Blackburn Inducted into Independent Sports Association National Hall of Fame

SYLVA, N.C. (December 14) — Greg Blackburn of McKenzie was recently inducted into the Independent Sports Association (ISA) National Hall of Fame as a coach/sponsor.

Blackburn was the coach of the Jean Shoppe men’s slow pitch softball team for 35 years.

In that time the team won ten world tournaments and 30 state tournaments.

Blackburn spoke to The Banner about the team’s success over the years.

“I traveled all over the United States to play. I found the toughest tournaments we could play in and we played tough competition, and that’s what made us a better team.”

He said, “I want to thank all of my players and everybody that was involved for me to get an award like this, especially my parents and my wife. The only reason that I played and coached softball is because I enjoyed the challenge of becoming a winner. I want all my players to know that I’m really thankful for what they’ve done for me to get these accolades. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Blackburn has previously been inducted into the National Softball Association (NSA) and United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) Halls of Fame.