BIG ORANGE MERGER
How students can earn T-credit loyalty points, use student resources in new app
EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Bella Hughes
MANAGING EDITOR: Emma Love
COPY CHIEF: Caden Dyer
NEWS EDITOR: Shelby Wright
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR: Emma Caskill
SPORTS EDITOR: Caleb Jarreau
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR: Trevor McGee
OPINIONS EDITOR: Ansley Graves
PHOTO EDITOR: Erick Gomez-Villeda
DESIGN EDITOR: Ciara Chauncey
ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Sarah Portanka
COVER DESIGN: Ciara Chauncey
ADVERTISING/PRODUCTION
ADVERTISING MANAGER: Cullen Askew
ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES: Jacob Stromatt
ADVERTISING PRODUCTION ARTISTS: Donatella
Thomas
CONTACTS
TO REPORT A NEWS ITEM OR SUBMIT A PRESS RELEASE, please email editorinchief@utdailybeacon.com or call (865) 974-2348
TO PLACE AN AD, please email admanager@utk.edu.
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 Anonymous Letters will not be published.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 Letters submitted without this information will not be published.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 staff 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 Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters. The offices are located at 1345 Circle Park Drive, 11 Communications Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0314. 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
Student tickets explained: Vol Connect app to offer select campus event T-credits this fall
BELLA HUGHES Editor-in-Chief
The Vol Connect app was introduced to underclassmen during Welcome Week, but the platform offers resources to all students. In an attempt to create a one-stop shop for student needs, the Vol Connect app makes scheduling appointments, locating the campus events calendar and receiving T-credits much easier.
Sussanah Marshman, the assistant vice chancellor for leadership and engagement, saw a need to streamline the student experience and combine several former university applications into one.
“It’s really to streamline the student experience. We wanted to make sure that the resources that students needed the most, they would have one spot to be able to connect and get all that information back,” Marshman said.
The app consolidated two major on-campus resources — One Stop and advising. Students are now able to submit a help ticket to One Stop through the app to get their questions answered and receive financial counsel, or they are able to book an advising appointment prior to class registration.
“They can put in a One Stop ticket through Vol Connect in addition to scheduling their advising appointment,” Marshman said. “Then all of that information gets populated and syncs together on one calendar to hopefully help students stay organized and show up to those important aspects of their student experience.”
Vol Connect not only benefits students, but faculty can seek information through the platform as well.
“The perks on the back end for faculty and staff is that we are able to pull up individual students to see, ‘are they engaged, are they connected?’” Marshman said. “If we need to schedule a time with you, we can easily see kind of what your class schedule is so that we could suggest a time outside of your coursework as well. So it helps … get a more holistic view in terms of what a student is involved in, how they’re connected and whether they are showing up in the places that they should be.”
The app was initially introduced in May with a concentration in student success and advising.
“When we went live in May, the focus was on the Divison for Student Success and One Stop,” customer relationship director Ashley Zesinger said. As a student you can go into the Vol Connect app and set up an appointment with your advisor, if you need coaching, if you need help from the career development team. … You can reach out to those groups right now.”
The app rollout continued through the summer in programming for the Class of 2028 like
Welcome Week, Vol 103 courses and class registration, but has since been integrated into the upperclassmen routine.
For student organization leaders, the app was introduced on Aug. 17 at the Student Organization Conference Knoxville. Students were required to download the app and show the personalized QR to enter the event and earn attendance for their organization.
During SOCK, Marshman explained the event aspect of the app and how it connects students to major campus events including Tennessee Saturday Night hosted on the evening of Aug. 17.
In March, Rowdy Rewards and Big Orange Tix announced a merger to reconcile high ticket demands. In the merger, loyalty points started anew and the weighted ticket lottery system stayed the same — not guaranteeing a ticket for every student who submitted a request during the ticketing period.
In the merger, students can earn T-credit — or loyalty points — by attending any athletic event to increase the likelihood of securing a ticket.
Although there is no direct correlation between the Vol Connect app and Tennessee Athletics, there are select on-campus events that offer T-credits to incentivize attendance and allow students to earn points.
“For example, Tennessee Saturday night was an event that had T-credit. If you attended, you got a T-credit for it, and the check-in process with it was through Vol Connect,” Marshman said. “Then we took the list of students who checked into the event, we uploaded that to the T credit system, and all those students were then subsequently awarded a point.”
Although not all campus events will award
a T-credit through check-in, the Tennessee Athletics app will list credit-worthy events within the platform to signify point eligibility. Marshman added that there are athletic-related activities throughout the semester that will offer T-credits.
“When there’s a home game, we’ll have a watch party, and students who attend that can earn a T-credit, Marshman said. “We’ll also have it at the chancellor’s kickoff through homecoming week. All of those events that have been selected that are not athletically based are all events that are open to all students.”
T-credit opportunities are not class or major-exclusive, creating an equal chance for all students according to Marshman.
“I know there has been conversation or rumors that Torch Night, for example, was a Tcredit event,” Marshman said. “It was not. … because that event is not open to all students. We will never select an event that students could earn a credit unless everybody is eligible.”
The app’s ultimate purpose is to get students centrally connected to campus and amplify the student experience.
“What Sussanah’s team has been working on is campus events,” Zesinger said. “I know that is a real pain point for students right now. It’s really hard to figure out what’s going on. We are working toward having one centralized calendar where you can find all of the events across campus.”
The Vol Connect app plans to keep upgrading its platform and merge outside Tennessee apps into one system within the coming years. For now, the personalized QR code within the app is the gateway to student events and engagement.
Students scan their personalized QR code through the Vol Connect app at the Student Engagement Fair. Aug. 23, 2024. Bella Hughes / The Daily Beacon
‘We’ve got lots of things coming’: Vol Dining’s newest additions
SHELBY WRIGHT News Editor
A lot has changed on the University of Tennessee’s campus over the summer. As students and staff acclimate to new parking locations, bus routes and construction zones, they must also navigate new dining options.
Vol Dining has been working since 2021 to provide healthier, more sustainable food options to students, faculty and staff. National, corporate food chain companies make it difficult for the university to dictate menu ingredients and brand standards, according to Amanda Hough, the director of Vol Dining.
Before the Vol Dining department was created, Campus Operations oversaw UT dining facilities and many other issues such as parking and transportation, printing and mail, the VolShop, and others.
“The university found it was necessary to have our team on board so we could pay closer attention to dining, oversee Aramark, and ensure that we’re representing UT and all its wants and needs,” Hough said.
Vol Dining has been utilizing the opinions and concerns of students and staff by consulting students from the Student Government Association, the Office of Student Life and others to conduct
research and taste tests to see what the UT population is really looking for in terms of food availability and quality.
Through this process, Vol Dining staff have discovered that local partnerships and sustainable food sources are the best ways to provide students with healthier, better-tasting food options.
This initiative first impacted students in summer 2022 when Vol Dining replaced Subway in the Student Union with the Union Deli to give students and staff a healthier option.
“We want to focus on sustainability. We want to focus on local partnerships, quality ingredients, locally sourcing as much as we can. So that’s why we’ve shifted our focus,” Hough said.
On the sustainability side, the Big Orange Grill, which has replaced Steak ‘n Shake in the Student Union, is part of Vol Dining’s newest local partnership.
The Big Orange Grill is a new concept dining option partnered with UT’s Northeast Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center and UT Creamery. The grill features high-quality, pasture-raised “UT Beef” from their Greeneville farm and milkshakes made with premium ice cream from the UT Creamery.
In addition, Vol Dining has worked with UT alumni like Joe Seiber and replaced the Dunkin’ Donuts location at Vol Hall with his Status Dough shop, which features high-quality, artisan doughnuts and cof-
fee made fresh daily.
Likewise, Vol Dining has expanded its K Brew Express, an adaptation of the local Knoxville coffee shop owned by Pierce LaMacchia, a two-time UT alum, to Fred Brown Jr. Hall.
Through these rebrands, Vol Dining has saved the university money by repurposing and refreshing existing dining locations rather than building new ones.
Rebecca McKnight, the associate director of marketing at Vol Dining, told the Beacon that UT can upgrade and repurpose small things to make a larger impact instead of doing a “refresh” as required by a corporate chain.
For example, the new 1817 Taqueria at Fred Brown Jr. Hall replaces the old Twisted Taco location but utilizes much of the same equipment. Likewise, Choolaah, a new Indian fast-casual food chain, replaces the old Twisted Taco location in the Student Union food court.
Both the 1817 Taqueria and Choolaah offer fresh, vibrant concepts and serve a variety of high-quality traditional foods with vegan and vegetarian choices. More specifically, Choolaah serves Indian cuisine and authentic, imported Indian spices. Their bowls are customizable and have halal, gluten-free and other dietary options available.
Vol Dining has also expanded its food truck offerings to accommodate growth and prioritize convenience options for
students and staff across campus.
The new pop-ups at the Arena Cafè at Food City Center also serve as part of Vol Dining’s “live research,” featuring The Original Hot Chicken and Pinsa Roman Pizza for a limited time.
Typically, the Arena Cafè does not get a lot of traction from students, so Hough said that she hopes to bring options to the cafè that are more appealing to students and welcomes any feedback.
Looking forward, Vol Dining has many more plans for UT. There is currently leased retail space at the bottom of the Hub Knoxville apartment building, and UT is working to bring sustainable food options to students living on Cumberland Avenue.
This new core space will allow students to use their flex and dining dollars, making it more accessible and affordable since most dining locations on the Strip do not currently accept these plans.
Vol Dining is also in the process of developing new food and dining concepts for the new Haslam Business building, the new Agricultural and Natural Resources building and the new Croley Nursing building.
“We’ve got lots of things coming. … Some are underway, and some are evolving — it’s a continual process. Our goal is to bring life into this program and make it somewhere that students enjoy and want to interact and eat at,” McKnight said.
New Panhellenic sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, joins UT this fall
JAXSON BERG Contributor
Alpha Gamma was founded in 1904 at Syracuse University. Its international philanthropic focus is fighting hunger, partnering with companies like Meals on Wheels and Feeding America. It is now reinstating its chapter at UT, but it did not participate in the formal recruitment process this fall.
“Alpha Gam is excited to host our own recruitment process in September,” Emma Bonney, a membership growth specialist with Alpha Gamma Delta International Headquarters, said.
Bonney said that by hosting an extended recruitment process in September, they are hoping to build personal relationships with prospective members. They are going to be holding both informal and connections events for recruitment beginning in September. The chapter plans to be highly selective during its initial recruitment process.
The informal events are intended to provide information to women who may be interested in the sorority, and the connections events are intended for prospective members who are ready to be considered for membership in Alpha Gamma Delta.
Informational events are casual connection opportunities, with refreshments and snacks provided. Each will feature a fun activity, and potential members will have the opportunity to meet members from other universities, along with staff members.
“After our founding class is chosen, they will have the opportunity to serve on committees,” Bonney said.
These committees will serve as a way for the new members to see which area of leadership they might be interested in pursuing. There are a variety of committees, including recruitment, social media, academic, philanthropy and others.
Building the foundation of a sorority is not a small feat, but Alpha Gamma Delta is confident that the students at UT will lead this chapter to be an organization that strengthens the school’s Panhellenic and Greek life communities through leadership and philanthropic service.
Alpha Gam has already been in conversations around campus.
“I think it is a great opportunity for our Greek community to expand, and I am excited to welcome them into the community with open arms,” sophomore finance major Lexi Wolf said.
While they currently are not located in Sorority Village, they do have a house in a prime location for the new members to gather. The house is only a short walk from T-Link stops, freshman dorms and classroom buildings.
The staff from Alpha Gam headquarters renovated the house all summer to make it feel like a home for all the members who will
soon be joining them. Members will also have the opportunity to live at the house beginning in the spring.
“This will be our short-term solution. ... as we are working in partnership with the university for the next phase of our housing at the University of Tennessee,” Alpha Gam said in a statement.
Peyton Manning hosts “Roommate Rivalry” at the Hub
Writer
Monday, Aug. 26. Core Spaces launched the Hub Knoxville, a new student housing development. The Hub put together “Roommate Rivalry,” a game show hosted by legendary Vol Peyton Manning. The event proved to be a success — not only because of the “Family Feud”-style game and buzzer.
“He’s one of the reasons I decided to come to Tennessee,” junior sports journalism major Shelby Wilson said. “My family are huge Peyton Manning fans, so that’s part of the reason why I’m here.”
The stakes were high for those competing, with a $10,000 check on the line.
To win the prize, students needed to stay focused and prepared, even without knowing what types of questions would come their way.
“Strategy’s very important,” participant Michael Weeks, a junior studying accounting and finance, said. “We’ve been reviewing some history about Tennessee — we’ve also been familiarizing ourselves with each other, trying to learn each other’s habits and our roommate’s habits.”
asm, broke slightly during the question, “Which mascot would Smokey beat in a fight?” The top answer was Uga, Georgia’s bulldog, with points dramatically stolen by one team.
By the time of the final showdown, the finalists were given clipboards and 10 seconds to write down their answers to a series of questions, ranging from “Name a chore you and your roommates never do” to “What is the most bingeable TV show among UT students?”
In a nail-biting finish, Team 8 narrowly beat Team 9 with a score of 130 to 129, taking home the grand prize of $10,000. Despite the loss, Team 9 didn’t walk away empty-handed, earning $5,000 for second place.
“Tonight was really fun,” sophomore sports management major Jameson Lindley said. “I was disappointed with the outcome — we lost in the round. We’re a little disappointed — we thought our answer was going to be on the board, but it wasn’t. The crowd cheered for us when we answered, and we all got excited, but it ended up not being there. So, it’s OK, though — we got a good prize nonetheless.”
The game show had “Family Feud”-style rules — each round featured the top five answers to a survey question. Viewers were prohibited from yelling out answers and had to rely on their captains to control the game. Manning had two referees join him to make sure that there was no foul play.
The survey questions were driven by answers from UT students. The first round asked students to name a restaurant they would take their par-
ents to on Fall Family Weekend. The top answer was Calhoun’s. In round two, the question was, “What’s the hardest major at UT?” The overwhelming response? Engineering.
The third round brought a bit of excitement when the stage, under the weight of enthusi-
It seems that no matter the outcome, students were eager for the opportunity to come together for a night of celebration of UT pride, camaraderie and the universal yet unique challenges of being a college student. “Roommate Rivalry” was a testament to the power of community and some friendly competition.
MADELINE MCNEELY Staff
Members of the Alpha Gam Leadership team holding a Vols gameday pin. Courtesy of Emma Bonney
Peyton Manning hosted Roommate Rivalry, a game show presented by The Hub. Courtesy of Hayden Antal / The University of Tennessee
Kern’s Food Hall reimagines Knoxville landmark through expansive dining options
In its pilot year, Kern’s Food Hall looks to expand vendors and community-based activities at the venue. Locals who would frequent the food hall during the height of its popularity in 1967 to newcomers who enjoy the current atmosphere, Kern’s has “something for everyone.”
ELIZA NOELL
Contributor
Kern’s Food Hall describes themselves as “more than just a dining destination.” Located at 2201 Kern’s Rising Way, the food hall boasts a variety of restaurants with menus from around the world, as well as bakeries, cafes and bars.
Outside of the realm of food, the bakery is home to several local businesses and shops providing services ranging from nail spas to jewelry stores to home decor. Additionally, Kern’s expansive layout also doubles as a venue for a multitude of events, such as trivia nights, dances, movie showings, sports screenings and more.
Trent Sanders, owner of Irvey’s Ice
Cream Co., emphasized the community promoted by Kern’s environment.
“[There’s] a lot of attention, a lot of people to serve ... and we’re all really glad to see that more businesses were opening,” Sanders said. “I see a lot of people just enjoying themselves. It’s a place to go hang out, watch a movie on Wednesdays, see a concert [on] Fridays and Saturdays, [and] game days are coming up soon.”
Kristen Heath, owner of Mae Lee’s, a boutique also within Kern’s, spoke on how her own memory of the food hall influenced her decision to become one of their vendors during its construction.
“It was dilapidated and run-down but I knew that was the spot for me,” Heath said. “There was just something special about Kern’s. When I was growing up, Kern’s had a merry-go-round that they would bring to kids’ birthday parties
and hand out little mini loaves of bread. That was the coolest thing ever when we were little.”
Heath talked more about the locals and their past experiences with the original bakery being brought back up since the reopening.
“Like me, everyone that grew up in Knoxville has such fond memories of the bakery that they are super excited to see it brought back to life,” Heath said. “I’ve had several people come in and share stories with me about when their grandfather, mother, or even they used to work there.”
Sanders remarked on the establishment’s growing potential over time.
“It took a lot of faith to see the vision behind what Kern’s could become for the downtown Knoxville area — the student body as well,” Sanders said. “It slowly took shape into what it is today.”
Currently, Kern’s food selection is diverse and expansive, hosting a multitude of establishments such as Ava Italian, Hemmingway’s Cuban Kitchen and Ooh Lala Indian Kitchen, as well as a variety of drink and cafe content, such as Hey Bear Cafe and Awaken Coffee. As for Irvey’s Ice Cream Co., Thursday discounts are offered to UT students.
Regarding Kern’s future, new and upcoming additions to the food hall include Aunt Nazzira’s hummus bar - featured in Knoxville’s Farmer’s Market, and Eggspectation– Montreal-based restaurant that is now a global franchise.
“I just see a lot of families bringing their kids out. I see a lot of couples on dates. I see a lot of big businesses bring their employees for lunches and dinners,” Sanders said. “It just seems like a very accessible place with a lot of food variety, and I think that appeals to a lot of people, especially with different tastes and different allergens. It just seems like a place where people can relax.”
“It’s like being part of a community,” Heath said. “You can eat, you can shop, you can get your nails done, have a drink, grab a bouquet of flowers, let your kids play outside. It literally has something for everyone.”
OPINION: Moving Foward: Navigating the reality of life after college
AMELIA FOX Columnist
As someone who likes to have their whole day planned out, the unknown is a scary thought. One might say you face the unknown when you go to college, but do you really? As a high school graduate, you prepare to enter an environment where you take new classes and meet new people — a concept most people have been familiar with since they were young. Although college was a big change for me, I found comfort in knowing that as a freshman I didn’t need to know who I was or what I wanted to do with my life. Fast forward to now, as a senior in college, that familiarity and routine I have been used to for sixteen years is coming to an end. I would like to say I am comfortable with the change that is coming, but in full transparency, I am not. Life as I’ve known it prior to now is about to be drastically different. I am preparing to face the unknown in a way I never have before. While
those fears are still alive, a recent summer internship experience has eased many worries of what a life after college might look like.
This summer, I had the opportunity to intern at the mayor of Nashville’s office, in the communications department. I had no idea when I walked in on the first day how much this three-month internship would transform my life.
As a communication intern, I worked on innovative ways to communicate with the public through social media, writing, graphic design and film. I met so many incredible people and got to know my hometown of Nashville in a completely different light.
I never imagined I would get to see my contributions and opinions come to life, but I was wrong. I pictured myself doing hypothetical work scenarios to help me gain experience on the world of communications. There was no pretend work to be had, I was in the middle of the madness, and I loved every second of it.
I woke up excited to go to work every day and looked forward to go home to tell my dad all the things I did. To capture how much I enjoyed the experience, I found myself dreading going back to my senior
Navigating life post-grad can be daunting, but for Amelia Fox, her summer internship switched her perspective on the 9-to-5 lifestyle. Ansley Graves / The Daily Beacon
“So, is life after college really that bad? Before this internship, I would have said yes, but now I find myself looking foward to what is to come.”
AMELIA FOX Columnist
year of college because I didn’t want the internship to end.
So, is life after college really so bad? Before this internship, I would have said yes, but now I find myself looking forward to what is to come. I have had an incredible college experience that I wouldn’t trade for the world, but I also know there are greater things out there.
You often hear people reminiscing on their college days and giving advice to
cherish the best years of your life, but maybe that’s why the reality of it ending is such a hard concept to grasp. There is no doubt change is hard, but what if that change leads you to something even better. As someone who has now worked the dreadful nine-to-five for a few months, I can say it was anything but dreadful. I have so much gratitude for my summer internship, but I would mainly say it gave me hope for what my future could be and all of the possibilities out there.
I am still fearful of what my life will look like after college, but now that fear is surpassed with excitement and anticipation. Something great is ending, but that doesn’t mean what’s to come isn’t better. Find a job you love, meet new people, and get outside of your comfort zone. You might not always have a plan of where your life is headed, but that is okay. Lean into the unknown and embrace the inevitable change that is life.
Amelia Fox is a senior marketing major. She can be reached at vny825@ vols.utk.edu
Opinion: The Reality of Implemented Medical Knowledge in Tennessee’s Classrooms
ANSLEY GRAVES Opinions Editor
Life is unpredictable; it always will be. As college students living away from our parents all on our own, sometimes the unpredictable can happen anywhere or anytime. With the unpredictability of emerging adulthood, sometimes the only person left to help is our professors.
After a medical emergency occurred during one of my classes with no action taken, it prompted me to further think about the unpredictable “what-ifs.”
On a college campus, what are the requirements that a professor must have in the state of Tennessee to become eligible to teach? The obvious bachelor’s degree appeared, with various types of training depending on the field of teaching, but that is not exactly what I was searching for. This is when the real questions came to me. What does a professor have to know, medically speaking, in order to teach? Or do they even have to know anything at all?
Obviously, it is implied that if the professor teaches a medical-related course, then this would be a different story. I wanted to know what a history teacher, for example, needed to be trained for in a medical emergency when becoming a professor, if at all. I narrowed my search to one simple question; what were the bare minimum requirements that one could need to be in charge of a group of young adults?
When conducting my research, it was discovered first that basic CPR was not a requirement to be a professor in the state of Tennessee. You might ask yourself, “Why would it be?” After all, they are there to teach you, not save your life. This is a justifiable question… on the surface level. Nevertheless, basic CPR training is arguably something that is very necessary and accessible for any person regardless of their background or academic field. According to CPR Certification Knoxville, you can be CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) certified in just one day. The only outcome of engaging in such a certification for the “what-ifs”, is very positive, and can be applied to anyone in everyday life. What if someone you loved had a medical emergency and you had the ability to help them? Why not just take the extra step and do it?
Interestingly enough, I also found that a teacher/professor is actually allowed to administer epinephrine (epipen) in the state of Tennessee, if medical personnel or closely informed relatives are not present. The reasoning to administer an epipen could range from an allergic reaction to a lost pulse, so thank goodness for implied consent! The only obvious downside to this is not being trained on how to do so, or being mentally prepared for such a situation. A professor could experience a lot of uncertainty or anxi-
ety on how to handle such a situation if they have never had to before, so this can be added to the long list of why medical training is important. This gave me some hope, but still did not resolve the many possible scenarios and their outcomes. When thinking of the bigger picture of possible scenarios and their outcomes, how about if a professor were teaching a class with someone who had type 1 diabetes with a blood sugar surge? Or a seizure disorder that could turn to grand mal in a matter of seconds?
For some people these are hypothetical situations, but for others, a very real reality. It is important to note that while young adults are practically on their own for college, most with underlying medical conditions are well prepared and conditioned to act if the unthinkable were to occur. With the help of parents, doctors, and medical specialists, there is more than likely a plan in place that is practiced before entering college to execute when considering the possibilities of a medical emergency.
As I circled back to my internal questions, I wondered what would happen in the event of a freak accident with no practice or prior plan? Or if the student was unable to speak for themselves in said emergency? It is a very scary thought to think of, but maybe it would not be so scary if the professors in charge had an action plan. As of right now in Tennessee, there is no set action plan to execute in the event of a medical emergency, unless privately instructed prior to enrolling. Unfortunately,
CPR might be a basic necessity that needs some serious reinforcement, but there is still much more work to be done. It is clear that states and universities need some serious medical attention regarding the safety of students, and those who are medically inclined to receive assistance. I believe that teachers should have more medical training in the state of Tennessee.While they are not our lifeguards, our parents, nor our doctors, reinforcing small measures could make all the difference in a classroom. While we are grateful to our professors giving their time for our academics, there is something that tells me it would not hurt to be trained for the worst.
The Weekly CROSSWORD
by Margie E. Burke
Weekly Crossword by Margie E. Burke
Nico Iamaleava sets Tennessee football record in first start at Neyland Stadium
TREVOR MCGEE, JACK CHURCH
Assistant Sports Editor, Senior Staff Writer
ago, Iamaleava wasted no time getting this game started. Iamaleava completed his first 10 passes of the day, going for 159 yards and two touchdowns before a dropped pass ruined his perfect day.
Going into his final two possessions at the helm, Iamaleava was 19-for-22 on completions and 5-for-5 on scoring drives. The offense scored three touchdowns on his first three possessions, before capping the half with a field goal and another touchdown drive.
The California native remained on the sidelines for the second half, as his utilities were unneeded as a 45-point cushion was enough to end his day. Overall, the offense managed 490 yards while Iamaleava was in command.
ferently.
“He’s a young player,” Heupel said. “He came out played really effeciently, effectively, made some plays down the field. But there’s some things that he can control and be better. He knows that and he wants that too.”
As the second quarter came to a close, Iamaleava had the opportunity to add more points to Tennessee’s lead. He wasn’t able to take advantage, instead pulling his foot off the gas.
When it comes time to play tougher competition, such as next week against NC State, handing the opponent opportunities will result in failure. That’s what Iamaleava needs to improve as he continues his young career.
Nico Iamaleava’s arrival to Neyland Stadium went exactly as expected.
In his 30 minutes on the field, the redshirt freshman pieced together 314 passing yards and three touchdowns, going 22-of28. The 314 passing yards broke a Tennessee record for passing yards in a half, surpassing Tyler Bray’s 313-yard effort against Troy in 2012.
Coming off his last start 243 days
In his first home start in front of a soldout crowd at Neyland Stadium, Iamaleava carved up the Chattanooga defense in just one half of football, leading Tennessee to a 69-3 win.
“It felt great, man. Just going out there and competing with my guys. We put a lot of work into this for this year, so it felt good to go out there and just play with them Iamaleava said.”
The biggest positive for the redshirt freshman was having no turnovers. Iamaleava never put the ball in danger from an outside perspective, although Iamaleava and Heupel evaluated his performance dif-
“To keep our foot on that throat,” Iamaleava said. “When we go up big, I think it’s still coming to the sideline with the same mindset that it’s 0-0 and carrying out the full game, the full four quarters.”
While the taste of Iamaleava the Neyland Stadium crowd received certainly wasn’t perfect, it was still a dominant display from the redshirt freshman. He barely made any errors during his second career collegiate start.
From the perspective of his teammates, Iamaleava was expected to shine. In front of over 100,000, he did exactly that.
“We really expected this from him,” running back Dylan Sampson said. “I’ve said it in interview before, just his calm, cool and collected poise he has about him. I think that’s going to be good for him. Just being a young guy being able to reset play after play.”
Helmet communication takes effect
Saturday marked the first time Tennessee used in-game helmet communication. The Vols have done so in several scrimmages, but this was the first chance to use the new technology against another opponent.
For Iamaleava, that threw another wrench in his first home start. However, everything went as expected offensively as the quarterback spoke to his staff.
“Like it has in our scrimmages,” Heupel said. “I thought he handled himself really well with effective communication.”
On the defensive end, Keenan Pili wore the communication-enabled helmet for the first time. Although he had worked on it in practice, Saturday marked the first time he had to contend with Neyland Stadium’s noise.
When he tried to hear defensive coordinator Tim Banks, he couldn’t get a full grasp of what his coach was saying. Still, he heard enough to hold the Mocs to just three points.
“It was a little difficult today,” Pili said. “I was able to get enough, listen enough.”
SPORTS
Bru McCoy returns to field for Tennessee football nearly 11 months after gruesome injury
TREVOR MCGEE
Assistant Sports Editor
Bru McCoy’s last time on ShieldsWatkins Field concluded early with a gruesome leg injury.
A fracture dislocation of his ankle, suffered against South Carolina ,sidelined him for the remainder of 2023, putting a road to recovery and rehab ahead.
Fast forward to Saturday, McCoy returned to the same field that he saw end his season just 11 months prior.
“Huge for him,” head coach Josh Heupel said about McCoy’s return. “His family. I know I saw them in the hotel last night. I know they were excited, anxious, nervous, all of it.”
In the 69-3 win over Chattanooga on Saturday, McCoy made his presence felt.
McCoy’s first touch came on a jet sweep on the opening drive, taking the carry for nine yards. The crowd ensued with his name chant, welcoming him back to the game. On the next play, the California native hauled in a five-yard reception for his first catch of the new season.
McCoy finished the game with a game-high six receptions, going for 89 yards. Additionally, he was named a captain for the contest.
“Bru was excited to play,” Heupel said. “Great that he got opportunities to get the ball in his hand, make plays and played really well.”
Everything leading up to the game was something he hadn’t done in nearly a year. Neyland Stadium is where he felt
“It was a little surreal, just going through everything,” McCoy said. “But I really enjoyed it. I soaked it in. Once you get back on the field, you get a sweat going. That’s when you feel back at home.”
BRU MCCOY Wide Reciever
Bru McCoy (5) makes a fingertip catch against Chatanooga at Neyland Stadium. Saturday Aug. 31, 2024. Ericksen Gomez-Villeda / The Daily Beacon
were reasons provided, and two big ones came to mind.
“Anybody that knows me knows I grew up liking Reggie Bush,” McCoy said. “Five has always been my number. I kind of wanted to let it breathe after Hendon (Hooker) wore it because of the type of player he was and everything he accomplished. So after a year, I was like, ‘I’m gonna go out my last year and wear my favorite number.’”
McCoy’s grandfather is another reason for the drive to get back
versity, Snyder eventually was drafted to play pro ball for the San Francisco Giants. McCoy knew the advice from his grandfather was worthwhile — saying he was quite an athlete himself.
“I give a lot of credit for my success to him because of the values he instilled in me, and how he taught me to be a man,” McCoy said. “I miss him a lot. He was a heck of an athlete. I try to take after him the best I can.”
when he got out of his hospital bed.”
The last time his Snyder saw him play, McCoy made a similar catch to one he made near the goal line on Saturday. It reminded the receiver of what he was playing for.
“This was my first game since I lost my grandfather,” McCoy said. “I made a very similar catch in the last game he saw me play. That came to mind, and it jazzed me up.”
like was home.
This season, McCoy elected to change his jersey number back to his roots. Originally sporting No. 15 during his time at Tennessee, the graduate receiver chose to wear No. 5 this season. There
Taking the podium in the postgame press conference, McCoy described how it was his first game since his grandfather passed away.
He credits his grandfather, Robert Snyder, for giving him the motivation to return.
Playing baseball at Pepperdine Uni-
When McCoy flew back home to visit his grandfather in his hospital bed, it was the first time that he took his boot off after the injury. He took his first steps out of a boot with him in the room.
“I can’t think of anybody that would’ve been more proud,” McCoy said about his performance. “When I was flown home to see him the hospital, I took my boot off and took my first steps
McCoy’s 37-yard catch brought out the emotion. McCoy said it was a nice moment to share.
With the first game under his belt, McCoy can now shift his focus away from the injury and fully towards game prep. McCoy will return to the field against NC State on Sept. 7.
‘There’s a lot of positives’: Tennessee football grades Week 1 Chattanooga
TREVOR MCGEE
Assistant Sports Editor
Tennessee football opened its season with a dominating 66-point win over Chattanooga, paving the way for a multitude of players to touch the field.
All three phases of the game shined, despite the starting unit only playing one half of football.
“I think we had 35 guys that it was their first time playing inside of Neyland Stadium playing today,” head coach Josh Heupel said. “So there’s a lot of positives.”
Here is a look at how Tennessee graded out.
Quarterbacks
Nico Iamaleava came as advertised. His ball placement looked spectacular and he was as comfortable as could be in the pocket. Starting off 10-for-10 with a pair of touchdowns before throwing an incompletion was enough to send social media into shockwaves. His 314-yard first-half performance also proved record-breaking. Iamaleava alone earns an A -plus if that is possible.
Gaston Moore had a tough outing on the day. He narrowly missed two deep balls to Chris Brazzell II that had a little too much touch and threw an interception that was nearly returned for a touchdown. Jake Merklinger also earned his first game action, posting a 4-for-4 stat line with 31 yards.
Given only one quarterback is on the field at a time, Iamaleava’s incredible outing lifts the grade.
Grade: A
Running backs
Despite injuries limiting the room throughout camp, each running back proved his worth on the game field. As a unit, they ran for 304 yards on 46 carries, averaging out to 6.6 yards per carry.
Dylan Sampson led the corps on limited touches, posting three touchdowns on just 12 carries — adding 124 rushing yards. Additionally, DeSean Bishop shined with 60 yards and a touchdown, toting the ball only five times. Cameron Seldon and Peyton Lewis also saw work, combining for 90 yards and a touchdown on 17 total carries.
The running backs seem to have put the injuries behind them and did the dirty work in Week 1.
Grade: A+
prior, and both exceeded expectations. The duo combined for 194 yards and two touchdowns on nine receptions. Brazzell also handled five receptions for 54 yards in his Tennessee debut.
For the sake of this, Ethan Davis falls into the receiver category as he hauled in the first receiving touchdown of the season.
True freshmen Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley were cautiously held from the matchup, which was disappointing to some. Overall, the veteran group served their rookie quarterback well in the first half.
Grade A+
Recievers
Depth at the wide receiver position has been praised all offseason. The first game of the year warranted praise.
Dont’e Thornton Jr. and Bru McCoy returned from season-ending injuries the year
Offensive line
The offense mustered 717 total yards, including an average of nearly eight yards per play. That all starts up front, where the offensive line protected the Iamaleava from danger. They allowed just two sacks on the day and four tackles for loss.
It was hard to tell who was in the game at times with so much rotation, but that is a good thing because you could not truly tell the difference between the starting unit and the second team.
Grade: A
Defensive line
It was a lackluster performance for a group that has been considered one of the best in the country. James Pearce Jr. was held in check, failing to record a stat in his 10 snaps.
The bright spot came from sophomore Tyre West, who was a force to be reckoned with. He finished with two tackles-for-loss and a sack — Tennessee’s only sack. Additionally, West forced a fumble, while Joshua Josephs scooped it up.
Despite the fairly disappointing outing, the Vols still only allowed 74 yards rushing on 2.1 yards per carry and just three total points. It is hard to say that the front seven was awful — you just wish to see them get a lot more pressure to match the hype.
For the sake of finding something to hone in on in the negative department, Tennessee’s defensive line will take the brunt of impact.
Grade: C+
Linebackers
Keenan Pili saw his first game action in Neyland Stadium, and just his second overall game in a Tennessee uniform. As graded by PFF, Pili was the second-highest graded defensive player, posting an 82.9 on 15 snaps. Jalen Smith followed with a 75.3 grade.
Nobody in the group particularly stood out, but the defense performed very well and that success is attributed to the communicators of the defense — the linebackers.
Grade: A
Secondary
Another group without a ton of stats to back up their performance, is secondary, but holding Chattanooga to 153 passing yards speaks for itself. There were no turnovers forced in the secondary, but also no big plays allowed.
Nobody stood out in limited snaps as the group chose to handle business and move on with a win. Jordan Matthews graded out the highest with a 73.0, fifth-highest on the defense.
Grade: A
Special teams
Max Gilbert was phenomenal while handling the kicking duties. He was heavily tasked with extra points as well as two field goals, but he stood to the occasion and put 9-for-9 day forth, accounting for 13 points.
Jackson Ross was shaky, as his utilities were mostly unused. His lone punt went for just 23 yards — knocking the grade down. The biggest grade riser, however, goes to true freshman Jordan Ross. With just over a minute remaining, Ross scurried through
the Mocs punting formation to block a punt, before scooping it up then scooped a touchdown.
Grade: A-
Coaching
Frankly, you have to be satisfied with how head coach Josh Heupel and company handled the first game of the year. Tennessee has gotten into some danger in previous seasons for simplifying the playbook. Saturday’s contest proved otherwise. The staff let Iamaleava sling the ball and even gave Moore some deep shots to work with. Although it’s hard to judge against an inferior opponent, it can be compared to last season’s home opener against Austin Peay and the coaching job seemed above average.
Grade: A+
Overall
There did not seem to be much to complain about from the outside. While the coaches will think differently internally, Tennessee handled Chattanooga with ease to open the season.
Grade: A
Peyton Lewis (27) celebrates to the filled student section at Neyland Stadium on Aug 31, 2024. Kinley Sanderson / Contributor
How 6 of Tennessee football’s opponents fared in Week 1
Week 1 of the college football season is over. In the season’s opening game, Tennessee football defeated the Chattanooga Mocs, 69-3.
Not only was this the home opener, but it was redshirt freshman Nico Iamaleava’s first start in Neyland Stadium. Iamaleava broke the Tennessee record for most passing yards in a half with 314 yards. Nico’s performance gives Vols fans excitement and hope in future matchups.
Here’s how each of Tennessee’s future opponents did in Week 1.
No. 24 NC State (Week 2 - Sept. 7)
Final Score: NC State 38, Western Carolina 21
The beginning of the Wolfpack’s season was messy. Transfer quarterback Grayson McCall threw an interception in the first quarter that led to Western Carolina’s first points of the game. Failing to convert on third downs and giving up big plays on defense caused the Wolfpack to enter the fourth quarter down 21-17. In the fourth quarter, McCall threw his third touchdown to sophomore wide receiver Kevin Concepcion and running back Jordan Waters ran for two touchdowns to give NC State the win.
McCall ended the game going 26-for40 with 318 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Concepcion had nine catches, 121 receiving yards and three touchdowns, while Waters had 20 carries, 123 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Kent State (Week 3 - Sept. 14)
Final Score: Pitt 55, Kent State 24 Kent State went down by 14 early with Pitt scoring on its first drive and getting a punt return touchdown. The Golden Flashes made the game look close by scoring a touchdown of their own on offense and getting a fumble recovery touchdown on defense. Kent State ended up getting outscored 27 to 10 in the second half and losing the game.
Kent State quarterback Devin Kargman went 14-of-28 throwing for 181 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The Golden Flashes’ defense had four sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery that was returned for a touchdown but gave up 567 yards to the Panthers.
No. 16 Oklahoma (Week 4 - Sept. 21)
Final Score: Oklahoma 51, Temple 3
The first true road challenge on the schedule, Oklahoma will provide an atmosphere of animosity — as it did in Week 1. The Sooners dominated from the
opening kickoff on both sides of the ball.
Oklahoma went into halftime up 34-0, scoring 20 points off four Temple turnovers. Temple kicked a field goal in the third quarter, but it only prevented the team from being shut out.
It is Oklahoma’s first year in the SEC and both its offensive and defensive lines looked the part. First-year starting quarterback Jackson Arnold completed 17 of his 24 pass attempts for 141 yards and two touchdowns. Arnold even had a punt that was downed inside the 5-yard line.
Arkansas (Week 6 - Oct. 5)
Final Score: Arkansas 70, UAPB 0
The final score pretty much sums it up. Arkansas was led by Boise State transfer and starting quarterback Taylen Green who had 229 passing yards, 88 rushing yards and four total touchdowns.
Arkansas had 687 yards of total offense, was perfect on third downs going 9-for9 and scored on all seven of its red zone
drives.
Florida (Week 7 - Oct. 12)
Final Score: Miami 41, Florida 17
Florida opened its season with an instate rivalry game against 19th-ranked Miami. Florida could not find anything on offense in the first half until running back Montrell Johnson Jr. had a 71-yard touchdown run before halftime. Florida left too much time for Miami which scored in the final drive before the half.
Florida went to backup quarterback DJ Lagway in the fourth quarter to spark the offense, but by then the game was already out of hand. Starting quarterback Graham Mertz went 11-of-20 with 91 yards and one interception, while backup Lagway went 3-for-6 with 31 passing yards and one interception.
No. 5 Alabama (Week 8 - Oct. 19)
Final Score: Alabama 63, Western Kentucky 0
Jalen Milroe had the only quarterback
performance that could compete with Iamaleava’s for best of the week. Milroe only had nine passing attempts but made the most of them by completing seven passes for 200 yards and three passing touchdowns. Milroe also had 10 carries for 79 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Crimson Tide freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams had two catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns. What makes that even more impressive is that Williams is only 17 years old and reclassified, forgoing his senior year in high school so he could play college football a year early.
Milroe’s performance gave him an early lead for the Heisman Trophy candidacy and gave Kalen DeBoer his first win as the head coach of the Crimson Tide.
Tennessee will now get a shot at NC State on Sept. 7 in Charlotte, participating in the Duke’s Mayo Classic.
LOGAN STACY Contributor
Wide Receiver Jimmy Holiday No. 6 of the Tennessee Volunteers takes a kick return back during the game between the Florida Gators and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. File / The Daily Beacon
Tennessee men’s golf head coach Brennan Webb previews opening tournament
JACK CHURCH
Senior Staff Writer
Tennessee men’s golf head coach Brennan Webb will begin his seventh season in charge on Friday, and he does so at home.
The Vols will host the second edition of the Visit Knoxville Collegiate at Tennessee National Golf Club in Loudon. The Vols enter the new season with a new-look roster following the graduation of Jake Hall and Bryce Lewis.
Still, Webb’s history with the Vols gives him confidence that the program’s upward momentum will continue in the 2024-25 season.
“I think what we have proven over time here is that what we’re doing and what we’re asking of our guys and what they’ve taken on works,” Webb said. “We haven’t taken any steps back. It’s always improved.”
The Vols will welcome 12 power-conference opponents this weekend as they look to make a statement to begin the season. They get to do it on a course familiar to them. With four members of the team coming from Tennessee, playing in front of a local crowd means even more.
“We’re not the biggest fan base on campus,” Webb said. “We all understand that, but we do have some fans and so it’s excit ing for them, for our guys to be able to play in front of those people and then for our lo cal guys to be able to play close to home.”
Over his tenure, Webb has relied on other Tennessee coaches to drive his team forward. After a difficult 2023 NCAA Tournament, Webb turned to Tennessee baseball head coach Tony Vitello to compare his team’s 2022 experience to what the men’s golf program went through.
“We talked about the team the year before that everyone expected to do well and then lost to Notre Dame, and just kind of what the difference was in the team that actually got there and the team that didn’t,” Webb said. “We took some of those lessons to heart. Guys bought in and obviously had a great year.”
Webb relies on Tennessee’s health as a sports program to keep his program at a high level. That starts with Tennessee athletic director Danny White, who recently received a contract extension.
White’s vision doesn’t just extend to revenue-generating sports. He wants every program to be strong, including men’s golf.
“I understand we’re not the big money revenue sports, but to have somebody that still just wants to win in golf,” Webb said.
“I think if he didn’t want to win, he just wouldn’t have that sport.”
2024 Football PICK ‘EM
nessee’s lineup for his first career tourna ment in Knoxville, shooting 11-under-par and finishing third among Tennessee’s roster. His performance was strong over the summer, including winning the Tennessee State Open. He became the youngest player to win the event in its history.
of the Western Amateur, one of the stron gest amateur tournaments in the world. He entered the U.S. Amateur and was one of the final 32 players in the event.
TENNESSEe 32 VS. NC sTATE 21
ARKANSAS VS. OKLAHOMA STATE
TEXAS VS. michigan
iowa state VS. iowa south carolina vs. Kentucky
BAYLOR vs. UTAH
COLORADO vs. NEBRASKA
TENNESSEe 36 VS. NC sTATE 21
ARKANSAS VS. OKLAHOMA STATE
TEXAS VS. michigan
iowa state VS. iowa
south carolina vs. Kentucky
BAYLOR vs. UTAH
COLORADO vs. NEBRASKA
TENNESSEe 34 VS. NC sTATE 10
ARKANSAS VS. OKLAHOMA STATE TEXAS VS. michigan
iowa state VS. iowa
south carolina vs. Kentucky BAYLOR vs. UTAH COLORADO vs. NEBRASKA
TENNESSEe 36 VS. NC sTATE 21
named a Third-Team Preseason All-Amer ican by Golfweek and has high expectations going into his freshman season. Herrington brings a strong mentality to Tennessee’s roster, one which Webb hopes will lead the Vols to success.
“He’s just got a whole bunch of belief,” Webb said. “He’s got the mindset that he’s going to go be a First Team All-American this year and dominate. That’s what we need.”
Connection with other Tennessee coaches
ARKANSAS VS. OKLAHOMA STATE
TEXAS VS. michigan
iowa state VS. iowa south carolina vs. Kentucky
BAYLOR vs. UTAH
COLORADO vs. NEBRASKA
TENNESSEe 38 VS. NC sTATE 29
ARKANSAS VS. OKLAHOMA STATE
TEXAS VS. michigan
iowa state VS. iowa south carolina vs. Kentucky
BAYLOR vs. UTAH
COLORADO vs. NEBRASKA
TENNESSEe 36 VS. NC sTATE 24
ARKANSAS VS. OKLAHOMA STATE
TEXAS VS. michigan
iowa state VS. iowa
south carolina vs. Kentucky
BAYLOR vs. UTAH
COLORADO vs. NEBRASKA
Laurent Desmarchais of the Tennessee Volunteers during the Visit Knoxville Collegiate Tournament at Tennessee National Golf Club in Loudon, TN.
Athletics
Caleb Jarreau Sports Editor
THEO COLLI CONTRIBUTOR
EMMA LOVE MANAGING EDITOR
Trevor McGee AssT. Sports Editor
CADEN DYER COPY CHIEF
JACK CHURCH SENIOR STAFF WRITER