Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Special Issue

HOMECOMING ‘23 The Daily Beacon

|

Volume 144, Issue 10

|

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

|

@utkdailybeacon

2

HOMECOMING

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, November 1, 2023

DAILY BEACON STAFF AND POLICY INFORMATION

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Abby Ann Ramsey MANAGING EDITOR: Bella Hughes COPY CHIEF: Emma Johnston NEWS EDITOR: Eli Boldt ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR: Macy Roberts SPORTS EDITOR: Caleb Jarreau ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR: Eric Woods OPINIONS EDITOR: Calie Wrona PHOTO EDITOR: Edward Cruz DESIGN EDITOR: Emma Fingeret ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Makenzie Clark PAGE DESIGNERS: Jibril Foronas, Julia Paulman

COVER PHOTO: Cambree Gliessner ABOUT THE COVER: Vols take the field before

the game against Kentucky at Kroger Field.

Oct. 28, 2023.

ADVERTISING/PRODUCTION ADVERTISING MANAGER: Cullen Askew ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES: Shelby

Coppock, Jacob Stromatt ADVERTISING PRODUCTION ARTISTS: Donatella

Thomas, Ailin Lopez

CONTACTS TO REPORT A NEWS ITEM OR SUBMIT A PRESS RELEASE, please email editorinchief@utdailybeacon.com TO PLACE AN AD, please email admanager@utk.edu.

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

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 Anonymous Letters will not be published.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 Letters submitted without this information will not be published.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

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

Errors brought to our attention by readers or staff members will be corrected and printed on page two of our publication. To report an error please send as much information as possible about where and when the error occurred to editorinchief@ utdailybeacon.com.

The Daily Beacon is published by students at The University of Tennessee on Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters. The offices are located at 1345 Circle Park Drive, 11 Communications Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0314. The newspaper is free on campus and is available via mail subscription for $200/year or $100/semester.

It is also available online at: www.utdailybeacon. com

From the Editor: Pursuing your passions at UT ABBY ANN RAMSEY Editor-in-Chief For a school as big as UT, it can be shockingly easy to get caught in your own small bubble. I sometimes get so wrapped up in my own world in the basement of the College of Communication and Information Building that I forget what all is going on at UT — which yes, is funny to say as someone who is supposed to make sure we’re covering all things campus.

A few weeks ago, some staff members and I took stacks of our LGBTQ History Month special issue to hand out across campus, and I was thrown into a Ped Walkway full of students changing classes and enjoying the Office of Sustainability’s harvest market. Even as someone who frequently writes about UT admissions, changes to campus infrastructure and student complaints about how crowded campus is, I needed to be reminded of how many students are on UT’s campus and how many students are invested in their own passions the same way I’m invested in mine.

When I was touring colleges, one thing my family members said over and over again was that even though big schools have so many people, they can often feel much lonelier and

isolating. I’d say that felt true during my first chunk of time at UT, but once I started to plant my feet in different communities, I recognized the one of the beauties of a big SEC school: You get to see the people close to you discovering avenues through which they can pursue their personal passions and succeed. I just find it so refreshing that I get to know people who are doing all sorts of cool things.

One of my close friends is an architecture major, and her day-to-day routine is mindboggling to me. She spends hours literally designing buildings and creating structures sometimes out of every day objects like string.

I can’t even wrap my head around how that’s possible, but I’m in awe of it.

Another one of my close friends is majoring in biochemistry on the pre-med track. I couldn’t even begin to accurately articulate what she learns about, but I know she’s learning about things that I could never stomach.

It’s sometimes funny to me when the three of us talk about our homework — one of us is using a computer to create a building, one of us is learning what to do if a person’s ear falls off and one of us is conducting interviews to get to the heart of an issue. But no matter how different our lives at UT look, we’re all doing what we love in the company of each other. It sounds cheesy, but I just love seeing how people on campus are getting to do what they love, even if it’s vastly different from their close friends.

No matter what you want to do with your life, UT probably has an avenue you can use to pursue your dreams. So many alumni credit UT for their experiences and for opening their eyes to others’ passions. The day-to-day lives of students are worth a celebration, and it’s nice to see so many students and former students celebrated throughout the week of Homecoming.

The Torchbearer is a staple landmark on UT’s campus, where students from all walks of life can explore their passions.

File / The Daily Beacon

From the Managing Editor: Truly no place like Neyland BELLA HUGHES Managing Editor I never fully understood Homecoming.

There is something very trivial about celebrating the university and welcoming back alumni because it’s something that happens so often.

Alumni reminisce on their time on Rocky Top while current students are trying their best to balance their workload with a social life.

I never understood the lure of Homecoming until I wrote an article for this issue. Hearing a different perspective on a situation so unclear to me was eye-opening. After an alumna referred to her time in college as “the glory days,” I realized that Homecoming isn’t for current students — it’s for the people who value their college years and look forward to returning to campus each year.

I didn’t like UT at first — I thought the campus was too big, the classes were crowded and the parking was terrible. I couldn’t understand why people loved this school so much.

Everyone drank the orange Kool-Aid and was a die-hard Volunteer, but for me, UT was just a place to get a degree. It wasn’t until the second

semester of my sophomore year that I began to like UT for what it is — my glory days.

I remember how nervous I was going to my first home game. I didn’t have a student ticket, but a friend was kind enough to let me sit in the stands with her family. Ironically, I passed out papers of the Beacon before the game, so I got accustomed to the chaos of Vol Village pretty quickly.

I arrived at the stadium late and was forced to find my seats alone. I wandered the halls of Neyland Stadium for 20 minutes and became so overwhelmed with anxiety that I teared up.

I couldn’t fathom why people would do this every week. The anxiety and rambunctious people were enough to keep me inside until graduation.

Amid my freak out, an usher reassured me that I would be okay and that the first home game can be overwhelming for many people.

When I arrived at my seats in the stands, I saw Neyland from a new height. Moments before the band played and the stadium roared, I joined the crowd in excitement as I was about to watch my first Tennessee football game.

The excitement remains every time I enter Neyland, but instead of nervous excitement, I feel grateful to experience such a longstanding tradition. Saturdays in Knoxville are like no other – nothing but a sea of orange for miles

and Rocky Top on full blast. Moments like these remind us of why these are our glory days and why there’s no place like Neyland.

Smokey and Davy Crockett lead the student section in Neyland Stadium. Saturday, Sept.

23, 2023.

Cambree Gliessner / Contributor

HOMECOMING

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 • The Daily Beacon

3

Stomp Fest celebrates Black Greek life by highlighting art form MACY ROBERTS Arts & Culture Editor

This year’s Homecoming festivities see the 23rd Annual Southeastern Stomp Fest take place on Friday, Nov. 3 from 7-10 p.m. in the Student Union Auditorium.

The Southeastern Stomp Fest is a high-energy step competition hosted by Multicultural Student Life in collaboration with the Black Cultural Programming Committee. Both work alongside the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life to secure teams and handle logistics for the event.

This year’s Southeastern Stomp Fest is open to UT students, alumni and the Knoxville community at large free of cost, but tickets must be downloaded through Eventbrite prior to the competition.

Director of Multicultural Student Life Anthony Prewitt described stepping as a cultural experience for fashion, music and dance. According to Prewitt, stepping is an art form that is deeply rooted in African traditional steps and rhythmic movement and prominently unique to historically Black fraternities and sororities.

Essentially, step dancers tell a story by using their bodies as instruments.

Common practices include stomping, chanting and clapping.

“It’s not only entertainment, but it’s storytelling at its best,” Prewitt said.

“We see the craftiness and creativity of some of our students put on display at such an optimal level.”

Participants in the Southeastern Stomp Fest come from UT’s National Pan-Hellenic Council.

Founded in 1930, NPHC is composed of nine historically Black sororities and fraternities, seven of which are active at UT. NPHC was granted charter at UT in 2007, although chapters have been on campus since 1970. The NPHC organizations represented on campus include Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho, Omega Psi Phi and Zeta Phi Beta.

The Southeastern Stomp Fest originated in 2000 with the intention of allowing NPHC sororities and fraternities to express organizational pride. Preference is given to UT affiliate chapters, but the Southeastern Stomp Fest sees step performers come from all over the southeastern United States to highlight Black Greek-lettered organizations.

Performers compete for bragging

rights and other prizes, and although the Southeastern Stomp Fest prominently highlights NPHC organizations, there are occasional special performances by Strange Fruit Dance Company and other non-Greek entities.

Prewitt says the Stomp Fest has continued to serve as a celebration of Black Greek life and culture throughout its 23-year run.

“I’m sure when Stomp Fest started, there probably were very few events that focused on the black fraternal experience at UT,” Prewitt said. “I think what this event allowed for was a platform to highlight these organizations which were pivotal to the experiences of so many students here at the institution. As a hallmark event during homecoming, Stomp Fest was a bridge for generations, a celebration of pride, and amplification of an underappreciated and often appropriated artform.

Sophie Lyons, a sophomore sociology major, has been involved with BCPC and its editorial board for two years and is currently the human resources chair.

Lyons says BCPC puts on events and programming that they find relevant to Black and African American communities on campus. She has felt the excitement of everyone involved with the Stomp Fest during the meetings she has attended.

“Our NPHC students who participate in the show, our team who plans it, our coordinators in the office, our panel of judges, and most importantly those who return to watch every year,” Lyons said.

Lyons says Homecoming is a time to show school spirit and school pride, and her involvement in BCPC is directly contributing to this.

“All UT students, faculty, and staff do so much throughout the year and I believe it’s really a time to celebrate ourselves and celebrate our team,” Lyons said. “Everyone, from the people that empty our trash, work in our pods, teach our classes, keep our buildings running, work in our offices, all the way up to us, the students, has a reason to celebrate and be proud of their contribution to this university.”

As a staple Homecoming event, the Southeastern Stomp Fest generates school pride for all UT students, but it sets itself apart from many other traditions in that it serves as a celebration of those involved in historically Black Greek life. Thanks to the combined efforts of MSL, BCPC and OSFL, the Southeastern Stomp Fest has continued for over two decades, with hopes of continuing many more.

Performers present their own step dance at a previous Southeastern Stomp Fest, an event posted by Multicultural Student Life in collaboration with the Black Cultural Programming Committee. Courtesy of Yousef Sindi / YouEye Images

4

HOMECOMING

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Delta Phi Lamdba provides space for students interested in Asian culture ELI BOLDT News Editor

Delta Phi Lambda, an Asian-interest sorority, was chartered in March 2020 at the University of Tennessee by seven women eager to spread and celebrate Asian culture and community. Over three years later, the sorority continues to foster that community.

Angel Miñoza, a senior majoring in marketing with a collateral in entrepreneurship, started college in 2020 and rushed Delta Phi Lambda that spring semester. She has held several leadership positions in the sorority, including academic chair and sisterhood chair, and is now the president.

“We’re doing this because we want to provide a space for not only just the Asian community but other minorities or just people who want to engage with us,” Miñoza said.

Miñoza, who is from Chattanooga, Tennessee, was never around many people who were able to understand and appreciate Asian culture. She had looked into joining Panhellenic sororities before realizing how expensive they were.

A friend who Miñoza had gone to school with mentioned Delta Phi Lambda. She decided to rush.

“I just wanted that sense of community because I’m an introvert if you’re new to me,” Miñoza said. “So once I get comfortable, that’s when you can see my bubbly personality. DPhiL has created that space for me.”

Clarissa Trent, a junior studying anthropology and museum and curatorial studies, had no intention of joining a sorority. But her friend, Sunniva Dough, had been in contact with people in Delta Phi Lambda and invited Trent to dinner with them. Trent attended their first recruitment event because Dough did not want to go alone.

During the first event, Trent recalled an active sister complimenting Trent’s Ratatouille shirt. That person, Abigail Kaneytai Srisavath, ended up being Trent’s “big,” or an older sorority sister who acts as a mentor.

Trent finished recruitment with Dough and got a bid. She is now the vice president of internal affairs.

“It becomes more personal when doing these cultural things with each other because there’s a certain understanding that we get it,” Trent said. “And it’s also creating that safe space.”

There are currently 15 active members in Delta Phi Lambda. Because it is a smaller group of sisters, almost ev-

eryone in the sorority holds a leadership position, and many of them hold multiple. This is common in multicultural councils, Miñoza said. There are tiers of roles, including executive leaders overseeing chairs such as philanthropy, programming, performance and many others.

Miñoza and Trent both described the extra work that goes into communicating with their sisters when forming relationships that are both professional and personal.

“You just have to work hard for the friendships,” Miñoza said.

Having difficult discussions is necessary for those relationships as well as for the growth of the sorority as a whole. And growing is a key goal for the sorority. Part of the way the sorority continues to thrive is through the events it hosts on campus and the work they do with its local and national philanthropies.

Malaika Nallabantu is a senior studying biological sciences with a concentration in biochemistry and molecular biology and is Delta Phi Lambda’s philanthropy chair. She rushed this past spring and is currently studying for the MCAT. She did not know about the many multicultural sororities until recently, and she was recruited into the sorority by Trent, who had a class with Nallabantu.

Delta Phi Lambda’s national philanthropy is American Bone Health and raising awareness for osteoporosis.

Their local philanthropy is Special Spaces, an organization that creates dream rooms for children with cancer. Trent was the person who took the initiative to change their local philanthropy to Special Spaces, and the sorority decided on the philanthropy together. The local philanthropy allows them to get involved in the community with an organization they feel passionate about.

Nallabantu recently held Delta Phi Lambda Week, a week where the sorority promotes its local and national philanthropies. The events are often on a small scale, sometimes funded by the sisters themselves. They tabled to raise awareness for their philanthropies and hosted various other events throughout the week such as a Haiku night, a game night with other organizations and a sisterhood potluck.

The sisterhood potluck allowed the sisters to bring dishes from their individual cultures to the group. Trent, who was adopted from South Korea as a child, brought a chicken casserole her mom used to make.

“We’re all here to learn about each

Members of Delta Phi Lambda say the sorority provides them with a sense of shared community and an opportunity to get involved with Greek life outside of the traditional Panhellenic groups. Courtesy of Delta Phi Lambda

other, and sharing that experience is very important, and being inclusive is very important,” Nallabantu said.

Trent recalled the first time she visited her big’s apartment to see her sisters making Lao sausage, egg rolls and fresh rice. As an adopted child, these were things Trent had not had. A formative memory for Trent, she also recalls it affecting her sisters who did not understand how different their experiences were growing up.

Delta Phi Lambda is not Asian-exclusive: It is Asian-interest. This means anyone interested in Asian cultures can join. Within the sorority, some members are not Asian. Miñoza also stressed that Delta Phi Lambda wants to help create a space for anyone who feels they are not “Asian enough.”

“They’re there because they genuinely love the people who are a part of the sorority and they wanted to get to know them better,” Nallabantu said. “But also they fell in love with the values and traditions and everything that comes along with the sorority.”

Creating an inclusive environment comes not only from within Delta Phi Lambda but also from relationships with other multicultural Greek organizations and advocating within the greater UT community.

“The MGC council is very close-knit.

It’s more of like, each chapter is so small we kind of have to rely on each other to support each other and build that foundation for upcoming classes that we might have,” Nallabantu said.

As part of the president’s cabinet, Miñoza was able to meet with Chancellor Donde Plowman. Plowman shared her plans for Greek life and heard concerns.

Trent, when asked by Miñoza what concerns to bring to Plowman, brought up low minority enrollment. Miñoza noted MGC’s role in advocating for minorities looking at UT. She wants to build relationships with high schools around Tennessee to help show students that UT has a place for them.

“Everyone deserves to be heard,” Miñoza said. “And we want to provide that space.”

HOMECOMING

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, November 1, 2023

5

Pride of the Southland Band mother-son duo to perform at halftime BELLA HUGHES Managing Editor

For nearly 100 years, UT has celebrated Homecoming by welcoming alumni back to campus to celebrate the legacy of the university through parades, floats and a football game. This year is no different as the university is honoring Neyland Stadium with the theme “There’s No Place Like Neyland.”

The Office of Alumni Relations oversees a group of 275,000 alumni who represent the university worldwide. These proud alumni come back to campus to reconnect with the spark of a college campus. Homecoming week follows familiar traditions including dyeing the fountain orange, painting the Student Union and hosting the “Little Vol Walk.”

The Homecoming game is the biggest event of the week. Old and new Volunteers pile into Neyland Stadium to cheer on the Vols, but before the game officially begins, the Pride of the Southland Band must make their mark.

The Pride has created a soundtrack that perfectly captures the energy of this campus.

Marching in parades, welcoming the crowd into Neyland and performing at halftime are iconic ways the Pride carries tradition across generations. Legacy resides within the instruments and the people.

The Pride of the Southland band performs during a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. Cole Moore / Contributor Gina Martin, senior director of Student and Young Alumni Programs, caters to the alumni experience by organizing events to connect alumni back to campus. The alumni office oversees several chapters and committees, but the Band Alumni Council holds a spirited bunch who is dedicated to the Volunteer lifestyle.

“Alumni are very connected to their experience within the band,” Martin said. “They love coming back and reminiscing and things being like if they were a student again.”

Jill Wright, a 1993 majorette, will make her return to Neyland Stadium alongside other members of the Band Alumni Council. Each year

the council invites its members back to campus to walk the parade or perform during halftime.

For Wright, this year’s Homecoming holds more meaning as her son is a current trumpet player for the Pride and will share the field with her during this year’s halftime show.

“It’s a time to relive my glory days,” Wright said. “This year I’m doing the parade and the halftime show because one of the main motivators for me to go back this year is that my son is a freshman, and he’s also a trumpet player in the Pride.”

Wright can connect to Homecoming through multiple facets. She has a dual lens that allows

her to see campus through the eyes of an alumna and as a current student through the eyes of her son.

The shared connection to the Pride is comforting for the pair. Memories and stories of early morning rehearsal, sheet music and routines are something only the mother-son duo can share.

“My stories are very different than his because my stories were from 30 years ago when it was a different director and a different time,” Wright said. “Some of them are very similar like when he is practicing his music or pregame.

There are many parts of pregame that have stayed the same for probably 50 years or more.”

Some members Pride of the Southland Band are unaware of how iconic the group is. Wright didn’t realize how popular they were until graduating and seeing the performance from the other side.

“I was pleasantly surprised and shocked to know that the crowd really looks for the band, and they line up sometimes an hour or more ahead of time just for that experience,” Wright said. “It is really neat to see that after I graduated and then just being on the field and experiencing that moment again — it literally brings chills to me.”

The Pride of the Southland Band and its alumni will team up for a group performance in the parade and during halftime. The Pride carries its legacy, but Jill Wright gets to create her own.

Did you hear what happened?

Download The Daily Beacon app to find out.

6

HOMECOMING

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Student Body President Mark Hancock looks to the future of SGA ADAM DELAHOUSSAYE Staff Writer

Mark Hancock, along with most of his cabinet, has been doing the student government song and dance for a while now.

He first served as a senator in his freshman and sophomore years, even going on to sponsor legislation to provide mental health resources to students. He served as last year’s student body vice president, a role that had him less in contact with the student body, acting as more of an internal liaison for other student representatives.

Last April, however, the seeds of Hancock’s journey finally began to sprout and flower with his election as the 2023-24 student body president.

If you know Hancock, then you already have some idea of the joy he gets from being back in a space where he gets to regularly interact with his student body.

A senior majoring in political science with a concentration in international affairs, student government is just one of many ways he likes to stay involved on campus.

Aside from representing more than 28,000 undergraduates, Hancock spends his time as both a member and ambassador of the army ROTC program. He’s also involved with the Diversity Scholars Program, as well as Brothers United for Excellence, a leadership and development program for men of color.

Yet somehow Hancock seems unlikely to leave a crumb on that almost overflowing plate. His ambition is as large as his resume up to this point, partially due to the fact that he’s been at the forefront of most student government affairs on campus seemingly from the moment he moved to campus. He credits his and his team’s longevity to much of their success in this last lap of governance.

“We’ve had a lot of conversations with administration, and they’ve talked about how beneficial it is for them to have this continuity,” Hancock said. “Since I was a part of a lot of the conversations last year, I kind of knew what we were working on and what the status was, so we didn’t have to start from ground zero. So that really helped, just continuing along the progress we’ve already made.”

Administrative relationships are a big facet of this governing body’s productivity, Hancock stated. As vice president last year, he spent a portion of his tenure forming an important one with the Vice Chancellor of Student Life, Frank Cuevas, as well as Chancellor Donde Plowman.

“We already have that connection,” he said. “So they know us. They trust us. We were able to hit the ground running.”

As it did with most student organizations, the COVID-19 pandemic had a clear effect on SGA’s discoverability. If you weren’t actively scouring for information on it in the fall of 2020, chances are you probably didn’t really know about SGA until the following fall. As normalcy has slowly but surely returned, Hancock seems overjoyed with student involvement and interest in something he’s poured a majority of his hours as an undergrad here into.

“Now that we’re kind of recovering from COVID, we’re able to be more visible,” Hancock said. “Students really enjoy coming up and talking to us. Every Friday before a home game, we table and students have become really engaged and interested in how to get involved with SGA. When I was running for student body vice president, I’d introduce myself on behalf of SGA and people would go, ‘What’s SGA?’ so that’s something I really wanted to fix.

We’ve been very intentional about being there for students and providing resources and support.”

One of Hancock’s biggest goals has been having SGA act as a tool for consistency across all student organizations. He’s added two new positions this year in outreach directors, with those cabinet positions currently being held by Kenzie West, a junior political science major, and Miller Clark, a sophomore accounting major. Their job?

To publicize SGA not only as its own entity but one that can assist a plethora of student groups in hosting events, getting connected with Hancock and his team, and any other challenges deemed worthy enough for the old college try from these current officers. To them, there’s no road these wheels of progress can’t handle.

Because it’s a common side effect of democracy, our student government is not immune to denial or repetition. It can sometimes take multiple years and multiple officers advocating for a bill before administration finally gets wind of its importance to students. For a seasoned veteran of legislation like Hancock, he’s gotten to see many of the issues that permeated campus three years ago finally see a resolution in one way or another.

One of those resolutions is that students who make the Dean’s List will now be incentivized by a discount of 20% at the Vol Shop. On top of that, the Division of Student Success will be publishing the names of those students not only through UT social media but even in students’ hometown newspapers. The change is currently set to begin in the spring of 2024, though Hancock says it’s been a long time coming.

His second big win was again one that has been years in the making and one most SEC schools already have implemented:

Student Body President Mark Hancock has several goals, including making SGA more visible on campus. Edward Cruz / The Daily Beacon

free menstrual products on campus. The first dispenser for these products has already been installed in the gender neutral bathroom on the Student Union’s ground floor, with dozens more already ordered and on the way.

Other than that, he’s tackled safety week, Neyland accessibility for Future students and a public database dedicated to SGA records. From meeting minutes to the passing bills, anything and everything he and his team have given an ounce of their time to is uploaded onto the site. It’s probably helpful that their records are kept digitally, as one would run out of paper trying to write all of it down.

“Mark continually is working with the university administration to better the education, environment and overall campus experience for each Volunteer,” said Dante Grayson, a junior majoring in political science with a concentration in public administration and SGA’s current chief of staff.

“He leads effectively by having the ability to identify and work towards solutions for challenges or issues faced by the student body as well as strive for inclusivity and representation of all student groups. He’s an advocate leader and is one of the most approachable leaders, constantly working to make sure every Volunteer has a seat at the table and their voice is heard.”

But the race is far from over. As Hancock and his team prepare for the final months of their tenure, there’s still a lot to discuss and cross off the whiteboard of tasks that sits in Hancock and Vice President Lindsey Campbell’s office. Hancock said he plans to meet with university and city officials to discuss the parking and transportation issues on campus in the coming months.

A day before Hancock’s scheduled graduation in May, he’s set to be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army, finding out his job on Dec. 1 of this year. He hopes to serve for four or five years, then eventually transition into the National Guard before tackling a career in international affairs. While he has a lot to look forward to, gratitude for the moment has yet to escape him.

“Not to sound cliche, but this is such a huge honor, and I really appreciate it,” Hancock said. “I take this job really seriously, representing the needs of students.

There are some big issues on campus that need to be solved, and sometimes students feel like they don’t have a voice, so I try to really be that voice for students when I’m in these meetings. Even the feedback when I’m out and about, people will be like, ‘Oh you’re student body president, you’re doing such a great job,’ which is always encouraging.”

HOMECOMING

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 • The Daily Beacon

7

This week’s crossword Week of 10/30/23 - 11/5/23 brought to you by

Hibachi Factory Week of 10/30-11/5

The Weekly Crossword Participants pose at a previous homecoming comedy show, which assistant director at Multicultural Student Life NaQuaina Moore said is “a staple event during homecoming.”

Courtesy of NaQuaina Moore

BCPC, MSL to celebrate Homecoming with annual comedy show AALIYAH HAMMONTREE Staff Writer

To celebrate Homecoming week, the Black Cultural Programming Committee and Multicultural Student Life will be co-hosting a comedy show.

The comedy show is a campus tradition.

NaQuaina Moore, the assistant director at Multicultural Student Life, explained a little bit more about this tradition.

“The comedy show has been going on since, I want to say, the year 1999,” Moore said. “So this is a tradition. This is a staple event during Homecoming for the campus but primarily for our students of color.”

This year’s comedy show will be a little different from past shows. John-Michael Lyons, one of the co-presidents of the Black Cultural Programming Committee, talked a bit about previous comedy shows.

“Usually, we bring stand-up comedians in, usually funny names people know,” Lyons said.

“This year we are doing something a little different, though.”

This year the comedy show will be based off the show “Wild ’n Out.” The show will be called “Vol ‘n Out” and will have students participate in a variety of “Wild ‘n Out” style games. Two “Wild ‘n Out” cast members, Justina Valentine and Conceited, will be guests.

“We are getting two of those stars to come, and they’re going to invite students onto the stage to participate in ‘Wild ‘n Out’ style game,” Lyons said.

The students at the BCPC picked out the guests, hoping to do something new this year at the comedy show.

“So we are doing something a little different this year, trying to break the mold and break the monotony of what we do every single year,” Lyons said.

“We’ve never done a more interactive comedy show,” Moore said. “So students can expect to still have fun, still laugh, and the new element is that they are able to participate in the games.

The guests want student volunteers and student participation, and so they’ll call students up to be able to participate in the game that they will be playing with students.”

Valentine and Conceited go to various universities to perform similar comedy shows, so they were a good fit to bring something different to this year’s comedy show.

Students who attend the comedy show can expect a night full of laughter and great talent both from the guests and their peers.

“Expect to see something funny,” Lyons said.

“Also expect to see talent because in my opinion those two are the most talented on the show. So expect to see that, but also expect to laugh. I think that the students who are going to be participating are really funny.”

Students who wished to participate in the games were able to fill out a Google Form to express their interest. The form allows them to sign up either by themselves or as a group to show off their comedy skills with the guest comedians.

Although student participation is encouraged, students are also free to attend without participating in the games. Lyons encourages students who are unsure about the event to come just to check it out and see if they think they will have fun.

“I definitely say, ‘if you’re on the fence, just come,’” Lyons said. “You can always sit in the back and leave. That’s what I like to do if I’m unsure, but I would say come out. It’s going to be a great time. You’re gonna get to see some of your peers and students who go here on stage participating, and you might even get called up from the audience.”

The comedy show is also a fun, lower pressure way to get involved in the Homecoming festivities.

“It’s always a really nice way to get involved during Homecoming,” Lyons said. “Sometimes it can feel like they’re aren’t ways to do that.

The comedy show will be Nov. 2 in Student Union Room 180. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and tickets can be reserved through the Eventbrite page. A link to the Eventbrite page can be found on BCPC’s Instagram.

by Margie E. Burke

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ACROSS 1 Rubberneck 14 15 16 5 Vegetarian 19 17 18 staple 9 Milestone 21 22 20 birthday 23 24 25 14 Yoked pair 15 Computer 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 screen symbol 16 La Scala 36 34 35 offering 37 38 39 17 Large reptile 19 Drummer's 41 42 40 platform 44 45 20 Joker portrayer 43 21 Insane 46 47 48 49 23 Get wind of 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 25 Successful dieter 58 59 57 26 Lowdown 61 62 29 Datebook entry 60 31 Play the part 64 65 63 34 Young person 36 Anger Copyright 2023 by The Puzzle Syndicate 37 Greedy one's want 61 Enthusiasm 9 "Bambi" setting 36 Umbrella 38 Compass point 62 Cribbage pieces 10 Air a view pounders 39 Soon, in poems 63 Fence features 11 Held back 42 Billiards shot 40 Bidding site 64 "Shoot!"

12 Locust or larch 44 Does a garden 41 All-knowing 65 One-armed 13 Place to play chore 43 Easy chair site bandit 18 Honking flock 47 Metal fastener 44 Part of NOW 22 Trimester parts 49 Cake topper 45 Peruvian peaks DOWN 24 Endorsed 50 Hit the mall 46 Feed on pasture 1 Objective 26 Widely 51 Cozumel coin grasses 2 Wheel turner esteemed 52 Crème ___ 48 ____ one's loins 3 Fuse with a 27 Sun-dried brick crème 50 Hair problem torch 28 Oboe's kin 54 Yuletide song 53 Trumpet's 4 Hollywood's 30 Jules of sci-fi 55 "Cogito, ___ cousin Keira fame sum" 57 Throw with 5 Pageant wear 32 Genetic double 56 Dry run effort 6 31-day mo.

33 KOA sights 59 Elton John hit, 58 "Ghost" co-star 7 Interstate sign 35 Alarm clock "Rocket ___" 60 Basket willow 8 Tenacious button

865 - 521- 6555

Authentic Japanese Grilled Chicken, Steak, & Seafood

ORDER ONLINE NOW!

@

8

HOMECOMING

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, November 1, 2023

‘Over the Hill and Back to the 80s’ with former Beacon cartoonist Greg Case ABBY SMITH Staff Writer

Picture this: The year is 1982 at the University of Tennessee. Students are queuing up to register for classes or football tickets. There’s a long, long line accompanied by hours of waiting. The following day, these students pick up the latest edition of The Daily Beacon and flip to a page featuring editorial cartoonist Greg Case’s latest cartoon. They chuckle upon reading Case’s representation of the long line they stood in the day before and go on with the rest of their day.

Case started working as an editorial cartoonist at The Daily Beacon in the winter of 1980.

This was back when The Daily Beacon came out with a new edition every day, so Case would go to the Beacon office every day and come up with a cartoon that fit the theme of the day, examples being a snow day on campus, a particularly exciting game coming up or something interesting that the chancellor said.

Recently, Case compiled his cartoons from the time he started at the Beacon in 1980 until he graduated from UT with a degree in advertising in 1982. These cartoons can be found in the book titled “Over the Hill and Back to the

80s,” which will soon be available to purchase online. The book features cartoons in chronological order that cover all kinds of topics. The cartoons are sorted into categories in the book — campus, local and national — and into subcategories by topic, like sports and the World’s Fair.

“The biggest thing was the creative challenge every day,” Case said. “Like coming in and having to assess what was going on, what I felt might be relevant to a student audience and try to convey that visually. You’ve got to understand your audience and understand the context of what’s going on at any given time then try to do it with a little bit of wit or sarcasm, and therein lies the rub.”

The process of compiling Case’s cartoons started about five years ago in 2018. His former editor at The Daily Beacon, Guy Reel, wrote the foreword for the book after the two men reconnected. Reel was the editor of The Daily Beacon when Case joined the team, so the two worked closely together.

“Greg pulled more stories of life on campus and on the Strip, so it was more like a human or humane approach rather than sternly political all the time,” Reel said. “It was suitable for us at the time, and we all got along well, and he had a good sense of humor.”

Case’s cartoons differed from previous ones

from Beacon cartoonists like Dan Batey and Marshall Ramsey, who focused on more political and satirical cartoons according to Jeff Copeskey, another one of Case’s editors. Copeskey remembers Case fondly — to him, Batey, Ramsey and Case all deserve to be remembered as Beacon cartoonist legends.

“I think what I remember most about Greg is that the newsroom at the time was pretty loud, and there was a lot of energy and a lot of activity going on, and he would be at his desk, just quietly, calmly, thoughtfully drawing away,” Copeskey said. “You would think he was working on the Mona Lisa, and with everything that was going on around him, he was like the calm at the center of the storm.”

While Case compiled his cartoons in “Over the Hill and Back to the 80s,” he was given the opportunity to reflect back on the moments in history that he eternalized. He had clippings of the original cartoons that he saved, which he then scanned and compiled onto a jump drive.

From then on, it was relatively easy to put the book together.

The book of cartoons is now being sold online at the link above, by Case himself. Case will even donate the money he earns from the sales to Copeskey’s endowment fund, which will provide more resources to student journalists at UT.

Greg Case was a Daily Beacon editorial cartoonist in the early 1980s and produced cartoons that often poked fun at politics, campus events and athletic rivals, like the Kentucky Wildcats. Courtesy of Greg Case

Greek life chapters take advantage of ‘There’s No Place Like Home’ theme EMMA JOHNSTON Copy Chief

With Homecoming week in full swing, sororities and fraternities at UT are in the home stretch of building their annual Homecoming parade floats. This year’s Homecoming theme is “There’s No Place Like Neyland,” and UT’s Phi Mu and Pi Kappa Alpha chapters have partnered to build a Homecoming float that leans into this theme by using Tennessee-style motifs from “The Wizard of Oz” to demonstrate pride for the university.

Phi Mu’s Homecoming chair and senior neuroscience major, Lily Edwards and Pi Kappa Alpha’s Homecoming chair and supply chain management major, Cole Proctor, decided to tackle the homecoming theme of “There’s No Place Like Neyland” through incorporating references to “The Wizard of Oz” blended with allusions to UT on their float.

“I was really inspired by the movie poster for ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ so I wanted it to be like that road leading to Neyland,” Edwards said.

These references cleverly include a checkerboard road to Neyland Stadium in lieu of the yellow brick road to the Emerald City as

UT’s Phi Mu and Pi Kappa Alpha chapters lean into UT’s 2023 Homecoming theme of “There’s No Place Like Neyland” with Tennessee-style Dorothy and Smokey-style Toto. Oct. 29, 2023.

Courtesy of Lily Edwards well as Dorothy in a gingham orange and white dress as opposed to a blue and white dress. In an effort to show off Tennessee pride while getting creative with the theme, Edwards said the chapters chose specific references to the movie that would be clear

for parade watchers to understand.

According to Proctor, the theme was easier to get creative with than in years past because it provided a way to connect UT to an idea outside of the university.

“I just kind of like the idea of the theme

this year instead of, you know, basing it specifically on the University of Tennessee,” Proctor said. “I mean, it has to do with the University of Tennessee, but this year, you know, it kind of just goes outside a little bit with being related to ‘The Wizard of Oz’ compared to previous years.”

Edwards said that the hours of pomping bring members of both chapters into community with one another in celebration of the university.

“You really do get closer with the people not just in your chapter but in the other chapter that you’re partnering with because the main thing you’re doing is just sitting there doing this little monotonous task and talking to people, so it’s like a very chilled out like social event honestly,” Edwards said.

Proctor said that what is most rewarding about the process is seeing the end product.

“I like building it. I like seeing it go up,” Proctor said. “You know, starting from a flat trailer to the end product is kind of cool to see.”

From pomping to a fully crafted design, more than 500 Phi Mu and Pi Kappa Alpha members have committed to bringing together the iconic elements of “The Wizard of Oz” and UT’s favorite symbols on their float to display at the Homecoming parade this Friday.

HOMECOMING

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 • The Daily Beacon

9

Opinion: It’s pomping time in Tennessee Opinions Editor Calie Wrona says that despite the hand cramps it brings on, pomping for her sorority feels worth it by the end of the week.

CALIE WRONA Opinions Editor Homecoming is a special time when alumni return to their alma mater, and current students revel in the spirit of Rocky Top. It’s an occasion for Volunteers from all corners of the world to journey back to their beloved Rocky Top and celebrate the rich history, cherished traditions and unwavering passion for UT. However, waving an orange and white pom pom while cheering on the Vols can be quite a challenge when your fingers are aching from pomping one too many pomps.

The Greek community takes Homecoming week as seriously as a nation hosting the Olympics. As a member of a Panhellenic sorority, I can attest that each day of the week is jam-packed with events, from Smokey’s Howl, a spirited competition, to the Tower of Cans, a contest centered around constructing the tallest tower of cans. Did I mention that Homecoming is, in essence, a massive competition?

Typically, a fraternity asks a sorority to Homecoming during the spring semester, and these “proposals” are grand affairs, involving songs, dances and the presentation of flowers or sweet treats. Once this elaborate ritual is complete, it’s time to prepare for the week ahead.

Throughout the week, there are numerous events to boost your Homecoming prospects, but to “win” Homecoming week, you must excel in two key areas: the yard display and parade float. We’re not talking about simple signs in the front yard or basic floats. We’re talking about magnificent yard displays and majestic floats that embody the Homecoming theme.

When I was a freshman, Homecoming was relatively small and resources were

limited due to the global pandemic. Yet, I still had to pomp. You might be wondering, “What is pomping, and how is it done?” I asked myself the same question.

In simple terms, a pomp is a square piece of tissue paper intricately folded to create a flat paper ball. Pomping is, you guessed it, the art of crafting these pomps.

So during my freshman year, I had to walk to Fraternity Park to pick up a pack of tissue paper, which I would then take back to my dorm and pomp for hours. In the end, I made them completely wrong because I had no clue what I was doing, and they were never even used.

Over the next two years, I can proudly — and somewhat sadly — say that I became quite proficient at pomping. Although, there were a few occasions when my pomps ended up on the “Pomp of Shame” board. But I learned that practice makes perfect, and I now have over 40, soon to be 50, hours of pomping under my belt.

You might be wondering, “What are these pomps used for?” These small paper balls are the building blocks of the yard display and parade float. In other words, there needs to be a massive quantity of pomps ready when the wood is cut and the glue is prepared.

How and why pomping became a tradition in the 21st century are questions I can’t answer. After hours upon hours of pomping, the pomps then need to be glued onto the display and float foundation made of wood. Inhaling the fumes from the glue couldn’t have been good for me.

While most Greek life members are required to participate for a set number of hours, many choose to stay after fulfilling their requirements to ensure the final product doesn’t resemble a preschool craft project. I’ve pulled many all-nighters during Homecoming weeks, busy pomping and gluing, only to walk to class from Fraternity Park the next morning. It was a humbling experience.

Opinions Editor Calie Wrona says sororities and fraternities take Homecoming events like pomping “as seriously as a nation hosting the Olympics.”

Calie Wrona / The Daily Beacon

However, Homecoming week isn’t just about labor and sleepless nights. Alongside the challenging aspects, I’ve had the opportunity to meet people and forge connections that would never have been possible otherwise, and I’ve truly absorbed the essence of the college experience. Even though I didn’t get the full freshman experience, I embraced the chance to be part of a genuine Tennessee Homecoming, even if it meant I had to pomp.

Seeing the finished product almost always makes the hectic week worth it.

Watching the admiration of your lawn display during a tailgate and witnessing your float as it approaches Neyland Stadium is a truly gratifying experience.

Homecoming week culminates during the Homecoming game. Instead of a traditional halftime show at Neyland Stadium, an announcer reveals the Homecoming

runner-ups and winners. As a naturally competitive person, not winning in the three years I’ve participated has been a tough pill to swallow. I remember thinking we had a sure win during my sophomore year. Nevertheless, the chaos of the week comes to a halt, and you get to enjoy watching the Vols hopefully secure an impressive victory against their opponent.

As I prepare to graduate next semester, I know I won’t miss the meticulous pomping process, but I will forever cherish the bonds formed during those late-night endeavors. Homecoming is about more than just winning — it’s about celebrating the shared love for our home sweet home.

The memories and experiences gained during Homecoming week are truly worth the effort, and they will remain with me long after I’ve waved my last orange and white pom pom.

10

HOMECOMING

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Al Wilson ‘honored’ to be 2023 Homecoming grand marshal The former Tennessee linebacker helped lead the Vols to a National Championship in 1998 and is now set to lead this Friday’s Homecoming parade.

CALEB JARREAU Sports Editor

Former Tennessee linebacker Al Wilson has garnered a lot of accolades over his career.

From winning a BCS National Championship with the Vols in 1998 to being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2021, Wilson has enjoyed a lauded career. Now, Wilson can add something to his resume he couldn’t before.

The former Vol will serve as the 2023 Homecoming parade grand marshal.

“I’m honored to even be considered to be grand marshal,” Wilson said in a conversation with The Daily Beacon. “To know that I will be this year, it’s an amazing feeling to know that the university thinks that highly of you. So I’m honored just to be a part of it and looking forward to everything that comes with it.”

Wilson enjoyed a successful career at Tennessee. He was the only All-American selection from the perfect 13-0 team in 1998 that went on to win the inaugural BCS National Championship. He finished his career at Tennessee with 272 tackles and is considered one of the best linebackers in Tennessee history.

After college, he was a first-round selection of the Denver Broncos in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played from 1999-2006 and was a five-time Pro Bowl selection.

After his playing career ended, Wilson moved to Atlanta. However, the Jackson, Tennessee, native always has the Tri-Star State in his heart.

Wilson called his decision to play for Tennessee “probably the best decision I could have ever made.”

“It feels good. I’m a Tennessee guy born and raised, so my blood bleeds orange,” Wilson said. “I just have a passion for the university that a lot of guys may not have. So I’m just happy to be a part of it.”

In recent years, Wilson said the current Tennessee administration has been a lot more welcoming of alumni than in the past.

Wilson attends just about every home game now, driving up from Georgia on the weekends.

His former teammate Fred White gave Wilson a heads up that UT Chancellor Donde Plowman was considering him for grand marshal. There was no hesitation when White asked if he would be comfortable with the position.

The current administration has embraced former plays and alumni. The 1998 National Championship team was honored earlier this season, bringing Wilson back to Knoxville to spend time with former players and coaches.

“A lot of the fans are our age now, and their kids are attending the university, so they’ve passed on that tradition, and they understand what it is,” White said. “And I think just being around people who understand how hard it is going undefeated and to win a national championship, especially coming out of the SEC. So I think people just can appreciate the time and effort that we put into it.”

Like the tradition of celebrating the 1998 championship team, the tradition of Homecoming is not lost on Wilson. During his playing days, he didn’t get to take part in all the events. The energy on campus was palpable, though.

As an alumnus, he has had the opportunity to feel Homecoming week from outside of the locker room. His role on Saturday will be even greater.

“That experience has been exactly what I thought it would be and sometimes even greater,” Wilson said. “Just having the opportunity to see people I hadn’t seen in 20plus years, to see where people are in their lives at the moment and to see what they have going on and just to reminisce about the good old days and how much fun we used to have.”

The bond from the 1998 team is still strong today. The way they interact with one another almost 25 years after their last game together.

The 2023 Homecoming week offers another opportunity for the team to return to Knoxville. Like Wilson led the Vols in 1998, he will lead the Homecoming parade on Friday, Nov. 3.

Linebacker Al Wilson (27) of the Tennessee Volunteers during a game at Neyland Stadium in 1996. Courtesy of Tennessee Athletics “They put these pieces in place, and now we’re the ones that are getting the opportunity to benefit from it,” Wilson said. “It feels good to be back around the university, around the program and just seeing what all the hard work did back in the ’90s.”

It all starts from within the locker room, Wilson said. His teams that found success in the late ‘90s enjoyed being around one another, and it showed when they went on the field.

Wilson can tell that the current Tennessee teams enjoy each other as well.

“Once you have that, I mean, everything else kind of takes care of itself,” Wilson said.

“I can see that guys love being around one another. When you walk in the building, you have a great feeling of what Tennessee football is and what it should be, and that’s what we had back in the day. So it’s just good to feel that again.”

Wilson was an integral part of back-to-

back SEC titles during his time as a Vol. During his four years, Tennessee finished in the top 10 every season.

He finally feels like the program has the stability it did in the late ‘90s when he was a part of it. A lot of that starts with current head coach Josh Heupel.

Heupel had the Vols in the Orange Bowl in his second year as head coach. He has posted an overall record of 24-10 while leading Tennessee.

Wilson, along with several other 1998 alumni, are fully bought into Heupel.

“I’m excited for the future,” Wilson said.

“I’m excited about what he’s done so far.

I’m a 100% fan of his and a big proponent of the way he coaches and calls plays. And I just look forward to the future. I feel like we have some stability again, you know, the head coach position, which we hadn’t had in years. It just gives us a great opportunity to go in the right direction.”

HOMECOMING

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 • The Daily Beacon

11 11

KEEP UP WITH ROCKY TOP!

Dylan Sampson (6) runs the ball during a game against Kentucky at Kroger Field. Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. Cambree Gliessner / Contributor

Dylan Sampson finishes what Jaylen Wright started in Tennessee football’s win over Kentucky ERIC WOODS Assistant Sports Editor

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Dylan Sampson stepped on the field in the fourth quarter with Tennessee football holding just a twopoint lead. As he ran out, center Cooper Mays told him that he will “be the one to change the game.”

Sampson was quiet running the ball early, but Jaylen Wright kicked things off for the room with a 52-yard touchdown run on the Vols’ first drive. Sampson came alive in the fourth quarter as the pair finished with a combined 195 rushing yards on the night.

“Dynamic in the second half in particular, down the stretch,” head coach Josh Heupel said. “Did a good job making people miss and reading the blocks and running extremely hard, running through tackles. … All in all, just a big time effort from those guys.”

Wright stayed the hot hand throughout the first half, but Heupel said he “got nicked up” as the game progressed, giving Sampson room to “change the game.”

He did exactly that with one mission. He “had to finish.” Sampson caught a shovel pass from Joe Milton III on the Vols’ penultimate drive on second-and-long. He took a hit but stayed up and picked up a first down for an offense in need of a play.

The sophomore running back continued to make plays as he played a key role

in icing No. 21 Tennessee’s 33-27 win over Kentucky.

What Wright started, Sampson finished.

Wright picked up 100 of his 120 rushing yards in the first half. Meanwhile, Sampson picked up 92 of his 114 all-purpose yards in the fourth quarter.

Following the shovel pass, Sampson picked up a key third-and-long conversion and ran for a touchdown on the next play.

He racked up 37 yards on Tennessee’s final drive to close things out.

“He does that every day. That’s Dylan,” Milton said. “Just a small guy that’s hard to bring down. Dylan works on everything that you can possibly see out there on the field. He worked on those moments. No matter what he’s doing, he’s trying to work on something new. It’s Dylan, man. He’s smart, you know, he works hard and also he’s just a team player too. So, whatever it needs to be done, Dylan’s willing to do it.”

Tennessee’s offense was efficient all night, and Kentucky had little answers defensively. The Vols came away with points on every first-half drive.

However, as the game went on, the effectiveness began to decrease as the Wildcats crept closer in the game and came within two points. With “no time to think straight,” Sampson went on the field and made a difference.

Wright has consistently referred to the Vols boasting “the best running back room in the country.” Sampson is seen as the third back on the depth chart, but he leads the team outside of Milton in touchdowns.

“It’s just what we all prepare for,” Sampson said. “You never know whose number is going to get called, especially being in a deep running back room, but this is what we prepare for at practice, so just go out there and execute at a high level. That’s just the job and that’s what we had to do.”

Offensively, Tennessee played its most complete game with the pass and run running in unison.

Wright helped open up the passing game with his first-half performance while Sampson delivered the final blow. Thanks to Sampson’s heroics, the Vols were able to pull out their first road win of the season while staying alive in the SEC East race.

“It was good. We had to finish,” Sampson said. “I feel like this is a big step in getting to where we need to go, but we’ve got a lot of things we need to accomplish. But this was a big win for us as a team.”

Subscribe to our YouTube.

12

HOMECOMING

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, November 1, 2023

2023

Football

PICK ‘EM

Eric Woods AssT. Sports Editor (42-14)

Joe Milton III wears Summitt Blue accents against UT Martin. Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022.

File / The Daily Beacon

Caleb Jarreau Sports Editor (41-15)

Vols to wear Summitt Blue accents against UConn in honor of Pat Summitt CALEB JARREAU Sports Editor

Tennessee football will be donning its Summitt Blue accents on Saturday against UConn.

The move coincides with the first weekend of November, which is known as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. The late, great Lady Vols head coach Pat Summitt suffered from the disease.

“We have a unique opportunity to honor the legacy of Pat Summitt,” Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said. “We’ll be doing that at the game with our uniform, but we’ll also be doing it with a commemorative cup that everybody can purchase.”

A dollar from every purchase of a commemorative cup will go to fund Alzheimer’s research at UT Medical Center. Fans are also encouraged to donate to support Alzheimer’s research at UT Medical Center.

The cup is Summitt Blue with a photo of the late Summitt.

Summitt was just 59 years old when she was diagnosed with early-onset dementia. She died at age 64 due to the disease.

During her coaching career at Tennessee, she had several battles with UConn. The rivalry between Summitt’s established Lady Vols and Geno Auriemma’s budding Huskies began in 1995. That year, Auriemma defeated Summitt twice and won the national title.

It was the first of 11 championships for UConn, but Tennessee won the next three titles. Both women’s basketball programs are among the winningest in NCAA history.

On Saturday, though, the two universities

will meet on the football field. No. 19 Tennessee (6-2, 3-2 SEC) hosts the struggling Huskies (1-7). UConn’s lone win came on the road against Rice.

UConn head coach Jim Mora, who is in his second season, will have his hands full in Neyland Stadium on Saturday. The game also doubles as Tennessee’s Homecoming weekend.

“Looking forward to this week, continuing to get better,” Heupel said. “Looking forward to Homecoming week here. Know it’s a noon kickoff, but expect our fans to show up and show out in a great way and create a great environment. But it’s a great opportunity to welcome back so many of our alumni here. So looking forward to that.”

As for the Vols, it is an emphasis this week to avoid overlooking UConn and looking ahead to the remaining SEC games. The coaches and players this week have echoed that same message.

UConn has been in a lot of one-possession games, so it is paramount the Vols stay focused on the week at hand.

“You better show up and you better play,” UT’s offensive coordinator Joey Halzle said.

“And we’re at the point now where we’re trying to make a push down the stretch. So every game matters as far as how are we still building. Coach Heup preaches it every day. You have to still be getting better this time of year.

So if you’re still getting better this time of year, it doesn’t matter who’s standing across the ball from you, you’re going out with your own mindset.”

Tennessee is slated to take on UConn at noon ET on Saturday, but the festivities will begin long before that.

Tanner Johnson Staff Writer (39-19)

Madeline McNeely Contributor (36-20)

Jack Church Staff Writer (35-21)

Bella Hughes Managing Editor (34-22)

UConn 10 vs. Tennessee 41 LSU vs. Alabama Kansas State vs. Texas Missouri vs. Georgia Washington vs. USC Tulane vs. East Carolina Georgia Tech vs. Virginia UConn 21 vs. Tennessee 52 LSU vs. Alabama Kansas State vs. Texas Missouri vs. Georgia Washington vs. USC Tulane vs. East Carolina Georgia Tech vs. Virginia UConn 10 vs. Tennessee 48 LSU vs. Alabama Kansas State vs. Texas Missouri vs. Georgia Washington vs. USC Tulane vs. East Carolina Georgia Tech vs. Virginia UConn 6 vs. Tennessee 36 LSU vs. Alabama Kansas State vs. Texas Missouri vs. Georgia Washington vs. USC Tulane vs. East Carolina Georgia Tech vs. Virginia UConn 3 vs. Tennessee 33 LSU vs. Alabama Kansas State vs. Texas Missouri vs. Georgia Washington vs. USC Tulane vs. East Carolina Georgia Tech vs. Virginia UConn 7 vs. Tennessee 38 LSU vs. Alabama Kansas State vs. Texas Missouri vs. Georgia Washington vs. USC Tulane vs. East Carolina Georgia Tech vs. Virginia