NASHVILLE, TN – February 22, 2024 – Longtime East Tennessee State University Golf Coach Fred Warren and the late Charlie Bayless, longtime Happy Valley High School basketball coach, have been named to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Warren was told of his induction on Thursday afternoon by TSHOF Board Member Kenny Hawkins on News Channel 11’s First At Four. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame pays homage to the state’s rich sports history and their impact within the community. On behalf of sponsor Tennessee Lottery, the Hall offers free admission at their downtown Nashville location Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Fred Warren left an indelible mark on ETSU’s golf program and the game of golf as a whole,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “His leadership and persistence led him to great success, and we’re very excited to have Fred Warren as part of our 2024 Class of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.”
Fred Warren came to ETSU in 1986, after leading Oklahoma State to three Big Eight Conference Championships. Warren helped restart the ETSU Golf program and led the Buccaneers from 1986-2019. During those 33 years, the Bucs won 56 tournaments and 17 Conference Championships. Warren was named Coach of the Year 12 times throughout his tenure. Warren coached ETSU to 22 NCAA Regional Appearances, while coaching 23 All-Americans and 24 All-American Scholars. In 1996, the Bucs achieved a national ranking of No. 1, finishing third in the NCAA Championship.
Charlie Bayless coached basketball for 60 years, with 59 of those years coming at Happy Valley High School. Bayless coached Happy Valley to 964 wins, nine state tournament appearances, and a state championship in 1974. Bayless has been named to the Northeast Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, the TSSAA Hall of Fame, and the Carter County Sports Hall of Fame. Bayless died on February 20, 2023, at the age of 98.
“Charlie Bayless impacted generations of Happy Valley Warriors with nearly 60 years on the job at his alma mater,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “His impact will continue to be felt in Happy Valley and throughout the state of Tennessee, and we’re happy to be able to honor his memory with a posthumous induction into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.”
Warren and Bayless join Tennessee tennis star Paul Annacone, TSU Track legend Jean Patton Latimer and Austin Peay basketball coaching legend Dave Loos as the only announced members of the 2024 Class. The full 2024 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class will be released over the coming weeks.
The 2024 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will be held Saturday, July 20nd at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Ticket information will be announced at a later date.
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, enshrines and honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers and sports administrators who have made an impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, sports fans, and supporters by acknowledging life achievements implemented through sports. The Hall celebrates athletes of all forms, from all across the state. Additionally, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame aspires to educate youth about the importance of healthy habits
and the positive impact they have on lifestyle choices. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is located at 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
About the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation
The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products. Since January 20, 2004, the Lottery has raised more than $6 billion to fund designated education programs, including college grants, scholarships, Drive to 55 initiatives and after-school programs. In addition to the educational beneficiaries, players have won more than $16.5 billion in prizes and Lottery retailers have earned more than $1.5 billion in commissions. For additional information, visit tnlottery.com and follow the TEL on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
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