NASHVILLE— Leading up to its annual Induction Ceremony & Awards banquet, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame will host the Champion Within Luncheon June 6 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. This luncheon gives us the opportunity to celebrate the success of outstanding individuals who display great character and embody the belief that allows them to overcome any and all obstacles to become successful in life. The incredible people that we honor inspire each of us with their dedication and hard work that has led to their success. Doors will open at 11:00 a.m. and lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $40.00 and must be purchased in advanced by calling 615-202-3996.
Character Award
Jason Millard, a former two-time All-American golfer from Middle Tennessee State and Web.com Tour player, enjoyed the thrill of a lifetime when he qualified for the 2014 US Open at Pinehurst. Five days later, he called a penalty on himself that he knew would get him disqualified from the US Open. “It’s heartbreaking, but what I was feeling in my heart wasn’t right.” He still does not know if he committed the violation of grounding his club in a bunker, but he could not find peace until he called the United States Golf Association to declare his wrong doing.
Courage Award
Sean Karl, former Ravenwood tennis standout, rarely lost on the court and despite being diagnosed with bone cancer, the three-time Class AAA state champion and University of Tennessee sophomore never lost hope. Sean is described as the kind of young adult you want to be around because of his personality. Karl was dominant during his time at Ravenwood, and was ranked No. 1 in the under-16 division by the United States Tennis Association. He was the sixth-ranked player in his national signing class when he decided to play at Tennessee. He went on to play one season with the Volunteers, but passed away after a two-year fight with Ewing’s Sarcoma.
Lifetime Dedication Award
Bess Neil and Blythewood Farm have been producing outstanding Saddlebreds since the 1940s. The farm has supported the American Saddlebred Horse Association with its breeding operation; Mrs. Neil has been the manager since the death of her husband in 1965. The farm has bred many famous Hall of Fame horses. Blythewood Farms has won over 20 World Champion and Reserve World Champion classes in the Futurity, in-hand division at the breed’s World Championship Horse Show. Mrs. Neil has been awarded Breeder of the Year by USEF and ASHA, Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Saddlebred Horse Association, and received the Audrey Pugh Gutridge Award at the World’s Championship Horse Show. For many years, Mrs. Neil has worked tirelessly on her vision for a thriving equine facility in Cleveland, TN. In 2000, her dream became a reality when the facility opened and the primary arena was named in her honor. The facility currently holds many equine events including the Chattanooga/Cleveland Horse Show and is the home of the Reinbow Riders, one of the top therapeutic equine programs in the State of Tennessee.
Perseverance Award
Davis Tull suffered what most would have considered a career ending injury when he broke his femur in his senior year at Breaden High in Knoxville. The schools that offered him an opportunity to play in Division-I lost interest after his injury. Davis was fortunate to be offered a chance to be a walk on player at UT Chattanooga. Since that time David has been one of the most dominant defensive players in college football earning the Southern Conference Defensive player title in three different seasons. He is now rapidly moving up the NFL Draft boards with his amazing performance at the NFL Combines.
Champion Within Recipient
Alex Hannah is a fun-loving seventeen year-old from Millington, Tennessee. He attends Concord Academy and is currently in the eleventh grade. He has participated in Special Olympics for over seven years and competes in numerous events such as track, volleyball, distance throw, swimming, bowling, and basketball (his favorite). Alex’s parents said “Special Olympics has brought us so much joy and happiness over the years. As parents of a child with special needs, this program has taught us about the importance of helping others excel in their ability to not only perform at their highest level but to become outstanding citizens within their communities.” When asked what Special Olympics means to him, Alex simply stated, “It is fun for everyone! Special Olympics prepare us to become better athletes and better people.”
Grace Gregory always had to work a little harder because of a traumatic birth and early diagnosis of autism. At age 7, she started learning how to ride a horse at Saddle Up!, a nonprofit that changes lives by bringing together special needs children and horses. Grace blossomed and the champion inside emerged, she was fortunate to have been selected from a large number of applicants to attend the inaugural 2013 Lendon Gray dressage winter training in Wellington Florida; an opportunity that was awarded to only 11 of the best North American youth riders. “My goal is to show my community, and the world, that despite certain disabilities, a high level of equestrian achievement is possible, and I am reaching for that goal daily”.
