A SEMESTER IN REVIEW
In Frame: A semester in photos Page 06-07
Letter from the Editor: Closing a chapter: Thank you Daily Beacon
EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Bella Hughes
MANAGING EDITOR: Emma Love
COPY CHIEF: Caden Dyer
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COVER PHOTO: File / The Daily Beacon
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BELLA HUGHES Editor-in- Chief
This is the hundredth paper that I’ve been lucky enough to have produced alongside various Daily Beacon editorial teams. One hundred papers, three summer magazines and one summer special edition newspaper to commemorate the first baseball national championship.
The Beacon has been a guiding light throughout my college career. The mentors who have led me, the mistakes I’ve made, the time I spent connecting with people in interviews, the articles I’ve read and the brainstorming sessions I attended have all molded me into the person I am today.
There’s small moments in your life that don’t seem impactful, but in the end, they change the trajectory of your life. For me, that was joining the Beacon. I became design editor the summer going into my freshman year, and thus, my journey began.
This organization taught me to be resilient, fearless, curious and to lead with my heart first. I started in this newsroom as an introverted young lady who would stay in her corner and only speak when spoken to. I am leav-
ing as a confident woman who is hopeful for the future. That’s what this place does.
In my time in the newsroom — somewhere in between trying to finish an assignment and putting out little office fires — alumni would pop their heads in and recount stories of “Back in my Beacon days...” I always found these stories so enlightening. What a privilege it was to hear how they navigated similar experiences of conducting interviews, covering breaking news and publishing a then-daily paper. The Beacon connects people. It connects its writers and editors, its audiences and alumni.
The Beacon serves at the pleasure of the student body. The editors, writers, photographers and copy editors couldn’t do what they do without you, the reader. I’ve learned that journalism goes two ways — thank you for supporting the newsroom, the stories we publish and the work that we do.
Although it is hard for me to part with the Beacon, I am so thrilled to see what comes with new leadership.
To the current editorial team, thank you for showing up every day ready to offer something new. Individually, you all are wonderful, but together you are magic. To every editorial team I’ve had the pleasure of serving alongside, thank you for your knowledge and leadership. I look forward to joining you in the club of alumni.
In her last letter as EIC, Bella Hughes reflects on her four years at the Beacon and looks to live a story of her own.
Courtesy of the Media Center
This place has molded me into a storyteller, and now it’s time for me to live a story of my own.
Here’s to 100.
For the last time, Bella Hughes Editor-in-Chief
Letter from the Managing Editor: Wish I could Beacon forever
EMMA LOVE Managing Editor
It’s weird to think that something that has consumed so much of my life won’t be in it anymore in just a few days. But then again, we’ve all been through this before, right?
I went to the same dance studio every other day for 11 years, and then one day, I no longer did. I was in the same small group for four years, and then one day, I no longer was. I’ve worked in the same orange-colored office for three and a half years, and soon, I no longer will.
This is an adjustment we’ve all experienced and will continue to as we grow up and move on to bigger and better things — though I’m not sure how the “better” part can be true.
The Daily Beacon has become more than a newspaper to me. I didn’t know I was doing this, but over the past couple years, I’ve turned “Beacon” into every part of speech. Of course, I use it as a noun: “I work at the Beacon” or “I’m headed to the Beacon.” But I also use it as an adjective: “a Beacon person” or “a Beaconer.” I even use it as a verb: “I need to Beacon” or “I need to stop Beaconing and start studenting.”
I’m going to miss every part of speech the Beacon has become — the place, the people, the ideas.
I like to say that the Beacon is my major. Tech-
In her last letter, Managing Editor Emma Love reminisces on what her time at the Beacon has meant to her. Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. Photo courtesy of Emma Love
nically, my major is journalism and media, but the Beacon has taught me more about what journalism is and what it takes than any course has. Thus, I owe my college education to the personified Beacon.
As sad as I am to graduate from the Beacon, I am equally excited to graduate from UT. The professional world awaits me, and I can’t wait to be on the bottom of the totem pole in it. I look forward to focusing on learning how to do a new job and not splitting my attention between it and classes and a second job.
It has been a real blessing to work with so many excellent and hardworking people, many of whom
have become my friends (my Beacon friends, if you will). Leading alongside and under Bella Hughes has strengthened my belief that facing challenges together nourishes friendships.
I am proud to be a Beacon alum, and I’m eager to find a job, start a career, and come back to the ole’ orange office to see the great things the next generation of Beaconers is doing.
With hope, Emma Love
P.S. I bet you’ve never seen the word “Beacon” this many times in one article.
Saving Seven
With minimal chance of survival, Seven the horse has been nursed back to health at College of Veterinary Medicine and his owner Van Slyke has documented his story online, capturing the hearts of many.
KYLIA BERRY Contributor
Seven, a courageous and mighty horse, was born premature at 286 days gestation. With a nearly impossible survival rate, Seven can experience life thanks to the help of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Seven arrived at the Farm Animal Hospital in early July. The two doctors behind the work are Dr. Brittany Veerasammy, a third-year large animal surgery resident, and Dr. Tena Ursini, a clinical assistant professor of equine physical rehabilitation.
“It
is an opportunity
to
show
the world
what rehab can do,” Ursini said. “It’s just my name and place on it, but it’s the rehab. It’s the team. It’s who we are here as a center.”
DR. TENA URSINI Clinical assistant professor of equine physical rehabilitation
“Super inquisitive,” Ursini said. “Super curious. Quite devious in general. And manipulating people against other people. So he will pretend that he has not had breakfast or dinner. And we’re to second breakfast and the second dinner.”
Finding food was not always the number one concern for Seven when he showed up at the large animal hospital; His biggest obstacle was walking. His owner, Katie Van Slyke, knew the doctors and rehabilitation equipment on Rocky Top would help him in the recovery process.
“When he first came to us, we affectionately called it a limp,” Ursini said. “He really couldn’t stand very much at all without a lot of support. So he came in the back of an SUV. We slid around the back of the SUV onto the gurney and brought him into the store, and he was able to stand up, maybe for 15 to 20 minutes.”
The foal is defying all odds, and his first year of life has looked quite different compared to other foals. Horses are herd animals, and with Seven’s challenges, he had to be kept isolated from other animals.
“Seven was taken away from his mother nearly days after his birth, and while he waits to return back to his home in Middle Tennessee, he does have someone to keep him company,” Veerasammy said.
Seven sparked interest nationwide when his owner Van Slyke shared his story via Instagram. Viewers fell in love with this foal, who fights daily to make it back home. In each post, Dr. Ursini provides an update on his recovery.
Seven recovers at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Courtesy of UT College of Veterinary Medicine
are here as a center.”
As Seven continues on his road to recovery on Rocky Top, he is not the only one learning something new as the team navigates his treatments. Veerasammy’s ultimate goal is to perform surgeries on animals like Seven every day.
Seven cannot interact with other horses throughout his recovery process. Despite his isolation from other animals, he acts like any other foal — mischievous and hungry. Dr. Usini says he has a personality and always has his eye on food, which might mean manipulating the UT hospital staff.
However, not all videos are about his recovery but focus on his “spicy” personality. Dr. Ursini says it allows viewers to see the power of physical rehabilitation.
“It is an opportunity to show the world what rehab can do,” Ursini said. “It’s just my name and place on it, but it’s the rehab. It’s the team. It’s who we
“It’s a great learning opportunity,” Dr. Veerasammy said. “It was a big project. I remember thinking, ‘Man, what will we do for this foal? What does this entail? How far we could go?’ I think it’s great to have that opportunity and to be able to mix not only the surgery aspect of things but also the rehabilitation we can put our patients through.”
During Seven’s stay on Rocky Top, the entire staff at the UT Veterinary Medical Center fell in love with the foal, who is full of character. Dr. Veerasammy has been by Seven’s side since he arrived. As
the foal misses interactions with other animals, she thought she would let him see other horses virtually.
“We used to take naps in this all together, and we used to watch ‘Spirit of the Stallion’ on my iPhone together just to keep him company,” Dr. Veerasammy said. “Usually, we just lay down here together, and sometimes he’ll let me sleep on his neck.”
Even when Seven, the internet icon, returns home to his family in Middle Tennessee, the story of his long battle of defying the odds will remain in the UT Veterinary Medical Center.
“We joke around that he should be our mascot because we love him so much. I think that he’s been such an integral part of the team. Not only is he a great patient to take care of, but he’s also great,” Dr. Veerasammy said.
SGA introduces bill to help student veterans get football tickets
For each Tennessee football game, students can enter a lottery through Rocky Top Rowdies in the Tennessee Athletics app to purchase a student ticket. While the selection can be random, students with higher “T-credits” earned by attending Tennessee athletic events can be more likely to get a ticket than those who don’t.
The ticket lottery
Although this lottery is supposed to give every student a fair chance, student government senator Kevin Ho says the “T-credit” system unfairly excludes the student veteran population.
“I work at the Veterans Success Center every day,” Ho said. “I interact with veterans on a daily basis.”
As a student veteran himself, this issue isn’t just an observed aspect — it’s personal.
“When I would ask my other veteran friends if they got tickets to the game, they would always say no. None of them were ever able to get student tickets, so they just never went.”
That is when Ho partnered with fellow Student Government Association senators Madeline Bell and Jordan Sloan to introduce a new bill.
The bill will subtract 500 tickets from the general population at Neyland Stadium and reserve them for veteran students, according to Ho.
A new bill
Part of the Vol Veterans Student Tickets Bill aims to ensure student tickets are available not only for student veterans but also for veteran faculty members and those who are active in the National Guard and Reserve.
The bill states, “The Veterans ticket accessibility bill aims to provide our student veterans with easier access to the sporting events held at our University.”
They aim to ensure veterans can obtain these tickets through the Veteran Success Center, guaranteeing ticket availability for high-impact events like Tennessee football games. This will help create a strong sense of school spirit for our student veterans.
A new school spirit
Making these students feel a part of the school spirit is one of the things these senators hope to achieve, according to Bell.
“The least we can do is welcome them with open arms and give them experience to be a part of this student life and culture, and that is football,” Bell said.
Both Bell and Sloan said that their main reasoning behind joining Ho on the bill was that they felt it was the perfect opportunity to give back to those who served our country, specifically those who have made sacrifices and are now back to get their education.
“Not only did they serve our country, and I want to give back to them, and we want to give back to them, but just
simply for the fact that it may be harder for them to attend other sporting events to get ‘T-credits’ than it is for other students,” Sloan said.
An inspiration
This bill is the first of its kind, and Ho said he hopes this initiative will inspire other schools to follow suit.
“We aim to be one of the nation’s first schools or major SEC schools for essentially bringing this practice out,” Ho said.
The Vol Veterans Student Ticket Bill has just passed through SGA, so it will not go into full effect until the next football season.
AUBREE CURRAN Contributor
The student section comes together for an energetic sing-along of “Rocky Top” against Chattanooga at Neyland Stadium. Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. Kinley Sanderson / Contributor
Christmas events to attend in Knoxville this holiday season
JAXSON BERG Staff Writer
For anyone staying in Knoxville over the holiday break wondering what to do without the hustle and bustle of school, here is a list of activities or sights to see and enjoy in Knoxville.
Holidays on Ice
On Friday, Nov. 29, Knoxville’s Holidays on Ice made its annual return to Market Square. This is an ice skating rink in the heart of downtown Knoxville for kids, adults, couples, friends or families to enjoy. The rink will be open daily at varying hours, as found on the city website. You can also purchase tickets before attending or as gifts through their ticket website. It is $12 for adults and $9 for children 12 and under — season passes are also available. The rink is planning to stay open until Jan. 5, 2025.
Downtown Peppermint Trail
A trail of peppermints on the sidewalks of downtown Knoxville is the perfect date night or family event. Leading people throughout the town to various shops with many peppermint treats, cocktails or candy, it is the perfect way to try new places in the Knoxville area. This event began on Nov. 29 and will run through Jan. 5.
Schulz Brau Brewing’s Christkindlesmarkt
A take on a traditional German market can be found right here in Knoxville. This Knoxville Christmas market is returning for its fourth year at Schulz Brau Brewing. Hours for the market are Friday from 3-8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11-8 p.m. No tickets are required for entry to this event, and the market will be available until Dec. 22.
Holiday Festival of Lights at the Cove
For the entire month of December, the Festival of Lights at Cove Park will be open from 6-9 p.m. every evening. Santa will visit the festival every Friday and Saturday, and anyone can come and visit with him. It is free to attend this event. However, donations of nonperishable food items will be accepted for The Love Kitchen.
WIVK Christmas Parade
WIVK FM 107.7 is holding its 51st annual Christmas parade on Friday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. The parade will be on Gay Street in downtown Knoxville, featuring floats, marching bands, dancing and a Santa
Claus appearance. Gather friends and family to attend this event on the first Friday of December.
Santa at the Sunsphere
Visit Santa Claus at the Knoxville Sunsphere from Dec. 6-8. Photos with Santa will be available on the fourth floor of the sundeck in the Sunsphere. Reservations must be made in advance to secure a time slot to meet with Santa. Packages ranging from $40-$60 will be available for purchase. All the information needed to book a reservation and purchase a package can be found on the Visit Knoxville website.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Tennessee Theater
The Tennessee Theatre is showing “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Dec. 13, presented by FirstBank. This showing is free to attend with a free digital ticket for entry. This 1947 classic follows George Bailey, who nearly ends his life only to find what would be different if he never existed. Beginning at 8 p.m., with a run time of 1 hour and 31 minutes, claim a ticket now.
Clarence Brown Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol”
Dec. 5-21, Clarence Brown Theatre is putting on a production of “A Christmas Carol”. This classic story will instill the holiday spirit in the holiday season. Tickets are available on the Clarence Brown Theatre website, as well as a cast list and more information about the show.
Oak Ridge Playhouse’s “Cinderella”
Oak Ridge Playhouse is putting on a production of “Cinderella.” Running from Nov. 29 to Dec. 15, tickets are available for purchase now. Follow the classic story of Cinderella finding her Prince Charming with friends and family this holiday season. Additional information can be found on their website.
River and Rail Theatre’s “It’s a Wonderful Life”
River and Rail Theatre presents “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” The classic story will come to life as a 1940s radio broadcast. Tickets are available for purchase for their shows running Dec. 5 -22. Gather friends and family and attend
this show. More information is available on River and Rail Theatre’s website.
Tour de Lights
Presented by Visit Knoxville and Bike Walk Knoxville, immerse yourself in holiday lights by attending the Tour de Lights on Dec. 14. Decorate your bike and arrive in costume to bike through Knoxville and see all the festive lights. A costume contest, holiday market, photos with Santa and more will also be available before and after the event. A full schedule of events can be found on Bike Walk Knoxville’s website, along with a link to register for this event.
New Year’s at the Sunsphere Kick off the year 2025 at World’s Fair Park. On the night of Dec. 31, there will be food trucks, a silent disco and deejay music beginning at 9 p.m., and a ball drop from the Sunsphere at midnight to ring in the new year. Gather all your friends and attend this event to celebrate the upcoming year and say goodbye to the year past.
A “Toy Story” themed float travels down Gay Street during the 50th Annual WIVK Christmas Parade. Dec. 4, 2023. Catie Cox / Contributor
OPINION: How AirPods solved a crime: Why you need to lock your doors on campus
RYLEIGH DOUGALL Columnist
We all know crime is something to watch out for on any college campus, but it’s easy to forget when you’re caught up in the chaos of student life.
In Knoxville, where there’s a noticeable homeless population, staying cautious can feel like one more thing on an already overloaded to-do list. But sometimes, it’s the little things — like forgetting to lock your car — that can lead to a much bigger headache. Last night, that’s exactly what happened.
On Wednesday, Nov. 20, my best friend Ella’s car was broken into. Her backpack, wallet and keys were stolen.
Ella arrived at my house at 5:29 p.m., and by 6:12 p.m., her keys were gone. We were planning to go to dinner along with one of my roommates, Miller, and we figured Ella would drive. After noticing her car was locked and she could not locate her keys, we did not think much of this, and I decided to drive us to dinner instead.
While we were eating, Ella casually checked her phone and noticed several notifications about charges she hadn’t made. At first, she didn’t connect her locked car and missing wallet to these charges. As her wallet was already broken, and her cards had fallen out before, she figured it was just one of those days. But when she logged into her banking app, we were stunned.
Whoever had her wallet had gone on a spending spree. The thief spent $160.54 at Walgreens, over $200 at Publix split into two purchases, $8.95 at Cookout, $43.06 at Ian’s Market and $29.21 at Corner Market on 13th Street. Over $400 spent quicker than it took us to finish our chips, queso and quesadillas. Reflecting later, Ella admitted, “It was when I started seeing those charges that it hit me — someone definitely got into my car.” After dinner, we checked for her keys in the driveway, the house and her car, but no luck.
Eventually she turned on her phone’s flashlight and looked in her backseat and realized her backpack was gone.
That’s when it all clicked — someone had walked down the driveway, opened her unlocked car and stolen her things.
Ella quickly reached out to a few police officers she conveniently knew through her gym. After asking the usual questions — “What time did you notice they were missing?” “What’s your location?” “Could there be DNA evidence on your car?” — one officer asked the jackpot question: “Do you have anything trackable in the backpack?” Ella initially said no, but then quickly remembered — her AirPods were in the bag.
She opened the FindMy app, and suddenly, we had a lead: Her AirPods were pinging from the Salvation Army. Ella kept refreshing her phone, watching the thief’s movements like she was tracking a pizza delivery. After a few minutes, we received another call from an officer asking her to confirm the AirPods’ current location. Ella panicked, replying, “Oh! He’s moved! He’s in my house!” This jump scare quickly became funny, as she realized she had accidentally clicked on her Apple Watch’s location which happened to be on her wrist. We all burst out laughing, except for the cop, who remained focused on the case.
The thief lingered outside the Salvation Army, the well-known stomping ground for much of Knoxville’s homeless population, before moving to another street.
The officer called us as he approached the suspect and asked Ella to ping the AirPods to help identify the stolen backpack. On the phone, we heard the officer’s partner say to the suspect, “Oh, these definitely aren’t yours,” referring to Ella’s AirPods. Shortly after, the officer called back to say Ella’s backpack, some cards and her AirPods had been recovered, but her keys and wallet were still missing. It was almost midnight when the officer eventually asked us to meet him at a nearby location to retrieve her belongings.
After being reunited with her items, Ella apologized for the trouble, but the officer reassured her.
“Honestly, catching this guy wasn’t just
Captions for In Frame: A semester in photos
1: Vols celebrate after a game against Kentucky at Neyland Stadium. Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 Cambree Gliessner / The Daily Beacon
2: The Alpha Omicron Pi and Lamda Chi Alpha float during the homecoming parade. Friday Nov. 8, 2024. Jaden Vitt / Contributor
3: The Pride of the Southland Band lines up before the Vols take on UTEP at Neyland Stadium. Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Erick Gomez-Villeda / The Daily Beacon
shares an experience with a theft crime that happened to her friend on campus.
about your case. We’re glad to get him off the streets before he could do this to someone else,” the officer said.
This was a case of a serial thief. We figured that was the end of it, until Ella received a call from her apartment complex explaining that someone had found her keychain at Fort Sanders School.
After I picked Ella up for what seemed like a never ending mission, we began thinking to ourselves, “Hmmm. Maybe we should become police officers. This is kind of fun.” When we got to the front desk, the officer who works at the school and had found her keychain handed it to her. Unfortunately, we noticed it no longer had her car keys or wallet attached.
Initially, walking up to the school thinking all loose ends to this case had been tied, I asked Ella how she felt in the moments before realizing a few of her things were still missing. She admits, “I was so happy and hopeful.”
4: Lady Vols celebrate in Thompson Boling Arena at Food City Center. Malachi Jackson / Contributor
5: Chaz Lanier (2) shoots a fade-away during a game against Louisville at the KFC Yum! Center. Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024
Cambree Gliessner / The Daily Beacon
6: Billy Amick (11) bats in Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Jayden Randolph / Contributor
Ella is still waiting for anymore leads on her keys and wallet, but her advice for anyone reading is simple: “Lock your car — it’s Knoxville.”
It seems like common sense, but it’s easy to forget. Trust us, it’s worth the effort. Additionally, using some form of tracking device, whether it be AirPods, an AirTag or a Tile Tracker, can go a long way.
Dougall is a junior at UT this year studying accounting. She can be reached at rdougall@vols.utk.edu.
Columns and letters of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon’s editorial staff.
7: Dylan Sampson (6), Nico Iamaleava (8) and Boo Carter (23) reflect at Neyland Stadium. Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Erick Gomez-Villeda / The Daily Beacon
8: Students participate in the homecoming tradition of dying the HSS fountain. Monday Nov. 4, 2024. Jayden Randolph / Contributor
9: Chelsea Sutton (16) and Caroline Kerr (11) against Kentucky in Thompson Boiling Arena at Food City Center. Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024 Jayden Randolph / Contributor
Ryleigh
Columnist Ryleigh Dougall
Tennessee volleyball to open NCAA Tournament against Georgia Tech
THEO COLLI Contributor
For the 19th time in program history, Tennessee volleyball was named to the NCAA Tournament. They will be matched up against No. 7 seed Georgia Tech in the first round.
The appearance is Tennessee head coach Eve Rackham Watt’s fourth straight and her fifth selection overall with the Lady Vols. The team owns a postseason record of 17-18 in program history and has won 13 first-round meetings.
program record for kills with 42 in a match against Western Michigan.
Kerr, on the other hand, is the glue that binds the team’s attack together. The redshirt sophomore added another good season as the team’s setter to her stat line. She earned seven doubledoubles and cleared the 50-assist mark twice, including a career-high 57 assists against Western Michigan.
The bracket includes a possible second-round meeting with No. 2 seed Wisconsin (21-6), whohad their run ended last year in the Final Four by Texas, which won the national championship.
Nina Cajic (1) goes up for a jump serve against Kentucky at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center. Wednesday Oct. 16, 2024 Malachi Jackson / Contributor
The Lady Vols wrapped up the regular season with a 15-11 record, going 10-3 at home. Tennessee took down South Carolina and Texas A&M, two tournament teams, at home during conference play.
Tennessee played nine road contests against NCAA Tournament teams, winning just one against Western Kentucky. Its other four wins away from Knoxville came against teams not invited to the Big Dance.
The Lady Vols will travel to Madison, Wisconsin for a date with the Yellow Jackets (20-9), a team with plenty of weapons.
Georgia Tech features three players who recently earned All-ACC honors. Seniors Bianca Bertolino and Tamara Otene earned spots on the second All-ACC team, and Logan Wiley landed a spot on the All-ACC freshman team.
Bertolino finished her regular season with 373 kills, for an average of 3.39 kills per set and a hit percentage of .226. Her teammate Otene had 3.73 kills per set, a .215 hitting percentage and 410 kills in total, leading the team.
Tennessee earned two All-SEC honors. Nina Cajic landed on the league’s first team, while Caroline Kerr earned second-team honors.
The offense will need to move through Cajic on Thursday if the Lady Vols want to see success in their tournament, because when Cajic is hot, the team is hot.
Her biggest performance of the season came when she shattered Tennessee’s modern-era
Tennessee’s focus can’t extend further than Georgia Tech. Players like Bertolino change the game at any moment. She is the only Power 4 player with 300 kills, 300 digs and 50 aces.
The meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. on ESPN+ and is the first of two matches in Madison on Thursday. Following Tennessee’s match, the second team to advance will be decided between the Badgers and Fairfield.
Last season, Tennessee advanced to the regional semifinals for the first time since 2005. To do it again, the Lady Vols have to get past the Yellow Jackets and likely the Badgers.
The Weekly Crossword by Margie E. Burke
‘Feeling is unbeatable’: Tennessee football secures spot in College Football
TREVOR MCGEE
Sports Editor
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A job remains unfinished for Tennessee football, despite the regular season concluding on Saturday.
With the 36-23 win over Vanderbilt, the No. 8 Vols (10-2, 6-2 SEC) have secured their spot in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. While Selection Sunday does not occur until Dec. 8 after conference championships have concluded, results around the country — and Tennessee’s current standing in the polls — suggest that the Vols have already clinched a seed in the postseason.
The College Football Playoff has been around since 2014 with a four-team format, but the 2024 season is the first year with an expanded field. That allowed Tennessee to find its way into the postseason without playing for an SEC Championship.
“Next step for us as a program,” head coach Josh Heupel said. “And when I say that, we look at what we’ve been able to do since I’ve been here, especially the last
three years, including this one.”
During Heupel’s tenure, the Vols have been on the brink of contention, but it has never come to fruition. In 2022, Tennessee headed to Columbia, South Carolina, with a 9-1 record while ranked fifth in the nation. Once the game kicked off, the Vols did not show up to play — falling in blowout fashion and blowing the hopes of a playoff berth. Two seasons later, Heupel rallied his team in the season finale to ensure the same heartbreak did not occur with a winand-in scenario at hand.
“There’s an expectation from our staff and our players,” Heupel said. “It was a goal, but there was an expectation to be in this, and that comes from the work that everybody’s put in and who we have in the building. Proud of these guys for executing and putting us in a position to be there. Now the next season starts, what are we gonna do with it?”
That question remains to be answered. As the players enjoy the journey, they also remember that there is more to accomplish.
“Great feeling, man. Super happy we were able to secure that spot,” Iamaleava
said. “Now the real work starts. It’s go time for us, go time for our team. We know what time it is.”
Tennessee’s opponent remains to be determined, but the expectation of being prepared does not waver. The Vols will get back to work with a chance to get fresh again, as the next opportunity to take the game field will not come until late December.
“It’s a lot more to accomplish,” Sampson said. “That feeling is unbeatable. This game matters so much. Vandy played hard, but our team played hard and we responded. So I can’t wait to get back to work.”
In the midst of a record-breaking season, Sampson had to stop and think about what the Vols accomplished throughout the year.
“You don’t really realize,” Sampson said. “We get back in the locker room and everybody’s really excited. And I have to take a little time to realize what we actually got ahead of us.”
Tennessee’s 10 wins mark the second time during Heupel’s tenure in Knoxville that his team has reached that feat in the regular season. Heupel is just the third
coach in Tennessee history to accomplish multiple double-digit win regular seasons, joining Phillip Fulmer and Robert Neyland. Heupel credits the way his team faced adversity throughout the year to the competitive nature of the SEC.
“Now the real work starts. It’s go time for us, go time for our team. We know what time it is.”
“Best league in America,” Heupel said. “Every road game is a real road game. It’s hard to win at home or on the road. The depth of this league, everybody’s got bigs up front, first two levels … And this is a special group to be able to kind of handle the ups and the downs, to keep competing to push forward. And to finish the season the way that we have. Really proud of these guys.”
Securing the win against Vanderbilt was not all easy. The Commodores jumped out to an early 14-0 lead in the first five minutes, but Tennessee’s competitive makeup allowed it to storm back for a commanding win. That made all the postgame celebrations even better, knowing that the Vols were able to finish — getting the job done as they needed to.
“It’s always sweet,” Heupel said. “And these guys earned the right for this to be a big game. They went out, they took it. Got to take it as a competitor when you’re in the arena. There’s a lot of fun inside of that locker room, absolutely. Can’t wait to get back and see the rest of our guys.”
Tennessee deservedly earned the right to celebrate the win. It was a culmination of all 10 wins this season, and the original baseline goal had been met — but everyone clad in orange understands the road ahead.
“All we ever wanted really was a chance,” linebacker Arion Carter said. “And we were able to get that. We’ve got to be able to seize the opportunity.”
Nico Iamaleava (8) hands off to Dylan Sampson (6) during a game against Vanderbilt at FirstBank Stadium. Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon
NICO IAMALEAVA Quarterback
Dylan Sampson breaks Tennessee football singleseason rushing yard record in win over Vanderbilt
TREVOR MCGEE Sports Editor
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Dylan Sampson continued his record-breaking year in the regular-season finale on Saturday at FirstBank Stadium.
Pushing across his 10th 100-plus yard performance this season, Sampson and company willed Tennessee to a playoffclinching win over Vanderbilt, 36-23.
The junior running back surpassed Travis Stephens’ record of 1,464 yards set in 2001. After a 178-yard performance against the Commodores, Sampson maintained 1,485 yards across the regular season. He remains intact to add more to that total with the postseason looming.
“It’s a great accomplishment, along with all the other things,” Sampson said. “But truly a blessing. I got a lot more to accomplish, though.”
Sampson’s rushing total was a careerhigh, surpassing a previous high of 149 yards against Mississippi State.
Alongside the yardage total, Sampson eclipsed three other program records this season to accompany his junior year.
Sampson surpassed Gene McEver’s 1929 records of single-season rushing touchdowns, total touchdowns and point totals.
The Louisiana native holds 22 rushing touchdowns and 132 points scored this season.
Sampson has carried the Vols to a win numerous times this season. Against Florida in particular, Sampson put the team on his back en route to the overtime win. His scoreless outing against Vanderbilt was the first time he has not scored a touchdown in a game this season.
The only games he did not surpass the 100-yard mark were a 92-yard effort against Oklahoma to open SEC play and a 77-yard outing in limited action against UTEP last week.
“He’s dynamic, plays great without the ball in his hands, and talk about when the ball is in his hands, making things happen,” Heupel said. “Dynamic plays, muddy threes and fours. He’s special, man. He’s played the position this year as well as anybody I’ve ever had.”
Earlier this year, Sampson was selected as a Doak Walker Award semifinalist — gifted to the nation’s best running back. When the three finalists were announced this week, Sampson was not included on the list, despite the accolades and achievements in the SEC.
“You can’t let it validate you,” Sampson said. “I know what I do week in and week out on the field.”
Instead, the finalists included Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton and Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson. Sampson and Jeanty are the likely two of the bunch that will have a chance to play for a national championship.
“Shoutout to the people that they picked,” Sampson said. “I like their games, but I know what I bring to the table. And there will be people who recognize that.”
Regardless, Sampson’s impact for Tennessee has been far greater than what the national scene has recognized him for. Sampson will have a chance to add to his totals with a College Football Playoff berth looming.
“You don’t really realize,” Sampson said. “We get back in the locker room and everybody’s really excited. And I have to take a little time to realize what we actually got ahead of us.”
Tennessee won’t know its next opponent until Dec. 8 when conference championship games conclude. Either way, the Vols still have a task in front of them.
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“I don’t even know if I have the right words to describe D-Samp and what he means to our team,” Heupel said. “Just as a player and as a leader. I don’t know if anybody’s played the position better than he has this year, especially.”
“It’s a lot more to accomplish,” Sampson said. “That feeling is unbeatable. This game matters so much. Vandy played hard, but our team played hard and we responded. So I can’t wait to get back to work.”
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Dylan Sampson (6) anticipates the snap during a game against Vanderbilt at FirstBank Stadium. Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon
‘T-Credit’ roundup: Games to watch in Tennessee athletics during week of Dec. 4
State totaling 14.
It’s another slow week for Tennessee athletics as the end of the year approaches. This week is headlined by volleyball, as the Lady Vols begin their 2024 postseason campaign this week. The last “T-Credit” opportunity of 2024 will be this week, as none will be awarded over winter break.
Dec. 4: Women’s basketball vs. Florida State – one “T-Credit” opportunity
The Lady Vols (5-0) will have their first real test of the season as they take on the Florida State Seminoles (8-1). After dropping their first matchup to No. 21 Illinois, the Seminoles have impressed, winning their last seven matchups. Both teams sit just outside the Top 25 in the AP Poll, with Tennessee receiving 16 points and Florida
The two met last season in Tallahassee, with the Seminoles emerging victorious with a 92-91 nailbiter win. Florida State won the only other matchup in the series in 2013, taking the game 76-53. Tennessee will be hungry in this game to not only get a win but also prove it can handle the competition.
Students who attend this game will earn one “T-Credit.”
Dec. 5: Volleyball vs. Georgia Tech
The Lady Vols (15-11, 8-8 SEC) are heading to the postseason. For the 19th time in program history and the fourth year in a row, the Lady Vols are going to the NCAA Tournament. Tennessee will travel to Madison, Wisconsin, to face the No. 7 seeded Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (20-9, 2-8 ACC).
The Yellow Jackets have been on a slide recently, losing their last four games head-
ing into the matchup. Although they’re in a slump, it will be an uphill battle for Tennessee. Outside hitters Bianca Bertolino and Tamara Otene were named to the AllACC second team and freshman Logan Wiley was named to the All-Freshmen team for Georgia Tech.
Tennessee is 2-1 against Georgia Tech, but they haven’t played since 2013. The Lady Vols won the first two matches in five sets, but the Yellow Jackets took the 2013 matchup in 3 sets.
Dec. 7: Indoor track and field at the Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener
The distance team will head north to Boston to compete in the Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener. This will be the inaugural event for their season, with the next coming in January.
Dec. 7: Women’s basketball vs. Iowa
The Lady Vols are the only team with
multiple matchups this week, as they travel to New York to face the No. 17 Iowa Hawkeyes (8-0). This will be the first game away from Thompson-Boling this year, and it will be a long travel. Iowa has been climbing the poll all season, and the Lady Vols will get a chance to take down a ranked opponent.
Tennessee hasn’t faced Iowa since 1993, losing 72-56. Before that, the Lady Vols were 2-0 against the Hawkeyes.
Dec. 10: Men’s basketball vs. Miami
The No. 3 Vols (7-0) have the last matchup of the week, facing Miami (34) in the Jimmy V Classic. Tennessee will likely be a major favorite in this game as they look forward to a ranked matchup with Illinois the following week.
Tennessee is 3-1 all-time against the Hurricanes, but they haven’t played since 1996.
Avery Strickland (13) eyes the rim during a game against Western Carolina University at Food City Center. Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon