Hall of Fame

Cindy Tucker Anderson came to Freed-Hardeman in 1979 from Linden, TN,, having been an All-District and All-Regional selection at Perry County High School. She joined the Lady Lions when Freed-Hardeman was re-instating women’s basketball in the intercollegiate program. She became a powerful fore and steadying influence in the team’s early years. Her all-around play led the Lady Lions to the NAIA District 24 playoffs in 1981 and 1982. On several nights Cindy led the team in scoring, rebounding and assists. FHU Coach Dewdrop Rowlett labeled her the “blue collar” player of the team. She was the team captain her junior and senior years and was chosen the Senior Athlete of the Year by the yearbook staff.

In addition to her outstanding career on the court, she was an outstanding student. She had the team’s best academic average all four years of her college career.

After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting, Cindy became a certified public accountant in 1984. She and her husband, James, have three children: Tucker, Conner and McKenzie. She describes herself as a full-time mom and a part-time accountant with Kraft, CPAs in Nashville. She is a member of the Tennessee Society of CPA’s. The family lives in Franklin, TN.

Inducted 1996

Randall Avery
1981-1984

Randall Avery came to Freed-Hardeman in the fall of 1980, having been a stand-out athlete at Adamsville High School. As a member of the Lion basketball team, he was named to the Volunteer State Athletic Conference, Western Division, All-Conference team in 1982, ’83 and ’84. In 1984 he was the team’s Most Valuable Player and was selected for the NAIA District 24 All-District team.

Avery is third among the university’s leading scorers with 1,872 career points. He ended his career with a 16.1 scoring average. He ranks second in assists with 501. He is the all-time leader in career steals with 265.

Avery received a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Freed-Hardeman in 1984.

Inducted November 8, 1997

Arthur Bonner
1977-1979

Arthur Bonner came to Freed-Hardeman College from Mary Holmes Junior College in 1977. At Mary Holmes, he had been named the team’s best defensive player.

FHC Coach Hoyt Kirk had recruited the 6’8” post player. Bonner led not only Freed-Hardeman but also District 24 in shooting percentages. He still holds the school record for highest field goal percentage in a season with 66.4%, and the highest career field goal percentage, 63.3%. He also holds the school’s second highest rebounding average since Freed-Hardeman became a senior college.

Union University coach at the time, Jim Swope, commented upon that aspect of Bonner’s talent. “What’s most impressive about Bonner is his jumping ability and shot selection. He’s gonna take the good shots,” Swope said.

Kirk said, “What I remember about Arthur is that he was always a gentleman on the court.”

Bonner was named to the Volunteer State Athletic Conference All-Conference Team and to the All-Tournament Team.

Today Bonner is the manager of a Fred’s Discount Store in Murfreesboro, TN. He and his wife, the former Annie Dear, have two children, Arthur Darrell and Arquita DeShae. He is the secretary-treasurer of the Bradyville Road Church of Christ and he and Annie are vice presidents of their local Parent-Teacher Organization.

Inducted 1994

Vanassa Chism Branch
1979-1981

Vanassa Chism Branch twice made the AA All-Tournament Team at Bolivar Central High School, Bolivar, TN. She continued her basketball career at Jackson State Community College where she was named to the Tennessee Junior College Athletic Association’s All-Western Division Team.

When Freed-Hardeman resumed women’s basketball at the intercollegiate level in 1980, she was recruited by Coach Dew Drop Rowlett. That year she was the team’s most valuable player. She was also named to the VSAC All-Western Division Team and VSAC All-Conference Team.

During her senior year, she repeated all of the accomplishments of her junior year and added NAIA All-District Team to her list of honors. She was also named FHC’s Senior Athlete of the Year. In addition, she was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

Vanassa and her husband Cleave Branch live in Bolivar TN. She is a social services director at Hardeman County Developmental Services

Inducted 1990

Ulyss Brock
 1938-1940

Ulyss “Useless” Brock, six-foot forward for the 1939-40 Freed-Hardeman College basketball team, earned the world’s scoring record by scoring 83 points in FHC’s 101-21 victory over Bethel in February 1940. Brock sand 39 free throws and 22 field goals in the game. The record had previously been held by Freed-Hardeman’s Jim Murdaugh with 78 points.

Brock’s feats were immortalized in Ripley’s “Believe It or Not,” a popular newspaper feature of the time, with a picture and this notation: “Ulyss Brock, gangling six-foot, 135-pound cager, laid claim to the world’s scoring record in a single game after burning 83 points through the hoops as Freed-Hardeman Lions defeated Bethel College, McKenzie, TN., in a MVC game.”

According to The Skyrocket, FHC’s school newspaper, “Brock set the new world’s record with from three to five guards hanging from his neck and was kicked in the ribs and temporarily disabled during the third period. Although he tallied 38 points on free shots, he finished the game without a personal foul against him.”

In his first year at FHC, Brock was acclaimed All-Mississippi Valley Conference forward. In the record-breaking season, he scored 467 points, averaging more than 25 points per game.

Upon leaving school, he played for several independent teams including the Ford Motor Company team of Memphis and armed forces teams.

Inducted 1988

Ruben Brown
1968-1970

Ruben Brown, now living in Chicago, Illinois, played high school basketball in Charleston, Missouri. In the fall of 1968 he entered Freed-Hardeman College where he immediately made an impact on the slightly more than 16 points per game.

As a sophomore, the 6’3 12” center/guard led the Lions to the finals of the Region VII National Junior College Athletic Association tournament. He was named to the All-Region VII team and the All-Tournament team. He was also elected to the Tennessee Junior College Athletic Association’s All-Conference team. Brown, who averaged more than 20 points per game, was also named to the All-Tournament team at the Harding Invitational. A rugged rebounder, he was also known for his aggressive board play and his defensive skills. Despite his relative size disadvantage, he was the team’s leading rebounder.

After completing two years at Freed-Hardeman, Brown transferred to Lambuth University where he continued his outstanding basketball career.

Coach Hoyt Kirk, has called Brown a “congenial, hard-working person with great talent and lots of natural instincts” He praised his versatility and his ability to succeed under pressure. “He was the one I wanted with the ball," Kirk said.

Brown and his wife Shelley have two daughters and one son.

Inducted 1995

David Byrd
1975-1980

As Coach of the Wayne County Lady Cats, David Byrd has built a perennial powerhouse. His teams have made 11 TSSAA state tournament appearances, finishing as Final Eight competitors four times, Final Four competitors three times, runners-up three times and state champions once.

Byrd’s teams have captured 10 District 12A seasonal championships, nine district tournament crowns and 11 Region 6A tournament championships. They have advanced to the sub-state 13 of the 15 years he has been their coach. His overall record at Wayne County stands at 411-85. More than 20 of his players have received athletic scholarships to further their education.

He has been recognized as the District 12A Coach of the Year nine times and Class A Midstate Coach of the Year four times. On two occasions, he has coached the western division team of the Tennessee All-Stars.

Byrd holds a B.S. from Freed-Hardeman and a M.Ed. from Tennessee State University. He and his wife, the former Sherry Bunch, have two children, Jon David Byrd and Shannon Beckham. In addition, they are foster parents to Nick and Mary Milam.

Inducted Nov. 9, 2002

Sergio Castello
1985-1989

In 1985, Sergio Castello was the first in a line of stellar international tennis players at Freed-Hardman. Coming from Barcelona, Spain, Castello took the Volunteer State Athletic Conference, and later, the Tennessee Collegiate Athletic Conference, by storm.

As the number one player in the conference and in NAIA District 24, Castello won all-conference honors, NAIA All-District 24 honors, and NAIA All-American honors for three consecutive years: 1985, 1986 and 1987. He was also Freed-Hardeman’s first athlete to compete in the national tournament, making three appearances. In 1987, he was also an All-American Scholar-Athlete.

As a transfer student at the University of Memphis, he played number one on their Metro Conference championship team in 1987-88. He was the assistant tennis coach at Freed-Hardeman in 1988089 while completing his B.B.A. He completed an M.B.A. at the University of Memphis in 1991 and served as their assistant tennis coach.

Castello received a Ph.D. in economics from Colorado State University in 1996. He is an assistant professor of business at the University of Mobile. His teaching interests include international business, international marketing and export/import practices.

He and his wife, the former Lora Moffett, have five children: Katie, Kerri, Walker, Monica and Sofia.

Inducted Nov. 8, 1997

Mary Nelle Brumley Chalk
1931-1932

Mary Nelle Brumley Chalk was a member of the 1931-32 Freed-Hardeman College team that won the Mississippi Valley Conference despite the fact that they were a junior college competing against senior colleges.

After only one year at FHC, she taught and coached junior high girls in Lee County, Miss., for two years. She was also playing independent basketball with the Tupelo Red Wings. Frequently, her junior high girls played a preliminary game before the Red Wings. Frequently, her junior high girls played a preliminary game before the Red Wings took the floor.

In 1934, the Red Wings were invited to play in the National AAU Tournament in Wichita, Kan. This fulfilled two of her goals: playing in a national tournament and having a new uniform.

That fall, she returned to FHC for a second year of school and basketball. In addition to playing, she assisted Dick Stewart with the coaching duties. She was also captain of the football cheerleaders and football queen.

After her marriage to Bonnie Chalk, she began teaching and coaching in the Henderson County (TN) public schools. For twenty years she coached boys’ and girls’ basketball at Lexington High School. In 1967, she began teaching physical education and assisting with the basketball program at the high school.

In 1979, Mrs. Chalk returned to FHC to assist her sister, Dew Drop Rowlett, as they brought women’s basketball back to FHC. She served in this capacity for two years.

Inducted 1986

Fabiana Cuggionni
1986-1990

For the entire 11-year history of the Tennessee Collegiate Athletic Conference, Freed-Hardeman virtually owned the women’s tennis crown. The Lady Lions, in fact, never lost a conference match. Fabiana Cuggionni was a major factor in that success.

Cuggionni’s career record in singles play was 106-17. She lost only six matched in her final three years. She was a four-time TCAC All-Conference selection, a four-time NAIA All-District 24 pick, and a three-time NAIA All-American selection.

In 1987, ’88 and ’89, she teamed with Johanna Mitterhammer to play No. 1 doubles for the Lady Lions. The duo posted an 85-8 record.

Cuggionni lives in Caracas, Venezuela. Since her graduation from Freed-Hardeman, she has held various marketing positions with local and multi-national companies. Currently, as key account manager for Johnson and Johnson, she is responsible for the company’s top accounts. She has a four-year old daughter, Valentina.

Inducted November 13, 1999

Qiana Elam
1996-2000

Qiana Elam began her college career at Freed-Hardeman University in 1996. She made an immediate impact on the team, scoring 509 points and pulling down 270 rebounds her freshman year. During her four years as a Lady Lion, she became the all-time leading scorer and rebounder. She currently holds the FHU women’s school record for most points in a game (46), in a season (781), and career (2,762). She also holds the school record for most rebounds in a game (24), in a season (781), and career (1,529).
Elam was named a Kodak All-American as a senior, a two-time NAIA All-American as a junior and senior, a two time TranSouth Player-of-the-Year, and received TranSouth All-Conference honors all but one year.
During Qiana’s career at FHU, the Lady Lions made four consecutive trips to the NAIA National Tournament, including a Final Four appearance during the 1998-1999 season.
Qiana Elam graduated from Freed-Hardeman University in 2000 with a degree in Computer Science. After graduation, she accepted a position with the Dell Computer Company, and is now employed at JP Morgan Chase Bank in Arlington, Texas.

Kerby Farrell
1932-1934

Kerby Farrell was Freed-Hardeman’s “Major” contribution to professional baseball. Major Kerby Farrell was a key player on two strong FHC basketball squads.

In ’34, Farrell began his baseball career with the Memphis Chicks. He played nine years in the minor before breaking into the majors. During this time, he guided the Erie, Penn., club to the minor league pennant as player/manager.

Farrell played in the majors for three years as a first baseman. He played for the Boston Braves in ’43 and ’44 and for the Chicago White Sox in ’45.

Farrell spent two years in the minors before he embarked on a full-time career as a manager. He spent nine years managing three different farm clubs. His ’56 version of the Indianapolis Indians won the minor league World Series and the next year Farrell was managing the Cleveland Indians. This was Farrell’s only stint as a major league manager, but he spent the next 17 years as a minor league manager, major league first base coach and scout.

Kerby Farrell spent a total of 42 years in professional baseball with twelve of those spent in some capacity in the majors. He was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1975.

Inducted 1985

Mac H. Felts
1931-1933

A versatile athlete, Mac Felts played football, basketball and baseball at Freed-Hardeman in 1931 and 1932. He was a member of Coach Lauret Johnson’s basketball team that won the Mississippi Valley Conference championship in 1932-33.

The next two years he played for Lambuth College and they took the MVC crown. During this time, he also participated in the National AAU Tournament in Denver, Colo. He was named as an honorable mention of the All-American team.

After graduation, Felts began a coaching career at Michie (TN) High School, coaching men's and women's basketball teams. Following a two-year stint, he moved to Coopertown High School in Robertson County. There he coached three sports and later served as principal. He left the Robertson County School System in 1948, never having had a losing season.

Felts began to devote more time to his newly formed construction company and other businesses. Today, he devotes much of his time and energy to the care and breeding of pure bred Simmental cattle.

He maintained an interest in education, serving as a member of the Robertson County Board of Education for seventeen years. He is also a member of the FHC Advisory Board.

Inducted 1987

Sammy Fisher
1958-1960

With Freed-Hardeman not fielding a baseball team in 1958-60, Sammy Fisher directed his athletic energy toward basketball during his two years as a student.

From Freed-Hardeman, Fisher went to Bethel College where he was able to play baseball. In return, he was voted by the coaches as the All-Volunteer State Athletic Conference Shortstop.

After his college days, the now retired Fisher spent a total of 30 years coaching basketball and baseball on the high school and college level in West Tennessee. Thirteen of those were spent at Lexington High School where his basketball team went to state on seven occasions and was runner-up twice.

Fisher has been recognized for his coaching ability to being named Coach of the Year by the Jackson Officials Association, West Tennessee Coach of the Year and the Jackson Officials Association, West Tennessee Coach of the Year two seasons. He was also elected to coach the West Team in the TSSAA All-Star Game in 1971 and 1976.

Inducted 1991

Dick Gray
1961-1963

After an outstanding athletic record at Mars Hill Bible School, Dick Gray enrolled at Freed-Hardeman, becoming a vital part of the athletic program.

While at Freed-Hardeman, Gray was a member of the basketball team, starting at guard both his freshman and sophomore years. He averaged in double figures and lettered both years.

He was also a member of the baseball team.

From Freed-Hardeman, Gray went to Oklahoma Christian College where he turned his interest to track and field, concentrating on the long jump. As an OCC athlete, he won gold medals in the long jump at fourteen meets throughout Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Iowa and South Dakota. He held the school record in the 100 yard dash from 1965-68 and the long jump from 1966-90. He currently holds the record as a member for the 400 meter and 800 meter relay teams. He won the NAIA National Championship in the long jump and was Oklahoma Christians's first All-American and national champion.

Gray was a member of the NAIA Distinguished Athletes Association in 1967.

Inducted 1991

Janice Wood Griggs
1980-1984

Janice Wood Griggs came to Freed-Hardeman in 1980 from Hot Springs Ark. High School. As a Lady Lion, she became the second highest scorer in the team’s history with 1,568 career points. For three consecutive years, 1982, ’83, ’84, she was the team’s leading scorer with 19.7 in 1981-82, 19.2 in 1982-83 and 17.6 in 1983-84. She also ranks second in career scoring average with 17.6.

In the 1982-83 season, she was the leading scorer and leading free throw shooter in the Western Division of the Volunteer State Athletic Conference. She led both divisions in rebounding. She was named to the All-VSAC Team and the All-District 24 Team.

Having graduated from Freed-Hardeman with a B.S. in mathematics, Janice received an M.S.E. from Harding University in 1986. A former air traffic controller, she and her husband, Keith Griggs, have two children, Trevor and Courtney. The family lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Inducted 1996

Garrett Grills
1980-1984

Garrett Grills, a 1984 alumnus of Freed-Hardeman University, came to Henderson from Detroit, Mich. He was a four-year member of the Lion basketball team. His total career points, 1,937, make him the second-highest scorer in FHU history. He is also second in career rebounds with 1,000. During his time as a Lion, Grills averaged 17.2 points per game and had two seasons in which he averaged more than 20 points per game. He also ranks among the university’s best percentage shooters, having shot 55.6 percent from the field over his career.

Grills was named to the Western Division All-Tennessee Collegiate Athletic Conference team in 1982 and 1983.

Grills is self-employed as an independent cosmetologist in Los Angeles. In addition, he and his wife, Dr. Cheryl Grills, co-own the Imoyase Group, Inc., a community-based social science research firm that provides assistance to community organizations throughout California. The firm offers technical assistance to groups engaged in violence prevention, drug prevention, health promotion, youth development, and community development projects.

The Grills have three children: Devrin Anderson, a senior in high school; Isaiah Rae Grills, 8; and Isiah Omari Grills, 6.

Inducted 1998

Joe Hardin
1952-1954

As a student at Freed-Hardeman College in 1952-54, Joe Hardin was a three-sport athlete. He played intercollegiate baseball, basketball, and tennis. He has carried that love of sports throughout his life.

Hardin completed his undergraduate work at David Lipscomb College and in 1966, returned to Freed-Hardeman to work in the Business Office. Since that time he has been an ardent supporter of the FHU athletic program. He has traveled with the team and for more than 20 years kept the time clock at home basketball games. In addition, he has served as a member of the Sports Hall of Fame committee since its inception, providing valuable insight into teams of years gone by.

Now retired from the university, Joe and his wife Beverly continue to be fans of the Lions. The have four children: Jill Irwin, and Jeff, Joe and Jon Hardin, and eight grandchildren.

For his years of dedication and enthusiasm for intercollegiate athletics at Freed-Hardeman, Joe Hardin is inducted into the FHU Sports Hall of Fame as the first member recognized for outstanding service.

Inducted November 13, 1999

Aaron Herren
1951-1954

Aaron Herren came to Freed-Hardeman in the fall of 1951, having played both basketball and baseball in high school. He continued with both sports at FHC where he was a guard on the basketball team and a shortstop on the baseball team.

He was co-captain and leading scorer of the basketball team in 1953 and elected Most Athletic by his classmates. In 1954 he was again the team’s leading scorer with 17.8 average. A January 1953 edition of the Skyrocket described him as a “prodigious guard.”

The 1954 Treasure Chest said, “Versatile Aaron Herren repeatedly thrilled fans with his astonishingly accurate “behind the hoop shots”. Often to the delight of the locals and to the dismay of the opposing quintets. Aaron tirelessly tallied to spark the attack. Not only did the cunning guard exhilarate the offense, he also turned in a steady defensive performance.”

Herren has continued his interest in sports through coaching community recreational basketball teams and Little League baseball, as well as playing softball himself.

Today he is the minister of Joliet, Illinois, Church of Christ. He and his wife, the former Reta Watson have four children, all of whom attended Freed-Hardeman, and nine grandchildren.

Inducted 1993

Ancil Johnson
1965-1967

Ancil Johnson, a 6’7 forward, was a standout on the Lion basketball team from 1965-67. While at Freed-Hardeman, he was named to the All-Dixie Conference Team where he was also named Player of the Year. In addition, he was named to the All-NJCAA Region VII Team and was a third team NJCAA All-American. During his sophomore year Johnson averaged 20 points per game.

Johnson completed his bachelor’s degree at Oklahoma Christian College where, in 1968, he helped to lead them to the NAIA national tournament. In 1969 he was a member of the NAIA All-District IX Team and was a honorable mention All-American. During his junior year, he averaged 12 points per game and during his senior year ha averaged 18.9 points per game. Also he was named to Who’s Who Among American Universities and Colleges in 1970.

Following his collegiate career, Johnson was drafted by Denver of the American Basketball Association. His draft rights were sold to New Orleans.

Since that time, Johnson coached basketball in West Memphis, Ark., and at Collinwood High School. He now resides in Collinwood and rather than coaching he is engaged in raising cattle.

Inducted 1992

Laurent Johnson

Laurent Johnson was athletic director and coach a FHC in the early years of the school’s athletic programs and his contributions to the forming of our programs make his selection to the Sports Hall of Fame only fitting.

Johnson lettered in football, basketball and baseball for three years at Waverly Central High School in Waverly, TN. He was captain of the football squad during his junior and senior seasons. He entered Lambuth College upon graduation and received his degree from that institution in 1931. He lettered in the big three sports all four years at Lambuth, enjoying great success, especially in football. He was named quarterback of the All Mississippi Valley Conference team for three years and was named captain of that same squad one year.

He became athletic director at FHC in 1931 and started an intercollegiate football team while coaching basketball and baseball. His girls’ basketball team won the Mississippi Valley Conference championship in ’33 to become the athletic director at his alma mater, Lambuth College.

Between “33 and ’37, his girls’ basketball team won four straight MVC championships and twice lost in the semi-finals of the national AAU tournament in Wichita, Kan. His men’s team won the conference tourney one year and finished as runners-up twice. One of Johnson’s biggest games was when Lambuth beat the University of Tennessee in 1936. That year the Vols won the SEC championship.

He retired from coaching in 1937 to enter the business world in order to support his growing family. But the name of Laurent Johnson can be placed next to the term “founding father” in FHC sports.

Inducted 1985

Hoyt Kirk
1963-1993

Sports have always been a big part of Hoyt Kirk’s life. Born in Perry County, named after a baseball star, he played baseball and basketball for Linden High School. He then went on to play both sports at David Lipscomb.

He has been associated with coaching and athletics at Freed-Hardeman for over twenty-five years. Hoyt Kirk has been involved with golf, cross-country, tumbling, baseball and basketball. He has served in the capacity of athletic director and Health and Physical Education Department head. A great deal of energy and time was devoted as director of Mid-South Youth Camp.

For the past twenty years, Kirk has been a gospel minister. However, with all these activities, he still finds quality time to spend with his wife Bettye, daughter Patti and grandson Kirk. Even now “coach” is actively involved in private coaching lessons with his grandson.

Inducted 1991

Dolly Lambert
1932-1934

O’Delle “Dolly” Lambert graduated from Freed-Hardeman College in 1934. A left-handed pitcher, he worked the Class D and C professional circuit for several years before advancing to Triple A. He pitched for Lexington, Tennessee and for Owensboro, Kentucky, in Kitty League, for Evansville, Idaho, in the Western Association, and Greeneville, Mississippi, in the Cotton States League. During the winter months, he played basketball with Ford V-8, “one of Memphis’ best basketball teams,” according to newspaper accounts.

After World War II, Lambert returned to baseball. He joined the Montreal Royals in the International League in 1945 and finished the season with Trenton, New Jersey, in the Tri-States League. The next year, he was the Montgomery, Alabama Rebels. In 1947 he was player-manager of the Ozark Rebels in the Alabama State League and in 1948 he held the same position with the Enterprise Boll Weevils.

Beginning in 1950 he umpired in the Alabama-Florida League where he served as umpire-in-chief. He had, in 1947, accepted a position as director of the physical education program for Ozark, Alabama city schools.

In his later years, Lambert served six years as Dale County Tax Collector. He died September 2, 1981. The Dolly Lambert Trophy is given annually in Ozark to the graduating senior athlete with the highest grade point average.

Inducted 1990

Mayme Higginbottom Lane

Mayme Higginbottom Lane cam tot Freed-Hardeman from Selmer High School where she had been an outstanding basketball player. Recruited by Coach Laurent Johnson, she joined the championship squad of 1932, winners of the Mississippi Valley Conference and conference tournament. This team also boasted a perfect season.

Mayme was described by a teammate as “a skilled basketball player who was a good outside shooter as well as from inside.”

After leaving FHC, Mayme played on Cain Sloan’s city championship team as well as on their softball team. She later taught and coached in the McNairy County, TN., schools.

She married A.L. Lane and they have one son, Michael Lane.

Inducted 1988

Robert Stanley Little
1961-1963

As a student in 1961-63, Robert Stanley (Stan) Little was a valuable member of the Freed-Hardeman athletic program. He was active in both basketball and baseball, although basketball seemed to be his forte. He started at guard for two years on the basketball team and played third base in baseball. As a sophomore, he was named captain and most valuable player of the basketball team and was voted Freed-Hardeman’s most athletic student.

Little continued his basketball and baseball careers at Union University with baseball now being his main interest. For two years, he was All-Volunteer State Athletic Conference as an outfielder and in 1965, he helped Union to an undefeated regular season. He led the team with 11 home runs, third in the NCAA and a school record 41 RBI’s, second in the NCAA.

After receiving his undergraduate degree from Union, Little played professional baseball in the San Francisco Giants Organization from 1965-66. Once he ended his playing career, he switched places and began coaching. At age 23, he was named head basketball coach at Humboldt High School and during his first year led his team to the state tournament with a 25-6 record.

During his ten years at Humboldt, his team was a frequent contender for the state championship. He was named District and Region Coach of the Year on several occasions and in 1976, was nominated by the state of Tennessee for National Coach of the Year. His ten-year record was on impressive 225 wins and 78 losses.

As a baseball coach, Little had ten consecutive winning seasons, including several district championships and regional tournament appearances. In 1975, his team won the district, region and sub-state tournament and advanced to the state tournament in Nashville.

Inducted 1991

Gerald Michael
1963-1965

An outstanding high school athlete in Lexington, Ala., Gerald Michael took his considerable skills to Henderson, TN., and Freed Hardeman College in 1963.

A forward on the basketball team, he averaged 16 points per game both his freshman and sophomore years. He was co-captain his freshman year and captain his sophomore year when the team advanced to the semifinals of the National Junior College at the time, remembers him as “a good shooter, good rebounder and good at defense.” “He had great hands,” Kirk said. He also remembers that the late Dick Stewart said of Michael, “Years from now, he’ll be the man in town who is an outstanding citizen.”

Michael also played first base for the Lions. Batting a hefty .357, he was the Dixie Conference third leading hitter.

Today, Michael is employed by the Tennessee Valley Authority in Muscle Shoals, Ala. He and his wife, the former Frances Butler, have a son, Casey, and a daughter, Kerri.

Inducted 1993

Owen Mitchell
1975-1979

Owen Mitchell, Eustis, Florida, was a member of the men’s tennis team from 1975-79. His freshman year, he set a record for consecutive wins with 16 at #3 singles.

For the remainder of his collegiate career, he played #1 singles and was voted the Most Valuable Player. The team won the Western Division of the Volunteer State Athletic Conference championship all three years. He was the team captain his junior and senior years.

Mitchell also was the MVP of the badminton team and ran cross country at Freed-Hardeman. The yearbook staff named him the Senior Athlete of the Year in 1979.

Former tennis coach Clyde Woods said, “He led us as the college was making the transition to a four-year institution; he was the heart of our team during the critical time. More than any other individual, Owen created a winning image for our team.”

Mitchell has worked with Scotty’s Home Builders since 1980. He was the chain’s Manager of the Year in 1990 and Runner-up Manager of the Year in 1991.

He is the father of two children, Kyle, 12 and Kenna, 10.

Inducted April 26, 1996

Johanna Mitterhammer
1988-1991

When Joanna Mitterhammer came to Freed-Hardeman in 1988 from Valencia, Venezuela, she was an immediate winner, posting 34 wins and only two losses as a freshman. Over a four-year career, she continued her winning ways. As a senior, she lost only one match, ending her collegiate career with an amazing 117-10 singles record for the Lady Lions.

Mitterhammer dominated the Tennessee Athletic Conference and District 24. For four consecutive years, she was named All-Conference, All-District, and NAIA All-American. In 1988, ’89, ’90, Mitterhammer paired with Fabiana Cuggonni to play No. 1 doubles for the Lady Lions. The duo posted an 85-8 record. Mitterhammer’s four-year doubles record was 109-11.

She is married to Juan Franciso Moreno, a merchant in Caracas, Venezuela. She has worked in the purchasing department of General Motors for the past nine years.

Inducted November 13, 1999

Jerry Moore
1956-1957

A native of Chester County and a standout in sports there, Jerry Moore attended Freed-Hardeman College 1956-57. As captain of the basketball team, he was named most valuable player. He was also the team’s leading scorer, putting in 51 points in one game against Northeast Mississippi Junior College. He also played on the baseball team.

After graduating from FHC, Moore completed his undergraduate education at Union University. He was also a basketball captain there, as well as a member of the VSAC All-Tournament Team. The Union team participated in the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City. Moore set the school’s rebound record, grabbing 23 in a single game. As a baseball player, he participated in the Little World Series.

His teaching/coaching career includes a ten-year stint at Lake County High. He coached football and girls’ basketball there, taking three teams to the state tournament.

Moore has been the principal of Greenfield High School since 1970. He and his wife, the former Claudia Horn, have four children and four grandchildren.

Inducted 1989

Jess Willard Moore

Jess Willard Moore, or “Big Jess” as he was called by those who loved and admired him, was born on Cedar Creek, lived there and went to school through junior high school.

In the classroom and on the fields of play-in basketball, baseball or whatever event-“Big Jess” was a natural leader. He was the one that helped Cedar Creek Junior High to two championships in the junior high league.

“Big Jess” then came to Perry County High School where he was a standout for two years, being selected to the All-District and All-Mid-State teams on two occasions.

After high school, “Big Jess” was recruited by Coach Dick Stewart to join him at Freed-Hardeman College for two very outstanding seasons in both basketball and baseball, receiving all conference honors in basketball and in baseball. He later began teaching and coaching in the Perry County School System, too night classes and Saturday classes and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Bethel College.

He was a community leader wherever he taught. At lego Community School, the basketball teams were winners, winning county elementary tournaments.

“Big Jess’s” next assignment was to teach and coach girls’ basketball in Perry County High School. After two successful years I this position, he asked to be transferred to his beloved Cedar Creek, where he taught until his death.

Inducted 1989

Jim Murdaugh
1936-1938

“Big Jim” Murdaugh, a member of the Freed-Hardeman College basketball team from 1936 to 1938, broke the world record for most points scored in a single game by racking up 78 points against Bethel College, January 11, 1938. The old mark of 75 points had stood since 1912.

Recounting the 115-30 win, Murdaugh said that at half-time, Coach Dick Stewart decided that the time had come to go for the record. He asked the team who would be the man to try. They voted for Murdaugh because he was the leading scorer at the half. The 6’4” Murdaugh responded by scoring 62 points in the second half. He only missed two field goals and one foul shot.

The Skyrocket, the student newspaper, reported that throughout the game Murdaugh was covered by two Bethel men. “I had a lot of ‘em on me,” he said. “The team had to feed the ball to me all the time…I was hot that night. It was an exciting game.”

At FHC, Murdaugh was the leading scorer of the Mississippi Valley Conference. He was described as a “court magician” who could “shoot with either hand, from all angles and with his back to the goal.”

Murdaugh was also a baseball standout. Playing for the Jackson Generals and the Lexington Giants in the Kitty League, he led first baseman in fielding with a record of .988 in 1997.

Murdaugh took his talent to Memphis and the Park Commission Leagues. He soon became known as one of the best basketball players in the Mid-South. With Murdaugh’s overpowering strength added to the talents of others, the teams of Ford V-8, Coca-Cola Bottlers, Goldcrest and the Naval Air Station became city champions in Memphis.

Murdaugh continued his interest in sports by becoming an official. The Memphis Park Commission said… “for 50 years he has been one of the South’s leading referees.” In 1982 he was named to the Memphis Park Commission’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Inducted 1988

Clay Murley
1993-1998

Following a stellar career as a three-sport athlete at Chester County High School, Clay Murley joined the Lion baseball team in 1993. He immediately became a starter at second base before moving to shortstop for his final three years.

As a freshman, he battled .346 with 28 RBIs and had 15 stolen bases. His numbers only improved. As a junior, he batted .451 with 53 RBIs and 26 stolen bases.

In 1996, he was named to the All-Tennessee Collegiate Athletic Conference Team, the All-Mid-South Region Team and the NAIA All-American team. In 1997, he was again an all-conference selection as he led the Lions to their first-ever regular-season championship of the TranSouth Athletic Conference.

Amazingly durable, Murley is still tied for most games played in a single season with 54. His stats continue to rank him in the top five of six single-season offensive categories and in the top five of seven career offensive categories.

Murley has returned to the Chester County school system, where he teaches and coaches.

Inducted Nov. 9 2002

Renee Hensley Paugh
1980-1984

Renee Hensley Paugh excelled in both tennis and basketball at Freed-Hardeman. Playing at the number two singles position, she was twice the Volunteer State Athletic Conference champion; the remaining two years she was the runner-up. Her doubles team, also at the number two slot, won the conference title three consecutive years. In her senior year, the doubles team moved to the number one position and again won the VSAC championship.

Renee’s 1,764 career points make her the all-time scoring leader for the Lady Lion basketball teams. She is also listed among the leaders of the season scoring averages. In addition, she ranks fifth in successful free throw attempts with 103 in a season. In 1983, she averaged 15.7., in 1982, 18.3; and in 1984, 15.5. In 1983, she was made a member for the All-VSAC Team.

Today, Renee and her husband Daniel Paugh live in Elliott City, Maryland, with their two children, Branden and Megan. Renee continues her involvement with athletics as a basketball official. She is an active NCAA basketball official with four Division I conferences. She also officiates in Divisions II and III. She counts among her officiating highlights calling the 1995 game between the U.S. National Olympic Team and Old Dominion University and refereeing the NCAA Division II East Regionals.

Inducted 1996

John Pipkin
1966-1968

John Pipkin received an AA degree from Freed-Hardeman in 1968. He had played basketball and baseball under coaches Dick Stewart and Hoyt Kirk. He was the basketball team’s MVP in 1968. Although he had first come to FHC on academic scholarship the second semester, he “walked on” in basketball and was granted an athletic scholarship the second semester.

Pipkin completed his undergraduate career at Union University where he played basketball and participated in track. In 1970 he was the VSAC high jump champion.

Beginning his coaching career n 1970 at Chester County High School, Pipkin has had a phenomenal success. Although he has coached football, volleyball, track and softball, he has seen his greatest achievements in girls’ basketball. In his eleven years as CCHS’s girls basketball coach, he posted 281-68 record and made seven trips to the state tournament.

Pipkin left CCHS in 1984 to spend five years at University School in Jackson. There he coached golf, baseball and boys’ and girls’ basketball. His girls’ teams made it to t he semi-finals.

In sixteen years of coaching girls’ basketball, he has amassed a 397-107 record and a host of awards. He has had six district champions, six runners-up, six regional champions and seven runners-up. He has been to the sub-state thirteen times and to the state nine times. In 1978, his team won the state championship and in 1977 and 1980 they were runner-up. On two other occasions, his team advanced to the state semi-finals.

He has been named district coach of the year in golf, baseball, boys’ basketball and girls’ basketball. In 1981 and 1982 he was the West Tennessee Officials’ Coach of the Year. Twice he was Tennessee’s nominee for National Coach of the Year in girl’s basketball.

Pipkin and his wife Cheri, who has assisted him throughout his career, are once again coaching at Chester County High School. They have a son, Brandon.

Inducted 1990

Milly Poblete(Tennis) 1991-1995

• Career Individual Record

-Singles: 98-25

-Doubles: 107-18

• Overall Team Record, 86-14

• TCAC Conference Record 62-0

• Conference Champs 1992, 1993, 1994, & 1995

• NAIA National Tournament 1992,1993, 1994, & 1995

• National Rolex Small College Tennis Championships 1993 & 1994

• NAIA National Ranking 1992, 1993, 1994, & 1995

• NAIA All-American 1993
  
  

Ernesto Ramos
1984-1988

Over his four years at Freed-Hardeman Ernesto Ramos scored $1,876 total points and pulled down 792 rebounds. He is still the fourth all-time leading scorer and fourth-leading rebounder for the Lions. Ramos was twice named to the Tennessee Collegiate Athletic Conference’s All-Conference team, in 1987 and ’88.

In 111 games over a four-year period, he shot 58.7 percent from the field and 69.5 percent from the free throw line, averaging 16.9 points per game. In 1987-8, Ramos set the school record for most points in a season with 764 and best scoring average in a season with 25.4. His marks stand more than a decade later. That year, he was also ranked as the nation’s 16th leading scorer, according to Street and Smith Magazine, and he participated in the TCAC All-Star game.

After graduation, Ramos played professional basketball in Puerto Rico. He played in the Superior basketball League and the Puerto Rican Basketball Leagues. He is the only FHU basketball player to play in the professional ranks at any level.

The 6’5 center came to Henderson from Centerville, Tennessee, where he had been a stand-out athlete at Hickman County High School.

Ramos lives in Franklin, Tennessee, where he works with the Franklin Special School District and coaches AU basketball. He currently has four teams in the Middle Tennessee area. He and his wife Tracy have a son Ernesto I.F. Ramos IV.

Inducted November 13, 1999

Kate Pennington Rochelle
1930-1933

Kate Pennington Rochelle began her basketball career at Nankipoo High School where she was chosen to West Tennessee Tournament All-Star team in 1930. In the fall, she entered Freed-Hardeman on a work-scholarship. For her exploits on the court, she was named a Mississippi Valley Conference All-Star guard. An active student who played in all college sports and participated in school affairs, she was elected Best All-Around Student in 1933.

After transferring from FHC, she attended Memphis State University for her baccalaureate degree. She played on a independent Memphis team while a student at MSU. Their opponents included teams from Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado and Illinois.

She returned to Nankipoo in1935 to begin her coaching career. She was also a member of an independent team at Dyersburg. When consolidation came, she continued coaching at Halls Elementary School and later the high school. In 1941, following her marriage to Jack Rochelle, she taught math and coached at Ripley. She continued teaching at various locations in West Tennessee until her retirement in 1973-after a career of 35 years.

One of her former students, Floyd H. Crain, said, “She helped mold the lives of her students and promoted within them a love of God and country.”

Today she lives in Ripley where one of her pleasures is walking down the street and hearing former s- now doctors, lawyers, farmers, housewives and businessmen- yell “Hi, Miss Kate!”

Inducted 1987

Claudia Sanchez came to Freed-Hardeman in 1992 from Valencia, Venezuela. As a member of the Lady Lion tennis team, she soon made her mark. She was the number one player in the Tennessee Collegiate Athletic Conference and a TCAC All-Conference selection as a freshman. Following her first appearance in the NAIA national tournament, she was named an All-American.

Sanchez followed her successful freshman year with three additional years of sterling play, leading the Lady Lions to a perfect 62-0 conference record. She posted a career singles record of111-15 and an additional doubles record of 111-15. Over her career, she won every conference match in doubles and lost only one conference singles match.

She was a four-time all-conference selection and a four-time NAIA All-American. In her junior and senior years, Sanchez won the ITA Rolex Regional championship and participated in the ITA Rolex National Tournament.

She received a Bachelor of Science in computing science from Freed-Hardeman in 1995. She is currently employed in the recreation and guest service department of the Radisson Aruba Resort.

Inducted Nov. 11, 2000

Kara Sanders
1996-2000

Kara (Sanders) Atkins played for the Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lions from 1996-2000. During her career, she scored over 30 points four times, on her way to becoming the #3 leading scorer in Lady Lion history with 2,005 points. The 5’6” guard also ranks second in career assists with 542 and third in career three pointers with 300.

Kara received All-Conference honors in ‘97-‘98, ‘98-‘99, and ‘99-‘00. After the 1999-2000 season, she was named an NAIA All-American and was voted to the NAIA All-National Tournament team. She was also named a Dodge/Farm Magazine All-American athlete.

During her career at FHU, Kara helped lead her team to four NAIA National Tournament appearances, including a Final Four finish in 1998-1999.

In 2001, Kara graduated from Freed-Hardeman University with a degree in Social Behavioral Science. After graduation she began teaching at Martin Primary School in Martin, TN and is now a stay at home mother with her two children, Kenady and Baker. She and her husband Beau currently reside in Gleason, TN.

Jennifer Burkeen Showers
1993-1997

After a standout career at Marshall County High School in Benton, KY, Jennifer Burkeen Showers joined the Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lions. She quickly made her mark, averaging 17.4 points and 10.9 rebounds per game as a freshman and earning Tennessee Collegiate Athletic Conference honors.

In 1997, she became the Lady Lions’ all-time leading scorer and rebounder with 1,845 points and 1,183. She continued to earn all-conference honors in the TCAC and, as a Senior was a member of the TranSouth’s All-Conference team. She was also recognized as the team’s Most Valuable Player in 1997.

The 6-foot post player was a member of the university’s first team to be nationally ranked and to advance to the NAIA national tournament. The team advanced to the Sweet Sixteen and ended the season ranked 10th in the nation.

Jennifer and her husband, Mike, live in Decatur, Ala., with their two children, Alyssa and David.

Inducted Nov. 9, 2002

Charlie Smith
1966-1968

A high school All-State basketball player in Florence, Ala., Charlie Smith played for Freed-Hardeman College in 1966-68. During that time, he was named to the Dixie Conference All-Conference team and the Region VII National Junior College Athletic Association’s All-Region team.

Smith completed his baccalaureate degree at Oklahoma Christian College in 1970. While there he was named to the NAIA District IX All-District team. EH also set school records for shooting percentage and rebounding average.

Smith returned to Freed-Hardeman in 1978 as the men’s basketball coach. Since then, he has at various times coached baseball, women’s tennis, men’s tennis and volleyball and served as the university’s athletic director.

It is as a tennis coach that Smith has gained his greatest renown. During his seven-year tenure the Lions have posted a 99-55 record overall and 71-19 in the conference. For three straight years they have won the NAIA District 24 titles and made trips to the NAIA national tournament. This year they again won the Tennessee Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament. Smith was named TCAC Coach of the Year in 1989 and NAIA District 24 Coach of the Year in 1993-95.

Even more remarkable has been his women’s team. The Lady Lions have won ten consecutive TCAC championships, won six district titles and have ranked in the NAIA Top 20 nine of the last ten years. The team has never lost a conference match, posting a 166-0 conference record. Smith has been named TCAC Coach of the Year five times and NAIA District 24 Coach of the Year seven times.

Smith is a member of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Board of Directors and is secretary of the NAIA National Tennis Coaches Association. He is married to the former Nancy Williams. They have three children and two grandchildren.

Inducted 1995

David Smith
1964-1966

David Smith graduated from Freed-Hardeman College with an Associate of Arts in 1966. As a member of the basketball team, he was named to the All-Conference Team and the All-Regional NJCAA Team both years. The 1966 squad made it to the finals of the Region VII tournament.

He continued his education at Oklahoma Christian College where he led the team to a 20-4 record and its first ever NAIA playoff. He was a member of the All-District team. The next year, the team finished at 26-8 and again went tot the NAIA playoffs. Leading the team in scoring, rebounding and field-goal percentage, Smith was again named to the All-District team. He also received Honorable Mention All-American recognition.

After graduation, he began coaching at Star-Spencer High School. In 1972 he became head coach at Southeast High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. His teams had five consecutive winning seasons and made two trips to the state tournament, winning it in 1976. Smith coached four first team All-State Players of the Year.

In 1977 Smith accepted an assistant coaching position at Oklahoma Christian. The two years he was there the team made NAIA playoffs and won the Sooner Conference championship.

In 1979, he retired from coaching to devote his time to the trophy business he had started a few years before in his spare bedroom. Today, Midwest Trophy Inc., is one of the largest such companies in the United States, doing business nationwide and internationally.

Smith, who is a member of the FHU Board of Trustees is married to the former Linda Kern. They have two children, David and Ashli. The family lives in Del City, Oklahoma.

Inducted 1990

R.W. (Dick) Stewart
1926-1928

R.W. (Dick) Stewart coached some of Freed-Hardeman’s greatest basketball teams and players. Coach Stewart coached basketball for a total of 23 years at FHC and also coached football for two years before FHC gave up the game.

Stewart lettered in three sports at Lexington High School in Lexington, TN., with at total of seven letters. At Union University, he played football and basketball four years and baseball two years. He was captain of the baseball team in ’27 and captain of the football team in ’28. He graduated from Union in ’28 and from ’29 to ’34 was head football and basketball coach at Chester County High School in Henderson.

He began coaching at FHC in ’34, coaching football in ’34 and ’35 and basketball until ’43 when he took leave to enter business in Henderson. During his first stint as basketball coach, his ’35 team participated in the National AAU tournament in Denver, Colo., and his young 1937 team won the Mississippi Valley Conference championship. Two of his players broke individual world scoring records. In ’37, Jim Murdaugh record with 83 points, the last 33 coming in the second half with five defenders covering him.

His best team was probably his’38 squad. The went undefeated until the final game of the MVC tournament. That season the lions amazingly outscored their opponents by a cumulative 766 points to 346.

Chike Stevenson
1994-1998

Chike Stevenson played for Coach Mike McCutchen and the FHU men’s basketball program from 1994-1998. He was voted to the TranSouth All-Conference team in ‘95-‘96, ‘96-‘97, and ‘97-‘98. In addition, he was an Honorable Mention All-American in ‘96-‘97 and Second Team All-American in ‘97-‘98.
Stevenson is currently #4 on the FHU Lion all-time scoring list with 1,907 points, averaging 15.2 over his career. He is also 8th all-time in career rebounds with 742, 2nd all-time in career steals with 254, and the all-time career assist leader with 822. Stevenson holds the record for most assists in a season in 1997-1998 with 258, and during that season he set the single game assist record with 14.
Chike Stevenson graduated from Freed-Hardeman University in 1999. After graduation he moved around before eventually settling in Dickson, TN where he was named the head coach of the Charlotte Middle School Lions.

Lon Varnell
1931-1933

Lon Varnell played baseball, basketball and football at Freed-Hardeman College while majoring in English and religious education. After graduation, he began his teaching and coaching career at Shiloh and Saltilo high schools. An innovative coach, he was first to use the hook shot and the 2-3 zone defense.

In 1940, he went to Bethel College to coach and finish his last two years of college work. His first Bethel team posted a 27-4 record. When Bethel dropped athletics because of the war, Varnell coached at McKenzie High School.

In 1944, Adolph Rupp invited Varnell to work with him at the University of Kentucky. There he helped to recruit the “Fabulous Five.”

Bethel re-instated athletics when the war ended and Varnell returned to coach the basketball and baseball teams. His basketball team lost only one game and his baseball team was undefeated.

Varnell became head basketball coach and assistant football coach at the University of the South in Sewanee, TN. In 1948. Rupp recommended him for the job saying, “Next to me Lon Varnell is the best coach in America.” He coached at Sewanee, TN., in the best coach in America.” He coached at Sewanee for 22 years, winning 58% of his games while playing Division I and II schools as well as conference foes.

Varnell also began working with the Harlem Globetrotters in 1948. As a promoter and later as an advance man, he traveled worldwide with them, and helped to open the South for their performances.

In 1951, Varnell’s University of the South team won 53 of the 57 games they played on a tour of Europe and North Africa. They also won the World Tournament in Geneva, Switzerland. Five Rhodes Scholars played on his teams as well as several outstanding coaches, including ex-Kentucky coach Joe B. Hall.

Sports Illustrated described Varnell in February, 1969, as “a legend in his own time-a coach, a Methodist minister, coal mine operator, car dealer, political campaign manager, hardware store owner and promoter of entertainment.”

Varnell was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1973 and served as its president in 1977.

Inducted 1985

John Luke Webb
1931-1933

John Luke Webb was a “triple threat” at Freed-Hardeman College from 1931-1933, playing football, basketball and baseball. He served as captain of the basketball teams and alternate captain of the football team. He was an All-Mississippi Valley Conference back and All-MVC shortstop in the 1932-33 season.

He completed his education at Lambuth College where he continued to play all three sports. In 1933, he was captain of the basketball team and voted Best Male Athlete. In 1934, he became an MVC All-Star in basketball, the conference batting champion and All-MVC shortstop. The Jackson Sun, in various articles, described Webb as: a “sharp shooter”, “the old reliable”, “wizard shot”, “the old faithful”, and the “most dependable back”.

After graduating from Lambuth, Webb returned to Perry County, TN., where he coached football, basketball and baseball at both the grade school and high school levels. He also played on independent baseball and basketball teams for several years. Webb’s career included many years as principal of Linden Elementary School.

He is remembered as one who was willing to spend the extra time with one who wanted to learn, either in class or in athletics. A student remembers his saying, “After the cheering is over, you’ll still need the education to hold on to a job.”

Inducted 1986

John L. Weeks
1933-1935

An outstanding athlete at Chester County High School, John L. Weeks played baseball, basketball and football. In 1931, the basketball team won the state championship, defeating Lenior City 31-9. Chester Co. held Lenior City to one point in the first half and twenty-one minutes had passed before they scored a field goal.

Attending Freed-Hardeman 1933-35, Weeks also played three sports there. He was captain of the football team. The 1935 basketball squad participated in the National AAU tournament in Denver, Colo. At FHC he was named Most Athletic Student. The 1934 yearbook called “Bunny” a holy terror to opponents on offensive and defensive alike.” In basketball, he was said to be “on offensive and defensive alike.” In basketball, he was said to be “one of the scrappiest and most consistent players ever to don the green and gold.”

Weeks continued his education and athletic career at Union University where he played football and basketball. After graduation, he played on various semi-pro baseball teams.

He is today an avid sports fan and golfer. He and his wife Clara have three sons and eight grandchildren.

Inducted 1989

James Williams
1928-1931

James Williams attended Freed-Hardeman College for three years, 1928-31. During that time, he pitched for the baseball teams, played guard on the basketball team and named the college’s Outstanding Athlete.

He continued his education at Union University where he played football and basketball.

After receiving a B.S. in 1934, Williams began his coaching career at Chester County High School. He coached football until 1941 when the sport was discontinued because of World War II. He also coached both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams. During this time he played baseball on area independent and semi-pro teams.

In 1948, Williams received a master’s degree from George Peabody College and became principal of Chester County High School. His interest in sports continued throughout his 26 years as principal. He reactivated the football program in 1949, secured permission to set up a field for night football, and served on committees to build Eagle Stadium. He was a co-founder and president of the Volunteer Football Conference. He was also commissioner of Volunteer Conference Officials’ Association.

Williams was also active in interscholastic athletics at the state level. He served on the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association’s Board of Control form 1953 to 1965. Following that, he was a member of the groups’ Legislative Council from 1968 to 1974, serving as president the last three years. During this time he attended several meetings of the National Federation Athletic Associations as a delegate from the Board and Council.

In 1974 he retired after serving his alma mater for forty years. His participation in athletics had begun at CCHS in 1927 when he was a member of the football and baseball squads.

Inducted 1986

Marvin Williams

Marvin Williams began his athletic career at Whitesville High School where he averaged 25 points per game, playing center at 5’9”. He was educated at Freed-Hardeman College, Bethel College and Murray State University.

In nearly thirty years of coaching, he has amassed an amazing record at the high school, junior college and senior college level. His high school record stands at 757 wins and 217 losses and includes sixteen district championships, eight regional crowns and two state championships. With the exception of one year at McNairy Central, these years were spent at Bolivar Central High School.

On the college level, he spent six years at Jackson State Community College where his record stands at 103 wins and 20 losses. In 1981 his undefeated Lady Generals were regional champions and ranked third in the nation. They set a national scoring record with 125 points against Baltimore. Williams also coached women’s basketball for four years at Austin Peay State University. In 1985, his team made it to the OVC play-offs.

Williams is currently the boys’ basketball coach at Bolivar High School. Over the years, he has garnered twenty-five coaching awards, including several “coach of the year” honors.

“Basketball” he says, is to be respected. It should not be disgraced by half-hearted practice, poor planning by coaches, poor dedication or ill preparation.

Inducted 1989

Sue McBride Williams

Sue McBride Williams, a 1929-31 Freed-Hardeman College student, played guard both years for teams that finished second in the Mississippi Valley Conference. (FHC, a junior college, was competing with four year schools.) She was captain of the 1929-31 all-conference teams. She was also a member of the tennis team. In the 1930 Treasure Chest , she was named as on of the school’s best athletes.

Her basketball career had begun in Chalybeate, Miss., where she played four years of high school ball. She was captain of the team during her junior and senior years. Chalybeate High School had a distinguished record, losing only one game during Sue’s four years there.

After graduating from Memphis State University in 1932, she taught and coached winning girls’ basketball teams at Pine Grove High School in Mississippi.

After her marriage to James Williams of Henderson, she taught in the elementary schools of Chester County. Their children, Tommie Jean and Jimmy participated in the athletic programs of Chester County High School and FHC.

Robert L. Witt
1929-1931