Clarksville High School
Inaugural Hall of Fame
August 25, 2023
Clarksville vs Springfield
100th Meeting
Jay Bailey attended Clarksville High School from 1995-1998 where he lettered in football, basketball, and track for the Wildcats. During his prep career, Jay was named All-Area, All-Area MVP, All-Region, and All-State for Clarksville High School. Jay would attend Austin Peay State University from 2000-2002 and became the career leader in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and rushing yards per game upon graduation. Bailey currently stands 3rd all-time in yards, 2nd in touchdowns, and 2nd in yards per game. Bailey still holds the single season records in rushing yards, attempts, touchdowns, and yards per game. Jay also holds the longest run in a game in Governors’ history. Jay would finish his Austin Peay career as an All-American, PFL South Player of the Year, was the nation’s 2nd leading rusher during final season, an Academic All-American, and Dean’s List recipient for six semesters. Jay graduated with a degree in Health and Human Performance and has used that in his career for the past 19 years serving the Clarksville community at the YMCA. He has also been a member of the Wildcats’ football coaching staff for 19 seasons and the basketball team for 16. In 2012, Austin Peay inducted Jay into their sports Hall of Fame, and retired his jersey in 2021. Jay has a girlfriend, Ginger Leding. Jay’s greatest memory as a Wildcat was playing two seasons of football with his brother Trenton Hassell.
Joe Balthrop attended Clarksville High School from 1966-1968 and was a member of the football, basketball, and track & field teams. As a member of the Wildcats, Joe earned spots on the Nashville Banner All-State team, Knoxville News Sentinel All-State team, AP All-State team, and was All-Conference. After playing at Clarks- ville High School, Joe went on to play football at the University of Tennessee from 1968-1972. In 1972, Joe was drafted in the 16th round of the NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. Joe would eventually become a teacher and coach at Tullahoma and four years at Clarksville High School. Joe would also give back to the Clarksville Community in the late 90’s by renovating four historic buildings in down town Clarksville. Joe is married to Barbara Balthrop and had two daughters, Christy and Heather, and one grandson, Cody Carson. Joe’s greatest memory as a Wildcat was beating Hopkinsville and BGA and finishing 9-1-1 on the season.
John Carney attended Clarksville High School from 1964-1968 and played foot- ball, basketball, and baseball for the Wildcats all four years and lettered in all three sports. As a member of the Wildcats, John was named to the All-Midstate Team, the 1967 Senior Bowl Team, WSM First-Annual All-State Team, The Banner Second Team All-Midstate, The Tennessean Second Team All-Midstate, All-State Team, and the AP All-State Team Honorable Mention. John attended Vanderbilt University on a four-year football scholarship and was named as a defensive captain his senior season. John would graduate from Vanderbilt and also received his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Nashville School of Law. John would serve the Clarksville community by being the District Attorney General for the 19th Judicial District for Montgomery and Robertson Counties from 1993-2021. John was married to the late Emily Martin Carney and had two children Julie Carney (who played Soccer and Basketball while keeping stats for the Football and Baseball teams at Clarksville High) and John Carney III (who played football and wrestled for Clarksville High). John’s greatest memory as a Wildcat was playing against future Vanderbilt teammate Watson Brown from Cookeville during the 1967 Civitan Bowl.
Head Football Coach Frank Ditmore was the coach of the Wildcats for ten seasons. In his first year as the head coach of the Wildcats, Ditmore went undefeated which is a mark that still stands today. He went to two bowl games as head coach of the Wildcats including the Exchange Bowl and the Jackson Mississippi Memorial Bowl. He also has the most wins as a head coach for the Wildcats at 68 coaching victories, and the second highest winning percentage. Ditmore played collegiately at Tennessee Wesleyan College before transferring to the University of Tennessee. He was inducted into the Tennessee Wesleyan College Hall of Fame in 1980. After leaving Clarksville High School, Coach Ditmore became the full-time parks and recreation director where he was named “the father of recreation for the city” by the then mayor. Coach Ditmore passed away in 1984, he was married to Eleanor Ditmore. They had a son JM Ditmore, and two daughters Kay Ditmore Martin and Sarah Vernon Cooper, along with seven grandchildren Dan Maddox, Elisa Kay Vinson, Ann Brown, Charles Ditmore, Brad Cooper, Chad Cooper, and Katy Sharp. Coach Ditmore’s philosophy: “You can’t win unless you block and tackle. We blocked and tackled every day that we practiced.”
Wesley Fink attended Clarksville High School from 2002-2005 where he played football, basketball and baseball for the Wildcats. During his time at Clarksville High, Fink set the single season passing yards record in 2004 with 2,392 yards and completions with 156. He would also be named Area Player of the Year and named All-State. Fink would play college baseball after leaving Clarksville High School at Memphis, Jackson State Junior College, and the University of Southern Indiana where he won a Division II National Championship. Wesley is married to Abigail Fink and has three children Lennon, Reggie, and Stella. Wesley’s favorite memories at Clarksville High School were beating Dickson County, playing in the playoffs, and camp.
John Fort attended Clarksville High School from 1942-1946 where he played football and basketball for the Wildcats. John played on the 1945 Undefeated-Untied Mid-State Championship Team, was named to the 1945 All-Southern Football Team, All-Tennessee Team, and All-Middle Tennessee Team. After graduating from Clarksville High, Fort turned down a football scholarship and joined the United States Army. Fort fought in World War II and also played football in Japan during that time. Fort would eventually graduate from Iowa State in 1952 with a degree in Agriculture. Fort passed away in 2016 and was married for 52 years to Betteye Brown Speight and Elizabeth Jones Fort for 8. Fort has one daughter, Myra Fort Leathers, two grandsons, Robert Alexander Leathers and Benjamin Fort Leathers, and three great-grandchildren. Jon’s greatest memory as a Wildcat was playing on the 1945 Undefeated-Untied Mid-State Championship team.
Lanis Fredrick attended Clarksville High School from 2001-2005 where he played football, basketball, and ran track. Lanis was named All-State and All-Mid-State at Clarksville High School while leading the entire state in yards and catches in 2004. His 59 catches, 1,091 yards, and 13 receiving touchdowns in 2004 are all still top marks in Wildcats program history. After playing at Clarksville High, Lanis attend- ed Austin Peay State University where he set multiple records for the Governors in yards and receptions from 2005-2008. Currently Lanis is 4th all-time in yards, and 3rd all-time in receptions. Lanis still holds the single season record in receptions per game, and stands second in receiving yards and receptions in a season. Lanis has served the Clarksville community as a top real-estate agent and owner of American Tax Company. Lanis is married to Chelsea Frederick and has two children Lanedyn and Raelynn. Lanis’s greatest memory as a Wildcat was playing football with his brother, Tario Frederick.
Harry Galbreath attended Clarksville High School from 1979-1983 and played football and wrestled for the Wildcats. During his senior season at Clarksville High School, Galbreath would be named to the AAA All-State Team as an offensive tackle. He was also named All-District and All-Midstate during his junior year. After his time at Clarksville High School, Galbreath would attend the University of Tennessee and played for Johnny Majors. Galbreath would become the starting left guard for the Volunteers during his Sophomore season. Galbreath would be named 2nd Team All-SEC and All-American as a Junior before earning a 1st Team All-American, 1st Team All-SEC, was named a Team Captain, and won the Jacobs Taylor award for the SEC’s top blocker. Galbreath would be darted in 1988 by the Miami Dolphins in the 8th round of the NFL Draft. Galbreath played for the Dolphins, Green Bay Packers, and New York Jets during his nine seasons in the NFL. Galbreath passed away in 2010 but is forever remembered in the Clarksville Community by the Harry Galbreath Award that is given to the best senior interior lineman in the city.
Ray Hand attended Clarksville High School from 1958-1961 and played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track for the Wildcats. At Clarksville High School, Hand was named All-Midstate, MVP, All-North Central Conference Team, and Team Co Captain. Hand would attended The University of Tennessee and play football for the Volunteers from 1961-1963 and finished his career at Austin Peay State University from 1964-1965. In 1966, Hand would sign with the Houston Oilers before retiring a year later. Hand would eventually become a successful business man and was named to the East Tennessee Business Hall of Fame. Hand is married to his High School Sweetheart Lucy McCutcheon Hand for 61 years. They have three children, Kim, Elizabeth, and Susan, and six grandchildren, Joe, Emily, Lindsay, Andrew, Lucy, and Olivia, and two great-grandchildren, Caroline and Bailey Jo. Ray’s greatest memories at Clarksville High School were calling a timeout to see Lucy (his high school sweetheart and wife) cheer and running back a kickoff against Portland in a bowl game.
Curtis Johnson attended Clarksville High School from 1969-1971 and played foot- ball and ran track for the Wildcats. Johnson was named All Mid-State while playing for the Wildcats. After graduation, Johnson attended Austin Peay State University and played football for one season before joining the United States Navy. Johnson would serve the Clarksville community as a member of the city council from 1994-2002. Johnson still serves the state of Tennessee as a State Representative for District 68 and has been since 2004. Curtis is married to Marsha Johnson. They have three children, Curt, Josh, and Daniel along with six grandchildren, Jacob, Hannah, Sean, Maggie, Harper, and Daniel. Curtis’s favorite memories as a Wildcat are going 9-2 on the 1970-71 team, winning the Tobacco Bowl, and winning the Metro Bowl.
Howard “Smiley” Johnson attended Clarksville High School from 1933-1935 and played football for the Wildcats. After graduating from Clarksville High, Johnson attend the University of Georgia and played college football for the Bulldogs from 1937-1939. Johnson would then play two season with the Green Bay Packers in 1940 and 1941; however, when Pearl Harbor was attacked, Smiley Johnson would join the United States Marine Corps and fought in World War II. On February 19th, 1945 1st Lieutenant Johnson was killed in the line of duty at Iwo Jima. Johnson was two-time recipient of the Silver Star. Today Johnson is remembered in the world of college football by the most outstanding lineman in the Peach Bowl being presented the Smiley Johnson Award. The Clarksville High School Football locker room is also dedicated and named after Howard “Smiley” Johnson.
Mike Johnson attended Clarksville High School from 1966-1969 where he played football and baseball for the Wildcats. Johnson was named the MVP of the Wildcats during his senior season and was a member of the All Mid-State and All-Conference teams. Johnson received a scholarship to play football at Georgia Tech in 1969, and would continue his career at Austin Peay in 1970 and 1971. Johnson would serve the community as the Minister at the Church of the Nazarene from 1976-1980. Johnson is married to Patti Crouch Johnson and have three children Leigh, Ben, and Lindsay along with two grandchildren, Kameryn and Chloe. Mike’s favorite memories as a Wildcat was upsetting Hopkinsville in 1967, team camaraderie, four of the best coaches to play for, who were always concerned about the team on the field, but also as future men. “Blood, sweat & tears makes people close.”
Steven Kulback attended Clarksville High School from 1969-1971 where he played football, wrestled and ran track for the Wildcats. At Clarksville High School, Kulback was All-Conference in 1970, voted “Best All-Around Athlete”, Senior Class President, was the Valedictorian and member of the “4.0 club”. After graduating from CHS, Kulback went on to play football at the University of Alabama for the legendary Bear Bryant and won a National Championship for the Crimson Tide in 1973. Kulback lettered in 1973 and 1974. After graduating Cum Laude from Alabama, Kulback would join the United States Air Force in 1976 and served as a member until 1985 as he finished up his internal medicine residency. In 1985, Kulback received the United State Air Force Commendation Medal and continued to practice internal medicine which he is still doing today. Dr, Kulback is married to Dr. Pamela Kulback and have a son, Stephen, and three grandchildren, Thomas, Teddy, and Mary Clare. Steven’s favorite memory as a Wildcat was when the boost- er club showed up after “4-a-days” at summer camp (CHS version of Bear Bryant’s “Junction Boys”) with truckloads of watermelons.
Frederick “Mighty Man” Lisenbee attended Clarksville High School from 1978-1980 where he played football and basketball for the Wildcats. As a Wildcat, Lisenbee was named to the All-State Team. After graduating from CHS, Lisenbee went on to play football at Tennessee State University, he would graduate with a degree in Business Administration. Lisenbee is married to his wife Julie and has three children, Bryan, Brandon, Kayleigh, and three grandchildren, Bryelle, Keliah, and Kyvee. Frederick’s greatest memory as a Wildcat was defeating Oakland High School, where he rushed for 318 yards and 4 touchdowns in the game.
Tommy Lusk attended Clarksville High School from 1967-1969 and played foot- ball and ran track for the Wildcats. At Clarksville High School, Lusk was a two-time All North Central Conference selection, Nashville Banner All Mid-State team, Nashville Tennessean All Mid-State team, All-State UPI, CHS Outsanding Defensive Lineman, CHS Best All-Around Athlete, and was the1969 State Championship in the 120 yard High Hurdles. Lusk received a four-year football scholarship to play at the University of Alabama for Bear Bryant. At Alabama, Lusk would be named the All-South Freshman Defensive End in 1969 and the Academic All-SEC Defensive End his Senior season. After graduating from Alabama, Lusk joined the United States Air Force and served our country for twenty years as a Fighter Pilot and retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1993. Lusk is married to his wife Yvonne Gannaway Lusk and have two sons, TJ and Robert, and three grandsons, John, Evan, and David. Tommy’s greatest memory was snapping Hopkinsville’s 29-game winning streak his junior year 34-7 and catching the final touchdown of the game from 27 yards out from teammate Teddy Quarles. Tommy also wanted to thank his head football coach, Johnny Miller, for making him run track, where he won a state championship.
DeMario Merriwether attended Clarksville High School from 1998-2002 and played football, basketball, and ran track for the Wildcats. As a Wildcat, DeMario was All-Region, All-District, and was named the Leaf Chronicles Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year. Merriwether would attend Bethel College, now known as Bethel University, where he would play football before graduating in 2007. While at Bethel, Merriwether would be named a 2nd team All-American on special teams and All-Conference on offense. Merriwether currently serves as the freshman football head coach and the boys sprint coach in track and field at Rav- enwood High School in Brentwood. Merriwether is married to Keana Richardson and has three children Roman, Kamiah, and Syniah. DeMario’s greatest memory at Clarksville High School was being able to go to camp over the summer, “the blood, sweat, and tears that made us all better and made us all ONE! Being able to wear that purple and gold every Friday night was always the best.”
Johnny Miller was the head football coach of the Clarksville High School Wildcats from 1965-1971. During his time as the head coach, the Wildcats amassed a 42-19-2 record, which is 6th all-time in program history; however, it is the best win percentage by any coach. Miller was named the 1967 Tennessean Midstate Coach of the Year. Miller would also serve as Assistant Principal and golf coach while at CHS. Miller’s career in education spanned 44 years covering everything from Pre-K to college in public and private schools. He would also give back to the Clarksville community by serving as an Assistant Executive Secretary for the TSSAA, APSU Athletic Director, Director of Schools for CMCSS and the Headmaster of Clarksville Academy. Coach Miller would be inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 1999. Johnny Miller passed away in 2022 at the age of 90. He was married to his wife Sara E. Miller for 64 years and had two children, John Miller and Marsha Vorhees, five grandchildren, Drew, Kacie, Matt, Mark, and Michael, and two great grandchildren, Marcie and Josie. Coach Miller’s creates moments as a Wildcat was every team and every win and especially any year they beat Springfield, Hopkinsville, and Murfreesboro because of the strong rivalries with those schools.
Steve Primm atended Clarksville High School from 1963-1966. He played football and ran track for the Wildcats. Primm joined the United States Air Force after school. Primm passed away in 1973. The Steve Primm Award of Excellence is given out annually to a Wildcat Senior who excels on special teams, has good grades, and is an encourager to the underclassmen on the team.
Ernie Rice attended Clarksville High School from 1965-1968 and played football, baseball, and ran track for the Wildcats. At Clarksville High School, Rice would be named to the All-State Team as an honorable mention and appeared twice on the All-Conference Team. Rice would serve his country by joining the United States Army and gave back to the Clarksville community as a Clarksville Police-Detective, Vice Squad, and a member of SWAT. Rice also owns the Rice Investigations. Ernie is also the founder of the Steve Primm Football Award of Excellence Scholarship. Ernie is married to Janet Welch Rice (CHS Class of ’69) and had two daughters, Heidi (Class of ’90) and Whitney (Class of ’96) and three grandchildren, Carrigan, Kennedy, and Pierce. Ernie’s favorite memory as a Wildcat was returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown in the first home game of his senior year.
Mac Robinson attended Clarksville High School from 1945-1947 and played football and baseball for the Wildcats. As a Wildcat, Mac was named to the All-State team and graduated Top 10 of his class. After Clarksville High School, Mac attended Vanderbilt University and started three seasons for the Commodores on both sides of the ball. Robinson served as a lawyer in Nashville for 48 years. Mac passed away in 2015. He was married to the late Margaret Robinson and had two children, Mac Jr. (Son) and Lee (Daughter).
Jake Rudolph attended Clarksville High School from 1943-1947 and played football, basketball, and golf for the Wildcats. Rudolph started all four years as a running back and defensive back for the Wildcats. He was named to the 1946 All Mid-State Team and was a member of the 1945 Undefeated and Untied Team, and the 1946 undefeated regular season team that went 9-1-1. After Clarksville High School, Rudolph attended Georgia Tech. He was a member of the undefeated 1951 Georgia Tech Orange Bowl and Southeastern Conference Champions. He also was a member of the undefeated 1952 Georgia Tech Sugar Bowl, Southeastern Conference, and National Champions. Rudolph went on to become a head football coach at Memphis University School and Darlington School from 1958-1997 where he finished with a career record of 302-119-5 which is 9th all-time in wins in Tennessee High School history. Rudolph passed away in 2008 and was married to the late Carolyn Rudolph. They had three children, Stephen, Jacob, and David and nine grandchildren, Stephen, Jason, Sara, Taylor, Jacob, David, Andrew, William, and Thomas. Jake Rudolph is a member of the Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, TSSAA Hall of Fame, Memphis Sports Hall of Fame, and the Tennessee Coaches Hall of Fame.
Therese Sparn has severed as the athletic trainer at Clarksville High School for 39 years. Sparn is also a Special Education teacher at Clarksville High School. She serves as the athletic trainer for all 18 sports at the high school. Sparn was a student trainer at UT-Chattanooga from 1979-1984 and later became a graduate assistant at Austin Peay State University. Sparn is a member of NATA, SEATA, and TATS and has worked at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Sparn has worked with the TSSAA in wrestling weight management and coaches education courses along with serving the TSSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. Along with the Wildcats, Sparn has worked with the Clarksville Coyotes and Clarksville Gunners, two semi-professional teams. Sparn has served as the secretary/treasurer for the Tennessee Athletic Trainers Society since 1989. Sparn has won numerous awards for her work with athletic training including the 1991 & 1993 Tennessee Athletic Trainers Society High School Ath- letic Trainer of the Year, the Southeastern Athletic Trainers Society High School Athletic Trainer of the Year in 1998, and the recipient of the TATS President Award in 2014. She was also awarded the National Athletic Trainers Association Service Award in 2002 and the NATA Servant’s Heart Award in 2017. Sparn was named to the Tennessee Athletic Trainers Society Hall of Fame in 2005. She was also named Clarksville High School Teacher of the Year for the 2022-2023 school year.
Taylor Stokes attended Clarksville High School from 1966-1969 and played football and basketball for the Wildcats. At Clarksville High, Stokes played for the 1967 team that finished 9-1-1. Stokes would attend Vanderbilt University and was the first African American football player signed on scholarship for the Commodores. In 1971, Stokes set the extra point record at Vanderbilt and hit the game winning field goal against Tampa. Stokes gave back to the Clarksville community serving as a coach at Clarksville Academy and Richview Middle School while also being a radio announcer for the Wildcats from 2013-2019. In his personal life, Stokes is a member of the Vanderbilt Black Pioneers Football Players Association, the Association of Vanderbilt Black Alumni, and a member of Ment-A-Dore Mentorship Program. Stokes is also a Minister at Lake Providence MBC in Nashville, Tennessee. Stokes is married to his wife Chandra Stokes. Taylor’s favorite memories from Clarksville High School was going 9-1-1 in 1967, playing in the Civitan Bowl, having Johnny Miller as a head coach, and lasting friendships with teammates.
Bill Sykes graduated from Clarksville High School in 1968 and was a member of the 1967 team that finished 9-1-1. Sykes was named to the All-District and All-State teams his senior season. Sykes was also named the outstanding defensive player in the Cookeville Bowl Game. Sykes was named to defensive captain for the TSSAA West All-Stars. Sykes would play football at Western Kentucky following his time at Clarksville High School. He was a Co-Captain for the Hilltoppers and earned the Outstanding Blocker and Offensive Player Award. He would also go on to coach wrestling and middle school football.
Brad Williams attended Clarksville High School from 2003-2007 where he played football and baseball for the Wildcats. During his time at Clarksville High School, Williams would start every game from his freshman to senior season without missing a game. This would become known as the “Ironman Award” and is a feat that is still in existence to this day. Williams was also named to the All-District and All-Region teams and won the CHS-Danford “I Dare You” Award. Williams was also a member of the 2006 football team that made it to the state quarterfinals, the furthest any Wildcat team has made it in the modern playoff era. After Clarksville High School, Williams played football at Austin Peay from 2007-2011. At Austin Peay, Williams was a 6 time member of the Athletics Director Honor Roll, 3 time Dean’s List, Presidential list, ESPN Academic All-American, 2010 William V. Campbell Semifinalist, and 2011 Student Leader of the Year. Brad has been serving the Clarksville community as a local business owner of Lawn Doctor, MaidPro, and Men In Kilts. He also served as the offensive line coach for the Wildcats for fiveseasons. Williams is married to Taylor Williams (CHS class of ’07) and they have three children, Paige, Bowen, and Zig. Brad’s greatest memory as a Wildcat was the “Mudbowl” against Springfield which the Wildcats lost; however, they would turn around two weeks later in the second round of the playoffs and stun Springfield on the road.
Frank Wood attended Clarksville High School from 1984-1988 and played football and baseball for the Wildcats. As a Wildcat, Wood would be named the 1985 All-County Punter, 1986 All-County Quarterback/Punter, 1987 All-County Quarterback/Punter, Offensive MVP, All-District Quarterback, and All-State Quarterback. After high school, Wood attended Western Kentucky University and played football in 1988. From 2004 through 2006, Wood won the Mid-South Heavyweight Championship in boxing and owned Knockout Fitness for 28 years. Wood was a profession- al boxer from 1996-2007. Wood has a son named Carson. Frank’s greatest memory as a Wildcat was being named All-State Quarterback in 1987.
William Workman graduated from Clarksville in 1962. Workman was All-State in 1961 and received a scholarship to the University of Tennessee. Workman served as an administrator and athletic director at Clarksville High School. Workman was named the TSSAA Athletic Director of the Year multiple times. Workman had three children, 15 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Workman’s jersey is retired by the Wildcats and hangs in the school’s gymnasium. His greatest memory was watching and participating in the growth of the athletic teams.
The 1945 Team is the only “Undefeated” & “Untied” Team in all of the Wildcat Football Program history. The Wildcats scored 355 points that season and held their opponents to only 35 points. Included on this team are four other Hall of Famers, John Fort, Mac Robinson, Jake Rudolph, and head coach Frank Ditmore. Three members of the team were named to the Nashville Banner’s Middle Tennessee Mythical Eleven: John Fort, David Wood, and Creason Briggs. The Wildcats would also have several members on the All-Star Team that season: John Fort, David Wood, and Creason Briggs. There were also three honorable mentions: Frank Rubel, Mac Robinson, and Guy Smithson. Besides being undefeated and untied during that season the Wildcats ended the regular season with a 33-13 victory over Springfield.
