CLARKSVILLE – The renovation at Governors Stadium was made possible by the efforts of a community, fan-base and higher-education professionals on the local and state level who saw the opportunity for growth and commitment to the Governors football program. The athletics department could not have done this alone.
The contributions from all involved with the project were great. But some went above and beyond when asked to help make this dream a reality. When Governors Stadium reopens for the first time on Saturday, these friends of Austin Peay State University will be recognized for helping make it possible.
Following Saturday morning's football alumni breakfast, five distinguished donors and prominent, long-time figures of the program will be honored with ribbon-cuttings around the stadium, detailing their contributions and love for the university. Those honored will be recognized again during an on-field ceremony at halftime of Saturday's home opener against Chattanooga.
With David Loos, Jr. serving as master of ceremonies and President Alisa White, Director of Athletics Derek van der Merwe and head coach Kirby Cannon to give remarks, the following stadium landmarks will be dedicated and a new era of Austin Peay football will be ushered in.
Blake Jenkins Plaza – Located at the southwest entrance of Governors Stadium
Son of long-time supporter and community pillar Don Jenkins, Blake was a devoted, loving husband, father, son and brother. A 2005 graduate of Austin Peay, Blake graduated as a business major and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.
He was a member of Grace Community Church. Blake was a manager and co-owner of Jenkins & Wynne Ford-Lincoln-Honda. He graduated from National Automotive Dealers Academy in 2012.
He added joy to everyone's life. His legacy lives on through his daughter Chloe and son Carter.
Hendricks Fox Walk of History – Located at the southwest entrance of Governors Stadium adjacent to Black Jenkins Plaza. This area catalogs 70-plus years of Governors football history, listing the name of each player from that decade. History is rich, but sometimes unaccounted for so patrons are encouraged to submit corrections, additions and omissions.
Hendricks Fox, a 1951 graduate of Austin Peay, has been very instrumental in returning APSU to scholarship football. Hendricks has spent countless hours of phone calls and writing notes to players and students of his era. He has also shown his support by establishing the Fox Endowed Football Scholarship. Hendricks said "I've had a successful life and I want to give back to help someone".
For his philanthropy efforts, Hendricks received the Chancellor's Philanthropy Award. He also was instrumental in establishing the Dave Aaron Scholarship endowment and serves on the APSU Foundation Board.
The "Walk of History" is a space dedicated to all those that dedicated themselves to being a Governor football student-athlete through each decade of APSU's history. It is a proud reminder of the people and traditions that have built this great university. After scholarship football was dropped, Hendricks was a leader in making sure that these names and their legacy would never be forgotten. Out of this struggle and fight for the future, rises this stadium and APSU's commitment to building a new future, and respecting the great football student-athletes that are an important part of its past.
Heritage Bank Lobby – Located at the Club & Suite Level entrance on the west side of Governors Stadium
In 1879, a group of visionary leaders established a bank dedicated to the financial support of the community at large. That bank is Heritage Bank. With officers throughout Tennessee and western Kentucky, Heritage Bank reaches out each day to individuals, families, and commercial concerns with products and services that bring real and lasting rewards.
In 1927, a group of educators established a university dedicated to academic excellence. That university is Austin Peay State University. Heritage Bank is grateful that both of these historic institutions share the same passionate mission of serving with excellence and integrity.
Bill Dupes Locker Room -- This dedicated area will house player lockers and equipment in a first-class environment while also providing team meeting space, a player lounge area and an athletic training area specific to football.
Bill Dupes owns the longest coaching tenure in APSU football to date. In 1963, he took over an APSU program that had gone a decade without a winning season. After an initial 1-9 season, he led the Govs to an 8-1-1 record in 1964, earning a unanimous selection as OVC coach of the year. He followed up in 1965 with APSU's best-ever season with an 8-1 record.
During his tenure, 23 players earned first-team all-OVC, four Governors were selected first-team Little All-America and seven more gained honorable mention.
Ten of Dupes' former players are members of the APSU Athletics Hall of Fame, with John Ogles a member of the OVC Hall of Fame. Many players have gone on to be highly successful individuals in their chosen fields.
Loved and respected by his former players, Dupes was paid the ultimate tribute when they established the Bill Dupes Scholarship in 1990. Coach Dupes' former players remain a close-knit group today, a testament of Dupes' leadership and their love for their coach and each other.
John and Trish Foy President's Box – located on the 50-yard line at the fourth level of Governors Stadium
John Foy, a 1964 alumnus, was the Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for CBL and Associates Properties Inc. in Chattanooga, Tenn. until retirement in 2012.
Today, John is the founder and chairman of Noon Management, LLC. Alongside the John & Trish Foy Presidential Suite, John Foy is also responsible for the building and naming of the Foy Center, the student recreational building located in the heart of campus.
The Foys are outstanding supporters of higher education and many philanthropic causes.
