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Friday, November 12, 2010

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E D I T O R I A L L Y

Sunny with a 0% chance of rain HIGH LOW 75 42

Issue 60

PUBLISHED SINCE 1906 http://utdailybeacon.com

Vol. 115

I N D E P E N D E N T

S T U D E N T

N E W S P A P E R

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T H E

U N I V E R S I T Y

PAGE 5A O F

T E N N E S S E E

Homecoming Queen prank lives on in infamy 1970 jokester upset candidates in landslide election through widespread write-in campaign Candidate.’”

When the winner of the election was announced, the student Editor-in-Chief body was shocked: The bag-headed Staten stood on top with nearly 2,500 votes, garnering close to 60 percent of the student For many, Homecoming represents a time to honor one’s vote using a write-in campaign. school with pride. For Vince Staten, Homecoming served as an “My first runner-up got about 300 (votes),” Staten said. opportunity to stage one of the most elaborate jokes in UT histoThough it was clear UT students found humor in Staten’s ry, a prank that changed the school’s Homecoming nearly 40 antics, the Homecoming Advisory Board wasn’t laughing. years ago.

Homecoming bigwigs quickly declared Staten ineligible because In 1970, Staten, a Daily Beacon humor columnist and graduhe was a graduate student. A handful of Staten’s friends — many ate student, used a write-in candidacy and the help of friends to former SGA presidents — rushed to his defense, complaining to earn the UT student body’s selection as the Student Tribunal on the grounds that year’s Homecoming Queen. It was that Staten’s ineligibility was unjust. an election — and an ensuing aftermath The Tribunal then threw the election — that cemented Staten’s escapade out, leaving no Homecoming Queen among one of UT’s most memorable selected in 1970.

Homecoming weekends.

“The candidates were really upset,” The catch? Staten won the election Jester, a graduate student at UT from without a true campaign — all while 1969-71, said. “There was this one wearing a bag over his head. woman who went to the president of the “It was a total fluke,” Tom Jester, a SGA and said this had ruined her life. freelance journalist and friend of Staten, There was one fraternity who organized said. “It just was. It was just a little bit some student squad who wanted to beat of the spirit of the times. People were in up Vince. sort of a ‘protesting mood’ anyway. “... There were people who were very “Here we have a guy who was a literal and not good at getting the joke. humor columnist for the Daily Beacon But the students, they accepted the running as a write-in with a bag over his Homecoming Queen candidate. It was head. How obvious could that be?” just a big joke.”

Staten, who once pitched the idea of Today, the effects of Staten’s wearing a bag over his head in a Beacon Homecoming victory are still felt on columnist mugshot, was no stranger to UT’s Homecoming weekend. The campus-wide jokes. In the SGA election crowning of a queen was discontinued of 1969, Staten created an election after Staten’s win until the mid-’80s, party within his column known as the though no Homecoming Queen has “Apathy Party.” He counted every stubeen crowned since 1985. Instead, UT dent who failed to vote in the SGA elecselects Miss Homecoming each fall.

File Photo • The Daily Beacon tion as a member of his party.

The trio of Staten, Jester and “Everybody who didn’t vote was cast- Daily Beacon columnist Vince Staten poses for the camera in this 1971 Volunteer Yearbook photo. Dudenbostel still reminisces about the ing their ballot for me, so I declared Staten staged a well-publicized write-in campaign for that year’s Homecoming Queen, winning Homecoming election four decades ago. myself the winner of the SGA elections with over 60 percent of the student vote. However, the election was later declared invalid.

The men meet once a month at Old that spring,” said Staten, who is now a College Inn on the Strip — a gathering metro columnist for the Kingsport Times-News in Kingsport, Presidents for Vince” — with students casting write-in ballots in the group calls “The Queen’s Court.” The three former students Tenn. “The Homecoming Queen was yet another Apathy Party favor of Staten’s bag-headed candidate. even recreated the famous bag-headed pictures earlier this year campaign, though there wasn’t really a campaign. I didn’t even “In one of the big, tall dormitories, somebody hung a sheet in Neyland Stadium, an ode to Staten, who still finds humor in announce I was running.” out their window,” Staten said. “They’d copied the picture of me his farfetched idea.

The apathy that resonated from UT’s student body regarding from the Beacon, and they’d written under it “‘The Un“I like to think I’m still reigning (as queen),” Staten said.

Zac Ellis

Homecoming Queen elections sparked the “paper bag” idea in Staten and other Beacon staffers. Jokes of Staten’s Homecoming Queen candidacy began to spread across campus, and when Staten denied running, the Beacon ran a front-page story denouncing its columnist’s candidacy.

But the student body didn’t take the hint.

“That’s how it all started,” said Staten.

Through a strictly word-of-mouth campaign, Staten, Jester and Beacon photographer Don Dudenbostel spread the news of Staten’s candidacy. Groups quickly formed in support of the faux campaign — one such group named itself “Former SGA

Construction creates problems New music building causes hassle for wide variety of students Kyle Turner News Editor Tradition gets displaced For more than 140 years, the Pride of the Southland Marching Band has been a fixture of UT, practicing diligently to provide the university with one of the most prestigious bands in the country.

Now, with the construction of the new music building, music students and band members alike have been displaced, putting their scholastic achievement in jeopardy.

The problems that have precipitated from the construction of the new music building have led to troubles for music students and non-music students alike.

Just last week, Chancellor Cheek was given a petition with more than 300 signatures from members of the band and School of Music, expressing their discontent with the learning environment they have been subjugated to.

Currently located in the HPER building, the Pride is forced to practice in a converted gymnasium, lacking nearly everything needed for a conducive environment, Alex White, drum major for the Pride of the Southland Marching Band, said.

The current conditions jeopardize the band’s credibility, quality and ability of the university to recruit music students, White said.

White, as the official student leader of the Pride, has reached out to administrators consistently, asking for small concessions for the band.

At any given time of rehearsal, loud music, basketballs hitting the walls and whistles blowing can be heard from the neighboring gym.

“A key component to the band is the ability to listen to the drum major, who blows a whistle,” White said. “Hearing whistles from next door disrupts the band and can create confusion when members are trying to listen to me.”

The current practice room has been retrofitted but is simply not enough, said band members, who remark their inability to even hear themselves during practice, a key component for any band.

Chancellor Cheek has responded to the student demands and plans on doing what is

necessary over Winter Break to ensure the success of the Pride of the Southland Marching Band.

“It is a huge relief to know that something is going to be done to make our practice room suitable,” White said. “We are paying students just like everyone else, and it is nice to finally be heard.”

Quality concerns While the Pride is receiving necessary help to ensure adequate practice facilities during the wait for the new music building, other students have not fared as well.

Jonathan Ziegler, graduate student in collaborative piano and graduate teaching assistant for the School of Music, is concerned with the conditions of Melrose Hall, where many practice rooms are located for music students.

Since the displacement, Melrose Hall and AMB have been the main areas for music students to practice, and they present their own set of challenges.

“Our practice rooms had no air condition over the summer, and now with winter approaching, it makes me worried to know if the heating will be adequate,” Ziegler said.

The condition of the rooms themselves raise concerns to those who practice within Melrose.

“One of my practice rooms in particular has warnings on the pipes to not scratch or touch due to asbestos,” Ziegler said. “I do not doubt that the rooms are OK, but it just makes me wonder about the condition of my health, having to spend so much time in there.”

Ziegler does, however, have the opportunity to practice in AMB, when it is not closed.

“On the Fridays before home games, AMB is closed, restricting myself and fellow pianists from the five practice rooms,” Ziegler said. “And now with the music building gone, recitals held on Thursday nights lack free parking for anyone wishing to attend.”

According to Ziegler, none of these problems are necessarily new but just more pronounced and evident with the limited faciliGeorge Richardson • The Daily Beacon ties during the time of construction.

Another addition to Neyland Stadium will be a large statue of Gen. Robert Neyland, which was placed under the Tennessee Terrace on Wednesday night. The statue See MUSIC on Page 3A will be unveiled today at 2:30 p.m.

2A • The Daily Beacon

InSHORT

Friday, November 12, 2010

Tia Patron • The Daily Beacon

Ke’Oshia Mitchell, sophomore in psycology, and Mysharee Mckinney, sophomore in social work, rearrange the random words on the wall of the UC Concourse to form sentences. “Magnet Poetry” is new to the concourse. For the full story on this installation go to Page 7A. UTPD names new public information officer UTPD has announced Lt. Emily Simerly as its new public information officer.

In this new role, Simerly will serve as the point of contact for inquiries made to UTPD. Simerly also will continue to serve as the department’s lieutenant of special operations. As such, she oversees the

Community Relations Unit (CRU), police communications, records unit and special projects.

Simerly has 16 years of law enforcement experience at UT and has served as a patrol officer, detective and lieutenant of the CRU. During her time at UTPD, Simerly also has served as the victim witness coordinator, the Tennessee and Region 6 director of Rape Aggression Defense Systems (a self-defense program for women), a member of the Board of Directors for Safe Haven (formerly Knoxville Sexual Assault Crisis Center) and on various other committees.

She graduated from UT in 1994 with a bachelor’s in sociology with a concentration in criminal justice.

Friday, November 12, 2010

MUSIC continued from Page 1A Rising issues The problems arising from the destruction of the old music building are not reserved just to music students.

“I realize there are problems from both directions and from students who are displaced and those inconveinced,” Christine Boake, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said. “It is distressing to hear and I am confident that something will be done.”

With the music department being split to multiple locations, many buildings and students on campus are being affected.

“I have a class across the hall from a room where students play instruments in HSS and the sounds can be heard even when the doors are closed,” Alex Peyton, junior in political science, said. “I realize they are here to learn just like me but there are times when I can barely hear my professor lecture and it becomes extremely disruptive.”

Roger Stephens, director of the school of music, remarked that much planning was put into creating a layout for the least disruption.

After being given available space, focus was put into the placement of classes to create an environment that caused the least disruption for all, according to Stephens.

“It is our responsibility to be good stewards of the space that we have been given to work with and have really tried accommodate everyone,” Stephens said.

Issues raised by various members of the campus community have been realized and

NEWS collaborative efforts to resolve the problems are being undertaken.

“I am sympathetic to student and faculty concerns and their issues have not fallen on deaf ears,” Stephens said. “I hope that non music students can realize that we are an academic program as well and we are trying to fix problems that arise as soon as possible.”

A bright future Despite the current frustration and discontent, the light at the end of the tunnel is in sight.

The new music building that is slated to be finished within the next two and a half years is poised to be one of the finest facilities in the Southeast.

All who have expressed feelings on the displacement realized the benefits that will follow, whether they are here or not.

“Fully understanding the economic conditions, I am just very pleased that UT is willing to spend money for the arts in this current economic climate,” Ziegler said.

“The Pride is used to hard work, practicing regularly in 90-degree weather,” White said. “Having to carry instruments all over campus is not preferable but we all realize what is necessary for the outcome of the new building” The students being inconvenienced the most are many times those who will not be around to see the new building come to fruition yet still realize the necessary discomfort that must be suffered.

All are looking forward to the final completion and hope that problems can be addressed as they arise to continue the integrity and access to campus-wide academic pursuits.

AWOL soldier could face charges Associated Press NASHVILLE — AWOL soldier Jeff Hanks said he walked away from the Army in the middle of a deployment to Afghanistan because his problems with anxiety and stress from combat have been ignored. On Veterans Day, he returned to face the consequences.

The 30-year-old Army infantryman said he has suffered post-traumatic stress disorder since his 2008 tour in Iraq. He tried to seek treatment at Fort Campbell, Ky., last month during his midtour leave from Afghanistan.

He said when his commanders failed to help and told him he would have to immediately go back, he instead went home to North Carolina.

The specialist could face less-than-honorable discharge or jail after turning himself in Thursday at Fort Campbell.

"All I wanted was to be treated. Going AWOL is not what I wanted to do," Hanks told reporters outside the

The Daily Beacon • 3A

gates of the Army post. He choked up as he talked about how his actions might affect his daughters, ages 5 and 3.

He said the older daughter pulled him aside one day and said: "You're not as nice as you used to be."

As for turning himself in, Hanks said, "I am nervous but I'm ready to accept anything."

Hanks said in an interview before he left his home in White Lake, N.C., that he chose to return on Veterans Day because he didn't want to exceed 30 days of being AWOL and face the more serious charge of desertion.

His actions and the timing were supported by Iraq Veterans Against the War, and some members of the group were with him as he surrendered.

Reporters weren't allowed on the post as Hanks turned himself in.

Hanks' unit command has discretion over what happens now, but Hanks could face a court-martial and jail time if convicted, Fort Campbell

spokesman Rick Rzepka said.

"AWOL and desertion is a self-centered act," Rzepka said. "It doesn't only affect the soldier, but in a time of war puts other soldiers at risk."

Hanks said he understands that his actions could be considered disrespectful to other veterans, but said the military would continue to see high rates of suicide and substance abuse if it ignores soldiers' mental health problems.

"It's funny that those people would say, 'Why do you have to bring this up on Veterans Day?'" Hanks said.

"So when is a good time to bring it up?"

Hanks is a member of the 101st Airborne Division, which has been deployed numerous times to Iraq and Afghanistan. He said his PTSD dates to his 2008 deployment to Iraq. On his second day there, his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. He was rocked, but survived with no apparent injuries.

Tia Patron • The Daily Beacon

Music education students, Alex White and Sade Rakestraw, practice in a dorm room of Melrose Hall. The building has no air conditioning and many non-music students complain about the noise on Pedestrian Mall. One of the rooms also has a sign indicating not to touch the pipes because of asbestos risks.

OPINIONS

4A • The Daily Beacon

Friday, November 12, 2010

GuestColumn Sore throats more annoying than serious A sore throat (pharyngitis) is a common health problem evaluated in doctors’ offices and clinics. It is more likely to affect children and young adults and may occur at any time of the year. It is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection of the throat and does not always require professional medical treatment. Often, self-care measures at home, with rest and plenty of fluids, will suffice until symptoms have resolved. It is important, however, to know when to seek appropriate medical attention.

Most people with a sore throat have a virus. Viruses can cause sore throats and other upper respiratory symptoms associated with the common cold. This infection does not require antibiotics. Complaints commonly associated with a sore throat from viral infections may include upper respiratory symptoms like a runny or stopped-up nose, cough and hoarseness, redness and irritation of the eyes and sometimes a fever (with temperatures greater than 100.4 F or 38 C). If a fever is present, associated symptoms of fatigue, body aches and a generalized headache may also be noted.

Bacterial infections may also cause a sore throat. Strep throat is one type of pharyngitis caused by a particular kind of bacterium called Group A Streptococcus. Strep throat accounts for about 10 percent of adults with a sore throat. It typically causes pain within the throat with enlarged, tender-to-touch lymph nodes in the neck. It may also cause patches of white pus to show up on the sides or back of the throat. A fever and its associated symptoms will likely occur. It does not usually cause upper respiratory symptoms, however.

Should you develop a sore throat in association with these symptoms, you should see your health care provider for possible strep testing. A Rapid Strep Test (RST) can be performed in most primary care offices. The results are available within a few minutes. If it is positive, you may be treated with antibiotics. The test is usually reliable, but sometimes there can be a problem with a false negative result. If there is a negative result, a throat swab for culture may be obtained to verify the findings. A throat swab for culture is considered more accurate than the negative RST, but the results will not be available for one to two days.

Dependent on your particular symptoms, exam findings and situation, empiric antibiotic coverage may be started while final results are pending. Typically, treatment will either be a one time antibiotic injection or oral antibiotics, which will last for 10 days. A full course of treatment should be completed when infection with strep is identified.

With initiation of antibiotic treatment for strep throat, symptoms should start improving over the next three to four days. If not, you should see your provider again. If you are experiencing worsening symptoms like neck stiffness, drooling because of difficulty swallowing, trouble breathing or difficulty opening your mouth, you should seek immediate medical care.

Should skin rashes or swelling in your neck, throat or tongue occur, you should also seek immediate medical attention. All of these may be signs of a potentially life-threatening complication of the infection.

Beyond the question regarding the need for antibiotics, some measures are helpful with symptoms of sore throat, regardless of the cause. Mild pain relievers like Acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory medicines like Ibuprofen can help with discomfort. Warm salt-water gargles (one teaspoon salt in eight ounces of warm water) may be of benefit. Topical anesthetic sprays or lozenges containing phenol or benzocaine are helpful in some cases. It is important to stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and to get plenty of rest. You should not plan to return to class or work until you are without a fever for at least 24 hours.

There are many other less common causes of sore throat, some of which can be even more serious. Unfortunately, we cannot adequately address these within this forum. Should you have concerns regarding other causes, you should discuss these with your health-care provider.

— Spencer Gregg, M.D. is a doctor of internal medicine at the Student Health Center. He can be reached at drgregg@utk.edu. To schedule at appointment at the Student Health Center, please call (865) 974-3648.

THE DAILY BACON • Blake Tredway

Columns of The Daily Beacon are reflections of the individual columnist, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or its editorial staff.

Basic cooking skills imperative for students On the R o ad . . . a n d t h e Ta b l e by

Jonathan Grayson As I mentioned in the very first column I wrote this semester, I am much more suited to eat than cook.

That being said, I think of myself as a decent cook. I know enough tricks and recipes to get by in a kitchen.

Since high school, I have been the default cook for nearly every social gathering I have been invited to. For some reason, my friends enjoy eating the food I cook. I am still not sure if it is because they actually like the food, or because they know I will gladly cook for them if asked.

Though I might not be the greatest cook in the world, or even in my family, I know kitchens and how to cook a few foods well. I know how to braise beef, roast pork loin and sauté vegetables, along with a few other things.

After being in college for four years, I have noticed that not many people know how to cook well. There are the select few people who can cook really well, and then there is the vast majority of people who can barely make a grilled cheese. There are certain essentials that everyone should be able to cook well.

One thing that every person needs to know how to cook is a perfect omelette. Eggs are simple, but for some reason, people seem to always screw them up.

Overcooked eggs taste like car tires, and undercooked eggs can lead to hours on the toilet. So being able to properly cook an egg is a must.

More so than scrambling an egg, an omelette is about technique and timing. You can watch a person make an omelette and instantly know if he or she is a good cook or not. Omelettes are also important for young people, because so often the only items in our fridges are eggs, cheese and an assortment of meats and sauces. The omelette allows us to throw all of these things into one frying pan and call it a meal.

The next most important skill for any cook is being able to properly chop and sauté vegetables. This one took me a while to get right. Many people chop vegetables too finely, which makes them turn to mush when sautéed. I have also found that this is the one

thing that people always want to do at dinner parties when cooking for friends. When my friends ask, “Can I help with anything?” they might as well be asking, “Can I chop the veggies?” Who is to blame them though? Everyone looks cool wielding a stainlesssteel chef’s knife.

Another essential for a young cook is to know how to properly grill meat. Knowing different cuts and how to marinate them is key. A good steak needs to sit in marinade at room temperature for at least an hour. This allows the meat to soak up the marinade.

It also makes the heat distribution more even when grilling.

The grilling process should be a simple one. Let the grill heat to 350 degrees before you put the steaks on. The key to a perfectly grilled steak is grill discipline. Never poke a steak, and certainly never flip it more than once. A great steak should be left alone on the grill. Timing is everything; so don’t get distracted practicing your tong twirling skills. Sip on a beer, watch the meat cook and enjoy being a grill master.

More so than grilling a steak, the one food that everyone needs to know how to cook for other people is spaghetti. A good spaghetti sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles can transform a dinner party into a memorable meal. Spaghetti sauce is all about practice. If you have never cooked a real spaghetti sauce in your life (and no, warmed-up Ragu does not count …), don’t wait until you have 15 starving friends over to your place before you practice honing your technique. Make some for yourself, and be a tough judge.

Everyone knows that the best spaghetti sauces are meat-based sauces. Use either ground beef or Italian sausage. Don’t go light on the meat, either. Your friends are hungry, and nothing is going to fill them up faster than a hearty meat sauce with pasta.

Cooking should be simple and fun. As college students we make excuses about not having enough time to prepare a proper meal. We have to make time for our cooking and ourselves. The kitchen is a place to forget about everything but the meal you are making. Grab a pan, crack some eggs and start cooking well.

—Jonathan Grayson is a senior in advertising. He can be reached at jgrayso3@utk.edu.

Inventions can have glamour without glitz Ac orns and Other Seeds by

Anna-Lise Burnette

Zac Ellis

Ally Callahan

To report a news item, please e-mail the newsroom@utk.edu or call the managing editor at 974-2348.

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To place a classified, please call the classified manager at 974-4931.

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Managing Editor: (865) 974-2348 Newsroom fax: (865) 974-5569 Photo: (865) 974-5212 E-mail: newsroom@utk.edu letters@utk.edu

The Daily Beacon is published by students at The University of Tennessee Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Tuesday and Friday during the summer semester. The offices are located at 1340 Circle Park Drive, 5 Communications Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0314. The newspaper is free on campus and is available via mail subscription for $200/year, $100/semester or $70/summer only. It is also available online at: http://utdailybeacon.com.

LETTERS POLICY: The Daily Beacon welcomes all letters to the editor and guest columns from students, faculty and staff. Each submission is considered for publication by the editor on the basis of space, timeliness and clarity. Contributions must include the author’s name and phone number for verification. Students must include their year in school and major. Letters to the editor and guest columns may be e-mailed to letters@utk.edu or sent to Zac Ellis, 1340 Circle Park Dr., 5 Communications Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0314. The Beacon reserves the right to reject any submissions or edit all copy in compliance with available space, editorial policy and style.

It’s been November lately, but this week has been filled with warm days and sunny, blue skies. The windows in my apartment have been opened, and a fan has blown a refreshing breeze into the room, even as the central heating has tried to make me faint. The fan, I’ve noticed, is a powerful little device that does its job with great humility and a good amount of dignity; it’s an understated guardian of my well-being.

Though I feel cheap as I phrase it even now, I enjoy thinking about all the wonders of the modern age that we enjoy and take for granted. The commonplace is now no longer a realm of natural phenomena — in fact, it’s become swamped with the existence of manmade concepts that, for our generation and those who have followed close behind, seem to have always existed.

(I intend to abstain from talking about communications technology here, because I think in some circles — that is, the older ones — a sense of wonderment stills exists. It probably won’t last long though; as the generations above us die off, the gratitude for the humble post office will probably fade away also.)

Plastic bags with zipper seals are inventions that astound me. Whoever designed the neatly locking plastic grooves to make an airtight seal was clearly a genius, a person whose mental prowess we should look up to in times of great stress. But instead, we hear about Thomas Edison and his dinky light bulbs.

Tape, too, is an odds-and-ends drawer staple that households can’t live without. Nail clippers, suction cups, grapefruit spoons — these are the unsung heroes of a world we can’t imagine because we don’t have to.

All these, such simple inventions, and they are disregarded just as much or more than those more technical inventions that we rarely think about to begin with (like refrigerators, bicycles, ceiling fans).

Part of why they don’t get credit, of course, is

obvious. Not only are these inventions not “new,” they’re simply unglamorous. And in a world where the shiny and the technicolor grab the most attention (and often sell the largest quantity), it’s no wonder scissors don't get too much acclaim.

Of course I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like my world made up in colorful herringbones and tiny, sparkling rhinestones, but there’s a time and a place for everything. There’s a reason those things have appeal: They aren’t ordinary. For the same reason that a supermodel is held in such high regard, there have to be plenty of Plain Jane things lying around for one to be a standout.

The real issue is why the ordinary and the commonplace aren’t celebrated for what they are.

The frivolous has overtaken the utilitarian in subtle ways, and I worry what this will mean in concrete terms for our little brothers and sisters. Will they dislike novels because e-books allow them “better graphics?” Or maybe they’ll eschew paring knives for pre-packaged, individually vacuum-sealed and temperature controlled-apple slices.

However, don’t think I’m blaming the fast-food ethic. It isn’t all about convenience, or we could easily chalk it up to increased laziness. Although that’s undoubtedly another issue, I don’t think it’s the sole cause at play when we look at lack of respect for the everyday item. Rather, I think it goes hand in hand with the profligacy of things that comes with mass production. The cheaper and easier something is to obtain, the less perceived worth it ultimately has.

We could all be champions of the little things, if we wanted to be. It just takes the right mindset to know how to look at something and say with sincerity “this ____ is really wonderful.” Imagine how happy everyone would be if, while looking across the dining room table, the pepper grinder suddenly gained some self-esteem. The keys you curse at for getting lost for the umpteenth time?

Show them some appreciation for what they are, and you’ll see a smile that flashes like the sun.

Being trampled on, abused and ignored: That’s the life of the simple objects we fill our lives with but pay no mind to. So slow down, and notice the graceful curves and sleek lines of the beautiful, useful things humankind has devised.

—Anna-Lise Burnette is a junior in global and Asian studies. She can be reached at kburnet7@utk.edu.

Friday, November 12, 2010

The Daily Beacon • 5A

ENTERTAINMENT

UT committees collaborate to host Big Boi of allocating money (from a small portion of the Programs & Services Fee, $300 per semester, which every student pays) for different student organizations, the RES Board To go out with a bang, or rather the bump of a bass, this (made up of administration, alumni, SGA and other stuweek’s Homecoming festivities will end tomorrow night dent representatives) had funds left over. The decision with Big Boi, one-half of the music duo Outkast, at the was made to allocate that money toward a Homecoming Concert organized by BCPC and CPC. Additionally, All Knoxville Civic Coliseum.

Big Boi is one of the few remaining headlining south- Campus Events and the United Residence Hall Council ern hip-hop artists in the entire music community. His are cosponsoring the concert.”

This concert is not strictly about Homecoming or the global performances have captivated audiences and capgroups that provide these great experiences for tured the respect a the students, it is hard-working musiabout music too. cian deserves. This “This is the first concert is part of concert of the the other school year where Homecoming you can go see a events which will big artist,” Ashley take place this Omelogu, sophoweekend. more in pre-pharMiriam Ruth macy, said. She Dike, a junior in continued by sayanthropology and a ing “his new album minor in history, is really good,” a also serves as the record she called E x e c u t i v e funky.

Chairperson of the “Big Boi is a Central Program nationally known Council, which is artist, who sells one of the groups out shows regularly responsible for and who is well bringing Big Boi to worth $20 to see,” Knoxville.

Dike said. She also She said, “The said that other venconcert will hopeues would not be fully bring students able to charge such together to listen • Photo courtesy of music.com low prices because to some awesome they lack the subsimusic,” and that “Homecoming is a time for all the students to celebrate dization that UT students being a part of an amazing school and to see each other as have already provided as fellow Volunteers and friends.” Furthermore, this event is part of their attendance at this university. the first of its kind at UT. This concert is off of the “Both Black Cultural Programming Committee and CPC talked about doing some kind of collaborative actual UT campus, but the Homecoming event for many years but was never quite university will provide able to pull it off,” Dike said. “Last spring, after a long day transportation to those who

Chris Bratta

Staff Writer

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do not have the necessary means of transportation or for those who prefer carpooling. UT will provide passenger vans located at the Presidental Courtyard, the Black Cultural Center and at the Greve Horseshoe. These vans will circulate from 6:46 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., and they will provide transportation back to the allocated locations.

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NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD • Will Shortz Across 1 Use a joystick 6 Biblical figure who received the curse of Ham 12 Somewhat astringent, as wine

24 One doing laundry, often 25 Wrap in sheets 26 They’re on the books 27 The great

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17 Like collision avoidance systems

33 Basketball shooting

18 “Driving Miss Daisy” setting

34 Maximally intense

19 Conservative pundit with a daily morning radio show 20 Popular bar since 1946

working on a mop

game

37 “Alice ___ It Again” (Noel Coward song) 38 Pantry 40 What a compact

often lacks 22 “I never ___ moor”: Emily Dickinson 42 Green 23 Delivery that may floor you

44 Reply to a pushy person

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE

45 Think worthy of doing

7 Words of

46 Change, at times

8 Strip teaser?

29 Fix, as a bow

47 Turned down

9 Toughened

30 Toughened

48 What big projects are usually done in 49 Tough row to hoe?

Down 1 One way to go to a party 2 Lead-in to bath or powder 3 Join

clarification

10 Seemingly 11 Workers may be drawn to them 13 What can give you a heads-up?

14 Big shot 16 Some pilgrims 21 Lake Chapala’s

4 Massive, in Marne

state

5 Country standard

24 Ordered

that begins “Love is a burning thing” 6 Quail flock

programming 26 Bleached 27 Like an owl’s eyes

28 Set of cursive Japanese symbols

31 Big name in home theaters 34 ___ Energy (big natural gas utility) 35 Elegantly groomed 36 It’s worth a couple of bucks in Canada 38 Acoustics measures 39 Soft, now 41 His vet is Liz Wilson 43 Rolls out for sale at a nursery

6A • The Daily Beacon

Friday, November 12, 2010

ENTERTAINMENT

Comedienne transcends gender boundaries Margaret Cho breaks into male-dominated world of comedy, uses position to fight hate her early comedy and have remained a constant part of her shows since. She said there was no breakthrough moment where her career took off, but rather through diligence and Entertainment Editor adaptability was able to build a respectable list of credits, Comedy is sometimes treated as a man’s game. The cru- from film to “Dancing With the Stars.”

“I am not sure if there was a turning point but more just dity and explicit nature of many comics’ shows could be characterized as “unladylike” by typical American and many different moments where I pushed myself to go farWestern standards. For Margaret Cho, however, these con- ther and then had a lot of help after that,” Cho said. “What is good is that I am hard-working but also very enthusiastic cerns mean little to nothing.

Beginning with roles on television in the early ’90s, Cho to learn new things, so that has led me down a lot of great grew from struggling actress to one of the top women in paths. I am very lucky to have so much variety in what I am comedy with her first show in 2000, called “I’m the One able to do in my work.”

While film and television appearThat I Want,” much of which came ances have provided Cho an opportufrom her debut memoir of the same nity to perform in a variety of mediname. Cho said that while she hasums, comedy is where her most pern’t changed her approach much, the sonal work comes from. show still holds a strong bearing on “In general, acting for me has been her act today. for other people’s projects, and come“I don’t think my approach to my dy is my own show, so the difference work has changed that much since I is in the content,” Cho said. did that show, and I love that show, “Comedy happens at night, and actbecause it helped me to create my ing happens during the day.” style and voice as a standup comic,” “Cho Dependent,” the comediCho said. “What has changed is that enne’s first full-length album of I get to do a lot more different types comedic material, is the latest project of work — from acting to singing in which Cho pushes the boundaries and even dance — so that is excitof her repertoire to new levels. ing, yet I still feel my standup com“I wanted to create a comedy edy has the same edge that was album with startlingly beautiful brought out by that particular music, which was an awesome wish show.” and intention, and I got to realize it As a Korean-American woman, – Margaret Cho describing the with some of my most treasured who also happens to be bisexual, video for her song “Eat S***” friends and the best minds in music,” Cho has also faced a great deal of Cho said. “I really love the album and prejudice, and since her rise to everyone on it.” celebrity, has become an outspoken When the album dropped in late August, Cho released a advocate for LGBT equal rights. The outlet of comedy has pair of videos for the singles “I’m Sorry” and “Eat S*** and provided Cho a soapbox to combat hate.

“It is greatly frustrating to see how homophobic the Die.” The latter video, a cabaret in vaudeville dress, feaworld can be, as well as racist and sexist and discriminato- tures fecal follies and Cho as a femme fatale.

“It’s a chanteuse moment but cut up with the absurdity ry for other reasons, but then again, these can all be ‘teachable’ moments as well,” Cho explained. “If something of the turds,” she said. “I just thought the turd costumes hideous happens, I always have my comedy to explore it, were so funny, and my husband made them from photos of explain it, amend it, deal with it, so actually, I feel like my dogs’ turds, so they are very lifelike. What fun we had.

“Liam Sullivan is responsible for the vision, and I think being a comic is the best way to deal with all the hatred that it came out so beautifully, even though it is dancing turds.” exists out there.”

Cho will perform at the Biijou Theatre Nov. 20 in supCho’s early misfires and various personal toils informed port of “Cho Dependent.”

Jake Lane

“

I just thought

the turd costumes were so funny, and my

husband made them

from photos of my dogs’ turds, so they are very lifelike.

• Photo courtesy of margaretcho.com

”

Friday, November 12, 2010

ENTERTAINMENT

The Daily Beacon • 7A

‘Magnet Poetry’ offers creative opportunities Chris Bratta Staff Writer An experience unique to UT is available in the UC ’s Concourse. It is called “Magnet Poetry ” and will continue until the end of November. Various black words on white foam- core, complete with Velcro, are attached to the walls of the concourse and can be placed in any arrangement . Although they are not actual magnets, they are meant to represent the magnet packages that are often purchased at places like Bliss or calendar stores in the mall.

“Go swim/sit cool luscious spring rain/do as you do/blow lust through her hair/and smear his picture of a girl” was precisely placed upon the wall. S ome students were smiling and exclaiming, “Ha ha, yes, now let’s make a haiku.”

Although it may seem geeky, it did happen, and it

Pat Summitt says, “Recycle your Beacon!”

was an interesting experience to view. Like children on a playground, this poetry was rapidly changing with the different people interacting with one another. With the introduction of new people, new ideas and new vocabulary, a new product was born. “ Together we live above it/as if time were still/watching our sweet love/show beauty through here” was another poem created on the walls of the UC. Not only are the poems different, but the layouts of them are different too. This poem, for instance, was neatly arranged, while others used spacing, tilting and other various effects to serve a purpose.

Ian Cato, undecided freshman, described the exhibit as in the moment, and he said that the poetry is often a collaborative effort. Participating in this form of poetry is very in the moment, because it is what one is feeling at that particular time, and it is created and destroyed in an instant, he said.

“ The process (of creating this type of poetry) involves everyone who walks past it,” Cato said. “...

The fact that it is open and on the wall creates one aspect, which is the actual writing, to those who would not normally write poetry.”

The people in the UC appeared excited to create the poetry, but the passersby were not merely looking at the walls with discontent then dismissing it all together; the majority of the viewers stopped to participate or slowly walked by reading what had been created. “Magnet Poetry ” provides a free, open and easy option to show a little bit of creativity, which seems to attract people.

This type of art brings a new sense of creativity, as well as an outlet, for those who are willing to give it a chance. Although the poetry is not up forever, and because it can be changed so often, is no reason to stray from going in and giving it a shot.

8A • The Daily Beacon

How the UT will win The Vols come into their 2010 Homecoming game buzzing with the most momentum they’ve had all season after a blow-out win against Memphis. The offense ignited the opposing secondary, and the defense did its job against a lousy Tiger offense.

Now comes SEC football again. The Vols’ offensive line, which is still as bruised and banged up as it has been all season, has to protect better against Ole Miss than it did Memphis. Quarterback Tyler Bray proved that he can escape the pocket and throw on the run, but these Rebel defenders will be a little bigger and faster.

The Volunteers forced five turnovers and recorded five sacks last weekend. End result? A huge margin in defeat and plenty of room to slack in the second half if they chose to do so once again. Surprisingly, the Vols put together four quarters of play and continued running hard until the clock struck 0:00. The Vols do not necessarily have to strike first against Ole Miss like they’ve seemed to do in a lot of big games this season and hang around for a half but rather score late and play tough for four complete quarters.

The day-to-day status of Ole Miss’ dual-threat quarterback, Jeremiah Masoli, is still unknown after a concussion last week, but if he plays, Tennessee must contain his playmaking ability and not allow him to escape to the edges. Ole Miss has two tailback speedsters in Brandon Bolden and Jeff Scott, who both have great speed and can take it to the house on any play if not wrapped up the first time. The Vols will have to contain these three playmakers in order to secure their first SEC victory.

Both teams come in having been pushed around for much of the season. If Bray can exploit the Ole Miss defense -— ranked 100th in points against at 32.9 per game — and UT can play the football they’re capable of for four quarters, the 2010 Homecoming Week festivities will be capped off with a win.

SPORTS

Friday, November 12, 2010

Vols aim for Homecoming victory “Everybody was saying, ‘What’s wrong with third down?’ Well, the freshmen weren’t ready. I think since then, it’s been good.”

And if all else fails, the Vols can count on the steady playStaff Writer ing of running back Tauren Poole, who currently ranks fifth in Tennessee (3-6, 0-5) will look for to extend their newly the SEC with 729 rushing yards on the season.

As for defense, besides the condition of Ole Miss’ starting found winning streak Saturday as Ole Miss (4-5, 1-4) come to quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, who is recovering from a contown for Homecoming.

This game will serve as a start to a three-game SEC stretch cussion, Dooley put things simple.

“Here, these guys against opponents that run a bunch of formathe Vols have had a large tions,” Dooley said. amount of success “There’s no real contiagainst. The Vols and nuity in their plays. So Rebels have played 63 you have to play games, with UT holding sound, good football the series lead at 43-19across the board and 1. However, last year, good gap control.”

Ole Miss racked up 42 The Vols enter points in a decisive vicSaturday with the tory in Oxford. hopes of a bowl game But this year is a difresting squarely on the ferent game. Dexter next three games, simMcCluster, the Rebels’ ply put “win out and biggest contributor to they’re in.” But Dooley last year’s victory, has cautioned against left the Rebels and the looking ahead to Vols are coming into this December, citing the game hot from a 50-14 Tia Patron • The Daily Beacon fact that his team has rout of Memphis.

The story of the Da'Rick Rogers runs the ball against Oregon on Sep. 9. Against yet to win a conference game.

Memphis game was true Memphis, Rogers caught his first career touchdown pass.

“We’re 0-5,” Dooley freshman quarterback Tyler Bray. Bray, who made his first career start Saturday, said. “I’m not going to sit here and say that nobody should racked up 308 passing yards and five touchdowns in the first think about the bowl game, because that’s human nature. But we’re not going to get to a bowl game if we don’t beat Ole half alone.

“It was exciting,” Bray said of the game. “Just tried to keep Miss. That’s all our mind should be on. I think the biggest calm as usual and just stayed relaxed and just let the rest of the thing is let’s go out there and put together a complete game against an SEC opponent. We haven’t done that.” guys on the field help me out.”

Regardless of records, this game is expected to be a hardOn offense, the Vols will look to rely not only on the emerging Bray, but also a young, fast group of recievers. Led by sen- fought, close game between two SEC teams looking to make iors Gerald Jones and Denarius Moore, the receiving corps has the best of the last month of the season.

“There is a lot to play for,” Nutt said. “It’s about how you recently been helped by the development of freshmen wide finish in November. We will have their best, there is no doubt outs Da’Rick Rogers and Justin Hunter.

“It hurt us early in the year when Gerald (Jones) was out in my mind, and we are going to give them our best.”

Kickoff is at noon on CBS. and the freshmen weren’t ready,” UT coach Derek Dooley said.

Preston Peeden

Friday, November 12, 2010

SPORTS

Reeling Rebels eyeing bowl berth made some big throws for them and has some good receivers. He has gotten better each time he has taken the field.”

Staff Writer Though Nutt said a lot about the similarities of the two teams, After their victory last year against the Volunteers, the Ole he is also aware of the differences. He said that the team has developed since last year and feels that the greatest cause for conMiss Rebels look to win again against the downtrodden Vols.

The Rebels are facing a losing record this season, but things cern is the Vols’ outstanding defense.

“There are some differences, several of their players are back look hopeful as they enter Neyland Stadium on Saturday. The Vols have experienced two coaching switches over the last two from last year,” Nutt said. “They have some guys that can run, including Chris Walker seasons and are also in on defense. He is a very the midst of a losing good defensive end. season, and head coach Every team has one or Houston Nutt felt that two that are so athletic, the Rebels definitely and he is one of those have a chance. guys.

LaMarcus “I think it’s no secret Thompson, Herman that they’re a lot like Lathers and Janzen us,” Nutt said. “There Jackson really show up as are still bowl possibiliwell. They are more difties for both teams. ferent on defense this There is a lot to play year.” for. It’s about how you The Vols are also aware finish in November. We of their improvements will have their best, over the course of the there is no doubt in my semester.

As they mind, and we are going approach the end of the to give them our best.” year, head coach Derek Sophomore kicker Dooley began to see Bryson Rose is one of • Photo courtesy of Addison Dent/The Daily Mississippian growth and improvement the Rebels’ best and Ole Miss’ Jeremiah Masoli takes off against Kentucky. Masoli has in his team during a has significantly helped the team this thrown for 1,521 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. The Ole recent practice.

“It was good today, not year. Nutt said that his Miss game will be the first time UT is favored over an SEC team a lot of mental errors,” this year. assistance on the field Dooley said. “It’s getting has been an unexpectcompetitive. I feel like we’re practicing better here down the ed but welcome surprise.

“I never thought he would be so consistent,” Nutt said. “He stretch, and hopefully it’s going to carry over to the game.”

With the confidence that the Rebels will face when they meet has done an excellent job for us.”

Even with players like Rose on the field, this is still some cause the Vols on their home field, Ole Miss will need to be prepared for for doubt, and the Rebels will be giving their all for the team as the challenge and Nutt is aware of this. Nutt said he is aware of they face the Vols. The recent freshman talent that has come in improvement, but that now is not the time for the team to jump the form of Vols quarterback, Tyler Bray, is something that gives up and down thinking that everything is right.

“We will play a much more athletic team jumping back into the the Rebels concern and that Nutt said is important not to overSEC,” Nutt said. “You have to hold your blocks longer. Everybody look.

“He has a very strong and accurate arm,” Nutt said. “He has has to finish like Bobbie Massie (sophomore Ole Miss offensive tackle). We have to keep working and keep getting better.”

Lauren Kittrell

The Daily Beacon • 9A

How Ole Miss will win The Rebels come into this week’s match-up fresh off a 43-21 homecoming win over Louisiana-Lafayette.

Still, the victory came with a loss. Ole Miss starting quarterback Jeremiah Masoli suffered a concussion in the first quarter and is still questionable for Saturday’s game against Tennessee.

If Masoli cannot play, the Rebel offense will have a much different look to it. Expect the dual-threat Masoli to play and help an Ole Miss ground attack that ranks second in the SEC, averaging 222 yards per game on the ground.

The Rebels’ running game is led by tailback Brandon Bolden. Last week, Bolden had more than 200 yards of total offense and three touchdowns. He is a big, fast, brusing back, who will look to attack an undersized UT front seven giving up more than 150 yards per game on the ground this year.

Two players who are not undersized are Ole Miss’ defensive tackles Jerrell Powe and Ted Laurent. The two form the best tackle combination in the SEC. The 6-foot-2, 320-pound Powe garners much of the attention from his nose-tackle position. He will get the attention of two UT offensive linemen on each play and will try to slow down the Vols’ running game, which ranks last in the SEC, averaging just 119 yards per game.

For the Rebels to have success, Powe and the rest of the Rebels’ front seven will need to get pressure on UT true freshman quarterback Tyler Bray.

If Bray is given time to throw, he should have another big day against the Rebels.

It all comes down to Masoli. If the Oregon transfer is able to play (and UT coaches have been expecting him to), the Rebels should be able to score enough points to hold off a fired-up Tennessee team looking to keep its bowl hopes alive and win on Homecoming.

SPORTS CALENDAR

10 A• The Daily Beacon

?

What’s HAPPENING IN SPORTS

Nov. 12 — Nov. 13

Friday, Nov. 12 — Men’s Swimming Ohio State Columbus, Ohio 5:30 p.m.

THESPORTSPAGE

Pick ‘Em

Friday, November 12, 2010

1. Tennessee vs. Ole Miss 2. No. 1 Oregon at California 3. No. 9 Ohio State vs. Penn State 4. No. 10 Oklahoma State at Texas 5. No. 12 Alabama vs. No. 19 Mississppi State 6. No. 17 Missouri vs. No. 24 Kansas State 7. No. 18 Arizona vs. USC 8. No. 20 Virginia Tech at North Carolina 9. No. 23 South Carolina at No. 22 Florida Game of the week: No. 2 Auburn vs. Georgia

Men’s Basketball Chattanooga Knoxville 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 13 — Football Ole Miss Knoxville 12:00 p.m.

Women’s Cross-country NCAA South Regional Birmingham, Ala. 9:45 a.m.

Daily Quote

“We just need one

Matt Dixon

Colin Skinner

Zac Ellis

Sports Editor

Asst. Sports Editor

Editor-in-Chief

1. Tennessee (30-27) 2. Oregon 3. Ohio State 4. Oklahoma State 5. Alabama 6. Missouri 7. Arizona 8. Virginia Tech 9. Florida 10. Auburn (38-30) Last week: 6-4 (.600) Overall: 69-21 (.767)

1. Tennessee (27-21) 2. Oregon 3. Ohio State 4. Oklahoma State 5. Alabama 6. Missouri 7. Arizona 8. North Carolina 9. South Carolina 10. Auburn (24-10)

1. Tennessee (24-21) 2. Oregon 3. Ohio State 4. Oklahoma State 5. Alabama 6. Missouri 7. USC 8. Virginia Tech 9. South Carolina 10. Auburn (35-17)

Last week: 7-3 (.700) Overall: 67-23 (.744)

Last week: 5-5 (.500) Overall: 68-22 (.756)

Ally Callahan

Brandi Panter

more good recruiting class to build on. I feel like we’ve got a great freshman quarterback, and I really feel like we have a lot of talent to build on.”

Kevin Huebschman – UT freshman wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers on the future of Tennessee football.

Chief Copy Editor

Advertising Manager

Managing Editor

1. Ole Miss (35-31) 2. Oregon 3. Ohio State 4. Oklahoma State 5. Alabama 6. Missouri 7. Arizona 8. Virginia Tech 9. Florida 10. Auburn (48-40)

1.Tennessee (27-21) 2. Oregon 3. Ohio State 4. Oklahoma State 5. Alabama 6. Kansas State 7. Arizona 8. Virginia Tech 9. South Carolina 10. Auburn (31-24)

1. Ole Miss (17-14) 2. Oregon 3. Ohio State 4. Oklahoma State 5. Alabama 6. Missouri 7. Arizona 8. Virginia Tech 9. South Carolina 10. Auburn (21-10)

Last week: 7-3 (.700) Overall: 65-25 (.722)

Last week: 6-4 (.600) Overall: 59-31 (.656)

Last week: 5-5 (.500) Overall: 65-25 (.722)

Matt Dixon Sports Editor Basketball at Tennessee has taken national prominence in recent years.

Bruce Pearl has elevated the men’s program into a perennial SEC title contender and high seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Pat Summitt’s teams are always Final Four caliber and set the bar high.

“It’s my favorite time of the year,” Pearl said at the team’s media day in October.

“The opportunity to put a team together, combining all the different pieces that you anticipate having, both from recruiting to the offseason workouts and the development of the players individually and the challenge of putting them all together and seeing if you can become a competitive championship basketball team.”

Summitt’s squad returns everyone from last year’s team, which was upset in the Sweet Sixteen by Baylor. This year, the veteran team has only one goal.

“When you have an experienced team, you have to look at the history and where

have we been,” Summitt said. “We’re trying to get to a Final Four so we have our focus very narrow, and we know what it is we want to accomplish. We’ve had a hard time getting there, and so now I think they really feel like it’s our turn.

“If we don’t get to Indianapolis, we’re not going to be happy at all. That’s our goal. We want to cut down nets.”

The Lady Vols haven’t cut down the nets after winning a national championship since 2008, the last time Summitt had such an experienced squad.

“It’s an experienced team, thank goodness, finally,” Summitt said. “With that comes the maturity and the focus that they have and the drive. I know they’re excited that we’re pretty healthy overall.

So I feel really good about them. And I think they’re more confident now, and they’ve earned that right, because they’ve invested more, and they know what to expect every day.”

The ongoing NCAA investigation has cast a dark shadow on Pearl and his program. The university self-imposed recruiting sanctions on coaches as well as pay

cuts for Pearl and his assistant coaches.

Still the talent on the roster has Pearl intrigued of the possibilities.

“As far as the roster’s concerned, this is the first year I really think since we got here that we have 13 guys on scholarship, maybe it’s happened before,” Pearl said.

“And really 14 guys that have an opportunity to be in the regular rotation, legitimately. From that standpoint, it is our deepest team.”

Despite the abundance of talent, Pearl knows the losses of seniors from last year’s Elite Eight team will give the Vols a new look.

“The face of Tennessee basketball has changed,” Pearl said. “I mean, 80 percent of my career at Tennessee, Wayne Chism has been a starter — not there. J.P. Prince has played for the last three years. So it’s, you know, we’re going to look different, but I think the guys that return have improved, and I think the newcomers will fit in nicely. The face of our team is going to look a lot different. So it’s going to present a lot of opportunities. We’ll play differently. We’ll look differently. The sys-

tem will be the same.”

Even with the high expectations coming off an Elite Eight appearance last year, Pearl looks at each season individually as a new challenge.

“I think you take it one year at a time, and the thing I’m most proud of is that we’ve been here five years (as coaches), and we’ve been in the NCAA Tournament five years, and we’re the only SEC team to do that, and so, this is the thing you want, you want consistency from some of your young people and to continue to have our team be in position to compete for championships,” Pearl said. “Last year was wonderful, and it was special. It had never happened before in Tennessee basketball history and that was last year.

“There’s no unfinished business, we’re not building on what we did last year, last year’s over and now it’s time for this team and this group to represent the University of Tennessee in the best fashion we can.”

Two fiery coaches, two talented teams and a fan base hungry for championships — basketball season is ready to tip-off in Knoxville.

2B • The Daily Beacon

BASKETBALLPREVIEW

Friday, November 12, 2010

Friday, November 12, 2010

The Daily Beacon • 3B

BASKETBALLPREVIEW

Lady Vol rookies reinforce UT backcourt Zac Ellis Editor-in-Chief Lady Vols freshmen Lauren Avant and Meighan Simmons took different approaches to reach Tennessee’s 2010 signing class.

For one, the decision was made long ago.

For the other, it took a dream to realize her goal of playing in orange.

“I had a dream about me playing (at UT) before I got here,” the 5-foot-9-inch Simmons said of her commitment to sign with the Lady Vols. “I knew the next morning when I woke up that UT was where I was going to go.”

Was the decision as spur-of-the-moment for Avant? Not so, says the Memphis product.

“I pretty much bled orange,” Avant said.

“It’s been a lifelong dream.”

Despite the different paths taken for the two UT newcomers, Avant and Simmons make up the entirety of the Lady Vols’ 2010 signing class — two guards looking to add speed and decision-making ability to Pat Summitt’s backcourt.

“We are excited about the depth these freshmen bring to our guard play,” Summitt said.

“Together, they are a very cohesive pair and love to get after people on the defensive end.”

A highly touted recruit, Simmons routinely filled box scores as a senior at Byron P. Steele

High School in Cibolo, Texas. In her final prep season, Simmons averaged a scorching 25.4 points per game en route to 3,406 career points as a high school player — a San Antonio-area record.

Yet in just a few short months of preseason workouts, Simmons has already seen improvement as a result of UT’s practices.

“I’m really improving on my defense,” Simmons said. “I need to work on not rushing many shots, Geroge Richardson• The Daily Beacon but I think my strongest part of my Meighan Simmons shoots a jumper game right now is against Union on Sunday, Nov. 7. just going to the bas- Simmons, along with Lauren Avant, ket and my defense.” make up UT’s freshmen guard duo.

Avant’s guard play clashes slightly with Simmons’ explosive offensive repertoire. As the edge, but Avant’s

what Summitt calls a “true point guard,” Avant prefers a passfirst approach to find scoring opportunities for teammates and to carry the offense. In a 134-game high school career at Lausanne Collegiate School in Memphis, Avant recorded 90 doubledoubles, seven tripledoubles and even one quadruple-double.

“I’m a distributer,” Avant, who committed to UT as a 14year-old, said. “I like to play defense, and I like to create turnovers, get the team involved. I try to bring a lot of energy to the game.”

Playing the role of a Pat Summitt point guard has historically brought even UT’s best floor generals to role in the offense is

already determined, Summitt said.

“I will be expecting her to push tempo at all times,” Summitt said.

Though the two freshmen with different games eventually found their way to Tennessee, one aspect of UT made signing with the Lady Vols seemingly a no-brainer: the team’s hard-nosed head coach.

“She’s one of the most honest people you’ll meet in your life,” Avant said of Summitt. “She doesn’t sugarcoat anything to you; she tells you how it is. She’ll tell you things you don’t even want to know sometimes.”

“She’s straightforward, and she knows exactly what she wants,” Simmons said. “She wants the best for her girls, and she’s going to do whatever she can to make sure they have the best, and they are the best.”

Avant and Simmons join a Lady Vol squad that lost no players to graduation thanks to last season’s senior-less roster. But the opportunity to make an impact within a seasoned group of players leaves the duo excited about the work already on the horizon.

“I think being newcomers, you should have to learn and come in,” Simmons said. “You should be a follower before you can lead.

Having everyone returning and not really losing anybody, we can play with people we’ve seen before, and we know their game, so that makes the adjustment that much easier.”

Vol newcomers poised to add spark to roster Lauren Kittrell Staff Writer A new season is beginning for the Tennessee Vols basketball, and with it comes some excellent additions to the team and hope for the future.

With four incoming freshmen and a senior transfer, the Vols are aiming for a stellar season this year and in the years to come. Trae Golden, Tobias Harris, Jordan McRae, Tyler Summitt and senior John Fields are working hard in practices and building relationships with their teammates to prepare for a tough season that is quickly approaching, and coach Bruce Pearl has complete confidence in them.

“I think the big thing is, they look like they can all play,” Pearl said. “I think that they’re different as far as their positions and their abilities, but they all can play at a higher level.”

This is especially applicable for Fields as he transfers to the team from UNC-Wilmington. With the experience he received from playing college basketball and the training he gets with his team now, Fields is ready for the higher level of competition and bigger crowd playing at a major school presents.

“I love Knoxville,” Fields said. “This is the best situation with great fans. It’s a big-time program on a bigger scale. Just the attendance and the fan participation in every sport is just crazy. Seeing 20,000 people in orange and white will be a big deal for me.”

The veterans on the team admire and appreciate the incoming

players and are looking forward to seeing how they will affect the team. Senior guard Josh Bone said that, while there are many different personalities on the team, they are working well together and will be a great addition.

“I feel like everybody’s ready to shine,” Bone said. “Everybody is going to play a big part in our season.”

One of the biggest things that the team has to work towards is preparing for the shock of entering Thompson-Boling Arena for their first real game. While Bone feels that there is little the team can do to prepare the newcomers, he believes they will rise to the challenge.

“There isn’t a way to prepare them,” Bone said. “You’re gonna have jitters anyway. The first shot, you’re gonna have butterflies in your stomach, but they’ll be ready. They’ll get it out easy with their first score, just like any other game. Just playing basketball and tell them that it’s basketball, and there’s nothing to be scared of.”

After graduating several starters last year, including Bobby Maze and Wayne Chism, the freshmen have a better opportunity to get some playing time early on. They are already coming to the program with a great record, and now they have to opportunity to prove that.

“They each have different opportunities based on their returning roster,” Pearl said. “Tobias Harris has a good chance to play, not just because he’s a McDonald’s All-American and a great player, but also we lost some guys in his position. Trae Golden will have an opportunity because we lost Bobby Maze. Jordan McRae

will have an opportunity because of graduating J.P. also, so they’re all going to have an opportunity to contribute.”

Pearl feels that relationships between teammates are strong and that this will have an effect on the team as a whole and the way they perform this season. He said the freshmen have bonded through the summer and through different workouts but that relationships between the veterans and the freshmen are there as well.

“They’re all hard working, and they’re all unselfish players,” Pearl said. “I think that’s what this team will appreciate.”

The freshmen themselves are eager to experience their first game in Division-I basketball. One of the biggest things that the newcomers are excited about are the fans.

“I’m excited about my first UT game and playing in front of the Rocky Top fans,” McRae said. “I’ve been to a couple games on my visits, and it’s crazy in front of 25,000.”

Despite the awing experience of being cheered on by such an overwhelming crowd, McRae seems to be unconcerned about nerves on the court.

“I’m not really the kind of person who gets nervous,” McRae said.

With this in mind, the team will continue to prepare with confidence and with an eagerness to begin the season. McRae said the team is just enjoying themselves through the entire process, and that one of his favorite parts of being on the team is the relationships.

“Our team is a fun team,” McRae said. “We’ll have lots of fun.”

4B • The Daily Beacon

BASKETBALLPREVIEW

Friday, November 12, 2010

Veterans aim to push Vols deep into March Jason Hall Staff Writer Many key players return from UT’s 2009-10 men’s basketball team, one of the most successful seasons in school history.

upcoming season. Along with Hopson, much of the hype surrounding the returning Vols falls upon Brian Williams, Melvin Goins and Cameron Tatum. All received significant amounts of playing time last year.

Williams was one of the most improved players over the course of the entire season for UT. Following the well-documented New Year’s Day suspensions, Williams took the time off and trimmed down on his weight, which helped improved his quality of play. He takes this philosophy into the upcoming season as he has dedicated this summer to getting into the best shape in his career as a Volunteer.

Williams spent three weeks in July training with Frank Matrisciano in San Francisco, where he dropped 15 pounds.

Williams’ expectations for himself, as well as his team, are high going into this season.

“Numbers wise, I’m trying to be the best I’ve been since I’ve been here,” Williams said. “My goal is to average a double-double. I want to have at least 10 rebounds every game, or I’m disappointed with myself. And playing over 25 total minutes (per game) is also a goal for me. That’s something I didn’t do until the NCAA tournament. As a team, my goal is to win the SEC championship.”

Goins started a few games last season, although Maze saw the majority of playing time at the point guard position.

Ian Harmon • The Daily Beacon

Renaldo Woolridge lays the ball in against Brevard on Thursday, Nov. 4. A consistent threat from the perimeter last season, Woolridge will see extensive playing time in place of the graduated J.P. Prince.

George Richardson • The Daily Beacon

Brian Williams puts up a shot against Indianapolis on Monday, Nov. 8. Williams stands to be a dominant force in the paint for UT’s frontcourt this season.

The Vols will return most of their rotation, with the exception of three key players: Wayne Chism, J.P. Prince and Bobby Maze.

Replacing the three starters will be no easy task. One of the main factors for UT’s success will be the play of junior guard Scotty Hopson.

Ranked as the fifth best player in the country out of high school, according to Rivals.com, Hopson averaged 12.2 points per game last season, second only to Chism’s 12.6.

Many believe Hopson still has not met his full potential since enrolling at UT. However, this season will be a true test to Hopson’s legacy as this will be his chance to be “the go-to guy” for the Vols.

With the absence of Chism and Prince, many fans regard the 2010-11 Volunteers as “Hopson’s team.”

Many other players are looking to become leaders for this

George Richardson • The Daily Beacon

Melvin Goins launches a 3-pointer against Indianapolis on Monday, Nov. 8. UT coach Bruce Pearl will expect Goins to assume the point guard position to replace the departed Bobby Maze.

Goins is regarded by many, including coach Bruce Pearl, as the first true point guard to play for UT since C.J. Watson.

Goins will also take on the role of a leader for the freshmen this season, a role he is willing to accept.

“I just think I have to be very active and lead by my actions first,” Goins said. “I have to never take a play off, stay at it and take care of my responsibilities. Just be a leader and fit into that title. I just want to get better everyday as a basketball player and as a leader.”

Tatum has been another key scoring threat for the Vols.

The swingman averaged 7.4 points per game last season while seeing an increase in playing time toward the end of the season.

However, his role will likely be increased following the departure of Prince. Pearl acknowledged how much Tatum will be relied upon this upcoming season.

“I think Cameron Tatum is one of the guys who will have the most changed role this season,” Pearl said. “He’s always been one of our leaders and will see a lot of playing time if he can stay healthy.”

Friday, November 12, 2010

BASKETBALLPREVIEW

The Daily Beacon • 5B

Summitt eyes ‘committed’ Lady Vol veterans Seth Jensen Staff Writer The Lady Vols basketball team has been picked to win the SEC, and experience will be a factor for them to meet and exceed such expectations.

said. “They’re very invested. There’s no doubt they want to be in Indianapolis for the Final Four. Shekinna and Angie have shown tremendous leadership. They’re older, they’re more invested and they’re more confident. I have high expectations this season.”

The Big Orange will be facing plenty of competition this season, as they will face seven teams ranked in the preseason poll.

“I think we’ll find out early on how competitive we are and how committed we are,” Summitt said. “It’s a possession-by-possession game, and I don’t want to look ahead, but we’re really going to challenge this team and hope that no one’s going to give into fatigue. We had that and even still have it in practice a little bit now. But that’s where we as a coaching staff have to really challenge individuals, as well as the team overall.”

Johnson, who averaged 10.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game last season, said the whole team has become mentors to the two freshmen this season.

“The fact that we didn’t lose anyone helped us practice easily,” Johnson said. “It was our responsibility, not the coaches’, to teach the freshmen what to do. It was pretty easy, we have a strong connection. We are able to talk and communicate really well.”

Junior forward Alicia Manning, who started 14 games last year, said the team has prepared well during the off-

George Richardson • The Daily Beacon

Angie Bjorklund puts up a 3-pointer against Union on Sunday, Nov. 7. An honorable mention All-America selection last season, the senior will bring consistent offense to UT’s perimeter.

File Photo • The Daily Beacon

Kelley Cain drives to the hoop against Vanderbilt last season. Cain, along with Vicki Baugh and Glory Johnson, form the core of the Lady Vols’ frontcourt.

Tennessee returns every member of last year’s team that claimed the SEC title and advanced to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament.

“I’m proud of our team that we’re ranked No. 4 in the AP poll,” Tennessee coach Pat Summitt said. “This is just the beginning. We have a long way to go and a lot of tough games. We need to stay healthy and play well together. We’ve got to get our post game healthy, and that’ll make a big difference. Our guard play is better this year.

“Hopefully, we are poised to take that next step this season.”

Tennessee will be looking to capture another SEC title and make a push for the Final Four this season.

Senior guard/forward Angie Bjorklund and junior guard Shekinna Stricklen were named to the preseason Coaches’ All-SEC First Team after they finished last season as honorable mention Associated Press All-America selections.

“I see an improved and committed team,” Summitt

George Richardson • The Daily Beacon

Glory Johnson launches a shot against Union on Sunday, Nov. 7. Johnson looks to play a major role in Pat Summitt’s offense this season.

season, and she also expects improvement in her abilities on the court.

“I really was working on my shot a lot,” she said. “I think that’s one area I can improve on, and I think I’ve done a pretty good job of it.”

The Lady Vols may return all of their core starters, but look for contributors from last season to have an increased role.

Sophomore guard Kamiko Williams, junior forward Vicki Baugh, junior forward Alyssia Brewer, sophomore guard Taber Spani and junior guard Briana Bass will provide the needed depth to chase after a Final Four appearance.

Senior guard Sydney Smallbone said she hopes to finish her career at Tennessee the way it started.

“Angie and I, along with Kelley and Vicki, have been here the same amount of time, and we have all worked very hard and we’re looking to bookend it, as we won the championship our first year, and we want to win it as seniors,” Smallbone said. “Going into this year, we want to be leaders. We want to be positive throughout the whole season and maintain that and really bring the best out of our teammates every day.”

6B • The Daily Beacon

BASKETBALLPREVIEW

Friday, November 12, 2010

Stricklen embodies dream at UT ‘Great’ next step for Hopson Lauren Kittrell

Pearl says junior guard must meet expectations for UT success

Staff Writer A junior forward and guard for the Lady Vols basketball team, Shekinna Stricklen begins her third season with hope and plans for the future.

With the 2010-11 season just around the corner, Sticklen is enjoying the experience that comes with being a veteran player. She is enjoying her time here in Knoxville and is aware of the changes that have taken place between her first year as a Lady Vol and now.

“My first year was a struggle, mainly for being so far away from home,” Stricklen said.

“Several times I wanted to say ‘No, this isn’t me,’ and go home, but I sucked it up, and it turned out great, and now I love it.”

Not only did her attitude toward Knoxville change, but her confidence in her game and the way she played were improved as well. Through the leadership of coach Pat Summitt, Stricklen began a new position as a point guard on the team and learned to communicate more and more with her teammates.

“The first year was a struggle, it was a learning period, playing a lot as a freshman and then actually coming in and playing a point guard,” Stricklen said. “My sophomore year, things got better, and I learned more, and I feel like I improved, and this year, I feel like I have improved a lot, especially as a point guard. I’m talking more and being a leader, and I feel like it’s helping the team out a lot this year.”

Coming to UT was not something that came as a sudden decision for Stricklen. As a child, Stricklen always dreamed of playing for the Lady Vols and following in the footsteps of former Lady Vol Chamique Holdsclaw.

“It’s been my dream to come here and play,” Stricklen said. “My role model (is) Chamique Holdsclaw. I love it when she was playing here, and I kind of based some of my skills off of her.”

Junior forward Glory Johnson has seen the impact that the hard work has had on Stricklen’s play, and she feels Stricklen is an exceptional member of the team. With practices now underway, this becomes more and more evident to her and her teammates.

“She’s huge, she’s quick, she’s versatile, she can hit the outside shot, she can drive,” Johnson said. “She helps our team so much, and as long as we keep her confidence up all the time, she’ll be a huge impact on our team.”

With a little more experience helping her out on the court, Stricklen is now able to see the growth of the team over the years and has a better feel for where the team is as a whole. Stricklen said the team is more of a running team this year, but the most encouraging thing to Stricklen is the overall health and fitness of the team.

“Everyone is healthy and our team chemistry, everyone clicks together,” Stricklen said. “We’re always together, and I just love this team.”

The team is so well bonded that even free time is spent together. This is something that Stricklen truly enjoys. She said she loves her teammates and enjoys doing anything with them.

“We love watching a movie together,” Stricklen said. “We love going to eat, bowling, skating — we just hang out together as a team. That’s the best thing to do when we’re on an off day, and (it) also keeps you out of trouble.”

Beyond basketball, Stricklen is also a full-time student majoring in sociology and criminal justice. While this is what she’s focused on now, Stricklen is hoping the degrees will be a backup plan for her future dreams of playing professional basketball.

“Hopefully I’ll just go to the WNBA or play some overseas,” Stricklen said.

Until that time, Stricklen is facing another year with the Lady Vols, and she feels that they have a chance to prove themselves this year. With only two incoming freshmen, the team is more experienced and ready for the challenges ahead.

“I feel like this is the year to show that Tennessee is back,” Stricklen said. “We’re a veteran team, we’ve grown, we have learned, and I just feel like our mindset is on this one goal to get to Indianapolis to the Final Four and just go all the way.”

George Richardson • The Daily Beacon

I slash, but finishing that bucket,” Hopson said. “I think I need to do a lot more of that when I get to the rim, finish strong and make Scotty Hopson came to Tennessee as one the bucket and definitely shooting better on of the most highly decorated recruits to ever the free throw line. I think that will increase my point production and increase my impact sign with the Volunteers.

The expectations for Hopson were lofty. on this team.”

Pearl is hoping Hopson can do more than Perhaps too lofty.

“I think some much of it is about expecta- just help the team on offense. UT’s coach tions because he’s a McDonald’s All- wants the guard to use his size as an advanAmerican, and everybody thinks he going to tage more on the defensive end of the court, be a great player, but if you look at Scotty’s as well.

“I think Scotty can make plays, and Scotty numbers as a freshman, he was, you know, one of the better freshman to (ever) play at can score,” Pearl said. “And that’s absolutely Tennessee,” coach Bruce Pearl said. “He not something that’s disputable. It would be the other areas of the game where I think he started as a freshman, that’s pretty needs to place his focus and become domigood.” nant — as a great rebounding guard, as a Hopson started 30 of the great defensive guard. He can contain his team’s 34 games during the man very, very well, has since he got here.

2008-09 season and aver“But can he make plays off the ball? aged 9.2 points per Can he use his length and block shots game. Many UT and get more deflections and steals? fans were hoping And stuff a stat sheet with more the 6-foot-7 guard than just scoring and therefore would be a domimake his teammates better.” nate scorer for the Pearl admitted Hopson’s Vols, much like felrole needs to be that of a low Kentucky native leader.

Chris Lofton.

“I think ultimately for Still, Hopson was us to be a great team, the selected to the SEC Allcream needs to rise to Freshman team and enters this the top,” Pearl said. season as a pre-season First Team “Guys like Scotty Hopson All-SEC selection after averaging absolutely need to do 10.2 points per game last season as more.

He’d be an example a sophomore. of just one of several guys, “He came in last year George Richardson • The Daily Beacon I think, that would need to and obviously improved do that in order for us to be last year from his freshman year, but I think now, the thing is we want a great team.”

Hopson likes the added pressure from Scotty to try and become a more dominate basketball player in all areas of the game,” coaches to become a better basketball player.

Pearl said. “He’s gotten stronger, he’s gained a He doesn’t think it is anything new to him; he lot of experience and some maturity. I think has been the “go-to” guy before.

“I’ve always been looked at to be an impact he’s progressed really well.”

Hopson debated the idea of entering the player,” Hopson said. “I embrace the chalNBA Draft earlier this year — he would have lenge to be a leader on this basketball team, likely been a second round pick — but decid- and I’m ready for the challenge. It just makes me better as a person and a player, and I’m ed to return to school for his junior year.

Hopson progressed over the summer play- ready to go out and complete my goal.”

Hopson hit critical late-game shots to help ing against the best competition across the UT beat Florida and Kentucky last season and country and around the world.

He attended skills academies of NBA All- will look to do the same in the upcoming year.

“I want to be that guy — a couple of secStars LeBron James and Paul Pierce, but his onds down, I want to be that guy who takes biggest accomplishment was being one of 20 college players selected to the USA Basketball that shot,” Hopson said. “As far as (I’m) concerned, I want to be the guy that takes that Men’s select team.

“The summer helped me a lot,” Hopson last shot.”

Following an exhibition game loss to said. “I just felt like I gained so much knowledge and got so much better on my skills, and Indianapolis, the Vols have a long ways to go then my mindset changed throughout the if they want to match, or surpass, the Elite Eight appearance from a year ago, but game.

“My approach to the game has changed, I Hopson said that is still the team’s ultimate play more to win now than just going to goal.

“As a team, definitely just win a national score. I think it helped me out a lot this sumchampionship,” Hopson said of the season’s mer.”

Hopson went back to the basics this sum- goals. “That’s just how I see it. It’s how I’ve mer, hoping to improve areas of his game that always seen it since I’ve been here as a freshwill ultimately make him, and the team, bet- man, I’ve always seen us as a national championship team. ter.

“But it’s going to take hard work, dedica“I stuck to the key aspects of my game as far as dribbling and shooting, the things I do tion, defense and rebounding and us just the most — slashing, and not only just when gelling together and becoming a team.”

Matt Dixon

Sports Editor

Friday, November 12, 2010

The Daily Beacon • 7B

BASKETBALLPREVIEW

Zac Ellis Editor-in-Chief Tyler Summitt gathered the opening tip-off, made his way past halfcourt and initiated the offense. It was Summitt’s sophomore year at the Webb School of Knoxville and his first career start. Right as Summitt hit the floor with his first dribble, the sea of opposing fans on the sideline began the unyielding chant: “MOMMA’S BOY! MOMMA’S BOY! MOMMA’S BOY!”

“My bedtime story was my mom screaming in the living room watching game film,” he said. “That’s just how it was growing up.”

For Steven Pearl, the life of a basketball family wasn’t as stand-still. As his father moved between schools in Iowa, Indiana and Wisconsin, the scenery changed, but the longing to learn the game remained for Steven.

“Always being around basketball has been my passion,” Pearl said. “The exposure hasn’t been as big as it is now, obviously. It’s 10 times different than it was at Indiana, Milwaukee.”

“He was a gym rat growing up,” Kim Pearl, Steven’s mother, said. “He was always in the gym with his dad for practice.”

Likewise, the opportunities to tag alongside his mother left Tyler acclimated to such exposure in Knoxville. Climbing up ladders and clipping off basketball nets after winning championships were norms for Summitt’s experience on the sidelines of Lady Vol games, especially with a mom boasting eight national titles to her name.

But basketball wasn’t always on the horizon for Summitt.

“He didn’t play basketball first,” said R.B. Summitt, Tyler’s father. “He played a lot of soccer. He’s a heck of a soccer player.

“At one time, Tyler told me he was going to be a writer/photographer for National Geographic.”

But after childhoods of cultivations at the hands of hoopcrazy parents, the path to the Tennessee hardwood became a likely scenario for both players.

Dreams realized

File Photo • The Daily Beacon

Steven Pearl squares up with the ball in a game last season. Pearl, son of UT coach Bruce, has become a staple on the defensive end of the Vols.

“That’s all I heard the entire game,” Summitt, now a sophomore walk-on for UT, said. “But really, I’m just so used to it.”

As the son of Lady Vol head coach Pat Summitt, Tyler’s place in the spotlight was reserved since birth. But a new challenge awaits him this season, as he looks to join Steven Pearl, son of UT head coach Bruce, as the second family affair to grace the roster of Tennessee basketball — two coaches’ sons hoping to shake off the name on the back of the jersey and make an impact for the Tennessee family.

“I told him coming in, every question you get asked will be about being a coach’s son,” Steven, a redshirt senior, said of Tyler. “At this point, I’m used to it.

“It might frustrate him a little bit, but it’s an interesting story.”

Childhoods of hoops For the Summitts and Pearls, basketball was a lifestyle. As Pat Summitt enters her 37th season of coaching — all with Tennessee — Tyler’s childhood memories evoke characteristics of experiencing a coach as a parent.

Steven Pearl spent his first year in Knoxville as a senior at Knoxville West High. For a program that had won three games during the previous season, Steven injected life into the offense by averaging 21.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per contest.

“Sometimes you have trouble finding someone to step up,” Gary Petko, Steven’s coach at West, said. “(But) Steven wanted to be that guy. It was really hard for a defense to handle him, but he was an outside shooter at 6-5, 6-6. He was tough as nails.”

But after an impressive senior season and a solid year playing AAU basketball yielded few major offers for Steven, the opportunity to walk-on as a member of the Big Orange became too good to pass up.

“After I got a couple of offers, my dad was like, ‘So are you going to go?’” Steven said. “And I said ‘No, I think I’m going to stay here.’”

Steven took a redshirt early and became a practice team player amid some of UT’s deepest squads — “I wanted to play, but we had so much talent,” he said — but made an impact in his junior year as a defensive stopper and rebounder. Steven also made his mark in the weight room.

“When he came in out of West High School, he wasn’t nearly what he is now,” Bruce Pearl said. “(Now) he’s the strongest guy on the team. When I first got here, I was the strongest guy on the team. Five years later, that's not the case.”

For Tyler Summitt, a three-year captain at Webb, his size (6 feet tall, 175 pounds) played a part in few major scholarship offers out of high school. But walk-on and practice-player opportunities at other large programs paled in comparison to UT, where Tyler’s newfound interest — coaching — could finally blossom.

“Right around my senior year, I started realizing I wanted to coach,” Tyler said. “I have a notebook where I wrote down everything I’ve learned from my mom’s staff, but now I’m writing down everything from practices with coach Pearl.”

Attending UT and walking on to the roster wasn’t the plan from the start — “It was not a no-brainer by any means,” R.B.

said — Tyler’s experience as a practice team player against the Lady Vols helped prepare him for the rigors of college basketball. After a sit-down meeting with his mother and coach Pearl, the option to walk on became a reality. “(My mom) saw me working with her team, pushing them to the limit, beating them on sprints,” Tyler said. “She knew I deserved it.”

All in the family Tyler Summitt and Steven Pearl contrast on the basketball court. Summitt’s guard-oriented game plays to strengths of distributing the basketball, while Pearl feels more comfortable banging low in the post for clean-up duty, rebounding and defense.

But the two players share common characteristics: a love for the game and parents roaming the Tennessee sidelines.

“People are going to say I’m on this team 100 percent because of my mom,” Summitt said. “But my friends that know me know that’s not true. A lot of people say, ‘You’re just a walk-on because you want to coach.’ But that’s not true, I love to play.”

As a redshirt senior already well-versed in fan criticism, Pearl knows what Summitt’s future holds with a Tennessee icon as a parent. His advice to Summitt? Get used to it, and just play your game.

“He just has to understand that (criticism) is going to happen,” Pearl said. “His mom’s the best coach in college basketball.”

But the newcomer views his and Pearl’s situation with appreciation, knowing that in truth, no roadblocks were taken away en route to the hardwood.

“We have to be confident to know that it’s because of our hard work that we’ve made it this far,” Summitt said.

George Richardson • The Daily Beacon

Tyler Summitt smiles after hitting a 3-pointer against Brevard on Thursday, Nov. 4. Son of Lady Vols head coach Pat, Summitt will be a walk-on sophomore attempting to break into the point guard rotation.

Jersey photo illustrations by Hillary McDaniels

Opportunity leads DeMoss back to Lady Vols Anthony Elias Staff Writer Home is where the heart is.

Especially if that heart belonged to an assistant coach in Mickie DeMoss, who had been with Tennessee and a part of a coaching staff that put together six NCAA Championship titles, 12 NCAA Final Four appearances and a record of 554-77 overall in the 18 years they were together.

DeMoss returned to the Lady Vols coaching staff this spring after spending seven seasons away at Kentucky as head coach and Texas as an assistant coach, returning to where it all began for her.

“It’s a really special place,” DeMoss said of UT. “The people here are very welcoming; they’ve been very warm and very friendly, and it’s just like coming back home.”

Summitt, who had coached with DeMoss for those 18 years, was ecstatic about the return of the Lady Vols assistant coach.

“It’s great to have her back,” Summitt said.

From the time DeMoss last left Knoxville, in 2003, to 2007, she was head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats.

“I told the people at Kentucky that I was coming there to get (the program) rolling, to give it a shot in the arm,” DeMoss said.

The Tallulah, La., native’s “shot in the arm” was just what the Wildcats needed.

Kentucky went 71-56 in the four years with DeMoss running the sidelines, winning twice as much as the four years before her tenure (35). In those four seasons, Kentucky racked up back-to-back 20-win seasons, three years of

Goestenkors, howevpostseason play er, had other plans for in the NIT and the former Kentucky NCAA tournahead coach. Three ments and an months after DeMoss upset of top-seedretired, she took the ed Tennessee in assistant coaching job 2005. with the Lady However, Longhorns and DeMoss needed helped Texas to an 83a coaching break 50 record with three after her tenure consecutive appearat Kentucky, so ances in the NCAA she took some tournament from time off.

2008 to 2010; the “If you talk to Horns assistant coach anybody that’s was relishing another been in the successful tenure. coaching profesIn April 2010, forsion, you know mer assistant coach that it is a gruelGeorge Richardson • The Daily Beacon Stephanie Glance took ing job, particularly if you’re Mickie DeMoss jokes with Lady Vols head the heading coaching building a pro- coach Pat Summitt in an exhibition game job at Illinois State, gram,” DeMoss this season. DeMoss returns to the UT side- a n d said. “I took lines after coaching stints at Kentucky and s u d denly, three months off Texas. and then (Texas head coach) Gail (Goestenkors) called me from DeMoss saw the possibility of Texas and said, ‘I’d hate to see you retire; would a return to Rocky Top in the you come to Texas and help me get that pro- making. gram going’ so that’s how that transpired.”

“Pat had called me and said she thought Stephanie was going to get that head job; would I be interested if she leaves,” DeMoss said.

“And I said ‘Sure, I’d certainly be willing to.

Let’s talk about it.’ So when Stephanie got the job, that’s when Pat and I started discussing the possibility of me coming back, but we had to hammer out some details.”

Not long after Glance took the job, DeMoss took advantage of the open position and returned to Rocky Top. “I’m so invested in this program, so it was an opportunity for me to come back home,” DeMoss said.

Since DeMoss has been back, she’s been able to start right where she left off.

“I think the one thing that stands out is that she hasn’t missed a beat on the floor,” Summitt said. “Holding people accountable, she’s a great teacher (and) she’s passionate. I think the players responded to her as if she had been here for 18 years, and I think she’s a tremendous asset.”

Most importantly, DeMoss is back home.

8B • The Daily Beacon

BASKETBALLPREVIEW

Friday, November 12, 2010

Ian Harmon The Daily Beacon

Freshman Jordan McRae drives past a defender in an exhibition game against Brevard on Thursday, Nov. 4.

McRae joins freshman guard Trae Golden as UT coach Bruce Pearl’s new one-two punch in the Tennessee backcourt.

Daily Beacon Staff Predictions Matt Dixon Sports Editor Vols Bruce Pearl’s squad will field his deepest and most talented team since arriving in Knoxville. Coming off an Elite Eight appearance a year ago, the Vols will look to once

Colin Skinner Asst. Sports Editor Vols Bruce Pearl is as happy as any heading into this season knowing that this year’s squad is deeper than any he’s coached at Tennessee. Last year’s Elite Eight buzz is still spinning on Rocky Top, and the

Zac Ellis Editor-in-Chief Vols As a lackluster football season begins to wind

again compete for an SEC Championship in a wide-open Eastern division. Junior guard Scotty Hopson will become the team’s go-toplayer this year and will garner All-SEC and possibly All-American honors during his final season in Knoxville.

A talented freshman class, led by McDonald’s All-American Tobias Harris, will replicate the production lost by three graduated players, but this team will need a leader to emerge and senior point guard Melvin Goins has taken that step over the offseason.

The looming NCAA investigation will not

distract this team. If anything, it will make the team play harder for Pearl, who seems to have his most success when the odds are against him. Still, it will be hard for this team to reach the Elite Eight two years in a row, but if any coach in college basketball can do it given the situation, it’s Pearl.

Prediction: 22-9 (10-6 SEC) Sweet Sixteen

introduction of Tobias Harris, a McDonald’s highschool All-American, into the lineup is just what Scotty Hopson and Co. need to return to the Big Dance.

Hopson, a junior sharpshooting guard, will be a leader by example on the court this season and will need production from a slimmed-down senior Brian Williams in the paint to carry the team. Melvin Goins, another leader for the Vols, will be backed up

by Trae Golden at the point. Each are very capable and will be key to getting the ball to big scorers like newcomer Harris and Hopson.

The Vols face a tough SEC East schedule that as

a division is wide open, leaving the Vols a good chance capture the East title.

Prediction: 21-10 (10-6 SEC) NCAA Second Round

down, Tennessee basketball fans can start to remember the talent held within the confines of Thompson-Boling Arena on the rosters of both the Vols and Lady Vols basketball squads.

For the Vols, the face of Tennessee basketball will be drastically different, thanks to the loss of graduating seniors Wayne Chism, J.P. Prince and Bobby Maze. Chism’s enthusiasm, Prince’s defense and Maze’s court awareness helped push last year’s Vols to a first-ever Elite Eight berth in the NCAA tournament. No Tennessee team had ever gone deeper

into March Madness.

This season, Pearl’s Vols will be talented but will lack experience. Unfortunately, experience is what helps teams push deep into March. Look for the Vols to contend for the SEC East title before finishing second to Kentucky. When the NCAA tournament comes around, the best-case scenario for this squad will be the Sweet Sixteen, though a secondround exit is likely.

Prediction: 21-10 (10-6 SEC) NCAA Second Round

Lady Vols The Lady Vols return a team knocked out of the NCAA Tournament early last year.

Failing to win a national championship, or

Lady Vols For a disappointing end to a shining regular season last year, the Lady Vols are poised to return to the Sweet 16 and beyond with this year’s team.

The two players that stick out again for the Lady Vols are Angie Bjorklund and Shekinna Stricklen, who return with the rest of the team from last year.

Pat Summitt realizes that this team could make a

Lady Vols The Lady Vols lack no experience on this season’s roster. Coach Pat Summitt lost no players to

even reach the Final Four, is deemed failure for a Pat Summitt team.

The Lady Vols return every player from last year’s team and appear to be poised to challenge Connecticut for a national title.

Angie Bjorklund and Shekinna Stricklen form one of the best backcourts in the country. The Lady Vols have the size and talent in the paint but must get healthy.

An SEC Championship will be only a consolation prize for a team that will raise another banner in Thompson-Boiling Arena.

Prediction: 28-2 (15-1 SEC) National Champions substantial run to the national championship if production is consistent from these players and the likes of junior Glory Johnson, a rising star at forward.

The return of Vicki Baugh from an ACL injury last year will boost the team’s spirit as well and create new looks on the court for the Lady Vols with her presence off the bench.

Tennessee will have a legitimate chance to dethrone Connecticut this year with a more experienced team and improved play during the postseason.

Prediction: 25-5 (13-3 SEC) National Champions graduation from last year’s senior-less roster, so senior Angie Bjorklund and junior Shekinna Stricklen will look to lead from the top of the lineup.

Newcomers Meighan Simmons and Lauren Avant’s play at the guard positions will give UT a deeper backcourt.

Summitt’s Lady Vols will once again face a daunting schedule before rising to the top of the SEC at regular season’s end. The addition of Avant and Simmons — plus the return of forward Vicki Baugh — will give the Lady Vols the tools to reach the Final Four before falling to the seemingly unbeatable Connecticut Huskies, whose winning streak will surpass 100 straight victories this season.

Prediction: 27-3 (15-1 SEC) Final Four