Tate is joined by Wally Conyers, representing the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame of Middle Tennessee, to discuss their upcoming 60th annual banquet. The event, scheduled for Sunday, February 22nd, at the Cool Springs Marriott, celebrates the achievements of 77 high school and college football players, along with six adult honorees who have demonstrated excellence as students, citizens, and athletes.

Key Honorees and Awards

The conversation highlights several notable award recipients:


Candace Lee (Fred Russell Distinguished American Award): The Athletic Director at Vanderbilt University and the first female AD in the SEC, Lee is recognized for her leadership through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the NIL era.


Jackson Loft (Barem Leak Spirit Award): A four-sport athlete from Stratford High School and a West Point signee, Loft is honored for his maturity and athletic prowess.


Porter Ragel (Admiral Lawrence Award): An all-state defensive lineman from Montgomery Bell Academy with a near-perfect ACT score of 35, Ragel is set to play for Davidson College.


Nate Fleming: A multi-sport athlete and talented musician from Battleground Academy, Fleming will join the Vanderbilt football team next season.


David Harrison: An interior lineman from Eagleville High School with a perfect 36 ACT score.


Cooper McFarland (Worden Redgren Courage Award): A kicker and punter from Providence Christian Academy, McFarland is honored for his courageous return to the field and subsequent All-State honors after battling cancer.

Tate is joined by Wally Conyers, representing the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame of Middle Tennessee, to discuss their upcoming 60th annual banquet. The event, scheduled for Sunday, February 22nd, at the Cool Springs Marriott, celebrates the achievements of 77 high school and college football players, along with six adult honorees who have demonstrated excellence as students, citizens, and athletes.
Key Honorees and Awards
The conversation highlights several notable award recipients:
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<li>
Candace Lee (Fred Russell Distinguished American Award): The Athletic Director at Vanderbilt University and the first female AD in the SEC, Lee is recognized for her leadership through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the NIL era.
</li>
<li>
Jackson Loft (Barem Leak Spirit Award): A four-sport athlete from Stratford High School and a West Point signee, Loft is honored for his maturity and athletic prowess.
</li>
<li>
Porter Ragel (Admiral Lawrence Award): An all-state defensive lineman from Montgomery Bell Academy with a near-perfect ACT score of 35, Ragel is set to play for Davidson College.
</li>
<li>
Nate Fleming: A multi-sport athlete and talented musician from Battleground Academy, Fleming will join the Vanderbilt football team next season.
</li>
<li>
David Harrison: An interior lineman from Eagleville High School with a perfect 36 ACT score.
</li>
<li>
Cooper McFarland (Worden Redgren Courage Award): A kicker and punter from Providence Christian Academy, McFarland is honored for his courageous return to the field and subsequent All-State honors after battling cancer.
</li>
</ul>

Growing up in a coaching family and now the owner of Mathews Team Sports, Tate Mathews brings a unique perspective to High School Sports Saturday.

With over fifteen years in the sporting goods industry in Middle Tennessee working with and for high school administrators and coaches, Tate’s relationships provide insight into middle Tennessee high school athletics.

High School Sports Saturday covers each sport during their respective competitive seasons.  Coaches, administrators, TSSAA officials and student-athletes are interviewed each week at 8 AM on 104-5 The Zone.