SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Meet Danny Tharpe: The Cocoa High Tiger Who Can Do It All
Ever wonder what a power‑house athlete looks like? Danny Tharpe proved you could be a multi‑sport star and still keep your vibe in check.
Four Years, Fifteen Varsity Letters
- Each varsity letter was a badge of honor, and Danny bagged 15 of them—that’s like winning a gold medal in every Olympic sport.
- From basketball hoops to football tackles, his résumé reads like a sports encyclopedia.
- Frozen a teammate’s dignity at the 80‑mile‑per‑hour kickoff—just kidding, but you get the sense.
Why the Hall of Fame
Because Florida needed a new type of legend who could switch from a slam dunk to a field goal in the very same breath. He’s now a member of the Florida High School Activities Hall of Fame.
Legend Status
Coaches still laugh about the time he turned a snack break into a full‑blown sort of “team bonding” session—snacks, drills, and a joke about his undefeated fantasy squad.
What Everyone Can Learn
Flexibility, focus, and a sense of humor can make you unforgettable—just ask any anyone who met Danny. He’s proof that sports is as much about spirit as skill.

DANNY THARPE – 2013 INDUCTEE
Legend Status: Daniel Tharpe
Meet the guy who turned a regular high‑school field into a sports playground in Brevard County, Florida.
- Hall of Fame Member – The FHSAA Hall of Fame knows his name by heart.
- High School All‑American – His trophy cabinet is practically a museum.
- 15 Varsity Letters – He collected varsity pins like a squirrel hoards acorns.
More Than a One‑Sport Superstar
Daniel didn’t just play the game—he dominated it. From basketball to baseball, from track to cross‑country, his stats were so colossal they might as well have been a national record.
Records That Still Stand
- Those numbers? They’re so old, they’re practically antiques.
- Some achievements still sit in the Hall of Fame—while others wait, hoping the next athlete will finally break them.
Back at Cocoa High School
Walk up the steps to Cocoa High and you’ll almost feel the echo of Daniel’s racing shoes. The school and the whole of Brevard County keep speaking about the legend who rattled through their courts and fields, leaving competitors chasing his shadow.

Meet the Legend: Danny “All‑Sport” Tharpe
Think he played just one sport? Think again.
What a Dazzling Player‑Career
- ⭐ 15 varsity letters across five amazingly diverse sports.
- Led Cocoa High School to a 1960 state basketball championship as a 6‑ft guard.
- Reigns supreme in tennis, track, baseball, and even football – a true multitasker.
- Florida High School Activities Hall of Fame inductee, celebrated for his versatility and sheer athletic dominance.
Why He’s a Brevard & Florida Icon
During his four‑year stint at Cocoa, Tharpe didn’t just win games – he rewrote what it means to be an athlete. Coaches blamed the gym for his endless energy, while teammates whispered that he could probably run a marathon while playing two sports at once.
Law of the Land: Multisport Bring-It-Down Tactics
Picture a student stepping onto a court, picking up a ball, then hitting a bench press on the sidelines— that was Tharpe in a nutshell. He served up a mix of grit, grace, and straight‑up humor that left opponents (and audience) both baffled and inspired.
Legacy for the Ages
From the 1960 championship win to the Hall of Fame, his story continues to motivate future athletes. So next time you hear “58 letters? No, 15!” shout, remember Danny Tharpe – the man who proved you don’t have to choose between sports to excel at them all.

Meet Danny Tharpe: The Multi‑Sport Miracle
Back in the 80s and 90s, a young man named Danny Tharpe popped up on college campuses like a Swiss‑Army knife—he could tackle basketball, baseball, football, tennis, and even turn perfect games into fireworks. His four‑year basketball scholarship at Western Carolina University (WCU) earned him a spot in the WCU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1991, and he’s still billed as the university’s greatest athlete.
A Court‑Commander in Basketball
- Point guard magic: Starter for all four seasons – think “unshakable” on the hardwood.
- Two‑time First‑Team All‑State selection.
- Senior year: All‑American, proving he wasn’t just a local star.
- Records that still stand:
- Best free‑throw % across WCU, the county, the conference, and the state.
- Consecutive and career-made free‑throw records.
- Perfect 100 % in a state tournament (29 for 29) – no one’s matched that.
Ball‑in‑Hand Baseball & Baseball‑in‑Hand Pitching
- Four‑year starting pitcher and second baseman – from the mound to the dug‑out.
- Two perfect games—one so good that every batter was struck out.
- 12 no‑hittings in his junior and senior seasons—an absolute whirlwind.
- Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in his senior year, proving the pros took notice.
On the Gridiron
- Two‑year starting football player who did it both ways (offense & defense).
- All‑State honors as a senior – not only can he score on the court, but he also scored tackles and yards.
Love on the Court – Tennis!
- Number one singles and doubles player for all four years.
- 71‑match winning streak, only one loss in doubles (70‑1).
- Three years ranked in the top 25 nationally—he was a top‑tenel, no joke.
So whether Danny was dribbling past defenders, pitching a no‑hitter, snapping tackles, or smashing backhanded love, he left a lasting legacy—one that still celebrates the idea that you can be a jack‑of‑all‑trades and master of them all.

Tharpe: Western Carolina’s Multi‑Sport Marvel
Picture a student‑athlete who could juggle balls, rackets, a bat and a football all in one season, and you’ll get a sense of Tharpe’s incredible college career. Over four years he was a point‑guard superstar, a tennis confidante, a baseball batting ace, and even a linebacker (until a mid‑season injury put a stop to the gridiron gig).
Basketball Brilliance
- Starter at point guard for all four years
- Guided the Catamounts to three 20‑win seasons
- Crowned the 1964 Carolina Conference champions
- Reached the 1963 NAIA National Tournament title game
- Consistently hit double‑digit averages every season
Other Athletic Highlights
- Tennis: Regular on the WCU team for two seasons
- Baseball: Led the 1964 squad in batting
- Football: Started as a linebacker in 1964 before an injury cut the season short
Academic & Legacy
Not just an athlete, Tharpe was a scholar with a solid 3.0 GPA, double‑majoring in biology and physical education. His contributions earned him a four‑year basketball scholarship, a spot in the WCU Athletics Hall of Fame (1991), and the honor of being named the greatest athlete in WCU history.
So, why does Tharpe still matter?
Because he showed that one can be a basketball star, a multi‑sport star, and a diligent student—all while keeping a sense of humor and a head full of purpose. His legacy is a reminder that the most successful athletes are those who can adapt, excel, and keep the game fun—both on and off the court.

Revisiting Danny Tharpe’s Legendary Legacy
Sporting Spunk from the Heart of Brevard
From Courts to Community
After hanging up his WCU days, Danny Tharpe didn’t just move on—he stepped back into his Brevard roots to give the community a boost.
Between 1965 and 1969, he took the helm at Cocoa High, coaching both basketball and tennis with a flair that turned training sessions into fun-filled showdowns. But it didn’t stop there.
He sparked a new tradition by launching Brevard County’s first “Little Dribbler” League, a program tailored for kids aged 6‑12. It was a game‑changing initiative that set the stage for countless young athletes to develop their skills, confidence, and love for sports.
A Return to the Big League
After his impactful stint in the community, Danny circled back to WCU, this time stepping into the role of an assistant coach. From there, he earned a full coaching position at East Texas State, continuing his journey of shaping players both on and off the court.
Legacy That Still Resounds
- From humble beginnings to coaching victories
- Founder of a pioneering youth sports league
- Mentor of both high‑school and college athletes
- Undeniably one of Brevard County’s greatest all‑round athletes
Danny Tharpe’s name remains carved in the football of Brevard County’s history, inspiring future generations to chase theirs with the same enthusiasm and courage he championed.
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Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame
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An unrelated video claiming to show the Torre Pacheco attack is criculating online
A fake poster purporting to have been published by the Torre Pacheco town hall circulates online
The local authorities did convene a protest against ‘recent criminal incidents’ in the aftermath of the attack




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On the lower deck, passengers can get ready for bed in the spacious bathroom and changing room facilities.







































