As a three-letter athlete at Central High in the late 1960s, Hosea particularly excelled on the gridiron. He was named All-Volunteer Conference as a junior, and his senior campaign was highlighted by a selection to the prestigious Press-Scimitar All-Mid-South Team. After graduating in 1970, “Dandy Danny” accepted a football scholarship to Memphis State University. As a sophomore he moved into a starting role as defensive end and team leader, positions he would hold for the next 3 seasons. He ended his career with 111 tackles, 89 assists and 4 recovered fumbles. After his collegiate career, his native Hardin County recognized him with a “Danny Hosea Day” in his honor.
CLASS OF 2014
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Danny Hosea
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Keith Reynolds
Known as a two-sport star in the early 1970s, Reynolds became the first person from Hardin County to be drafted into pro sports when he was chosen by the New York Mets as a slick-fielding, switch-hitting shortstop in the 15th round of the 1973 MLB draft. He opted to attend Union University where he quickly found a home on the hardwood. As a freshman he led the Bulldogs in scoring with 18.3 points per game and never looked back. After graduating in 1977 the 6’2” post player was the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,895 points, and he still holds the record for most free throws made in one game with 23. He was inducted into the Union University Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.
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Con T. Welch
One of the most recognized supporters in the history of Hardin County athletics, Welch began transporting athletes to and from games in the 1950s before buses were provided. He became a fixture at local high school sporting events, and was honored for holding the record for attending the boys’ state basketball tournament more than anyone in Tennessee, over 50 years. Along with his friend J.B. McCaleb, he is the namesake of the McCaleb-Welch Gymnasium at Hardin County High School. Perhaps his greatest athletic contribution was the integral role he played in securing the NAIA National Championship football game in Savannah for 12 years. Welch passed away in 2002.
