Austin Peay State University Athletics

J.B. Hatley was an outstanding three-sport athlete during the late 1930’s. Between the years 1937-40, he earned 14 letters while playing football, basketball and baseball. The Nashville native was an outstanding high school athlete at Father Ryan, earning All-America honors for his play in the All-America basketball tourney in Chicago. He came to Austin Peay and immediately had an impact. In two football seasons under Fred T. Brown, he played tailback, blocking back and defensive back as a starter while also serving as a punter. He averaged more than 40 yards per punt and completed more than 50 percent of his passes during his career. As a Govs’ basketball player, Hatley started at both forward and guard for Brown’s Govs. In 1938, he was named to the All-Tourney team at the Southeastern Junior College Tournament, leading the Govs to the Championship. During his three seasons, the Governors posted a 41-13 record, including the 1939-40 team’s 19-0 mark. Hatley served as captain of the only unbeaten team in Austin Peay Basketball history. He played two seasons of baseball (1937-38, 1938-39) as a third baseman-pitcher. As a student, Hatley was elected president of his class and to the honorary office of Austin Peay Normal School Governor. After completing his Austin Peay career, he accepted a basketball scholarship to the University of Alabama. He started at forward and was one of Bama’s leading scorers the following season. However, World War II cut short his career. He withdrew from school and joined the U.S. Navy and served four years as a pilot. After receiving his honorable discharge, he elected to return to Austin Peay State College and complete his college studies. He graduated in 1946. Following his graduation, he entered coaching briefly before being hired as a Veterans Administration Training Officer. In 1949, he joined The Newspaper Printing Corp. (Nashville Banner and Tennessean) in the advertising department, working 33 years with the company. He retired in 1982 as an Account Executive Officer.