10. The Blacks

John and Tom Black of Tucson High were two of the biggest names in Tucson and Arizona sports from 1935-55. John was an all-state football player at Tucson High, a three-year starter at Arizona and All-Border Conference back in 1940 and a starter on the UA basketball team. He later became an assistant coach at Arizona and then piloted Phoenix Union High to the 1948 state football championship. His younger brother, Tom, lettered at Arizona in football and basketball, was a UA assistant football coach in 1947, and coached Phoenix North High to the 1950 state football championship. John’s son, John R. Black, was a standout punter and defensive back for Arizona in 1969 and 1970. The Black brothers operated the UA’s booster club, the Phoenix Towncats, for about 15 years.

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