Jean Griffith, born on May 30, 1933, dedicated over 25 years of her life to enhancing high school athletics through her various roles with the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA). Her career, characterized by versatility and commitment, contributed significantly to the organization, culminating in her well-deserved induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2011.

Throughout her tenure, Jean wore many hats at a multitude of TSSAA State Championships, showcasing her adaptability and unwavering support for youth sports. Notably, she had a hand in organizing hospitality rooms for District and Region basketball tournaments for over a quarter of a century - a feat highlighting her dedication to creating welcoming environments for athletes and attendees alike.

Furthermore, Jean contributed to the TSSAA by working the scoreboard at State Golf Championships, a task requiring precision and attention to detail. Her talents were also visible on the track, where she was entrusted with keeping score for numerous relays. Jean’s role extended beyond scorekeeping, as she presented medals at all State Track meets, adding a personal touch to the athletes' achievements.

Her services weren't confined to just track and golf; Jean also assisted with the shot put at State Track and Field meets and supported football and basketball state championships in various capacities. This all-rounded service led her to be recognized as the Tennessean's “Track Mother of the Year” in 1984, not to mention her achievements in golf, including winning the Spirit of Golf Award in 1998 and the League Handicap Golf Tournament in 2006.

Jean's induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame not only celebrated her multifaceted contributions to high school athletics but also symbolized her enduring legacy within TSSAA and the broader sporting community in Tennessee. Her work alongside her husband, Tommy Griffith, a 2001 TSSAA Hall of Fame inductee and a longtime basketball coach at Overton High School, underscored the Griffith family’s profound impact on high school sports within the state.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2011
Category: Contributor