FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 • 1B

Similar to most every event at Farragut High School during the past year of dealing with COVID-19, the 2021 FHS Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be different — meaning virtual.

The festivities, which will be taped in its entirety — not available in a live broadcast — will first be available at the FHS home page, knoxschools.org/farraguths, Saturday, March 6, said David Moore, an FHS Hall of Fame coach and H of F Committee member. Though the Class of 2021 features only two inductees, there’s plenty of quality:

• Cara Gregg Bledsoe, a 2009 FHS graduate, is a former star outside hitter for Lady Admirals volleyball (2005-2008 seasons) before earning All-conference honors at North Alabama University (2009-2012).

• Curt Powell, also a 2009 FHS grad who starred as an Admirals baseball (2006-2009 seasons) before enjoying special success in SEC Baseball at Georgia for three seasons, then playing Minor League Baseball in the Detroit Tigers organizations for almost four years.

• This year’s Hall of Fame Athletic Service Award honoree is the late Ray Watson, beloved and respected former FHS softball assistant coach for 23 years.

• Erik Gerhardt, 2020 Athletic Service Award honoree and Voice of the Admirals and Lady Admirals in football and basketball, once again will serve as emcee.

• As for those working behind the scenes to make this virtual production come off flawlessly is Farragut resident Mark Packer, well-known WVLT-TV 8 personality as a sports anchor and high school football play-by-play announcer.

• FHS Hall of Fame Committee, many of whom have been helping produce this annual event since its inaugural Class of 2013 was inducted, are, in addition to Moore, Hall of Fame coaches Bill Parker, Lynn E. Sexton, Natalie Sisk, John Heatherly, Donald Dodgen (FHS athletic director) and Susan Davidson, along with teacher Michelle Brossett, former coach/teacher Ben Lyle and assistant AD/teacher Ben Collins.

The late RAY WATSON SERVICE AWARD HONOREE

place in his heart for children, (Coaching, Lady Quotes from former which he put on display every Admirals softball, Lady Admirals players, Christmas as Santa Claus to coaches and parents: so many children, including and a former my own” • “Coach Watson was many — FHS head coach Nick Green substitute teacher things to many different at the school) people. I am glad God brought • “Coach Watson was consis- him to Farragut High School tent and kind-hearted. His de- to help be a part of the FHS votion to the game was strong, A man of many talents, the softball program. He made an as he gave his time and talents late Ray Watson was a princi- impact on so many lives along for many years. Most impor- you could always rely on to significant part of our pro- pal, superintendent, teacher, the way, young and old. We tantly he led by example. … make you smile. He was there gram when I was at FHS a few ordained Baptist preacher and are truly blessed to have had He was always happy to hear day-in-and-day-out doing all years later” fastpitch softball star — also him at Farragut. I am most about the triumphs in my life that he could for the rest of — Emily Smith widely known in the Knox grateful to have called him my and genuinely concerned for us” County area for his spot-on friend. Thank you Ray Watson the tough moments. He was a — Bailey Young • “Bellamy Field never felt Santa Claus roles — before for all your time and service to strong grandfather figure for complete until I saw coach serving as Lady Admirals Farragut High School” those who didn’t have that in • “Coach Watson gave me my Watson’s smiling face in the scorekeeper and volunteer as- — former Lady Admirals their lives. … As a high school- first pitching lesson when I pressbox. I adore that man sistant coach for 23 years, spe- head coach David Moore er I don’t think I truly under- started at 11 years old. I used and his genuine love for the cializing as a pitching coach. stood your impact, but as an to go through a whole bucket players and the program” “Ray wore many hats in that • “I spent many game days adult you are truly a legend” of wild pitches in an hour, — Hannah Stephenson very full life he lived,” an FHS and road trips to tournaments — Leah Seffernick Bucklin but by the end of our time Hall of Fame press release with coach Watson listening together he had me down to stated. to his stories. He had a special • “Coach Watson was someone one. I’m grateful he was still a See WATSON on Page 4B 2B • FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 FARRAGUT SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Cara Gregg Bledsoe, (Volleyball star at FHS, an All-Gulf South Conference outside hitter at the University of North Alabama, then a youth coach and primary school teacher)

Farragut High School career (2006-2009): • An All-state outside hitter her senior season in 2008 — sea- soned by five years in the Smoky Mountain Juniors Volley- ball Club — she helped lead the Lady Admirals to three Class AAA Volleyball State Tournaments.

“She always had her biggest games in our biggest games. Her junior and senior years she was our go-to person,” then FHS head coach David Moore said of Bledsoe. “I know she had 21 ClockwiseClockwisek from top left: kills in a win at the state tournament against Houston. 20072007 farragutpress story about “She had an outstanding career,” he added. “She was just a Gregg’sGregg critical role in a big Lady great all-around player. … A good leader — and a better per- son.” AdmiralsAdmi victory.

• A two-time All-District 4-AAA honoree who also was named A CaraCa Gregg Bledsoe kill for UNA to the 4-AAA All-Tournament team in 2007 and 2008, and the All-Region 2-AAA and All-KIL teams in 2008. 20082008 farragutpress story on Far- ragut’sragut KIL volleyball champion- • She also was named District Best Hitter in 2008, while also shipship with Cara Gregg Bledsoe’s setting the school aces record (137) and kills record (529) as a senior. keykey role.r

“Going to Farragut was a great experience, I just loved the at- Recreational volleyball kill mosphere there,” said Bledsoe, who came back to her hometown as a second-grade teacher at Farragut Primary School while serving three years as an FHS volleyball assistant coach. “It was a competitive school, both athletically and academically. “All four years I was there, I had (head) coach (David) Moore and (assistant) coach (Brendon) Cleer. They not only grew me as a player, they grew me as a person,” she added. “And I had a lot of players I considered really good friends as well.”

University of North Alabama (2009-2012): • Starting quickly at UNA as an outside hitter, she was named All-Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year in 2009, along with being named to the All-Gulf South Confer- ence team as a freshman. CaraCi with her family • She earned Gulf South Conference All-Tournament honors as a junior in 2011.

Coaching: • In addition to her FHS volleyball coaching duties, she was Club Unite 15 National head coach in 2017-18 and 2018-19.

• Also served as Club Unite Spring League Director in 2017.

• She was head coach Rogers High School (Alabama) while also a KVA club coach and position coach.

Cara and husband, Michael Bledsoe, have three children: Grayson, Lillie and Lawson. WWellell ddoneone

Congrats CCurt!urt! CCongratulationsongratulations to all the ttoo a ggreatreat pplayer,layer, ggreatreat iinstructornstructor 2021 FHS aandnd anan eveneven Hall of Fame bbetteretter pperson.erson. Our ‘Caps’ off to you! Congratulations to all the Inductees WWayay ttoo ggoo oonn yyourour 22021021 FFHSHS 2021 inductees. HHallall ooff FFameame IInduction.nduction. Jason Zachary DDiamondiamond BBaseballaseball State H3 Sports 19748 TN-72, Loudon, TN 37774 Representative 300 Center Park Dr., Knoxville, TN 37922 Open 24 hours • (865) 458-4611 rep.jason.zachary@ capitol.tn.gov 865-288-3624 www.montereymushrooms.com FARRAGUT SPORTS HALL OF FAME FARRAGUTPRESS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 • 3B

(Clockwise from top left):

Curt Powell in action in the Detroit Tigers’ AA organization.

Curt and wife, Kerri Powell, with children, Henry, left, and Olive.

A Curt Powell base hit as a Georgia Bulldog.

Curt celebrates one of his three Class AAA state titles at FHS.

teamtibthti in both categories. • The ex-Farragut star went 12-for- • He tallied 56 runs scored, drew 28 16 in stolen base attempts and had Curt Powell, walks and smacked 15 doubles. six three-hit games. Georgia Bulldogs career • He batted .345 with a .948 fielding (Baseball star at FHS, an All-SEC third baseman at the (2011-2013): percentage in SEC action. University of Georgia before almost four years in the Detroit Tigers • A three-year letterman and two- organization, reaching AA level) time All-Southeastern Conference 2013, senior UGA season: Second Team selection, all but a • Appeared in all 53 games with Farragut High School career with eight home runs, 56 RBI, nine few at third base, who started 163 52 starts at third base and one at (2006-2009): doubles and five triples as a junior of his 169 games. • He posted a .341 shortstop. A 2009 graduate of Farragut where in 2008. career average (212-for-622) with he played for East Tennessee legendary 25 doubles, two triples, three home • Team MVP who batted a team- head coach Tommy Pharr. • Named Prep Xtra Player of the runs, 54 RBI and was 22-for-32 in best .376 with 82 hits in 218 at bats, Year in 2008 and 2009. “I had a stolen base attempts. ranking among SEC leaders at the • Having started every game in his fantastic experience at Farragut,” end of the regular season. four-year career, except one, as said Powell, vice president of sales • In 477 total chances, he registered the Admirals’ lead-off hitter, from with Capital-Plus Construction a .931 career fielding percentage. • Posted a team-high .425 on-base the first game of his freshman Services in Hardin Valley. “… Had percentage. season — all but about a dozen at some great teachers, they sup- 2011, sophomore UGA season: shortstop — he helped lead the ported me on the academic side. • Played in 60 games with 55 starts • Registered a team-best 25 multi- Admirals to Class AAA state titles Supported me on the athletic side (53 at third base, one in right field ple-hit games, including a four-hit in 2006, 2008 and 2009. as well.” and one at second base) in help- game versus then No. 20-ranked ing Georgia advance to the NCAA Geogia Tech and a five-hit game • Named 2009 Gatorade State As for a special influence on his Tournament Corvallis Regional versus Belmont. Player of the Year after batting life from FHS, “There were several Final. .504 — and despite being the team’s teachers and coach Pharr,” he said. • Posted a 13-game hitting streak leadoff hitter still hit eight home Specifically about Pharr, who led Far- • He batted .289 with one during the season, along with a runs and produced 39 RBI — with ragut to five Class AAA state titles and and 13 RBI, and hit .296 in SEC stretch of reaching base in 20 con- 79 runs scored and 21 stolen bases three runner-up finishes in 12 seasons, action. secutive contests. in helping FHS go 39-5. “He had “He was just a fantastic coach,” Pow- all the tools. He was a great player ell said. “He really stressed competi- 2012, junior Bulldogs season: 2013 Major League and started as a freshman, which tion, which is the part I think I enjoyed • He ranked fifth in SEC batting Baseball Draft: was very unusual at Farragut the most. “I would say coach Pharr with a team-best .355 average. Drafted by Detroit Tigers in the High School, especially to start at definitely had the biggest influence,” 21st round. “My ultimate goal was to shortstop,” Pharr said of Powell. he added. • Appeared in 56 games, with 55 be a player,” “But also was a great young man starts at third base, hitting .355 Powell said. “… I made it to AA, and an extremely hard worker. “I 2010 (freshman at Volunteer with two homers and 20 RBI. which was great. I didn’t quite make have a soft spot for him and his State Community College): my ultimate dream of making it to family, they were always support- • Good enough to sign with SEC • He led team with 45 runs scored, the Big Leagues. “I was glad I had ive of the program,” he added. “He power Vanderbilt, he transferred managed a .434 on-base percent- some academics to fall back on,” was obviously a special player for to Volunteer State Community Col- age and tied for team-high with 20 he added. us.” lege in Gallatin. multiple-hit games. Curt and wife, Kerri Powell, have • Key member of the 2008 squad • One of the nation’s top junior • While he ended that season on two children: Henry, turning 3 in April, that went 43-3 and finished the college hitters in 2010, he bat- a seven-game hitting streak, his and Olive, 18 months. year ranked sixth nationally by ted .489 with 34 stolen bases in longest streak during the year was ESPN/USA Today. Batted .493 38 games started — leading his 14 games.

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with my softball career” • “Coach Watson was a legend, • “I loved him so much,” started helping as an unpaid Watson — Andrea Sarhatt and many of my greatest — Hannah Leavell assistant coach working with From page 1B softball memories are with the FHS . • “I remember coach Watson • “I can dedicate my love for him” • “We loved coach Watson” A substitute teacher at the especially when we were pitching and many other — Abby Rose Martin Yates — Sarah Jackson school for 21 years, “The stu- doing summer camp, and he pitchers to him. He was a light dents loved when he would would line us all up and teach on the field. My change-up • “I have the sweetest memo- • “He truly made an impact at sub, because another one all us to run on our (pitch) will forever be dedi- ries with Coach Watson. I will Farragut” — LaShae Wallace of his talents was he was a toes around the bases. He was cated to him because he was treasure them always” great storyteller,” the release always encouraging, the master of them” — Jill O’Mealy Frost Ray’s timeline at FHS, stated. and taught me the love and —Callie Moore Knox area During the Christmas holi- passion for the game like • “He was wonderful and loved His love of softball was life- days, “Most of his closest he had” • “Coach Watson was always the game. So many memories long, having played fastpitch friends feel he really was Santa — Avery Blankenburg very supportive of each with FHS softball and coach softball for 47 years. Claus because he was the best individual and the team as a Watson. He was always smil- “He was a who loved Santa,” the release stated. “He • “Coach Watson was always whole, and he helped each ing and cheering us up. I was the game,” the release stated. enjoyed coming to school and one of our biggest supporters one of us grow both as a blessed to know him” “When he moved to Knoxville handing out candy to the high and fans, and always had a person and ballplayer to — Jessica Koch Odom and found out that there was school students every Decem- story to tell” reach and exceed our no men’s fastpitch in the area, ber, and he worked around — Delaney Weller potential” • “I worked with him in the he was discouraged.” Town doing photo shoots with —Kelsie Tuggle press box at home games. In his ministerial role, “He kids. So a lot of students and He was a very kind man. He actually performed the mar- teachers knew coach Watson • “I remember coach Watson’s • “Coach Watson was always wouldn’t even say bad things riage ceremony for one of as Santa. He did this for 20-plus contagious positive attitude at every game, no matter the about the umpire” our assistant coaches one years.” and his kind way of impart- weather, no matter the team — Steve Murr, parent of year,” the released further ing wisdom on the players. He — he was always there. I will former players Kaci and stated. Coach Watson died Jan. 22. always made everyone smile, always be so grateful for him” Kristen Murr As for how he got to FHS, “He was honored to be and he was the Best Santa” — Bailey Myers “Ray started substitute teach- receiving this award, and —Shannon Evans Harrington • “Coach Watson obviously ing at Farragut — and one being his humble self said, ‘I • “Coach Watson instilled in loved his time with players day, toward the end of a sea- don’t know why I am receiv- • “No matter how big the his bullpens a sense of consis- and students. His friendly son, he came by the softball ing this award,’” coach Moore game or difficult the situation, tency: in our pitches, our love spirit will be missed” field as the team was leaving said. coach Watson always had been of the game and protection of — former FHS coach on the bus for an away game,” “… Well done, good and faith- there to give players confi- our most important asset, our Ben Lyle the release stated. “Ray intro- ful servant (Matthew 25:23).” dence and support. I felt throwing arms. Thanks coach duced himself to then head Coach Watson’s daughter, beyond blessed to have him Watson” • “I loved coach Watson. A coach David Moore and asked Cathy Riessen, will be receiv- at all the games, and he truly — Margret Morris very special man for sure” if he could help with softball.” ing the award on his behalf. made a positive difference Baudendistel — Danielle Spetar Ashley The next season coach Watson SSenatorenator RRichardichard BBriggsriggs Congratulationsto all - DDistrictistrict 7 - 2021 FHS Inductees ccongratulatesongratulates aallll ooff tthehe 22021021 IInducteesnductees oonn ttheirheir ssuccess!uccess! Th e Grayson Owned Dealerships congratulate Quality is not an option... everyone inducted into the 2021 FHS Hall of Fame! it is the only standard we accept! Locally owned by Stan Ledbetter & Jake Tillet with a staff of over 136 years combined experience in collision repair.

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NICK MCBRIDE FHS class of 1988 & Knox County Register of Deeds Congratulations Hall of Fame Class 2021 congratulates We salute your remarkable achievement. 2021all of the FHS Hall of Fame Inductees 11863 Kingston Pike | Farragut, TN 37934 865.675.6397 | www.farragutpress.com

Congratulations Farragut Hall of Fame Class 2021

68 Years of Serving the Community!

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