Wartburg Central High School Football Hall of Fame
Our Hall of Fame honors the remarkable athletes and contributors who have built the foundation of Wartburg Central High School Football. These individuals represent the best of our program’s tradition of excellence and commitment, leaving legacies that inspire current and future Bulldogs.
Bob Zumstein
Bob Zumstein played an integral role in the 1951 National Championship team at the University of Tennessee.
- High School Career: A graduate of Wartburg Central High School, Zumstein excelled as a player during his time with the Bulldogs, earning the respect of teammates and coaches alike.
- Post-Football Accomplishments: He pursued a career in medicine, making significant contributions to his community. Throughout his life, Zumstein remained a passionate supporter of Tennessee Volunteers football and the Ariton Purple Cats' athletic programs.
Jack Moore
Jack Moore is one of Wartburg Central’s most versatile athletes, excelling across multiple positions during his five-year high school career, from 8th grade to graduation in 1992.
- High School Accomplishments:
- Played Defensive Line, Linebacker, Offensive Line, Kicker, and Punter.
- Recorded over 20 sacks as a sophomore and averaged 19 tackles per game in his junior and senior years.
- Served as a team leader, setting benchmarks for effort, toughness, and leadership.
- College Career: Redshirted his freshman year before becoming a four-year starter at Middle Tennessee State University (Nose Guard).
- Competed against powerhouse programs like Nebraska, Hawaii, Texas A&M, and Tulsa.
- Helped MTSU secure an Ohio Valley Conference Championship and made two national playoff appearances.
- Post-Football Career: Briefly pursued boxing and trained with heavyweight legend Tommy Morrison. Transitioned to coaching, leading Wartburg Middle School to two East Tennessee Championship appearances. For the past 24 years, he has coached at Webb School, earning 8 state championship appearances and 6 titles.
Donald H. "Mouse" Shadden
Donald “Mouse” Shadden is remembered as one of Wartburg Central’s most iconic athletes and a beloved figure in the community.
- High School Accomplishments:
- Played multiple positions: QB, RB, LB, DB, Kicker, and Punter.
- Scored 54 career touchdowns, making him Wartburg Central’s all-time leading scorer.
- Named Conference and County MVP, solidifying his reputation as one of Tennessee’s top high school players.
- College Career: Signed with Mississippi State University to play in the SEC, a testament to his talent and dedication.
- Community Impact: Owned and operated the Village Market and Deli (Mouse’s) for over 20 years, touching countless lives with his generosity and love for Wartburg.
Larry Davis
Larry Davis has left a lasting impact on Wartburg Central both as a player and a coach. He played Football and Basketball.
- College Career: Played Offensive Tackle at the University of Memphis, where he became known for his agility and discipline on the line.
- Coaching Career: Wartburg Central’s longest-tenured coach, Davis played a crucial role in shaping the program’s identity and developing countless young athletes during his time with the Bulldogs.
Josh Moore
Josh Moore’s electrifying senior season set records and elevated Wartburg Central football.
- High School Accomplishments:
- Dual-threat QB with 696 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 109 carries.
- Passed for 1,413 yards, completing 92 of 160 attempts with 19 touchdowns.
- Scored 31 total touchdowns, the most in a single season by any Wartburg player.
- Legacy: Known for his athleticism, leadership, and ability to make big plays, Josh set a standard for future Bulldogs and remains one of the program’s most exciting players.
Brenton Griffith
Brenton Griffith was a dominant force on the field, recognized for his unparalleled performance and leadership, and he was also an assistant football coach in 2004 and 2005.
- High School Honors:
- First Team All-State (AA) Defensive Lineman and First Team All-East TN.
- Region 2-2A MVP, 2x All-District, District Defensive Player of the Year, and 4x All-County selection.
- Senior Year Stats:
- 148 tackles, 26 sacks, 67 tackles for loss.
- Single-game high of 26 tackles against Harriman.
- College Career: Earned a scholarship to Carson-Newman University, continuing his football success at the collegiate level.
🏆 Honoring the 1951 Wartburg Central High School Football Team 🏆
We are proud to announce the induction of the legendary 1951 Wartburg Central High School Football Team into the Wartburg Football Players Hall of Fame!
This team stands as the greatest in program history, achieving an undefeated season and earning national recognition. Under the leadership of their extraordinary coach, Homer Rice, the Bulldogs posted six shutouts and defeated larger schools like Gibbs, Kingston, Oneida, and York. The 1951 team was celebrated at the halftime of the 2001 Tennessee-Syracuse football game, marking the 50th anniversary of their historic season.
Team Roster:
Players: Wayne Garrett, Calvin Davis, Kelly Redmon, Earl Sisson, Ekie Hatfield, Jimmy Massengill, Everett Kreis, Lynn West, James Dautel, Tommy Weiford, Franklin McCartt, Lloyd Basler, Ralph Goodman, Bill Davis, Alan Redmon, Billy Harris, Don Terry, Ray Bardill, Lloyd Lowe, Don Patrick, Laerence Rains, Paul Langley, Barney Hall, John Tidwell
Managers: Ronnie Jones, Billy Christopher
Coach: Homer Rice
Their legacy as pioneers of the triple-option offense and their determination to overcome challenges, such as playing on a field they prepared by hand, exemplify the spirit of Wartburg Football. Congratulations to the entire 1951 Team for this well-deserved honor. You paved the way for generations of Bulldogs to come, and your impact will forever be a part of Wartburg’s proud history.
💙🐾 Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog! 🐾💙
Wartburg Central High School Football celebrates the incredible achievements of these Hall of Fame inductees, whose dedication, talent, and impact on and off the field continue to inspire. Their legacies are a cornerstone of our program’s proud tradition. Together, we honor their contributions as we look toward a future built on the same values of excellence and commitment.