Tharpe Most Versatile Athlete Ever In Brevard

SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME

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One of the most versatile and greatest all-round athletes in the history of Brevard and of the state of Florida, during Danny Tharpe’s four years as a Cocoa High Tiger, he earned no less than 15 varsity letters, leading to his induction into the Florida High School Activities Hall of Fame.

DANNY THARPE – 2013 INDUCTEE

Danny Tharpe

• Member of FHSAA Hall of Fame
• High School All American
• 15 High School Varsity Letters

ACCOMPLISHED IN MANY SPORTS

Living legend, Daniel Tharpe, has set the bar very high when it comes to high school sports in Brevard County.

Tharpe’s performance and records in multiple sports will always be remembered in Brevard County and at Cocoa High School. And to this day, some of those records are yet to be broken.

Danny Tharpe received no less than 15 varsity letters, leading to his induction into the Florida High School Activities Hall of Fame.

Most of the people who remember Tharpe from his playing days want to talk basketball as Tharpe, as a 6-foot guard, led Cocoa High School to a 1960 state basketball championship, but Tharpe was incredibly accomplished in many sports.

One of the most versatile and greatest all-round athletes in the history of Brevard and of the state of Florida, during Tharpe’s four years as a Cocoa High Tiger, he received no less than 15 varsity letters, leading to his induction into the Florida High School Activities Hall of Fame.

ALL STATE FOOTBALL, 12 NO-HITTERS

A four-year starter in basketball as a point guard, Tharpe was a two-time First Team All-State selection, and in his senior year was an All-American.

Danny Tharpe earned a four year basketball scholarship to Western Carolina University where he was inducted into the WCU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1991 after he started in four sports and was chosen as the greatest athlete in WCU history. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com Sports)

Tharpe still holds the school, county, conference and state records for the best free throw percentage, consecutive made, career made and his state tournament record percentage of 100 percent (29 for 29) has never been equaled.

As a four year starting pitcher and second baseman, Tharpe threw two perfect games – one in which he struck out every batter in the game against Melbourne – and tossed a combined 12 no-hitters in his junior and senior seasons, eventually being drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in his senior year.

He was a two-year starter in football, earning All-State honors as a Senior, playing both offense and defense.

In tennis, Tharpe was the number one singles and doubles player for four years, winning 71 straight and never losing a match except in doubles where he went 70 and 1. Tharpe was ranked in the top 25 nationally in tennis for three years.

GREATEST ATHLETE IN WCU HISTORY

He earned a four year basketball scholarship to Western Carolina University where he was inducted into the WCU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1991 after he started in four sports and was chosen as the greatest athlete in WCU history.

As a four year starter in basketball at point guard, Tharpe led the Catamounts to three 20 win seasons, a Carolina’s conference championship, and the championship game in the 1963 NAIA National Tournament. He averaged in double figures in all four seasons. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com Sports)

As a four year starter in basketball at point guard, Tharpe led the Catamounts to three 20 win seasons, a Carolina’s conference championship, and the championship game in the 1963 NAIA National Tournament. He averaged in double figures in all four seasons.

He was a regular on the WCU tennis team for two seasons, led the 1964 baseball team in hitting, started at line backer for the 1964 football team before suffering a mid-season injury. Tharpe also excelled in the class room with 3.0 grade point average, double majoring in biology and physical education.

YOUTH, HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE COACH

Danny Tharpe

After leaving WCU, Tharpe gave back to his Brevard community where he coached basketball and tennis at Cocoa High from 1965 to 1969 and started the first “Little Dribbler” League for children 6-12 years of age in Brevard County. Tharpe later returned to WCU where he became an assistant coach and then a coach at East Texas State.

Danny Tharpe’s athletic accomplishments are legendary and he is undeniably one of the greatest all-round athletes in the history of Brevard County.

THE SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME Banquet and Induction Ceremony will take place at the Cocoa Beach Country Club on Friday, May 10 with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. – and dinner and ceremony at 7 p.m.

FOR INFORMATION & TICKETS to the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame Induction dinner call 321-615-8111 or e-mail MaverickMultimedia@gmail.com