Athlete
At an early age, Tyrone Dunn was coached by his father in a variety of sports, and his passion became basketball. He attended the original Dunbar Jr. High School during the school’s one year of existence in 1968, and then he transferred to nearby Lexington Junior High School. While attending Tates Creek High School from 1971-74, Tyrone became an outstanding basketball player for the Commodores, achieving numerous awards, including the following:
- 1974 KSHAA All-State Team;
- Kentucky-Indiana All-Star Series;
- Tates Creek’s leading scorer;
- 110% Award;
- Best Defensive Player Award;
- Best Field Goal Percentage – 54%; and
- Named to the Lexington Herald-Leader’s All-Kentucky Team, which played a two-game series against the Russian Junior National Team in 1974.
After high school, Tyrone continued his outstanding basketball accomplishments at Pikeville College (now Pikeville University). Those accomplishments include the following:
- All-Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) Defensive Player three straight years;
- First Team ALL-KIAC;
- Youngest player to date to win KIAC Player of the Year; and
- Three back-to-back seasons of 500+ points scored.
In 1979, Tyrone transferred to Morehead State University as a graduate assistant basketball coach. In the same year, he was offered an opportunity to play overseas with the Saturns in Koln (Cologne), West Germany. Upon his return to the U.S.A., Tyrone attended the Indiana Pacers pre-season camp. Unfortunately, a torn ligament and cartilage in his knee cut short his long-time dream of playing in the NBA.
Not to be deterred, Tyrone shifted his focus to working with children. He worked over 40 years in childcare. After retiring, Tyrone started overseeing various youth basketball camps, working with Juvenile Corrections and becoming athletic director for a Boys Club in Indianapolis, IN. Over the years, he also developed a love for cooking.
Today, the most important aspects of Tyrone’s life are his 10 children and enjoying his grandchildren. Growing up in Lexington’s East End, Tyrone formerly attended Greater Liberty Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir. For the past 13 years, Tyrone has attended Shiloh Baptist Church. He praises and gives glory to God for his many blessings.
