May 9, 2025

Murfreesboro School Honors Chip Walters at Hall of Fame Ceremony

News Summary

The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association celebrated Chip Walters, a prominent Murfreesboro sports broadcaster, at its Hall of Fame induction event. Walters was recognized for his 45 years of contributions to local sports, particularly in high school athletics at Middle Tennessee State University. The ceremony also honored seven other distinguished individuals for their legacy in Tennessee’s athletic community, making it a significant occasion for showcasing achievements in high school sports.

Murfreesboro

The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) honored Chip Walters, a well-known sports broadcaster from Murfreesboro, during its annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony on April 7, 2025. The event took place at Middle Tennessee State University’s Student Union, celebrating Walters and seven other distinguished individuals for their significant contributions to high school athletics across the state.

Chip Walters has been a prominent figure in Middle Tennessee’s sports broadcasting for over 45 years, showcasing versatility and unwavering commitment to local sports. The ongoing 2024-25 season marks Walters’ 33rd year with Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and his 16th year serving as the “Voice of the Blue Raiders.” His journey began in 1991 when he took on the role of football color analyst at MTSU before evolving into the play-by-play announcer in 2009, garnering respect in both football and men’s basketball.

Walters has actively engaged with the local community throughout his career, hosting various radio shows such as the Derek Mason and Nick McDevitt shows. He also emcees multiple Blue Raider events and hosts the weekly show, The Roundtable, on WGNS. Furthermore, Walters began his career in broadcasting while still in high school, calling games for Columbia Central at local radio station WKRM/WKOM in Columbia, Tennessee.

In addition to his role at MTSU, Walters has been a fixture at TSSAA events, where he serves as the public address announcer for the Blue Cross Bowl and state basketball tournaments. He provides play-by-play coverage for numerous sports on the TSSAA and NFHS Networks, further cementing his status as a key contributor to Tennessee high school athletics.

Inductees of the TSSAA Hall of Fame Class of 2025

The TSSAA Hall of Fame Class of 2025 included several noteworthy individuals, each recognized for their excellence in high school sports:

Bill Bingham (Administrator, Bristol) – A 39-year career in education and administration, positively influencing Tennessee high school athletics.
Clint Jackson (Administrator, Memphis) – Former Principal of Fairley High School, acknowledged for transforming the school’s reputation.
Jinx Cockerham (Coach, Nashville) – A legendary volleyball and girls’ basketball coach at Father Ryan High School, known for winning multiple state championships.
Donald Dodgen (Coach, Knoxville) – A successful coach with over 650 wins in basketball and serving as Athletic Director at Farragut High School.
Pat Simpson (Coach, Nashville) – A notable wrestling coach at Father Ryan High School who has earned 22 state championships.
Jim Fox (Official, Knoxville) – Completed a 40-year officiating career, participating in 11 state championships.
Thomas Frierson (Official, Columbia) – Over a 50-year career as a TSSAA official, he officiated more than 1,200 basketball games.

About the Hall of Fame Luncheon

The Hall of Fame luncheon aimed to honor the newly inducted members while recognizing the invaluable contributions of all previous inductees to Tennessee’s high school athletics history. It serves as a platform for showcasing the achievements of individuals like Walters, who have made lasting impacts in the community and sports arenas.

Tickets for the luncheon were made available for purchase online starting February 24, 2025. There were no ticket sales at the door, emphasizing the need for advance planning for attendees eager to witness the celebrations.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER

The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.

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