Jerry Peters was inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2008, marking an exceptional culmination to a distinguished career primarily dedicated to the athletes of Memphis University School, where he served from 1965 till his induction. Born on July 9, 1938, Peters embarked on a professional journey that spanned over four decades, during which he became an integral figure in Tennessee’s high school sports scene.

Throughout his tenure, Peters demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in coaching Boys' Basketball and Track & Cross Country. His basketball teams celebrated remarkable successes, amassing 937 wins, securing 16 District Championships, and capturing 7 Region Championships. Under Peters’ guidance, his teams also won over 100 Conference/Invitational Championships. A highlight of his career was leading the basketball team to the TSSAA Division II State Championship in 2007, a testament to his coaching acumen.

Peters’ teams consistently outperformed the competition, winning over 70 percent of their games. His achievements on the court earned him the title of the winningest active coach and the second all-time winningest coach in Tennessee at the time of his induction.

Beyond his coaching success, Peters was deeply committed to the educational mission of his institution. He was recognized with several awards for his distinguished teaching, including the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools "Hubert Smothers Award", the John Murray Springfield Distinguished Teacher Award, and the John M. Nail Outstanding Teacher Award. Additionally, Peters was honored with the A. Robert Boelte Chair of Excellence in Teaching and the Jean Barbee Hale Award for Outstanding Service. His contributions to sports and education were further acknowledged by his induction into the Rhodes College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Jerry Peters’ 2008 induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame was not only a celebration of his illustrious career but also a recognition of his significant service and commitment to high school sports in Tennessee.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2008
Category: Coach