GPS Coach Jeff Gaither and Alumna Teresa Lawrence Phillips '76 Inducted into Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame

Congratulations to GPS coach Jeff Gaither and alumna Teresa Lawrence Phillips '76 on their inductions into the Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame. A banquet on Monday, Feb. 26, honored the athletic accomplishments of them and others who "are readily identified with Chattanooga" and who have exhibited leadership and character in their fields, according to the organization.

Jeff Gaither was recognized for his success as a track and field coach. Since he began at GPS in 1997, he has coached three track state championship teams in 2005, 2006, and 2007; and the 2017 cross-country state championship team. The Chattanooga Times Free Press and the National Federation (TN) have named him Coach of the Year in both sports multiple times. Gaither has coached 48 individual track and cross-country champions. Still an active runner, he has completed 20 marathons and finished the Boston Marathon twice.

The 2018 banquet was the second time that Teresa Lawrence Phillips '76 has been honored by the Sports Hall of Fame. She received the Betty Probasco Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 and this year was recognized in the Officials and Administrators category. With an impressive resume as an athlete and coach, Phillips is currently the Athletic Director at Tennessee State University. In her years as AD, the department has launched the first website for TSU athletes, increased sponsorships and the recognition of Ohio Valley Conference Scholar Athletes, completed the construction of an indoor practice facility along with athletic facility upgrades, and draw several conference and tournament championships as well as a PGA Minority National Championship in men's golf.

Other current and former GPS coaches and alumnae who are in the Hall of Fame include Meg Glass Bandy '87, Sue Bartlett, Cindy Kemp Battle '65, Caroline Caulkins Bentley '83, Kappie Clark Boles '76, Myra Creighton '81, Susan Crownover, Charlene Cook '67, Elisabeth Donnovin '84, Charlotte Grant '78, Ellen Kovacevich Hanna '70, Georgia Dicks McCravey '73, Peggy Michaels, Peggy Thomas, and Peggy Patten Winningham '49.