Hopkinsville High School is proud to honor Mike Chadwell as a member of the Hall of Fame Class of 2024. For over two decades, Chadwell served as the voice of the Hopkinsville Tigers, bringing the excitement of high school football and basketball to life on WHOP radio. His dedication, passion, and storytelling made him an integral part of the Tigers’ athletic legacy.
A Storied Career Behind the Mic
From 1979 to 2001, Mike Chadwell provided play-by-play coverage for 22 seasons, broadcasting over 250 football games and nearly 600 basketball games. His voice became synonymous with Hopkinsville athletics, painting vivid pictures of the action for fans unable to attend in person.
Football Highlights
Chadwell’s career included calling three state championship games and countless memorable moments. Two standout games occurred during the 1995 season:
- A 61-0 victory over Leslie County, where the Tigers dominated future UK and NFL quarterback Tim Couch.
- A dramatic 27-22 win at Mayfield, capped by Miquel Merrit’s game-saving tackle on the final play.
Chadwell worked with three football coaches during his tenure—Dan Sundberg, Mike Lewis, and Craig Clayton—and legendary color commentators such as Coach Fleming Thornton.
Basketball Excellence
During the 1980s, Chadwell covered one of the most successful eras in Hopkinsville basketball history, including the Tigers’ 1985 state championship. He worked with four basketball coaches—Chuck Hayslip, Daryl Hallmark, Roy Woolum, and Terry Hayes—and broadcast Hopkinsville’s games on some of the biggest stages in the country.
Memorable moments included the Tigers’ trips to tournaments in St. Louis, Louisville, Cincinnati, Bristol (Virginia), and Erie (Pennsylvania). At the McDonald’s Classic in Erie, Chadwell and Coach Fleming Thornton called Hopkinsville’s stunning victory over DeMatha Catholic (Maryland), the nation’s top-ranked team at the time, led by LaMont Ware.
A Legacy of Excellence
Chadwell’s contributions went beyond play-by-play commentary. His voice brought energy, excitement, and a deep appreciation for Hopkinsville athletics, creating a connection between the Tigers and their community. Working alongside talented colleagues, such as statistician Roy Keller, Chadwell helped immortalize some of the greatest moments in HHS sports history.
In 2001, after 22 seasons, Chadwell passed the play-by-play microphone to Jeff Sisk, leaving behind a legacy of storytelling and dedication to the Hopkinsville Tigers.
A Well-Deserved Honor
Mike Chadwell’s induction into the Hopkinsville High School Hall of Fame celebrates his remarkable career and the indelible impact he made on the Tigers’ athletic program. His voice not only chronicled the achievements of Hopkinsville’s teams but also united a community in its love for high school sports.
Congratulations to Mike Chadwell on this well-deserved honor! Your dedication to Hopkinsville athletics and your passion for storytelling have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire for generations.
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