February 3, 2022 by
Not forgotten for his coaching skills at the helm of Bearden High School baseball a few years ago — leading his 2012 Bulldogs to a Class AAA state runner-up finish — Jack Tate (seated) earned the Jim Painter Distinguished Service Award from Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association, as presented Saturday, Jan. 22, in Franklin. The award also recognizes Tate’s contributions not only as a former Bulldogs assistant coach, but also for his overall service to baseball — most recently his duties at Farragut High School as its Sports Information director (who also teaches a film class). “There’s not a finer man in the world than Jack Tate. ... He’s great for our community,” said Dr. John Bartlett, (left) FHS principal who has worked alongside Tate for 12 of the last 14 school years — 10 as BHS principal before the ex-coach came to FHS in July 2020. At Farragut, “He’s made all of our jobs easier. ... What he’s done for our kids, the publicity, is great,” said Donald Dodgen, athletic director (right).
