A moment to remember for Krickett Jones
Lockhart makes impact in Karns community
By Steve Williams
Krickett Jones will never forget jumping into the arms of Coach Hunter Fendley after winning the TSSAA state wrestling championship this past winter.
And Fendley will never forget her.
“Krickett is the most determined student-athlete that I have ever coached,” said Coach Fendley. “She is absolutely relentless in her pursuit of her goals. She was also the first female wrestler in Karns history and has been instrumental in the growth of our girls wrestling program that now has five other girls competing. She leaves Karns better than she found it and with an everlasting legacy.”
Jones, Karns’ female Student-Athlete of the Year, won her title in the 152-pound weight class at the Williamson County Expo Center in Franklin on Feb. 24.
The Lady Beavers’ senior won her first state title over Science Hill sophomore Sawyer Ward with the fall coming at 3:31. Ward came into the match with an impressive 42-2 record, while Jones was 18-8.
Krickett also competed in track and field.
Walker Lockhart is Karns’ male honoree and Coach Lee Warren couldn’t say enough about this young man, who played football and basketball for the Beavers.
“Walker was a straight A student, had perfect attendance, a peer tutor, multi-sport athlete and all-around great representative of Karns High School,” said Warren. “Athletically, he was a huge part of the two best football teams in school history, as well as the most successful basketball season in the last 30 years.
“Despite these accomplishments, Walker’s legacy will be how he treats other people. He is there in a drop of the hat for others around him. He has made an impact on this community in the best of ways.”
Pullin valedictorian at First Baptist Academy
FBA honorees excel in academics and athletics
Olivia Pullin and Cooper Roberts were the female and male Student-Athletes of the Year, respectively, at First Baptist Academy in Powell.
Pullin was the school’s valedictorian with a 4.3 grade point average and also a three-sport athlete, playing volleyball, basketball and softball.
Roberts played golf and basketball for the Eagles. He had a 4.25 GPA and has signed with Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, where he will play golf for the Trojans.
Both were in the National Honor Society and the FBA Honors Academy and served as a prefect for the House of Judson this year for the student body.
Olivia and Cooper also received the top sports award at FBA this year, the Golden Eagle Award, which reflected a Christ-like character, academic achievement, leadership and athletic excellence.
Pullin plans to attend Carson-Newman University to study Nursing.
