. A respected administrator, coach, and mentor, Grasso has served in numerous influential roles at the local, district, and state levels. His distinguished career includes serving as President of the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Board of Directors, President of the Pinellas County Athletic Conference, and President of the High School Principals’ Association. Beyond these statewide contributions, he has left a lasting impact as a head coach, collegiate coach, Pinellas County Schools Athletics Director, and Principal of Clearwater High School. Through each role, Grasso has championed educational athletics, fostering excellence, integrity, and opportunity for countless students across Florida. Grasso began his career in coaching, serving as the baseball head coach and junior varsity football coach at St. Petersburg Catholic High School from 1982 to 1984, and later in the same roles at Boca Ciega High School from 1984 to 1987. Transitioning into school leadership, he served as assistant principal at Dixie Hollins High School from 1992 to 1995 before being named Principal of Clearwater High School, a position he held for 11 years (1995–2006). Under his leadership, Clearwater captured three state team championships (Girls Volleyball in 1997 and 2000, and Boys Soccer in 2001) along with five state runner-up finishes and hosted the inaugural Girls Flag Football State Championship. From 1998 to 2004, Grasso served as President of the Pinellas County Athletic Conference, providing guidance and leadership to school athletic programs across the county. He also served on the FHSAA Board of Directors from 2001 to 2006, including a term as President from 2003 to 2004. In 2006, Grasso was appointed County Athletic Director for Pinellas County Schools, a role he held for 11 years until 2017. During this time, he was an active member of the Florida Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and played a key role in leading Pinellas County Schools to three state titles in the Commissioner’s Academic Challenge (2008, 2013, and 2017). Beyond his administrative leadership, Grasso worked tirelessly to improve the professional and personal lives of coaches and student-athletes. He was instrumental in advocating for increased pay supplements for coaches in Pinellas County. He also implemented at the annual Pinellas County Coach of the Year Awards Banquet, “Coach of the Year” rings, to honor the county’s top coaches and fostering a greater sense of community and support for athletics. At the state level, he developed and implemented a satellite playoff system for five counties, reducing travel costs and making district tournaments more cost-effective during a time of budgetary constraints. Grasso’s career has been marked by recognition and honors that reflect his outstanding service to education-based athletics. He received the Principal of the Year Award from the PTSA County Council in 1998, was inducted into the St. Petersburg High School Hall of Fame in 2002, earned the Florida Athletic Coaches Association Distinguished Service Award in 2005, was inducted into the Clearwater High School Hall of Fame in 2016, and that same year was honored with the Florida Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Meritorious Award. In 2019 Pinellas County Schools established the “Nickolas Grasso Leadership” award which recognizes the Athletic Administrator that best demonstrates integrity, compassion, teamwork, fair-play and dedication to the job. Through his roles as a coach, administrator, County Athletic Director, and executive leader, as well as his dedicated service on the FHSAA Board of Directors and within the local community, Nickolas Grasso has devoted his distinguished career to advancing and supporting coaches and student-athletes across the state of Florida.

 

• Paul Green, an esteemed visionary leader in educational athletics is best known for establishing the third-largest junior high school sports program in the United States. A dedicated coach, educator, administrator and teacher, Green built his career on the belief that athletics provide young people with the foundation for discipline, teamwork, and lifelong success. In 1959, his family moved to southwest Miami, Florida, where Coach Green began coaching football and boys junior varsity basketball alongside Marshall University graduate Coach Chuck Fieldson at Miami Beach Senior High School. In 1966, he accepted a position as Athletic Director and Physical Education Teacher at the newly opened Glades Junior High School in southwest Miami-Dade County. There, he launched an innovative intramural program, built an obstacle course, and opened the athletic fields for youth baseball, softball, and soccer. That same year, Green also took on the responsibility of organizing and administrating all of Dade County’s junior high school athletics; a role he held from 1966 to 1986. As an administrator, coach, teacher and contest official he oversaw scheduling, officiating, and program development across the district. Under his leadership, and through his mentoring of countless young teachers and coaches, the Dade County Junior High School Sports Program grew into the third-largest junior high program in the nation, touching the lives of thousands of student-athletes and their families. He collaborated with coaches, coordinated officials, expanded athletic opportunities across numerous sports, and opened his facilities to support local youth associations.  Coach Green’s vision extended far beyond junior high. By establishing a robust “feeder system” for high schools, he helped coaches across Miami-Dade know which athletes would be entering their programs in the future. His efforts ensured that high schools received well-prepared athletes who had already competed in a wide range of sports, including flag football, wrestling, softball, basketball, baseball, soccer, track and field, swimming, diving, golf, tennis, and cheerleading. This pipeline not only elevated the level of play but also helped build communities, traditions, and ultimately successful high school athletic programs throughout the county. Respected statewide, Green’s influence reached well beyond his own community. His pioneering model became a standard for other districts, strengthening the structure of interscholastic sports across Florida. His legacy is defined not just by the size of the program he built but by the countless student-athletes whose lives were shaped by his commitment to opportunity, mentorship, and community. Coach Paul Green was a contributor to the lives of many student-athletes, coaches, and officials during his career. His impact spans many years and multiple areas: as a coach, FHSAA official, and community administrator.

 

•  Arman Hall, a standout sprinter from St. Thomas Aquinas High School (2008–2012), is recognized as one of the most accomplished track and field athletes in Florida high school history. During his four years with the Raiders, Hall helped lead his team to four consecutive FHSAA Track and Field State Championships, while also guiding St. Thomas Aquinas to the 2011 ESPN National High School Track and Field Championship. Individually, Hall’s dominance was unmatched. As a junior, he captured state titles in the 200 and 400 meters, won both events at the prestigious Bob Hayes Invitational, and later claimed gold medals in the 400 meters and Sprint Medley Relay at the World Youth Championships. That season, he also recorded the nation’s fastest high school times in both the 200 and 400 meters. His senior year was equally impressive, as he swept the 200, 400, and 4x400 relay at the state championships and was named the 2012 Florida Gatorade Track and Field Male Athlete of the Year. On the international stage, Hall continued to shine. At the 2011 World Junior Championships in Barcelona, Spain, he earned gold medals in the 400 meters, 4x100 relay, and 4x400 relay, with his 400-meter time of 45.39 ranking among the fastest ever run by a Florida high schooler. Hall continued his career at the University of Florida, where he became a 3-time NCAA Champion, 10-time Outdoor All-American, and 7-time Indoor All-American. In 2014, he was honored as the SEC Men’s Indoor Runner of the Year after winning the SEC Commissioner’s Indoor Track Trophy, and that same year, he earned the U.S. Track & Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association Indoor South Region Men’s Athlete of the Year award. During his time at the University of Florida, Hall was a member of the 2013 World Championships Men’s 4x400 relay that won the gold medal in Moscow, Russia. He also won the 2016 NCAA Outdoor 400 meters championship while helping the Gators capture the 2012 and 2016 NCAA Outdoor Team Championships. On the world stage, Hall made history in 2014 when, at just 19 years old, he won a gold medal at the IAAF World Championships, becoming the youngest American male ever to do so. His career reached its pinnacle at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where he ran the leadoff leg for the United States’ gold medal-winning 4x400 meter relay team alongside Tony McQuay, Gil Roberts, and LaShawn Merritt. Following his competitive career, Hall transitioned to coaching, where his impact has been immediate. In 2021–22, he led Miami Killian High School to its first FHSAA state championship in more than 15 years, highlighted by a 4x100 relay state title. In 2023, he joined New Mexico Junior College as the Assistant Sprints and Hurdles Coach for both the men’s and women’s teams, guiding both programs to NJCAA Indoor and Outdoor National Championships. Hall’s remarkable achievements have been recognized beyond the track. He was named one of the Gainesville Sun’s “35 of the Best Black Athletes Born in Florida” in 2022 and was inducted into the Bob Hayes Track Meet Hall of Fame Class of 2024. From his record-breaking high school career to his Olympic triumph and emerging success as a coach, Arman Hall’s legacy continues to inspire student-athletes in Florida and beyond.

 

•  Alan Keen, a true visionary in Florida high school athletics, dedicated more than three decades to shaping the lives of student-athletes and advancing the growth of interscholastic sports. He began his coaching career at Glades Junior High in 1967 before moving to Richmond Heights Junior High (now Middle School), where he built a sports program that became a model of excellence throughout Miami-Dade County. A longtime physical education teacher, Keen inspired students both in the classroom and on the playing field, instilling values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.  Keen’s leadership extended far beyond his own school. He oversaw middle school athletic competitions across multiple sports in Miami-Dade County and coordinated athletic events for both middle and high school programs at the County Youth Fair. Alongside Coach Paul Green, Keen co-created the Junior High School Interscholastic Sports “Feeder System,” a groundbreaking model that connected youth leagues to high schools, while also creating a pipeline that extended to colleges and professional programs. He has also served as Co-Founder and Administrator of the Dade County Junior High School Interscholastic Sports Program.  His vision and dedication strengthened athletic and educational opportunities for young people across South Florida, an impact that continues today. Keen also made his mark as an official and administrator in multiple sports. He officiated collegiate baseball for 35 years and served as commissioner of the South Florida College Baseball Umpires Association for 14 years. In addition, he officiated volleyball, basketball, and baseball at both the high school and collegiate levels, working numerous district and regional tournaments. For the Greater Miami Athletic Conference (GMAC), Keen served as a basketball official from 1968 to 2003 and as a baseball umpire from 1967 to 2003. His commitment to fairness, professionalism, and mentorship elevated officiating standards across the region and provided guidance to countless young officials. One of Keen’s most enduring contributions to Miami-Dade County sports was his 51-year tenure (1971–2021) as a public address announcer for high school football games at Central, Tamiami, and Tropical Stadiums. His distinctive voice became synonymous with Friday night football, bringing excitement, energy, and a sense of tradition to generations of student-athletes and fans. More than just an announcer, Keen became part of the fabric of Miami high school football, creating memories that still resonate throughout the community. Keen’s lifetime of dedication has been recognized with numerous honors. In 2000, he was inducted into the Amateur Baseball Umpires Association Hall of Fame in Chicago. He is also a member of the Circle of Honor at his alma mater, Berwick Academy in South Berwick, Maine, where he excelled in baseball, football, and basketball. On May 26, 1999, the City of Miami honored him with “Coach Alan Keen Day” in recognition of his 30-year association with the 500 Role Models of Excellence Program. In 2012, Richmond Heights Middle School further cemented his legacy by naming its fitness center after him. Throughout his career, Keen also served as a mentor to countless young coaches, officials, and educators, instilling in them the same passion for athletics and education that has defined his life’s work. His enduring commitment to student-athletes, colleagues, and the community has left an indelible mark on Florida high school sports. Alan Keen’s legacy is one of vision, leadership, and service. Through his decades as a teacher, coach, official, announcer, and administrator, he helped build a foundation that continues to support and inspire generations of student-athletes across Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida.

 

• Terry E. Lee Sr., a decorated contest official who has dedicated 45 years to advancing high school athletics in Florida. A longtime member of the Mid-Florida Officials Association (MFOA), where he currently serves as Basketball Director on the Board of Directors, Lee has officiated basketball and football at the high school and collegiate levels, while also mentoring generations of officials. Lee’s career includes 20 years at the collegiate level and extensive service as a basketball clinician and evaluator for the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). From 1989 to 2000, he served as the FHSAA Basketball Field Clinician, and from 1995 to 2018, he was the FHSAA Basketball State Evaluator. Over his career, Lee officiated at least 25 FHSAA state championships and more than 100 district, regional, and semi-final contests, holding the record for the most State Final Four appearances of any MFOA basketball official. A leader within the officiating community, Lee has been a member of the MFOA since 1979, serving as Basketball Officials Assigner since 1990, and has held memberships in the Mid-Florida Junior College Conference, South Florida Junior College Conference, Sunshine State Conference Division II, and the MEAC Conference. He has also served on more than 15 athletic boards. Lee’s many honors include induction into the African American Coaches, Game Officials, and Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2022 and the MFOA Hall of Fame in 2023. He has received multiple awards from the FHSAA, including the Superior and Merit Awards for service in basketball and football, as well as Meritorious Achievement Awards in both sports. He also earned the MFOA Most Outstanding Basketball Official Award in 1988.  In addition to his state-level impact, Lee has been a fixture at prestigious tournaments, holding the longest consecutive streak of officiating the Kingdom of the Sun Christmas Tournament (18 years). He also officiated the City of Palms Classic and scheduled officials for the Queen of Palms Tournament in Fort Myers. Among his most cherished contributions was assigning all-women officiating crews at major tournaments, demonstrating his commitment to advancing opportunities for women in sports officiating. Beyond officiating, Lee served as Archer Recreation Director from 1988 to 2005, where his program won numerous Tri-County League championships and was recognized as a leader in youth recreation. His community service has been recognized with the Gainesville Sun “Achievers Award” and the 2018 Martin Luther King Banquet honoree distinction by the Archer Community Progressive Organization. Through his leadership, professionalism, and passion for athletics, Terry E. Lee Sr. has built an enduring legacy in Florida high school sports, inspiring officials, athletes, and communities across the state. He and his wife, Connie, have been married for 43 years.

 

• Dwight Thomas, a distinguished figure in Florida high school football, has dedicated more than three decades to the game as a teacher, coach, mentor, and advocate. A proven leader on the sidelines, Thomas compiled a 102-66-2 record as a head coach and guided Escambia High School to back-to-back FHSAA State Championships in 1984 and 1985. Earlier in his career, he helped Merritt Island High School secure the 1972 State Championship as a varsity assistant. He also excelled as a defensive coordinator, contributing to an additional state title and a runner-up finish. During his remarkable career at Escambia, Thomas coached numerous athletes who went on to play college and professional football, most notably NFL Hall of Famer and Dallas Cowboys All-Pro running back Emmitt Smith. His ability to develop talent and build championship programs left an indelible mark on Florida high school football. After 33 years of coaching, Thomas turned his attention to athlete promotion and recruiting. He founded the Florida High School Coaches Recruiting Service, offering schools and student-athletes statewide exposure to college programs at no cost. A true pioneer, Thomas organized the first-ever high school football combine, revolutionizing the way players were evaluated and leveraging the internet to connect Florida athletes with opportunities nationwide. His groundbreaking efforts established Florida as a national hotbed of high school football talent and forever changed the recruiting landscape.  His impact extended beyond the field. Thomas was inducted into the Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) Hall of Fame in 1995 and went on to serve as FACA President from 1991 to 1992, as well as a representative on the FHSAA Board of Directors. He is a three-time FACA Coach of the Year and received the association’s highest honors, including the Meritorious Service Award and Life Membership Award. He also coached in the FACA Florida/Georgia and North/South All-Star Games. Nationally, his voice reached thousands of coaches through articles in publications such as Sports Illustrated, National Coach, and the American Football Coaches Association Manual. Today, Thomas continues his lifelong mission of supporting student-athletes through his work with Catapult Sports Football Recruiting, helping Florida players earn college scholarships at no cost to their families. His enduring legacy is defined not only by championships and accolades, but by his unwavering commitment to advancing opportunities for high school coaches and athletes across the state of Florida.

About the FHSAA
The Florida High School Athletic Association supervises and regulates interscholastic athletic programs for high school students at member public, private and charter schools. The organization also recognizes and honors academic achievement among student-athletes at over 850 middle, junior and senior high schools statewide. Headquartered in Gainesville, it is the official governing body for interscholastic athletics in Florida.