THE TENNESSEE TITANS MR. FOOTBALL AWARDS “We’Re Very Thankful to the Tennessee Titans for Their Continued Commitment to High the TENNESSEE TITANS MR

WINTER 2016

The 2015 Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Award Winners pictured on the field at Nissan Stadium in personalized Tennessee Titans jerseys after the awards luncheon.

TENNESSEE SECONDARY SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION HERMITAGE, TENNESSEE TSSAA NEWS ROUTING REPORT 2015 FALL STATE CHAMPIONS TSSAA is proud to recognize the 2015 Fall Sports Champions This routing report is provided to assist principals and athletic directors in ensuring Medium Co-Ed Division II-AA that the TSSAA News is seen by all necessary DANCE Stewarts Creek High School Father Ryan High School school personnel. Junior Varsity Pom Each individual should check the appropriate Collierville High School box after having read the News and pass it on Large Co-Ed to the next individual on the list or return it to Small Varsity Pom Dyer County High School GOLF the athletic administrator. Farragut High School A-AA GIRLS Varsity Game Day Christian Academy of Knoxville q Athletic Director Medium Varsity Pom Cumberland County High School q Girls Tennis Coach AAA GIRLS q Arlington High School Baseball Coach Houston High School q Boys Tennis Coach q Large Varsity Pom CROSS-COUNTRY Girls Basketball Coach A-AA GIRLS DIVISION II-A GIRLS q Girls Track & Field Coach Collierville High School Signal Mountain High School Battle Ground Academy q Boys Basketball Coach q Boys Track & Field Coach Small Varsity Hip Hop q Girls Cross Country Coach Hendersonville High School AAA GIRLS DIVISION II-AA GIRLS q Girls Volleyball Coach Houston High School St. Agnes Academy q Boys Cross Country Coach Medium Varsity Hip Hop q Wrestling Coach Arlington High School DIVISION II-A GIRLS A-AA BOYS q Football Coach Webb School of Knoxville Christian Academy of Knoxville q Cheerleading Coach Large Varsity Hip Hop q Boys Golf Coach q Wilson Central High School DIVISION II-AA GIRLS AAA BOYS Girls Golf Coach Brentwood Academy Brentwood High School q Girls Soccer Coach q Boys Soccer Coach Small Varsity Jazz q Softball Coach Farragut High School A-AA BOYS DIVISION II-A BOYS q Bowling Coach Knoxville Catholic High School St. George’s Independent School Other______Medium Varsity Jazz Father Ryan High School AAA BOYS DIVISION II-AA BOYS Brentwood High School Baylor School Large Varsity Jazz Bearden High School DIVISION II-A BOYS Webb School of Knoxville FOOTBALL Medium Varsity High Kick DIVISION II-A Ooltewah High School DIVISION II-AA BOYS St. George’s Independent School Brentwood Academy DIVISION II-AA CHEERLEADING Brentwood Academy Cheer (Non-Building) GIRLS SOCCER Knoxville Halls High School A-AA CLASS 1A Greeneville High School Nashville Christian School Cheer (Non-Tumbling) Cane Ridge High School AAA CLASS 2A Houston High School Trezevant High School Junior Varsity Arlington High School Division II-A CLASS 3A Evangelical Christian School Alcoa High School Junior Varsity Co-Ed Dyer County High School Division II-AA CLASS 4A Briarcrest Christian School Knoxville Catholic High School Small Varsity Father Ryan High School CLASS 5A GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Independence High School Medium Varsity A Ravenwood High School Goodpasture Christian School CLASS 6A Ravenwood High School Large Varsity AA Centennial High School Sullivan South High School

Super Varsity AAA Collierville High School Brentwood High School

Small Co-Ed Division II-A Blackman High School Webb School of Knoxville 2 TSSAA STAFF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BERNARD CHILDRESS PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DAN BLACK DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS GENE MENEES BRADFORD SPECIAL SCHOOL ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DISTRICT DIRECTOR VICE PRESIDENT - MICHAEL MATTHEW GILLESPIE REYNOLDS ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE FARRAGUT HS, KNOXVILLE DIRECTOR DEXTER WILLIAMS MARK REEVES WEST CARROLL HIGH ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE SCHOOL, ATWOOD DIRECTOR KEITH TURNER RICHARD MCWHIRTER SCIENCE HILL HIGH SCHOOL, ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE JOHNSON CITY WINTER 2016 EDITION DIRECTOR KELVIN MEEKS TRINA MELTON MITCHELL HIGH SCHOOL, ASSISTANT TO THE EXECUTIVE MEMPHIS DIRECTOR MIKE TATUM LAUREN LYNCH LEWIS COUNTY HS, ARTICLES ASSISTANT TO THE EXECUTIVE HOHENWALD DIRECTOR ART CROOK HEATHER CARTER STATION CAMP HIGH SCHOOL, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT GALLATIN 4 What’s Happening NFHS Coach of the Year, TSSAA Hall of Fame, and Technology Update EMILY CROWELL JEFF LUTTRELL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT WATERTOWN HS, WATERTOWN TERRY HILLIER DANNY GILBERT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT SODDY-DAISY HS, SODDY-DAISY 10 A. F. Bridges Awards GAYLE SIMMS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT KENNY SHOLL High Schools are honored for sportsmanship. MCCALLIE SCHOOL, SHONNIE SPEICHER CHATTANOOGA ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT LINDSEY JUDD LYNNE SUTTON GOODPASTURE CHRISTIAN 19 Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Award Winners ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT SCHOOL, MADISON Backs and linemen are honored for their performances on the gridiron. KIM ALLEY KEVIN STARKS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT HARDING ACADEMY, MEMPHIS ALLISON BRYAN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT STEPHEN BARGATZE FEATURES DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES COURTNEY BRUNETZ DIRECTOR OF MARKETING 8 Distinguished Service Recognition BRADLEY LAMBERT TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR A coach, official, contributor, and high school and middle school administrator are recognized for contributions and excellence. 17 BlueCross Basketball Schedules BOARD OF CONTROL Division I and II Boys and Girls championship playoff schedules. PRESIDENT - MIKE REED HAMBLEN WEST HIGH SCHOOL, MORRISTOWN VICE PRESIDENT - JERRY MATHIS 18 Richard McWhirter TULLAHOMA HIGH SCHOOL, TULLAHOMA TMSAA Update & the AD JODY WRIGHT FULTON HIGH SCHOOL, KNOXVILLE Stephen Bargatze TOMMY LAYNE 24 SEQUATCHIE COUNTY HIGH An update on The Right Team SCHOOL, DUNLAP

STEVE CHAUNCY HILLWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, NASHVILLE 25 TRINA MELTON BRYAN TRUE Cheer Coaches’ Conference Info LEWIS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL , HOHENWALD

GREG SCOTT MILAN HIGH SCHOOL, MILAN

RICKY CATLETT JACKSON NORTH SIDE HIGH SCHOOL, JACKSON

GREG MCCULLOUGH MEMPHIS CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL, MEMPHIS DAVID MESKE WEBB SCHOOL OF KNOXVILLE, KNOXVILLE MIKE ROLLER LIPSCOMB ACADEMY, NASHVILLE SCOTT GATLIN JACKSON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, JACKSON 3 WHAT’S HAPPENING NFHS Coaches Association Award Program TSSAA Hall of Fame

We are proud to announce that, again this year, the Board of Control has We are currently in the process of selecting the TSSAA Hall of Fame Class of given TSSAA permission to participate in the NFHS Coaches Association 2016. We will be announcing this year’s inductees during the month of February. Award Program. This program is designed to recognize State Active Coaches The luncheon and induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 9. It of the Year and Sectional Coaches of the Year in each sport sanctioned by the will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Association. Coaches are selected based on their accomplishments the previous Murfreesboro. school year. State and Sectional Coach of the Year winners will receive a certificate from the National Federation recognizing their accomplishments. If you have any questions please contact Heather Carter at 615-889-6740 or Sectional Award winners will also be considered for the NFHS National Coach [email protected] of the Year Award. A National committee will select the National Coaches of the Year and these individuals will receive a plaque from the national office recognizing their accomplishment. Each state is also allowed to nominate REGIONAL RULES MEETINGS one Citation (Coach) nominee. NFHS Citations are presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the NFHS and/or other national GOLF RULES MEETINGS 2016 organizations that have had an impact on high school activities. Nominees for (All Times Local) Contributor of the Year must exemplify the highest standards of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, moral character, and carry the endorsement of their respective Monday, March 21 - 5:30 p.m. state high school association. Memphis, Memphis University School

TSSAA is proud to recognize our award winners for the 2014-15 school year. Tuesday, March 22 - 5:30 p.m. They are as follows: Jackson, Jackson Christian School

2014-15 TSSAA COACHES OF THE YEAR Monday, March 28 - 5:30 p.m. Gray, Daniel Boone High School Boys Sports Girls Sports Football Basketball Tuesday, March 29 - 5:30 p.m. Ricky Woods, Lindy King, Knoxville, Webb School Peabody High School M.L. King High School Basketball Track Wednesday, March 30 - 5:30 p.m. Kendall Dancy, Yusif Sharif, Chattanooga, Notre Dame High School Haywood High School Whitehaven High School Track Volleyball Monday, April 4 - 5:30 p.m. Andrew Reynolds, Kelly Elliott, Nashville, Hillwood High School Pearl Cohn High School Trinity Christian Academy Baseball Softball Tuesday, April 5 - 5:30 p.m. Joe Michalski, Becky Cheatham, Smithville, DeKalb County High School Hardin Valley Academy Forrest High School Soccer Soccer Thursday, April 7 - 5:30 p.m. Giles Cheevers, Jeff Jordan, Lewisburg, Marshall County High School Montgomery Bell Academy Clarksville High School Wrestling Cross Country Ben Nelson, Tony Cosey, Baylor School Christian Academy of Knoxville Cross Country Golf Allen Etheridge, Mary Lou Johns, Oak Ridge High School St. George’s High School Golf Girls Bowling Jonathan Cox, David McGowan, Farragut High School Girls’ Preparatory School Tennis Reedy Toney, Tennessee High School Boys Bowling Tracy Burkhart, Clarksville Academy

4 WHAT’S HAPPENING BRADLEY LAMBERT

TECHNOLOGYTECHNOLOGY UPDATE UPDATE Powerful NewPowerful Portal New Features Portal for Features 2016 for 2016

Communication Communicationis an important part is an of important athletic administration part of athletic and administration the TSSAA Portaland the now TSSAA gives Portal coaches now and administratorsgives new coaches tools to and help administrators them stay in touch. new tools The to additions help them center stay aroundin touch. a newThe areaadditions of the Portal known as centerSport Memberships.around a new area There of arethe fourPortal major known components as Sport Memberships. to the Sport Memberships There are four screen. major components to the Sport Memberships screen.

Classification Information: The school’s classification information is displayed so that school administrators and coaches can see the groups the school belongs to (districts, regions, etc.), sport by sport.

Postseason Tournament Directors: School administrators and coaches must now submit host and tournament director information for their postseason tournaments through the Sport Memberships area of the Portal. This enables any AD or coach to submit the required information with all details becoming immediately visible on the Portal and TSSAA.org. Step-by-step instructions are included below.

Directory of Group Members: For each group (district/region/section), easily print or browse a directory of all member schools. The listing includes each school’s name, location, main office phone number and the names of the athletic director and head coach for the sport. Links to the schools’ directory pages, as well as email links for the athletic director and head coach contacts are also included.

Below the list of schools is an area that provides simple distribution lists for the head coaches and athletic directors shown. The list of addresses can be copied into an email, allowing schools to effortlessly send a message to an entire district or region at once.

Teleconferencing: Each group (district/region/section) has been assigned a phone conference room/code that is reserved for the use of the group when needed. This feature is being made available at no cost to the schools.

Districts and regions can use this feature to conduct a phone conference prior to each tournament, allowing tournament directors to share important logistical information about the tournament and venue with visiting schools and answer any questions prior to the event.

Accessing Sport Memberships Sign into the Portal with the master school account or an individual account that has been assigned a role at a member school. The active school must be shown at the top of the page.

On the main menu, click Sport then choose Memberships. The classification breakdown for each sport will be shown.

Click the blue “Members” button to see the group’s members, distribution lists and teleconference information.

Page 1 of 3 WHAT’S HAPPENING Submitting Postseason Tournament Information To submit postseason tournament information, click on the red “Submit Tournament Info” button under the sport and group. Confirm the correct sport and group is shown, then fill in and submit the form. Every field is required.

If the central site rounds of a tournament are to be held somewhere other than at a member school, choose “Non-member school/location” from the drop-down and type in the name of the venue hosting the event. Provide the tournament director’s contact information and shipping address for receiving packages.

In the last field, labeled “Event Format/Notes,” specify the date of the event. Also elaborate on the format of the tournament, such as if there will be contests played at satellite sites or if there are noteworthy details concerning scheduling or venue information.

If a group of schools decides to not hold a tournament or meet, or will play an entire tournament at satellite sites (district tournaments, commonly) we still must have contact information for an representative to field questions and handle awards. In these cases, select either “No tournament” or “Satellite sites only” from the drop-down and enter the contact information for the group representative.

Once submitted, the tournament information cannot be changed by school personnel. Changes may only be made by the state office. Send updates to [email protected] and include as many details as possible.

How to Teleconference The teleconference system is being made available at no cost to member schools. The access number is a local number to Nashville, so long distance charges may apply depending on your location and rate plan.

The conference system may be used anytime, preseason or postseason, to help facilitate communication between coaches and athletic directors in your area. We recommend that each tournament director hold a teleconference prior to each district/region tournament to share logistical information with participating schools and field questions.

To obtain the access code for a group, click the Members button for the group on your school’s Sport Memberships page. The teleconference system phone number and private access code is shown at the top of the page.

When organizing a conference call, contact all participants and give them the date and time of the call as well as the number to the conference line and access code.

Page 62 of 3 WHAT’S HAPPENING

To use the conference system:

1. Dial the phone number shown on the screen. 2. When prompted, enter the access code followed by the pound key (#). 3. The automated attendant will confirm which conference room you are entering. 4. A chime will sound when you have entered the group call.

Tips and reminders:

● The system is configured as a “party line” with no moderator functions. ● Keep your access code private amongst all participants, do not post or share it publicly. ● Contact participants and give them the date and time of the call as well as the number to the conference line and access code. ● The conference bridge will sound a chime when someone comes into the call. When you hear it, greet the new caller and ask them to introduce themselves. ● Remind participants to mute their phone if they are in a noisy environment and to use the phone handset (not a speakerphone) if they wish to speak. This is especially important the more participants you have.

Page 73 of 3 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE RECOGNITION ADMINISTRATOR - DANNY GILBERT

TSSAA is proud to recognize Danny Gilbert as its Seven years ago, Mr. Gilbert became a secondary school administrator. He was an distinguished service honoree as an administrator. assistant principal and athletic director at Soddy-Daisy and Signal Mountain High Schools for four years and has been the principal of Soddy-Daisy High School for the past three Danny Gilbert is finishing his 35th year as an years. His dedication and loyalty to the educational systems and coaching profession educator, coach, and mentor. He will be retiring at the speaks volumes for the many young student-athletes Danny has helped over his 35-year end of this year, leaving behind a legacy of loyalty and career. dedication toward helping student-athletes mature into productive young adults. Danny’s love for wrestling is evident in his career accomplishments and in his involvement with the grappling world outside of coaching. Danny has officiated wrestling Danny was a highly-decorated wrestler while for 21 years, served on the NCAA video crew for the National Championships for 15 attending East Ridge High School in Chattanooga, TN. years, worked on the video staff for the 1995 World Championships, and hosted two Before his graduation in 1975, he won an individual different local wrestling radio/video talk shows over the past 10 years. He is a standing state championship at the 105-pound weight class, helping that 1975 team to win the team member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and serves on the board of directors for the state championship. These two accomplishments highlighted a high school wrestling HOF. Mr. Gilbert also currently serves on the TSSAA Legislative Council. career that saw Danny post a total record of 71-11-1.

Following high school, Danny attended the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, where he wrestled his freshman year, notching a record of 7-2. He graduated from UT-C in 1980.

Mr. Gilbert began his teaching and coaching career in the fall of 1981 in North Georgia. He came home after six years in Georgia to continue his career at his alma mater, East Ridge High School. Danny became the head wrestling coach while at East Ridge, continuing his level of excellence in the classroom and in the athletic realm. Danny led the ERHS 1991 wrestling team to the small-school State Championship, making him one of only two individuals in Tennessee High School wrestling history to achieve the trifecta: individual state champion, member of a state championship winning team, and coach of a state championship winning team. After his success at East Ridge, Mr. Gilbert continued his coaching career at Ooltewah and Sale Creek High Schools, where he also served as the head wrestling coach for both institutions.

OFFICIAL - SUE BYRD

TSSAA is proud to recognize Suzanne Byrd as its Suzanne has officiated regular season volleyball since 2008 in the Appalachian Athletic distinguished service honoree as an official. Conference (NAIA) and the South Atlantic Conference (NCAA Div 2) and officiated at the high school level in Tennessee. Suzanne received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education in 1989 from East Suzanne officiates regular season basketball for the Big South Conference, Ohio Valley Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, Cum Conference, Atlantic Sun Conference, South Atlantic Conference, Carolinas Conference, Laude Graduate. She received her Master of Arts in Old Dominion Conference, Appalachian Athletic Conference, Mid-South, Ky and Education in 1990 from East Carolina University. Tennessee Junior College and has been a high school basketball official in Tennessee since Suzanne is in the process of completing her Doctorate 2005. of Education in Education Leadership and Management from Capella University. Suzanne has also worked numerous postseason tournaments in basketball as well as volleyball since 2005 at the high school and collegiate level. In 2011, Suzanne officiated From 1991-1995, Suzanne was the head women’s basketball coach at Corker College the TSSAA Girl’s State Basketball Tournament and worked the AAA championship in Hartsville, South Carolina and from 1995-1999 she was the head women’s basketball game and in 2014 officiated the TSSAA State Volleyball Championships and worked the coach at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, in Pembroke, North Carolina. Division II A championship match. Suzanne was also chosen to officiate the 2015 TSSAA Suzanne became the assistant women’s basketball coach at Elon University in 1999-2000 Girl’s State Basketball Tournament and worked the AAA state championship game. before becoming the head women’s basketball coach at Tusculum College in Greeneville, Tennessee in 2000 until 2005. TSSAA is proud to recognize Suzanne Byrd for her work, dedication and many contributions to high school sports in the state of Tennessee as an official. In 2005, Suzanne began officiating high school and college basketball and volleyball and also became an AAU National Basketball official where she is still officiating all of these to the present. In 2010 until the present, Suzanne is an assistant professor at Tusculum College.

8 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE RECOGNITION CONTRIBUTOR - KELLY MARLIN

TSSAA is proud to recognize Kelly Marlin for his Kelly was instrumental in the start of the Mr. and Miss Bowling Awards, which is contributions to student athletes and high school athletics sponsored and presented by the Tennessee Bowling Proprietor’s Association. The awards in Tennessee. are presented the first night of the state bowling tournament in Smyrna.

Kelly was born in Franklin, Tennessee. He graduated He was awarded Bowling Magazine’s Employee of the Year in 2014 and is a Silver from Riverdale High School in Murfreesboro and Certified coach. received his Bachelor’s Degree from MTSU in 1989. He has worked at the Smyrna Bowling Center for Kelly is married and has one son. 19 years where he serves as the youth director. He organizes and implements all Smyrna Bowling Center TSSAA is honored to recognize Kelly Marlin for his contributions to high school youth programs and is currently serving in his first year bowling and student athletes in Tennessee. as a non-faculty coach for the Smyrna High School bowling team.

Mr. Marlin has been instrumental in the start, development, and growth of the state bowling tournament, which was held for the first time in 2002. The Smyrna Bowling Center has hosted the state bowling tournament each year since it began. He has also has traveled with TSSAA staff to help conduct bowling rules meetings.

COACH - JIM BROWN

TSSAA is proud to recognize Jim Brown as Coach Brown attributes his early love of basketball and some aspects of his coaching its distinguished service honoree as a coach. style to his late uncle Perry (Buddy) Gipson. He also has influences from many former coaches he played for and coached with. He has had strong family and community Jim Brown is a 1988 graduate of Jackson County High support; his mom Barbara Brown retired at the beginning of this year to enjoy time with School, where he played basketball all four years. He grandchildren after 23 years on the bench. earned his degree at Tennessee Tech University and held an internship with the Men’s Golden Eagle Basketball Jim is from Granville, TN in Jackson County. Outside of basketball, he enjoys spending team coached by Frank Harold. In 1992, he returned time and traveling with his wife Kristy and two children, Trajan and Elena. to Jackson County to teach and to coach both Jackson County Middle School and Jackson County High School Lady Blue Devils and continues to do so. In 2004, he became the Athletic Director for Jackson County Schools.

Coach Brown is now in his 24th year of coaching and has led his teams to 13 state tournament appearances, which includes 11 State Finals games. Under his leadership, the Lady Blue Devils have 7 State Championship titles, 4 State Runner-Up titles, and numerous Region and District Championship titles. His varsity teams have won nearly 600 games during this time.

MIDDLE SCHOOL - KEN HILLIARD

TSSAA is proud to recognize Ken Hilliard as its TSSAA proudly salutes Ken Hilliard for his outstanding efforts in the state of Tennessee. distinguished service honoree at the middle school level.

Mr. Hilliard is currently the Athletic Director and Health Teacher at Unicoi County Middle School in Erwin, TN, where he also serves as the head coach for both boys’ basketball and baseball. He is also a member of the TMSAA Executive Board.

Ken has been with the Unicoi County School System as a teacher and coach for 26 years. During that tenure, he has coached baseball, basketball, and football at both the high school and middle school levels. In all, Ken has done 20 years of coaching in basketball, 21 in baseball, and 11 in football. This is also, his 14th year serving as Athletic Director at the school. Ken resides in Johnson City, TN and is the proud father of a son, John Michael Hilliard.

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2010 A. F. BRIDGES AWARDS 2011 TENNESSEE SECONDARY SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

As part of the "JUST DO WHAT'S RIGHT!" program, TSSAA recognizes member schools that have made the effort to remind their athletic family that there is a particular code of conduct, a particular level of expected behavior, and a way to act that is proper if one wishes to be a part of an athletic contest, regardless of how they participate.

"JUST DO WHAT'S RIGHT!" focuses on the foundation of what we h ope all participants will do. Just do what you are supposed to do in representing yourself, your family, your school and community.

Those schools that received no reported unsportsmanlike conduct incidents during the 2010-112014-132014-15 season have received a certificate highlighting the "JUST DO WHAT'S RIGHT!" logo and this effort. We are specifically recognizing proper sportsmanship at athletic 2010-2011 contests, but we all understand that the athletic contests are a small part of our educational program. DIVISIONAL AWARDS Local officials associations have been asked to nominate schools that they service that have displayed this overall positive effort to teach, expect, and demand a positive atmosphere of sportsmanship at their particular contests. Member schools have also been asked to nominate individuals or schools for special recognition for going the extra mile to do what's right. Nominations have also come from representatives of the Tennessee Obervers Program for Sports. The TOPS observers have shared the positive efforts A. F. BRIDGES that have been recognized at athletic contests across our state. A. F. BRIDGES From these nominees and the schools that have received no reported unsportsmanlike conduct during the previous school year, 27 schools have been selected to receive the A.F. Bridges Award at the divisional level. Three Class A, three Class AA, and three Class AAA schools in each grand division have been recognized for a total of nine schools in each division and 27 schools overall. These schools will be presented "JUST DO WHAT'S RIGHT!" recognition banners at the regional meetings in each grand division of our state during November. Again, the TSSAA Board of Control has earmarked $27,000 toward a scholarship fund to recognize AWARDS outstanding student athletes from the A. F. Bridges Divisional Finalists. Each school will receive $1,000 toward a scholarship to AWARDS recognize an outstanding student athlete who represents the essence of good sportsmanship and citizenship. The criteria for this scholarship will be established by the school, and student athletes will be recognized later during the school year. STATE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Of these 27 divisional recipients, one school in each class will receive Tennessee's top award for overall outstanding effort in its division. These schools will be presented the A.F. BRIDGES STATE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE. This is the highest award that can be bestowed upon a school to honor its overall efforts to promote citizenship and sportsmanship at school, and at athletic contests. ATHLETIC DISTRICT AWARDS The A.F. Bridges Awards program includes awards for School System Administrator of the Year, Principal of the Year, Athletic Director of the Year, Female Coach of the Year, Male Coach of the Year, Official of the Year, and Contributor of the Year. Recognition will be made in the above mentioned categories in each of the nine athletic districts in our state. Nominations have been made by a Citizenship/Sp ortsmanship Committee in each athletic district and final selection has been made by a State Selection Committee. The awards are named the A.F. BRIDGES AWARD in honor of the TSSAA's first executive secretary. A.F. BRIDGES A.F. Bridges was born in Athens, Louisiana on March 17, 1905. He attended school in Lincoln County, Tennessee and graduated from Central High School in Fayetteville in 1922. He earned his B.A. and M.A. from Peabody College in Nashville. He TM began his work as a teacher and coach at Peabody High School in Trenton, and after a number of years with the Milan, Henderson, and Covington schools, he returned in 1936 as Superintendent of the Trenton schools. Soon after, he became the Superintendent of the Covington City Schools. After three years in Covington, Mr. Bridges was named as the first full-time Executive Secretary of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association and established the first TSSAA state office in Trenton in 1946. Under the leadership of A. Foster Bridges, athletics in the state of Tennessee reached a level of excellence and competence that earned the respect of all people. Mr. Bridges brought national recognition to Tennessee in high school athletics, and particularly in the field of girls' athletics and in the establishing of one of the most respected training GIVEN IN RECOGNITION OF THE IDEALS OF ETHICS AND programs for officials in the nation.Mr. Bridges was a person of high principles who displayed firmness and fairness, as well as the high ideals of ethics and integrity, as he and many other school people established INTEGRITY IN THE TEACHING AND PROMOTION OF the foundation of TSSAA across our state. It is our sincere wish that through honoring Mr. Bridges by naming this awards program after him, we will have the opportunity to remind young people of the positive CITIZENSHIP AND SPORTSMANSHIP characteristics, not only of this gentleman, but of athletics in general and participants specifically.

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5 1 8 2 4 7 6 3 9

THETHE A.A. F.F. BRIDGESBRIDGES AWARDSAWARDS THE A. F. BRIDGES AWARDS 2010 DIVISIONAL FINALISTS 2011 2010 ATHLETIC DISTRICT AWARDS 2011

WEST MIDDLE EAST ATHLETICATHLETIC DISTRICTDISTRICT 71 ATHLETICATHLETIC DISTRICT DISTRICT 24 ATHLETICATHLETIC DISTRICTDISTRICT 31 SchoolSchool System System AdministratorAdministrator ofof thethe Year Year SchoolSchool System System Administrator Administrator of the Year SchoolSchool System System Administrator Administrator of the YearYear SteveDr. Wilkinson, Charles Edmonds,Henderson CountyJeff Co. BOE MikeBilly Davis, Hall, WilsonScott Co.County Schools Schools ChadMorris Dirkse, Woodring, Chattanooga Johnson ChristianCounty Schools School TENNESSEE TENNESSEE TENNESSEE PrincipalPrincipal of the YearYear PrincipalPrincipal of of thethe YearYear PrincipalPrincipal ofof thethe Year GaryBrian Johnson, Norton, Scotts Morristown Hill High East School HS James Bennett,Jason Webster, Warren County Gibbs HighHS School RobinGreg Copp,Clark, SeymourSignal Mountain High School HS AthleticAthletic DirectorDirector of thethe YearYear AthleticAthletic Director Director ofof thethe Year AthleticAthletic Director Director ofof the Year RickyJohn Coffman, Dyer, Adamsville Sullivan East High HS School Dale Alsup,Jeff Thomas, Coffee County Gibbs High HS School ChrisJim Lethco, Morrison, Pigeon-Forge Sequatchie High Co. School HS FemaleFemale Coach of thethe YearYear FemaleFemale Coach Coach ofof thethe Year FemaleFemale CoachCoach ofof thethe Year CLASS AA CLASS CLASS A A CLASS AA MollyBrandi Ashley, Stalling, West Carroll Seymour High SchoolHS ShelleyHolly Collier, White, Webb Riverdale School High of School Knoxville RobinTina Vannoy, Walker, Morristown-Hamblen Grace Baptist Academy HS East MaleMale Coach of the YearYear MaleMale Coach Coach ofof thethe Year MaleMale CoachCoach ofof the Year 1. B.T.Gleason Washington High School High School 1. Eagleville 1. Cornersville High School High School 1. Chatt.Meigs SchCo. Highfor the School Arts & Sciences Jarreett Johnny Jones, Gaylon, Liberty Morristown Technology West Magnet HS HS MarkRob Purvis, Black, Mt. JulietFulton High HS School BradBen Flatford, Smith, CosbyBradley High Co. School HS OfficialOfficial ofof the the Year Year OfficialOfficial ofof the YearYear OfficialOfficial ofof the YearYear 2. PeabodyHuntingdon High High School School 2. Jo 2. Byrns Pickett High County School High School 2. OakdaleTellico Plains High SchoolHigh School PhillipNick Davenport, Owens, Arlington Rogersville DougFred Seals, McCollum, Jefferson Gallatin City GregCraig Geren, Price, MorristownCleveland 3. West Carroll High School 3. Watertown 3. Van Buren High County School High School 3. OneidaUnaka HighHigh SchoolSchool ContributorContributor of the Year ContributorContributor of of the the YearYear ContributorContributor ofof thethe Year SethCarroll Butler, Bank Newport& Trust, Huntingdon Plain Talk Dr. Benson Scott,Wilson Knoxville Bank & OrthopedicTrust Clinic WGOWDoug Sports Buckles, Talk Unaka Radio

ATHLETICATHLETIC DISTRICTDISTRICT 84 ATHLETICATHLETIC DISTRICT DISTRICT 55 ATHLETICATHLETIC DISTRICTDISTRICT 62 SchoolSchool System System AdministratorAdministrator ofof thethe Year Year SchoolSchool System System Administrator Administrator ofof thethe Year SchoolSchool System System Administrator Administrator of the YearYear Dan BobbyBlack, BradfordCox, Warren Special Co. School Schools District Ricky RooseveltPerry, Goodpasture Sanders, Christian MNPS School JeremyHenry Qualls, Bagggett, Williamson Oneida City Co. Schools Schools PrincipalPrincipal of the YearYear PrincipalPrincipal of of thethe YearYear PrincipalPrincipal ofof thethe Year RonnieChuck West,Scudder, Dresden Gordonsville High School HS Nate morrow,Frank Myers, Christ PresbyterianRossview HS Academy SalleeMichael Reynolds, Rhodes, Hardin Perry Valley Co. Academy HS CLASS AA AA CLASS CLASS AA AA CLASS AA AA AthleticAthletic DirectorDirector of thethe YearYear AthleticAthletic Director Director ofof thethe Year AthleticAthletic Director Director ofof the Year JeromyMike Davidson, Duncan, Westview Mt. Juliet High HS School JeffRonald Brothers, Sparkman, Nashville Hillwood Christian SchoolHS MikeRonald Smithson, Ladd, Kingston Hickman High Co. School HS 1. Camden Central High School 1. East Hickman High School 1. Alcoa High School 4. Camden Central High School 4. David Lipscomb High School 4. Cumberland Gap High School FemaleFemale Coach of thethe YearYear FemaleFemale Coach Coach ofof thethe Year FemaleFemale CoachCoach ofof thethe Year 5.2. FrederickHarding Academy Douglass High School 2. Lipscomb 5. Marshall High County School HIgh School 5.2. GirlsFulton Prepatory High School School Dawn Jennifer Barger, Grandstaff, Lake County Oakland High School HS BrandyAnne Gagliano, Johnston, Christ Harpeth Presbyterian Hall HSAcademy JaymeMarva Smith, Rawlings, Anderson Waverly County Central High School HS MaleMale Coach of the YearYear MaleMale Coach Coach ofof thethe Year MaleMale CoachCoach ofof the Year 6.3. St.University Agnes AcademySchool fo Jackson 3. Murfreesboro 6. Whites Creek Central High Magnet School School 6. 3. TynerHixson Academy High School ShaneBarry Sisco, Workman, Union CityBlackman High School HS Jim Fey,Jeff EastJordan, Literature Clarksville Magnet HS School ClarkSam Wormsley, Young, Webb Houston School Co. of HSKnoxville OfficialOfficial ofof the the Year Year OfficialOfficial ofof the YearYear OfficialOfficial ofof the YearYear RandySkip Ingram, Jones, Jackson Mt. Juliet JackieRay Johnson, Swann, ClarksvilleJr., Adams DavidPete Laws, Stafford, Manchester Knoxville ContributorContributor of the Year ContributorContributor of of the the YearYear ContributorContributor ofof thethe Year RayGreg Daniels, Usery, Greenfiel Chic-Fil-Ad MikeRudy Keith, Kalis, Tennessee WSMV Nashville Titans MichelleTennessee Moreland, Or thopaediSycamorec Clinics HS Trainer ATHLETIC DISTRICT 7 ATHLETIC DISTRICT 8 ATHLETIC DISTRICT 9 SchoolATHLETIC System Administrator DISTRICT of the 9Year SchoolATHLETIC System Administrator DISTRICT of the Year6 SchoolATHLETIC System Administrator DISTRICT of the Year3 CLASS AAA AAA CLASS CLASS AAA AAA CLASS AAA AAA School Michael System Poteete, Administrator Henry Co. ofSchools the Year Gary Houston, Union City Schools Dr. Roderick Richmond, Shelby Co. Schools Principal of the Year School SystemPrincipal Administrator of the Year of the Year School SystemPrincipal Administrator of the Year of the Year India Weaver, MIAA Benny Pace, Lewis County Schools Johnny McDaniel, Bradley County Schools 7.1. ColliervilleJackson North High Side School High School 1. Lawrence 7. Cane RidgeCo. High High School School 7.1. MaryvilleHardin Valley High Academy School RickyPrincipal Catlett, Chesterof the Year Co. HS Tim Haney, Trenton Peabody HS Eric Sullivan, Briarcrest Christian School Athletic Director of the Year AthleticPrincipal Director of theof theYear Year AthleticPrincipal Director of the of theYear Year 8.2. MunfordKirby High High School School 2. Lebanon 8. Columbia High CentralSchool High School 8.2. Morristown-HamblenOak Ridge High School HS West Greg McCullough, Memphis Central High School Allen Trull, Lewis County High School Shawn Brower, Chattanooga Christian School Jody Evans,Athletic University Director Schoolof the Year of Jackson Shane Paschall, Bradford HS Gina Pickens, Ridgeway HS Female Coach of the Year FemaleAthletic CoachDirector of of the the Year Year FemaleAthletic DirectorCoach of of the the Year Year 9.3. WhitehavenMelrose High High School School 3. Northeast 9. Kenwood High High School School 9.3. OakWalker Ridge Valley High High School School Tim Smith, Houston High School Jay Powlas, Dickson County High School C. R. “Bubba” Simmons, McCallie School Kristen Moore,Female JacksonCoach of Christianthe Year School Whitney Baird, Haywood HS Alexis Heinz, Briarcrest Christian School Male Coach of the Year MaleFemale Coach Coach of of the the Year Year MaleFemale Coach Coach of of the the Year Year Niki Bray, Memphis Central High School Kim Brenner, Zion Christian Academy Elaine Peigen, Ooltewah High School BrandonMale CoachGray, Adamsvilleof the Year HS Kendall Daney, Haywood HS Andre Turner, Mitchell HS Official of the Year MaleOfficial Coach of ofthe the Year Year MaleOfficial Coach of ofthe the Year Year David Taylor, Craigmont High School Vance Belew, Columbia Central High School Steve Henry, Soddy-Daisy High Schooll MonloOfficial Hodge, of the Jackson Year Daniel Frame, Paris Paul Moore, Cordova Contributor of the Year ContributorOfficial of of the the Year Year ContributorOfficial of of the the Year Year George White, Jr., Memphis Trey Miles, Madison Marsha Goodwin, Cleveland Larry Wood, 101.5 Jackson Radio Brian Smith, Martin Westview HS Dr. Bill White, Memphis Contributor of the Year Contributor of the Year Contributor of the Year Mark Healy, Millington Kyle Johnson, Loretto Ward G ossett, Times Free Press Chattanooga

11 144811_TSSAA_AFB Awards11_18891 TSA AFBridges Awards 10/12/11 12:42 PM Page 3

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THETHE A.A. F.F. BRIDGESBRIDGES AWARDSAWARDS THE A. F. BRIDGES AWARDS 2010 DIVISIONAL FINALISTS 2011 2010 ATHLETIC DISTRICT AWARDS 2011

12 HEALTH & SAFETY

Professional Development Opportunities: Online Training for Health and Safety

Student safety is the number one priority for school leaders. Across the country, an increased emphasis on risk minimization is evidenced by the additional training requirements for coaches of youth sports. Recent legislation in Tennessee now requires coaches of youth sports programs to have annual training on sudden cardiac arrest The and concussions. Tennessee Secondary hool Sc Athletic Association would like to take this opportunity to introduce valuable professional development opportunities that will coaches ensure have addressed the primary areas of athlete safety, while fulfilling the new legal requirements all for youth sport coaches in Tennessee.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) offers a series of free online courses which fulfill the legal requirements for teachers who serve as regarding coaches concussion and sudden cardiac arrest education. While not required by current legislation in Tennessee, it is essential that coach each or sponsor of an extracurricular activity have an effective emergency action plan to deal with critical issues that may arise during a competition or practice. In order to address this vital need, another free online course has been developed by the Minnesota High School League and the Medtronic Foundation called “Anyone Can Save a Life”. This online training program allows one to develop a customized emergency action plan for any after school program. An example of a customized emergency action plan produced with the “Anyone Can Save a Life” training along with a course description of a number of other free online courses are found in the subsequent pages of this publication. Included in this that information are courses address heat illness prevention, bullying, hazing, sportsmanship, NCAA eligibility, and how to deal with parents effectively.

The online format of the courses embeds a series of questions after each "chapter" which the educator must answer correctly before being allowed to progress with the rest of the presentation. If an educator misses a question, the course re-‐plays the segment where the content is presented regarding he t question that is missed. A certificate is available for download upon completing the courses.

We know that a number have of factors to be considered by those who develop the professional development menu for the We teachers. realize that professional development geared toward enhancing the effectiveness of instruction in the classroom should, and will, take up most of a teacher’s required training TSSAA hours. recently sent this information to all principals and superintendents. It is our hope that these educational leaders will consider allowing teachers to receive credit for this type of student safety training in their required professional development plans. The safety of your students outside of the academic this day is too important for type of training to be “brushed . over ” With the cooperation of school administrators, we can ensure that the school leaders receive the training they cre need to ate a safer environment for all students involved in extracurricular activities.

For more information about these professional development opportunities, please contact Mark Reeves at [email protected] .

13 HEALTH & SAFETY

Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association State Coaching Requirements & Course Information Sheet The two NFHSLearn.com courses below (Concussion in Sports and Sudden Cardiac Arrest) are required by Tennessee State Law and provide valuable professional development opportunities for schools and coaches.

Required for all Youth Sports Coaches per TCA 68-55-501 and TCA 68-54-103

Concussion in Sports The NFHS has teamed up with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to educate coaches, officials, parents and students on the importance of proper concussion recognition and management in high school sports. This course highlights the impact of sports-related concussion on athletes, teaches how to recognize a suspected concussion, and provides protocols to manage a suspected concussion with steps to help players return to play safely after a concussion.

Free! Clock Hours: 1 | Length: 30 minutes | www.nfhslearn.com

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the number one cause of death in the United States for student athletes during exercise. Caused by a structural or electrical problem associated with the heart, Sudden Cardiac Arrest happens when the heart unexpectedly stops beating and pumping blood. With content developed by Simon’s Fund, this course will help you learn and recognize the warning signs and symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Free! Clock Hours: 1 | Length: 15 minutes | www.nfhslearn.com

Emergency Action Planning Program—for after school practices and events

A joint effort of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) and Medtronic Foundation, this online training program will help your school system ensure that each sponsor of an after school activity has an effective emergency action plan. Please note this course is not a part of the NFHS Learning Center.

Anyone Can Save a Life

Anyone Can Save A Life is a first-of-its-kind emergency action program for after-school practices and events. It is designed to save lives from emergencies, including sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), a leading cause of death among adults and student athletes nationwide. This website provides the steps to implement the Anyone Can Save A Life program in your school. By implementing the program—and specifically creating Student Response Teams—your school is empowering students to be part of the coordinated response necessary to ensure the best possible outcome to every emergency. www.anyonecansavealife.org

14 HEALTH & SAFETY

Recommended FREE Courses Available on NFHSLearn.com

Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment defines and provides recommendations for coaches in three specific areas; inappropriate relationships and behaviors, hazing, and bullying (including cyberbullying). This course educates coaches about their legal responsibility to provide a safe and respectful environment for the students in their care.

TCA 49-2-120, 49-6-4503 prohibits any acts of hazing, bullying or harassment.

Free! Clock Hours: 3 | Length: 30 minutes | www.nfhslearn.com

Engaging Effectively with Parents Engaging Effectively with Parents, provides a unique student-centered curriculum and presents essential techniques and methods for coaches to effectively communicate and interact with students, parents and guardians. This course features specific guidance for speaking, listening, and implementing a communication system, and provides strategies for dealing with problematic parents and guardians.

Free! Clock Hours: 3 | Length: 45 minutes | www.nfhslearn.com

Heat Illness Prevention Exertional heat stroke is the leading cause of preventable death in high school athletics. This free course, brought to you by EAS Sports Nutrition, is designed to give you the critical information you need to minimize the risk of exertional heat stroke among your athletes. The course presents seven fundamentals, which when followed, will minimize heat related illnesses of the students who participate.

Free! Clock Hours: 1 | Length: 30 minutes | www.nfhslearn.com

NCAA Eligibility This course is designed to educate high school coaches, administrators, and parents about the NCAA's initial-eligibility requirements. After completing the course, you will be more knowledgeable and prepared to advise your student-athletes about the NCAA initial-eligibility standards, as well as the steps student-athletes need to complete in order to compete in NCAA Divisions I and II athletics.

Free! Clock Hours: 3 | Length: 30 minutes | www.nfhslearn.com

Sportsmanship The NFHS developed this free course to give you a better understanding of sportsmanship, how it impacts the educational process and identifies your specific role in modeling it at all interscholastic athletic events. Insight is shared throughout the course from fans, players, parents, teacher-coaches and officials. This course will help provide schools a more positive game environment.

Free! Clock Hours: 1 | Length: 15 minutes | www.nfhslearn.com

15 HEALTH & SAFETY Wall outside gym entry Varsity table Zachary Javier Philip James Field house office Sarang Joe Portable AED at score Basketball Locker room Trainer's office - Field House Utility closet Vince Dev Coach Buford Ken Andy Elias entry Wall outside gym entry Main entry Park Street/Percy Place Main 615-615-1014 615-922-0225 Coach Buford side door Cell phone - score table Left side door of practice gym Park Street/Edwin Lane Michael Jayden Left Theo Oren Gwen Collins Jane French Eliot Julian

16 2016 BLUECROSS BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

NOTE: Each day will be one session. A ticket purchased will be good the entire day. Tickets for every day, with the exception of Championship Saturday, are $10 each.

Tickets on the final day of each tournament (Saturday) are $12. 2016

DIVISION II State Basketball D-I GIRLS D-I BOYS Tournament CHAMPIONSHIPS CHAMPIONSHIPS Lipscomb University MTSU, Murfreesboro MTSU, Murfreesboro Nashville, TN MARCH 9-12, 2016 MARCH 16-19, 2016 MARCH 3-5, 2016 Wednesday, March 9 Wednesday, March 16 10:00 am – AAA Quarterfinal 10:00 am – AAA Quarterfinal Thursday, March 3 11:30 am – AAA Quarterfinal 11:30 am – AAA Quarterfinal 10:00 am – Girls A Semifinal 1:15 pm – AAA Quarterfinal 1:15 pm – AAA Quarterfinal 11:30 am – Boys A Semifinal 2:45 pm – AAA Quarterfinal 2:45 pm – AAA Quarterfinal 1:15 pm – Girls A Semifinal 4:30 pm – A Quarterfinal 4:30 pm – A Quarterfinal 2:45 pm – Boys A Semifinal 6:00 pm – A Quarterfinal 6:00 pm – A Quarterfinal

Friday, March 4 Thursday, March 10 Thursday, March 17 10:00 am – Girls AA Semifinal 10:00 am – A Quarterfinal 10:00 am – A Quarterfinal 11:30 am – Boys AA Semifinal 11:30 am – A Quarterfinal 11:30 am – A Quarterfinal 1:15 pm – Girls AA Semifinal 1:15 pm – AA Quarterfinal 1:15 pm – AA Quarterfinal 2:45 pm – Boys AA Semifinal 2:45 pm – AA Quarterfinal 2:45 pm – AA Quarterfinal 4:30 pm – AA Quarterfinal 4:30 pm – AA Quarterfinal Saturday, March 5 6:00 pm – AA Quarterfinal 6:00 pm – AA Quarterfinal 1:00 pm – Girls A Championship 3:00 pm – Boys A Championship Friday, March 11 Friday, March 18 5:30 pm – Girls AA Championship 10:00 am – AAA Semifinal 10:00 am – AAA Semifinal 7:30 pm – Boys AA Championship 11:30 am – AAA Semifinal 11:30 am – AAA Semifinal 1:15 pm – A Semifinal 1:15 pm – A Semifinal 2:45 pm – A Semifinal 2:45 pm – A Semifinal 4:30 pm – AA Semifinal 4:30 pm – AA Semifinal 6:00 pm – AA Semifinal 6:00 pm – AA Semifinal

Saturday, March 12 - Championships Saturday, March 19 - Championships 1:00 pm – AAA Final 1:00 pm – AAA Final 3:30 pm – A Final 3:30 pm – A Final 6:00 pm – AA Final 6:00 pm – AA Final

17 DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS SCHOOL SPORT VIOLATION DISCIPLINARY ACTION

School self-‐reported. Coach restricted 6 weeks of practice during 2016; will have one week Berean Christian School Volleyball Practice Rule Violation for tryouts with the team; be suspended first official week of team practice.

Independent Game Cascade Girls' Soccer School self-‐reported. Student ineligible for 4 matches. Participation Violation

School self-‐reported. Player ineligible to participate in athletcis at all levels in sports at Clarksville Girls' Soccer -‐ JV Playing ineligible player any member school for 12 months past their last date of participation.

School self-‐reported. Contests forfeited. School fined $250. Player ineligible to participate Playing ineligible player in Clarksville Football in athletcis at all levels in all sports at any member school for 12 months past their last date seven football games of participation. Unsportsmanlike Conduct Clarksville Northwest Girls' Soccer $250 Fine by fan Unsportsmanlike Conduct Cocke Co. Football Suspended next game at each level of participation; School fined $250 by head coach Unsportsmanlike Conduct East Robertson Football Suspended next game at each level of participation; School fined $250 by head coach Unsportsmanlike Conduct Frederick Douglass Football Suspended next game at each level of participation. School fined $250 by assistant coach Melrose Football Fighting by bench personnel Suspended next game at each level of participation; School fined $250 Playing ineligible player Memphis Northside Softball School self-‐reported. All contests forfeited. School fined $250. during 2014-‐15 Coach suspended first two contests in 2016. Volleyball program placed on probation for Pope John Paul II Volleyball Recruiting Rule Violation two calendar years. School fined $1000

School self-‐reported. Removed seven days of practice. Coach will not have any offseason Offseason Practice Rule Sacred Heart of Jesus Soccer contact with any player on team. Student-‐Athletes in question have been removed and will Violation not participate in any of the remaining travel/club team contests.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct South Fulton Girls' Soccer Suspended next two games at each level of participation; School fined $250 by head coach Unsportsmanlike Conduct St. Benedict at Auburndale Football Suspended next two games at each level of participation; School fined $250 by assistant coach Unsportsmanlike Conduct Westwood Girls' Soccer Sat one game and will first game of 2016; School fined $250 by head coach

TMSAA REPORT November 9, 2015 RICHARD MCWHIRTER The Tennessee Middle School of the year tournaments must be approved by TSSAA. Committee met for the first time this school year on November 9th . The Committee reviewed the TMSAA Bylaws. No proposals Members in attendance were Chic Nute, were made at this time. Ken Hilliard, India Weaver, Tim Bell, Matt Calvert, Michael Carter, and Jeff The Committee approved the new member schools and Jones, and Rob Cummings. placed the schools in their classification. The classification list is on the TMSAA website. The Committee reviewed the TMSAA TMSAA is starting to have their own state championships Calendar and how the new calendar is this school year. The TMSAA State Cross Country Meet set up in coordination with the NFHS was held in October. The event was successful with positive calendar. feedback from the schools. The next State Meet will be for Track and Field this coming May. It was asked that the committee members submit their area and sectional basketball information to the TSSAA state office The next TMSAA Committee meeting is set for February 10, as soon as possible, so it can be posted on the website. All end 2016, at 9:00am.

18 THE TENNESSEE TITANS MR. FOOTBALL AWARDS “We’re very thankful to the Tennessee Titans for their continued commitment to high THE TENNESSEE TITANS MR. FOOTBALL AWARDS school athletics,” stated Bernard Childress, Executive Director of the TSSAA. PRESENTED AT NISSAN STADIUM “We are very excited and appreciative about being involved with the Titans, as they have helped make the recognition of these student-athletes, their families, and schools For the first time ever, The Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards were presented at possible,” added Childress. “The team and organization have been extremely supportive Nissan Stadium, home of the Titans. The top backs and linemen in eight classifications of high school athletics in our state since their arrival, and having the awards luncheon of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association were recognized on Monday, at Nissan Stadium certainly adds to what is already a special day for these student-ath- November 30, 2015. The top kicker in the state was also recognized with a Mr. Football letes.” Award. The awards were presented in conjunction with a luncheon on the West Club Level at Nissan Stadium. The format for the awards saw a change this year as well. Four “semi-finalists” were announced for each category and each classification on November 5. There are This was the 9th year that the Tennessee Titans organization served as the title six classifications in Division I and two in Division II. With “Back of the Year” and sponsor of the awards. They recently extended their agreement to be the title sponsor of “Lineman of the Year” for each classification, as well as the “Kicker of the Year” the Mr. Football Awards through 2018. award, that makes for a total of 17 award categories. Two finalists for each category were announced by Mike Keith on the Titans website at www.titansonline.com on Everyone in the Tennessee Titans organization is proud to be associated with TSSAA November 16. The two finalists for each award will be the ones invited to attend the and the Mr. Football Award,” said Kenneth Adams, IV, President of the Tennessee awards luncheon at Nissan Stadium, where the winner of each award will be announced. Titans Foundation and member of the Titans Board of Directors. “The Titans have a simple goal: to promote high school football and the athletes that make Friday nights More than 400 people, including the honorees, their families, coaches, school special in Tennessee. We hope that inviting the finalists to Nissan Stadium for the administrators and members of the media from all parts of the state, attended the 2015 Mr. Football Awards luncheon made this event even more memorable for everyone luncheon. involved.” Mike Keith, play-by-play voice of the Tennessee Titans, emceed the awards This was the thirty-first year that the Mr. Football Awards have been presented to presentation. Tennessee’s best high school football players.

TENNESSEE TITANS MR. FOOTBALL FINALISTS CLASS 1A LINEMAN CLASS 6A LINEMAN CLASS 3A BACK DII-AA BACK Daniel Bituli, Nashville Christian T.D. Blackmon, Maryville Dustin Clabough, Alcoa Ty Chandler, MBA Jamison Blackwell, Union City Ty Nix, Oakland Traneil Moore, East Ridge Austin Lee, Christian Brothers Trey Peters, Harriman Delvin Salter, Whitehaven Cole Smith, CAK Jeremiah Oatsvall, Brentwood Academy Josh Silvey, Greenback Kalani Smith, Mt. Juliet Zack Weatherly, CPA Thomas Pickens, MUS

CLASS 2A LINEMAN DII-A LINEMAN CLASS 4A BACK KICKER OF THE YEAR Jake Harden, Boyd Buchanan Michael Flowers, DCA Desmond Dabbs, Greeneville Ryan Courtright, Lexington Alex Kirkendoll, Marion County Will Lawrence, Harding Academy Ashton Posey, Marshall County Thomas Garrison, Columbia Academy Boone Sweeney, Forrest Trey Smith, USJ Amari Rodgers, Knoxville Catholic Crews Holt, Ravenwood Justin Swift, Trezevant Jacob Still, St. George’s Kentel Williams, Fulton Jacob Smith, Siegel

CLASS 3A LINEMAN DII-AA LINEMAN CLASS 5A BACK (Finalists in Bold) Jonathan Decker, Alcoa Ben Hill, Christian Brothers Jerry Craine, Wooddale Tyler Enos, Notre Dame Ryan Johnson, Brentwood Academy Tee Higgins, Oak Ridge Matthew McClurg, Alcoa Bryce Mathews, Brentwood Academy Nate Johnson, Independence Storm Williams, Milan Ryan Parker, Baylor Deuce Wallace, Sevier County

CLASS 4A LINEMAN CLASS 1A BACK CLASS 6A BACK Emmit Gooden, Haywood Preston Rice, Wayne County Cole Copeland, Bradley Central Darron Johnson, Ridgeway Taylor Thompson, Columbia Academy Taeler Dowdy, Blackman Cade Mays, Knoxville Catholic Stavonski Wilkes, Lake County Dillon Mitchell, White Station Rutger Reitmaier, Lipscomb Academy Dresser Winn, Dresden Jacoby Stevens, Oakland

CLASS 5A LINEMAN CLASS 2A BACK DII-A BACK Tyrel Dodson, Centennial Andrew Goldsmith, Trinity Christian Clay Beathard, BGA Maleik Gray, LaVergne Darius Harper, Austin-East Chase Hayden, St. George’s Jeremiah Jackson, Ooltewah Josh Henderson, Marion County Spence Jones, FRA Gunner Osborn, Henry County Cordarrian Richardson, Trezevant Christian Saulsberry, Northpoint Christian

19 THE TENNESSEE TITANS MR. FOOTBALL AWARDS

Current Tennessee Titans players (from L to R): Ryan Succop, Brian Orakpo, and Marcus Mariota were on hand as presenters of the 2015 Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards.

TENNESSEE TITANS MR. FOOTBALL WINNERS DIVISION I, CLASS 1A LINEMAN - DANIEL BITULI - Nashville Christian School 6’3”, 240 pound linebacker and running back. He is a senior captain and four year starter for the Eagles. This season he had 46 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, 10 ½ sacks, and four fumble recoveries. He was the Region 5-A MVP and was a pres-season All-State selection. Daniel has been selected to participate in the Tennessee East-West All-Star Game and is a nominee for the Army All-America Bowl.

DIVISION I, CLASS 2A LINEMAN - BOONE SWEENEY - Forrest High School 6’0”, 220 pound senior offensive guard and defensive tackle. He is a three year starter and team captain for the Rockets. He anchored the line for an offense that averages over 350 yards per game. On defense he recorded 47 tackles, eight sacks, and two fumble recoveries. Boone was named the Region 4-2A Lineman of the Year. He is a three-time All-Region selection and was named to the All-State team in 2014. DANIEL BITULI BOONE SWEENEY DIVISION I, CLASS 3A LINEMAN - JONATHAN DECKER - Alcoa High School 6’4”, 260 pound offensive/defensive tackle. He is a senior captain and three year starter for the Tornadoes. On offense he had 25 pancakes and helped anchor a line for an offense that averaged nearly 350 yards per game. On defense he had 30 solo tackles, 42 assists, 12 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, and one fumble recovery. Jonathan was named to the All-District and All-County teams and was a pre-season All-State selection this season. He has been an All-State selection twice and was MVP of the 2014 Class 3A BlueCross Bowl.

DIVISION I, CLASS 4A LINEMAN - EMMIT GOODEN - Haywood High School 6’4”, 295 pound defensive tackle and defensive end. He’s a four year starter and senior captain for the Tomcats. This season he had 60 solo tackles, 41 assists, 11 sacks, and 30 tackles for a loss. Emmit has been selected to participate in the Blue-Grey All-American game. He was an All-State selection in 2014 and 2015. JONATHAN DECKER EMMIT GOODEN

DIVISION I, CLASS 5A LINEMAN - TYREL DODSON - Centennial High School 6’1”, 240 pound linebacker and running back. He is a senior captain and three year starter for the Cougars. On defense this season he had 82 total tackles, seven sacks, ten tackles for a loss, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery. He had 74 rushes for 509 yards and 14 touchdowns on offense. Tyrel was the Player of the Year for Region 7-5A this year.

DIVISION I, CLASS 6A LINEMAN - T.D. BLACKMON - Maryville High School 6’1”, 215 pound linebacker. He is a junior and three year starter for the Rebels. This season he has 47 solo tackles, 30 assists, 11 tackles for a loss, three sacks, and eight pass breakups. T.D. was an All-State selection last year as a sophomore and was a pre-season All-State pick this year. He was named the Defensive MVP of the Class 6A 2014 BlueCross Bowl. TYREL DODSON T.D. BLACKMON

DII-A LINEMAN - TREY SMITH - University School of Jackson 6’5”, 292 pound offensive and defensive tackle. He is a junior and two year starter for the Bruins. This season he has had 138 pancake blocks on offense. On defense he has 14 solo tackles, 17 assists, six tackles for a loss, one sack, and three forced fumbles. He has been named the District Co-Offensive Player of the Year this season. Trey was an All-West Tennessee, All-District, and All-State selection in 2014.

DII-AA LINEMAN - RYAN PARKER - Baylor School 6’1”, 210 pound linebacker and running back. He is a senior captain and three year starter for the Red Raiders. This season he had 95 tackles, 30 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, two blocked punts, and one fumble recovery. He was a pre-season All-State selection this year. Ryan was an All-Region team in 2013 and 2014 and was an All-State pick in 2014. He is also a three-time state wrestling champion and was the DII-A Discus TREY SMITH RYAN PARKER Champion last year as well.

20 THE TENNESSEE TITANS MR. FOOTBALL AWARDS DIVISION I, CLASS 1A BACK - DRESSER WINN - Dresden High School 6’3”, 195 pound junior quarterback. He is a team captain and two year starter for the Lions. He has completed 107 of 148 passes for 2,074 yards and 32 touchdowns, with only five interceptions. He carried the ball 57 times for 418 yards and three touchdowns. Dresser has been named to the Jackson Sun’s All-West Tennessee team in both football and baseball.

DIVISION I, CLASS 2A BACK - ANDREW GOLDSMITH - Trinity Christian Academy 6’0”, 211 pound senior quarterback and running back. He is a team captain and three year starter for the Lions. This season he rushed for 2,323 yards and 27 touchdowns. He had 295 yards passing and five passing TD’s as well. On defense he recorded 93 tackles, ten tackles for a loss, one sack, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. He also scored two defensive touchdowns. Andrew was an All-West Tennessee selection in s2014 and a pre-season All-State selection this DRESSER WINN ANDREW GOLDSMITH year.

DIVISION I, CLASS 3A BACK - TRANEIL MOORE - East Ridge High School 6’2”, 190 pound running back. He’s a junior and first year starter for the Pioneers and didn’t solidify his role as the starting running back until Week 3 this season. He has carried the ball 166 times for 1,666 yards and 23 touchdowns. He had two receptions for 60 yards and one touchdown.

DIVISION I, CLASS 4A BACK - AMARI RODGERS - Knoxville Catholic High School 5’10, 205 pound wide receiver and defensive back. He is a junior and two year starter for the Fighting Irish. On offense this season he had 42 receptions for 1,245 yards and 16 touchdowns. He averaged 27.3 yards per reception. He also had 46 carries for 328 yards and two touchdowns. He returned two punts and one kickoff for touchdowns as well. Amari was the TRANEIL MOORE AMARI RODGERS Offensive Back of the Year in Region 2-4A and was an All-Region selection in 2014.

DIVISION I, CLASS 5A BACK - TEE HIGGINS - Oak Ridge High School 6’5”, 190 pound wide receiver. He is a junior and two year starter for the Wildcats. This season he had 56 receptions for 1,028 yards and 18 touchdowns. On defense he recorded 52 tackles, four interceptions, and three fumble recoveries. He returned one punt and one kickoff for a touchdown this season. Tee was named the Region 3-5A Most Valuable Player this year. He was a 2014 All-State selection.

DIVISION I, CLASS 6A BACK - DILLON MITCHELL - White Station High School 6’2”, 195 pound wide receiver/running back/quarterback. He is a senior and four year starter for the Spartans. This season he had 64 receptions for 1,143 yards. He also had 710 yards rushing. He finished the regular season with over 2,000 all-purpose yards and 31 touchdowns. He had three interceptions on defense and returned one for a touchdown. He was TEE HIGGINS DILLON MITCHELL a pre-season All-State selection this year and is a Gatorade Player of the Year candidate. Dillon was an All-Region and All-State selection last year as a junior.

DII-A BACK - CHASE HAYDEN - St. George’s Independent School 5’11”, 185 pound running back and corner back. He is a junior and three year starter for the Gryphons. This season he had 153 carries for 2,003 yards and 24 touchdowns. He had 12 receptions for 194 yards and four touchdowns. On defense he had 42 tackles and two interceptions. Chase was named the 2015 West District 2 Overall MVP.

DII-AA BACK - TY CHANDLER 6’0”, 190 pound running back. He is a junior and three year st arter for the Big Red. This season he carried the ball 242 times for 1,761 yards and 23 touchdowns. He averages 176 yards per game and 7.3 yards per carry. He was named The Tennessean’s Player of the Week for Week 7 this year. He received Player of the Week honors last year as well by The Tennessean and the Tennessee Titans. In 2014 Ty was an All-Region and All-State selection. CHASE HAYDEN TY CHANDLER

KICKER OF THE YEAR - CREWS HOLT - Ravenwood High School 5’11”, 165 pound senior captain and three year starter for the Raptors. This seaon he made 10 of 12 field goal attemps. He was 8-for-8 on attempts under 40 yards. Crews was perfect on extra points, making all 43 of his attempts. He made two field goals over 50 yards, including a school record 52 yard field goal. Forty of his kickoffs were for touchbacks and he was successful on both onside kickoff he attempted this year. He was a pre-season All-State selection this year and was named to the All-Region team and 2015 Special Teams MVP for Region 3, Class 6A.

CREWS HOLT

21 RECOGNITION OF OFFICIALS

2015 State Volleyball 2015 TSSAA State Girls’ 2015 FOOTBALL STATE Tournament Officials Soccer Officials CHAMPIONSHIP OFFICIALS

Middle Tennessee Jeff Blanken – Morristown Highland Rim Matthew Nicks, Billy Pitmon, Brenda Evans – Tri-Cities Donald Barnett, Mitch Clark, Shawn Bullock, Todd Jones, Brandi Fletcher, Judson Holden, Richard Shinbaum, John Griswold, Roger George – Knoxville Caleb Nobles, Stephen Shirley, Jeff Clark, Douglas Watson Olive Gordon – Nashville Alexander Tyshkevych, Zack Yarid Region 1 Missy Headrick – Chattanooga Gary Compton, Guy Evans, Jennyfer Imanuel – Memphis Mid West Andy Watterson, Adam Knobloch, Alan Dotson, Tyler Bowman, Angela Kincer – Memphis Donovan Eubank, John Haley, Scott Thornton, Harold Patterson Donell Matthews – Cookeville Michael Mysiewica North Central Tim Miller – Nashville David Porter, Matt Bradshaw, Middle Tennessee Larry Ray – Knoxville Rick Milton, Jeff Jennings, Lucy Bell, Jess Erickson, Courtney Stuman – Chattanooga Chris Duke, James Maxey, Audra Fullen, Todd Lockhart, Darren Brown, Billy Cotton Sonya Washington - Jackson Stephanie Matthews, Ariel Morris, Central Michael Myszka, Mike Sparta AL Pond, Craig Gonsewski, Al Ray, Neylan Roberts, Mark Murphy, Robert Pack, Southeast Jason Hambrick, Wayne Lindsey Trevin Bernarding, Steve Johnson, Chris Kloc, Joseph Painter Mid-South Jack Davis, David Wootton, Mike Hughes, Rick Logan, Tennessee Valley Jeffrey Cagle, Patrick Sanford, Chris Freimuth, Kristen Halverson, George White, David Wootten

Zach McWhorter, Josh Platillero North Middle Ken Killebrew, Gary Perry, Tri-Cities Deno Devers, Joshua McWhirter, Joe Bratton, Frank D. Pierce, Jr., Frank de Nobriga, Ronald Hubbard, Brian Story Scott Sallah Northwest Ricky Witherspoon, Jeff Leyhue, West Tennessee Grady Andrews, Kirk Moore, David Felty, Rick Hammond, Michael Thedford, Eric Phillips, Kyle Pearson, Jessie Ashley

Ray Strehlau Southwest David Wade, Kevin Davis, Chris Gilley, Brandon Pipkin, Thomas Washington, Danny Jones, Michael Hays, Greg Poston

22 THE RIGHT TEAM STEPHEN BARGATZE To fly into Iraq was tricky. The only flights in and out in Iraq had to be at

night and with noTo fly lights into Iraq wason. tricky. I got The onlythe flights big in ideaand out into Iraq take had to onebe at last picture) Part 2 night and with no lights on. I got the big idea to take one last picture)

Iraq: On the trip over in a c-130, the pilot saw our show the night before, and when I boarded the plane he asked if I would like to ride up front in the cockpit. I was very thankful to be in the cockpit, because the other option was a seat against the wall with all the equipment they were

transporting. Sitting in the cockpit could have easily been What I did not know was now that it was getting dark that my auto flash the highlight of the trip as far as “cool things that I did.” would automatically turn on. I must say that the flash gave everyone quite a stir in their seats and I was asked not to do that again. Right The pilot also said I would be allowed to film the take off after the flash incident, two Iraq fighter jets came up beside us just to let us know they knew we were there. Evidently this was standard and take pictures. The pilots were great, and half-way procedure and not my fault. That is my story and I am sticking to it!

through the flight I was asked to perform for the other When we arrived in Iraq, I knew that we were no longer in OZ. I had to wear the armor and helmet the entire time we were outside and walking. guys in the cockpit that were not at the show. I did about There was a bombing of some sort the morning we arrived, but it was far away from us (that was until the next day we flew on a Black Hawk 10 minutes for them while we were flying on autopilot (at helicopter)

least I hope we were). What I did not know was now that it was getting dark that my auto flash wouldWhat automatically I did not turn know on. wasI must now say that the it was flash gettinggave everyone dark quitethat amy stir auto in their flash seats would and I wasautomatically asked not to turndo that on. again. I must Right say afthatter thethe flash flash incident, gave twoeveryone Iraq fighter quite jets a came stir inup theirbeside seats us just and to let usI was know asked they knew not weto weredo that there. again. Evidently Right this after was standardthe flash procedureincident, andtwo not Iraq my fighter fault. That jets is camemy story up and beside I am sticking us just to to it!

Whenlet us we know arrived they in Iraq, knew I knew we werethat we there. were no Evidently longer in OZ. this I hadwas to wearstandard the armor procedure and helmet and the not entire my time fault. we Thatwere outsideis my storyand walking. and ThereI am wassticking a bombing to it! of some sort the morning we arrived, but it was far away from us (that was until the next day we flew on a Black Hawk helicopterWhen) we arrived in Iraq, I knew that we were no longer in OZ. I had to wear the armor and helmet the entire time we were outside and walking. There was a bombing of some sort the morning we arrived, but it was far away from us (that was until the next day we flew on a Black Hawk helicopter)

Black Hawk Gunner pictured. Black Hawk Gunner pictured.

through the flight I was asked to perform for the other guys in the cockpit To fly into Iraq was tricky. The only flights in and out in that were not at the show. I did about 10 minutes for them while we were Iraq had to be at night and with no lights on. I got the big flying on autopilot (at least I hope we were). idea to take one last picture)

This flight was close to where the event had taken place. When we first got there, the bomb air raid sirens went off. I have to be honest, I just had to throw that pair of underwear away. It turned out to just be a test, 23 and apparently everyone knew it was a test but me. I wrote my wife and THE RIGHT TEAM could leave. We got back to our hotel that night at 11:45 This flight was close to where the event had taken pm and had to leave by 9:00 the next morning. So much place. When we first got there, the bomb air raid sirens for the day off. went off. I have to be honest, I just had to throw that pair of underwear away. It turned out to just be a test, and We performed at the two bases that were left in Kuwait apparently everyone knew it was a test but me. I wrote my that we had not been to yet, then we headed down to Abu wife and told her that a bomb air raid test is like a tornado Dhabi, which to be honest, I did not know was a country test when I was younger but you pee a little first. or city. Turns out it was a city in a country that I did not know was a country. This was an Air Force base that was During the shows the soldiers came into the doing things I cannot talk about. We were not allowed to performance with their guns in hand. They actually had to take pictures there because of the flight lines. It was HOT. put them at their feet during the show. . .REALLY HOT, and they wanted to do the show outside. They have some rule that they could only drink in one told her that a bomb air raid test is like a tornado test when I was Our soldiers were training Iraq soldiers who do not small bar and/or outside in an area just outside the bar. If younger but you pee a little first. Duringwork the on shows Friday the and soldiers Saturdays, came into so the I performanceperformed withduring their the guns the show was outside they felt more people would attend. in weekendhand. They and actually nights. had to So, put wethem performed at their feet two during shows the show. each It was 111 degrees at 10:30 p.m. A deck of cards would Ournight. soldiers The were first training one was Iraq soldiersat 7:30 who and do the not next work showon Friday was and at only last about five minutes and you have to throw them Saturdays,11 pm. soJust I performed as soon during as we the could weekend pack and up nights. after So,the we show, away. performedthey put two us shows back eachon a night. BlackHawk The first onehelicopter was at 7:30 that and was the next showwaiting was at for 11 us. pm. We Just jumped as soon inas andwe could took pack off toup theafter next the show base, After we spent the day meeting the guys and gals theywhere put us the back guys on a were BlackHawk waiting helicopter for us. that They was wouldwaiting watchfor us. We a (lots of ladies in the Air Force) we felt like we would have jumpedmovie in untiland took we offgot to there. the next Ibase think where that the Bernard guys were and waiting TSSAA for a good crowd, even if it was moved inside. We were us.should They would try to watch get the a movie Right until Team we got their there. own I think Black that Hawk Bernard correct. They had one of their largest crowds ever for a andhelicopter; TSSAA should it would try to getmake the gettingRight Team from their Bristol own Black to Memphis Hawk show. No alcohol, but a good show. helicopter;a lot easier. it would I’m make just getting saying. from We Bristol were to allowedMemphis toa lot see easier. the I’m justBlack saying. Hawks We were and allowed the Apache to see the helicopters Black Hawks the and next the Apacheday. ( If you are like me, you have heard of the U-2 spy plane helicopters the next day. ( Apache ) Apache ) that was shot down by the Russians when I was but a child. I remember that the U.S. was caught lying to both their own people as well as to the Russians. What I did not know was that we still have (and still use) U-2 spy planes. I am not really sure if I am supposed to be talking about this. We got the privilege to see a pilot put into his flight suit, which is like a space suit similar to the ones the astronauts wear into space. I would have been pleased just to have gotten to witness this, but we were asked to follow another U-2 pilot to a car and were told we were going to help land another U-2 plane. I really had nothing to do with it, but got to witness it from the front seat of a Dodge Charger. The pilot drove us out to the end of the runway and we sat there waiting for the plane to become visible. He saw the plane way before I saw anything. When the plane was getting close to us, our driver, and did I say U-2 pilot, took off in the car and we hit 120 MPH just before we reached an orange line on the runway. The They were very proud of their helicopters and they both tried to convince They were very proud of their helicopters and they both same time we hit the speed needed the plane appeared us they had the “baddest” and the best choppers on earth. tried to convince us they had the “baddest” and the best just above our car and the driver started to talk to the choppers on earth. guy in the plane telling him just how far he was from the ground and if his wings were level. He was actually Leaving Iraq was not as easy as getting there. landing the plane! First, this is not really a plane, but more Apparently, an unexpected mission ran long and we had like a rocket with wings. Once the plane was safe on the trouble getting back to Kuwait. The soldiers apologized ground we peeled off and two other trucks came out of profusely for making us wait. I told them, “I think it is okay nowhere and they caught up to it and placed the wheels if I wait a bit while you save the world.” However, it was on the wings. I am not sure why we got to see this, and to really miserable. We were supposed to have a day off in be honest I thought they would have to kill us. One of the a 5-star hotel, which turned out to be 12 hours in a hot pilots told me not to worry because no one would believe hangar waiting for the sun to go down the next day so we you ever got to do this.

24 THE RIGHT TEAM The reason they do this is that the U-2 plane has to be very light and it does not have the equipment to land on board the plane. We got to see inside the plane and the pilot really sits so low into the seat I do not think he could see the ground if he wanted to. This without a doubt became my new highlight of the tour.

I have to say that the whole tour was something I would never forget. The strange thing for me was that they kept thanking us for coming over there. You and I both know that we are the ones that need to be thanking them for all they are doing to keep us safe here at home. The world is a better place because of the United States Military. I know that not everyone will agree with that, but it is the truth. Bernard gave me the chance to see it firsthand. When I got home I would once again, and for the last time, change hats. When I got home I would once again, and for the last time, change hats.

CHEERLEADING COACHES CONFERENCE AND A.D.’S CONFERENCE

TRINA MELTON The twentieth annual Cheerleading the first session beginning at 9:00 a.m. Monday will be Coaches Conference will be held at a full day of sessions on cheer and dance technique, I got backthe toEmbassy TSSAA Suites just in Murfreesboro to find out aboutsafety, andthe administration. new background There will checksalso be a luncheon on April 11 - 12, 2016. The Athletic with a guest speaker on Monday. On Tuesday, April 12, Director’s Conference, organized the AACCA Cheerleading Certification Course will be by the TIAAA, will also be at the administered beginning at 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. I just thoughtsame site it onwould April 10– be 12, the 2016. officials not TSSAA employees too. Information concerning both We strongly urge you to consider attending these conferences is available on the conferences. They offer many opportunities for learning, TSSAA website. leadership, and fellowship. Make your plans now to attend. The cheer conference is sponsored by the Universal Cheerleaders Association, the Tennessee Cheer Coaches Association and the TSSAA. The conference will baegin on Monday, April 11, with registration at 8:30 a.m. with

25 NEWS FOR COACHSMART

Updated CoachSmart app available now

by Leslie Hill | Posted on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014 via Vanderbilt University Reporter

Vanderbilt’s CoachSmart app has been updated, and the new version is available for download in the iTunes store. The smartphone app for coaches puts an athletic trainer, personal assistant and meteorologist all in the palm of their hand. The iPhone app is the ultimate resource for coaches, offering real-time information on heat index and lightning strikes, frequently asked sports medicine and safety questions, and a group contact feature. The app is not currently available for Android.

CoachSmart features:

� If lightning strikes nearby, the app sends an alert to the phone and the resource section provides information on what to do. � The Home Screen gives current temperature, humidity, heat index and lightning strike information. � The Map Screen is based on the user’s GPS location. One map shows lightning strikes within 25 miles, while another uses information from nearby weather stations to post current conditions, including heat index and wind chill. � The Resources section includes information that athletic trainers commonly dispense, such as hydration tips, injury prevention, concussion guidelines, and when to go to the emergency room. The resources will be updated as more information is needed or guidelines change. � The app includes the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) heat index guidelines.

The app is free, but live streaming lightning data requires a yearly in-app subscription of $1.99.

A collaboration between Vanderbilt Sports Medicine, the Medical Center’s Strategic Marketing Department and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, the app is an extension of Vanderbilt Sports Medicine’s expertise.

For more information or to download the app, please visit: http://www.vanderbilthealth.com/orthopaedics/38467

Contact: Leslie Hill, (615) 322-4747 [email protected]

26 CORPORATE SPONSORS

The corporate sponsors and supporters play an integral part in the TSSAA and the TSSAA State Championships. TSSAA would like to thank our corporate sponsors and supporters for their dedication and hard work this fall during the state championships.

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee- This year was a little special for the BlueCross Bowl Champions. In addition to receiving the Gold Ball and Championship hats, the teams were also recognized at a Tennessee Titans game. Due to a partnership with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and the Tennessee Titans, each championship team had the opportunity to attend the December 27th Titans game at Nissan Stadium. During the game each winning team was recognized as the 2015 BlueCross Bowl Champions!

The Governors Highway Safety Office not only sponsors the Right Team, but the Governor Highway Safety Office takes their message to our state championships. At the state championships the Governor Highway Safety Office reminds our fans to Booze It & Lose it! For more information about the Governors Highway Safety programs visit tntrafficsafety.org.

Regions Bank continued to play a role as a corporate partner at the fall championships and administrators meetings. During the administrators meetings, Regions Bank discussed “Banking Basics for Students a great educational tool for your schools at no cost. The goal of this program is to teach students the fundamentals of banking, as well as financial responsibility. With the Regions Banking Basics for Students Program, Regions helps students understand finances and begin to build a bright financial future. To learn more about the program or to schedule a date and time for your classroom presentation, please contact Dianne Spencer at [email protected].

Southeast United Dairy Association - Chocolate Milk is the official drink of TSSAA and healthy athletes across Tennessee. Thanks to our TN dairy farmers for providing such a naturally nutritious way to fuel up our bodies! To learn more about the healthy benefits of chocolate milk or how to get a free cooler in your school contact southeastdairy.org/in-schools/coolersforcoaches.

Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center offers a high level of concussion care to all athletes, from youth to professional players. Concussions can be complex, and they have the experience and expertise necessary to handle even the most difficult of cases. Visit them online at www DOT Vanderbilt sports concussion DOT com.

As a parent, you’ll do anything for your child. So will Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. As the region’s only hospital dedicated to caring just for children, Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt is committed to helping your child get well, whether they suffer from a sports-related injury, the flu, or something more advanced. More at Children’s Hospital dot Vanderbilt dot org.

Musco Lighting- Musco Sports Lighting, the Official Lighting Partner of the TSSAA, has specialized in the design and manufacture of athletic field lighting for over 30 years. Musco’s industry leading sports-lighting innovation, Light-Structure GreenTM, offers significant advantages for your budget and the environment: Operating costs are cut in half through reduced energy consumption and an automated on/off Control-Link® system, off-site spill light is reduced by 50-percent, and 100-percent of your maintenance costs are eliminated for 25 years.

Fair Play- With thousands of scoreboard solutions installed around the world today, Fair-Play has earned a reputation for performance and reliability that spans over 80 years. Get Fair-Play into your game plan and score big on performance, reliability and value. Contact Jeff Hamblen at MT Score, Inc. at 615-513-9618 or [email protected].

Wilson Sporting Goods- Wilson Sporting Goods will begin its second year as the official ball for football (NCAA 1003 GST/WTF1003B), basketball (NCAA Official Gameball/WTB0700 for boys or WTB0701 for girls), volleyball (ICor High Performance/WTH7700XWHI), soccer (NCAA Forte Hyrbrid/WTH9905XB) baseball (A1010 Pro Series/ WTA1010BHSISST) and softball (ASO11/WTA9011BSST Champion Series). For more information please check out the TSSAA.org website or contact your local dealer.

Our sponsors play an important role at the state championships. The TSSAA thanks the sponsors for their continuous support and encourages you to be involved in the sponsor programs. In addition, if you know of a potential corporate sponsor, please contact our marketing coordinator, Courtney Brunetz at [email protected]

27 From the morning announcements to volleyball and football and everything else in between, the NFHS Network brings you LIVE high school sports and events so you never have to miss a moment.

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