56

J. Guy Buckner

Administrator

Much as been written about Mr. Buckner over the years and more will be written. Buildings have been named after him, sports fields have been named after him, and trophies are awarded in his name, but most importantly was his great love, devotion and support of the Lenoir City sports program. Early in his academic career he coached the football team and girl's basketball team in Morganfield, Ky. where they were always a winner. Moving to Englewood Tn., he coached both the girl's and boy's basketball teams. He also served as President of the State Athletic Association. He was elected Superintendent of the Lenoir City Schools in 1942 and remained in that position for 28 years. He was a member of TSSAA for 30 years, serving as Chairman for 21 years. He believed in the youth of our city and county and did all he could for the boys and girls. He loved this school and this city. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2004.

36

George Burdette - 1921

Playing basketball in the era just after World War I, and in the early stages of the sport, where "brawn" was a bigger part of the game than expertise, he was unstoppable, where the normal game score was 20 to 30 points, the big center ran havoc over the opposition. In fact, he still holds the single game scoring record of 50 points against Tellico Plains in 1920. He led the team to an undefeated season when Lenoir City was invited to play in the State Tournament where they were beaten by the second ranked high school in the country. He was also a star on the football team and after high school, he attended The University of Tennessee where he as a regular lineman for the Vols for 3 years. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1972.

73

Charles Burnes - 1960

"Doc" was on the varsity in all sports while at LCHS, earning letters in each sport. In football, he was a starter at quarterback his last two years and known in the District as one who could "run, pass and kick." As a junior he completed 59 of 87 passes with nine touchdowns and only three interceptions. He ran for another four TD's. His most memorable run was a 72-yard touchdown against Harriman. After his last year, he signed a football scholarship with Clemson where he received a career-ending knee injury his first year. In basketball at LCHS, he started his last two years, including starting on the 1959 state tournament team. He was elected Captain and, as a pre-season senior, he was chosen in the "Top Ten" in Tennessee by the Dell Basketball Magazine. He was second on the team with 364 points, making All District. In baseball he started two years at second base. After his career-ending athletic injury, he received an accounting degree and a law degree from the University of Tennessee and finished with a Masters of Law. He is practices law in Cleveland, TN. He is joined by his Uncle Harry and his brother Ken in the Hall. He was elected to the LCHS Hall of Fame in 2008.

47

Harry Burns - 1928

An outstanding athlete and student, Burns played football and basketball. Better known for his football play, he began as an outstanding end and moved to quarterback his last year. As the quarterback and defensive linebacker he played every minute of every game to Captain the Panthers to an impressive 8-1-1 season. He was also the sixth man on the basketball team. Academically, he was Class President and Yearbook Business Manager. He continued his football career at Bethel College where he played fullback. He also was Vice President of his fraternity. He is joined by his nephews Charles and Ken in the Hall. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1973.

89

KEN BURNS - 1967

A 4-year letterman in basketball for the Panthers, Kenny started his last 3 years. His awards his junior year included the best team free-throw shooter and he was elected Co-Captain for his last year. As a senior he really racked up the accolades, among them: Best Rebounder, Best Defensive Player and Most Outstanding Player. He totalled 1051 points for a 17-point average per game throughout his high school career. He made All-District, All-District Best Defensive Player and made All-Region. He joins his Uncle Harry Burns and brother Charles as members. He was elected to the LCHS Hall of Fame in 2010.