University Of Tennessee Sports Essay, Research Paper

News from the Hill

Jay Kersting

Sports Director

WUTK 90.3 FM

It has been a very busy and exciting week at the University of Tennessee. Students had their second week on campus after spring break so that meant a lot of tests to be taken. However, most people in East Tennessee cared more about the activities of the Vols Athletic Department.

The week started with a look at the known – - namely the Coach Phillip Fulmer led Football Volunteers starting their second week of spring practice. The Vols completed their first week of Spring Practice with a scrimmage on March 31st after learning of a knee injury to offensive tackle Michael Munoz. Coach Fulmer and his staff were not going to let that slow down their practice schedule. On Tuesday, the team continued their workouts at Neyland Stadium in a light rain with lots of rotation on the offensive line. Coach Fulmer said on Thursday that he has been pleased with the progress of the offensive linemen and hopes to develop enough talent this spring and summer to have lots of depth on the line. Be assured that Coach Fulmer and his entire staff are looking forward to the Orange and White Game on April 21st and to welcoming the latest recruiting class to Knoxville this summer.

Of course there was some other news up on the hill this week. In case you missed it, the Men’s Basketball Team has a new coach. Robert “Buzz” Peterson is coming to lead the Vols to the next level of the college basketball hierarchy. Coach Peterson comes to Knoxville after a season at Tulsa where he led his team to the National Invitational Tournament championship. Prior to his stint at Tulsa, he was head coach of Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. But what most people recall about Coach Peterson is that he was Michael Jordan’s roommate when they played for Dean Smith at the University of North Carolina, winning the NCAA Championship in 1982.

Coach Peterson brings a lot of excitement and energy to the Volunteers. The players seemed enthusiastic after their first meeting with Coach Peterson. Jenis Grindstaff said that having the coaching decision finalized will allow the team to focus on the next season and really likes the enthusiasm that Coach Peterson brings. Forward Ron Slay said that Peterson has already challenged him to a game of pool. Peterson feels that he needs to get to know his players outside of just what they do on the court. So Ron Slay will be able to tell us shortly who is better with a pool cue.

Look for some big changes in how the Volunteers Men’s Basketball team and staff interact with the East Tennessee community. Coach Peterson is the son of a University of Tennessee graduate and has family all around East Tennessee. That personal connection is what will drive Coach Peterson to set roots in our community.

Coach Peterson and family, Welcome to East Tennessee!!!

In other sports, the Diamond Vols host the Alabama Crimson Tide this weekend at Lindsay Nelson Stadium. This season Coach Rod Delmonico has one of his most talented teams in a few seasons. If you like to watch baseball with players who steal bases and turn singles into doubles, and doubles into triples, come on down and check them out. The games are Friday at 7:00 P.M. and Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 P.M.

Lady Vols Tennis team remains ranked in the Top Five in the NCAA. Strong play in both singles and doubles is keeping the team among the best in the nation. Good Job Ladies!!!

Bibliography

Press releases from UT Lady Vols Media Relations Office.

Press releases from UT Volunteers Sports Information Office.