Clifton Turner

2005 Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame Inductee
Category: Multiple Sports/Coaching

Wife: Linda
Daughter: Renee
Sons: Eric and Jason

Clif came to Flint in 1963 after graduating from Hillsdale College where he held the record in most points scored in one game (44 points). He also ran cross country and was a member of the track team. He made all NAIA, All State and Honorable Mention All American. Clif also coached Junior Varsity Basketball while he was at Hillsdale.

His greatest asset to the Flint Community has been his coaching. Outside of Detroit, he was the first Black high school coach in Flint’s history and one of the first in the State of Michigan.

From 1969 to 1979 Clif coached the boys Varsity Basketball Team at Flint Central High School. His best season at Flint Central was in the 1968-69 season with a record of 18-3 and won the City Championship in his first two seasons. In his 1969 season, his record of 18-3 won the City Championship in his first two seasons. In 1969 -1975, Clif was an assistant coach on the boy’s varsity track team at Flint Central. From 1965-1967 he was the Athletic Trainer at Flint Central.

He has touched the lives of many youths in the Flint area. He coached the boy’s varsity basketball team at the Flint Academy from 1979 to 1989. His record of 118-50 took his team to the quarter finals twice and carried a 20-4 record in the 1983-84 season making it to the district regionals. He also coached the girl’s Junior Varsity Basketball Team at the Flint Academy from 1979 to 1989.

He was the first Afro-American to become Flint School District’s Director of the Recreation Athletic and Physical Education Department. Clif is retired from the Flint School district, but he is still coaching and working with our youth. Thanks for all the time you spent and the work you have done to help our youth. Congratulations Clif, you have made Flint Proud. This is truly your night.

Congratulations, you make Flint proud!