It’s not the 7 Hall of Fame awards that left an imprint long after his retirement. Coach Jerry Vradenburg’s philosophy, “Be kind. Be kind to everyone, regardless of their status” is the drum that beats his legacy into the Gallatin and White House communities.

The Blue Devils and the Green Waves, White House and Gallatin, serve as bookends in a distinguished basketball coaching career. Jerry coached at White House from 1962-1966 and then at Gallatin from 1966 until his retirement in 1993. 

New York City nearly stole him away early on in his career. “My whole life I had nothing but a ball in my hand,” says Jerry, “ I had the opportunity to play ball through high school and go to college playing.” Dribbling a basketball and hurling a baseball earned Jerry Hall of Fame awards in both sports at his alma mater, Belmont, as well as a Semi-Pro Baseball Hall of Fame award. His accolades drew the attention of a Yankees head scout who offered him a position with big pay and big perks. 

But Jerry’s ambition wasn’t to score under those big city lights. He and his wife, Sylvia, didn’t want to move. “Most importantly,” he says, “We were raising two young kids at the time and I was very happy with being a coach at White House. Everybody there was tremendous.” So he stayed.

While at White House, the Vradenburgs met three lanky teenagers–Tommy White, Larry Brown, and Wayne Starks. These Blue Devil basketball players would become fast friends, faithful throughout the years to carry on the lessons Jerry shared. 

“Coach Vradenburg taught us a lot about the X’s and O’s of basketball, but more importantly, about life,” says Wayne. “Most anyone can talk the talk but it takes a unique person that can walk the walk. He was a bigger presence because of the way he conducted his life.”

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To honor Jerry and Sylvia, the friends started the Coach Vradenburg Scholarship at Gallatin High School two years ago. “Scholarships to deserving students can be given away long after we’re dead and gone,” says Wayne. “That’s why we feel it’s a great way to honor the Vradenburgs.” 

Gallatin High School students can apply for the scholarship now through the link below. Eligible students are those with a good GPA, in need (who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend college), and who participate in extracurricular activities–students that fit the model of Jerry and Sylvia.

Had Jerry taken the Yankees up on their offer, he may have had even greater player stats to brag about, but he would have missed the thousands of local lives he impacted. “I don’t have any regrets,” says Jerry, “Knowing these young men and knowing the people of White House and Gallatin has been a tremendous blessing.”

There’s strength in the staying. 

Gallatin High School students can access scholarship information here.