Siegel High School Athletic Hall of Fame
Blake Benefield
Siegel High School (Class of 2015) • Middle Tennessee State University Alumna
Blake Benefield grew up in
Murfreesboro, where his athletic talent quickly distinguished him as one of the
region’s premier baseball players. At Siegel High School, Benefield emerged as
a dominant force on the diamond.
High School
Achievements
As a Star, Blake’s senior season was exceptional. He batted .430 with five home
runs and 35 RBIs, earning All-District, All-Area, and All-State recognition.
His excellence was further honored with the 7-AAA Player of the Year award and
Honorable Mention Perfect Game All-American honors. Even in his junior year, he
had already showcased elite talent, hitting .400 with three home runs and 30
RBIs. He was selected to the all-district team as a sophomore, all-district,
all-area and all-state as a junior, and repeated the same honors as a senior.
Collegiate
Contributions
Blake carried his excellence to Middle Tennessee State University, where he
played from 2016–2019 for the Blue Raiders as an outfielder and infielder.
Known for his durability, clutch hitting, and consistent production, Benefield
compiled impressive collegiate statistics:
Year G AB
R H 2B
3B HR RBI
AVG OBP SLG
OPS
2016 49
189 23 54
15 0 8
32 .286 .322
.492 .814
2017 53
199 33 52
10 0 3
24 .261 .321
.357 .678
2018 55
223 30 62
17 1 10
44 .278 .331
.498 .828
2019 55
207 35 52
13 0 10
28 .251 .314
.459 .773
Total 212 818 121 220 55
1 31 128
.269 .322 .452
.774
Highlights:
• Freshman Year (2016): Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American, C-USA
All-Freshman Team, led MTSU in home runs (8), RBIs (32), slugging (.492), and
doubles (15). Also became the first position player in school history to be
named National Player of the Week.
• Junior Year (2018): Career-best season with 62 hits, 17 doubles, 10 home
runs, 44 RBIs, and 111 total bases. Earned recognition on the C-USA
Commissioner’s Honor Roll.
• Durability & Consistency: Appeared in 157 consecutive games, ranking
seventh in school history. Started 206 games, finishing with 31 career home
runs, 55 doubles, and 0 errors as a senior.
Academic
& Professional Achievements
Blake married Cori Benefield and together they have two children: Collins Bell
(age 3) and Hattie Grace(5 months). He graduated from Middle Tennessee State
University with a degree in Finance and has built a successful career as
Regional Vice President of the Southeast in Logistics.
Hall of Fame Worthy
Traits
Blake Warren Benefield exemplifies
athletic prowess, work ethic, and dedication—hallmarks of a Siegel High School
Hall of Fame athlete.
Siegel High School Athletic Hall of Fame
Andrew Benefield
Siegel High School (Class of 2018) • Dallas Baptist University Alumna
Andrew “Drew” Benefield emerged as one of the standout athletes at Siegel High School history. During his tenure with the Stars, Benefield distinguished himself as a two-time All-State selection (2016, 2017) and a three-time All-District and All-Region honoree. He also earned recognition as the 2017 Tennessee Mr. Baseball and a 2018 Mr. Baseball finalist. Benefield helped lead the Siegel Stars to a State Championship in 2016, leaving a lasting legacy within the program. His leadership, work ethic, and offensive prowess made him a cornerstone of Siegel’s baseball program and laid the foundation for his continued success.
Collegiate Contributions
University of Louisville (2019-2020)
Benefield began his collegiate career with the Louisville Cardinals. In his freshman season, he appeared in 14 games, starting six, and tallied a .286 batting average, recording eight hits, three doubles, and six RBIs in 28 at-bats. While primarily a position player, he also made a brief pitching appearance, demonstrating versatility. He was named to the ACC Honor Roll in both 2019 and 2020.
Dallas Baptist University (2021–2022)
Seeking new opportunities, Benefield transferred to Dallas
Baptist University, where he became a consistent contributor over two seasons.
2021 (Redshirt Freshman): Appearing in 55 games, Benefield posted a .280
batting average, .371 on-base percentage, and .482 slugging percentage, with 9
home runs, 12 doubles, 41 RBIs, and 8 stolen bases. His performance earned him
All-Missouri Valley Conference honors, and a place on the Fort Worth Regional
All-Tournament Team.
2022 (Redshirt Sophomore): Over another 55-game season, he recorded a .233
batting average, .329 OBP, and .401 slugging percentage, adding 7 home runs, 11
doubles, 36 RBIs, and 2 stolen bases. Benefield also served as Team Captain,
demonstrating leadership on and off the field.
Collegiate Career Totals (2020–2022): Across three seasons, Benefield played in 124–126 games, amassing a .258 career batting average, .346–.347 on-base percentage, .437 slugging percentage, and .783–.784 OPS. He totaled 16 home runs, 83 RBIs, and over 100 hits, showcasing both consistency and power throughout his college career.
Legacy and Impact
Drew Benefield’s journey from high school standout at Siegel to collegiate athlete at Louisville and Dallas Baptist exemplifies the dedication, talent, and leadership Hall of Fame recognition celebrates. Known for his work ethic, adaptability, and offensive firepower, Benefield has left an enduring mark on every program he joined, inspiring teammates and younger players alike.
Academic &
Professional Achievements
Following his playing career, Benefield graduated from Dallas Baptist
University in 2022 with a degree in Finance and later earned his MBA from
Middle Tennessee State University in 2024. He currently works at Mid-South Bus
Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Off the field, Drew married Lexi in 2022,
and together they have two children, Blair (2) and Jones (born 2025).
Siegel High School Athletic Hall of Fame
Deonte Cruse
Siegel High School (Class of 2009) • Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Alumna
Born and raised in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Deonte’ Cruse began his football journey at Siegel High School, excelling as both an offensive and defensive lineman. While detailed high school statistics are limited, his dominance in the trenches earned statewide recognition:
· 2008 Lineman of the Year
· Tennessee Top 10 Offensive Lineman – #9
· Tennessee Top 66 Senior Prospects – #41
· Multiple Team Captain & All-Area selections (2005–2008)
· Scout.com Top Talent of Tennessee – #36
Collegiate Contributions
· Northeastern Oklahoma A&M
o Freshman Season (2011):
o 70 total tackles (48 solo, 22 assisted)
o 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries
o 5th in SWJCFC with 36 solo tackles
o Sophomore Season (2012):
o 71 total tackles (33 solo, 38 assisted)
o 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
o Honors:
o 2011 Honorable Mention All-SWJCFC Freshman
o 2012 First Team All-SWJCFC & All-Region XIV
o 2012 SWJCFC Champion
o Team Captain 2011 & 2012
o Academic Achievement:
o Associate of Science Degree, NEO (Dec 2012)
· Oklahoma State University
o Transferred to OSU under Head Coach Mike Gundy (June 2013)
o Practice Player of the Week: vs. Texas (2013), Baylor (2014)
o Member of 2014 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic & 2015 Cactus Bowl Championship teams
Professional & Indoor Football Career
Deonte’ carved out a decorated professional and indoor football career across multiple leagues: AFL, IFL, NAL, and CIF. Known for versatility, leadership, and consistency.
· Teams & Highlights:
o Las Vegas Outlaws (AFL) – Fullback, 2015
o Atlanta Vultures (AIF) – DT, 2016
o West Michigan Ironmen (AIF) – OL/DT/FB, 2016 AIF Northern Division Champions
o Cedar Rapids Titans (IFL) – OL/DT, 2017
o Tampa Bay Storm (AFL) – Fullback, 2017
o Jacksonville Sharks (NAL) – OL, 2018
o Texas Revolution (AFL) – OL/DT, 2018
o Philadelphia Soul (AFL) – Fullback, 2019 AFL World Champion
o Music City Fire (AAL) – OL, 2020
o Tulsa Oilers (IFL) – OL/DL, 2023
· Career Highlights:
o 2016: Averaged 70+ plays/game, 1 rushing TD, 2 sacks, 5 assisted tackles
o 2017: Selected to U.S. Federation National Team, World Games, Wroclaw, Poland
o 2019: AFL World Champion, Philadelphia Soul
Coaching Career
· NEO Football (2020–2021): Assistant Coach ? Defensive Line Coach & Recruiting Coordinator
· Oklahoma State University (2022–2024): Student Assistant ? Football Operations/Recruiting
· University of Tennessee (Present): Offensive Analyst
Legacy
From Siegel High School to junior college, Division I football, professional championships, and coaching at a Power Five program, Deonte’ Cruse’s journey embodies resilience, versatility and leadership. He inspires young athletes to pursue excellence on and off the field.
Siegel High School Athletic Hall of Fame
Charlie Davidson
Siegel High School Contributor • Middle Tennessee State University Alumna
Charlie Davidson’s support of Siegel High School is nothing short of astounding. Despite graduating from a school not to be mentioned, his endeavors and friendships with the Siegel community have changed the lives of so many Stars. He has been literal gamechanger for Siegel High School and their athletes.
Charlie has deep ties in Murfreesboro. He graduated from MTSU with a marketing degree. He cut his teeth in our local business community as a “bread man” for Lewis Bread. Charlie then made the jump to real estate for John Jones Reality and has been one of their leading agents for eight plus years. Charlie’s efforts, however, have been much more than selling bread or houses. When Charlie is at work, he is truly trying to connect with people and make their lives better.
Charlie’s connections with Siegel began with the people he loves the most. His wife Lynda (who is a coach’s daughter) is an educator and active in the community. Two of his daughters, Morgan and Meghan, graduated from Siegel High and started dragging their dad to Siegel events. Charlie’s third daughter, McKenna, is also currently a cheerleader at Siegel Middle School.
Charlie, being a huge sports fan, could not resist the lure of helping the football program. Charlie began by helping during cookouts, buying t-shirts, and getting drones to film the games. Eventually though, Charlie was asked if he would take on a much bigger task: a $1 million stadium turf project.
Charlie took on the turf project with fervor. What began as a fact-finding mission, turned into a passion. Charlie worked with school personnel, business leaders, and contractors to manage a fundraising and building project. He thought outside the box, drove all over town, and refused to be told “no.” Charlie worked tirelessly on a project that most people did not think could be completed. In six months, Siegel High and Middle School had a state of the art surface for its athletes.
What may be most remarkable about Charlie’s commitment to Siegel is that it has not stopped. After all he has done most would think he would be ready for a break, but that is not Charlie. If anything, Charlie has doubled down on his efforts to help Siegel High School with its football booster club and other improvement projects.
Charlie Davidson’s contributions to Siegel High School are truly outstanding and appreciated. He has given so much time, energy, and his own personal resources to the Siegel Community for no other reason than to leave it better than he found it. Charlie Davidson is a Hall of Famer because he is a true servant leader.
Siegel High School Athletic Hall of Fame
Asha Phillips
Siegel High School (Class of 2016) • University of Tennessee Alumna
High School Achievements
Asha Phillips dominated for the Siegel Stars as an outside hitter and defensive dynamo. Over her final two seasons, she amassed 1,014 digs, 81 aces, and 386 kills, averaging 3.1 kills per set as a senior. She ranked in the top 3 in District, top 11 in Division AAA, and top 22 in Tennessee overall for key statistical categories. A multi-time Player of the Match, she earned 2015 AVCA Honorable Mention All-American recognition and captured All-Region (2015) and All-District (2014, 2015) honors, making a lasting mark on Siegel volleyball. Additional honors include DNJ Rutherford County All-Decade Team (2010–2019), Under Armour All-American Honorable Mention, MaxPreps All-American Special Mention, 14x MaxPreps Player of the Game, plus All-Area, All-Midstate, All-Region, and All-District recognition.
Collegiate Contributions
At the University of Tennessee, Asha continued her volleyball journey as a defensive specialist. She achieved career highs of 13 digs in a match, triple-digit defensive totals across seasons, and solidified her role as a reliable team asset. In 2018, she was recognized on the SEC Academic Honor Roll, exemplifying her commitment on the court and in the classroom. She completed her 4-year career at Tennessee as a 4x SEC Academic Honor Roll honoree and received the Arthur Ashe Sports Scholar Award.
Academic & Professional Achievements
After graduating from Tennessee, Asha worked in clinical research for 3 years while obtaining a Master of Science degree from Lipscomb University, graduating with distinction. In Fall 2025, she begins her doctoral studies in Kinesiology at Ole Miss.
Asha’s remarkable all-round performance, leadership, and consistent excellence—coupled with her academic achievements—make her a deserving Hall of Fame inductee at Siegel High School.
Siegel High School Athletic Hall of Fame
Jacob Smith
Siegel High School (Class of 2018) • Middle Tennessee State University Alumna
High School Achievements
Jacob Smith,
hailing from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, showcased exceptional athletic talent as
both a punter and placekicker at Siegel High School. He earned all-state honors
and was the first-ever 'Mr. Football' winner in Siegel's history, marking a
significant milestone for the school’s football program.
During his senior season (2016–17), Jacob registered impressive kicking and
punting statistics:
- 18 punts for 768 yards, averaging 42.7 yards per punt (national average: 31.4
yds)
- 7 punts inside the 20-yard line
- Longest punt: 51 yards
- 7 field goals made (well above national average)
Recognition:
- Ranked 338th nationally
- 3rd in Tennessee
- 2nd in Division 6A
Collegiate Contributions
Jacob redshirted during his freshman year (2017). Listed at 6-2 and 205 lbs, he joined the MTSU Blue Raiders as a placekicker where he contributed as part of the Blue Raiders’ special teams unit.
Academic &
Professional Achievements
After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University in
2021 with a degree in Residential Construction, he quickly transitioned into
entrepreneurship, founding his own construction company in 2022 specializing in
both commercial and residential projects. In May 2023, he married Ansley Smith,
and together they built their home in Lascassas, where they now reside with
their dog. Demonstrating his drive and vision, he launched a second company in
2024 focused on providing facilities and grounds maintenance services to
private schools, with The Webb School in Bell Buckle among his first clients.
Hall of Fame Worthy
Traits
Jacob Smith’s Hall of Fame induction celebrates his superior performance at the high school level—particularly as a dual-threat punter and placekicker—while symbolizing a pioneering achievement for Siegel High School’s football legacy as its first 'Mr. Football' honoree.
