Warren, Bayless inducted into Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – Twelve deserving individuals were inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in the Class of 2024 on Saturday night – two of whom made a tremendous impact in Northeast Tennessee.

Longtime ETSU head men’s golf coach, Fred Warren, and legendary Happy Valley boy’s basketball coach, Charlie Bayless, received their honors at the Omni Nashville Downtown.

“Such a tremendous significance to me, because I have some grandparents that are Franklin County natives,” Warren said ahead of the induction. “They actually grew up in this area – my dad’s parents. So, I’m thankful for an award that encompasses the state of Tennessee – it’s truly an honor.”

Warren served as Blue and Gold head coach for 33 seasons, in which time the Bucs won 17 conference championships and 56 total tournaments. He was labeled Coach of Year 12 times during his stint with the Bucs and helped the program reach a No. 1 national ranking in 1996.

Bayless commanded the sidelines at Happy Valley for 59 years, leading the basketball program to an exception 964 victories. The Warriors made nine state tournament appearances and won the 1974 small-class state championship with a record of 28-9.

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