2018 Banquet Adult Award Honorees

Rear Admiral Jimmie W. Taylor (UN Ret.) received the Fred Russell Distinguished American Award. This is our chapter’s highest award. Presenting the award (from left) is NFF board member Ray Thomas, Lee Brown (Mr. Russell's sister) and NFF chapter president John Major.

This award recognizes a local supporter of American values and the Midstate community. First presented in 1969, it is named in honor of Mr. Russell, the former sports editor for Nashville’s afternoon newspaper, the Nashville Banner, from 1930-98. Russel was a founding member of this NFF chapter and won the Distinguished American Award from the National Football Foundation. Russell is a member of the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

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Rudy Kalis recently retired from WSMV-TV after 43 years covering sports in Nashville and throughout Middle Tennessee. He was presented with the “Roy Kramer Contribution to Football Award” by NFF board members Clint Satterfield (left) and George Plaster.

Rudy Kalis was recognized for his constant dedication to covering high school football throughout his career! He was known for his "Touchdown Fridays" when he would fly in the station's helicopter to several high school games each Friday night, bringing both game action and the spirit of the community to life each week!

The 2018 Art Demmas Outstanding Official Award honoree was Bill Marbet, who has officiated our great game primarily as a linesman for 44 years. Marbet has worked four TSSAA state championship games (1990, 1998, 2005 and 2007).

In addition to the four state championship games, Marbet has worked eight state semifinal games and a combined total of 70 first, second and third round playoff games during his career.

His post-season totals also include 10 high school bowl games, and three all-star games (Tennessee – Kentucky, Georgia – Florida and East-West Shrine game).

A resident of Columbia, Tenn,serves on several associations, including being the Executive Director of the Tennessee Athletic Coaches Association.

Presenting the award were NFF board members Junior Ward (left) and Dewayne Alexander (right).

Roc Batten received as the 2018 Bonnie Sloan Courage Award. Batten seriously injured a nerve in his neck during spring football drills prior to his senior season at Vanderbilt, ending his successful playing career. He immediately moved toward the coaching profession as a student coach and graduate assistant with the Commodores. Batten currently serves as Head Football Coach, Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Camps at Battle Ground Academy. Prior to joining BGA, he has won multiple state championships as an assistant coach at Montgomery Bell Academy and Ensworth High School. He has had the pleasure of coaching 43 players that moved on to play college football and eight players that have played/playing in the National Football League.

This award is presented to a Midstate athlete, coach or staff member who faces obstacles and continues to fight the good fight with the spirit of Bonnie Sloan, who became the first deaf person to play in the NFL. Sloan earned Nashville All-City honors at Issac Litton High School and then was twice named All-Ohio Valley Conference at Austin Peay (1971-72). He as drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1973 but sadly that was his only year in the NFL following a career-ending knee injury. As of this date, Sloan is one of only three deaf players to ever appear in an NFL game.

Presenting the award was Bonnie Sloan (left) and NFF board member and Batten Vanderbilt teammate Wally Conyers (right).