2025 Honorees

2024 Tullahoma High School Baseball Team

TEAM: Colton Emory, Trevor Cole, Lukas Taylor-Rodriguez, Lucas Reed, Derek Nolasco, Mason Bratcher, Bobby Nichols, Phillip Lemon, Sam Bobo, Evan Tomlin, Baylan Tuten, Hunter Hogan, Cade Fanning, Grayson Waller, Jayron Morris, Avery Smith, Andrew Zebick, Ben Quick, Jackson Schmisseur, Andrew Fulmer Head Coach: Bryan Morris Assistant Coaches: Harper Case & Chevis Hoover

Caiden Mears

Caiden Mears, Class of 2024 Tullahoma High School Senior and Captain of the Tullahoma Wrestling Team lead his Tullahoma team to win 2nd place at the TSSAA Boys Wrestling Teams State Championship and then went on to be named the 2024 Boys Wrestling 144 lb State

Champion. Caidens' wrestling journey is an exhilarating tale of determination and grit! Starting at the young age of 14, he dove headfirst into the world of wrestling, fueled by passion and an unyielding spirit. Caidien’s leadership on and off the mat made him a key role model to his peers and

teammates. With the support of his coaches, teammates, family, and community.

Caiden is honored to be designated an Honorary Inductee into the Tullahoma Sports Council Hall of Fame and aspires that his journey will inspire others to pursue their aspirations with passion.

Connor Avans

Connor’s wrestling journey has been marked by years of dedication and perseverance. He began wrestling at age of 10 for the Tullahoma Takedown Club with Coach Pat Welsh, Mark Moran, and Jeff Lester. He also wrestled for Tullahoma Middle School team with Coach Sean Adkins. He is the son of Steve and Holli Avans, and Samantha Smith. Connor is the second oldest of the 4 Avans brothers, all who have wrestled for Tullahoma, including his freshman brother who was our 150lb TSSAA State Runner Up, and oldest Avans brother, Cadan, who was a 3-time state qualifier. Connor takes

pride in being the only Avans, thus far, to achieve Individual State Champion status. Connor has helped coach during high school for the elementary wrestling league and enjoys mentoring the younger wrestlers to be strong and confident in their journey. He works as a shift lead at Walgreens in Tullahoma for the past 2 years and is currently attending Motlow State Community college, completing pre-requisites for a Master in Business and Finance. Connor plans to

transfer to Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville in 2026.

Katie Grace Nichols

Katie Grace has been an active member of East Middle School Track, achieving notable results over several years. In 2024, she placed first in the 1600m, first in the 800m, and first in the 4x400m relay at the CTC Championships. In 2023, at the TMSAA Track & Field Championships, she finished second in the 800m and third in the 4x400m relay, setting a school record of 4:27.99. In 2022, she placed sixth in the 800m at the TMSAA Championships. She also competed in cross country, representing Tullahoma Middle School in 2022 and 2023 and Tullahoma High School in 2024.

Outside of athletics, she is a member of the Tullahoma High School marching band, where she plays the flute, and also plays soccer for Camp Forest Futbol Club. She enjoys playing the piano, reading, traveling, hunting, and digital arts. She is the daughter of Matt and Kristin Nichols and has one brother.