A Legacy Lives On: Owl Awards Show Honors High School Athletes
- Terri Carter
- May 6
- 5 min read
Honoring a true local legend—broadcaster and the beloved voice of Franklin County sports for over 40 years, ‘Big Al’ Tipps—the 3rd Annual Owl Awards took center stage last Sunday evening at the historic Oldham Theater, celebrating his enduring legacy and the athletes who carry it forward.
High school athletes from Franklin County and Huntland High Schools gathered in the theater to be recognized and awarded in their respective categories for their hard work, commitment, and dedication to their athletic craft throughout the year.
Opening the awards show was son of Al Tipps, Ricky Tipps. Tipps thanked everyone in attendance and stated what the evening meant to him.
“This award's show really means a lot to me.”, stated Tipps. “We’re honoring my father who passed away a few years ago and he was big into sports. He covered sports here in Franklin County for over four decades. He started calling games in 1979 and called them all the way into the 2020’s. He coached for twenty-six years and sports really meant a lot to him.”
Helping to present the awards throughout the night was Huntland High School Principal Lisa Crabtree, who also took to the podium and spoke of how much Al Tipps meant not only to her, but to the Franklin County community as a whole.
“When I first came to Franklin County, one of the first people I got to know was Al Tipps because he covered everything under the sun.”, stated Crabtree. “Everything involving sports for the last thirty years has had something to do with Al Tipps. And I am so glad Ricky (Tipps) is doing this for the community and for these kids. Al was a good friend to me and a good supporter of the Franklin County athletics. He loved athletics and he loved kids.”
Moving into the awards portion of the program, Crabtree began with the coach’s awards, announcing Huntland Football Coach Kermit Reed as the Male Sport Coach of the Year. Winning the title for the second year in a row, Franklin County High School Soccer Coach Kent Bean was awarded Female Sport Coach of the Year.
The athlete's awards began with the Freshmen Athletes of the Year. Stratton Davis, who plays basketball for Huntland High School, was awarded Freshman Female Athlete of the Year. Bryant Mooney, who plays football, baseball, and basketball for Huntland High School, was awarded Freshman Male Athlete of the Year.
The next category to be awarded was the Fall Athletes of the Year. Fall Female Athlete of the Year was awarded to Franklin County High School soccer player, Savannah Parkerson. Fall Male Athlete of the Year was awarded to Huntland football, basketball, and baseball player Grant Jernigan.
This year, due to an indecision among the judges, two athletes were awarded Winter Female Athlete of the Year. The co-winners were Franklin County High School basketball and soccer player Gracen Baggett and Franklin County High School basketball player and track and field runner Na’Kayjah Holman. Winter Male Athlete of the Year was awarded to Franklin County High School bowler, Bladyn Bean.
Moving on to the Spring Athletes of the Year, Spring Female Athlete of the Year was awarded to Franklin County High School softball player Addison Partin. Spring Male Athlete of the Year was awarded to Franklin County High School cross-country and track and field runner Jayden Smith.
Best Overall Female Athlete of the Year was awarded to Franklin County High School soccer player Osiris Rodriguez. Rodriguez has started for the Rebelette soccer team as a mid-fielder for the past four years. During that time, she has earned four-time All-District, two-time All-Region, two-time district and region MVP, four trips to the state tournament and a state title. She will continue her soccer career at the University of Tennessee-Southern this fall.
Best Overall Male Athlete of the Year was awarded to Franklin County High School baseball player Gus Gardner. Gardner had a career season this year, putting in a tremendous amount of work and making a lasting impact on his Rebel baseball team.
The Grit Award was presented next. The award represents the athlete who may not stand out on the score sheets but often is one who has the most heart.
“As my dad would say, it’s one of those kids that you want on your team.”, stated Tipps. “They’re not the ones hitting the home runs or scoring the most points. But they’re that kid that does everything behind the scenes. Always at practice. Always has a great attitude. Does everything you ask of them and never complains.”
The winner of the Grit Award went to Huntland High School cross-country runner and soccer player, Skylar Roberts. Roberts, along with participating in her own sports, also manages both Huntland basketball teams.
The last award to be presented was the Big Owl Award. This award represents an athlete who is more than just an athlete. It is given to the student who not only represents himself well in the world of athletics, but one who also demonstrates character, academia, performance, citizenship, and heart.
“For me, this is a kid that my dad would want.”, said Tipps. “If he was coaching again and he could choose, this is a kid that he would want on his team.”
This year, the Big Owl Award went to Franklin County High School football and soccer player Mason Baggett. Baggett has suffered multiple injuries, but has stayed positive and persevered through the adversities, working diligently to come back to athletics stronger than ever.
As the awards ceremony came to a close, it became a celebration of dedication, perseverance, and unwavering passion. The athletes were honored for their tireless efforts, their triumphs, and their unbreakable spirit throughout the sports seasons. Beyond the medals and trophies, this evening stood as a beautiful tribute to Franklin County’s beloved Al Tipps—a legacy of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and the pursuit of excellence that continues to inspire generations.
