Turner Jackson
Class of 2023
Turner Jackson’s journey from a high school athlete in Huntsville, Alabama, to a distinguished wrestling coach and administrator is nothing short of remarkable. Jackson’s wrestling career began with a surprising twist, and through hard work and dedication, he became a force to be reckoned with, both on the mat and in his community.
As a high school wrestler at Butler, Jackson was a two-time state champion, helping lead the Rebels to a team title and breaking Benjamin Russell’s 12-year grip on the crown. His high school success foreshadowed a stellar collegiate career. At the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), Jackson amassed an impressive 116-15 record, earning two NCAA Division II national championships and four Southern Open titles. In 1976, he was named Tennessee’s Amateur Athlete of the Year. However, his road to success was not without its challenges.
In his very first collegiate match, Jackson faced a legendary opponent: Dan Gable, a two-time NCAA champion and world champion, whose name is synonymous with wrestling excellence. “Only because he decided that’s when he wanted to pin me,” Jackson recalls with humor. Despite the tough loss, Jackson’s career only went up from there, cementing his reputation as one of the best.
After college, Jackson continued his wrestling career, competing in open competitions for five years. One of his teammates was fellow Huntsville native Byron McGlathery, a two-time state champion who later became a Hall of Famer in his own right. Jackson’s wrestling accomplishments and dedication to the sport led him to a long and successful coaching career.
In 1979, Jackson began his coaching journey at Bradley Central High School in Cleveland, Tennessee. Initially hired due to the school’s desire to retain top football talent who also wanted to wrestle, Jackson transformed the program into a powerhouse. Under his leadership, Bradley won 12 state team titles and produced countless individual champions. Jackson’s passion for wrestling and commitment to his athletes were key to the program's success.
Jackson’s contributions to the sport extended beyond coaching. He also served as the director of athletics at Bradley for over two decades, shaping the athletic program and ensuring its continued excellence. His influence also reached the broader wrestling community, as he was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the UTC Hall of Fame and the National College Wrestling Hall of Fame Tennessee chapter.
Away from wrestling, Jackson’s life was rich with family. He married Liz Hannah, one of the area’s greatest high school basketball players, and together they raised two daughters, Brittany and Lindsey, who both excelled in basketball. Jackson’s commitment to his family and community mirrors the same dedication he brought to his wrestling career.
Turner Jackson’s legacy extends far beyond the wrestling mat. He is a true icon in the world of sports and a beloved figure in his community.
This content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, based on original stories written the year of the honoree's induction by Board members and other contributors. While we strive for accuracy and quality, please note that the information provided may not be entirely error-free or up-to-date. Please contact the Hall of Fame with corrections.ctions.
