Best Of Preps 2016

2 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Outstanding Student-Athletes Took Center Stage At The Greeneville Sun Best of Preps The Greeneville Sun’s 2 01 6 – – Inaugural Best Of Preps Ceremony On Sunday, May 1, 2016.

S

tudents from each major sport at the five public high schools in Greene County were rewarded for their accomplishments on and off the field at the event, held at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.

Nominations were submitted by coaches from each school for a variety of sports.

These student-athletes were chosen by their coaches as representatives of their sports at their respective schools. To be considered as a Best of Preps nominee, the student-athlete must have demonstrated they have excelled academically and athletically while also having been involved in their communities.

“We look for those all-around great students who serve as role models for their peers and their teammates,” said Greeneville Sun General Manager Steven K. Harbison. “These are

the students who take their studies seriously, perform well in their sports, and who give unselfishly of their time to their communities.”

The Best of Preps Selection Committee was composed of five anonymous individuals from the community who each reviewed and scored the nomination forms submitted by the coaches. In an effort to ensure that the selection process was fair and without preferential treatment in any way, the committee did not have access to the studentathletes’ names or the schools they represented. From the list of nominees, one representative from each sport was chosen as the Best of Preps StudentAthlete of the Year for that sport based on the written nominations from the coaches. The nominee with the highest cumulative score from the five judges was recognized as Best of Preps.

In addition to the winners in each individual boys’ and girls’ sport, six

specialty awards were presented, including Overall Male StudentAthlete of the Year and Overall Female Student-Athlete of the Year.

Both awards were sponsored by The Greeneville Sun with the winners each earning a $500 scholarship.

Other specialty awards included the Community Excellence Award, Academic Achievement Award, Comeback Player of the Year and Coach of the Year.

Special speaker for the event was Tusculum College Head Football Coach Jerry Odom. Greeneville Sun Advertising Director Artie Wehenkel and Sun Editor Michael Reneau, coemcees, welcomed the award nominees to the stage and announced the winners.

Each nominee received a certificate, and the winners earned a trophy.

All guests enjoyed food supplied

by Fatz Cafe prior to the awards ceremony.

Best of Preps would not be possible without the support of sponsors, and The Greeneville Sun extends a special thank you to all sponsors.

“We want to thank the many coaches and athletic directors who dedicated considerable time and put careful thought into their selections of the student-athletes to be recognized,” Harbison said. “We also want to thank the five independent and anonymous judges who reviewed and scored each and every one of the nomination forms. But, most importantly, we want to thank the parents and student-athletes who have invested so much time, energy and dedication to local athletics.”

Congratulations to all of the nominees. Your resumes are testaments to your hard work and dedication. We at The Greeneville Sun are proud of each of our nominees and winners of the 2016 Best of Preps Awards.

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 3

Student–Athlete of the year Nominees BASEBALL Austin McCamey, CDHS Avery Weems, NGHS

GOLF (BOYS) Lincoln Bowman, GHS Braxton Potter, WGHS

Thomas Burkey, GHS Todd Brown, SGHS

BASKETBALL (GIRLS) Candy Majors, CDHS Lauren Baxter, NGHS Marissa Baker, WGHS

Sydni Lollar, GHS Lyndsey Cutshaw, SGHS

Austin Douthat, WGHS

BOWLING (GIRLS) Tracy Painter, GHS

Tonya Lane, WGHS

CHEERLEADING Mandi Buchanan, CDHS Faith McDonald, NGHS

Hannah Brown, GHS Tyanna Davis, SGHS

CROSS COUNTRY (BOYS) TJ Tupps, CDHS Gabe Fuller, SGHS

Will Cronin, GHS Isaac Daniels, WGHS

CROSS COUNTRY (GIRLS) Carissa Kohne, GHS

Haley Vradenburgh, WGHS

DANCE

SOCCER (Boys) Nathan Johnson, CDHS Brock Shelton, WGHS

Brandon Waddell, GHS

SOCCER (GIRLS) Logan Taylor, CDHS Belle Anderson, WGHS

Jessica Sallah, GHS

Hope Myers, CDHS Taylor Christy, SGHS

Emilee Starnes, NGHS Jada Hensley, WGHS

SWIMMING Katelyn Anguish, CDHS

TENNIS (BOYS) Walker Moncier, CDHS Jared Casteel, SGHS

Cody Compton, NGHS Tyler Armstrong, WGHS

TENNIS (GIRLS) Kori Smith, CDHS Amber Jones, SGHS

Faith McDonald, NGHS Makayla Davis, WGHS

TRACK (BOYS) Andrew Duckworth, GHS

Juliun Lane, WGHS

TRACK (GIRLS)

Braelyn Hartman, GHS

Addie Leonard, GHS

FOOTBALL Nick Quillen, CDHS Dawson Russell, NGHS Joseph Chandler, WGHS

GOLF (Girls)

SOFTBALL

BOWLING (BOYS) Lucas Weems, GHS

Andrew Susong, SGHS

Katelynn Rector, NGHS

BASKETBALL (BOYS) Nick Quillen, CDHS Ethan Harmon, NGHS Allen Tolliver, WGHS

Zane Potter, NGHS

Richard Moore, GHS Justin Casteel, SGHS

Hana Auchterlonie, WGHS

VOLLEYBALL Keri Ricker, CDHS Katelyn Weems, NGHS Tracie Renner, WGHS

Kayla Hammer, GHS Brooke Davis, SGHS

4 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

The Greeneville Astros Baseball Student-Athlete Of The Year

A

very Weems is a member of the North Greene High School baseball team. He hit .320 as a junior and made zero errors that year.

He has been a part of three district and region championship teams, three

sub-state teams and a state tournament semi-finalist. He has also been a member of the basketball team. He is an active member of his church youth group, volunteers at the Northern Greene County ministries, and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian

Athletes.

His coach wrote: “Avery is the perfect example of what a student athlete should be. He is a man of great character and excels not only on the field but in the classroom. He is well-liked among his peers and is the ultimate

team player, as he would do anything to help his team win.”

Avery carries a 4.0 grade-point average and scored a composite score of 29 on the ACT. He is valedictorian of his class and a member of the National Honor Society.

AVERY WEEMS “Avery is the perfect example of what a student athlete should be.

He is a man of great character and excels not only on the field but in the classroom. He is well-liked among his peers and is the ultimate team player, as he would do anything to help his team win.”

North Greene’s Avery Weems is pictured with Tusculum head football coach Jerry Odom (left) and Hunter Reed of the Greeneville Astros after being honored as the Boys’ Cross Country Student-Athlete of the Year at The Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps ceremony Sunday.

Tim Lady North Greene Baseball Coach

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 5

6 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Heritage Community Bank Boys Basketball Student-Athlete Of The Year

T

homas Burkey is a member of the Greeneville High School Boys Basketball team. He has been named to the Blue Ridge Athletic Conference All-Conference team, the District 2AA All-Tournament team, the Region 1AA All-Tournament team, was a contributor to the TSSAA Basketball Final Four team, and was a starter on 2 TSSAA Boys Basketball Sweet 16 teams.

In addition to playing basketball, he is also a member of the track team and cross country team. He is also a member of the GHS Advanced Choir, where he has performed in Italy and New York and contributed to the choir being rated as the top chorus in numerous festivals.

Burkey is a member of the Timber Ridge Presbyterian Church Choir and has participated in the church cleanup group and on mission trips. He has

attended the Virginia Tech Leadership Conference, worked with numerous basketball camps, is senior class treasurer and a Food Bank bell ringer at Christmas.

“Thomas has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his four years at GHS, transitioning from a a leader by example only to a leader by both words and example,” his coach wrote. “He has consistently been our most intense, selfless team

player on some successful teams.

Thomas has not only been great on the floor, but he has done great in the classroom. He has been one of the most well-rounded athletes we have ever had in our program.”

Burkey has a 3.71 grade-point average and is a National Honors Society member and a member of SCOPE (Student Policies on Education).

THOMAS BURKEY “Thomas has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his four years at GHS, transitioning from a a leader by example only to a leader by both words and example. Thomas has not only been great on the floor, but he has done great in the classroom. He has been one of the most well-rounded athletes we have ever had in our program.”

Greeneville’s Thomas Burkey is pictured with Tusculum head football coach Jerry Odom (left) and Trey Ricker of Heritage Community Bank after being honored as the Boys’ Basketball Student-Athlete of the Year at The Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps ceremony Sunday.

Brad Woolsey Greeneville Boys Basketball Coach

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 7

8 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Consumer Credit Union Girls Basketball Student-Athlete Of The Year

S

ydni Lollar is a sophomore at Greeneville High School. Her list of sporting achievements include being named to the All Conference team, All Tournament team, being named Player of the Year, being named to the All Region team and the Landair Ladies Classic All Tournament team.

Lollar’s academic achievements include having the highest average

in algebra I, Latin I, geometry, health/ wellness and weight lifting, and she received a third-place finish in an algebra I region math competition.

Lollar is a camp counselor at the GHS youth basketball camps and at the Daddy-Daughter dance. She is a Captains Club member, FCA member, a student council representative, class president and is a member of the nationally ranked Tennessee Flight AAU basketball team.

Her coach wrote: “Sydni was selected as captain of our team by her peers, as a sophomore; this act speaks volumes about her, not only as a player but as a leader. For the past two years, she has led the Lady Devils basketball team in scoring, rebounding and steals. While she is our go-to on the court. She is so much more. Sydni is always the first on the court and the last to leave, she is the coaches’ go-between with her teammates, and

both sides of that relationship trust her. She has a 4.0 grade-point average, taking all honors classes. Sydni is one of our finest at GHS.” Lollar broke her hand this season in January and missed six games. She insisted on having the hand X-rayed each week to ensure a quick return to the court. While she was injured, she attended every practice and conditioned so she would be ready to go when the bone was mended.

SYDNI LOLLAR Greeneville’s Sydni Lollar is pictured with Tusculum head football coach Jerry Odom (left) after being honored as the Girls’ Basketball Student-Athlete of the Year at The Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps ceremony Sunday.

“Sydni was selected as captain of our team by her peers, as a sophomore; this act speaks volumes about her, not only as a player but as a leader. While she is our go-to on the court. She is so much more. Sydni is always the first on the court and the last to leave, she is the coaches’ go-between with her teammates, and both sides of that relationship trust her. Sydni is one of our finest at GHS.” Annette Watts Greeneville Girls Basketball Coach

www.greenevillesun.com

Here’s to a Slam-Dunk Season!

• Greeneville • Morristown • Mosheim • Johnson City • Jefferson City • Knoxville (423) 639-6131

www.consumercreditunion.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 9

10 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Greeneville Oil And Petroleum Boys Bowling Student-Athlete Of The Year

L

ucas Weems is a junior at Greeneville High School whose list of achievements and awards includes: having the highest class average in news 1 and 2, and personal finance. He is an Eagle Scout, earning the Gold, Bronze and Silver awards. Weems is a Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriot Essay winner and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy Essay

winner.

In 2013-14, his bowling average was 99.56 in 36 games with five wins.

In the 2014-15 season, his average was 144.65 in 63 games with 34 wins.

In the 2015-16 season, he has averaged 146.89 in 64 games with 29.5 wins.

Weems is a member of Young Life, has been a member of the Greene County Youth Council for

three years, was a Boy Scout, was a member of the Greeneville Youth Bowling League and the GHS tennis team for one year. He is the junior class treasurer.

“Lucas is a very kind and compassionate young man that strives to be good at whatever he’s doing,” his coach wrote. “He is very well-rounded throughout many activities, whether school or community. He works well

with others and is very polite and considerate.”

Prior to high school, Weems had no bowling experience, his coach said. “Lucas overcame that hurdle and improved his bowling average both of over 40 pins within the first year of competition. He continues to work hard and works well at striving to continue improving while also working hard on his academics.”

LUCAS WEEMS “Lucas is a very kind and compassionate young man that strives to be good at whatever he’s doing. He is very well-rounded throughout many activities, whether school or community. He works well with others and is very polite and considerate. He continues to work hard and works well at striving to continue improving while also working hard on his academics.”

Greeneville’s Lucas Weems is pictured with Tusculum head football coach Jerry Odom (left) and Mark Freshour of Greeneville Oil and Petroleum after being honored as the Boys’ Bowling Student-Athlete of the Year at The Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps ceremony Sunday.

Johnny Painter Greeneville Bowling Coach

! s n o i t a l u t a r g n Co t of Preps

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 11

Bes ! ! s e t e l h t A Student

We have

examples of e n fi h c u s e v a h ls!

We are proud to a’s high schoo re a r u o in s te student-athle . nd take action.. a n la p a e k a Dream big, m thing!! you can do any

REC 90!

90 Octane - No Ethanol is great for small engines as well as your auto! Available at these locations

QS #15 at Mohawk Crossroads QS #48 at Camp Creek Crossroads QS #9 at 11-E ByPass across from Grand Rental QS #46 at the Corner of Tusculum Blvd. & Hope Rd.

Greeneville Oil & Petroleum, Inc.

Quick Stop Markets 880 W. Andrew Johnson Hwy.

423-638-3145

12 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Bob Gay With Edward Jones Girls Bowling Student-Athlete Of The Year

T

racy Painter is a junior at Greeneville High School.

Her achievements include being named Most Valuable Player, having the highest average and not missing a game in three years. In the 2014-2015 year, Painter placed ninth in Region 1 girls bowling with an average of 150.82, and in the 2015-16 year placed 10th in Region 1 girls bowling with an average of 147.29. Her career average in high

school girls bowling is 145.65 in 204 games with 140 wins.

Painter is a member of her church youth group, the GHS Color Guard, the GHS band (playing the flute), the GHS Advanced Chorus, the GHS Ruriteen Club, GHS Captain’s Club, the Saturday Morning Youth Bowling Association and the Johnson City Challenge Bowling League.

“Tracy is a very hard working and likeable young lady, who is involved

in many activities,” her coach wrote.

“She pushes herself to excel while also helping others to reach their potential, both on and off the field (or in this case the lanes) of competition.

Although only a junior, she possesses a maturity that causes others to look to her for leadership; peers respect her work ethic and value her advice.

Compiling all of her accomplishments within the field of competition, her accolades in the community and class-

room, and her positive relationship with her peers, I feel that you will not find a more deserving person for the Best of Preps nomination.”

Painter carries a 3.7872 gradepoint average and has the highest average in algebra II for the first nine weeks grading period of the second term and highest average in chemistry for the second nine weeks grading period.

TRACY PAINTER “Tracy is a very hard working and likeable young lady, who is involved in many activities. She pushes herself to excel while also helping others to reach their potential, both on and off the field (or in this case the lanes) of competition.

Although only a junior, she possesses a maturity that causes others to look to her for leadership; peers respect her work ethic and value her advice.”

Greeneville’s Tracy Painter is pictured with Tusculum head football coach Jerry Odom (left) and Bob Gay of Edward Jones after being honored as the Girls’ Bowling Student-Athlete of the Year at The Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps ceremony Sunday.

Johnny Painter Greeneville Bowling Coach

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 13

www.edwardjones.com

Recognizing Achievement Makes Sense Edward Jones honors Best of Preps.

At Edward Jones, we spend time getting to know your goals so we can help you reach them. Contact us to learn why it makes sense to talk with Edward Jones about your savings and investment strategies.

To schedule a personal financial review, call or visit today.

Bob Gay, AAMS® Financial Advisor 1104 Tusculum Blvd.

Greeneville, TN (423) 639-7241

Member SIPC

14 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Hometown Realty Of Greeneville Cheerleading Student-Athlete Of The Year

F

aith McDonald is a senior at North Greene High School. She made the Universal Cheerleaders Association cheerleading team two years in a row, was selected as The Breakfast Exchange Club’s Youth of the Month, named All Conference in tennis, is a “Pin It Forward” recipient and will be continuing her cheerleading career at Milligan College.

McDonald was an officer in the

Spanish club in 2014, is the captain of the cheerleading squad and tennis team, is president of the North Greene Spirit Club, is a member of DECA, and has volunteered 120 hours as the West Pines Elementary School assistant cheerleading coach.

“Faith has dedicated herself all four years, not only to the sport, but also to her education,” her coach wrote. “All throughout high school, she has made A’s and B’s while also being

a dedicated cheerleader. I believe she would represent her county well because of her character, level of responsibility, hard work and her love for cheerleading. She is a dedicated cheerleader and has taken tumbling and stunting classes her whole life in order to be the best.”

She has juggled “a job, dual enrollment classes, two sports and her regular class during her senior year,” her coach wrote. “She worked 20-25

hours per week in order to pay for her tuition and books in the fall and still maintains an A-B average, as well as learned the dances and cheers that she was asked to teach the team.”

McDonald has a 3.85 grade-point average and is top of her class for Advanced Placement English III and is ranked 12th out of a class of 109.

She will graduate with honors and has completed three dual enrollment classes for college classes.

FAITH MCDONALD “Faith has dedicated herself all four years, not only to the sport, but also to her education. All throughout high school, she has made A’s and B’s while also being a dedicated cheerleader. I believe she would represent her county well because of her character, level of responsibility, hard work and her love for cheerleading.”

North Greene’s Faith McDonald is pictured with Tusculum head football coach Jerry Odom (left) and Ginia and Brad Johnston of Hometown Realty in Greeneville after being honored as the Cheerleading Student-Athlete of the Year at The Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps ceremony Sunday.

Jan Kiker North Greene Cheerleading Coach

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 15

Neighbors you can count on...

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Hometown Realty of Greeneville, we treat you like a neighbor, not a number. Come experience the Hometown difference for yourself, we are the small company with BIG results!

423.639.2345

514 Tusculum Blvd. Greeneville

www.hometownofgreeneville.com hometownofgreeneville@gmail.com

16 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Boys Cross Country Student-Athlete Of The Year

T

aylor James “T.J.” Tupps is a senior at ChuckeyDoak High School. He has received a running sports scholarship to Tennessee Wesleyan College. His achievements and awards include being named Most Valuable Player in Cross Country for three years, Most Valuable Player in Track one year, four first-place records in the 2015 season including the conference run, third place in

regionals in 2014, being a two-time TSSAA state qualifier, competing in sub-sections and sectionals in 2015, having the highest average in government/economics, physics, algebra II honors classes, being a 2016 Junior R.O.T.C. Flight commander being and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for two years.

Tupps is a two-time state qualifier in cross country. He beat two 2015 All-State runners more than once

during the season handily. He ran sub 17-minute 5Ks two times during the season on difficult courses, with a personal best of 16:46. At one point, he won three meets in a row, and then the district title.

“The fact that two years ago T.J. was only a 19:48 5K athlete is a testament to his fortitude and work ethic to take three minutes off his 5K time,” his coach wrote. “Most runners are challenged to drop their time that much in

four years. Couple this with an untimely growth spurt at the last half of the 2015 campaign where he gained 2 inches on just his legs, and one can truly marvel at his ability to overcome a major obstacle to just get back to the state meet.”

T.J. is a graduate with distinction and a Tennessee Scholar and member of the National Honors Society, carrying a 3.87 grade-point average.

T.J. TUPPS ChuckeyDoak’s T.J. Tupps is pictured with Tusculum head football coach Jerry Odom after being honored as the Boys’ Cross Country Student Athlete of the Year at The Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps ceremony Sunday.

“The fact that two years ago T.J. was only a 19:48 5K athlete is a testament to his fortitude and work ethic to take three minutes off his 5K time. Couple this with an untimely growth spurt at the last half of the 2015 campaign where he gained 2 inches on just his legs, and one can truly marvel at his ability to overcome a major obstacle to just get back to the state meet.”

Noah Naseri Chuckey-Doak Cross Country Coach

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 17

18 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

LMR Resources Girls Cross Country Student-Athlete Of The Year

H

aley Vradenburgh is a senior at Greeneville High School and has the following achievements and awards: She was named Runner of the Year for the 2014 and 2015 years; won the Terry Hull Crawford Cross Country Classic, beating runners from other Greene County schools; was named to the All-Conference team her junior and senior years; was named to the All-Re-

gion team as a junior; and is a state qualifier. She has multiple top 10 and top 20 finishes as a senior and has earned post-season honors in four different sports.

Vradenburgh is involved with many clubs, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, First Priority and is a member of the student council and National Honors Society. She is a leader in each one and volunteers in the community, outside of school and

is very active in her church.

“Haley is a natural athlete and gifted academic student,” her coach wrote. “She is a shining example of what all young people should be. She is a state qualifier and has earned AllConference and All-Region honors in four different sports. Her performance in the classroom is equally impressive.

She is an all around gifted person.

More so, she is a good person.”

Her coach continued: “Haley

lost her parents at a young age. She overcame this incredible hardship to become one of the finest students I have ever know. Her success in multiple sports comes from within. Many children would have fallen into a shell after this, but she has thrived athletically and academically.”

Vradenburgh has multiple highest average awards from various classes and will be an honors graduate, carrying a 3.96 GPA.

HALEY VRADENBURGH West Greene’s Haley Vradenburgh (center) is pictured with Tusculum head football coach Jerry Odom and Bob Leonard of LMR Resources (right) after being honored as the Girls Cross Country Student Athlete of the Year at The Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps ceremony Sunday.

“Haley is a natural athlete and gifted academic student. She is a shining example of what all young people should be.

She is a state qualifier and has earned AllConference and All-Region honors in four different sports. Her performance in the classroom is equally impressive. She is an all-around gifted person. More so, she is a good person.”

Joe Byrd West Greene Cross Country Coach

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 19

Congratulations to all the Student Athlete Nominees!

We are a proud supporter of high school athletics, academics and student community involvement. These student athletes are our leaders of tomorrow. Whether it be cross-country running, playing soccer or participating in band, these young women and men are committed to their futures both in the ďŹ eld and in the classroom! We are proud of all of them!

Many Capabilities. One Solution.

LMR Resources utilizes the power of our combined capabilities and expertise of our engineering and manufacturing processes to serve other businesses in the Southeastern United States. We offer a host of strategic solutions including plastic injection molding, assembly, and supply chain management. We strive to be a one-stop solution provider that generates more value and more operating efďŹ ciencies for our clients. See how we are different!

CAPABILITIES

423.639.9141

SERVICES

RESOURCES

PEOPLE

lmrplastics.com

20 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Dance Student-Athlete Of The Year

B

raelyn Hartman is a sophomore at Greeneville High School.

She was awarded the Most Valuable Dancer on the 20152016 team, was awarded a work/ study scholarship at Main Street Dance Company, has been a member of the GHS dance team for two years and was on the Greeneville Middle School dance team for three years, where she was nominated Most Valuable Dancer two years in a row. She

was selected as Universal Dance Association All American at camp in July 2015 and National Dance Association All American at camp in June 2014.

Hartman was asked by the East Tennessee State University dance team coach to try out for his team when she gets to college and plans to dance in college.

She also volunteers at GMS every spring and is involved in GHS student council, where she volunteers at numerous school events through-

out the year. She has helped head the canned food drive at GHS for two years.

“Braelyn is not only a phenomenal dancer and has potential to dance in college somewhere, but she is a great, well-rounded student,” her coach wrote. “She is involved in student council at her school as well as the community’s YoungLife Program. She exudes confidence and kindness in all of her actions. Braelyn also pushes her teammates to be the

best that they can be. She promotes a Christian life through her actions toward her team and her peers. She is always positive on and off the court/ field. She is someone that younger peers in the community can look up to and have as a role model.”

Hartman has the highest average in English II and took classes at Greene Technology Center to further her opportunities after high school.

She carries a 3.57 grade-point average.

BRAELYN HARTMAN Greeneville’s Braelyn Hartman is pictured with Tusculum head football coach Jerry Odom after being honored as the Dance Student Athlete of the Year at The Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps ceremony Sunday.

“Braelyn is not only a phenomenal dancer and has potential to dance in college somewhere, but she is a great, wellrounded student. She exudes confidence and kindness in all of her actions. Braelyn also pushes her teammates to be the best that they can be. She promotes a Christian life through her actions toward her team and her peers. She is always positive on and off the court/field. She is someone that younger peers in the community can look up to and have as a role model.”

Lilly Crouch Greeneville Dance Team Coach

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 21

22 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Takoma Regional Hospital Football Student-Athlete Of The Year

D

awson Russell is a senior at North Greene High School. His achievements and awards include being named to the All-Conference Football 2014-15 team, being named to the All-County 2015 team, being the district tournament MVP in baseball, winning the outstanding receiver award for his team, making the All-Conference team in baseball in 2015, being nominated for All-Star baseball team in 2015, being a member of the National Honors Society, being captain of the football

and baseball teams and playing varsity all four years in football and baseball.

Russell plays intramural baseball and has 160 community service hours including: working a registration blitz, being a volunteer coach, working with Greeneville City Bookmobile, working at field day, parking cars at Baileyton Days celebration, delivering Thanksgiving meals, being a member of the Stop Hunger Now Project and wrapping Christmas gifts for others.

“Dawson has worked hard in the classroom, on the field and in his per-

sonal life,” his coach wrote. “Between living in a single-parent home and being a college-bound student athlete, he has managed to succeed no matter what odds he faces. He is smart and has maintained an A/B grade-point average through high school. On the field, he is athletic, led our team in receptions and yards for two years, and lastly has a great work ethic with being the man of the house and working extra on his sports.”

Russell quit football his sophomore year due to coaching changes.

He missed three games before

coming back and to be an important contributor of the team, according to his coach.

He carries a 3.75 grade-point average and is a member of the National Honors Society, was nominated for National High School Scholars, participated in the Rotary leadership convention, will be an honors graduate, a Tennessee Scholars graduate and was nominated to be a delegate of Future Science and Technology leaders.

He has the highest physical science average.

DAWSON RUSSELL North Greene’s Dawson Russell is pictured with Tusculum head football coach Jerry Odom and Lyndon Gallimore of Takoma Regional Hospital after being honored as the Boys’ Cross Country Student Athlete of the Year at The Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps ceremony Sunday.

“Dawson has worked hard in the classroom, on the field and in his personal life. Between living in a single-parent home and being a college-bound student athlete, he has managed to succeed no matter what odds he faces. He is smart and has maintained an A/B grade-point average through high school. (He) has a great work ethic with being the man of the house and working extra on his sports.”

Scotty Verran North Greene Football Coach

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 23

Congratulations, Dawson Russell of North Greene High School Football Student Athlete of the Year Dawson Russell receives his award from Jerry Odom, Tusculum College’s football coach, and Lyndon Gallimore, assistant vice president of physician services and business development at Takoma Regional Hospital.

GreenevilleDoctors.com

Getting You Back To Where You Want To Be. Orthopedics 278-1650 | PT Solutions Physical Therapy 783-7911

24 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Mountain States Health Alliance Boys Golf Student-Athlete Of The Year

Z

ane Potter is a sophomore at North Greene High School. His list of achievements and awards include making the All-Conference 2014-15 team in golf, making the All-Freshman/Sophomore team in pitching and hitting and the Tennessee All 2-way team in baseball. He had the best average his freshman and

sophomore year in golf, was selected the class favorite 2015-16 and was rookie of the year.

Potter works at Link Hills Country Club and helps Sasha Catron with the golf program, as well as does plumbing jobs when he can. He plays golf, baseball and basketball. He is a member of First Priority, Future Farmers of America and science clubs at school.

“He has had the best average on his team for two years. He missed regionals his freshman year by two strokes and missed state by about five strokes.

“Zane had a back injury his freshman year and was out between November and February,” his coach wrote. “The back injury was a spinal stress fracture in the lower back.” He

had to wear brace 23 hours a day for a month.

“This injury pushed him to work hard because he was behind everyone else and had to improve for the high school level,” his coach said.

Potter carries a 3.82 grade-point average.

ZANE POTTER North Greene’s Zane Potter is pictured with Tusculum head football coach Jerry Odom (left) and Keylea Harrison of Niswonger Chirldren’s Hospital after being honored as the Boys’ Golf Student-Athlete of the Year at the Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps ceremony Sunday.

“He has had the best average on his team for two years. Zane had a back injury his freshman year and was out between November and February. The back injury was a spinal stress fracture in the lower back.

He had to wear brace 23 hours a day for a month. This injury pushed him to work hard because he was behind everyone else and had to improve for the high school level.”

Brandon Broyles North Greene Golf Coach

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 25

26 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Mountain States Health Alliance Girls Golf Student-Athlete Of The Year

K

atelynn Rector is a sophomore at North Green High School. Her achievements are A/AA All-District honors her sophomore year.

She is a member of the Greene County Youth Council, Future Farmers of America and the science club at school. She volunteers at Greene

County United In Love Ministries, participates in the Tusculum College Talent Search program and is an active member of her church youth group.

“This young lady loves to have the opportunity to play any course,” her coach wrote. “She is open and willing to accept tips and pointers from other, more experienced players to help improve her game. She feels

you can always better yourself in each match you play.

Rector was the only girl on her team. “She would go out and practice and play matches with the boys, who would push and encourage her to play better each time to prepare her for when she played teams with female players,” her coach said.

Rector carries a 4.0 grade-

point average and has received the Greene Excellence Academic Achievement award, certificate of honor in AgriScience with the highest class average, certificate of honor in honors biology I, certificate of honor in algebra I with the highest class average, and a certificate of honor in Advanced Placement human geography.

KATELYN RECTOR North Greene’s Katelyn Rector is pictured with Tusculum head football coach Jerry Odom and Keylea Harrison of Niswonger Children’s Hospital after being honored as the Girls’ Golf Student Athlete of the Year at The Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps ceremony Sunday.

“This young lady loves to have the opportunity to play any course. She is open and willing to accept tips and pointers from other, more experienced players to help improve her game. She feels you can always better yourself in each match you play. She would go out and practice and play matches with the boys, who would push and encourage her to play better each time.”

Brandon Broyles North Greene Golf Coach

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 27

28 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Laughlin Memorial Hospital Boys Soccer Student-Athlete Of The Year

N

athan Johnson is a senior at Chuckey-Doak High School. His list of achievements include being on one sub-state soccer team 2014, being part of the region tournament runner-up team in 2014, being part of the district tournament runner-up team 2013-14, being part of the district season runner-up team in 2013-15, being goal keeper on the Tri-Cities Computer Medics Pre-Season Soccer Tournament Champion team in 2015, being a team member on the Champion Smokey Mountain Cup Mount Sterling Division champions team and being a member of two record-setting soccer teams in 2013 and 2015.

His academic achievements include earning 12 college academic hours through dual-enrollment with Walters State Community College, having perfect attendance in 201213, being a Presidential Scholarship (Maryville College) recipient, being a Hope Scholarship recipient, competing in the TMTA Competition in algebra I in 2013, algebra II in 2014, and pre-calculus in 2015, he was part of the Chuckey-Doak High School yearbook staff in 2016, was the Lunch Exchange Club student in 2016, and won the chemistry and pre-calculus awards.

Johnson is the captain of CDHS Varsity Black Knight Soccer team, and volunteered as CDHS Summer

Soccer Camp counselor, helps on his family farm and volunteers with Journee, a non-profit organization that helps provide the opportunity for terminally ill adults to have a wish granted.

He has played on Galaxy Soccer teams in 2013-15, and is a member of the National Honors Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

“Nathan is a role model to his peers and teammates,” his coach wrote. “He is an excellent student and a talented soccer player. He works hard from the classroom, to the soccer field, to the family farm, to the non-profit organization called Journee. His contribution to the team is more than just being a leader on

the field during game times. He leads in the classroom, in the hallways, FCA meetings and in every aspect of his life.”

Johnson’s mother died after a long battle with cancer when he was 5. A year later he joined his first soccer team and has continued to play soccer since, according to his coach.

“Nathan is a role model to his peers by working hard in all areas of his life from the classroom, to the soccer field, to the family farm, to a non-profit organization founded by his sister, in honor of their mother,” his coach said.

Johnson maintains a 3.84 gradepoint average.

NATHAN JOHNSON Chuckey-Doak’s Nathan Johnson is pictured with Tusculum head football coach Jerry Odom (left) and Noah Roark of Laughlin Memorial Hospital after being honored as the Boys’ Soccer Student Athlete of the Year at The Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps ceremony Sunday.

“Nathan is a role model to his peers and teammates.

He is an excellent student and a talented soccer player.

He works hard from the classroom, to the soccer field, to the family farm, to the non-profit organization called Journee. He leads in the classroom, in the hallways, FCA meetings and in every aspect of his life.”

Anna Ricker Chuckey-Doak Soccer Coach

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 29

Our Goal Is To Keep You In The Game LAUGHLIN MEDICAL GROUP LAUGHLIN MEDICAL GROUP LAUGHLIN MEDICAL GROUP PRIMARY CARE SURGERY ORTHOPEDICS

FAMILY MEDICINE

GENERAL SURGERY

PODIATRY

Welcoming New Patients of All Ages

Board CertiямБed American Board of Surgery

Welcoming New Patients of All Ages

Michelle Dilks, D.O. Felix Fernandez, D.O.

Areas of Specialty: Breast, General Surgery, Laparoscopic Surgery, Bariatric Surgery, Vascular Surgery Robert Northrop, M.D., FACS Mark Patterson, M.D., FACS Natalie R. Scott, M.D., FACS

Dr. Ashley M. Dikis, DPM

423-783-5520 1406 Tusculum Blvd., Greeneville, TN MOB #2, Suite 1200

423-783-5510 1406 Tusculum Blvd., Greeneville, TN MOB #2, Suite 1000

423-787-7100 1410 Tusculum Blvd., Greeneville, TN MOB #1, Suite 1700

www.laughlinmemorial.org

30 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Laughlin Memorial Hospital Girls Soccer Student-Athlete Of The Year

J

essica Sallah is a junior at Greeneville High School.

Her list of achievements and awards include making the TSSAA-All State team, the Knoxville News Sentinel Prep-Extra First Team, the Prep-Extra Player of the year (All Division), the Tennessee Sport Writer’s All-State team, First Team All-District, First Team-All Re-

gion, being named the district MVP, the region MVP and GHS team MVP. Sallah is in Youth Leadership with 108 volunteer hours working at the Food Bank and is a member of the student council. She is also a member of the Knoxville Football Club Azzurri.

“Jessica is an outstanding young lady who is well-rounded both on and

off the field,” her coach said. “Her academic status speaks for itself with a GPA of 3.9. She was instrumental in leading the GHS Lady Devils Soccer Team to its first-ever TSSAA state championship win. She scored all four goals in the AA state championship game, defeating Chattanooga Christian by a score of 4-1. The Lady Devils finished the season with a

record of 25-2.”

Sallah had to overcome a midseason concussion, which limited her playing time for several weeks.

In addition to having a 3.9 gradepoint average, she is a member of the National Honors Society and is an Advanced Placement student.

JESSICA SALLAH Greeneville’s Jessica Sallah is pictured with Tusculum head football coach Jerry Odom (left) and Noah Roark of Laughlin Memorial Hospital after being honored as the Girls’ Soccer Student Athlete of the Year at The Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps ceremony Sunday.

“Jessica is an outstanding young lady who is well-rounded both on and off the field. Her academic status speaks for itself with a GPA of 3.9. She was instrumental in leading the GHS Lady Devils Soccer Team to its first-ever TSSAA state championship win. She scored all four goals in the title game.”

John Eiskamp Greeneville Girls Soccer Coach

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 31

We look below the surface to treat your needs.

Medical Imaging • Digital X-Ray • Advanced MRI • CT Scan • Ultrasound • Nuclear Medicine • Experienced Staff

We have the technology, we have the team.

(423) 787-5100

32 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Cornerstone Wealth Management Softball Student-Athlete Of The Year

E

milee Starnes is a junior at North Greene High School. Her achievements and awards include being named Team Pitcher of the Year 2014 and 2015, being named to the Watauga Valley All-Conference 2015 team and the Watauga Valley All-Tournament team in 2015.

Starnes is a member of First

Priority, Youth Leadership and is the junior class representative. She volunteers at Northern Green County Ministries and is active in New Lebanon Baptist Church youth group.

“Emilee is one of the hardest working student athletes that I have worked with during my six years as head coach of NGHS softball,” her coach wrote. “She leads by example and is relentless as a player and

student. She will graduate as one of the most honored student athletes in the history of the school. She has received many athletic and academic awards and continues to excel.”

Her coach continued: “Emilee had several medical struggles at the first of the school year that led to her being homebound for several weeks.

Despite the sickness, she still worked hard to maintain her grades.”

Starnes maintains a 4.0 gradepoint average and was Top Academic Female in her freshman and sophomore years and placed second in an algebra II regional mathematics contest at Tusculum College. She received a perfect end-of-course Algebra I score in 2014 and a perfect TCAP math score in 2013.

EMILEE STARNES North Greene’s Emilee Starnes is pictured with Tusculum head football coach Jerry Odom (left), and Brian Click and Chris O’Dell of Cornerstone Wealth Management, after being honored as the Softball Student Athlete of the Year at The Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps ceremony Sunday.

“Emilee is one of the hardest working student athletes that I have worked with during my six years as head coach of NGHS softball. She leads by example and is relentless as a player and student. She will graduate as one of the most honored student athletes in the history of the school. She has received many athletic and academic awards and continues to excel.”

Renee Light North Greene Softball Coach

www.greenevillesun.com

Brian Click

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 33

PROUDLY SUPPORTS OUR

Chris O’Dell

HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES

404 E. BERNARD AVE, SUITE A • GREENEVILLE, TN 37745 423-972-4830 • WWW.CORNERSTONEWEALTHTN.COM

34 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Girls Swimming Student-Athlete Of The Year

K

atelyn Anguish is a junior at Chuckey-Doak High School. Her list of achievements and awards includes being a three-time team captain, making the First Team All Conference in 500 Free and 200 IM for two years in a row, and being a three-time state qualifier.

Anguish is a volunteer counselor at the YMCA day camp and a certified lifeguard at the YMCA. “With swimming being a very limited sport in Greene County, Katelyn has still managed to compete at a state level,” her coach wrote.

“She gets up early to practice before school and then practices again after

school. She travels outside of the area to practice on weekends and holidays with a top-three team for the State of Tennessee. She was invited to participate in the 2016 Elite High School Swimming and Diving Showcase. That featured top teams from Tennessee and North Carolina.”

This year was particularly dif-

ficult with the closure of her training pool for most of the high school season, for repairs, according to her coach.

Anguish maintains a 4.0 gradepoint average and was nominated for the National Honors Society.

KATELYN ANGUISH

Chuckey-Doak’s Katelyn Anguish is pictured with Tusculum head football coach Jerry Odom after being honored as the Girls’ Swimming Student Athlete of the Year at The Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps ceremony Sunday.

“With swimming being a very limited sport in Greene County, Katelyn has still managed to compete at a state level. She gets up early to practice before school and then practices again after school.

She travels outside of the area to practice on weekends and holidays with a top-three team for the State of Tennessee. She was invited to participate in the 2016 Elite High School Swimming and Diving Showcase.

Douglas Anguish Chuckey-Doak Swimming Coach

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 35

36 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Boys Tennis Student-Athlete Of The Year

C

ody Compton is a junior at North Greene High School. His achievements and awards include winning the Future Farmers of America award, the John Deere Agricultural award, being treasurer of FFA, making the All-Conference team in football, winning rookie of the year

for tennis, winning the most improved football award and most improved English award.

Compton has volunteered to make gift bags for the food bank, helps clean up after Monday home ball games, plays football, tennis and is an active member of FFA. “Cody does not only make a

big impact on the field, but also the classroom and everywhere he goes,” his coach wrote. “He is never late to practice and never falls short of giving his personal best. He is always looking to lend a helping hand to those who need it.”

Compton suffered an MCL tear his sophomore year during a football

game. After many weeks of recovery and rest, his knee was able to make a full recovery. He claimed tennis helped strengthen his knee, according to his coach.

Compton maintains a 3.6 gradepoint average and a member of the National Honors Society.

CODY COMPTON

North Greene’s Cody Compton is pictured with Tusculum head football coach Jerry Odom after being honored as the Boys’ Tennis Student Athlete of the Year at The Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps ceremony Sunday.

“Cody does not only make a big impact on the field, but also the classroom and everywhere he goes. He is never late to practice and never falls short of giving his personal best. He is always looking to lend a helping hand to those who need it.”

Todd Malone North Greene Tennis Coach

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 37

38 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Stitch Tek Services Girls Tennis Student-Athlete Of The Year

K

ori Smith is a senior at Chuckey-Doak High School. Her achievements and awards include being first seed on the tennis team, co-captain of the soccer team, being president of the senior class, vice-president of the Future Farmers of America, being a band member for two years, being part of student leadership in her youth group, and being

on the Destination Imagination Team.

She has received numerous math, art and science awards. She has perfect end-of-course scores in algebra I, II and chemistry I. She scored a 4 out of a possible 5 on the Language and Composition Advanced Placement Test.

Smith has been to Haiti four times for a total of eight weeks of mission work at an orphanage and hospital.

She has been to an Indian reservation in Nebraska on a mission trip and has planned trips to Mexico and a return trip to Haiti this summer. She has taught Spanish at the children’s center, worked at the food bank, cleaned schools, helped the homeless and other various community programs.

“When I sat down to talk about her awards and accomplishments, I was impressed that a young girl has expe-

rienced and achieved so much in her short life thus far,” her coach wrote.

“She really is an awesome young lady with such a big heart and all-around talent and attitude! I look forward to her next 10 years to see what all she tackles in life.”

Smith has a 4.0 grade-point average and scored a 31 out of a possible 36 on the ACT and has received a Niswonger Scholarship this year.

KORI SMITH ChuckeyDoak’s Kori Smith is pictured with Tusculum head football coach Jerry Odom and Julie Colotti of Stitch Tek Services after being honored as the Girls Tennis Student Athlete of the Year at the Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps ceremony Sunday.

“When I sat down to talk about her awards and accomplishments, I was impressed that a young girl has experienced and achieved so much in her short life thus far. She really is an awesome young lady with such a big heart and all-around talent and attitude! I look forward to her next 10 years to see what all she tackles in life.”

Angie Beets Chuckey-Doak Soccer Coach

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 39

Congratulations, Girl’s Tennis Nominees!

Simulated Leather

• TEAMS • BUSINESSES • COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS • Custom Apparel • Embroidery Digitizing and Screen Print Art • LOW minimum quantities • Ask us about Special FX Screen Printing We have a full promotional catalog at http://catalog.stitchtek.com

Screen Printing • Embroidery Services • Promotional Products

(423) 525-8298

Info@StitchTek.com

40 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Greeneville Nissan Boys Track Student-Athlete Of The Year

A

ndrew Duckworth is a junior at Greeneville High School. His achievements and awards include being a National Honors Society inductee in 2016, having the highest English I GPA in 2014, having the highest world geography GPA in 2014, having the highest wellness health GPA in 2014, having the high-

est chemistry GPA in 2015 and being named to the North East Conference 2nd team All-Conference in 2015.

Duckworth was a member of the GHS track team in 2013-16 and the GHS football team in 2013-16, a member of the Captains Club 2015present, student government (class treasurer 2013-14 and class secretary 2015-16) Greene County Youth

Leadership inductee 2015-16, a bell ringer for Second Harvest Food Bank, Asbury UM Youth group, a member of the American Angus Junior Association, cattle showing 4H junior shot and open show, Grassy Valley Angus farm 2013-16.

“Andrew is a quiet leader,” his coach wrote. “He is quick to take younger athletes under his wings. He

is good to reach out and be the peacemaker during conflict.”

The coach continued, “Andrew has persevered a couple of years as a young runner taking his lumps. He is now a part of a successful group of sprinters and throwers.”

Duckworth maintains a 3.93 grade-point average.

ANDREW DUCKWORTH Greeneville’s Andrew Duckworth is pictured with Tusculum head football coach Jerry Odom after being honored as the Boys’ Track Student Athlete of the Year at The Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps ceremony Sunday.

“Andrew is a quiet leader. He is quick to take younger athletes under his wings.

He is good to reach out and be the peacemaker during conflict. Andrew has persevered a couple of years as a young runner taking his lumps. He is now a part of a successful group of sprinters and throwers.”

Larry Blalock Greeneville Track and Field Coach

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 41

42 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Andrew Johnson Bank Girls Track Student-Athlete Of The Year

A

ddie Leonard is a junior at Greeneville High School. Her achievements and awards include being a 2014 – AAU Track & Field SE District qualifier and finishing 15-16 times at first place in the 1500 and 3000 meters, being a 2013 – AAU Track & Field SE District qualifier and finishing 14 times at first place in the 1500 and 3000 meters, in cross country coming in first place in the 2013 Brac & Region and All-State, 2014 first place BRAC and All-Region, and she

holds the GHS cross country record time.

Her volunteer, community service and extracurricular activities include being freshman and sophomore class president, being a member of the youth council, a National Honors Society member and being named cross country captain. She has volunteered at Kids Day, Asbury UM Church Vacation Bible School, YMCA 5K, Greene County Partnership Festival of Trees, Gifts for Kids, Boys & Girls Club Christmas party, Teacher Supply

Depot, the Daddy-Daughter Dance and the Parenting Fair. She is a tutor in geometry.

“Addie has a big heart,” her coach wrote of her. “She has been a resilient team leader even when she could not compete. She is the type of athlete that you can build a team around.”

After progressing as a runner, even battling pain in her sophomore year, doctors discovered in the spring of 2015 that Leonard had tarsal tunnel.

“She underwent surgery in August

of 2015,” her coach said. “Between the testing and recovery from surgery, she could not run or participate in sports for an entire year. She has had to take returning to running extremely slowly as she still has a potential of five months of nerve healing from her surgery.”

Leonard maintains a 4.0 gradepoint average and takes honors classes, has taken or is currently taking four Advanced Placement classes.

She scored a 31 on the ACT.

ADDIE LEONARD Greeneville’s Addie Leonard is pictured with Tusculum head football coach Jerry Odom and Heather Gass of Andrew Johnson Bank after being honored as the Girls’ Track Student Athlete of the Year at The Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps ceremony Sunday.

“Addie has a big heart. She has been a resilient team leader even when she could not compete. She is the type of athlete that you can build a team around.”

Larry Blalock Greeneville Track and Field Coach

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 43

www.greenevillesun.com

Show Your Spirit “Handy Andy just got handier!”

Handy Andy Instant Issue Debit/ATM cards are now available with the high school logos shown above for no extra charge. It’s a great way to show your team spirit! So come into any Andrew Johnson Bank location to receive your Handy Andy Debit/ATM card INSTANTLY! ALSO, we can apply a CUSTOM IMAGE to your card. Restrictions apply, so come in to speak with a Customer Service Representative about the details.

Schools logos are only available for the schools shown for no additional charge. Custom images are available with restrictions and bank approval. A $20 fee applies to all custom image card orders.

NMLS# 489126

www.AJBank.com (423) 783-1000 toll free (877) 425-2265 Greeneville Morristown Jonesborough Johnson City Cleveland

44 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Greenelawn Memory Gardens Volleyball Student-Athlete Of The Year

K

ayla Hammer is a senior at Greeneville High School. Her achievements and awards include being district 2-AA Player of the Year in 2015, being named to the District 2-AA All-Conference and All –Tournament teams in 2015, being part of the District 2-AA Conference and Tournament Championship teams in 2015, being a District 2-AA Honorable Mention All-Conference 2014, being a member of the District 2-AA Tournament Championship team in 2014, being a four-year starter on the varsity team, winning

the GHS Outstanding Blocker Award 2012-15 and being the GHS MVP 2015 and team captain.

Her extracurricular activities include being on the GHS track and tennis teams, participating in Young Life and church. She has 80 volunteer hours that include tutoring, working at Laughlin Memorial Hospital, helping with local volleyball camps and clinics and babysitting.

“Kayla is an outstanding studentathlete and everything you would hope to have representing GHS on and off the court currently and as an alumna,” her coach wrote. “I have

seen her lead her team to back-toback district championships as a result of her leadership skills, hard work and strong character. She truly embraced her role as senior leader and team captain this year, making my job as a coach easier because she led by example, backing her words with actions and hard work.”

Her coach continued: “It is no coincidence that she has a 4.0 GPA and was named Conference Player of the Year, both a result of maximum effort given by a talented, intelligent, hard-working student-athlete.”

Hammer maintains a 4.0 grade-

point average, is in the top 5 percent of her class and has academic scholarship offers from East Tennessee State University and Maryville College. She scored a 29 on the ACT, is a member of the National Honors Society, was voted most likely to succeed in 2016, was the Noon Exchange Club Student of the Month in November 2015, placed second in the regional pre-calculus contest at Tusculum College 2015, received the Student Athlete Award of Merit in 2013 and the Distinguished Scholastic Achievement Award.

KAYLA HAMMER Greeneville’s Kayla Hammer is pictured with Tusculum head football coach Jerry Odom (left) and Shane Harrison of Greenelawn Memorial Gardens after being honored as the Boys’ Cross Country Student Athlete of the Year at The Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps ceremony Sunday.

“Kayla is an outstanding student-athlete and everything you would hope to have representing GHS on and off the court currently and as an alumna. I have seen her lead her team to backto-back district championships as a result of her leadership skills, hard work and strong character. ” Erin Franklin Greeneville Volleyball Coach

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 45

MAY SPECIAL

Limited time! Buy one ground space, get one FREE. Call or PM for details: 423-638-3117.

Also, special Tandem Mausoleum prices! Call and let us tell you how it is cheaper than ground burial for two. Expires 5/31/16.

Join us for our annual

MEMORIAL SERVICE MAY 29 - 1:00PM

Photo by Trudy Wallack

GREENELAWN

MEMORY GARDENS INC.

Greene County’s Most Beautiful Burial Place 4159 Asheville Highway, Greeneville, TN 37743 • 423.638.3117

46 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Gateway Ford-Lincoln-Mazda Community Excellence Award

KORI SMITH

K

ori Smith is a senior at Chuckey-Doak High School. Her achievements and awards include being first seed on the tennis team, co-captain of the soccer team, being president of the senior class, vice-president of the Future Farmers of America, being a band member for two years, being part of student leadership in her youth group, and being on the Destination Imagination Team. She has received numerous math, art and science awards. She has perfect end-of-course scores in algebra I, II and chemistry I. She scored a 4 out of a possible 5 on the Language and Composition Advanced Placement Test.

Smith has been to Haiti four times for a total of eight weeks of mission work at an orphanage and hospital. She has been to an Indian reservation in Nebraska on a mission trip and has planned trips to Mexico and a return trip to Haiti this sum-

mer. She has taught Spanish at the children’s center, worked at the food bank, cleaned schools, helped the homeless and other

various community programs.

“When I sat down to talk about her awards and accomplishments, I was impressed that

a young girl has experienced and achieved so much in her short life thus far,” her coach wrote.

“She really is an awesome young lady with such a big heart and all-around talent and attitude! I look forward to her next 10 years to see what all she tackles in life.”

Smith has a 4.0 grade-point average and scored a 31 out of a possible 36 on the ACT and has received a Niswonger Scholarship this year.

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 47

3301 East Andrew Johnson Hwy. Greeneville, TN 37745

(423) 783-7955 JUST A FEW REASONS YOU’VE GOTTA GET TO GATEWAY • In continuous operation for over 45 years • Family owned • Factory trained technicians • On-site rental cars • We repair All Makes and Models—imports and domestics

• Fully certified for Aluminum body repairs • Lifetime paint guarantee • All Insurance companies accepted •

and Because we’re Altogether… BETTER

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED BETWEEN PALS AND GATEWAY PREOWNED CARS & TRUCKS

48 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Gateway Ford-Lincoln-Mazda Academic Achievement Award

TRACIE RENNER

T

racie Renner is the Academic Achievement Award recipient and is a senior at West Greene High School. She has maintained a 4.0 grade-point average and

scored a 31 on her ACT. Her academic success has earned her the Presidential Scholar award at East Tennessee State University as well as a Roan Scholar finalist (final 17 of 83).

As a member of the track

team, she has received a Sprinter MVP award and the Kyle Morrell award. During her senior year of volleyball, she was designated floor captain during every varsity game. She received an All-Conference award as well as All-Tournament award. She was also a Greeneville Sun Calendar Girl in 2015.

Renner is a member of the National Honors Society, National English Honor Society, Tennessee Tomorrow and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She has spent some of her time volunteering at the Crumley House, Gifts for Kids, reading to students at an elementary school, singing at Signature Healthcare Center of Greeneville, and during the summer she volunteered at Benchmark Physical Therapy.

“She has excelled in the classroom and maintained her academics all while participat-

ing in basketball, volleyball and track all four years of her high school career and cross county for two years,” her nominating coach wrote.

“She regularly led the volleyball team in prayers, devotionals and often lent an ear to others in need. As a coach, I looked to her as my go-to person for the team because I trusted her and the girls trusted her, which is why she was our team captain.

“Tracie suffered a traumatic head injury while playing basketball in elementary school.

She spent several painful days in the hospital. Even today, I’m sure there are effects from that injury she does not share.

However, that injury has not held her back. If anything it has made her a stronger person who appreciates and enjoys life to the fullest.”

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 49

BUY FOUR SELECT TIRES, get a

rebate by mail when you use the Ford Service Credit Card.* ENDS 6.30.16

GET A

rebate by mail

LIFETIME

BRAKE PAD GUARANTEE

READY TO SERVEâ„¢

GATEWAY FORD

when you use your Ford Service Credit Card to make a qualifying purchase of $250 or more (before tax).*

*

39

$ Synthetic Blend Oil Change

Tire Rotation & Pressure Check

Brake Inspection

Multi-Point Inspection Fluid

95

Top-Off

Battery Test

Filter Check

OR LESS

Belts & Hoses Check

1055 W Andrew Johnson Hwy, Greeneville, TN 37745

(423) 639-5151

50 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Gateway Ford-Lincoln-Mazda Comeback Player Award

HALEY VRADENBURGH

H

aley Vradenburgh is a senior at Greeneville High School and has the following achievements and awards: She was named Runner of the Year for the 2014 and 2015 years; won the Terry Hull Crawford Cross Country Classic, beating runners from other Greene County Schools; was named to the All-Conference team her junior and senior years; was named to the All-Region team as a junior; and is a state qualifier. She has multiple top 10 and top 20 finishes as a senior and has earned post season honors in four different sports.

Vradenburgh is involved with many clubs, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, First Priority and is a member of the student council and National Honors Society. She is a leader in each one and volunteers in the community, outside

of school and is very active in her church.

“Haley is a natural athlete and gifted academic student,” her coach wrote. “She is a

shining example of what all young people should be. She is a state qualifier and has earned All-Conference and AllRegion honors in four different

sports. Her performance in the classroom is equally impressive. She is an all around gifted person. More so, she is a good person.”

Her coach continued: “Haley lost her parents at a young age. She overcame this incredible hardship to become one of the finest students I have ever know. Her success in multiple sports comes from within. Many children would have fallen into a shell after this, but she has thrived athletically and academically.”

Vradenburgh has multiple highest average awards from various classes and will be an honors graduate, carrying a 3.96 GPA.

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 51

REASONS TO BUY AT GATEWAY • #1 Ford Sales Leader in the Zone* • Greene County’s Only Lifetime Warranty** 1055 W. Andrew Johnson Hwy. Greeneville, TN

www.GatewayDeal.com

(423) 639-5151

Mon. - Fri. 8:30 am - 7 pm • Sat. 8:30 am - 6 pm • SUN. - CLOSED *#1 in sales in Zone W. Jan., - March 2016. **Lifetime Warranty on all new vehicles & select used vehicles (Must be 2006 or newer & have under 100K miles.

52 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

Saturday, May 7, 2016

www.greenevillesun.com

Gateway Ford-Lincoln-Mazda Coach of the Year

STEPHEN GREGG

T

he 2015-16 academic year will be one that South Greene volleyball and girls’ basketball coach Stephen Gregg remembers for a long time.

Now in his sixth season at the helm of the two programs, Gregg led both teams to The Murphy Center on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University to play for a state championship.

The Lady Rebels’ volleyball team came up just short of a title, falling to Goodpasture in the state title game.

Less than five months later, though, the South Greene girls’ basketball team left Murfreesboro will the state championship trophy in hand as the Lady Rebels defeated Gibson County for the fifth state title in program history.

Gregg coached the South Greene volleyball and girls’ basketball teams to a combined 81-7 overall record. One of his players, sophomore Taylor Lamb, was one of three finalist for the TSSAA Class A Miss Basketball Award, which goes to the top player in the state.

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 53

GREENE COUNTY’S ONLY LIFETIME WARRANTY Lennie Lawson, Owner

Kevin Ross, General Manager

Chris Fillers, Sales

Kevin Stanton, Finance Manager Shane Swann, Senior Sales Manager

Stevi King, Sales

Matt King Sales

1055 W. Andrew Johnson Hwy. Greeneville, TN

www.GatewayDeal.com

Abby Lawson, Sales Manager

Matt Mcgaha, Sales

Ben Nelson, Sales Manager

David Smith, Sales

Lisa Anderson, Sales

Glenn Smith, Sales

Sawyer Brady, Sales

Roger Tweed, Sales

Travis Bullman, Sales

Cy Wortham, Sales

(423) 639-5151

Mon. - Fri. 8:30 am - 7 pm • Sat. 8:30 am - 6 pm • SUN. - CLOSED

54 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

The Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps Overall Male Award

NATHAN JOHNSON

N

athan Johnson is a senior at ChuckeyDoak High School.

His list of achievements include being on one substate soccer team 2014, being part of the region tournament runner-up team in 2014, being part of the district tournament runner-up team 2013-14, being part of the district season runnerup team in 2013-15, being goal keeper on the Tri-Cities Computer Medics Pre-Season Soccer Tournament Champion team in 2015, being a team member on the Champion Smokey Mountain Cup Mount Sterling Division champions team and being a member of two record-setting soccer teams in 2013 and 2015.

His academic achievements include earning 12 college academic hours through dualenrollment with Walters State Community College, having perfect attendance in 2012-13, being a Presidential Scholarship (Maryville College) recipient, being a Hope Scholarship (Marville

College) recipient, competing in the TMTA Competition in algebra I in 2013, algebra II in 2014, and pre-calculus in 2015, he was part of the Chuckey-Doak High School yearbook staff in 2016, was the Lunch Exchange Club student in 2016, and won the chemistry and pre-calculus awards.

Johnson is the captain of CDHS Varsity Black Knight Soccer team, and volunteered as

CDHS Summer Soccer Camp counselor, helps on his family farm and volunteers with Journee, a non-profit organization that helps provide the opportunity for terminally ill adults to have a wish granted.

He has played on Galaxy Soccer teams in 2013-15, and is a member of the National Honors Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

“Nathan is a role model to his peers and teammates,” his coach wrote. “He is an excellent student and a talented soccer player. He works hard from the classroom, to the soccer field, to the family farm, to the non-profit organization called Journee. His contribution to the team is more than just being a leader on the field during game times. He leads in the classroom, in the hallways, FCA meetings and in every aspect of his life.”

Johnson’s mother died after a long battle with cancer when he was 5. A year later he joined his first soccer team and has continued to play soccer since, according to his coach.

“Nathan is a role model to his peers by working hard in all areas of his life from the classroom, to the soccer field, to the family farm, to a non-profit organization founded by his sister, in honor of their mother,” his coach said.

Johnson maintains a 3.84 grade-point average.

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 55

56 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

The Greeneville Sun Best Of Preps Overall Female Award

KAYLA HAMMER

K

ayla Hammer is a senior at Greeneville High School. Her achievements and awards include being district 2-AA Player of the Year in 2015, being named to the District 2-AA All-Conference and All –Tournament teams in 2015, being part of the District 2-AA Conference and Tournament Championship teams in 2015, being a District 2-AA Honorable Mention All-Conference 2014, being a member of the District 2-AA Tournament Championship team in 2014, being a four-year starter on the varsity team, winning the GHS Outstanding Blocker Award 2012-15 and being the GHS MVP 2015 and team captain.

Her extracurricular activities include being on the GHS track and tennis teams, participating in Young Life and

church. She has 80 volunteer hours that include tutoring, working at Laughlin Memorial Hospital, helping with local volleyball camps and clinics and babysitting.

“Kayla is an outstanding student-athlete and everything you would hope to have representing GHS on and off the court currently and as an alumna,” her coach wrote. “I

no coincidence that she has a 4.0 GPA and was named Conference Player of the Year, both a result of maximum effort given by a talented, intelligent, hard-working studentathlete.”

Hammer maintains a 4.0 grade-point average, is in the top 5 percent of her class and has academic scholarship offers from East Tennessee State University and Maryville College. She scored a 29 on the ACT, is a member of the National Honors Society, have seen her lead her team was voted most likely to sucto back-to-back district chamceed in 2016, was the Noon pionships as a result of her Exchange Club Student of leadership skills, hard work the Month in November2015, and strong character. She truly placed second in the regional embraced her role as senior pre-calculus contest at Tusleader and team captain this culum College 2015, received year, making my job as a the Student Athlete Award of coach easier because she le Merit in 2013 and the Distinby example, backing her words guished Scholastic Achievewith actions and hard work.” ment Award.

He coach continued: “It is

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 57

CONGRATULATIONS to all the outstanding student athlete nominees!

3124 Bristol Hwy. Johnson City, TN 888-923-3511 johnsoncitytoyota.com 207 Bristol Hwy. Johnson City, TN 423-282-3000 johnsoncityford.com 2217 E. Stone Dr. Kingsport, TN 888-622-8989 hondakingsport.com 4190 W. Andrew Johnson Hwy. Morristown, TN 866-909-7710 hondamorristown.com

58 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

www.greenevillesun.com

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Tusculum Football Coach Jerry Odom Serves As Keynote Speaker For Event

T

usculum College introduced Jerry Odom as its new head football coach back in December, and the 25year coaching veteran has hit the ground running in his efforts to get the Pioneers back to the top of the South Atlantic Conference.

Odom came to Greeneville from Jacksonville University, where he had spent the previous six seasons as the associate head coach while architecting some of the best defensive units in the program’s history. The Dolphins were 47-19 with Odom on the staff and 47 defensive players earned All-Conference honors.

Odom has coached on a variety of different levels. Prior to joining the staff at Jacksonville, he was the associate head coach for the Philadelphia Soul in the Areana Football League – a team that was owned by rock singer Jon Bon Jovi.

Odom is a University of Florida graduate, and served as the linebackers coach for the Gators from 20000-202. He left Florida to become the defensive coor-

dinator at East Carolina University, where he recruited Chris Johnson, who would later become the NFL’s leading rusher with the Tennessee Titans.

Odom also has head coaching experience on the high school level, leading Coffee County in

Douglas, Ga., to its best threeyear run in school history from 2005-2007.

During his college career, Odom started every single game for the Gators his junior and senior seasons. He was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team in

1987, the SEC Academic Honor Roll in 1990, and All-SEC Third Team honors as a senior.

He is married to the former Donna Carter of Charleston, South Carolina, and they are the parents of two sons, Reid and Clay.

www.greenevillesun.com

Congratulations

to all the student athletes!

The discipline, perseverance and teamwork you learned in high school athletics will serve you throughout your life.

1 Landair Way • Greeneville, TN 37743

1-888-LANDAIR

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 59

Check out The Greeneville Sun Classifieds job listings every day and find the perfect job for you at www.greenevillesun.com Click on the jobs tab.

Congratulations to all of the Student Athletes!

At Life Care Center we work hard to get our patients back on track.

Life Care Center of Greeneville focuses on physical, occupational and speech therapy on an inpatient and outpatient basis. Our facility also features multiple specialty therapy services such as lymphedema therapy, Closed Pulse Irrigation advanced wound care and Parkinson’s disease care.

725 Crum Street , Greeneville, TN 37743 www.LCCA.com

(423) 639-8131

60 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

Saturday, May 7, 2016

www.greenevillesun.com

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 61

Best Wishes for a Bright and Successful Future!

We proudly congratulate ALL the Student-Athletes from Chuckey-Doak, Greeneville, North Greene, South Greene, and West Greene High Schools. Your academic achievements, community involvement and athletic statistics are truly remarkable!

Premier Event Sponsor

Towne Square Center (423) 639-8166 Monday - Friday 10 am - 6 pm Saturday 10 am - 5 pm Sunday 12 noon - 4 pm

For over 38 years we have been oering quality furniture at aordable prices.

Come browse our 50,000 square-foot store of furniture, bedding and appliances.

Roberts, established in 1978, is a family owned and operated store.

See what's new at Roberts

robertsfurnitureonline.com

62 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

Saturday, May 7, 2016

www.greenevillesun.com

www.greenevillesun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS Saturday, May 7, 2016 63

64 THE GREENEVILLE SUN BEST OF PREPS

Saturday, May 7, 2016

www.greenevillesun.com

Shop the home of Greene County’s ONLY Lifetime Warranty

www.Gatewaydeal.com

423-639-5151 Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 7 pm • Saturday 8:30 am - 6 pm • SUNDAY - CLOSED

1055 W. Andrew Johnson Hwy. Greeneville, Tennessee (Next to Towne Crossing Theatre Greeneville) *Lifetime Warranty on all new vehicles and select used vehicles (Must be 2006 or newer & have under 100K miles.