Nomination Year:  2025

Nominated By:  Kevin King

Nomination Category:  Heritage

Sport: Football and Basketball

Years Participated:  1958-1972

Career Summary:

Noel Cherry is a 1961 graduate of Celina High School, where he was a star on the football field as a three-year starter for head coach John Teeples, and also played basketball as a freshman and sophomore.  Cherry went on to hold a variety of coaching positions throughout the area, and he also served as the director of the Upper Cumberland Fellowship of Christian Athletes prior to his retirement.   

On the football field, Cherry had the privilege of playing from 1957 through 1960 during the heart of the Golden Age of Bulldog Football.  As a three-year starter in the offensive line at the guard position, he paved the way for many backs who have already been enshrined into the Hall of Fame, including Karl Reese Napier, John Clark Donaldson, Harold Watson, Jerry Fox, Earl Davis, and Kenneth Cherry.  As a sophomore starter, Cherry helped his team to an Upper Cumberland Conference Championship and a strong 7-3 record.  His junior year saw the team post a 6-4 mark.  Then as a senior, Cherry led his team to a 5-2-1 regular season, capped off by an appearance against Lebanon in the Lions Bowl.  For his efforts, Cherry was prestigiously named All Upper Cumberland Conference as a member of the 2nd Team.  

Cherry wasn’t done with athletics upon graduation.  After obtaining his Health and Physical Education degree from MTSU in 1965, he spent many years coaching the sports he loved.  Cherry served as the high school head football coach at Gordonsville (1966-67) and Smith County (1972).  He also served as an assistant coach at both Lawrence County and Cookeville High Schools.  In addition to his high school positions, Cherry spent several years as an assistant for Cookeville’s junior high program.  Cherry’s most lasting impact likely came from his years spent guiding young people working for the Upper Cumberland Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where he finished his career.    

Nominator Comment:

“Noel Cherry is more than deserving of this honor.  James “Tiny” Capps is one of the few linemen from this time in the Clay County Sports Hall of Fame, and Noel should join him.  He should also be celebrated for the years he spent steering young people towards God.”