A leader in Tennessee athletics, Bob Canada was born in Lexington, Tennessee, and graduated from Memphis State University in 1968. From 1963 to 1970, he was Playground Director, Community Center Director, District Supervisor of Playgrounds, and Supervisor of Boys’ Athletics for the Memphis Park Commission. Canada then served as executive director of the Mason-East YMCA in Memphis. In 1977 he became athletic director and golf coach, as well as an associate professor, at Shelby State Community College. Canada was also SSCC’s tennis coach during the 1978 and 1979 seasons, and his teams won both state and regional honors while qualifying for the NJCAA tournament. In 1986 his duties were expanded and his title changed to Director of Student Organizations and Activities/Athletics. Under Canada’s leadership, SSCC’s total intercollegiate athletic program has gained national attention, and SSCC’s teams have posted an impressive winning record. His golfers have won nine consecutive NJCAA Region VII titles while Canada personally won regional “Coach of the Year” many times. Four of his golfers have been selected for All-American honors, and several have turned professional. In addition to his athletics career, Canada also has a strong community record, having served on the executive committee of the Epilepsy Foundation of West Tennessee and the board of directors of the Memphis YMCA Youth Sports.
