The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) held its annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Middle Tennessee State University's Student Union Building in Murfreesboro Monday (4-7-2025). Among the eight distinguished individuals honored, Murfreesboro's own Chip Walters was recognized for his significant contributions to sports broadcasting.​

Chip Walters: A Pillar in Middle Tennessee Sports Broadcasting

For over 45 years, Chip Walters has been a defining voice in Middle Tennessee sports, shaping the region’s broadcasting landscape with unmatched passion and dedication. His versatility and commitment have made him one of the most respected figures in Tennessee media.

The 2024-25 season marks Walters’ 33rd year with Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and his 16th as the “Voice of the Blue Raiders.” His journey with MTSU began in 1991 as a football color analyst before moving into the play-by-play role in 2009, where he’s become the signature voice of both football and men’s basketball.

Outside the broadcast booth, Walters plays a key role in the MTSU and local community. He hosts the Derek Mason and Nick McDevitt radio shows, emcees numerous Blue Raider events, and hosts The Roundtable each Wednesday here on WGNS.

His contributions extend far beyond MTSU. Walters began calling high school games as a student and has since become a fixture in TSSAA events—serving as PA announcer for the Blue Cross Bowl and state basketball tournaments, and providing play-by-play coverage for the TSSAA and NFHS Networks across football, basketball, and baseball. He’s also hosted the Mr. and Miss Basketball awards and the TSSAA Spring Fling HQ broadcast since its inception.

Walters got his start at WKRM/WKOM in Columbia, Tennessee, calling games for Columbia Central while still in high school. During college at MTSU, he covered Shelbyville Central on WHAL-AM and Murfreesboro-area schools on WGNS. He later joined Vanderbilt’s football and basketball broadcast team before returning home, where he continues to serve his community and state with a voice that’s become synonymous with Tennessee sports.

Celebrating the TSSAA Hall of Fame Class of 2025

In addition to Walters, the TSSAA honored seven other individuals for their outstanding contributions to high school athletics in Tennessee:

• Bill Bingham (Administrator, Bristol): With a 39-year career in education and athletic administration, Bingham significantly impacted Tennessee High School's athletic programs, leading them to multiple state championships. 

  

• Clint Jackson (Administrator, Memphis): Jackson's extensive career includes roles as a teacher, coach, and administrator. As Principal of Fairley High School, he transformed the school's standing, leading to its recognition as Memphis Education Association School of the Year. 

• Jinx Cockerham (Coach, Nashville): Cockerham's 40-year tenure at Father Ryan High School saw her lead the volleyball team to five state championships and guide the girls' basketball team to multiple district and region titles.

• Donald Dodgen (Coach, Knoxville): With a coaching career spanning 38 years, Dodgen amassed over 650 wins in basketball and served as Athletic Director at Farragut High School, overseeing 13 state championships across various sports. ​

• Pat Simpson (Coach, Nashville): A legendary wrestling coach at Father Ryan High School, Simpson led his teams to 22 state championships and coached 63 individual state champions. ​

• Jim Fox (Official, Knoxville): Fox's 40-year officiating career included working 11 state championships across baseball, basketball, and football, earning him the TSSAA Distinguished Service Award in 1993. 

• Thomas Frierson (Official, Columbia): With a 50-year career as a TSSAA official, Frierson has officiated over 1,200 basketball games and has been recognized multiple times as the A.F. Bridges Official of the Year. 

The induction ceremony not only celebrated the achievements of these individuals but also honored all past inductees who have contributed to the rich history of high school athletics in Tennessee.