Monday, January 24, 2022 - Welcome Back

Volume 141, Issue 1 Monday, January 24, 2022

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WELCOME BACK SPRING 2022

3 | While you were gone 7 | While you’re here 13 | What’s to come File / The Daily Beacon

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The Daily Beacon • Monday, January 24, 2022

DAILY BEACON STAFF AND POLICY INFORMATION

Letter from the Editor: Here’s to you, old Tennessee

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Sarah Rainey MANAGING EDITOR: Caleigh Rozmenoski COPY CHIEF: Kyra Bogdan CAMPUS NEWS EDITOR: Daniel Dassow CITY NEWS EDITOR: Madelyn Muschek SPORTS EDITOR: Josh Lane ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR: Ethan Stone DIGITAL PRODUCER: Kailee Harris OPINIONS EDITOR: Erin Gwydir PHOTO EDITOR: Alexandra Ashmore DESIGN EDITOR: Bella Hughes SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: Kimberly Lalas

ADVERTISING/PRODUCTION STUDENT ADVERTISING MANAGER: Emily

Bishop

ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Aubrey

Bishop, Kelly Glasgow

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION ARTIST: Victoria

SARAH RAINEY Editor-in-Chief

Wheelock

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editorinchief@utdailybeacon.com

Welcome back from the break, Vols! I hope you all enjoyed your rest and relaxation and that you are ready and raring to go for the spring 2022 semester.

For some of us, this is just another semester in our college journey, while for others – such as myself – this is our last undergraduate college

If I could give any other advice for you this semester, I would say to put in your best effort but to not get lost in the hustle and bustle of assignments, projects, exams and work. There is always time for breaks, opportunities for self care and people to talk to who can get you through hard times.

As a whole, I encourage you to really take it all in this semester. No matter if you are ending or starting your college career, I want you to stop and take a moment to realize what a great place we are in at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Grab hold of opportunities and get out of your comfort zone. But also, find your comfort in the people, organizations and places that you are meant to find here.

Here’s to you, old Tennessee. I can’t wait to see what my final semester brings.

Sarah Rainey

Editor-in-Chief

Letter from the Managing Editor: Beginning of the end

LETTERS POLICY: Letters to the Editor must be exclusive to The Daily Beacon and cannot have been submitted to or published by other media.

Letters should not exceed 400 words and can be edited or shortened for space. Letters can also be edited for grammar and typographical errors, and Letters that contain excessive grammatical errors can be rejected for this reason. Anonymous Letters will not be published. Authors should include their full name, mailing address, city of residence, phone number and e-mail address for verification purposes. Letters submitted without this information will not be published. The preferred method to submit a Letter to the Editor is to email the Editor-in-Chief.

CORRECTIONS POLICY:It is the Daily Beacon’s policy to quickly correct any factual errors and clarify any potentially misleading information.

Errors brought to our attention by readers or sta� members will be corrected and printed on page two of our publication. To report an error please send as much information as possible about where and when the error occurred to managingeditor@ utdailybeacon.com, or call our newsroom at (865) 974-5206.

The Daily Beacon is published by students at The University of Tennessee on Monday and Thursday during the fall and spring semesters.

The o�ces are located at 1345 Circle Park Drive, 11 Communications Building, Knoxville, TN 379960314. The newspaper is free on campus and is available via mail subscription for $200/year or $100/semester. It is also available online at: www. utdailybeacon.com

semester ever. No matter where you are in the college experience, I encourage you to make the most of it, but I am especially talking to those of us who can see the light at the end of the university tunnel.

In my final semester at the University of Tennessee, I’d like to really soak it all in.

I intend to make extra time for my amazing friends who I have met in the past three and a half years, to take in the beautiful sights that our campus and East Tennessee have to offer, to visit all of my favorite spots – I’m looking at you, Remedy Coffee – and to just really do my best to live in the present.

I know that for myself it is quite difficult to focus on the present at times. I have a tendency to always be looking toward the future, planning and worrying, and I forget to enjoy the moments I am currently experiencing.

I hope that, for all of us, we can do our best to be present this semester and allow ourselves to be thankful for these small moments in our daily lives as students at UT. Another intention I have for this semester is to do my best for those around me. I have loved my time working at The Daily Beacon since my first month at UT, and it is hard to believe that it will be coming to an end in the near future. I hope that in my final semester with this newspaper I can make a lasting impression of care, quality work and valuable experiences.

CALEIGH ROZMENOSKI Managing Editor

Happy first day of the spring 2022 semester and welcome back to Rocky Top! It is so interesting to think that for some, this is only their second semester of college and for others, like myself, it’s the last.

With that in mind, I am really looking forward to taking my new courses, hosting club events and meeting new people from all different years and majors. As of right now, this will be my last semester of school ever — unless, of course, I change my mind — so I want to get everything I can out of it.

This semester, I hope to go to my first college basketball game and take part in some of the Vol traditions that I haven’t experienced yet.

For those who don’t know, The Daily Beacon’s office is located in the Communications building in Circle Park. Every time I walk past the Torchbearer, I am reminded of a stranger that told me about roasting marshmallows over the eternal flame.

I’m not suggesting that I will do this, as it probably breaks some rules and isn’t very sanitary, but if I’m ever over there and offered a marshmallow and a skewer, I definitely won’t say no.

Graduation and all of the associated excitement is another place of anticipation for me. I can’t wait to decorate my cap, take pictures on the Seal — which I have not stepped on in my three and a half years of being here — and see only green checks on my DARS report.

However, before any of that can happen, hard work and effort is still required. After four semesters of uncertainty and now going into a

fifth — which is the only semester I have ever had that starts on a Monday — it is a little difficult to stay positive and focus fully on what seems like endless school work.

But, I would like to remind everyone that we are all here for a reason. It is okay to take breaks.

Your mental health should be your number one priority. And, remember that you can only do your best. Your best may not always look like A’s and perfect attendance, either. If your best for the day is just getting up and attending a lecture, that is 100% acceptable.

Every new semester is the equivalent to a new start, with new professors and material. It’s a great time to break a bad habit or try something you’ve been thinking about — unless it’s Cornell style notes. I’ve been there and done that, and it’s just really not worth the hassle.

With all of this in mind, I would like to ask that you take care of yourself and others. Wear your mask as often as you can, and I encourage you to consider getting a booster shot. The more vigilant we are, the less likely we are to go back online.

Good luck with your new classes and happy spring 2022!

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Monday, January 24, 2022 • The Daily Beacon

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Beacon Beats: The Weeknd’s ‘Dawn FM’ brings new flare to old themes MADELYN MUSCHEK City News Editor

Courtesy of Spotify

In the midst of tour dates being canceled and bands breaking up, it seems that today’s top artists haven’t slowed down, including The Weeknd.

Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, released his most recent album, “Dawn

FM” on Jan. 7. “Dawn FM” was one of the most anticipated releases over winter break.

This 16-song album comes almost two years after his last album, “After Hours,” one of his most successful projects.

Last year, “After Hours” won the “Top R&B Album” at the Billboard Music Awards, and “Blinding Lights,” the album’s lead single, won three awards, including “Top R&B Song.” The Weeknd also performed the Super Bowl halftime show last year.

The Weeknd was also a major contributor to Kanye West’s most recent album, “DONDA,” for which he won multiple awards as well.

So, following the significant success he has had in the past couple of years, does “Dawn FM” live up to expectations?

The album begins with one of its most interesting aspects, a feature by Jim Carrey. In the first song – which is also the title track – Carrey’s voice narrates an introduction to the album, which was also released on The Weeknd’s Twitter. Carrey’s introduction frames the album as a radio station experience titled “Dawn FM,” a creative way to give listeners a frame of mind in which to perceive the album.

“Take My Breath,” the fourth song on “Dawn FM,” was released last year as a lead single. This song, like much of the other

pop-ish songs on the album, feels very 80’s synth-pop with heavy keyboard and electronic influences. Staying true to his roots, The Weeknd focuses on sexual references and passion in this song, as well as in its music video.

Partially released on Instagram, “Is There Someone Else?” is a song that’s introspective and retrospective as The Weeknd questions his place in a love interest’s life, and its electronic rhythm fits in with the rest of the album, already one of the most popular songs on “Dawn FM.” The collaboration that stands out the most on the album is Tyler, The Creator’s feature on “Here We Go… Again.” This song focuses on success and new love and leans into electronic R&B, slow, simple and controlled.

“Dawn FM” ends with “Phantom Regret

by Jim,” an eerie and robotic monologue by Jim Carrey, which encourages listeners to reflect as Carrey rhymes. He talks about life, death and Heaven, considering the meaning of it all. It’s haunting but hypnotizing. “May peace be with you” is the last line of “Dawn FM.” An interesting aspect of “Dawn FM” is that many of the songs lead into each other with seamless transitions, such as with “How Do I Make You Love Me?” to “Take My Breath” and from “Is There Someone Else?”

to “Starry Eyes.” This style is not as widely seen in albums today and reinforces the idea of the album as a radio station playing songs continuously.

It seems that over the course of his career, The Weeknd has ventured more and more into pop, and in both his last album and in this one, he experiments with synth and electronic beats rather than the melodic rhythm of his earlier work, which is much more R&B. As we reflect on this album, we must ask if this movement towards pop feels genuine to The Weeknd’s sound as an artist, or if it feels like a version of The Weeknd that isn’t true to our perception of his discography.

Though the sound of this album feels different than his older music, much of the themes are the same – passion, desire, success, wealth, retrospection, possession, physical sensation and dreams.

Overall, “Dawn FM” is a project in which The Weeknd expands his sound and experiments with new mediums. There are great songs within, but as a whole, the album doesn’t have the kind of strength that we saw on “After Hours.” The magnitude of his previous work is hard to beat, but this album is a different, interesting step for Abel.

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The Daily Beacon • Monday, January 24, 2022

Recap of Tennessee athletics over the break ETHAN STONE Assistant Sports Editor

Josh Heupel’s inaugural season as head coach of Tennessee football ended around the same time classes officially adjourned for the semester on Dec 1.

Right around that time, both men’s and women’s basketball schedules started to ramp up in intensity. Both basketball coaches, Kellie Harper and Rick Barnes, had work to do over the break in proving their teams were capable of hanging with the top talents in the SEC. Here’s a recap on how those three programs fared in the months of December and early January.

Women’s basketball It’s safe to say Harper and the Lady Vols are all the way back.

Despite the loss of star senior guard Rae Burrell in the season opener, the Lady Vols soldiered through the back end of their nonconference schedule, winning games against Tennessee Tech and Georgia State at home and handling a sneaky good Virginia Tech squad on the road.

The Lady Vols lost their only game of the year in a tight contest against Stanford, which is now ranked the No. 2 team in the country.

When they woke up the following morning, the Lady Vols were 9-1.

The trio of Tamari Key, Jordan Walker and Jordan Horston stepped up big in absence of Burrell all the way up to her return against Arkansas on Jan. 2. At full strength, the Lady Vols showed just how dangerous they can be among the elite of the SEC.

Rae Burrell during the game against Texas A&M on Jan. 6, 2022. Kailee Harris / The Daily Beacon

The Lady Vols returned home to Thompson-Boling Arena to face No. 25 Texas A&M after downing Alabama and Arkansas. The aforementioned trio and Burrell combined for 36 points in a dominating 73-45 victory.

In case the message hadn’t yet been set, the Lady Vols shellacked No. 19 Kentucky 8458 to improve to 6-0 in SEC play. The following AP Poll affirmed Tennessee as the No. 5 team in the nation with a 17-1 record.

Tennessee’s play has been nothing short of perfect following their loss to Stanford.

Harper attributes that to playing as a unit over playing as individuals following the loss of their star player.

“Our team, one of the best things we’re doing right now is playing with great confidence in each other,” Harper said. “Understanding what their teammates can do and putting their teammates in positions to make positive plays. That’s what I’ve enjoyed about this team here recently, we’ve really developed into that.”

Tennessee improved to 6-0 in SEC play after beating the Wildcats. The Lady Vols are the only undefeated team remaining in the SEC as of Jan. 21.

Men’s basketball Rick Barnes’ squad lost a sloppy game in early December to Texas Tech at Madison Square Garden in New York City before turning around and ending non-conference play with a resume building victory against No. 6 Arizona.

What seemed like positive momentum turned out to be short-lived. The Vols lost three of their next five games to start SEC play before squeaking one out against Vanderbilt to improve to an even 3-3 in the early stages of their conference schedule.

It’s not as if Tennessee’s early SEC schedule was a walk in the park, though. All three of Tennessee’s conference losses came to ranked opponents — No. 19 Alabama, No. 21 LSU and No. 18 Kentucky.

Two of those losses seemed like winnable affairs. The Vols were without the services of freshman guard Kennedy Chandler and John Fulkerson against Alabama and left too many points at the free throw line to complete a late-stage comeback against the Tigers on the road.

Tennessee caught the Wildcats on a bad day. Kentucky looked like a national title contender at Rupp Arena when the Vols came to town, shooting nearly 68% from the field in a 107-79 blowout.

STORY CONTINUED ONLINE Read more at utdailybeacon.com

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The Daily Beacon • Monday, January 24, 2022

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The Daily Beacon • Monday, January 24, 2022

Planned Parenthood arson sets back healthcare operations KEENAN THOMAS Staff Writer

Around 6:30 a.m. on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2021, somebody set fire to the Planned Parenthood building on 710 N. Cherry Street in Knoxville, TN. After receiving a call at 6:39 a.m., the City of Knoxville Fire Department arrived on the scene around 6:43 a.m. The fire had already extended through the roof and spread throughout the building.

Four hours later, the fire had been extinguished. Nothing but parts of the building’s frame remained.

Assistant fire chief and public information officer Mark Wilbanks talked about the remains of the healthcare facility.

“The building is a total loss,” Wilbanks said.

“It is literally the frame around the outside of the building in places. It will have to be completely taken down all the way and rebuilt. There’s nothing to save from the structure.”

Fortunately, the building was under renovation and had been closed for a couple weeks before the fire, so no one was injured. However, this has set back the health center from reopening sooner than they had hoped.

Planned Parenthood for Tennessee and North Mississippi’s CEO Ashley Coffield talked about this setback.

“Before the fire, we had closed on Dec. 8 to wrap up a renovation and expansion project that we were nearly finished with,” Coffield said.

“So, we only expected to be closed for just a few weeks, and we were going to reopen with our brand new health center that was more welcoming for our patients, able to serve more patients because it was larger. We also had areas for more community based programs, like comprehensive sex education classes and our advocacy programs.”

“I won’t lie, this sets us back. The fire erased the time and thoughtful energy and resources of what is a relatively small Planned Parenthood,” Coffield said.

A few days after the fire, the Knoxville Fire Department announced that the fire was an act of arson. They weren’t able to share the evidence that they had found, but they confirmed that it pointed towards somebody intentionally setting the building on fire.

Wilbanks talked about this decision. He said that it had taken them longer to collect and process the evidence due to the fire’s magnitude, the debris of the fire and the weather conditions during their search, as well as the potential of it being accidentally started. But, their current information has determined it to be arson.

“It’s a totality of everything they find on the scene, and that’s just a lot of information to process,” Wilbanks said. “It’s a lot on a house fire for our guys to take a look at, so imagine … ten-

File / The Daily Beacon

fold information coming at you that you’ve got to process.”

In the wake of the fire, Planned Parenthood is still committed to providing healthcare in Knoxville. Along with abortion services, the center had provided access to sexual education, gender affirming hormone care, birth control and lower priced contraceptives, IUDs and implants, wellperson care, STI testing and cancer screenings.

Coffield said that they are working with Telehealth to continue providing resources, like gender affirming hormone care, for their patients. They are also actively working on giving referrals, which their call center has on hand for patients who call in.

“We’re trying to find providers to expand our Telehealth options for our Knoxville patients, that’s number one,” Coffield said. “Number two, we’re trying to make sure that we’re making appropriate referrals for our Knoxville patients to other providers locally or in the region.

And number three, we’re looking at all of our options for opening back as quickly as possible.”

Coffield said that they are currently evaluating the damage to the site of the burned building. They are waiting for assessments on aspects like the plumbing so that they can begin plans on rebuilding the center, but it’s unclear when construction will begin. She did have a message for the 4,000 patients that the center serves annually.

“I would tell our patients to please call us because we will do everything we can to help you, whether it’s through Telehealth or a referral, and I would also tell you that we will be back in some capacity as quickly as possible,” Coffield said. “We’re devastated that our relationship was interrupted by this violent incident and they can have every reassurance that we are going to be back in Knoxville.”

For students at the University of Tennessee, there are resources available from the Planned Parenthood Generation Action Council (PPGAC) student organization. Senior advisor Gabby Magness, secretary Allison Farley and president Mack Hall provided comments on the situation and what they are doing to help on campus.

“PPGAC’s goal is to provide education, resources and a safe space for all students on campus,” Hall said.

The student group aims to bring reproduc-

tive rights awareness and sexual education to students on campus, as well as point students to where they can obtain necessary resources. They were devastated by the news of the fire.

“I think it was really heartbreaking for a lot of us,” Farley said. “Seeing a place that had come to mean so much to us suddenly gone is very hard. Our work does not end, though, if anything I think we will do more this semester, to educate students and create a safe space on campus.”

Despite some fear that Hall expressed in relation to the arson, they said that the group plans on entering the spring semester invigorated to rebuild and grow as a student organization.

“In the spring semester we are definitely going to spread information about the alternative ways students can access their necessary care without the health center,” Farley said. “We have not begun brainstorming beyond that point, but I encourage any student with an idea to come join us!”

They hope that more students will join them and support the organization going forward.

“I hope that PPGAC will grow and continue to be an important part of campus life,” Magness said.

With rebuilding in the very early stages, Coffield plans on opening a temporary location sometime this year. For now, they are trying to provide as many resources and referrals as they can while they figure out their future in Knoxville.

“I think that this attack on our facility was a reminder for people in the region how important it is to have a Planned Parenthood, and the community has really rallied in support of us and so many people have stepped up with financial support and with their moral support around our mission and the services that we provide,” Coffield said. “So, I feel like we’re going to come back stronger than ever. I know we will.”

At this time, there has not been any new information on who started the fire. Wilbanks and the Knoxville Fire Department encourage anyone with information to reach out to them. They have a tip hotline that can be reached at 1-800762-3017 or through email at KFDArson@ knoxvilletn.gov. They are offering a reward up to $10,000 for any information towards this ongoing investigation.

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Monday, January 24, 2022 • The Daily Beacon

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4 ways to save, earn money on textbooks for spring semester AUTUMN HALL Staff Writer

Buying new textbooks each semester can be one of the greatest and most painstaking struggles of college life. Between searching for the correct editions and lowest prices, the should-be simple task of purchasing books can quickly become a very frustrating one.

It can be annoying to have old books lying around after the semester, never to be used again. Although it can be tempting to throw these textbooks away, with the help of these selling options, you can easily clear off your bookshelf while making money.

While purchasing and selling textbooks is inevitable, it does not have to be difficult.

There are several different in-person and online options available.

VolBooks VolBooks is by far the most common way that students purchase textbooks on campus.

This resource is a section of the VolShop, and it offers a variety of books for specific classes at the University of Tennessee. Physical books

are available for in-store pickup or shipment.

The website gives shoppers the option to search for materials by course code, making it much easier to ensure that you are receiving the correct editions.

VolBooks also has many Inclusive Access materials, which are charged to student accounts each semester. These books are digital and are automatically provided, making the books buying process much simpler. If you do not wish to purchase the materials this way, you can opt out through MyUTK, just make sure you meet the opt-out deadline.

Not only can textbooks be purchased from VolBooks, but they can be sold as well. VolBooks holds an online textbook buyback program each semester. Books do not have to be purchased through VolBooks, but some books will not be accepted for the program.

You can check to see whether or not your book is resalable by searching the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) on the VolBooks website. If there is a buy price, the book can be sold. If not, there are several other potential resell options available.

eCampus eCampus is a digital tool that allows users

to compare several pricing options from different booksellers. Books can be searched for in a variety of ways, including ISBN, author or title.

In addition to its warehouse of buyable and rentable books for purchase, eCampus allows students to enter the ISBNs of their own books in order to determine their selling price. After this, the books can be posted on the website for resell, allowing you to clean off your bookshelf while making extra money.

Chegg Many students know Chegg as an online homework help resource, but did you know that they are also one of the oldest online textbook sellers? Although Chegg is one of the priciest options of the online sources, students can buy or rent textbooks for a price that is often cheaper than that of university bookstores.

Books are not available for direct reselling through Chegg, but they can be sold through independent buyer GoTextbooks. You can visit the website to search and receive a quote on your book’s resell price.

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McKay’s McKay’s is a local bookstore that allows community members to trade their own books in for store credit. This way, your old books will be available to those who need them, while you are receiving a discount on the new-to-you books that McKay’s has to offer.

The Knoxville store can be found at 230 Papermill Place Way, and it offers a variety of discounted textbooks. While you’re there, you can also browse their wide collection of records, CDs and video games.

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The Daily Beacon • Monday, January 24, 2022

Yes, students can pay for parking ticket with Smokey’s Pantry DANIEL DASSOW Campus News Editor

In the spring of 2020, just as campus closed and the long COVID-19 lockdown began, the executive members of SGA, including thenStudent Body President Natalie Campbell, put forward a win-win proposal. The new program, called “Donations for Citations,” would allow students to donate food and hygiene items to Smokey’s Pantry in lieu of paying off a parking ticket.

Perhaps because it launched at the beginning of the pandemic and its test run came during the 2020-2021 school year when classes were mostly online, many students were unaware that the program existed.

Those who were aware of the program, however, were quick to utilize it. According to Moira Bindner, communications and customer service manager for Parking and Transit, all 500 parking citations allocated for dismissal through the Donations for Citations program were used up during the first year and some students were turned away.

The program eats up only a small portion of the Parking and Transit budget, of which

8-9% comes from parking citations. Still, Bindner estimates that around $22,500 was set off from the budget for the 2021-2022 school year to cover the 750 parking citations eligible for dismissal, up from 500 the year before.

In the program’s second year, however, it has proven to be underutilized. Of the 500 citations available to be dismissed through donations in the fall 2021 semester alone, only 284 were dismissed, according to Parking and Transit Services.

“One of our challenges is for students to understand that it’s available,” Bindner said.

“In a normal year if people had known about it more, we would have gone through that first 500 in the first month, but we actually haven’t reached that 500 yet for this semester.”

Because the number of eligible citations rolls over to spring 2022, nearly 500 parking citations will be eligible for dismissal through donations to Smokey’s Pantry this semester. Bindner said the purpose of the program is closely tied to its central caveat — students may only get one parking citation dismissed through the program each school year.

“It’s not meant as a way to pay your citations, it’s meant as a way to help people understand how to get around campus, cause they can only use it once,” Bindner said.

Students who receive a parking citation, either for parking in the wrong place or without

a permit, may bring five full-sized, non-perishable items to the Parking and Transit office on Stephenson Drive, along with their citation for dismissal.

A list of the pantry’s most needed items, from canned foods to granola bars to toothpaste, can be found on the program’s website.

Students benefit from Donations for Citations by saving money on paying a parking citation. On the other end of the equation, Smokey’s Pantry, which operates out of the Tyson House Student Foundation on Melrose Avenue, benefits from a large influx of donations.

Caitlynne Fox, director of operations at Smokey’s Pantry, said that the program ensures that the pantry has enough items to serve the community abundantly. The last drop-off of donations from Parking and Transit at the end of last semester was so large that it filled the pantry’s entire backstock.

“I think it’s going really well,” Fox said.

“It’s really giving us a lot of donations, kind of a shocking amount of donations every time, which is really wonderful to see.”

Though the pantry is operated out of Tyson House, a Christian campus ministry, the religious nature of the center is kept completely separate from the pantry, which is open to all students, staff and faculty, as well as community members with no direct university affiliation.

Despite the fact that the pantry is situated near the center of campus and does not require any financial information or identification, Fox said that it has consistently had far more supply than demand, even throughout the pandemic.

“We could always be helping out more students, faculty and staff,” Fox said. “Raising awareness is really hard with an issue like food insecurity, because, you know, as Americans, there’s that whole ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps’ ideal that, whether consciously or subconsciously is trained into a lot of people.

So people in my experience at least don’t like to talk about food insecurity and money issues.”

The partnership between Fox and Bindner sustains the program, and raising awareness

of their respective organizations is a high priority for each. In order for more people to learn about parking policy and Smokey’s Pantry, each says that more students should know about Donations for Citations.

Currently, the most needed items at the pantry are hygiene products, such as shampoo and toothpaste. With 500 citations still able to be dismissed through the program, all parties involved with the initiative stand to gain this semester.

“We want to help you and we have the food and hygiene items to give, so we try to work with everyone as much as possible,” Fox said.

Students who are interested in visiting or volunteering with Smokey’s Pantry can call or text at (865) 236-1235 or email at smokeyspantry@gmail.com.

A Parking and Transit staff member packs up donations for Smokey’s Pantry, collected through the Donations for Citations program. Courtesy of Moira Bindner

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Monday, January 24, 2022 • The Daily Beacon

Costly Caffeine: Tips for making coffee at home CALEIGH ROZMENOSKI Managing Editor

As college students, we’ve all had days where the only thing keeping us going is an unhealthy amount of caffeine. And, when you’re in need of that pick-me-up, what’s better than waiting in line at Hodges for a $7 cup of coffee?

Unfortunately, the need for pick-me-ups often increases the further one gets into their college career, and those $7 lattes and frappuccinos really add up. It is a good idea to spend less money on caffeine and master the skill of making not just drinkable but tasty coffee at home for significantly less money. The initial cost of purchasing what you need might not seem necessary, but with the number of drinks you can make, the cost per cup is definitely worth your while.

Here are some problems that you may run into, with some possible ways to solve them.

These are all under the assumption that you have a little disposable time in the morning and aren’t in a rush.

Problem: Black coffee is gross and no matter how much creamer I add it tastes burnt.

Solution: Buy instant coffee mixes.

Pre-flavored and pre-sweetened instant coffee is a great way to save time in the morning without having to guess if you’ve added enough creamer, sweetener, syrups or toppings to your drink. Most instant mixes work for both hot and cold coffee, so you can decide if you’re in an iced coffee mood or not.

They are relatively inexpensive and can be found in pretty much every grocery store and online. You can probably find your exact order in a little packet that just requires water and a stir stick.

Problem: My ice melts immediately, making my coffee taste like water.

Solution: Make and freeze coffee the night before to create coffee ice cubes.

Coffee — and even creamer — ice cubes can prevent your coffee from getting watered down. This requires a little prep the night before, but it’s pretty easy to guess whether or not you’ll want coffee in the morning. You just need to make whatever flavor coffee you want, pour it in an ice cube tray and let it freeze overnight. This is definitely not the most convenient method to make coffee, but it gets the job done.

An alternative solution is to make your coffee or hot water as early as you can and let it sit

out to cool a little. This way doesn’t have the best results, but it works if freezing coffee the day before is out of the question.

Problem: My coffee tastes plain and doesn’t provide the sugar rush I get from coffee shop coffee.

Solution: Go crazy with the syrups, toppings and add-ins.

For some people, the actual taste of coffee isn’t all that great, and they want their drinks to have as little coffee flavor as possible.

When you order from a coffee shop you’re basically given a recipe with every cup — especially if you order online. The Starbucks app literally breaks down everything from the type of milk used to the number of pumps you’re getting. Buy similar ingredients and give it your best shot.

One suggestion might be to add a syrup of your choice, such as Torani vanilla syrup for example, and then throw in some classic Hershey’s chocolate syrup and extra creamy whipped cream. Whatever your go-to is, you can definitely make it just as tasty and much cheaper at home.

4 Ways to Cure Post-Holiday Blues: Resolutions, rest LAUREN WARD Staff Writer

New Year’s resolutions

While we are always glad to have a break from nonstop work and stress, we must all return to it eventually as college students. With this return, something else that arrives yet again is the postholiday blues.

Here are some ways to get yourself acclimated and back into the work setting after a break filled with opening gifts, indulging in sweets and most likely binging Netflix series after Netflix series.

Exercise Exercise will always be a necessity, but more studies have shown that it’s helpful in every aspect of life, especially mentally. When you go for a run and stimulate your body, it releases endorphins.

These not only reduce pain, but also give you a sense of feeling good.

So whether you go to the TRECs or Planet Fitness, or even take a walk around campus, you’re sure to feel better in no time. There are activites such as yoga classes, fencing and more. Your exercise doesn’t have to be boring.

Your mind and body will be thanking you no matter what you choose.

It’s a tradition for some, and a cheesy idea to others, but keeping some goals in mind can be beneficial to your motivation and keep your mind off the blues. Having ambitions can help you move forward and continue to plan for the future.

When the stress of school and work becomes really high, reminding yourself why you started and how far you’ve come can be very beneficial. If you’re being too hard on yourself, especially with your blues, think back to how much you’ve accomplished and how much further you’ll go.

Talk to someone It’s more common than you think to have postholiday blues. The best thing you can do is voice your feelings and let them out in the open rather than keeping them bottled up.

Though it’s a temporary feeling, they’re just as valid as any other emotion. After such a colorful holiday season, who could blame you for feeling gloomy when January rolls around and there’s a bunch of freezing rain and half melted snow on the ground? This is a total 180.

It helps to go through something with someone who can relate or at least support you throughout your hardships, no matter the reasoning behind it.

Try and make an effort to talk to them in-person or at the very least call. Sometimes texting can be a barrier of social interaction and can leave mixed signals in the tone of texts.

Get plenty of rest As a college student, getting proper sleep is not always an easy habit to keep up with.

Nowadays there’s enough research to show how much an inadequate amount of sleep — as well as exercise — can affect your mood. So, if you’re feeling gloomy after the holidays, getting a good night’s rest could really help.

Make sure you’re in a comfortable environment. Try to keep as little to no light as possible in your room and do what you can to not be on your phone so much before bed. Some ways to do this would be to read a book or do some bedtime yoga to wind down.

Have noisy neighbors upstairs? Affordable fans and noisemakers are available at places like Walmart and Costco.

Even hot tea or an essential oil diffuser can be just the thing to calm your nerves and tell your body it’s time to unwind.

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The Daily Beacon • Monday, January 24, 2022

Shifting Focus: Preparing mentally for the new semester MACY ROBERTS Contributor

After nearly two months away for the holidays, merely thinking about returning to school can prompt unwanted levels of stress.

Words like “studying,” “homework” and “exams” sound off alarms and make us wish we could return to a time when those things seemed so far away.

But alas, the spring semester has arrived and we have no choice but to put our minds back into school-mode. While the next 16 weeks may look scary right now, there are ways we can prepare ourselves to make the transition from the holiday season to academic season a little less intimidating.

Listing goals Creating a unique, personalized list of goals for the semester is a great way to get your head back in a school-related mindset without being too overwhelmed. These goals can be short-term or long-term, individual or grouporiented, big or small — so long as they reflect your interests in a positive way.

When writing down your goals for the se-

mester, consider placing them in a location that you will have easy access to. Putting your list of goals somewhere that you check every day can be a great motivator and effective way to ensure you don’t lose sight of what you want to achieve as the school year progresses.

Starting off strong Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to prepare the morning of the first week of classes. Come to class with the appropriate materials and attitude and make good impressions.

Put effort into your work, despite how easy it may seem to put off until the last minute or do half-heartedly.

Most of us are bound to face burnout at some point, so by starting the semester off strong, you may be able to manage damage control ahead of time given that tougher challenges arise later in the semester. Also, when doubting yourself during trying times, you can look back at the student you were at the beginning of the semester and know you are capable of performing well — you are not a bad student, you’re just human like everyone else.

Maintaining planner usage Numerous sources recommend buying a planner to manage school and/or work related

activities, so if you don’t have one already, take this as a final sign.

Keeping a planner on hand gives you the opportunity to write down responsibilities the moment you’re assigned them, which reduces the risk of forgetting or misremembering them. It also allows you to see all tasks you need to complete in one neat space, which makes prioritizing them more convenient.

Furthermore, writing in a planner grants you the ability to physically check obligations off once they are completed, which is arguably one of the most satisfying feelings you can experience as a student.

Adopting a consistent sleep schedule Everyone knows how big of an impact sleep has on health, but it remains something that is consistently shrugged off like it’s no big deal.

For a more successful semester, try waking up and going to bed around the same time everyday, including the weekends. Consistent sleep translates to more alertness and better concentration, which sets up a better environment for success and productivity.

The occasional all-nighter may seem inevitable for some, so don’t beat yourself up over it. So long as you are trying your best and doing all that you are individually capable of you are being successful.

Courtesy of Pexels

Investing in yourself One of the worst parts about transitioning from life on break to life in school is the fact that we often give up doing the things that bring us personal joy in order to look like better students. While everyone’s schedules and workloads look different, we can all be alike in that we make time for ourselves.

Always schedule time to do the things that you like. Stick to that schedule, and never allow someone to make you feel guilty for doing less than them. We are all capable of different things simply because we are all different individuals. Knowing your limits and putting your health first is something worth bragging about — not denying yourself pleasure because you want to keep up appearances.

Monday, January 24, 2022 • The Daily Beacon

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How to construct a realistic resolution for the new year BELLA HUGHES Design Editor

The anticipation for a new year is filled with optimism and self reflection. Whether you make a vision board, set a list of goals or roll into 2022 with no expectations, another 365 days are in your hands.

New year’s resolutions can become overused and outdated. Before you commit to one, use these tactics to construct a realistic resolution.

Don’t be cliché “Living a healthy lifestyle” is an overused resolution that many people fail to carry out.

The statement “be healthy” is short and open ended, leaving room for error.

Shifting the way a resolution is worded can be beneficial in making the statement less cliché and more attainable. Using a general word like “wellness” or “strength” changes the way a resolution is perceived.

Under the “wellness” resolution, someone can exercise more and focus on eating

nutritious foods without the expectations of being in the gym everyday or being restricted to a diet.

Strength comes in many layers, as well: physical, mental and emotional. Modifying the phrase “be healthy” to “increase strength” adds a positive connotation to living a healthy lifestyle.

Strength is not exclusive to lifting weights, either — you can also demonstrate strength through mental health. Changing the perception of your resolution can make it more attainable. Similar goals can still be met without the pressures of using a cliché resolution.

Fit your lifestyle The minute before midnight is a time when a mass population runs on the same schedule. Other than that, we run on our own clocks. Try not to make a resolution for yourself based on what others are doing.

If your resolution is not something you can complete on any random weekday, it will not work for you. This might take self reflection, but once you examine where you currently are, you can imagine where you want

to be.

Think about habits you currently exhibit that don’t serve much purpose and correct them with a positive solution. If you unnecessarily apologize, write a list of alternative ways to avoid saying you’re sorry. If you are always late to events, anticipate traffic by leaving 15 minutes early. If you are bad at responding to texts, treat them like emails and prioritize time to respond.

Self accountability is important in practicing positive solutions. By making a conscious effort to correct a habit, your lifestyle will increase.

Be specific To provide guidance to the year, start off with a general idea of what you would like to accomplish. A statement like, “By December I want to accomplish ____,” gives you plenty of time to reach the predetermined goal.

There are steps to take to ensure the goal is maintained. Set progress check points to keep track of your success. Progress check points should answer the following questions: What steps will I take to achieve this

goal? What resources will I need to achieve this goal? Who can help me achieve this goal?

How much time do I have left to achieve this goal?

Planning out specific steps to take creates a roadmap for completing your December goal. Checkpoints throughout the year will keep morale high as you continue to strive for your end goal.

There’s always next year The expectations of new year’s resolutions often fall short. There are no guarantees that this will be the best year yet and all your dreams will come true.

The year does not limit you on what you are able to accomplish. The year motivates you to set new boundaries for yourself, challenge your ordinary thinking and expand your experiences. It is possible to come up with a unique resolution, break a habit and meet checkpoints all while satisfying your end goal.

Do not stress if you are unable to complete your 2022 resolution. There’s always next year.

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The Daily Beacon • Monday, January 24, 2022

Vaccine, mask mandates remain illegal as spring semester begins DANIEL DASSOW Campus News Editor

When Chancellor Donde Plowman released an announcement on Jan. 7 detailing the university’s COVID-19 policies for the spring semester, there was no mention of any mask or vaccine mandates on campus.

This is because the injunction against the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate for federal contractors, which was filed by a U.S. District Court in Kentucky on Nov. 30 of last year, still stands.

The preliminary injunction, which led to an abrupt lifting of all mask and vaccine requirements on UT campuses in compliance with Tennessee law in December, was upheld when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit denied the federal government’s request to stay the injunction on Jan. 5.

As for the Biden administration’s attempted OSHA rule that would have required vaccination or regular testing for workers at companies with more than 100 employees, the Supreme Court blocked the rule on Jan. 13, on the grounds that it represented an overstepping of the administration’s authority. The Supreme Court did allow a separate vaccine requirement for healthcare workers to stand.

The legal fight over COVID-19 mandates, which has occurred far above the leadership of UT, has left administration with few options other than to strongly recommend vaccination and masking in lieu of requirements.

In her announcement, Plowman said that members of leadership “expect” students to help slow the spread of the virus and that they strongly recommend masking in public indoor spaces.

Because the return to class on Jan. 24 came later this year, Plowman said UT would maintain in-person teaching, while dozens of campuses around the country moved to online teaching for the first few weeks of the semester.

“One of the things we have learned in the past two years is that face-to-face classes enhance student learning and reduce the sense of isolation that often accompanies virtual classes,” Plowman said. “As was the case last semester, a change of modality for any reason must be approved by the appropriate dean.”

Several professors have already coordinated with deans and department chairs to move their courses online for the semester in light of the surge in the omicron variant.

UT’s decision to maintain a face-to-face modality comes as Knox County continues to see record COVID-19 case counts and Knox County Schools canceled classes for the re-

mainder of the week of Jan. 17 due to “staffing challenges related to illness,” marking four days of cancelation in a row.

Nearly two years into dealing with COVID-19, Plowman remained optimistic that the next phase of the pandemic would be less severe. Data from the university suggests that around 70% of the campus community is vaccinated and early studies of the omicron variant suggest that it causes less severe illness, even to those who have not been vaccinated.

“In our community and around the country, we are witnessing a transition in the management of COVID-19 — an illness, by all indications, that will be with us for many years to come,” Plowman said. “The CDC has reduced quarantine and isolation lengths to help people return to their daily activities more quickly.

National experts have noted the benefits of focusing less on case counts when assessing the actual impact of COVID-19.”

In order to combat the virus without the aid of mandates, Plowman said the university would provide masks, including KN95 masks, to employees who request them. UT will also partner with the Knox County Health Department to host vaccination and booster events for the community early in the semester and will maintain vaccination appointments and testing for students at the Student Health Center.

At the system level, no official COVID-19 announcement has been released since President Randy Boyd announced the lifting of mask and vaccine mandates on all UT campuses on Dec. 1.

Melissa Tindell, executive director of communications for the UT System, said the system is letting campuses decide which specific, legal COVID-19 protocols to instate.

“At this point, our campuses are putting forth guidance that best meets the needs of their respective campus community,” Tindell said. “While protocols and mandates around masks and vaccinations are ever-changing, our undergraduate campuses across the system are strongly recommending masks indoors and social distancing.”

UT’s strategy heading into the third year of the pandemic combines the familiar message of strong recommendations paired with ample opportunities to receive immunization.

“We continue to encourage our faculty, staff and students to get vaccinated for the protection of themselves and their campus community,” Tindell said.

Chancellor Plowman and Vice Chancellor for Student Life Frank Cuevas are expected to release further announcements on the COVID-19 situation on campus as classes begin. The UT System website and the UT Knoxville COVID-19 webpage continue to provide updates on the evolving response to the virus.

COVID-19 updates for Knoxville and UT: Rising cases, continued in-person instruction ABBY ANN RAMSEY Staff Writer

As we’ve come to know life according to COVID-19, a new semester means a new round of pandemic concerns. The omicron variant is quickly on the rise in the US, with a daily average of about 13,000 cases in Tennessee. Knoxville itself has made some adjustments in terms of access to testing and mask recommendations. UT, on the other hand, is keeping protocol essentially the same.

Here is what you need to know about Knoxville and campus heading into the spring semester.

City-wide updates The new variant has caused many places to be short-staffed in Knoxville, including Knox County schools who canceled instruction on Jan. 18 as a result of the number of employees out for sickness.

The Knox County Health Department (KCHD) is now offering free testing to anyone whether or not you have symptoms, have been exposed or have insurance. Walkin testing is available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday through Friday at 140 Dameron Ave.

indefinitely, this is a step in our operations to standardize COVID-19 reporting,” Wilson said. “We utilize Tennessee Department of Health data for some of our metrics such as percent positivity so it’s logical that we follow their reporting schedule.”

While the city faces its highest numbers of COVID-19 cases yet, there have been no changes in city-wide mask requirements.

Some businesses, however, are beginning to require or request masks once again.

sense of isolation that often accompanies virtual classes,” Plowman said. “As was the case last semester, a change of modality for any reason must be approved by the appropriate dean.”

While school will continue with few changes, the university is still encouraging vaccinations and has many opportunities for students to receive their shots. Students can sign up online or through the Student Health Center to get their vaccine.

Campus-wide updates File / The Daily Beacon

and is first come, first serve. KCHD performs saliva tests, so be prepared to not eat, drink, smoke or chew tobacco 30 minutes before your test.

After reporting the highest number of COVID-19 cases to date for Knox County, KCHD announced it would switch from daily to weekly case reports in order to match the reporting rate for other diseases and due to the increase in at-home tests.

Director of Communications for KCHD Kelsey Wilson wrote in an email to Knox News that they believe this to be the practical choice moving forward.

“Because we will be living with COVID-19

As of right now, UT is upholding the decision made at the end of last semester to not require masks, in accordance with a decision from a federal district judge. Legally, UT cannot require masks or vaccines.

“We expect everyone to protect others from the spread of COVID-19 and strongly recommend wearing masks in academic and administrative spaces,” Chancellor Donde Plowman said in an announcement.

In the announcement, Plowman also confirmed that, as of right now, classes will continue in-person and any change a professor wishes to make to class format is subject to approval from their respective dean.

“One of the things we have learned in the past two years is that face-to-face classes enhance student learning and reduce the

The Student Health Center, 1800 Volunteer Blvd, has many resources for students on UT’s campus including counseling, primary care services, a pharmacy and more. File / The Daily Beacon

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Monday, January 24, 2022 • The Daily Beacon

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Fun winter activities in Knoxville: Skiing, skating, sights KYRA BOGDAN Copy Chief

Times for the public sessions on the rink and admission prices can be found on the Ice Chalet website.

See a hockey game After a long winter break, you might find yourself wondering what you can do back in Knoxville to occupy yourself during these cold winter months. With unexpected snow days and more frigid temperatures to come, leaving your warm bedroom may seem like the last thing on your mind.

However, if you find yourself feeling adventurous or just want to try something new, you’re in the right place. Throw on your favorite winter jacket, find your warmest hat and set out to try one of these five winter activities located in and around the Knoxville area.

Go ice skating A fun winter activity and a perfect picture opportunity, ice skating is always an exciting way to spend the chilly months in Knoxville.

Located just a few minutes from campus, the Ice Chalet is a good place to get your ice skating fix.

The public sessions in the rink are open to everyone, whether you’re a natural on the ice or it’s your first time lacing up the skates.

Knoxville has their very own professional hockey team, the Ice Bears. They’ve won the most titles in their league and are sure to make for a fun night out. Depending on where you sit, these tickets can be as low as $8 or as high as $28.

With plenty of upcoming home games and a variety of theme nights ranging from Star Wars night to wizards night, they are definitely worth checking out.

Visit the Winter Farmer’s Market Do you love visiting farmers markets? Well, you’re in luck! Nourish Knoxville is holding an event every Saturday morning from Jan. 8 to March 26. This open-air market is located in Market Square and provides a plethora of season-appropriate goods all made or grown in East Tennessee.

So, whether you’re looking for a new coffee blend or an extra plant to make your apartment feel more like a home, you’ll be able to find it here.

Knoxville was covered with snow after an early cold front passed over the city on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019.

File / The Daily Beacon

Try skiing or snowboarding at Ober Gatlinburg Looking for something a little more exciting? If you’re willing to travel a little further from the Knoxville area, take a visit to Tennessee’s only ski resort at Ober Gatlinburg. This resort is just about an hour away from Rocky Top, with skiing and snowboarding available and three different slopes to try, ranging from easy to difficult.

Ober Gatlinburg also has snow tubing for those who are looking for something a little more forbearing.

Check out Tennessee’s frozen waterfalls You might think that hiking is better suited for the spring or summer, however, Knoxville has something special in store for its winter hikers. If the weather gets cold enough, Tennessee’s famed waterfalls have the potential to freeze over and often do.

You can check out the Roots Rated article on “5 best waterfalls in East Tennessee” to help you get started on your search for these winter wonders if this is an activity that interests you.

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The Daily Beacon • Monday, January 24, 2022

OPINION: UT happenings this spring semester, interactive events

ERIN GWYDIR Opinions Editor

With winter break being a month and a half long, it may be hard to get back in the swing of things at UT. Thankfully, there’s a multitude of events for everyone this upcoming semester to help distract from academic pressures.

For all the fitness gurus, unwind with a few sessions of yoga and reward yourself with free milkshakes every Monday — consistency is key.

This semester is also looking ideal for music lovers with a visit from “Tiny Meat Gang” member Noel Miller on Feb. 15 — many also know him from YouTube and his podcast with Cody Ko. Coming in a close second will be a recital

by the world-renowned pianist Boris Berman in April. Rocky Top will also be hosting jazz nights, choral concerts, the World Music Series, the Blakemore trio and other musical events throughout the semester as well.

Hearing speakers from all different departments of study and regions of the U.S. and the world is always so rewarding.

Michael Spector, a science writer from The New Yorker, will be giving a lecture on “people who refuse to believe well-established findings of science.” This 40-minute talk will definitely be a comfort for many going through similar anxieties during this era of widespread bigotry.

Adam Steltzner will also be joining us on Rocky Top for his lecture, “How great do YOU dare to become?” From the event details page on the UT website Steltzner is described as “an aspiring rock star turned Ph.D. rocket scientist ... praised as a cutting-edge innovator and a leader who brings out the very best in his teams.” “(Steltzner) serves as Chief Engineer of the current Mars 2020 Mission & Rover Perseverance that has the ultimate objective of determining if life has existed on Mars.”

For the dreamers, scientists, existentialists, people who don’t know what they’re doing: These speakers are coming to Rocky Top this spring to inspire you.

Henry Skeritt will also present a lecture that

“will complement the exhibition, ‘Shane Pickett: Djinong Djina Boodja (Look at the Land that I Have Traveled),’ which is on view at the McClung Museum from Jan. 14 through May 7.”

The exhibition will feature work from Shane Pickett known as “Western Australia’s most significant contemporary Aboriginal artists.”

There is so much to be said about this exhibition, but I will leave you to see for yourself.

If you’re interested in comics, “A Serious Look at the Funnies” will be featured by the School of Art all semester to recognize 100 years of comics in America.

Mark your calendars because coming up soon on Feb. 5 will be the 17th Annual Black Issue Conference. This year’s focus will be “Black Health Matters: Moving Beyond Awareness to Action.”

Other interactive events will be held in an array of different areas such as Pizza and Politics, the Pride Center Open House, Drag Queen bingo, virtual Book Club meetings and, less importantly but just as enjoyable, a celebration of Feb. 22, 2022 with a Taco Tuesday in the Student Union.

After looking through all the events for this semester, I can confidently say my favorite dates will be March 12-20. Be sure to register for events on VolLink or by going to the UT events calendar site.

UT will host YouTube star Noel Miller for a night of music pm Feb. 15, 2022.

Photo courtesy of UT Campus Events Erin Gwydir is a freshman at UT this year studying global studies and political science. She can be reached at efgwydir@gmail. com.

Columns and letters of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon’s editorial staff.

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Monday, January 24, 2022 • The Daily Beacon

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Spring Sports Overview: Basketball, softball, baseball, tennis JOSH LANE Sports Editor

The start of the spring semester brings about new beginnings for everyone. Winter break is over and students are returning to campus with new schedules and new classes. The weather slowly but surely will start to warm up, and college sports will get back in the full swing of things. At Tennessee, several teams will kick off their spring seasons over the coming months.

Here is a look at all the biggest Tennessee sports happening this spring.

Basketball Both the Vols and Lady Vols basketball teams will finish the second half of the season this spring, though their trajectories could not be any more different.

The Lady Vols are currently the No. 5 team in the country, sitting in first place in the SEC with a perfect 6-0 conference record. Head coach Kellie Harper has the Lady Vols off to their best start since the 2007-08 season, playing similar basketball to many of the late Pat Summitt’s teams — dominating teams with defense and rebounding.

Senior Rae Burrell recently came back from a

knee injury that had her sidelined since the first game of the season, and she is building her way back into a spot in the starting lineup.

The Lady Vols have upcoming matchups this spring against No. 9 UConn (Feb. 6) and No. 1 South Carolina (Feb. 20) before the SEC Tournament in March.

The men’s team, however, is doing all it can to stay afloat. After starting the season with a 9-2 record, the Vols have lost three of their first five conference games, punctuated with a 28-point blowout at Kentucky.

Consistency has been the thorn in the Vols’ side. When Tennessee’s defense was ranked No. 2 in the nation, its offense was as stagnant as ever. When they finally broke out offensively against Kentucky, Tennessee’s defense took a massive step back.

The Vols will play Rick Barnes’ former team Texas in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge on Jan. 29, host Kentucky looking for revenge on Feb. 15 and host the current No. 2 Auburn on Feb. 26.

Baseball The Tennessee baseball team looks to build on a historic season in Tony Vitello’s fifth season on Rocky Top. The Vols made their first College World Series appearance since 2005 but were eliminated with losses in their first two games to Virginia and Texas.

Success won’t come as easy to the Vols in 2022, as they lost four of their five starting infielders to the MLB Draft. Super senior Evan Russell tried out at catcher in the fall with hopes to fill the hole, and redshirt senior Luc Lipcius will anchor first base for another season. The Vols will be relying on their experienced outfield and a promising pitching staff bolstered by transfers Chase Dollander and Seth Halvorsen to alleviate the growing pains of a questionfilled lineup.

The baseball season begins with a home series against Georgia Southern on Feb. 18-20.

Softball Tennessee softball will look very different in 2022. After 20 seasons at the helm of the Lady Vols, Ralph Weekly stepped down from his position as co-head coach. His wife and former co-head coach Karen Weekly, will step into the role.

Tennessee returns most of its starters from last season, starting with star pitcher Ashley Rogers. An All-SEC First Team player a year ago, Rogers led the SEC with a 1.32 ERA. She looks to build on that in her senior season.

Tennessee’s top-two hitters Kiki Milloy and Amanda Ayala return to lead the offense along with a few key transfers. Tennessee’s battery will look different as catcher Ally Shipman

transferred to Alabama, leaving a hole to be filled by newcomer Kelcy Leach up the middle.

Tennessee softball will begin the 2022 season at the Felsberg Invitational in Miami, Florida from Feb. 11-13.

Tennis The men’s tennis team looks to build off one of its most successful campaigns in program history in head coach Chris Woodruff’s fifth year at the helm. Last year, the Vols won the SEC Tournament title, made a run in the NCAA Championships semifinals and ended the year as the No. 4 team in the nation.

Most of the Vols’ production from last season returns, starting with graduate student Adam Walton and senior Pat Harper. The duo combined for 31 doubles wins, including the Doubles Individual National Championship.

Along with talented underclassmen Shunsuke Mitsui and Johannus Monday, the Vols enjoyed a successful fall season and started their spring campaign off on the right foot, downing No. 5 TCU in Fort Worth, Texas, in a dramatic 4-3 win on Jan. 16.

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The Daily Beacon • Monday, January 24, 2022

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