Hall of Fame
Gene Washer has been responsible for major off-the-field contributions to Austin Peay and APSU athletics. The long-time veteran of The Leaf-Chronicle Company, Washer was the newspaper’s sports editor from 1964-77 and elevated APSU athletics to greatest sports page prominence. The Elton, KY native has continued progress up the newspaper’s management chain, serving as editor for four years (1977-81), advertising director, general manager (11985-90) and associate publisher (1990-92). In 1992, Washer was named Leaf-Chronicle Company publisher and vice president. Since his promotion, The Leaf-Chronicle has become a corporate sponsor of APSU athletics. He also was instrumental in $25,000 donated by The Leaf-Chronicle to the President’s Emerging Leaders Program. Washer also is a member of the Tower Club. His involvement with Austin Peay has been more than through the newspaper. A community leader, he is past president of the Clarksville Montgomery County United Way and Tennessee State president, Association of the United States Army. Washer will be president of the Tennessee Press Association in 1994-95. However, his perseverance can best be demonstrated by his never-ending goal to attain his undergraduate degree. He began that quest in 1961, and despite numerous professional successes, Washer earned his bachelor’s degree in 1979.
