University Of Tennessee Radio Show ‘Vol Calls To Debut On Aug. 25

/in , /by

The official statewide radio show for the Tennessee Volunteers “Vol Calls,” kicks off its 2021-22 season at 7 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Aug. 25, from the legendary Calhoun’s On the River in downtown Knoxville.

Tennessee Chancellor Donde Plowman, Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White, and head baseball coach Tony Vitello are scheduled to appear on Wednesday’s inaugural show, which will also include an interview with head football coach Josh Heupel.

Bob Kesling, the voice of the Tennessee Volunteers and UT’s director of broadcasting, serves as the show’s host and is joined by Vol Network veteran Brent Hubbs to answer questions and provide the latest news and information on Tennessee Athletics. Weather permitting, the show will be held outside each week during the fall on the restaurant’s large outdoor patio deck overlooking the Tennessee River and Neyland Stadium

The one-hour show can be heard on 50-plus radio stations across the state of Tennessee on the Vol Radio Network and all over the world through UTsports.com, the Tennessee Athletics App and SiriusXM.

TSU National Alumni Association Kicks Off ‘Be The Fuel’ Project

/in /by

The Tennessee State University National Alumni Association President, Charles H. Galbreath Jr., is calling on alumni to help support current student-athletes by buying food and energy drinks they need through an Amazon registry.

“TSU Athletics is bringing the heat. Roar City is more than hype; it’s an opportunity to take our athletics program to the next level,” says Galbreath. “I share the excitement of many TSU Alumni Tigers. We’re excited about our awesome coaches, upcoming classics, renovated facilities, and lucrative partnerships. However, I want to inspire alumni to keep our athletes as the center of our excitement. It’s important that alumni unite to make sure our athletes have the nutrition and support they need to compete at the highest level.”

Alumni and others can pick what they want off of the registry and purchase as many items as they’d like. The items will be shipped directly to the Tigers athletic department where the student-athletes can access them free of charge. Items on the registry include Cliff Bars, Powerade, Muscle Milk and more.

“Everyday we ask our student-athletes to go above and beyond in the areas of training and competition,” says Dr. Mikki Allen, TSU Athletics Director. “In doing so, it becomes increasingly important that the right fuel is available for optimal performance and recovery. We are extremely thankful to have such a supportive alumni base and appreciate TSUNAA President, Charles Galbreath’s willingness to lead this unprecedented initiative. ‘Be the Fuel’ will provide a competitive edge that will help our student-athletes compete for championships across all sports.”

Vanderbilt Men’s & Women’s Basketball Season Tickets Available Now

/in , /by

Memorial Gym. Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

Season tickets are now available for the 2021-22 Vanderbilt men’s and women’s basketball seasons. Season ticket holders receive discounts at shop.vucommodores.com as well as the first chance at mini plans and single-game tickets before they go on sale to the general public.

Since a portion of each season ticket purchase will include a gift to the National Commodore Club, every season ticket holder will be recognized as a valued NCC member. Women’s season tickets start at $50, and Mr. C’s Kids Club members will receive free admission to women’s basketball games. Men’s season tickets start at $200. Tickets can be paid for in full or spread out with monthly payments. Season-long parking passes are also available for purchase.

The Vanderbilt men welcome back leading scorer and All-SEC first-team selection Scotty Pippen Jr. as the Vanderbilt women are set to begin their first season under the direction of new head coach Shea Ralph. Full 2021-22 schedules for both teams will be announced at a later date.

Capacity at Memorial Gym is expected to be 100 percent, but COVID-19 protocols and capacity limitations are subject to change depending on guidance from public health experts. Further details will be provided closer to the start of the season

Former Vanderbilt Pitchers Jack Leiter, Kumar Rocker Receive National Recognition

/in , /by

Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter

Former Vanderbilt pitching duo Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker received national recognition from Baseball America. Rocker has been named Player of the Year, while Leiter was named Freshman of the Year. The two became the first pair of teammates ever to win the awards in the same season.

Leiter and Rocker led the Commodores to a second straight College World Series appearance, eventually losing to Mississippi State. Rocker led the program to a College World Series win in 2019. In 2021, Rocker and Leiter tied for the nation-lead in strikeouts, posting 179 apiece, becoming the first teammates in at least 30 seasons to lead the country in strikeouts. The duo were also recognized as finalists for both the Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Trophy.

A unanimous First Team All-American, Rocker posted a 14-4 record on the mound this season, including a 3-1 in the NCAA Tournament. The junior right-hander became only the second player since 1988 to lead the nation in both strikeouts and wins in the same season. Leiter registered 201 strikeouts across his two seasons. The right-hander closed out the season ranking third in the country in hits allowed per nine innings with a mark of 3.93.

Both pitching phenomena’s were drafted top 10 in the 2021 MLB Draft with Leiter going No. 2 overall to the Texas Rangers, eventually signing and receiving a $7.9 million signing bonus. Rocker was drafted by the New York Mets with the No. 10 overall pick. The Mets decided not to sign Rocker after fears over his physical.

College Corner: Lipscomb’s Liza Corso, Rick Stockstill LIVE, UTK Reece’s Bowl Watch List

/in /by

Lipscomb’s Liza Corso Qualifies For The Tokyo Paralympics

Lipscomb University Track & Field freshman Liza Corso has qualified for the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo and will represent the United States Track & Field in the 1500m run.

Corso, a graduate of Portsmouth Christian Academy (PCA), was a top high school runner in New Hampshire, competing at high levels even with a low-vision disability. Born with a genetic disorder called albinism, Corso is considered legally blind and runs without depth perception, having over 20/200 vision.

She has been an award-winning, All-State runner for the school’s cross country, winter track, and spring track teams. According to PCA Coach, Mike Shevenell, Corso is the most-decorated runner of all time in PCA’s athletic history.

The Tokyo Paralympic Games will take place Aug. 24-Sept. 5. The Women’s 1500m – T13 Final will take place Saturday, Aug. 28 from 5 to 8 a.m. CST at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.

 

 

Rick Stockstill Live Show To Be Hosted At The Boulevard Bar And Grill

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) head football coach Rick Stockstill will broadcast this season of Rick Stockstill Live, powered by Middle Tennessee Electric, at The Boulevard Bar and Grill in Murfreesboro. The show will be hosted near the MTSU campus each Monday night at 6 p.m. prior to games.

New to the show this year will be a segment with a different player each week, and on some occasions there will also be an assistant coach. Fans can watch the show live each week on the Blue Raider App or listen live on the radio at WGNS. The show will re-air at 7 p.m. on 102.5 The Game.

Chip Walters, the voice of the Blue Raiders, will host the show with the first episode airing on Aug. 30 prior to the season opener vs Monmouth. Other show dates are set for Sept. 6, 13, 20, and 27; Oct. 4, 18, and 25; and Nov. 1, 8, 15, and Nov. 22.

 

 

Four Tennessee Volunteers Named To 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List 

Four Tennessee Volunteers were named to the 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List, including Princeton Fant (tight end), Velus Jones Jr. (wide receiver/kick returner), Cade Mays (offensive lineman) and Alontae Taylor (defensive back).

The Reese’s Senior Bowl is the nation’s most prestigious college all-star game as it annually serves as the first step of the NFL Draft process. The Reese’s Senior Bowl had 106 total players drafted and 36 selected in the first three rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft. This year’s game will be played on Feb. 5, 2022 and will be broadcast on the NFL Network.

Fant started his career as a running back and moved to tight end prior to the 2019 season. The Nashville native is coming off the best year of his career, seeing action in all 10 games while setting career highs in receptions (12), receiving yards (103) and touchdown catches (1). Jones led the SEC in kickoff return yards (398) and was second in the league in kickoff return average (22.11). The Saraland, Alabama, native notably ranks first among active Division I FBS career leaders with 2,345 career kickoff return yards.

Mays, a native of Knoxville, started in seven games during his first season with the Vols in 2021, seeing action on 478 offensive snaps. Six of Mays’ starts came at right guard with the other start coming at right tackle. Mays began his career at Georgia and has played in 32 career games with 25 starts. Taylor totaled 102 tackles for his career, including 29 last season to go along with five passes defended. As a junior, Taylor saw action on 439 snaps with 234 of those coming in coverage.

Universities of Tennessee, Pittsburgh To Honor Coach Johnny Majors

/in , /by

The Universities of Tennessee and Pittsburgh will pay tribute to a shared gridiron icon as the two programs announced the game’s designation as the Johnny Majors Classic, named in honor of the late legendary head coach and player.

“Honoring Johnny Majors in this way creates another really special and unique element to an already-special season as we celebrate Neyland Stadium’s centennial,” says Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White. “I appreciate Pittsburgh’s partnership on this. It will be a memorable day for the Majors family as well as fans of both schools who appreciate Johnny Majors’ hall of fame legacy.”

The first meeting between the two teams since 1983 will celebrate Majors’ legacy with in-game festivities. In addition, Johnny Majors Classic apparel will be available for purchase. The two programs will reciprocate the event on Sept. 10, 2022, when they meet at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

“We are honored to join the University of Tennessee in celebrating the life of Coach Johnny Majors,” says Pitt Director of Athletics Heather Lyke. “Beyond the victories, Coach Majors made such a huge impact on the lives of his players. That’s his greatest legacy and the University of Pittsburgh is incredibly proud to be part of it. We look forward to being with the Majors family when we visit in September.”

Majors, who passed away in Knoxville on June 3, 2020 at the age of 85, served two tenures as head coach at Pitt from 1973-76 and 1993-96. He spent 16 seasons as head coach of his alma mater of Tennessee from 1977-92. In total, he produced a 185-137-10 record in 29 seasons of coaching.

“Coach Majors was synonymous with Tennessee football and that has become even more apparent to me in my short time in Knoxville,” says Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel. “It’s only appropriate that the two programs he impacted the most will honor him with a game in his namesake, and we are proud to take part in it.”

A 1987 inductee of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame as a player, Majors starred for the Volunteers from 1954-56. His No. 45 was retired by his alma mater in 2012—one of only eight to earn that distinction. He earned both SEC Player of the Year honors and All-SEC selection at tailback twice–in 1955 and 1956. He finished his Tennessee playing career with 1,622 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 387 carries while also completing 54.1 percent of his passes (80 for 148) for 1,135 yards and 11 scores. He rushed for 549 yards and seven touchdowns on 108 carries in 1956. A unanimous All-American in 1956, he finished second in the Heisman Trophy balloting after leading the Vols to a 10-1 record, an appearance in the Sugar Bowl, and a No. 2 final ranking.

“This is an incredibly fitting tribute for Coach Majors, a true coaching legend who made such a lasting impact at both Pitt and Tennessee,” says Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi. “Every time I walk past our national championship display, I’m reminded—and inspired—by his legacy. He set high standards on and off the field during his incredible career.”

Majors’ list of coaching honors is extensive and includes the Walter Camp Coach of the Year Award, the AFCA Coach of the Year Award, the Sporting News College Football Coach of the Year Award, and an SEC Coach of the Year Award. Majors also orchestrated one of the most dramatic turnarounds in college football history in leading Pitt to the 1976 national championship. His first prize recruit—Tony Dorsett—had a spectacular career at Pitt, which included being honored with college football’s most treasured award, the Heisman Trophy.

Majors spearheaded Tennessee to back-to-back SEC championships in 1989 and 1990. The 1989 season saw his squad reel off six consecutive wins to end the year, highlighted by a 31-27 win over No. 10 Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl, which propelled the Vols to a No. 5 ranking in the final Associated Press poll.

College Corner: TSU Opendorse, Belmont Bruins App, UTK Shareholders Society

/in /by

TSU Partners Opendorse To Support Student-Athletes With NIL

The Tennessee State Department of Athletics has partnered with Opendorse Ready with Darlow to provide Tennessee State University (TSU) student-athletes with education, readiness courses, live coaching, and resource opportunities to capitalize on their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).

“Enactment of NIL legislation has created tremendous opportunities for student-athletes to develop successful brands, leverage their influence, as well as make positive, far-reaching impacts on their communities,” says Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen. “I am excited to announce TSU’s partnership with Opendorse Ready + Darlow Rules. This NIL readiness program has the unique capabilities to assist us in our efforts to comprehensively educate and prepare our student-athletes for their bright futures.”

Opendorse Ready with Darlow is the elite NIL education solution in college athletics, pairing Opendorse Ready solutions with exclusive access to Jeremy Darlow‘s, leading marketer and best-selling author of Darlow Rules, live education sessions and the Darlow Rules online course. The program provides student-athletes with industry-proven assessment, education, and performance tools to understand, build, and protect their personal brands in this new era.

 

 

Belmont Bruins Athletics Launch New Mobile App

Belmont University Athletics launched its new official mobile app, developed in partnership with From Now On. The new Belmont Bruins App is designed to serve as a one-stop shop for all things Belmont Athletics.

From technological advancements and customization capabilities to enhanced fan experience, the Belmont Bruins App will serve fans on the go and when attending home competitions at the Curb Event Center, E.S. Rose Park, the Belmont Tennis Complex, Percy Warner Park, and Golf House Tennessee.

The Belmont Bruins App is loaded with features including mobile ticketing, exclusive Belmont Under Armour merchandise, fan guides, and venue directions via Google Maps. It also offers feature video content, interactive opportunities, and full social media integration, including team-specific Instagram accounts.

 

 

UTK’s ‘All My Campaign’ Initiative Raise Money Through Shareholder Society

The public launch of Tennessee Athletics’ My All Campaign on June 9 was met with enthusiastic support, and the ambitious $500 million campaign continues to build momentum. All told, since July 1, close to 5,000 members of Vol Nation have proudly “given their all” through philanthropic giving or ticket purchases.

Since the recent launch of this philanthropic giving society, more than 50 families, individuals and/or businesses have signed a pledge to join, combining for more than $11.6 million in commitments. In total, the Shareholders Society now exceeds 175 members.

“We are grateful to our inaugural Shareholders Society members, whose commitment to Tennessee Athletics and our student-athletes is unwavering,” says Deputy AD for Championship Resources Dr. Mónica Lebrón. “They’ve answered the call and set the standard for what we hope will be continued success of the My All Campaign. We look forward to welcoming many more Shareholders into the fold.”

The Shareholders Society—reserved for those whose philanthropic giving rises above and beyond donations tied to seating and parking—provides championship resources for student-athletes across all 20 sports while enjoying unique stewardship opportunities and benefits that expand accordingly as commitment levels increase.

Belmont Adds John Freeman As New Lead Broadcaster For Men’s Basketball

/in , /by

Belmont Athletic Department has added John Freeman as the lead broadcaster for the university’s men’s basketball team. Freeman currently serves as the radio play-by-play voice of Nashville SC and has been on the club’s mic since its inception in the United Soccer League (USL). He will continue to call NSC games along with the Bruins.

“John is regarded as one of the most versatile and hardest-working broadcasters in our industry,” says Assistant Athletic Director for Broadcasting and Media Relations Greg Sage. “His professionalism, depth of experience, and proven track record at the highest levels of sport will be tremendous assets for our program.”

Freeman’s basketball credits include serving as fill-in play-by-play broadcaster as well as studio host on the Virgina Sports Network. Most notably, he called University of Virginia men’s basketball during its 2019 National Championship campaign, including contests during March Madness. His decade-plus with the Virginia Sports Radio Network included work for Cavalier soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, wrestling, and softball. Freeman continues to serve as a lead broadcaster for several sports on ACC Network Extra, ESPN3, and ESPN+.

Freeman has also called VCU men’s and women’s basketball for RamRadio and RamTV, as well stints with the Atlantic 10 Conference, Tennessee State University, Lipscomb University, Randolph Macon University (VA), and Eastern Mennonite University (VA). He’s been honored four times by the Associated Press for Best Sports Coverage in the State of Virginia. Freeman was also named top sports broadcaster by the Charlottesville Daily Progress.

Freeman will replace longtime Bruin basketball play-by-play voice Kevin Ingram who left Belmont last season when he received the opportunity to call games for Vanderbilt University. Nashville sports talk show host George Plaster took over in an interim role for the remainder of the 2020-21 season.