Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Weekend 2018
The 2018 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction class was recognized over the weekend of June 15th and 16th. Friday started off with a warm welcome of the inductees as the Hall of Fame opened up to unveil banners hanging in the rafters. Executive Director Dr. Bill Emendorfer welcomed each new inductee prior to the unveiling by describing to them their importance and what they mean to the Hall of Fame. Shortly after friends and family of the inductees gathered for refreshments and fellowship with the other members of the 2018 class.
After the banner unveiling the inductees, their friends and family, board members of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, and past inductees were invited to the Fifth-Third building in downtown Nashville for the annual Reunion of Champions. The space for the Reunion of Champions was generously provided by the Adams and Reece, LPP law firm. Taziki’s Mediterranean Café catered the event’s dinner, while guests of the Reunion of Champions had the chance to enjoy a cocktail reception and meet fellow Hall of Fame inductees.
The weekend continued Saturday with the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Champion Within Luncheon. The luncheon took place in the banquet hall of the Omni Hotel. Guests of the luncheon got to enjoy lunch provided by the hotel, and a chance to hear inspirational stories of guest speaker Tyler Anderson along with four Champion Within award recipients. Leslie Burnett started off the lunch by being awarded the “Heart of a Champion” award. Leslie uplifted the audience with her story of how she became a champion Special Olympian despite her diagnosis of having 45 seizures per minute. The “Character” award was given to Joe Este, a defensive back at the University of Tennessee at Martin. Joe received the award for raising his nephews Christopher and Zachary while balancing a full-time student-athlete schedule. The third award at the luncheon was the “Perseverance” award given to Chad NeSmith. Chad was awarded this for his inspiring journey overcoming Retinitis Pigmentosa, a disease that gradually deteriorated his vision. He is now a United States National Blind Golf Champion. Lastly, the “Life of a Champion” award was given to Curtis L. “Griz” Watson for his courageous efforts as a Naval Aviator and a prestigious Blue Angel. He also started the Memphis Mid-South Air Show to raise money for the Madonna Learning Center. This event has raised over $1,600,000.
The grand finale of the weekend took place Saturday night in the banquet hall of the Omni Hotel. The 2018 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet started off with a gourmet meal provided by the Omni Hotel followed by the recognition of the 2018 Honorees. The first award was given to Female Amateur Athlete of the Year Hannah Segrave (Milligan College) for being a four-time NAIA national champion. Basketball standouts Grant Williams (University of Tennessee) and Nick King (Middle Tennessee State University) were awarded Male Amateur Athletes of the Year for earning the title of Conference Player of the Year in their respective conferences. Amateur Team of the Year was awarded to the Freed-Hardeman Woman’s Basketball Team and the Rhodes College Women’s Golf Team for their national championships in their respective divisions. Two Minor League Baseball teams received the Professional Team of the Year award as the Chattanooga Lookouts and the Memphis Redbirds each won their division. Professional Athlete of the Year was given to Nashville Predators team captain Mike Fisher for his success on the ice over his career. The Nashville Predators also garnered additional attention during the banquet as they were named Tennessean of the Year for their success during the 2017 season and the attention they brought to the city of Nashville. Following the Honoree’s acknowledgement, each member of the 2018 induction class received their award and said a few words to the audience about their achievements. The final Honoree of the night was James A. Haslam II who received the Pat Summit Lifetime Achievement Award for his work and dedication to the state of Tennessee.
2018 Inductees:
- Glenn McCadams – Championship football Coach and Athletic Director at David Lipscomb High School
- Jackie Pope- All-American Running Back at Middle Tennessee State University
- Isabelle “Tweety” Daniels Holston – Tennessee State Tigerbelle and Olympic track star
- George Quarles – 11-time state championship football coach at Maryville High School
- Chuck Kriese – Clemson University and USA National team tennis coach
- Tim Mack- University of Tennessee pole vaulter and Olympic Gold Medalist
- Joe Allison – Memphis University kicker and Lou Groza Award winner
- Raleigh McKenzie – University of Tennessee lineman and Washington Redskins Pro-Bowler
- Reginald McKenzie Sr.- University of Tennessee linebacker and Oakland Raiders General Manager
- Johnnie H. Jones III- Standout University of Tennessee and the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie
- Blaine Bishop- Tennessee Titans 3-time All Pro defensive back
- Allan W. Houston Jr.- Leading scorer in the University of Tennessee basketball history and NBA All-Star
Click here to see pictures from the 2018 Induction Weekend