Hall of Fame Members
Walter Coffey 2009 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
West High's No. 1 fan. Walter came in on the first load of bricks. He has been a vital part of West's tradition for more than 40 years. His duties for the school have been serving as the baseball team's bat retriever. No. 1 cheerer for football and basketball games. He has traveled extensively with many of the athletic teams on away trips and has traveled to the state tournament each and every time a Trojan team has qualified for the prestigious tournament.
Bruce Nelson 2009 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Member of the first graduating class of West high school.
Has a doctorate in theoretical practices. Taught physics and did physics research at universities
in Texas, California, and Utah after graduate school.
Pioneered designs for the telephone network transmission systems.
Recognized in 2001with a prestigious Bell Labs Fellow award. Managed designs of optical
networks that help the rapid flow of information on the Internet.
Jackson O. Pemberton 2009 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Jackson O. Pemberton was West High's first principal, a position he held from 1968 until his retirement in1993. He began his teaching career in fall of 1950 in Dandridge where he taught science and physical education and coached baseball and boys' and girls' basketball. He then went on to serve in the U.S. Army.
After his service he returned to Dandridge and Maury High School as teacher and coach of baseball, basketball and football. He became Assistant principal at Morristown High School, before taking over West High.
James O. "Little Man" Stewart 2009 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
James O. "Little Man" Stewart graduated from West High in 1990 and lettered in football, baseball, basketball, and track. He was selected All-State his senior year in football and second All-State in basketball. Stewart was selected All-Conference a total of three years in football, two years in basketball and one year in Baseball. He was named IMAC Player of the Year twice in Football. He received a scholarship to the University of Tennessee where he set the all-time rushing record of 2,890 yards, which stood for six years (1994-200). He presently ranks second in total yards gained by a running back at the University of Tennessee and leads the school's top five rushers of all-time with a total of 35 touch downs. He played in the National Football League for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Detroit Lions.
He is a former member of the Morristown Boys and Girls Club.
Longtime supporter of West High athletics with his time, money, and effort. Founder of Wild Building Contractors Inc. He was President of the West High Booster Club in 1974 and 1975. Assisted in the construction and completion of the West High baseball field in 1999. Instrumental in the initial stages of construction and completion of the West High softball field, which bears his name. Wild continues his involvement with the baseball and softball programs. He remains an active spectator and continues to follow football, basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball.
Dr. Shantra Bryan 2010 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Dr. Shantra Bryan, a 1989 graduate and basketball standout, played her college basketball for Clemson University. In her four straight years at Clemson Bryan helped the Lady Tigers reach the NCAA Tournament four straight years, notching two appearances in the Sweet 16 and reaching the Elite 8 in 1991. She was also named to the American Women's Sports Federation All-American ( 2nd Team)- 1998, First Team All-ACC in 1993, First Team All-ACC Tournament in 1993, Kodak All-American Region Team in 1993, Sports Illustrated Player of the Week in 1992 season, and inducted into the South Carolina Hall of Fame in 1993 as the Female Amateur Athlete of the Year. She was a coach on the 1996 Clemson Tiger ACC Championship Team, inducted into the Clemson University Athletic HALL OF Fame in 2006, and selected as an ACC Legend in 2007.
From 1999 to present, Dr. Bryan has been teaching at Woodridge Elementary School in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Dr. Bryan is also an active member of Springfield Baptist Church where she is the Dance Ministry Coordinator. In her free time, "Shandy" works out in the weight room, runs, plays basketball, and tries to relax as much as possible.
Colonel James N. Cox 2010 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Colonel James N. Cox is the director of the Air National Guard Operational Plans and Execution Division. Colonel graduated from Morristown-Hamblen High School West in 1983. After graduating with Honors from the University of Tennessee, Colonel Cox earned his commission in the United States Air force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1987.
Colonel Cox has served as the Director of Operations on the Virginia Sir National Guard Air Staff in Sandston, Virginia. He has also served a tour of duty for the Headquarters Air Force Staff with the Air Force Quadrennial Defense Review office, and Deputy Director of Air, Space, Information Operations, First Air Force ( Air Force Northem), Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida.
Colonel Cox has received the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Achievement Medal and the Combat Readiness Medal with eight oak leaf clusters.
Adrian Rucker was a 1974 graduate of West High School. He was the first All-State football player from West High School, rushing for over 2400 yards during his high school career. Adrian also excelled in track, holding the record for the 100 yard dash for 21 years.
Adrian earned a full football scholarship to Georgia Tech, becoming West High's first major college football scholarship recipient. While at Georgia Tech, he was a four-year letterman. In his first game as a freshman, he was runner-up for Archie Griffin for national offensive player of the week. He also received Honorable Mention AP All-Southern Independent Player. Former Georgia Tech Head Coach Pepper Rogers once said, "I knew Adrian would play the first day I saw him. He is a special player who can make long runs for you."
Coach James " Buddy " Saulsbury 2010 Morristown West High School Hall Of Fame
In 1968, Coach James "Buddy " Saulsbury became the first head football coach at Morristown West High School. Twenty-one years teaching and coaching at West High School, Coach Saulsbury became the Hamblen County Director of Vocational Job Placement, Adopt a School Program, and Gold Card Program Director.
Coach Saulsbury graduated from Greeneville High School. He was named second team All East Tennessee and Honorable Mention All - State in 1951. He began his college football career at Jones Junior College in Mississippi on a full scholarship. In 1952, he received a full scholarship to East Tennessee State University. Coach lettered for three years, playing fullback and linebacker. During his senior year, he was chosen team co - captain, VSAC All Conference MVP and NAIA All - American. In 2007, Coach Saulsbury was inducted in the inaugural class of Greeneville Sports Hall of Fame.
Kyle Morrell 2011 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Kyle Morrell came to Morristown West High School in 1975 to teach health, physical education and American history classes. During the seventeen years at West, he also had a highlighting career in track, cross country, and girls basketball. He coached the boys and girls cross country teams with the girls 'team capturing the IMAC championships three times.The boys track team recorded two Mid-East conference was victorious as Region I AAA championship.
In addition, the boys track team won individual state championships and one state record holder. Coach Morrell led the girls basketball team to an envious average of 21 wins per season. The girls basketball team achieved district championship several times, regional championship twice, advanced to the state tournament once, and produced one all state player under Coach Morrell. He retired in 1992, and has always enjoyed the competition and rewards of coaching, especially at Morristown West.
David Wayne Purkey 2011 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
David Wayne Purkey was educated in the Hamblen County School system. He graduated as Salutatorian of his senior class, was honored as a Who's Who recipient, achieved First Honors status and served as M-HHSW Senior Class Treasurer in 1977. He was also awarded the Dr. J.C. Freels and the Senator Estes Kefauver academic scholarship to the University of Tennessee. While a Freshman at UT David received a personally signed recognition from the President Jimmy Carter, the American Red Cross Award of Merit, and the Lions Club Medal of Valor for saving the life of a young boy using CPR. David holds a Bachelor's degree from East Tennessee State University and a Masters degree from the University of Tennessee. His Government position was Judicial assistant to Judge James K. Miller. David went on to be appointed Hamblen County Mayor in1995 and was elected four times after that until he voluntarily retired in 2010.
His retirement was short lived however, Governor Bill Haslam tapped him to be the State Homeland Security Advisor and the Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security in 2011.
Coach Quarles' teaching career began in Elizabethton Tennessee. Of his fifty-eight years teaching, Thirty-eight of those were dedicated to West High teaching advanced mathematics, physics, and coaching football and basketball. Although, his last coaching assignment ended in 1976, the moniker of "coach" remained in place as he established his greatest legacy: Molder of Minds. He inspired thousands of Morristown West students to develop a true passion for real learning. Coach's greatest strength as a teacher was his ability to maintain an unwavering commitment to hard work, honesty, and integrity while adapting to the extraordinarily large number of changes that occurred in education throughout his long career. His ability to maintain high expectations, an incredible work ethic and professionalism, throughout his life is credited to his mother, who told him when he left for the South Pacific during WWII, "You may be half way around the world, but you know how to behave yourself!" Coach has most certainly done his mother, family, community and the teaching profession proud. He has not only made a difference in the lives of his students and fellow teachers; he continues to make a difference in the lives of his students and fellow teachers; he continues to make a difference in the lives of all he comes in contact with on a daily basis. For those lucky enough to call him "mentor," there is no teacher in their past more deserving of this award.
Colonel Peyton E. Smith 2011 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Colonel Peyton E. Smith is a distinguished Military Gradate of Carson-Newman College. He holds a Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence from the National Defense Intelligence College. Colonel Smith has served in a variety of command and staff positions from company, division, and combatant command levels. Some of his duties have included Director of Intelligence during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Director of Intelligence for the United States Army Office of Military support and director of Intelligence for the United States Army Central / 3rd United States Army. Colonel Smith's many awards and decorations include the Defense superior Service Medal Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, Legion of Merit, the Army Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, The Army Achievement Medal, Master Parachutist Badge and the Ranger Tab. In addition, he is a recipient of the Military Intelligence Corps' Knowlton Award. Colonel Smith is "Proud to be a Trojan".
Dr. Rob Williams 2011 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Dr. Rob Williams is an Associate Professor of Food Microbiology in the Department of Food Science and Technology at Virginia Tech. He is accredited with nationally-recognized programs in food safety research, teaching and extension. In addition, he is internationally-recognized expert in the bacteriological safety of foods.
During his graduate studies, Rob was awarded the Arthur E. Yates graduate fellowship, the institute of Food Technologist Student Achievement award, and the Chancellor's Citation for Extraordinary Professional Promise. He also received international level awards for his research in food safety. Rob is a 1989 graduate of Morristown West. His Father, Raymond Williams taught physical sciences and coached football at West for more than 50 years and his mother Carolyn Williams, served in several administrative support roles.
Rob was a member of the Chamber Choir and was selected for Who's Who. Rob feels very fortunate to have been a student at Morristown West. "The high level of talent and professionalism of the faculty and staff coupled with the outstanding leadership of Principal Jack Pemberton prepared him well to succeed at the college level and beyond."
Ashli Price Bunch 2012 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Professional Golfer Ashli Price Bunch is currently competing in the Ladies Professional Golf Association. She graduated from Morristown Hamblen West High in 1993. While a student at west, she was named the 1992 TSSAA High School Champion. As a student at Furman University, she earned a degree in Business Administration. During her time at Furman she recorded fourteen top- 10 finishes In collegiate competition and was selected as 1997's Southern Conference Player of the Year.
Since joining the LPGA in1999, Mrs. Bunch has competed in four U.S. Women's Open Championship, has recorded two wins on the Canadian Women's tour, and was runner-up at the 2004 LPGA L.A. Open. Above all Mrs. Bunch says her greatest accomplishment is being " the mother to Gracie and Jack Bunch."
Dr. D. Russell Huntsinger, Jr. 2012 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Dr. David Russell Huntsinger, Jr. attended Morristown West from 1984-1988, graduating as the valedictorian of his class. He lettered in basketball, swimming and cross-country. Among his many activities, he was a member of the Key Club and was a member of Who’s Who. He was chosen by his classmates to speak at Graduation. He swam for the Jefferson City Swim Club and also was a coach for the team for a number of years. He then attended the University of Tennessee, graduating magna cum laude in 1992, with a BA in
Political Science. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi honorary societies. He was also a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, receiving the Senior Scholar Award. Following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, Dr. William Brownlow Spoone, Russell achieved a lifelong dream of becoming a physician by graduating from Tulane Medical School in 1997. After medical school, his Internal Medicine internship and residency was performed in Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern/Parkland Hospital in Dallas. He completed a fellowship in cardiology at Vanderbilt University. He holds certifications in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases. He is partner in University Cardiology at UT Medical Center in Knoxville.
He is appreciative of all the support given to him throughout his life by his parents, David and Judy; his late grandparents, Howard “Buck” and Irene Spoone; his sons, Harrison and Hudson; his sister and brother-in-law, Renee and Scott Graham and their children, Cameron and Conner; and the many great teachers and coaches he had during his formative educational years at Alpha Elementary, West View Middle School and Morristown West High School.
Terryann Nelson 2012 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Terryann Nelson is a 1976 graduate of Morristown West where she shared top of the class honors. While at West, she was a member of Marching and Concert Band for 4 years as a majorette; lettered in and was the Girl’s Tennis Team Captain her senior year; Beta Club and Interact Club Treasurer and President. She was a First Honors student, member of Who’s Who, and received a University of Tennessee Valedictorian Scholarship. Terryann graduated with Honors from UT in 1980 with a BS in Chemistry. She was in Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society; received the Melaven-Rhenium Scholarship; and served as an undergraduate assistant in the Chemistry Department.
After she graduated UT, Terryann was in the analytical laboratory at the Department of Energy Y-12 Plant in Oak Ridge where she worked as an Analytical Development Chemist, and subsequently served as the first manager of the Quality Assurance Department; the first Laboratory Operations Manager; and the first Work for Others Program Manager, which brought in laboratory projects to maintain core competency sills during the 1990s after the end of the Cold War.
In 2000, Terryann became a Program Manager in the Y-12 National Security Program Office where she became involved in the worldwide nuclear nonproliferation effort, developing and managing projects to disposition surplus enriched uranium materials that were no longer needed for national defense purposes. She is Program Manager for the Foreign Research Reactor Supply Program, which supports the U. S. Government’s commitment to be a reliable, cost-effective supplier of uranium for peaceful, civilian purposes, including for fuel and medical isotope production in research reactors around the world. Terryann is the primary interface with the National Nuclear Security Administration Program
Office Y-12, the Y-12 Project Managers, the foreign research reactor customers and nuclear materials transportation companies in developing cost proposals, contracts and material production plans to endure safe and secure deliveries of nuclear materials.
Terryann is an avid tennis player and proudly supports her two sons. She and her husband love to cook
and travel and she is her husband’s favorite band groupie.
Suzanne Barbre Singleton 2012 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Suzanne Barbre Singleton is a 1974 graduate of Morristown Hamblen West High. As a star basketball player, she earned All-District, All-region, and All-State honors. During her senior year, she was named to the East Tennessee All-Star Team.
As a walk-on at the University of Tennessee, Mrs. Singleton became the first basketball player to be coached by Pat Head Summit all four years. During her college career, she was a four year starter, served as a two year captain, played on the first Final Four team, and was the first Lady Vol to be ranked number one in the country. In 1976, she was a starter on the "Venture for Victory" USA International Team. Suzanne received a Masters degree from the University of Knoxville then went on to Lincoln Memorial University where she gained her Educational Specialist Degree.
From 1978 until 2012, Mrs. Singleton has coached at Carson-Newman College, Morristown Hamblen West High, the University of South Carolina, Maryville High School, and as an AAU coach she has had nationally ranked teams. Until 2005 she was a color analyst for CSS and WVLT covering Lady Vol and A-sun Conference games. Mrs. Singleton is currently the Wellness Department Head and teacher at Maryville High School.
Samuel Kyle Taylor, Jr 2012 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Sam (S.K.) Taylor, Jr. served as the Assistant Principal of Morristown Hamblen West High from its opening in 1968until his retirement in 1983. A graduate of Maryville College, Mr. Taylor earned his degree in Sociology while also competing on the swim, wrestling, and football teams. HE began his teaching career in 1939 at Clinton High School. As WWII Began he enlisted and joined the US Navy where he began flight training.
As a result of his heroism during WWII, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt presented with Mr. Taylor with the Distinguished Flying Cross for Bravery Beyond the Call of Duty for sinking a German submarine. During his time in the Navy Mr. Taylor met a Colorado girl named Cora serving the Red Cross in Brazil. They were married in 1944.
After the war, he was a pilot for TVA, but his love of farming drew him back to his roots. He taught the Farm Training Program to returning veterans and also taught part time at his Alma Mater, Whitesburg High School. He then became Principal at Fairview-Marquette Elementary. After a few years he became principal at Whitesburg High School until it closed in 1968. When Morristown Hamblen West High opened he took the role as Assistant Principal. He loved his students and the students reciprocated that love by raising enough money to send him and Mrs. Taylor to Hawaii.
Mr. Taylor has been described as a "True Southern Gentlemen", as well as serving as a devoted husband, father, educator, farmer, decorated WWII pilot, and devout Christian.
Jan Haney began her tenure with Hamblen County in 1981. Before her 25 years in Morristown, Mrs. Haney attended Carson Newman and ETSU earning multiple degrees.
Mrs. Haney has coached volleyball, girls' basketball, and track. Her love of running was put on display through her diligent coaching of cross country. Under her influence, Morristown West own its first ever state championship in 1993. Mrs. Haney was named Coach of the Year following the XC title. In the years that followed, the girls' XC team would add 3 more state championships. The boys' XC team became state champions in 2009.
Jan Haney has always tried to give kids encouragement by focusing on Philippines 4:13, "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." Mrs. Haney feels, "... it has been a joy to be involved with the lives of so many young people faculty. God Bless you all! Go Trojans!"
Stan Harrison 2013 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Stan Harrison, a 1970 graduate of Morristown West, earned multiple degrees from the University of Tennessee. His career in education has spanned 40 years.
While at Tennessee Wesleyan, Mr. Harrison was a professor of health, a women's basketball coach, and the head coach of the women's golf team. His basketball teams have won over 600 games, 11 conference championships and made 7 national tournament appearances including 2 Sweet Sixteen finishes. During 6 years coaching golf, his teams won 3 conference titles, a region championship, and made 3 national tournaments. In his coaching Tenure, Mr. Harrison has been named Conference Coach and Region Coach of the Year.In 1996, Mr. Harrison became director of athletics. He won many prestigious awards and chaired multiple NAIA Administrative Councils. In 2009 he was presented with the Charles Morris Award.
As an administrator, he has been VP for Student Affairs, VP for Enrollment Services, and served as Interim President. He is a member of the TN Wesleyan College Hall of Fame.
Ed Miller 2013 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Ed Miller is a 1982 graduate of Morristown West, As student. He was an avid tennis player, earning a scholarship to Carson Newman, and later receiving a law degree from the University of Tennessee.
While at West, Mr. Miller was a letterman, won several awards and was named to the following
Tennis teams: All-Intermountain Conference, All-District, and All-Region. HE served as captain and was chosen team MVP. Over his three year career, the team had a 51 match winning streak. Opting out his senior year. Mr. Miller began competing at Carson Newman mid-season.
As a collegian, he was a letterman, All Conference in Volunteer State, All District 24, Academic Award winner. 1984 recipient of The International Tennis Coaches Association Scholar Athlete, 1985 MVP, 1985 All-American, and Academic All-American in 84 and 85. He amassed approximately 175 wins.
Mr. Miller's law career has been just as successful as his athletic one. Appointed by Governor Ned McWherter, he became the youngest appointee to the Judicial Branch. He has been elected as Public Defender for the 4th Judicial District, is the longest serving Public Defender in Tennessee, and has served on various committees.
Joan Elizabeth, the daughter of James and Sarah Gose, graduated with honors in 1980 from Morristown West high and received a Mechanical Engineering degree in 1985 from Tennessee Tech University. Over the past 27 Years. Joan has worked as a missile design engineer for the Navy and a Rocket Engineer for the Space Shuttle and other NASA programs. Joan was named lead engineer for the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Nozzle. She later moved tothe Solid Rocket Motor Team.
She has been married for over 26 years to James Trolinger Jr. and has
received 50 NASA awards for her work as a Rocket Engineer at the Marshall Space Flight
center in Huntsville. AL. Joan Gose Trolinger is one of the 1st Rocket
Engineers from Morristown. Her work at Marshall includes supporting missions
to the International Space Station and working on the newest NASA Rocket
Program the Space Launch System.
Honorable Skip Frierson 2014 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Judge Thomas R. "Skip" Frierson, II, currently serves as a Judge of the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Section. He was appointed by Governor Bill Haslam on February 7, 2013 and subsequently elected August 7, 2014. Frierson previously served as Chancellor for the Third Judicial District comprised of Hamblen, Greene, Hawkins, and Hancock Counties. Governor Don Sundquist appointed Frierson as Chancellor in March of 1996. He was subsequently elected in August of 1996 and reelected in August 1998 and August 2006.
Judge Frierson is a past President of the Tennessee Judicial Conference, having served as President from June 2010-June 2011. Frierson currently serves as Chairperson of the Tennessee Judicial Family Institute of the Tennessee Judicial Conference and Secretary for the Tennessee Court of Appeals. He is a former member of the Tennessee Judicial Ethics Committee, having been appointed by the Tennessee Supreme Court. He was also a member of the Tennessee Bar Association Task Force on Judicial Conduct Rules. In January 2007, Frierson was elected a Fellow of the Tennessee Bar Foundation. From 2007 to 2009, Judge Frierson served as President of the Tennessee Trial Judges Association. On August 12, 2000, the American Board of Trial Advocates, Tennessee Chapter, honored him as "Trial Judge of the Year".In 1990, Frierson was elected as Hamblen County General Sessions Court Judge and in such capacity he also served as the Municipal Judge for the City of Morristown.Frierson attended Walters State Community College and graduation Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Tennessee in 1980. Judge Frierson earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee College Of Law in 1983. Prior to his election in 1990, Frierson was in private practice with the law firm Bacon, Dugger, Jessee, and Perkins.
Judge Frierson is married to the former Jane Ann Moore, and they are the parents of their daughter, Reagan Lea and two sons, Parker and Garrett. The Friersons are members of the First United Church of Morristown.
Mr. Brumley Greene 2014 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Brumley T. Greene came to Morristown West High School in 1970 to teach business, typing, and eventually economics. During his 25 years at West, he was usually coaching at least two sports and a couple of years three sports which included head coach of varsity girls basketball, varsity boys golf, and B-Team boys basketball.
He served as a freshman varsity football coach his entire career at West, moving to the solo head position in 1978. During his tenure, he had six undefeated seasons with a 31 game winning streak and a record of 107-28. From 1978-1995, Coach Greene was varsity baseball coach with a record of 253-150-6, which included district championships, Inter-Mountain Conference championships, a sub-state appearance, and a team record of 55 home runs in a season. One of the things of which he was most proud was the number of his athletes whom he helped to receive scholarships to play at the next level.
Coach Greene was always spouting axioms to motivate his students and athletes in the classroom, sports, and life, including "You're burning daylight; Press the kicking game; Pain is only in the mind; Hard work never killed anybody; Get up, you're killing the grass; Life's not about ability, it's about how bad you want it; If you want something, work hard to achieve it; If you want to watch the game, buy a ticket." Coach Greene knew to win in the game of life, you had to give it your all.
As a 1987 graduate, Amy was a basketball standout, lettering in multiple sports: track (3 years), swimming (2 years), volleyball (1 year), and basketball (4 years). Basketball awards included All-Conference, All-District and All-Region, most points and rebounds, MVP of the Regional Tournament and the Winter Sports Banquet. Other awards included Region champs, Sub State appearance, State Honorable Mention and advancement to the State Tournament. Other state appearances for Amy included swimming and track. Her basketball career continued at Walters State and Lincoln Memorial University earning All-Eastern Division, All-State (2 years), and All-Conference.
After graduation, she became the Graduate Assistant to the Women's Basketball team and was selected to be the Head Women's Tennis Coach at LMU. Amy earned her Masters of Education in 1997 and Educational Specialist in Administration and Supervision in 2007 from LMU. She taught and coached on the middle and high school levels. She coached at Bean Station Middle ending with a 22-1 record, clinching the championship. Her coaching continued at Karns High School and Central High School, winning 20 games per season, multiple District and Region runners-up, and a State Tournament appearance. In 2000, she earned Knoxville Interscholastic League (KIL) Coach of the Year and was appointed the Girls Elite Head Basketball Coach for TN, KY, GA, and SC Team. In 2002, she was hired as the first female Athletic Director in Knox County Schools' history. She has continued to follow her parents, Bill and Marcia Carlyle, as an education and coach. She has been an assistant coach at WSCC with her father since 2003.
Amy is married to Chuck James, and they have three children: Molly, Branson, and Colt James. They are members of Grace Baptist Church and enjoy supporting WSCC basketball, lake and beach outings and being with family and friends. She continues to serve at Northwest Middle School as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director with the Knox County Schools.
Sergeant Randy Oler 2014 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Special Operations Sergeant Randall Oler was a "true volunteer from the volunteer state" who made the supreme sacrifice in service to our great nation. He was one of the "quiet professionals" who, as a part of a legendary community of uncommonly skilled and uniquely trained ground, air, and maritime forces, stood ready to meet the challenges faced by our nation.
In 1998, Sgt. Oler founded Operation Toydrop, a small parachute jump to raise toys for underprivileged children in the Fort Bragg area. That small jump has evolved into a national effort that draws paratroopers from all over the world and has become an enormous success. Last year alone, it raised 27,000 toys for the children of Fort Bragg. The one time "small jump" in now known as the Randy Oler Memorial Toydrop.
Sgt. Oler was awarded the Legion of Merit upon his death on April 15, 2004. He is a member of the Special Operations Wall of Honor at Fort Macdill in Tampa, Florida. He is buried in the Arlington National Cemetery.
Mark L. Workman's teaching career spanned 33 years at Morristown West High School. A Career Ladder III teacher and Hamblen County's 2002 Teacher of the Year, he was the Beta Club sponsor and Student Council Sponsor. Under his direction, Beta Club students garnered many state and national academic honors. The Beta Club grew from 12 to over 200 at the time of his retirement in 2007.
The Trojan Nation was created under his direction of the Student Council. Having every student clad in Trojan Nation t-shirt at sporting events was an idea for which he was especially pleased.
Mark was the football stadium announcer for 11 years. His favorite memory was when the Trojans defeated Maryville for the privilege to play in the TSSAA State Championship game.
His most important task was teaching students to appreciate literature, to write with confidence, and to think logically while modeling a strong work ethic.
Coach Holly Cantwell Clark 2015 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
During her tenure at West, Holly Cantwell Clark garnered accolades on and off the golf course. She served as class president for three years, a member of Who's Who, a homecoming court candidate, a SCOPE Leadership participant, East TN High School Player of the Year, TSSAA State Individual and Team Champion, and All-State Golf Team. She also was a member of various clubs and organizations.
Holly was a member of the Lady Vols golf team at the University of Tennessee from 203-2007. As captain, Holly lead her team to the 2006 NCAA Regional Championship and four NCAA Championship appearances; she was an Academic All-American, an All-SEC Academic Honor, and a four year Lady Vol Academic Achiever. She was also a member of the SEC Student Athlete Advisory Committee Team, Vice President of the University of Tennessee SAAC Team, part of the SEC Good Works, on the Dean's List, and was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa.
After receiving her degree and following her golf career at UT, Holly developed and coached Carson Newman's first women's golf team in 2008. The Lady Eagles won the South Atlantic Conference Championship in 2009 and made their NCAA Regional appearance in 2010. During her first year as coach, Holly had an individual compete in the NCAA Region, and she coached a NCCA All-American and an Academic All-American in 2009-2010.
In 2010, Holly joined Vanderbilt University as the assistant women's golf coach. She has helped to guide the Commodores to four NCAA Championship appearances and six consecutive NCAA Regional appearances. As coach at Vanderbilt, Holly has coached 14 All-Academic All-Americans, two First Team All-Americans, a Second Team All-American and SEC Champion, 11 SEC All Conference Players, an SEC Freshman of the Year, an SEC Player of the Year, a NCAA Regional Champion, and became 2014 SEC Champions.
Holly currently resides in Nashville with her husband, Chris, and 2-year-old daughter, Harper, as the Associate Head Women's Golf Coach at Vanderbilt University.
John F. Dugger Jr., the son of the late John F. Dugger and Peggy B. Dugger, was born in Knoxville, TN in 1959 and moved to Morristown in 1961. He attended public schools in Hamblen County and graduated from Morristown West High School in the Class of 1977. During his childhood, he was an avid outdoorsman and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a major in Finance and East Tennessee State University with a Masters in Business Administration. In 1987, he graduated from Sanford University with a Doctor of Jurisprudence and upon passing the bar examination was licensed to practice law in the State of TN as a third generation attorney. He worded as an associate in the law firm of Bacon, Dugger, Jessee and Perkins and accepted hundreds of appointed criminal cases before the state had Public Defenders.
In 1989, he was appointed Assistant District Attorney for the Third Judicial District. He prosecuted thousands of cases in Hamblen, Greene, Hawkins, and Hancock counties until 2000 when he entered private practice as a sole proprietor. In 2006, he was elected Criminal Court Judge for the Third Judicial District and presides over most of the felony cases for Hamblen, Greene, Hawkins, and Hancock counties. In 2014, he was reelected for a second term as Criminal Court Judge. In his career, he has prosecuted, defended, or presided over tens of thousands criminal cases including dozens of murder cases. He is a member of the TN Trial Judges Association, a fellow of the TN Bar Foundation, and has served on the TN Judicial Executive Committee. His is a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Morristown. For the past 15 years, he has spent much of his spare time as a caregiver for his mother.
Dugger has been married to Jean Anne Renner-Dugger for the past 24 years raising St. Bernards for show on their farm in Mohawk where they attend Beulah Baptist Church.Mr. Don McDonald
Mr. Don McDonald 2015 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Don McDonald graduated from William Byrd High School in Roanoke Virginia. He participated in football, basketball, and track. He was co-captain of his football team and was a member of the Roanoke Valley All-Star Team.
After graduation he attended Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg West Virginia. He lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. He had several offers to play football in college. Clemson University, VMI, Concord, VA Tech, just to name a few. Instead of going to college he worked at General Electric in Salem Virginia for a year. Then he attended East Tennessee State where he participated in football and track.
Upon graduation he came to Morristown where he taught drafting and coached football and track. His record breaking track teams won district track meets his last two years. His cross-country team finished third at the state meet.
When Morristown High School was split forming Morristown East and West, Coach McDonald chose West. He was offensive coordinator in football from 1968 to 1979. He coached track and cross-country from 1968 to 1972. He was named Job Placement Coordinator from 1980 to 1987. He accepted an administrative position at Science Hill High School in 1987. He was hired as Assistant Principal, plus Vocational Director and Adult Education Coordinator until his retirement in 1992.
While coaching at West he had West's first two state winners in track and field. Eddie Davis won in discus and David Saylor won the low hurdles with a record setting time of 19.3. His last year coaching track his team won the district and the state indoor champion ship in Chattanooga TN.
In 1972 Mr. McDonald started wood carving as a hobby and later turned it into a business. He has won many awards with his work. He has his work in many homes throughout the U.S., all fifty states and seven foreign countries.
A 1983 graduate of West, Billy Taylor was a 3 time letterman and starting quarterback on the West High football team. Billy was twice named MVP (1981 and '82) and was a two time first team All Inter-Mountain Conference player. Billy was captain of the 1982 team and helped lead West to a 36-5 record during his career. He was also voted All East Tennessee and was a Johnson City Press Elite Eleven selection in 1982. Upon graduation Billy accepted a full scholarship offer to East Tennessee State University. While at ETSU Billy was a four time letter winner and three year starter at the outside linebacker position. He was named Player of the Week by ABC-TV for his play against Virginia Tech in 1986 and finished that season as the team's second leading tackler. In Billy's senior season he was voted team captain and played a major role in ETSU's upset defeat on NC State in 1987.
After graduating from ETSU Billy embarked on a coaching career that has spanned over 25 years in Division 1 NCAA football. As a defensive coordinator Billy has led defenses to the top of their league at three different universities (ETSU '03, UT-Chattanooga '07, and Tennessee Tech in 2011.) In 2011 Billy was the Associative Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator on Tennessee Tech's first Ohio Valley Conference championship football team in 36 years.
In July of 2013 Billy was the first assistant coach hired by ETSU and was named the Defensive Coordinator as ETSU restarted their football program after an 11 year absence.
Billy has always made it a point of pride to try to give back the same opportunity that was made available to him by recruiting East Tennessee high schools at every university that he has worked for. As of 2015 he had signed over 75 young men from our region to athletic scholarships.
Dr. Marta Wilson 2015 Morristown West Hall of Fame
Dr. Marta Wilson is an industrial-organizational psychologist and the CEO of Transformation Systems Inc. (TSI), an executive strategies management systems engineering firm that helps customers work leaner, faster, and smarter. Marta and TSI's multi-disciplinary experts help clients in the public and private sectors boost efficiency, effectiveness, productivity quality, and savings. Marta has dedicated her career to leadership consultancy while serving as board member, author, catalyst coach, mentor, researcher, speaker, trainer, volunteer, and fundraiser.
An internationally acclaimed speaker, Marta energizes leaders and fuels changes with her dynamic programs. She delivers powerful content, actively engages her audience, and brings real world business savvy and credibility. From Washington DC to Scotland to South Africa to Singapore, program attendees leave feeling empowered with clear intention and laser focus on the actions needed to achieve new peaks of performance, and more.
With a passion to share proven strategies that drive client results, Marta has authored several business books including Leaders in Motion, Everybody's Business, Energized Enterprise, and the Transformation Desktop Guide. With Marta at the helm, TSI has received numerous accolades from clients for helping set historic records in speed of DoD acquisition processes and for facilitating large scale technology transitions. TSI has ranked on the Inc. 5000 list for five consecutive years as one of the fastest growing private companies in America. In addition, TSI has received recognition as one of the Washington Business Journal's Best Places to Work, the National Jefferson Award for Public Service, Society for Human Resource Management's Employer All-Star Award for Best Recruitment, Engagement, and Retention Practices, and Virginia's Fantastic 50 Award. Marta has been named as a heroine of Washington by Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association and the March of Dimes and as one of the Washington Business Journal's Top 25 Women Business Leaders in DC.
A board member of the Northern Virginia Technology Council, Easter Seals Serving DC | MD | VA, and the Association for Corporate Growth National Capital Region, Marta is also active in professional organizations such as the Professional Services Council, the National Defense Industrial Association, and the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association. She is a member of the American Red Cross Tiffany Circle and a former board member of the Virginia Network of Nonprofit Organizations and Virginia's US Senate Productivity and Quality Award.
To give back to the community, Marta created and steers TSI's award-winning Feed to Lead Program. Feed to Lead puts corporate responsibility in motion by providing funding and volunteer hours to charities and nourishing leadership potential in those who need a helping hand.
Specializing in leadership effectiveness, Marta holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in industrial and organizational psychology from Virginia Tech and a B.A. in academic psychology from the University of Tennessee.
Alice Adams Lafever was born in Union City, attended school there, and graduated as salutatorian in 1952. She served as Beta Club president, sang in the chorus, and played basketball. During her senior year, two engineers came to her high school math teacher looking for a suggestion of someone who could fill a job as a draftsman. Thanks to her recommendation, Alice got the part-time job. In order to improve her skills, she enrolled in engineering study at UT Martin. She was the first girl to study and receive an associates degree in Engineering from the University.
While working as a draftsman, Alice married Bill Lafever in 1955, and eventually left Union City for Knoxville to work at KUB. The couple then moved to Baltimore and worked for Bendix Radio. When a position opened at Magnavox, Bill moved Alice and their three kids back to Tennessee. Alice continued course work at Carson Newman earning her BA in English, Math, and French. She began her career with Hamblen County teaching French at the new East Ridge and West View middle schools.
Alice attended UT Knoxville at night to earn her Master's Degree in English Education while teaching freshmen English at Morristown West. She would continue studying other graduate courses at night and during summer vacations in order to be the best teacher she could. West High, for a few years had 9-week mini-courses, and Alice taught Mythology, World Literature, Hillbilly Literature, and junior composition. Her last 13 years were spent teaching AP English, with great emphasis on literature and writing. This involved extra time grading papers, and she received support from her family. Former students, having sometimes received college credit from high scores on the final AP tests, have thanked her often for "developing insight", "developing their abilities to think", "to love literature", "to use creativity", and "to make learning fun." Many of them are now English teachers in high schools and colleges. Alice taught AP Literature and Composition for 13 years, and she would often travel to various AP seminars and workshops to gain experience. She received additional education from Oglethorpe University, American University, and Breadloaf School of English. She instituted after-school tutoring classes for any students interested in practicing taking timed tests for improving ACT and SAT scores.
Becoming involved in acting in 1984, and Alice has been in more than 60 plays with 8 different theaters. She used acting abilities in class to make literature "more interesting and alive and enjoyable." She often dressed in costume to encourage student interest and learning.
In her free time, Alice Adams Lafever acts in plays and commercials, travels to other countries with her oldest daughter, Alicia, reads voraciously, listens to her son, David, play drums, visits her youngest daughter Wendy in Nashville, and plays with her two grandsons, Max and Alex.
Eddie 'Stretch' Davis 2016 Morristown West Hich School Hall of Fame
A 1972 graduate of Morristown West, Eddie 'Stretch' Davis dominated the hardwood scoring 2,020 points with a career average of 20.2 points per game. He had over 1500 rebounds and scored 30 plus points in at least 11 games. In his best game in 1971, he scored 38 points and made 32 rebounds helping West defeat Sevier County 78-56. As a senior, his scoring average was 24.1, making him one of the top 10 basketball players in the state of Tennessee. Davis was showered with numerous accolades, such as: All-South Orlando, All-State, All-East Tennessee, All-Region, and All-Tournament.
On the track team, Davis was named All-State, won 3rd in the state in shot put, 1st place Region One and District Two in discuss, and 2nd place in Region One and 1st place District Two in shot put. In 1972, Davis scored all 9 points for West at the state track meet. He became the first Trojan to post a 1st place by winning the discuss at 156 feet, 9 inches.
While at Pensacola Junior College (1972-1974), Davis averaged 20 points and 14 rebounds per game. He was selected All-Conference, All-State Florida Junior College, Honorable Mention All-American, Conference MVP in 1974, and WBOP Pensacola Player of the Year. At the University of South Florida (1976-1978), Davis's two year career scoring average names him 4th in team history, while his two year rebounding average names him 5th in team history. He was the only player in USF history to be in the top six all-time leading scoring and rebounding average. He has been awarded the St. Petersburg Sun-Times All-Tournament, Honorable Mention Pizza Hut Classic, the Bill Gibson team MVP, and Honorable Mention Basketball Weekly All Deep South Team. As a student, Davis was asked to play professionally overseas and to play for the Harlem Globetrotters traveling team. In seven years of high school and college ball, Davis's teams won 75% of their games.
Earning a degree in Social and Behavioral Science, Davis has worked as a fraud investigator and was the head basketball coach at Morristown College (1980-1981). He currently works for the TN Dept of Commerce and Insurance in Nashville, and is married to his childhood sweetheart, Felipa. They have 5 grandchildren.
2016 Morristown West Hich School Hall of FameA 1972 graduate of Morristown West, Eddie 'Stretch' Davis dominated the hardwood scoring 2,020 points with a career average of 20.2 points per game. He had over 1500 rebounds and scored 30 plus points in at least 11 games. In his best game in 1971, he scored 38 points and made 32 rebounds helping West defeat Sevier County 78-56. As a senior, his scoring average was 24.1, making him one of the top 10 basketball players in the state of Tennessee. Davis was showered with numerous accolades, such as: All-South Orlando, All-State, All-East Tennessee, All-Region, and All-Tournament.
On the track team, Davis was named All-State, won 3rd in the state in shot put, 1st place Region One and District Two in discuss, and 2nd place in Region One and 1st place District Two in shot put. In 1972, Davis scored all 9 points for West at the state track meet. He became the first Trojan to post a 1st place by winning the discuss at 156 feet, 9 inches.
While at Pensacola Junior College (1972-1974), Davis averaged 20 points and 14 rebounds per game. He was selected All-Conference, All-State Florida Junior College, Honorable Mention All-American, Conference MVP in 1974, and WBOP Pensacola Player of the Year. At the University of South Florida (1976-1978), Davis's two year career scoring average names him 4th in team history, while his two year rebounding average names him 5th in team history. He was the only player in USF history to be in the top six all-time leading scoring and rebounding average. He has been awarded the St. Petersburg Sun-Times All-Tournament, Honorable Mention Pizza Hut Classic, the Bill Gibson team MVP, and Honorable Mention Basketball Weekly All Deep South Team. As a student, Davis was asked to play professionally overseas and to play for the Harlem Globetrotters traveling team. In seven years of high school and college ball, Davis's teams won 75% of their games.
Earning a degree in Social and Behavioral Science, Davis has worked as a fraud investigator and was the head basketball coach at Morristown College (1980-1981). He currently works for the TN Dept of Commerce and Insurance in Nashville, and is married to his childhood sweetheart, Felipa. They have 5 grandchildren.
Parker "P.J." Smith, a 1994 Morristown West graduate, excelled on the golf team, earning All-State honors in 1992 and 1993, as well as winning the TSSAA High School Golf Championship in 1993. As a student, P.J. graduated with 2nd Honors, was selected as a member of Who's Who, and participated in various clubs and organizations.
Following graduation, P.J. earned a golf scholarship and played for the LSU Tigers from 1994-1998. His collegiate career at LSU included being named NCAA All-America (1997), 1st team All-SEC (1997), and 2nd team All-SEC (1998). Known for his consistent play, P.J. racked up the second most top 20 finishes in school history right behind the 2001 PGA Champion, David Toms. Upon graduating LSU with a degree in Finance in 1998, P.J. turned professional to chase a lifelong dream of playing on the PGA Tour.
In 2000, P.J. entered the business world as a Financial Advisor with A.G. Edwards in Morristown. He currently resides as the Branch Manager of Wells Fargo Advisors, has earned the highest title of Managing Director of Investments, and has also been named a Premier Advisor by Wells Fargo four years running. P.J. is married to West graduate Kelci Breeding Smith and lives in Morristown raising two future Trojans, Greyson and Sutton.
Bill Gregg 2016 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
A native of New Jersey, William 'Bill' Gregg's lifetime love of sports began at Parker High School where he lettered in both football and track receiving a scholarship to Lees-McRae. Gregg later transferred and graduated from Elon College earning his teaching degree.
He began his teaching and coaching career at Bethany High School in NC where he taught algebra and chemistry as well as coached the girl's basketball team. Gregg then spent the next four years at North Forsyth High School teaching chemistry and biology while becoming assistant football coach and starting the track program. At Boone High School, Gregg was the assistant football coach where his team won the NC State Championship two years running. During the next eight years, Gregg would continue teaching math and dominating the athletic playing fields. Several of his athletes earned scholarships to play in college, such as All-American Robert Matheson, who went on to Duke.
In 1970, Gregg joined the staff at Morristown West. He spent 25 years at West, becoming the head of the math department and coaching freshman football, golf, and tennis. During his time coaching freshman football alongside Coach Greene, the team had only one losing season. As tennis coach, his teams won Conference every year for 12 years. Nine of Gregg's tennis athletes qualified for scholarships and 2 have become Club Professionals.
Gregg now lives in Greenwood, SC. He has served on the board of the Shriner's Hospital for numerous years, he and remains in contact with former athletes and coaches. "In my 25 years at West High School, I thoroughly enjoyed the coaching staff: Buddy Saulsbury, Don McDonald, Raymond Williams, Ronald Johnson, and Brumley Greene, and the professionalism of the administrators and my colleagues of the teaching staff. I feel very fortunate to have influenced several students who chose to go into teaching and coaching professions. This means a lot to me."
Chuck Proffitt, a 198_ graduate, excelled on the playing fields and courts of Morristown West participating in football, track, and basketball. Chuck collected numerous accolades during his athletic tenure: Super 24 All East Tennessee (1988), 1st Team AP All State Defensive Back (1988), IMAC Defensive Player of the Year (1988), IMAC 1st Team All Conference (1987, 1988), Regional High Jump Champion (1989), and the Sir Thomas J. Lipton Sportsmanship Award (1988). Chuck was a varsity basketball player for three years. Upon graduation, he continued his athletic success at Carson Newman.
While attending Carson Newman, Check was a standout on the football field. He was named SAC Freshman of the Year (1989), SAC All Conference Team (1990 - 1992), Honorable Mention All American (1991), 1st Team All American (1992), NAIA National Champions (1989), Semi-Final Defensive Player of the Game, selected to the Football Team of The Century, and tied for the Most Interception Record with 25 interceptions.
After graduation his involvement with football did not end; Chuck began his coaching career. He has been fortunate coaching at the 2006 North Carolina Shine Bowl and finishing as runner-up at the NC 4A State Championship in 2011 at Garner Magnet High School. Past and current coaching duties include: Tusculum College defensive back coach; Morristown West Assistant Football defensive back coach, Freshman Head Coach, and Assistant Boy's Track Coach; Fuquay-Varina Defensive Back Coach; and Garner Magnet defensive back coach, defensive coordinator, and Head Boy's Golf Coach.
Chuck is married to Andrea Proffitt, and they have two kids, Saniah and Jace.David Saulsbury, the son of James "Buddy" Saulsbury and the late Sarah Saulsbury graduated from Morristown West in 1978. While at West he was a member of the football team and achieved first-team all-conference honors his senior year. He graduated with First Honors and served as President of the Student Council. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering and Western Governors University with a Master's Degree in Business Administration.
David Saulsbury 2017 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
David worked as an Environmental Engineer with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and then Mead Paper Company. For the past twenty-five years, he has worked for Eastman Chemical Company holding several roles in the Health, Safety, Environment and Security (HSES) area: Director Corporate HSES Technical Services, Director Global Health, Safety, Security and Site HSES Services, Director Global HSES Strategy and Security, and currently, Public Policy and Emerging Issues Director. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Tennessee and a member of the Chi Epsilon Civil Engineering Honor Society. He is also a member of the International Council of Chemical Association's Responsible Care Leadership Group, the American Chemistry Council's Responsible Care Committee, and the National Association of EHS Managers. David is actively involved in environmental and climate issues.
David is married to Deborah Leach Saulsbury (also a graduate of Morristown West), currently resides in Jonesborough, Tennessee, and they are blessed with nine children. He serves as an elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Kingsport and is on the board of the Church Mobilization Network of Sullivan and Hawkins Counties. He and Debbie are active supporters of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. He also serves as a mentor in the Tennessee Promise program.
David is thankful for the encouragement and support of the faculty and staff at West and their commitment to young people.David Saulsbury, the son of James "Buddy" Saulsbury and the late Sarah Saulsbury graduated from Morristown West in 1978. While at West he was a member of the football team and achieved first-team all-conference honors his senior year. He graduated with First Honors and served as President of the Student Council. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering and Western Governors University with a Master's Degree in Business Administration.
David worked as an Environmental Engineer with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and then Mead Paper Company. For the past twenty-five years, he has worked for Eastman Chemical Company holding several roles in the Health, Safety, Environment and Security (HSES) area: Director Corporate HSES Technical Services, Director Global Health, Safety, Security and Site HSES Services, Director Global HSES Strategy and Security, and currently, Public Policy and Emerging Issues Director. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Tennessee and a member of the Chi Epsilon Civil Engineering Honor Society. He is also a member of the International Council of Chemical Association's Responsible Care Leadership Group, the American Chemistry Council's Responsible Care Committee, and the National Association of EHS Managers. David is actively involved in environmental and climate issues
A 1986 graduate, John Caylor made a name for himself on the basketball court being named an East TN Player of the Year by the Knoxville News-Sentinel, earning district and region MVP honors, becoming a two time all-state and all-conference selection, and lettering in basketball four times. John is an Honorable Mention All-American in track tying the Tennessee Prep High Jump record at the state meet with a 6-10 performance. After graduation, he signed a national letter of intent attending Auburn University.
While at Auburn, John scored a modest 10 points and made 8 rebounds per game, but will forever be known for hitting two of the biggest shots in Auburn's history. On January 9th, 1988, at Rupp Arena, John hit a 3-pointer with 10 seconds left lifting Auburn to a 53-52 victory over the top ranked Kentucky Wildcats. Then on March 9th, 1990, at the SEC Tournament in Florida, he hit another 3-pointer as time expired to beat 16th ranked LSU 78-76. As a sophomore he made headlines for his play in the NCAA Southeast Regional scoring 14 points and pulling down 9 rebounds against Oklahoma earning him CBS Chevrolet player of the game. John graduated in 1991 with a degree in Marketing Education with a teaching certificate. After college he played a year with Marathon Oil, a semi-pro team playing college teams for exhibition games.
For the past 21 years, John has been employed as a sales manager for Alabama Crown. John has two kids Megan (24) and Chance (22); and his mother Leslie Caylor Hodges and step-father Steve Hodges, along with brothers James and Mark still reside in Morristown. John remains in the Auburn area with his girlfriend Karen.
Mendy McMurtry Moseley 2017 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
As a 1989 2nd honors graduate, Mendy, an active member of the scholastic and community of West High served as Student Counsel VP, was chosen for Who's Who and the homecoming court. Mendy was also a 4-sport letterman in tennis, basketball, volleyball and swimming. She participated in 1985 state swim meet and was Co-Captain and a starting member of the 1988-89 basketball team advancing to the State Tournament Final Eight. In tennis, she was named All-Conference three times and named Captain and Most Valuable Player. In District championships, she placed 3rd in 1986, 2nd in 1988, and 1st place in 1989, advancing to Sub-State play.
Her tennis career led to the University of Akron where she was 4-year letterman and captain, graduating with a BS in Accounting. She held the record of 83 singles wins and combined double/singles in a single season (54) for 18 years until 2009. She currently ranks 2nd all-time in career singles wins at 83 and total doubles/singles at 163. She helped her teams to 2nd place finishes in the NorthStar Conference Championships three times. She received the Co-Sportsmanship Award in 1990-91 and the Most Improved Award in 1992-93. After graduation in 1993, Mendy joined the United States Professional Teaching Association (USPTA).
Mendy continued her education receiving her MS degree in 1995 from The University of Tennessee in Sports Administration where she served as staff member for the 1995 NCAA Track & Field Championships. After graduation, she pursued a career in sports being employed by some of the following industry leaders: The Vol Network, NBA Hoop-It-Up, The Dallas Mavericks, Wilson Sporting Goods, Under Armour and SanMar, Inc.
In 2002, Mendy pursued a professional career playing for one season and being named Captain of the Dallas Diamonds, the first ever women's professional football league team in Dallas. Mendy was named the first female Senior Manager for the Team Sports Division of Under Armour in 2014. In 2017, she joined the industry apparel giant, SanMar, Inc. as a Strategic Sporting Goods Territory Manager and is a current member of the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA).
Mendy resides in Knoxville, TN with her husband Brad and their 14-year old son Royal. She serves locally as a volunteer Board President for Girls Inc. of Knoxville, is a Co-Host for Cirrus Insight sales podcasts and an active contributor to West High Athletics.
Bryan Edward Burns grew up in Morristown, TN, and attended Morristown Hamblen High School West from 1978-1981. During his time as a Trojan, Bryan excelled as both an athlete and a scholar. His talent on the football field as a Free Safety earned recognition on conference, district and state levels. In 1980, Bryan earned several impressive football awards. He was Citizen Tribune's Player of the Year, Knoxville Journal's East TN Player of the Week, an All-State Free Safety, an AP All-State Player, 1st team Associated Press All State team. He was also induced into the Morristown Parks and Rec Hall of Fame. Bryan was named as one of TN's top football prospects for 1980.
As a member of the track team, Bryan ran the mile and the two mile relay. He lettered all four years and was the Inter Mountain conference's 880 champ for two years in a row. He was voted most valuable player of the 1980 track team.
Bryan also excelled in the classroom and as a student leader. He was a member of the Beta club, an FCA officer, in the top 10% of West High's Who's Who, and scored a perfect 36 on the ACT.
Bryan was heavily recruited by several colleges: UT, Georgia, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss and Arkansas were among the schools competing for Bryan. Bryan chose Furman University. His football talent and academic prowess combined earned him a full ride scholarship. Just as he did in high school, Bryan excelled at Furman. He played varsity football, earning the Scholar-Athlete Award for the student maintaining the highest GPA while playing varsity sports. Bryan was one of the first 41 students selected for membership in Furman's chapter of Phi Eta Sigma National College Scholastic Honor Society for freshman. He was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a member of the Alpha Epsilon Delta Premedical Honor Society, and a Biology research assistant.
Tragically, Bryan's life was cut short in 1984, when he passed away after a car accident. Bryan's legacy lived on. Furman awarded him a posthumous honorary degree in 1987. Furman's Scholar Athlete award was re-named the Bryan E Burns Academic Award in his memory.
Family, friends and classmates remember Bryan fondly, and we're pleased to celebrate his memory today.
Dale Chrisman 2018 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Dale Chrisman graduated from Carson Newman College, where he played football and wrestled for four years. He was a four-year starter in football and received many accolades during his senior year: Team Captain, Most Valuable Player, Coach's Trophy and All-Area Small College Player of the Year.
Coach Chrisman began his teaching/coaching career at Morristown High School, assisting Rex Dockery when the football team won the State Championship in 1969. He later took a position at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga as an assistant football coach and head wrestling coach. After two years, he was promoted to head football coach. After two years as Notre Dame head coach, Coach Chrisman was hired as head football coach at Cocke County High School. He remained there for four years, winning the District Championship three times and the Regional Championship twice.
Morristown West came calling, and Coach Chrisman accepted the head football coaching position. In his second season at West, the football team advanced to the TSSAA State Football Playoffs for the first time in school history. He coached the Trojans for 18 years. During his tenure, his teams enjoyed many winning seasons, and Coach Chrisman stressed the personal satisfaction that he received from coaching several outstanding athletes during his years at West.
Coach Chrisman stated that his greatest reward in coaching was to see approximately 50 of his football players play at the college level. Three of those players went on to successful NFL careers. His greatest hope is that his character represented Jesus Christ to all his players.
Dwayne Matthews is a 1977 graduate of Morristown Hamblen West High School. He participated in football, basketball, and track earning letters in all three sports from his sophomore through his senior year.
Dwayne's honors in football include being MVP and All-IMAC. He also excelled in track where he was a member of the mile relay team, setting a school record that stood for many years with a time of 3:26. Dwayne was named to Morristown West's Who's Who in 1977.
After graduation Dwayne continued his football career at East Tennessee State University where he played two seasons from 1977-1979, lettering both years as a defensive back. In the fall of 1980, Dwayne transferred to Carson Newman College to play for coach Ken Sparks.
After college graduation, Dwayne embarked on a career in the automotive business that has spanned more than 35 years. He currently works for Dana Incorporated, a Fortune 500 Company. Dwayne is President of the Power Technologies business unit, overseeing $1.2B in sales and ~5,000 people in 11 countries.
Dwayne lives with his wife Kim (Leach) in Paris, Tennessee. They have two daughters, Amanda and Katie. He is an active member in his community where he is a member of the First Baptist Church and has been a Lion's Club member for over 20 years.
Warren Gooch 2018 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Warren Gooch is a native of White Pine, Tennessee, and a 1970 graduate of Morristown West. He was senior class president; a letterman in three sports; an honor student; Boy's State Representative; and a member of "Who's Who" of Morristown West. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee, and his Doctor of
Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1977. He served as a Captain in the United States Air Force Reserves. He is a partner in the law firm of Kramer Rayson LLP, where he has practiced law since 1977. For many years, he has been recognized as one of the leading healthcare and administrative law attorneys in Tennessee. He is a Fellow of the Tennessee Bar Foundation and Knoxville Bar Foundation. He has served on the boards of numerous civic and charitable organizations and coached youth baseball for several years.
Warren and his wife, Judy Tarr Gooch, have lived in Oak Ridge since 1993. They are members of First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge. The Gooch Family includes son, Ryan, his wife, Katie, and their sons, Owen and Hayes; son, Matt, his wife, Deanna, their daughter, Haleigh Rae, and son, Jackson. Warren, Ryan, and Matt are Eagle Scouts.
In 2014, he was elected 10th Mayor of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Mayor Gooch regularly refers to Oak Ridge as, "The City Where Great Things Happen Every Day."
Dr. Brenda Dean 2019 Morristown West High School Hall of FameBrenda Dean is a native of Memphis, TN. Through a National Science Foundation Grant, she was one of 40 high school seniors from across the nation to be selected to work at the Houston Manned Space Center the summer before the first lunar landing. Her education includes a BS in Biology from TN Tech, a Master's degree in Curriculum from UT Knoxville and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from East TN State University.
Dr. Dean was employed by Hamblen County Schools for 45 years. During that time, she worked as a Biology and Chemistry teacher at West High, an Assistant Principle at East High, and as the Assistant Director of Schools for Curriculum and Instruction. As Assistant Director of Schools, Dr. Dean wrote more than $22 million in school improvement grants. Dr. Dean led the 1:1 computer initiative to provide a laptop to each Hamblen County school student.
She is currently an Assistant Professor at Carson-Newman University, where she works in the Doctoral program, training future administrators. She has worked with the Southern Regional Education Board as a National Master Trainer for 20 years, training administrators and school leaders on Assessment and Instruction and Root Cause Analysis. She is a national presenter on educational topics and has served numerous state initiatives and task forces.
Major David Lucas Helton 2019 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Major David Lucas Helton, a 1990 graduate of Morristown West High School. At West, he earned 16 varsity letters and was a member of National Honor Society, Choir, FCA and sports Editor of the local newspaper. He was a TN state qualifier in both track and cross country, All-Inter Mountain Conference three times, and a member of the first West team to quality for the sate cross country meet. He was named Army Reserves West High Male Athlete of the Year in 1990.
Major Helton enlisted in the Air Force in 1992 as an F-16 Weapons Specialist. During his 12 years of enlisted service, he deployed to the countries of Oman and Jordan in support Operation Southern Watch. While at Aviano Air Base in Italy, he loaded the AIM-120 missile used to record the only air-to-air kill of Operation Allied Force.
Major Helton earned his officer commission as a Distinguished Graduate of the Air Force Officer Training School in 2004. As a Space Control Crew Commander, he earned both Crew and Instructor Excellence Awards, and the 2007 Instructor of the Year for the 21st Space Wing. He has earned the distinction of being an Air Force Master Instructor, amassing more than 5200 hours taught. He earned 34 medals and decorations during his career, including the Meritorious Service Award. Major Helton retired from the United States Air Force in July 2019 after more than 27 years of active service.
William "Chris" Osborne 2019 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
William "Chris" Osborne graduated from West High in 1990. He was a member of Trojan band, Freshman & JV Basketball Teams and Varsity Track Team. Chris was also the first African American on-air personality at radio station WCRK.
Chris graduated from Tennessee State University with a BS in Communication and Minor in Pre-Law. He was a member of TSU's Track Team. Chris worked almost 20 years in radio and TV. He then joined the national spokesperson team of the American Red Cross. After a stint as host of National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" in Birmingham, Chris is now the Public Relations Manager for the Jefferson. County Department of Health.
In 2004, Chris suffered the amputation of his left leg above the knee following a hit-and-run accident while riding his motorcycle. Chris was an on-air anchor when the accident occurred, making his recovery a public experience. Chris attributes his speedy rehab and "can-do" outlook to his faith in God, family, and a strong support system of friends. "I never ask God why, but just try to follow his plan for my life," said Osborne. In 2010, Chris joined the National Amputee Golf Association (NAGA). He has been a member of three International Cup Match Play teams and remains undefeated in match play. He was the first African American to ascend to the NAGA Board and the first to host a NAGA Championship in 2015 in Birmingham, which holds significant meaning in terms of the Civil Rights Movement. Chris is the current Above Knee Amputee Paralongdrive record holder in the 40+ division.
Captain Steve Allen Seal graduated from West High School in 1972, as a member of the first class to complete all four years at West. During high school, Steve earned three letters in football and one in wrestling. As a senior, he was one of West's first five students to sign a college athletic commitment.
Steve was sworn in at the US Naval Academy with the class of 1977. After graduation, he was designated a Naval Aviator, earning his Wings of Gold" in 1978. After a multitude of overseas deployments, Captain Seal became an Instructor Pilot. In 1990, he reported to Washington, DC as a Congressional Liaison Officer. In 1992, Captain Seal was selected for command of Patrol Squadron 24. During his command, the Squadron won the Battle E. Award" in 1994 as best squadron in the Atlantic Fleet.
Captain Seal then reported to Patrol Wing Eleven as Chief of Staff for five squadrons, representing 1,500 men and women. He next reported back to Annapolis as the Deputy Director of Admissions for the US Naval Academy. While at the Naval Academy, he was selected to be the football team's Officer Representative.
During his career, he was awarded four Meritorious Service Medals and one Joint Service Meritorious Medal. Captain Seal retired from active duty in 2000. Since then, he has enjoyed teaching and coaching at various high schools.
Rod Walker 2019 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Rod Walker is a 1989 graduate of West High. While at West, he was a baseball and football standout. In only 106 baseball games, Rod set conference, state and national records by hitting 54 home runs. In 2019, he still ranks 2nd in the state and 13th nationally in career home runs. Rod was also a 3-time All IMAC punter and was selected as tight-end on the West High Greatest Football Team of All-Time.
After high school, Rod signed a scholarship to play football at East TN State University. He was also drafted by the Oakland A's. Rod chose the baseball path and enrolled in Cleveland State Community College. As a freshman, he led the team to the TJCCAA State and District
Championships. He continued his college career at East TN State University. Rod was twice named All Southern Conference. His 127 career RBI's were a school record. Rod blasted 49 home runs in this college career and was named a Gatorade Strength and Conditioning All American in 1992, one of only 2 baseball players to be selected. At the end of this final season, Rod was the all-time leader in career home runs with 40, while only playing three seasons at East TN state.
Rod currently owns RFR Promotions, LLC, and works with school, athletic teams and other organizations in capital and fundraising initiatives.
Suzanne Cox 2022 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Suzanne Cox, a 1986 graduate of Morristown West High School, is a native and lifelong resident of Hamblen County and
the President of Tennessee College of Applied Technology. After graduating from West High, she earned her post-
graduate degree in Educational Leadership from Tennessee State University. Her time at TCAT has given Ms. Cox first-
hand knowledge of the importance of technical education and the value of professional training. The value and reward
of careers in a technical field was taught to Ms. Cox by her father, a skilled auto repair technician who owned and
operated his own business for over 20 years. Ms. Cox is a firm believer in giving back to the community and encourages
students and employees to be active in community service efforts. She has served as a mentor with Tennessee
Achieves, completed both the Leadership Morristown program and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission
Leadership Fellows Programs and served on the Academic Affairs sub-council for the Tennessee Board of Regents. She
currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce, the Business Affairs Sub-
Council for Tennessee Board of Regents, and numerous other teams and committees. She is committed to the
widespread growth of technical education, student success, and community and workforce development. She has been
married to her husband Dan for 33 years. They have two adult daughters, Brooke Banks and Bailey Mery, along with
two grandchildren, Jase and Addy Sue. She enjoys spending time with her family and finds tremendous joy in every
moment spent with her two grandchildren.
John Litz 2022 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
John Litz, a 1979 graduate of Morristown West High School, has deep roots in Hamblen County. A 4 th -generation farmer,
he was raised on the farm that he and his wife Kathy now share. Its operation currently includes 3,000 acres of corn,
soybeans, turf grass and a vineyard. At Morristown West High School, John excelled in vocational agriculture, which
helped cement his future role as a farmer and community leader. After graduating from the University of Tennessee,
Knoxville, John was an owner/manager of a 2,500+ head feed lot operation, in charge of animal health and assisting in
row crop management. John also graduated from the University of Kentucky’s two-year leadership development
program. John was selected as Lancaster Sunbelt Farmer of the Year for the state of Tennessee. He has received
numerous awards that include Hamblen County Farm Family of the Year and Hamblen County Agribusiness Person of the
Year. He currently serves on the UT Agricultural Regional Advisory Committee and is a member of the BPOE (Elks Club),
Hamblen County Democratic Party, numerous local and statewide Farm Bureau committees, and attends All Saints
Episcopal Church. John served as Vice-Chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party and was a member of the Tennessee
State Democratic Executive Committee. John also served four terms in the Tennessee House of Representatives, where
he sat on the Agriculture Committee, State and Local Government Committee, Elections sub-committee and was an
officer as a freshman on the Calendar and Rules Committee. In 2022, President Joe Biden appointed John a Farm
Service Agency State Executive Director. John is responsible for day-to-day operations of 59 county offices and 250
employees. John and his wife Kathy enjoy traveling and spending time with friends both in Morristown and in Nashville.
Frank McGuffin 2022 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Frank McGuffin is a 1982 graduate of Morristown West High School. He lettered in swim and tennis all four years at
West and was part of an All-Conference swim team during these years. Frank was also involved with the Interact Club,
serving as President during his senior year. Frank attended the University of Tennessee before returning to Morristown
to work in his family’s business. Frank and his family have owned numerous businesses, including McGuffin Lumber, Tidi
Waste, McGuffin Partners, Quality Waste and Chuck’s Package Store. Frank’s contributions to the Morristown
community are extensive. He served on the Morristown City Council for eight years and was selected the 2004
Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman. Frank currently serves on the Planning Commission, Airport
Commission, Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce Board, and the Executive Committee for the Walters State
Foundation Board of Trustees. Frank’s community involvement extends beyond the business community. He has served
on many non-profit boards, including MATS, Humane Society, and SunTrust Advisory Committee. He was a founding
member of Encore Theatrical Company and served as President of the Board at All Saints Episcopal School. He is
currently serving on the Boys and Girls Club Board and the Boys and Girls Club Foundation Board. Frank’s financial
contributions spread across multiple organizations including The Trojan Army, Boys and Girls Club, MATS, Food on Foot,
United Way, Serenity House, ALPS, WSCC, Morristown-Hamblen Hospital Foundation, Kingswood Home for Children and
YoungLife. Frank and his wife Whitney have two daughters, Addison and Harper, who are now West Trojans.
Michael "Mike" Abbott Jr. 2022 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Michael “Mike” Abbott Jr. graduated from Morristown West High School in 1996. He was a nationally ranked member of
the Forensics/Speech/Debate team under Coach Suzanne Terry and appeared in countless local theatre productions. As
a sophomore he attended the Tennessee Governors School for the Arts in Drama. He was “The Voice” of Trojan
basketball in his junior and senior years. Mike attended the prestigious North Carolina School of the Arts conservatory
acting program and graduated with a BFA in Drama in 2000. Mike moved to New York City and became a member of
John Houseman’s Tony Award-winning Acting Company. He has appeared in numerous stage productions in New York
City and in productions across all 50 states. Mike has performed in many of the nation’s most prestigious theaters,
including The Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Mike’s feature film debut came in 2007 in the critically acclaimed
Shotgun Stories. He has since appeared in a myriad of roles as an award-winning actor, writer, producer and director,
working with such names as Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese. He is a
member of the Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and the Actors Equity
Association. Mike uses his skills to serve communities far outside the entertainment industry. Following the devastating
2010 earthquake in Haiti, Mike co-founded the non-profit organization ONE-TRUCK.ORG to bring long-term sustainable
housing and water filtration systems to the most decimated areas of the country. Closer to home, The Appalachian
Community Fund of America honored Mike with a national award for his steadfast commitment to working for social,
economic, racial and environmental justice in central Appalachia. Mike’s loyalty to Morristown continues to this day as
he works on behalf of disabled youth to secure funding for wheelchair accessible vehicles and ongoing medical
expenses.
Dr. Ashley Campbell Lindley 2022 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Dr. Ashley Campbell Lindley graduated from Morristown West High School in 2004. Her time at West revolved around
her studies, playing the flute in band, the scholars bowl team and Beta Club. She was an active member of First
Presbyterian Church of Morristown, participating in the music program and youth group. After graduation, she attended
the University of Alabama at Huntsville. While at Alabama, she pledged Delta Zeta Sorority and her sorority sisters
became her friends for life. She continued her service as an Alumna Collegiate Chapter Delegate and was recognized by
Delta Zeta’s “35 Under 35” program for her outstanding professional accomplishments. Dr Lindley earned her
undergraduate, Masters and Doctoral degrees in Physics. After earning her doctorate in Astrophysics, Dr Lindley worked
for the United States Missile Defense Agency. Later, she worked for Northrop-Grumman Corporation, working on
national defense systems. Dr Lindley was considered a Radar subject matter expert and the only Radar Analyst on the
Hypersonics National Team. She was recognized several times for her career in a male-dominated Fortune 500 company
that specialized in fighting the war on terror and making this country safe from foreign missile threats. Dr Lindley was a
member of Grace Presbyterian Church of Madison, Alabama, as well as Rotary International, the Huntsville Symphony
Orchestra Guild, the North Alabama Photographers Guild and the Huntsville Photographic Society. She loved traveling
the world from East Tennessee to Southeast Asia, carrying her camera across the globe in search of another stunning
picture. Dr Lindley passed away in 2019, at the age of 33, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was survived by
her husband, Simon, along with their dachshund, Cooper.
William Hardin 2023 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
A self-admitted less than stellar student, William Hardin was raised in Morristown and joined the Air Force in 1992 following his graduation from Morristown West. He does, however, credit teachers at Morristown West, along with his mother, for instilling a strong work ethic and a desire to serve. His first assignment was to the Equipment Maintenance Squadron in Arizona. During this assignment, he supported operations in Bosnia and Kosovo. In 1996, he was assigned to Ramstein Air Base in Germany and was deployed twice to Africa. In 1999, he was assigned to Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico and immediately began training to become a Pararescueman.
The two year extensive training for pararescueman included cross-training with Navy Seals, Green Berets and Special Forces with medical training in a New York City emergency room. He was then stationed in Las Vegas, where he was deployed to Afghanistan for four tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. For his second tour, he was assigned to protect General Colin Powell for which he received the Humanitarian Service Medal.
During his deployment in February of 2004, his convoy was ambushed by Afghani guerillas and a bomb exploded directly underneath his feet, mangling his leg and shattering his heel. He dragged himself free of the burning vehicle until a medicopter airlifted him to Germany for surgery. He was awarded the Purple Heart after the bomb shattered his leg in this fifth tour.
He was later assigned to bases in Nevada and deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq six times. He participated in rescue efforts in Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and performed local rescues for a total of 125 people saved. He was also the Medical Section, Element, Training & Scheduling NCOICs and Operations Superintendent during this assignment. In 2007, he separated from active duty and joined the Kentucky Air National Guard, and during this period, he deployed twice to Afghanistan. He received campaign medals after his 8 tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also received an Air Medal and Outstanding Unit Awards with Valor with over 20 oak leaf clusters.
In 2011, he was promoted to Master Sergeant and in 2018 to Chief Master Sergeant E9 as Special Tactics Pararescueman. He earned a BAS in Emergency Management from Waldorf University. After 30 years of service and eleven deployments, CMS Hardin retired as the Air National Guard Pararescueman Functional Manager on June 30, 2022.
He has also been inducted in the West Elementary Hall of Fame. He recently was awarded the Legion of Merit for his service. Currently, he is a Full Spectrum Readiness Training and Exercise Planner for the Air Force in Maryland where he lives with his wife of 16 years and their 12 year- old triplets.
Logan Whiteside 2023 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
At West High, Logan Whiteside maintained a spotless academic record and spent four years on
the honor roll. She was selected by her peers as the Class of 2007 Graduation Speaker and
voted “Most Likely to Succeed.” Logan played on the varsity tennis and swim teams. She was
president of the Latin Club and the 7 & 6 Social Club. She was also an elected member of
Student Government and was twice nominated to the Homecoming Court. Logan was an editor
of “The West Side Story.” She was a die-hard Trojan fan and a member of WAOS (Women
Ambassadors of Spirit).
After high school, Logan attended NYU (New York University) where she double majored in
economics and journalism. Upon graduation, she stayed in New York City, working in local
news and doing freelance journalism before taking a full-time job at CNN.
Logan has worked at CNN for 14 years. In that time, she has told countless stories, worked with
top talent at the network, and taken cameras all over the world.
Most of her work has been focused on business and tech news. She has produced interviews
with many top executives including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Warren Buffett. Logan
has been nominated twice for an Emmy for her work covering misinformation. She was also
awarded an EPPY for her coverage of Nigeria’s economy and a Webby for her work on
deepfakes.
Currently, she is a supervising producer for CNN Digital Video, overseeing a talented team of
producers who shoot and edit their own stories for CNN.com and television. Recently, she
traveled to London for King Charles’ coronation.
Logan is forever grateful to her parents, Joe and Joy, for teaching her the value of education
and for always believing in her. She currently lives in Atlanta with her husband, their French
bulldog and corgi.
Bridget Graves 2023 Morristown West High School Hall of Fame
Bridget Michele Graves graduated from Morristown West in 1993 with Honors. She was one of six
graduates to have a 4.0 GPA and was selected as a 1993 Knoxville News Sentinel Academic Achiever.
She was a member of Beta Club and was chosen for Who’s Who. She lettered in volleyball, basketball
and softball.
In volleyball, she was a three time All-IMAC player in 1990, 1991 and 1992; named to the District II AAA
All-Tourney team in 1991 and 1992; selected team MVP in 1991 and 1992; and named best hitter in
1990.
In basketball, she was selected All-IMAC for the 1992-1993 season; named to the 1993 District II AAA All-
Tourney team; named the Coastal Player of the Week in February; received the Trojan Award in 1993;
and was on the 1991-1992 Sub-State basketball team.
In softball, she batted .508 as a sophomore and in 1993, she was named MVP of the Tiny Day Classic
won by West, All-IMAC, All-Northeast Tennessee and was named post-season MVP. The softball team
made it to the Sub-State for three consecutive years.
She received a scholarship to Cumberland College to play basketball and was named to the Mid-South
Academic team. She also played volleyball in 1993, 1994 and 1997. In 1997, she was named NAIA
Academic All-American along with Mid-South Conference All-Tournament, Mid-South Conference
Honorable Mention, NCAA All-Region and NCAA Region All-Tournament.
Other athletic achievements include being a part of the 1993 Morristown Big League Girls State
Champions in fastpitch softball. In 1997, she was named MVP of the USSAA Class E State Tourney as her
team won the state title in slow pitch softball. She was named to the All-Tourney team in 2002. She
played women’s professional football from 2001-2005 in the NWFL/NWFA League. She continues to
play volleyball and recently earned a black belt in karate.
She graduated cum laude with a B. S. in Biology and Public Health and was named to the Dean’s List
numerous times. She was a part of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Society and served as treasurer.
She attended the James H. Quillen College of Medicine at ETSU from 1999-2001 where she received her
M. S. in Biomedical Science with an emphasis in Microbiology. Since 2002, she has worked for the
Department of Surgery as a Research Specialist at the college. Her lab focuses on sepsis and trained
immunity. She has been a part of numerous publications. She also served as an adjunct faculty member
for WSCC in Distance Education for ten years.