Henderson State University Athletics

Willie Tate came to Henderson State in 1990 serving as a football assistant coach under Coach Ken Turner. That same year, Tate made history as the first black head track coach at Henderson State.

Tate was part of the Reddie football staff until 1999 and also served as the head golf coach from 1995 until his retirement in May 2006.

Tate earned his Bachelor of Science degree at AM&N College (now University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) in 1968. A football and baseball player, Tate earned All-Southwestern Athletic Conference honors in football. He later earned a Master of Science degree in Physical Education from Henderson State University in 1978.

Tate’s first coaching job was in 1968 at Yeager High School and later Hope High School where he served as defensive coordinator and head track coach. It was there that he was rightfully proclaimed "Coach Tate".

He coached in Hope until 1973 before moving on to Arkadelphia to serve as football coach at Goza Junior High School with the legendary Coach John Outlaw.

His accomplishments in athletics are many and legendary. Tate spent 15 years as head track coach and defensive coordinator at Arkadelphia High School.

One of the most notable highlights of his life was helping the Badgers win nine district football championships, as well as Class AAA State championships in 1979 and 1987. He also coached three 7AAA championship track teams, and finished second in the Class AAA meet eight different times. He was named Track Coach of the Year on several occasions.

Coach Tate was inducted into the Hope Athletic Hall of Fame and in 1988 was selected to serve as part of the coaching staff for the Arkansas High School West All-Star Football Squad.