Businessman Allan Jones, a 1972 graduate of Cleveland High School, will receive an award on Monday from the Tennessee Interscholastic Athletic Administrator’s Association
Cleveland businessman Allan Jones is scheduled to receive an award on Monday night in Murfreesboro for his support of two local schools.
The Tennessee Interscholastic Athletic Administrator’s Association announced Friday that Mr. Jones – the founder and CEO of Check Into Cash and the entrepreneur who rescued Hardwick Clothes from bankruptcy – had unanimously been chosen to receive the “2017 Distinguished Service Award” for his support of Cleveland High School and Cleveland Middle School.
Mr. Jones was nominated for the award by Scott Carroll, the athletic director at Cleveland Middle School. The award is given annually by the TIAAA to individuals in a community who show exemplary support for local schools but are not employed by the school system.
“Allan has always been eager to support all of our local schools, but especially Cleveland Middle and Cleveland High,” said Mr. Carroll. “He has been and continues to be a real blessing to these kids – and to our community.”
Mr. Carroll praised Mr. Jones for being the driving force behind the two multi-million dollar wrestling centers at Cleveland High School and at Bradley Central. He noted that Mr. Jones is also an investor in the city of Cleveland and has donated millions to Lee University and to other projects throughout the city.
Mr. Carroll serves on the TIAAA board of directors, while Mr. Jones is a 1972 graduate of Cleveland High School.
During his time at Cleveland High School, Mr. Carroll said Mr. Jones developed a love for the sport of wrestling. He has been one of the state’s largest contributors to wrestling and supports the Higher Calling Wrestling Club to introduce youngsters to the sport and sponsors the team as it travels nationwide to compete at the highest level in AAU Wrestling. He was also recently voted into the Tennessee Wrestling Hall of Fame, according to Mr. Carroll.
“Mr. Jones is one the main reasons Cleveland Wrestling has prospered and his leadership and guidance have paved the way for continued success,” said Mr. Carroll. “He also mentors our coaches and helps them to develop as leaders, much as he has done with countless business leaders around the country. Mr. Jones and his family are truly the First Family of Wrestling in the state of Tennessee.”
Previous recipients of the Distinguished Service Award include Dr. Gary Voytik of Cleveland who serves as team doctor for Cleveland Middle School, Ocoee Middle School, Lake Forest Middle School, Cleveland High, Bradley Central, and Walker Valley High School.