By the Book – Herbert ‘Book’ McCray (’83)

Herbert ‘Book’ McCray (‘83) made his mark on the basketball court, helping lead the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to the NCAA Men’s Division II basketball national championship in 1977. But his greatest legacy goes far beyond the game. What started with a basketball scholarship became a lifelong mission to uplift and empower the next generation.

Growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, McCray was immersed in a city known for its basketball talent. As a standout player at Shawnee High School, he played alongside Wayne Golden (’77), a prolific scorer who became UTC’s all-time leading scorer and an NCAA Division II All-American. Golden was a dominant offensive force, averaging over 20 points per game and setting the single-game scoring record at the time. While he was a highly sought-after recruit, McCray’s relentless rebounding and defensive presence caught UTC’s attention. “When the UTC coaches came to see Wayne play, they were impressed by my rebounding and offered me a scholarship as well,” he recalled. Together, they helped lead their team to a 1973 state championship.

McCray’s role on the team went beyond the stat sheet. While Golden became the face of the Mocs’ offense, McCray embraced his role as a defensive anchor and team leader. He was known for his ability to control the boards, disrupt opponents’ rhythm, and bring energy to every game. His tenacity in the paint helped fuel UTC’s success and his leadership set the tone for a team that would leave a lasting mark on the program. “I wasn’t the guy putting up 30 points a game, but I knew my job—and I took pride in it,” he said. “We had a team full of talent, but you don’t win championships without the players willing to do the little things.”

Beyond basketball, McCray found inspiration in the people around him. “My time as a Moc shaped me as a leader simply because there were so many examples of leadership around me,” he said. “Friends who were non-athletes preached a constant message of ‘be the best you can possibly be’ and ‘work to get your degree.'”

That mindset carried into his professional life. “Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher,” McCray shared. After more than 30 years in Hamilton County schools as a teacher, coach and principal, he saw firsthand the power of mentorship. His experiences led him to establish Boys to Men, a program dedicated to guiding young men through education, leadership and personal development.

“The chalk talks centered around providing extended information that would encourage and motivate our young participants in the area of life skills,” he said. “We continually stressed the importance of getting a good education and graduating from high school, as well as having positive interactions with others.”

McCray’s contributions to UTC came full circle in 2018 when he returned as a commencement speaker. “A young kid fresh out of high school who thought his life at UTC was just going to be about basketball,” he reflected, “with the help and support of many people, was transformed into this person whose philosophy is to make this world a better place—one day at a time, one relationship at a time.”

Looking ahead, McCray hopes others will continue the work. “UTC alumni have been some of the ministry’s staunchest supporters,” he said. “Our greatest need right now is for individuals to come alongside us to serve as dedicated mentors for the young men.”

For McCray, Chattanooga has become more than just a place where he played basketball—it’s the community that shaped him, and in return, he’s helping shape the next generation. “I give God and my family the credit for the man that I am today, but I acknowledge the fact that having landed in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to play basketball for UTC plays an equally important role as well.”