A native of Auburn, AL, Toney Pugh graduated from Auburn High School in 1976, excelling in the sports of football and wrestling. Toney went on to graduate from Auburn University in 1982, earning a bachelor's degree in physical education. He later earned a master's degree in physical education from UAB. After graduating from Auburn University, Toney began his coaching career as head wrestling coach at Auburn High School in 1982. This was the beginning of a coaching and officiating career spanning almost 40 years. After Auburn High School, Coach Pugh became the head wrestling coach at Hewitt-Trussville High School, 1985-1992, which included two state championships, two state runners up, and three 3rd place team state finishes. At Oak Mountain High School, Spain Park High School, and Hoover High School Coach Pugh served as either head or assistant coach for several years. During his years coaching wrestling, Coach Pugh comprised a dual team record of 103-29, coached 18 state champions, 24 state runners up, and 59 state placers. He was named wrestling coach of the year for the state of Alabama in 1987 and 1988. It was during those years that his Hewitt-Trussville team set the state record for most team points scored at the state tournament with 208.5 points, and then breaking their own record the following year with 242.5 points. Coach Pugh has officiated the sport of wrestling for 12 years. He has been selected to officiate eight state sectional tournaments and five state finals tournaments. He was selected official of the year in 2013. In addition to a career in wrestling, Coach Pugh has been a head football coach and athletic director for eight years. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Birmingham Athletic Partnership, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, where he was instrumental in starting four new inner city high school wrestling programs. Toney and his wife, Sandra, have two children, Ryan & Britney. Ryan and his wife Cathey Lee have a daughter, Etta Graceyn.