FCHS Honors Former Record-Setting Running Back Preston Wooten

WINCHESTER, TN - Franklin County High School recently paid tribute to one of its most accomplished athletes, recognizing former Rebel running back Preston Wooten for a record-breaking performance that still stands more than three decades later. Wooten, a 1994 graduate of FCHS, was honored during a ceremony prior to the Rebels’ homecoming game on Oct. 3.

Wooten made local and statewide headlines in 1993 when he delivered a standout performance against Columbia Central High School. During that matchup, he rushed for 258 yards on 30 carries, scored two touchdowns, and helped lead Franklin County to a 28–21 victory. His effort earned him Associated Press Player of the Week honors in Class 5A—one of the highest statewide recognitions a high school player could receive at the time.

During the Oct. 3 ceremony, former Director of Schools Stanley Bean presented Wooten with a commemorative football detailing his accomplishments from that historic game. The ball has since been placed in the school’s trophy case, where it will remain on permanent display alongside other significant pieces of FCHS athletic history.

Wooten, a lifelong Franklin County resident, is the son of the late Harvey and Odessa Wooten of Cowan. He has two children, Eryn and Isaac, and a granddaughter, Melina. Just weeks after graduating from FCHS, Wooten enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, beginning a distinguished 22-year military career.

According to remarks shared during the ceremony, Wooten completed boot camp at Parris Island on June 20, 1994, and went on to serve multiple deployments, including two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. Over the course of his service, he received numerous commendations, including several Marine Corps and Navy medals, campaign ribbons, and unit awards.

The ceremony also highlighted one of Wooten’s guiding philosophies: “Being a leader doesn’t require a title. Having a title doesn’t make you one.”

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