Tommy Sadler, who went from student to director of athletics at Union University, joins Jim Frazier, Johnny Growe, Lee Mayhall and Tim Sikes as the newest members of the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame, when the 37th class is inducted at 6:30 p.m., March 28, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center.

Jimmy Duke, who emceed the hall of fame festivities for 20 years, will be the recipient of the 2023 Billy Schrivner Distinguished Service Award, and Patrick Willis, retired all-Pro linebacker with the San Francisco 49ers, will serve as guest speaker.

Grace Media Group – NEWS/TALK 101.5 FM, 93.1 & WNWS.COM visited with Tommy Sadler to discuss his role at Union University, which began in 1972.

Question: First, a little background information – where were you born, family, education, career?

Answer: I was born and raised in Madison County, and attended J. B Young Elementary School and South Side High School.

I received my Bachelor of Arts from Union University in 1976.

While at Union, I played baseball before teaching and coaching high school for four years.

I worked as Andy Rushing’s pitching coach at Lambuth (University) during his first year as head (baseball) coach.

I began my 38th year at Union on February 2, and I came to Union as the director of Public Relations which I did for one year, before moving to the Director of Corporate Support for the University.

I served in this role for 10 years. In that time I worked with the business community in Jackson and the surrounding area and also wrote grants for the university.

I moved to the athletic department and served as the associate director of athletics, and later, after Coach (David) Blackstock retired, I was named the director of athletics.

Question: What were your thoughts when you were first told you had been selected for induction into the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame?

Answer: I thought when Andy (Rushing) called he was asking me to lead in the opening prayer which I have done for a number of years.

It then turned to surprise and amazement. I still have trouble wrapping my head around it.

There are so many people in the hall that I watched (inducted) over the years and I am humbled to even be considered in that same conversation as those people.

Question: Would you tell us about your career at Union, which began as a student, and culminates as the director of athletics?

Answer: I came to Union in the fall of 1972. I played baseball for four years as a pitcher.

Most of my pitching was as a relief pitcher.

As I stated, I returned to Union as the director of public relations which entailed all news releases, the Unionite and anything else that deal with the media.

One year later, I was asked to move into the institutional advancement area as the Director of Corporate and Foundation Support. In that role I worked with businesses in the Jackson and surrounding area involving support for the University.

I also wrote grants for foundation support for the University.

As director of athletics, I had a part in our moving from the NAIA back to the NCAA. We have made major improvements to our athletic facilities as well as adding new sports.

In this role I have had the privilege of serving and leading the TranSouth Athletic Conference and NCAA regional and national baseball championships.

Question: You worked with David Blackstock in the athletic department for several years. Locals will remember Coach Blackstock. Would you tell us about the relationship you had with him?

Answer: The relationship began when Coach Blackstock began coaching the baseball team. He went from coach to mentor – then to best friend.

We had lunch together almost everyday for 30 years. It’s impossible to put into words what he meant to me. He changed my life with his wisdom and love and care for me.

Even today, I can’t think why he and others chose me to mentor, but I thank God each day they did.

Question: What was the deciding factor that attracted you to a career as an administrator in athletics?

Answer: I would say being around Coach Blackstock. I had begun working with him on some fundraising things for the athletic department in my previous role.

When Dr. David Dockery became (Union’s) president, he asked if would I be willing to move to the athletic department and expand the role I had been doing. That took very little time to decide.

I was going to get to work with my best friend every day. I learned so much from him in the years I served as his associate director of athletics.

Question: Would you give us an idea of what you will speak about when you are inducted into the Hall of Fame?

Answer: Relationships. There is no way I would even be considered for this honor had I not had the relationships with people who mentored me and loved me along the way.

Also, the friendship relationships that have sustained me – even today. I have been blessed beyond any measure of my imagination by mentors and family and friends.

For tickets and reservations, call Beth Sedberry (731) 616-8558.

(PHOTO: Tommy Sadler)