Last Friday the Knoxville High School Athletic Hall of Fame Inductions were held with four new members. One of them was Bill Awtry from the class of 1976. Awtry was a force for the Panther Football program in 1974 and 1975, earning all conference both seasons. As Co-Captain and offensive guard he helped pave the way for teams that had two 1,000 yard rushers and teams that finished a combined 17-1 in those two seasons. He was also named All-State and Prep Little All-America in the 1975 season. Awtry told KNIA/KRLS Sports many of the games were decided by halftime, so the 2nd unit got a lot of playing experience.

Awtry: “Our closest game was 24-0 with Osceola Clarke. As starters we only played a lot of times a half because the game was so lopsided, and that was good for the other guys because the next year they were ready to go.”

Awtry would go on to coach at Garner-Hayfield High School in baseball and football. Find the induction ceremony in Today’s Local Sports from a segment of Today’s Lely Radio Sports Page. Keep listening to KNIA/KRLS for full features on each inductee in the coming weeks.

Photo from Knoxville High School Athletic Hall of Fame