NASHVILLE, TN – Mar. 4, 2022 – Today, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, announced the final inductees of the Class of 2022, as Vanderbilt University’s Toby Wilt and the late David Williams, II will both be included as part of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2022.
Wilt, a football player and golfer at Vanderbilt, is a native of Evanston, Illinois. Wilt lettered from 1963-1965 as a running back on the Commodores football team before joining the Vanderbilt Golf team. Wilt represented Vanderbilt at the SEC Championships during his senior season. In 1991, Wilt co-founded the Golf Club of Tennessee in Kingston Springs, and in 1998 Wilt co-founded the Music City Bowl. However, too many sports fans, Wilt may be best known for his role at the Masters’ Golf Tournament, serving as the official starter at the first tee since 2018.
Williams was the first black athletics director in the SEC and the first black Vice-Chancellor at Vanderbilt. During Williams’ 15 seasons overseeing Vanderbilt Athletics, the Commodores won 4 National Championships in baseball, bowling, and women’s tennis. Williams joined the Law faculty in 2000 when he began working in Vanderbilt administration as a vice-chancellor, general counsel, and secretary of the University. In 2002, student affairs were added to his responsibilities, followed by Athletics in 2003. Over the final 13 years of his tenure, Vanderbilt student-athletes earned a cumulative 3.0 GPA every year. Williams announced his retirement in 2018. Sadly, David Williams unexpectedly passed away on February 8, 2019.
“We’re thrilled to be able to honor two representatives of Vanderbilt University whose contributions will live on for generations,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “Their respective places in the Class of 2022 finalize our group of 12 inductees, and we are excited to honor them this July.”
Wilt and Williams join Titans star defensive end Jevon Kearse, Maryville College coaching legend Randy Lambert, Sharrieffa Barksdale, R.A. Dickey, Harry Galbreath, Nikki McCray-Penson, and Tony White from the University of Tennessee, Nashville Predators star David Legwand, Memphis football standout Artis Hicks, and Trevecca basketball legend David Suddeth as members of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2022.
The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2022 Induction Banquet, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Information regarding tables and individual tickets can be found at the Hall’s website, www.tshf.net
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, sportswriters and sports administrators who have impacted 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, the 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.
