CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – University of Tennessee Director of Athletics Phil Fulmer spoke at Clarksville Christian School Thursday during CCS’s inaugural Impact Speaker Series.
Volunteer fans came in droves to hear Fulmer share his testimony. Fulmer himself was glad for a chance to speak with Clarksville’s youth.
“I had a lot of my teammates in high school come to Austin Peay,” Fulmer said. “In college I went to school with Joe Balthrop, who was a great player and came from this area. Actually, while in college on an open week one day, we came to Austin Peay’s campus and around Clarksville. Obviously as my career progressed it became a recruiting area.”
CCS president Dr. Brad Moser couldn’t have envisioned kicking off the annual series with a more honorable speaker.
“We named this series the Impact Speaker Series for a very specific reason,” said Moser. “We wanted to invite in speakers who have relatable success, who have made an impact in other’s lives and careers and who could come in and share those experiences with our students, families and with the people in our community. We love our city and want them to know it.”
The evening included a VIP reception with Fulmer, followed by a silent auction featuring sports memorabilia, gift baskets and more. Proceeds from the auction and event will go to benefit CCS and its students.
The reception was followed up by the keynote session as guests sat attentively, waiting for Fulmer to step to the podium.
The former Volunteer football coach didn’t want to make the event all about himself and wanted to ensure that the 2019 NACA (National Association of Christian Athletes) girls’ basketball national champion CCS Lady Centurions received their proper recognition.
“Of course, I’m a middle Tennessean anyway so I love getting a chance to come back,” Fulmer shared. “When you speak anywhere, you obviously want to represent yourself well and I’m also here representing the University of Tennessee today. I met Coach King-Richard (Margaree) who is now a national champion and that’s a big deal. You celebrate those things. We oftentimes can get in a negative place in life, but there’s a lot to celebrate here at this school and with these young people.”
Moser hopes that by hosting the Impact Speaker Series, listeners will be able to not only learn meaningful lessons, but also be able to put them to use in their own everyday lives.
“We’re just delighted that Coach Fulmer could be the inaugural speaker for a number of reasons. We look forward to inviting in additional speakers who will also have similar impact on our school and community.”