News Summary
Chip Walters, the recognized ‘Voice of the Blue Raiders,’ has been elected to the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association Hall of Fame. His extensive career as a play-by-play announcer and his contributions to local sports broadcasting have greatly impacted the Murfreesboro community. As he prepares for his 33rd year of calling Middle Tennessee State University athletic events, Walters will be honored at an upcoming luncheon alongside other distinguished inductees. His remarkable journey illustrates his dedication to sports and his influence on generations of fans.
Murfreesboro
Chip Walters, recognized as the “Voice of the Blue Raiders,” has been elected to the 2025 class of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) Hall of Fame. His induction into this prestigious organization highlights his extensive career and lasting impact on sports broadcasting within Middle Tennessee.
As the play-by-play announcer for Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Walters is preparing to celebrate his 33rd year of broadcasting the school’s athletic events during the 2024-25 season. He has been the face and voice behind MTSU football and men’s basketball games for the past 16 years, after transitioning from a football color analyst role, which he began in 1991.
In addition to his direct contributions to MTSU athletics, Walters personally hosts a well-known weekly radio show, The Roundtable, which airs on Murfreesboro’s WGNS, establishing it as a staple within the local sports community. His broadcasting versatility encompasses various local sports radio shows, including programs for football coaches Derek Mason and Nick McDevitt. Moreover, he has served as the public address announcer for significant events, such as the TSSAA Blue Cross Bowl and Boys and Girls State Basketball Tournaments.
Walters’s influence also extends to state championship events, where he contributes as a play-by-play announcer for the TSSAA Network and NFHS Network. He has been active in emceeing many TSSAA events, including the Mr. and Miss Basketball awards ceremony and broadcasts for the TSSAA Spring Fling HQ.
The TSSAA Hall of Fame luncheon, where Walters will be recognized along with seven other new inductees, is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the MTSU Student Union Building, commencing at 11 a.m.. This year’s class will also include two administrators, Bill Bingham from Bristol and Clint Jackson from Memphis; three coaches, Jinx Cockerham from Nashville, Donald Dodgen from Knoxville, and Pat Simpson from Nashville; as well as two officials, Jim Fox from Knoxville and Thomas Frierson from Columbia.
Tickets for the induction luncheon will be made available on February 24, through the TSSAA website, and attendees are advised that tickets will not be sold at the door.
Impact on Local Sports
Chip Walters’s achievements have significantly shaped the local sports media landscape over his 45-year career. He has become a prominent figure, bridging the gap between sports communities and fans while providing consistent and engaging coverage.
Path to Induction
The process leading to Walters’s induction into the Hall of Fame reflects not only his dedication but also his strong connection with Middle Tennessee’s athletic history. His journey from a football color analyst to a renowned play-by-play announcer exemplifies his passion for sports and broadcasting.
Community Contributions
Walters’s extensive involvement in various capacities showcases how deeply ingrained he is in the fabric of local sports culture. His role as a broadcaster and emcee has not only entertained audiences but has also fostered community spirit and pride in local athletic accomplishments.
His upcoming induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame marks an important milestone in his career, celebrating a legacy built on excellence in sports broadcasting.
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Additional Resources
- WGNSS Radio: Eight New Members Inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame
- Main Street Media: Walters Elected to 2025 TSSAA Hall of Fame Class
- WGNSS Radio: Chip Walters Among Eight Inducted into TSSAA Hall of Fame
- DNJ: Allen Richardson Named TSSAA Hall of Fame
- Wikipedia: Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association
