For over 45 years, Chip Walters has been a defining voice across Middle Tennessee, leaving an unforgettable mark on the region's sports broadcasting landscape. His career, highlighted by dedication, passion, and versatility, spans numerous sports, events, and communities, making him one of the most respected figures in Tennessee media.

The 2024-25 season marks a significant milestone in Walters' career—his 33rd year broadcasting for Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and his 16th year as the "Voice of the Blue Raiders." Walters' journey with MTSU athletics began in 1991, when he first joined the university’s broadcasting team as a football color analyst. After six years in this role, Walters transitioned to the play-by-play booth in 2009, where he has been the voice of both MTSU football and men’s basketball ever since.

Beyond his play-by-play duties, Walters has taken on a variety of other roles that have made him an integral part of the MTSU and Middle Tennessee community. He hosts the Derek Mason and Nick McDevitt radio shows, serves as emcee for numerous Blue Raider events, and hosts The Roundtable, a weekly radio show on Murfreesboro's WGNS that has become a local staple.

A microphone veteran with more than 40 years of experience, Walters' influence extends far beyond MTSU. As a student at MTSU, Walters began his career calling local high school games in the area, a passion that would carry him into his professional career. He served as the public address announcer for the TSSAA Blue Cross Bowl and the Boys and Girls State Basketball Tournaments, and more recently, he has been a play-by-play announcer for the TSSAA Network and NFHS Network broadcasts of state championship events in football, basketball, and baseball. Walters has also emceed numerous TSSAA events, including the prestigious Mr. and Miss Basketball awards ceremony. Chip has also served as a host on the TSSAA Spring Fling HQ broadcast, a role he has held since its inception.

Before joining MTSU, Walters got his start in broadcasting at WKRM/WKOM in his hometown of Columbia, Tennessee, where he called football and basketball games for Columbia Central High School while still a student. Walters honed his skills further during his time at MTSU, calling games for Shelbyville Central on WHAL-AM and for Murfreesboro-area high schools on WGNS. After college, Walters spent five years with the Vanderbilt University football and basketball broadcast team, further developing his craft before returning to Middle Tennessee to serve his community and the TSSAA in such an impactful way.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2025
Category: Contributor