Announcing the Gipper Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Inductees

At Gipper, we believe athletic administrators are some of the most impactful leaders in education. They are builders, problem-solvers, advocates, and culture-setters — often working quietly behind the scenes to ensure students feel supported, programs thrive, and communities stay connected.

The Gipper Hall of Fame was created to honor those leaders who go beyond the job description. The athletic directors who lead with heart, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right for kids, even if their work goes largely unnoticed.

Today, we’re proud to announce the inductees of the Gipper Hall of Fame - Class of 2025, recognizing two extraordinary athletic directors whose impact reaches far beyond wins and losses.

Gipper Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Inductees

We're honoring two athletic directors whose leadership has transformed not just programs, but entire school communities. Dr. Cherie Pettiford (Cummings High School, NC) and John Salls (Greater Amsterdam School District, NY) exemplify what it means to lead with service, equity, and an unwavering commitment to student-athletes.

Dr. Cherie Pettiford

At Cummings High School, Dr. Pettiford built an athletic program grounded in accountability, communication, and opportunity. Under her leadership, the school has earned 21 state playoff appearances, four team state championships, and eight individual state champions, while also raising expectations for academics and behavior. Known for her hands-on, heart-first approach, she ensures every student has access to resources and support, rebuilt the Booster Club, forged community partnerships, and often steps in personally — driving buses, coaching teams, and even running programs herself — to make sure students never lose an opportunity to compete and grow.

One nominator shared, “Dr. Pettiford has built a culture of equity and community… welcoming all students to try out for teams and attend events.”

View Dr. Pettiford's full Hall of Fame bio. 

John Salls

In the Greater Amsterdam School District, John Salls has reimagined an entire athletic department from the ground up, restoring cut programs, expanding intramural and Unified Sports opportunities, and building systems that prioritize academic accountability, safety, and inclusion. A tireless, do-whatever-it-takes leader, John is known for being everywhere—supporting coaches, attending events at all levels, launching youth programs, and even earning his CDL to ensure athletes could reach competitions when transportation was limited. His work consistently opens doors for students, reinforcing the belief that athletics can be a powerful vehicle for character, resilience, and community connection.

One nominator said, "He is simply the best. He opens doors when most would shut them."

View John's full Hall of Fame bio.

Both Cherie and John are honored not only with national recognition, but with an all-expenses-paid Caribbean trip for two, serving as a meaningful thank-you for the countless hours and unseen work they pour into their programs.

About the Gipper Hall of Fame

The Gipper Hall of Fame is a national recognition initiative created to celebrate high school athletic directors who lead with heart, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to their students and communities. Launched as a heartfelt campaign leading into the National Athletic Directors Conference (NADC), the Hall of Fame shines a spotlight on ADs each year whose impact extends far beyond wins and losses.

We received 300 nominations for the Class of 2025, all detailing incredible stories of athletic directors across the country who go above and beyond for their athletes and programs.

No matter the nomination, the overarching theme was clear: To express gratitude for ADs who are key members of schools and greater communities, but whose work often goes unrecognized. We are proud to not only celebrate our Hall of Fame inductees, but every AD who was nominated for the Class of 2025. 

View all of the Gipper Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Inductees

How were the Gipper Hall of Fame Class of 2025 inductees chosen?

Every nomination was judged and scored based on four main criteria:

1. Impact on student-athletes and coaches: How does the nominee support, mentor, and show up for student-athletes and coaching staff — and how do they celebrate achievements. 
2. Equity across all sports: How does the nominee recognize and uplift every program — not just revenue-driving or high-visibility sports.
3. Culture and community-building: How does the nominee create a positive, inspiring culture for students, families, and coaches both inside the building and across the broader community.
4. Leadership and innovation: How does the nominee go above and beyond to improve their athletic program through creative strategy, problem-solving, and modern leadership.

How can I nominate an AD for the Gipper Hall of Fame

Nominations for the Gipper Hall of Fame Class of 2025 are officially closed. You can learn more about the program here, and stay tuned for next year's nominations to open!