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A longtime Lexington high school basketball coach who became the first African-American on UK's Athletics Association Board in 1974 died Thursday at the age of 94.

S.T. Roach led the first Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Lexington to two Kentucky High School Athletic League state championships and, after integration, two runner-up finishes in the Kentucky High School Athletic Association's Sweet Sixteen.

Roach finished his coaching career with a 610-166 record. Today, the annual S.T. Roach Classic and the gymnasium at Dunbar High School are both named after the Kentucky High School Hall of Fame coach.

Roach was famous for holding his tongue and taking the high road when there were some circumstances where it wasn't easy for his Dunbar Bulldogs.

Smith and Smith Funeral Home on East Third Street in Lexington will handle the funeral arrangements for Roach.

Governor Steve Beshear released a statement late Thursday afternoon, saying, "S.T. Roach is more than just a legendary coach in Kentucky high school basketball, he was a legendary force in helping our state move forward when our schools integrated more than a half century ago. Coach Roach’s long-standing commitment to integrity, honesty and respect live on not only through his players, but through everyone who had the honor of calling him a friend. He will be truly missed, and Jane and I will keep his family in our thoughts at this difficult time.”

"Our prayers go out to the friends & family of S.T. Roach, former UK Athletic Association Board member, who passed away," said UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart. "Coach Roach made an outstanding impact on this community and our university. We will miss his presence, insight and dedication to our cause here at the University of Kentucky."

Lexington mayor Jim Newberry said, "“Our entire community mourns the death of Coach Roach. Teaching was his profession and he certainly taught us important lessons in Civil Rights, leadership, ethics, sports and academics. For many years he worked to revitalize the Lyric Theatre, and I am glad he saw that goal nearly completed before his death. His legacy will live on at the Lyric, at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, through the history of the original Dunbar High School and in the lives of countless young people he coached and taught. We will miss him, and send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”