Knoxville Catholic High School will host the first Wes Rucker Classic from April 8-10, 2027, honoring the alumnus who passed away on Feb. 19.
KCHS baseball head coach Caleb Moore, a friend and former teammate of Mr. Rucker, said the tournament is scheduled to coincide with many schools’ spring breaks, making it accessible for both in-state and out-of-state teams, WBIR-TV reported.
The tournament will feature a $300 entry fee per team, with all proceeds benefiting Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital.
Mr. Rucker was a graduate of both St. Joseph School in Knoxville and KCHS, receiving his diploma from the latter in 2000. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and covered Vol sports in print, radio, digital, and television media for two decades. His work earned national recognition, and he held votes in prestigious awards such as the Heisman Trophy and national polls.
Donations in Mr. Rucker’s memory can be made to the family’s GoFundMe (www.gofundme.com/f/support-teamrucker) or to Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital (www.dollychildrens.org/).