Tates Creek High School
1972-1999
In 1972, Coach Nolan Barger began his 28-year career at Lexington’s Tates Creek High School. He became known as the “Giant Killer” for his tournament wins over some of the state’s greatest teams. In arguably the state’s toughest district, Lexington’s 43rd, he averaged 19 wins per season. His overall career record was 540 wins and 265 losses. Coach Barger was the ultimate teacher/coach who developed his players both as athletes and young men. The 1991 Commodore team took their coach to the brink of the ultimate prize in Kentucky high school sports, the Sweet 16 Championship, but would come up short to defending champion Fairdale High School in the finals by a score of 67-63. The 1991 team ended their championship run with a 34-2 record.