The Bristol Tennessee City Schools (BTCS) Athletic Hall of Fame inaugural class was inducted September 8 at Tennessee High’s Viking Hall, where the permanent Hall of Fame display was also unveiled.
Host and emcee Paul Johnson presided over the ceremony, recognizing individual athletes, teams, coaches, and special contributors who have made noteworthy contributions to the school district’s athletic programs at Tennessee High School and Slater High School. Tennessee High School, established in 1916, and Slater High School, which served black students from 1919 until its integration with Tennessee High in 1965, both boast a rich tradition of athletic excellence.
The 2024 class of the BTCS Athletic Hall of Fame includes 21 individuals and five teams from various sports and eras.
“This is a momentous occasion, marking the beginning of a tradition that will honor the history of athletic excellence in our community,” said Annette Tudor, BTCS director of schools. “One of the core values of this endeavor is to recognize the outstanding athletic achievements that have played a vital role in our entire community’s history. We are honored to have representatives from Slater High School and Tennessee High School as inductees.
Throughout this process, it has been my privilege to learn about the history and tradition of the Slater Wolves and the Tennessee High Vikings and how those traditions have shaped who we are now as one Viking Nation, especially during this time when we have so many exciting things happening within our athletics community.”
Those honored on Sunday included the following:
Russell "Russ" Basham (THS)
David Bibee (THS)
Marvin Beidleman (SHS)
Bill Bingham (THS)
Jennifer Coffey Debusk (THS)
John Cropp (THS)
Todd Daggs (THS)
Wayne Daggs (SHS)
George Heath (THS)
Derrick Hord (THS)
Tom Hundley (THS)
Orlin "Moe" Jenkins (SHS)
Greg Jones (THS)
Gil Kyle (THS)
Frank "Doc" Maples (THS)
Courtney McDaniel (THS)
Mark McKinney (THS)
Larry Silcox (THS)
Dorsey Sims, Jr. (SHS)
Katrina "Tina" Banks Thomas (THS)
Bob Zeiger (THS)
1937 State Championship Basketball Team (THS)
1962 Tri-State Championship Football Team (SHS)
1967 State Championship Baseball Team (THS)
1971 State Championship Football Team (THS)
1972 State and National Championship Football Team (THS)
Information about each member of the 2024 Hall of Fame class can be found on the BTCS Athletic Hall of Fame website at www.btcs.org/hof.
The BTCS Athletic Hall of Fame is an ongoing endeavor, with new elements to be added over the coming years to celebrate and preserve the rich athletic history of the two schools. Moving forward, the community can submit nominations for the 2025 class via the BTCS Athletic Hall of Fame website. Individuals can make nominations to recognize former athletes, coaches, teams, or special contributors. Athletes and coaches must be five years removed from the athletic program to be eligible.
To learn more, please visit the BTCS Athletic Hall of Fame website or contact the Tennessee High School Athletic Department at (423) 652-9361.