Class of 2025
1992 Gleason Lady Bulldogs
TSSAA Class A State Champions
In 1992, the third time was the charm for Coach Randy Frazier and the Gleason Lady Bulldogs as they secured the first of three state titles in a 15-year stretch. Gleason knocked off Oneida in the opening round, 42-34. They cruised in the semifinals, outscoring Denmark West 35-17 in the second half to secure a 58-37 victory and a spot in the Class A state championship game against Celina. The two squads went back and forth for three quarters. Gleason outscored Celina 18-8 in the final frame to secure the first state championship for girl’s athletics in Weakley County. Kristi McKee drilled four three pointers on her way to a game high 17 points. Holly Crowe added 13, and Cristie Wallace snatched a game high seven rebounds, four of them coming on the offensive end of the floor. Gleason finished the season 33-3 and brought Weakley County her first of nine girls state championships.
Kneeling (L-R): Tonya Parham Duncan, Stacey Stewart Cook, Cristi Sawyers Wallace, Kristy McKee Stephenson, Holly Crowe Adams, LeeAnn Bell Smith, Becky Crowe Padgett, Camille Connell Legins
Standing (L-R): Andrea Bell, Coach Randy Frazier, Lisa Wallace Palmer, Nicki Stephens Pace, Kristy Freeman O’Connor, Heather Lehmkuhl Leach, Ashley Hopper Flint, Olivia Lowe-Gilliam, Selena Dilday Farragut, Brandy Wiseman, Kara Sanders Atkins
Jim Graves
Martin High School, University of Tennessee at Martin, Weakley County Contributor
To this day, Coach James (Jim) Graves is considered by many as the greatest football coach in the 100-year history of the Martin Panther/Westview Charger program. A 1952 graduate of Peabody High School in Trenton, Tennessee, Jim Graves entered the Navy upon graduation. With his service completed in 1956, he enrolled at the University of Tennessee at Martin and played football for the Baby Vols. Jim Graves became Coach Graves where he was on the staff at Milan and EW Grove in Paris before coming to Martin. He took over the reins of the Panther football team in 1963 and made an immediate impact. In his second season, Graves led the Panters to the Reelfoot Conference championship and repeated the feat again in 1967. The architect of “The Streak”, Graves guided the Panthers to their first undefeated season, going 11-0 in 1967. That year began 42 consecutive wins for the Martin program, a record that stood for several decades. Coach Graves tallied a 41-13-1 record in his five seasons at the helm, but his impact was felt for a generation.
Coach Graves left the Panthers in 1968, spending time at a few other schools before returning to Martin and coaching the line at UTM. He was also an adjunct professor of mathematics at UTM, retiring in 1999. Coach Graves was a servant in the Martin community until his passing in 2019 at the age of 87.
David Byars, Sr
Martin High School, Westview High School
Very rarely do standout athletes make top notch coaches in one sport, let alone two. David Byars, a 1963 graduate of Martin High School, oversaw the transition of half-court basketball to full court for women at Martin and Westview High School in the late 1970’s to early 1980’s. He amassed over 200 wins in 12 seasons before being named principal of Westview High School in 1983. Mr. Byars moved to the central office after that school year. In the early 90’s, Mr. Byars took on a new role as the cheerleading coach at Westview. In 1995, he led the cheer squad to the first of six national championships, capturing the National Cheerleading Association’s (NCA) title in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Byars returned to Westview as principal in 1996 before retiring in 2013. Mr. Byars spent 45 years in the Weakley County School System.
The gymnasium at Westview was named in his honor in 2023.
Kendall Cavin Maxwell
Westview High School, Tennessee Tech University
One of the most tenacious players in the history of Westview High School is Kendall Cavin Maxwell. Known for her tireless work ethic and ability to lead in both word and deed, she was a two-time Class AA Ms. Basketball finalist her junior and senior season. She was named Ms. Basketball in her final year and the Lady Chargers finished runner-up in the 2003 Class AA State Tournament. Cavin Maxwell finished her high school career with 1,931 points.
The next stop was Cookeville where she played for the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles. Cavin Maxwell was named to the All-Ohio Valley Conference Freshman Team in 2004, second team all OVC in 2005 and 2006, and obtained first team status in 2007. She finished her career with the Golden Eagles in 6th place all-time in 3-pointers made (183) and 1,457 points.
Jeff Crouse
Greenfield High School, Bethel University
The most prolific scorer in Greenfield High School history was also an integral part of the first state championship in the history of Weakley County.
From 1981 to 1984, Jeff Crouse was a mainstay in the Yellowjacket line-up. He was also a regular member of the all-district and all-region teams in 1982 and 1983, adding All West Tennessee and Associated Press All- State Honorable Mention his junior season.
In 1984, Jeff Crouse led the Yellowjackets on a historic run, capturing the Class A state title. He averaged 21 points in the state tournament, dropping 28 in the championship game, knocking off Sylvester Gray and the highly favored Bolton Wildcats, 69-63. For his efforts, Crouse was named the State Tournament’s Most Valuable Player. That award was a crescendo to his senior season where he was named All-District, All-Region, West Tennessee Player of the Year, and the Associated Press’ All-State 1st Team.
Crouse finished his high school career with a school record 1,976 points, a total that stood for 21 years.
Noah Lampkins
Gleason School, Lambuth University
In the history of Weakley County Sports, very few have been tabbed as All Americans. One of them is Gleason’s Noah Lampkins. As a freshman for Coach Sam Guthrie in 1992, Lampkins entered the starting role for the Bulldogs and made an immediate impact. With a reputation as a hard-nosed athlete that delivered devastating blows on defense, Lampkins was recognized as an honorable mention performer his first season. He continued his excellent play, and was named All- Region in 1993, 1994, and 1995. During his senior season in 1995, he was named All West Tennessee and placed on the Associated Press All-State team.
Lampkins continued his career at Lambuth University under legendary coach Vic Wallace. As an Eagle, he was named the Mid-South Conference Player of the Week multiple times. The defensive back was named All-Conference and achieved All-American status his senior season.
Ron Lewellen
University of Tennessee at Martin, Dresden Junior and High School, Weakley County Contributor
In 1964, Ron Lewellen transferred from Indiana University to the University of Tennessee at Martin. Lewellen was a dominant force on the defensive line from 1964 to 1966. In 1967, he was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the 7th round. He moved to Wisconsin where he played minor league football before returning to Weakley County in 1968. Ron Lewellen became Coach Lewellen and was named the head coach of the Dresden Lions. He brough the Lions their first undefeated season in 1970 and later served as the principal of Dresden Middle School.
Mr. Lewellen left teaching and coaching in 1982 to pursue a career in the insurance industry. He remained an integral part of the Dresden and Weakley County community. Mr. Lewellen served in the National Guard, civic organizations, and the on Weakley County School Board.
Ron Lewellen was inducted into the UT Martin Hall of Fame in 1989 and the practice filed at Dresden Middle is named in his honor.
Mr. Lewellen passed away in 2008
Emily Roberts Laird
Sharon High School, Westview High School, University of Tennessee
From 1974 to 1976, Emily Roberts Laird lit up the rim as a phenomenal scorer for Coach David Byars. In an era that saw the transition of women’s basketball from half court to full, the Sharon native was a 1,000-point scorer for the newly formed Westview High School. After graduation, Roberts Laird became the first Weakley Countian to join the University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball program under UT Martin graduate, Pat Head Summitt. She appeared in 25 games for the Lady Vols during the 1976-77 season. That year, the Lady Vols compiled a 28-5 record and a #5 national ranking, before finishing third in the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women’s (AIAW) national tournament held at the University of Minnesota. Roberts Laird and the Lady Vols fell to the eventual champion Delta State in the semi-finals, and defeated Immaculata University 91-71 in the third-place game.
The Class of 2024
1987 Dresden Lions
TSSAA State Champions
The 1987 Dresden Lion’s baseball state championship was the first, and only, baseball state championship in the history of Weakley County. The Lions beat Memphis Skyview Academy, 3-0 in the Substate game at Wilson Park in Dresden. Dresden then traveled to state tourney in Nashville where they beat Upperman in the quarter finals, 3-1. In the semi-finals, the Lions downed McKenzie 7-2, before capturing the state championship, beating University School- Johnson City by a score of 6-4.
This was the first state championship won by a rural, West Tennessee public school.
Kneeling (L-R): Phil Hutcherson, Chuck Pettit, Scott Killebrew, Bart Laws, Chris Harris, Paul Hutcherson, Jeff Baker, Bobby Irvine, James Reynolds, Randall Ricketts, and Shannon Irvine
Standing (L-R): Asst. Coach Mark Maddox, Libi (Bruce) Riggs (Stats/Bat Girl), John Parker, Brian Jackson, David Jones, Ronald (Popeye) Jones, Albert (Peanut) Winn, Tim Evans, David Lewellen, Darren Williams, Jinny (Travis) Killebrew (Stats/Bat Girls), Head Coach Jeff Kelley
Kara Sanders Atkins
Gleason High School, Freed Hardeman University
During the spectacular run of basketball played by the ladies in Gleason, the first to be recognized statewide with a Ms. Basketball award in Weakley County was Kara Sanders Atkins. The 1996 graduate of Gleason High School had a stellar career that extended well into college at Freed Hardeman University. While at Gleason, Atkins was a three-time all-state selection, three-time all-region, and three-time Class A Best of the West honoree. She was a finalist for the Class A Ms. Basketball Award in 1995 and secured the award in 1996, becoming the first Weakley County recipient of a statewide award of its kind. Atkins went on to even more success at FHU. From 1996 to 2000 she topped the 2,000-point mark, which is 7th all-time. She ranks 3rd in assists with 542 and knocked down 300 trifectas. Atkins was named all-conference in 1998, 1999, and 2000. She was named All-American in 2000. While at Freed Hardeman, she led her team to the NAIA national tournament all four years with a final four appearance in 1999.
Kara Sanders Atkins was enshrined into the FHU Hall of Fame in 2005.
Robert “Bob” Carroll
University of Tennessee at Martin Branch, UT Martin
From 1957 to 1974, Robert “Bob” Carroll patrolled the sidelines for the UTM Pacers. Before his coaching days, Carroll was a sergeant for the United States Marines before enrolling at UTMB where he was a standout quarterback and running back. After his stint in Martin, he finished his playing career as a defensive back for the Wyoming Cowboys. While out west, Coach Carroll was the team captain on a squad that beat Texas Tech in the Sun Bowl. Bob Carroll became Coach Carroll when he returned to Martin in 1957 to coach the program as it transitioned from a two-year institution to four. In 1967, the Pacers beat West Chester (Pennsylvania) in the Tangerine Bowl to capture the NCAA Atlantic Coast Championship and named National Champions. Coach Carroll mentored a total of nine All-Americans, while sixteen moved on to play professionally. Carroll was named UT Martin’s athletic director in 1974 and was the director of UTM’s Alumni Affairs Office beginning in 1980.
Bob Carroll is a charter member of the UT Martin Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.
Lisa Caudle Hutchens
Greenfield High School, Union University
Lisa Caudle Hutchens, a 1979 graduate of Greenfield High School, amassed over 2,000 points in her high school career, earning Honorable Mention All-State. She continued her career at Union University where she finished her four-year campaign as the 6th all-time leading scorer while ranking 2nd in assists. Caudle Hutches was a NAIA All-American both on the court and in the classroom. She was named the Volunteer State Athletic Conferences most valuable player. After her collegiate career, she excelled coaching in high school, amassing a 106-42 record while at Millington and Jackson Southside. In 1991, she returned to Union as an assistant coach, and was named co-head coach with David Blackstock for the 1998-99 season. During her time on the sidelines, Union was a four-time Tennessee Collegiate Athletic Conference Champion and six-time NAIA National Tournament participant, reaching the Elite 8 in 1999.
Hutchens #14 is one of three jerseys retired at Union, and she was inducted into the Union University Hall of Fame in 2008.
Wayne McCreight
TSSAA Official, NCAA Official, NFL Official, Weakley County Contributor
It has often been said that a game cannot be played without an official. For the sake of Weakley Countians, Dresden’s Wayne McCreight is responsible for countless numbers of games from middle school all the way to the professional ranks. Originally from Memphis, McCreight moved to Weakley County to attend UT Martin and never left. Mr. McCreight started officiating football in the 1970’s and progressed very quickly up the ranks. He was the top umpire in the Northwest Tennessee Football Officials association where he worked the play-offs every year and called multiple state championship games. McCreight was snatched up by the Gulf South Conference, and his work quickly caught the eyes of the Ohio Valley Conference where he became one of the top referees. So much so that when the NFL officials failed to sign a contract with the league, Mr. McCreight was given the opportunity to work the professional ranks. Mr. McCreight has continued to give back as he was instrumental in implementing the seven-man crew in the Tennessee High School football playoffs.
Wayne McCreight was instrumental in promoting West Tennessee while serving as a director for the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
Pat Nanney, Jr
Sharon, Westview High School, UT Martin, Hooters Tour, Nike Tour, PGA Tour Event Participant
One of the best ball strikers in the history of Weakley County, if not the entire state, is Pat Nanney Jr. of Sharon. Nanney graduated from Westview High School in 1980, where he won the region and advanced to the TSSAA State Golf tournament where he was the runner-up. By carding the lowest score as a high school senior in the state, he was able to represent Tennessee in the National High School Championship, finishing 14th. Nanney, Jr continued his career at UT Martin where he qualified for the NCAA golf tournament all four years. He was a three-time Gulf South Conference selection and won five tournaments playing for Coach Grover Page. In 1985, he was named to the first team NCAA Division II All-American and finished runner-up in the Tennessee State Amateur Tournament. During Pat Nanney Jr.’s golf career, he spent time on both the Hooters Tour and the Nike Tour, and played his first PGA Tour event, the FedEx St. Jude Classic in 2000.
He was inducted into the UT Martin Hall of Fame in 1992.
Chuck West
Dresden High School
One of the most colorful sideline personalities was also one of the most revered and respected coaches in Tennessee. Charles “Chuck” West, originally from Oneida, spent 42 years at Dresden High School where he was hired as the head boys’ basketball coach, and assisted with football and girls’ basketball. Coach West’s true love was basketball, and it didn’t take long to capitalize on his true passion. Known throughout the state as one who could overload any zone, Coach West led the Dresden Lions to sub-state four times, advancing to the state tournament in 1987 and 1988. Coach West stepped away from coaching to assume the principal and athletic director position at DHS, a responsibility he kept until becoming ill. West was a tireless worker, who was the first to arrive in the mornings and the last to leave. His love for the students at Dresden was evident. You could find him throughout the summer mowing the grounds of the school. He served on the TSSAA board of control and was a huge asset, understanding athletics from Memphis to Johnson City.
Coach West left an indelible mark on Dresden High School, the community, and Weakley County. His warmth and compassion were felt by all those who encountered him both in, and out of school.
Mary Vowell
Senior Olympian
Martin’s Ms. Mary Vowell graduated from the University of Tennessee Junior College in 1945 after competing in basketball during high school. After settling down and raising children in the community, Ms. Vowell was encouraged by her doctors to start walking to help manage a medical issue. Ms. Mary Vowell found a love of exercise through swimming that re-ignited her love of competition. As a result, she because the owner of several precious medals at the Nationals Senior Games in 2014 held in Houston, Texas. She secured six medals (one gold, one silver, and four bronze) in Houston, making her a household name in the senior Olympic circles.
Ms. Vowell has captured over 300 swimming medals during her career.
The Class of 2023
1983-84 Greenfield Yellowjackets
TSSAA State Champions
In 1984, the Greenfield Yellowjackets made an historic run to capture the first state championship in school history. It was also the first for a Weakley County School after several visits from the county dating back to 1959. Greenfield knocked off Denmark West to advance to the semi-finals where they defeated Knoxville Webb 54-53. The Yellowjackets would face the highly favored Bolton Wildcats, led by Sylvester Gray, in the state championship game. The Yellowjackets won every quarter, securing the 69-63 victory. Jeff Crouse, the tournament MVP, dropped 28 points, with Malcom Skinner and Stephen Crouse adding 19 and 18 points, respectively.
Team Members: Jeff Bills, Billy Callins, Mark Callins, Eddie Cash, Jeff Crouse, Stephen Crouse, Paul Drewry, Jeff Leyhue, Jeff Perkins, Antonio Shane, Malcolm Skinner, and Jim Staley
Hugh Adams
Dresden High School, Mississippi State University, Weakley County Schools
Hugh Adams is a 1964 graduate of Dresden High School where he starred in football and basketball. During his junior year in 1962, Mr. Adams was 1st team all-conference, and repeated that feat in 1963 as the Lions football team tied South Fulton for the Reelfoot Conference Championship. Not only was he named the Most Valuable Player of the football team, but he garnered the same award in basketball, leading the Dresden Lions to the 1964 state basketball tournament. After high school, Mr. Adams received an athletic scholarship to Mississippi State University where he played football for the Bulldogs. As a junior in 1967, he was on the All-Academic team for the Southeastern Conference. The following season as a senior, he was named captain. Mr. Adams returned to Weakley County where he became Coach Adams, taking over the Greenfield football program in 1970. He led the Yellowjackets to the Reelfoot Conference championship in 1971, and he was selected as the conference coach of the year.
Don Durden
Greenfield School
Coach Don Durden is a long-time presence on the hardwood in Greenfield. Despite beginning his career as a football coach, he is best known for his intensity on the basketball court. That fire and grit was rewarded in 1984 as Coach Durden navigated the treacherous waters of West Tennessee basketball, leading the Greenfield Yellowjackets to the first state championship of any kind in school history. Coach Durden has been named a “mentor” by many colleagues throughout his 50+ year coaching career. As an assistant coach, he was also a part of the second state championship at Greenfield when the Lady Jackets brought home the hardware in 2018.
Phil Gordon
Sharon School
In 1963, Brownsville, Boliver, Dresden, Gleason, Martin, and Memphis Catholic were regarded as some of the best football teams in West Tennessee. However, the best player was widely considered to be clad in Purple and Gold. Phil Gordon was a scoring machine for the Sharon Eagles. In his final two games, he visited the endzone nine times as the Sharon Eagles routed Decaturville and Alamo. He finished in the top 10 in the state in scoring, racking up 90 points, which was tops in the county. Gordon was the only player from Sharon named to the All Reelfoot Conference team. He did so on the strength of 7.4 yards per carry. He also hauled in 21 passes for 384 yards. The next closest receiver to him had six for eighty yards. Gordon was also a standout on the hardwood. A five-year starter for the Eagles, the guard had an uncanny ability to “score amongst the trees”. In 1964, he was an integral part of the state record, 9-overtime win against the Dresden Lions that captured the District 27 title. In that game, Gordon scored 11 points, three of which came on an old fashioned three-point play, late in regulation.
The most amazing part is Phil Gordon’s athletic prowess was all accomplished with sight in only one eye.
Randy Frazier
Gleason Junior High and High School Basketball Coach, Weakley County Superintendent of Schools
For 25 years, Randy Frazier patrolled the sidelines for the Gleason Junior High and High School Lady Bulldogs basketball program. The Greenfield High School and UT Martin graduate spent his entire career in Weakley County. While coaching in the high school ranks, he amassed 613 wins against only 123 losses. Gleason advanced to the state tournament nine times, capturing three state titles (1992, 1999, and 2007) and a runner up finish (1993). His junior high squads tallied a 299-68 worksheet, 12 county championships, four runners-up, and 16 invitational tournament championships. When it was all said and done, Coach Frazier won 82.7% of the games he coached, finishing with a 912-191 combined record. During that time span, Coach Frazier was the district coach of the year 17 times, was named the Jackson Sun Coach of the Year on three occasions, TACA Coach of the Year 15 times, and was the “Best of the West” coach of the year six times. Through his tutelage, 20 players earned athletic scholarships, 11 state tournament honorees, 13 All-State selections, five Miss Basketball finalists and three Miss Basketball Award winners (Kara Sanders Adkins, Ashley McElhiney Ayers, Kayla Hudson Irvin).
In 2022, Mr. Frazier was inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame.
Leigh Avery Hart
Dresden Middle School, Contributor
One of the most impactful individuals in the history of Weakley County Schools is the late Leigh Avery Hart. Originally from Memphis, Leigh Avery was as student-athlete at UT Martin, graduated with a teaching degree, and immediately made her presence felt in the Dresden community. A long-time girls’ softball and basketball coach, “Coach Hart” mentored hundreds of young ladies through her work in the classroom, court, community, and region. An Olympic torch bearer in 2002 and Dresden Iris Festival honoree, her ability to inspire people in her community left an indelible mark on those who encountered her. Coach Hart had the honor of coaching over a dozen sets of mother/daughters in her time in education. Despite her passing in 2021, her kindness and ability to help those in need still permeate through the halls of Dresden Middle School in the “Lion’s Den”, and student reward-based store that she created.
Jerry Carpenter
University of Tennessee at Martin, TSSAA/Collegiate Official, Weakley County Contributor
Jerry Carpenter has been a staple in the Weakley County community since receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1966. Mr. Carpenter has officiated high school football and basketball for over 50 years. During that time, he officiated 30 sub-state games and seven state tournaments in basketball. He was also an official on the junior college and NAIA circuits before spending 10 years calling men’s and women’s games in the Ohio Valley Conference. On the gridiron, he served as commissioner and assigning officer for the Northwest Football Officials Association for 26 years. He called 82 state playoff games, including eight state championships. Mr. Carpenter transitioned to Coach Carpenter in 2002, taking the golf program at UT Martin to unprecedented heights. He was named the Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year in 2014 and 2016. In 2016, the Skyhawk golf program qualified for the NCAA Regionals after capturing the first OVC championship in the program’s history.
Mr. Carpenter was elected to the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2006, the UT Martin Hall of Fame in 2021, and the OVC Hall of Fame in 2023.
Kayla Hudson Irvin
Gleason High School, Union University
A winner. That’s the one word that sums up Kayla Hudson playing career as a Bulldog. After the completion of her 8th grade season, Hudson was an immediate impact player for Coach Frazier and the Lady Dawgs on the high school level. Her five-year playing career saw her score 2,292 points while dishing out 686 assists. She was a 4-time All- District performer, three-time All- State Selection, and took home district MVP honors her junior and senior year.
As a senior in 2007, she led her team to a 36-1 record, a state title, State Tournament MVP, Class A Miss Basketball, West Tennessee Player of the Year, Golden Circle All-Star Game MVP, and a member of the TACA East/West All-Star Game.
She continued her winning ways in her second stint as a Bulldog at Union University. Hudson started every single game (149), garnering All- American Status all four years, capturing back-to-back NAIA national titles in 2009 and 2010. She is the all-time leader in assists, 3-point percentage and free throw percentage.
While at Gleason and Union University, she posted 265 wins against only 20 losses…..a winning percentage of 93%.
Justin Harrell
Westview High School, University of Tennessee
A 2002 graduate of Westview High School, Justin Harrell was a commanding presence on the gridiron and hardwood. On the court, he averaged 17 points per game in his career, logging time as a freshman. A recruited athlete in both sports, his size and athleticism dominated the football field. A sure handed tight end and edge setting defensive end, Harrell was named Mr. Football in 2001 and helped lead the Chargers to their first ever appearance in the state championship game. Harrell signed with the University of Tennessee, where he was dominate force at defensive tackle for the Vols. He was an all-SEC performer in 2005 and named the Cotton Bowl Classic Defensive MVP that same season. He was a first-round draft pick (16th overall) in 2007 by the Green Bay Packers and captured the Super Bowl XLV championship in 2010.
Inaugural Class (2022)
1965-66 Weakley County Training School
1966 Region 7 Champions, TSSAA State Tournament
This year’s recipient is the 1965-66 Weakley County Training School, Region Seven Champions. History was made for the first time in regional tournament play as the Bombers defeated Jackson Merry to secure the region championship, advancing to the state tournament. This was the first time an all-black team represented Weakley County in the state tournament prior to statewide integration in 1969. The men were coached by John Greene and finished the season with a 24-4 record. John Latham was selected to the Region’s All-Tournament Team for his efforts in the tournament. The team consisted of Latham, Donell Jones, Louis Lairy, Kenneth McDonald, Michael Benford, John Patton, Wayne Patton, Charles Tansil, Paul Wilkens, Thomas Fulton, Grandville Templeton, and Rodney Royster.
Graham Vowell
McFerrin School, University of Tennessee
John “Graham” Vowell was born February 27, 1895 in Martin, Tennessee. He attended McFerrin School. Vowell played for the Tennessee Volunteers from 1914-1916, and in 1921 after serving the country during the 1st World War. During his time at UT, he played on the 1st championship and undefeated team in 1914. He scored three touchdowns in the win over Kentucky to secure the unblemished record. It was during that season that the Vols beat Vanderbilt, a powerhouse in the south, for the first time, 16-14. In 1916, Graham Vowell was named to the All-Southern team, and the only player to do so unanimously. He was also selected to be on the John W. Heisman All-Time Southern team in 1916. That same year, Vowell was named to the Walter Camp’s All-American “3rd 11” team. This was the first time a Tennessee Volunteer had ever been named to an NCAA approved and recognized list. After serving the United States with the Marine Crops, Vowell returned to UT in 1921 and played for the Vols one more season. He competed at the first contest at Shield Watkins Field on September 24, 1921. Despite the long lay-off and position change, he was still named to the All-Southern team that season. Graham Vowell was named to the “All Time Pre-1940 Team” by the University of Tennessee in 1990 as a part of the “100 years of Volunteers” celebration. He, along with Chad Clifton and Ashley McElhiney Ayers, was one of three individuals from Weakley County to be inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.
Tara Tansil-Gentry
Greenfield High School, University of Tennessee at Martin
Tara Tansil-Gentry was a fiery competitor whose will to win was infectious. A highly recruited athlete out of Greenfield, Tansil-Gentry graduated with 1,702 career points, despite a knee injury that sidelined her most of her senior year. The 1990 graduate was a four time all district performer, four time all region selection, and two-time all-state honoree. Despite the season ending injury, Tansil-Gentry signed with the University of Tennessee at Martin and started all 105 games of her collegiate career. By the time it was over, she led the Lady Pacers in scoring all four seasons, secured the record for career points (currently 3rd), and was a named to the All-OVC team two times. She was instrumental for UT Martin in the transition from Division II to Division I and was an assistant coach in 1999, when the Skyhawks secured their first NCAA Division I post season win over Ole Miss in the Women’s NIT, 77-67.
Ashley McElhiney Ayers
Gleason High School and Vanderbilt University
During the historic women’s basketball run in Gleason, Ashley McElhiney Ayers etched her name in the record books. The 1999 Gleason High School graduate lead her team to the State Championship and captured the 1st Ms. Basketball award in Weakley County’s history. She finished her prep career as the Lady Bulldog’s all-time leader in both scoring and assists. She finished her prep career with 2,074 points while handing out 604 assists. McElhiney Ayers signed with Vanderbilt and was named the team’s Most Outstanding Defensive player in 2001, 2002, and 2003. She was Vandy’s CO-MVP in 2001. During her time at Vanderbilt, she led the Commodores to an SEC Championship and a runner-up finish. In 2001, she was a member of the Gold Medal team, representing the USA in the World University Games. McElhiney Ayers was named as the Tennessee State Amateur Athlete of the year in 2002 and was drafted by the Indiana Fever as a 3rd round selection in 2003. She became the first female to coach a men’s professional team when hired by the American Basketball Association’s Nashville Rhythm’s in 2004. McElhiney Ayers is a 2017 inductee to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
Popeye Jones
Dresden High School, Murray State University, NBA
Popeye Jones, a 1988 graduate of Dresden High School, used his size and athleticism to help the Lions secure a state championship in baseball, a state tournament appearance in basketball, and deep playoff runs in football during his high school career. Known for his soft hands, the 6’ 8” center signed with Murray State, where he led the NCAA in rebounding in 1991. He was a three-time 1st team all OVC performer, two-time OVC player of the year, two-time OVC Athlete of the year, and two-time honorable mention All American. Jones is the only player in Murray State history to amass more than 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in his career. As a result, he was the 41st pick in the 1992 Draft by the Houston Rockets. He played for six teams over his 12-year career in the NBA, with his best season coming with the Dallas Mavericks in 1995-1996, where he averaged 11 points and 10 rebounds per contest. He is a member of the Murray State and Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Jones is currently an assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets.
Mark Hardy
Palmersville High School, University of Tennessee at Martin
Dr. Mark Hardy, a 1988 graduate of Palmersville High School, is widely regarded as one of the top players to ever hail from Weakley County. The 6’ 1” power forward dominated his competition while playing for one of the smallest schools in the state. During his junior year, without a three-point line, he scored 60 points against Lake County. Despite being undersized in most games, Dr. Hardy was often the best player on the floor. This was confirmed as he was named to the 1st Team, Class A All-State teams in 1986, 1987, and 1988. Dr. Hardy went on to represent the United States a member of the Junior Olympic basketball team, where they beat China in the World Cup in Stockholm and he was named to the All-World Team. Hardy also excelled on the diamond as well, before continuing his basketball career at the University of Tennessee at Martin.
Bettye Giles
The University of Tennessee at Martin and Women’s Athletic Pioneer
Bettye Giles, a Clarksville native, has spent over seventy years in the Weakley County community. Giles started the women’s athletic program at the University of Tennessee at Martin and served as the athletic director for the department from 1952-1973. She is also credited with starting volleyball and basketball at UT Martin. In 1966, she helped create the Tennessee College Women’s Sports Federation, and grew the membership from 18 to 34 by 1973. Widely considered the Godmother of Title IX, her work was a key component in the Educational Amendment Act of 1972, which required institutions of higher education to provide equal opportunity to their male counterparts in receiving federal funding. Ms. Giles has also been an advocate for over 50 years in her work with the Special Olympics. Just two weeks ago, she was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
Lin Dunn
Dresden High School, University of Tennessee at Martin, NCAA/WNBA Coach, Lifetime Contributions
Lin Dunn graduated from Dresden High School and went on to become one of the premier coaches in nation. During her high school career, she amassed over 2,000 points, averaging 42 points per game as a senior. As Purdue’s head coach, Dunn was named the Big 10 coach of the year three times, won three Big 10 Championships, and led the Boilermakers to the 1994 Final Four. She also served as a coach on the United States Olympic, World Championship, and Pan American teams. In 2000, she because the first General Manager and Coach of the WNBA’s Seattle Storm. In 2012, she coached the Indiana Fever to the WNBA championship. Coach Dunn has amassed over 500 victories and is a member of multiple Halls of Fame. She was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014 and a winner of the Coaches Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Today, Coach Dunn is the general manager of the WNBA’s Indiana Fever.
Chad Clifton
Westview High School, University of Tennessee, and The Green Bay Packers
Chad Clifton, a 1995 graduate of Westview High School, was a highly decorated student-athlete from his prep days under Don Coady, to his induction into the Tennessee Sports and Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. The 1994 Mr. Football lineman in the state of Tennessee enjoyed a collegiate career that saw Clifton garner two all SEC selections, All-American status, and a the first ever BCS National Championship in 1998 for the University of Tennessee. In 2000, he was selected in the second round (44th overall) by the Packers and assumed the role of the starting left tackle midway through his rookie season. From there he became a mainstay at left tackle, protecting the likes of Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. In his 12-year NFL career, Clifton was the Super Bowl XLV champion, and garnered Pro Bowl selections in 2008 and 2010.
Derrick Jones
Sharon High School
You will be hard pressed to find a senior campaign better than the 1991-1992 season of the Sharon Eagle’s Derrick Jones. A 1992 graduate, Jones averaged 25 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals per game on the way to the team’s first winning season in over a decade. At the season’s conclusion, he finished with 634 points and was named to the Jackson Sun’s All West Tennessee team, Associated Press All-State 1st team, and a Mr. Basketball Finalist. Of the 101 games in his high school career, Jones played in 100 for the Eagles. As good as he was on the court, the old-timers in Sharon will tell you he was even a better baseball player.
Paul Tinkle
Westview High School, Weakley Countian, Contributor
No matter where you go, if you run into someone in the media, they know Paul Tinkle. A graduate of Westview High School and UT Martin, Tinkle began working at the radio station at 15 years of age. For 50 years, he has covered countless football, basketball, baseball, and softball games in Western Kentucky, and all six Weakley County High Schools. He’s had the pleasure of being on the microphone for nine Weakley County state championships, bringing the games back the community. Mr. Tinkle’s passion and love for the games he calls is felt over the airways of Thunderbolt Radio. His Saturday morning radio show, Coaches Corner, has been the focal point for high school coaches to share information about their schools, teams, and student-athletes for over 46 years. He is the ultimate ambassador for Weakley County. He is an inductee to the Tennessee Association of Broadcaster’s Journalism Hall of Fame for his lifetime work in News and Sports. Just two weeks ago, he was enshrined into the prestigious Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame.
Induction Banquet will be held August 14, 2026 with ticket sales beginning July 15, 2026.
Join us for an incredible night for Weakley County.
You may reserve your tickets by calling (731) 587-3135.
Orders can be placed beginning Monday, July 18, 2026.
Tickets are $ 75/each and seating is limited.
For more information about the Induction Banquet please check out our Events page or you can Contact Us for more information.