Letter to the Editor: Improving internet connectivity at UT: A need for student success
KENYON LAWRENCE Contributor
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The University of Tennessee is home to me and a diverse and ambitious student body that relies heavily on technology to excel academically. Students depend on a stable and efficient internet connection for everything, from conducting research to attending virtual lectures. However, many students experience persistent issues with slow speeds, dropped connections and limited Wi-Fi coverage in dorms, libraries and common areas.
These challenges create unnecessary obstacles in an era where digital learning is more essential than ever. To support student success and improve the campus experience, UT must take immediate steps to enhance its internet infrastructure.
UT’s Wi-Fi network is designed to support thousands of students, yet it often struggles to meet demand. During peak hours, slow speeds and connectivity issues disrupt students’ ability to access course materials, submit assignments, and participate in online discussions. All I did was search the words “UTK” and “Bad Internet,” I found out how many students have also reported how frustrated they are about dead zones in dorms and outdoor study areas, forcing them to relocate or rely on their data.
Consistent internet access is important to student achievement. Unreliable connectivity can result in missed deadlines, incomplete assignments and difficulty collaborating with classmates. For example, I was in my BUAD 332 class, which has around 600 students.
I had gone to class for the first day and never wanted to be home as much as I did that day. I heard multiple students complain about the internet in that class, which also affected me. I wasn’t able to answer my clicker questions, which resulted in me not getting a grade/attendance that day.
Additionally, students enrolled in hybrid or fully online courses may struggle to attend lectures or take exams if the network sometimes fails, as stated in my personal experience. Internet reliability also plays a crucial role in career development because students need stable connections to apply for internships, attend virtual interviews and access professional networking sites. A perfect example of this is when I had to complete a virtual interview with one of the companies I am looking to have an internship with.
Beyond academics, limited internet access affects student’s daily lives. Many rely on a stable connection to communicate with family, use mental health resources and use it for whatever they may need for recreational activities — Netflix, Spotify, Fortnite, just to name a few. Connectivity issues contribute to frustration and stress, diminishing the overall student experience and makes academic success more difficult. Hundreds of effects are caused by not having reliable internet on campus, and that is why we should bring the view of this topic to the university.
I have also read multiple students from other universities complaining about their internet being horrible as well. As we can see, this is a problem. Given the university’s commitment to innovation and academic excellence, an outdated and unreliable network
doesn’t really reflect UT’s standards.
We are lucky to have the Office of Innovative Technologies as our own dedicated task force that helps us if we have any problems with the internet, connectivity or anything else related to the internet for students and professors.
However, getting hands-on help with any connectivity issue is sometimes hard because these individuals can only help online unless you do a walk-in from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
I am a busy individual, working 40 hours a week, so sometimes walk-ins are hard. I have tried using OIT twice, and in both instances, they took over an hour to respond, and I ended up being counted as absent from my class due to the internet connection. (Correlating to the BUAD 332 class)
UT has the opportunity to address this issue by investing in a stronger and more reliable network. Increasing bandwidth capacity, replacing outdated equipment and expanding Wi-Fi access points in high-traffic areas will significantly enhance connectivity. Ensuring that dormitories, libraries and lecture halls maintain consistent service should be a top priority.
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.
Kenuon Lawrence is a junior at UT this year, studying management. She can be reached at klawre15@vols.utk.edu.
UT’s shift from Google to Microsoft underway
SAMANTHA WHITLEY News Editor
Last week, the Office of Innovative Technologies at the University of Tennessee announced that they will be moving their technology platforms from Google to Microsoft and have given students and faculty a deadline to transfer their records and files from Google Drive to the new Microsoft platforms by December 2025.
Financial concerns were one of the factors behind the shift that drove this decision. As UT switches platforms, the university will expect significant software savings.
“The savings from Google will go directly back into the technology software spend for UT,” Dan Harder, OIT’s chief academic technology officer and deputy CIO, said. “We continue to grow as a campus, software costs like Zoom, Qualtrics, Adobe and others continue to rise. The Google Savings will offset those costs.”
Another element contributing to this shift is to ensure an increase in data security, as one of Harder’s main focuses is technology for UT students and the institution’s academic and research missions.
“We will see a much-improved risk
profile from an enterprise IT perspective as we move Gmail and Google Drive to the Microsoft ecosystem,” Harder said. “UT, as a whole, has not only a strong agreement with Microsoft in place, but we also have a significantly better toolset to protect UT data and our community.”
OIT answered common inquiries — UT emails will not change, and the new emails sent to UT emails will be directed to a new Microsoft Outlook account. For those who rely on Google Forms, it is suggested that current data be moved and saved to OneDrive as it will not be transferred.
As this is a substantial change, it does not come without apprehensions from the public.
“I would say that some teams rely on specific aspects of Google for university workflows and are uncertain how that same or similar functionality works in Microsoft. The OIT team will work with each unit, group and team that has voiced those concerns to make the transition as smooth as possible,” Harder said.
Harder and his team are aware of how many students and staff are dependent on Google and will try to make the move as smooth as possible.
“One of the most significant challenges we see in our initial campus conversations and from the feedback received from the
community has been concentrated on the fluency of Google tools by certain populations of campus users,” Harder said.
Kai Li, an assistant professor at UT’s School of Information Sciences, strongly depends on the Google platform and is hesitant to use Microsoft.
“First, based on my limited experience, Microsoft services are not as reliable — there were times where I tried to share a document with someone using Microsoft, but that person cannot receive the invitation,” Li said. “And second, most of my data are already on the Google platform, so it is much easier for me to use it as a sharing platform and work environment.”
“I am certainly expecting some personal struggles and a period of time to adjust to the new changes,” Li said.
Despite the fear of change, Harder explained a feature he is looking forward to in Microsoft is the progression of Artificial Intelligence as it increases in an academic setting.
“As we think about AI and how AI can help faculty, students and staff in their coursework and productivity, it will be exciting to see how the Microsoft Copilot AI toolset can benefit everyday work and learning,” Harder said.
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UT Office of Innovative Technologies introduces the change from Google to Microsoft. Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.
Samantha Whitley / The Daily Beacon
NASPA honors UT with Silver Excellence Award
PATRICK
The Student Union’s Student Employment Program has been recognized by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.
Through NASPA’s award process, the Student Union’s Student Employment Program received a silver award in the category of fraternity and sorority life, leadership, student activities and student unions.
According to Alison Ward, associate director of the Student Union, receiving recognition for the work done over the past ten years has been meaningful and exciting to the Student Union administrators.
“It helps us be recognized for more than just a building,” Ward said. “Because everybody sees the union and is like, ‘this is where I go eat or meet with my student organization or whatever,’ but it’s a big deal to win the award because it shows folks that we’re doing more than just making sure your rooms are set up.”
While UT has long employed student workers, it wasn’t until ten years ago that the program began to see change through several overhauls. It went from simply an opportunity for students to get paid for working on campus to a program that aims to equip students with employable skills and qualities.
Then, the program began implementing core competencies outlined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. The program listened to what employers desired from graduating students entering the workforce.
“As it went forward, it became more about not just them getting experience while they were here on the clock,” Ward said. “But what experiences they were getting that they could use in their career upon graduation. So we started to tie what they did here with us to whatever job that they want.”
The employment program began focusing on producing graduates who were proficient in skills like critical thinking and conflict management. When that change occurred, the program — formerly consisting of eight employees — began to expand.
“If you’re taking communication in this rubric form, the beginner is that you can’t carry on a really good informative conversation,” Ward said. “You can’t explain what you’re doing or why. In the advanced and accomplished category, not only can you communicate effectively, you
can do so in a variety of platforms and manners, everything from written to verbal to body language.”
Over the past several years, this aspect of the program has been emphasized by its leaders, ensuring that students leave with valuable experience that is attractive on resumes and to employers. Now, there are 114 students participating in the program, which provides much more than pay to students.
Ward said the program has a strong community aspect and students find a sort of home in it. Students are from various backgrounds, ranging from those studying computer science to those in the theater or music departments.
NASPA’s process for selecting award recipients involves looking at several aspects of a university’s student employment program. This includes looking at whether the program meets student needs and critical campus needs. It also reviews the program’s relevance to the institutional mission and whether it advances the student affairs profession.
“We’ve got students that are coming back saying, ‘I’m in the position that I’m in because of what I learned with you guys.’” Ward said. “So we’re seeing them succeed.”
The program’s success and recognition through the award underscore its vital role in enhancing UT student development and professional readiness.
UT Wilson Academy launches first student cohort
no cost.
“The students who were chosen were all selected because they either expressed an explicit desire to change the world and/or because we saw something in them that we felt the world could benefit from,” Harrison said.
Alan Wilson, a graduate student of the College of Communication Information, had the idea of implementing the University of Tennessee’s ambitious Alan and Wendy Wilson Communication and Leadership Academy and donated approximately $4.5 million to mobilize this organization.
The Wilson Academy represents UT’s strong pride in securing academic excellence among students as the academy is interdisciplinary between Haslam College of Business and CCI students.
“Business and communication have always been interconnected because, without strong and effective communication skills, you can never truly be successful in the business world,” Sydney Eyerly, a junior studying communications, said. Only a select few out of 120 applicants were chosen to represent UT Wilson Academy as the first-ever student cohort, according to Guy Harrison, director of the Wilson Academy. Those students are provided with selective memberships, access to professional workshops and the opportunity to travel to Japan at almost
Harrison acquired his experience as an assistant professor in journalism and media and a master’s in leadership.
Eyerly was one student who was selected for this opportunity. Her passions are communication roles in the nonprofit sector, but she realized she needed to learn about specific business skills to be a successful leader.
“The idea of being part of something new and helping shape it for future students was compelling to me,” Eyerly said. “I wanted to challenge myself and be surrounded by other ambitious students who are just as passionate about making an impact.”
As this cohort is a collaboration between two fields of academics, it allows students to think creatively and have more professional opportunities. Kate Wigington, a junior studying marketing and management, shared why the collaboration between the two colleges is crucial.
“As a business student, it is easy to get caught up in the technical and tangible aspects of a product or business case,” Wigington said. “However, if I cannot accurately convey my message or goal to stakeholders, my solution will not gain their support.”
and become an asset in business,” Eyerly said. “When the academy officially starts in the fall, it will help us strengthen our leadership skills so that we can be successful communicators when leading businesses and be confident that technology can’t replace our skills.”
This newly developed student cohort aims to make history at UT regarding leadership and leaving an example for all UT students to follow.
“At the University of Tennessee, we often look at the Torchbearer and reflect upon what it means to carry it. For me, being in the first student cohort of the Wilson Academy means that I hope to carry this torch so that I can bring light to others.”
Kate Wigington Student
“As soon as I heard CCI would be looking for a faculty member to lead this new initiative, I knew I had to apply,” Harrison said. “An opportunity to build something like this is honestly something I’ve wanted to do since before I knew I wanted to be a professor.”
With the increased usage of technology and the impacts it will have on future jobs, students in this cohort are going beyond adapting to it — they are learning how to leverage it.
“I think that with the rise of technology such as AI, being able to communicate is even more important to make yourself stand out
This dedicated cohort filled with academically driven students is just the beginning of what will come in Wilson’s Academy at UT.
“In the larger picture of things, our plans for this first cohort are just scratching the surface of what is possible for students who enter the Academy in the future,” Harrison said.
BUSCH Staff Writer
SAMANTHA WHITLEY News Editor
The Student Union. Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. File / The Daily Beacon
UT Wilson’s Academy featuring Alan Wilson. Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025.
Courtesy of Hayden Antal
SGA meeting recap: Sustainability, infrastructure efforts spearheaded by senators
PATRICK BUSCH Staff Writer
Tuesday, Feb. 25, the Student Government Association Senate held its biweekly meeting. This week, several initiatives, potential bills and other updates were discussed, including talks of campus infrastructure improvements, changes to some Volunteer Core courses and more sustainable campus practices.
Safety improvements to come to Lake Avenue and Melrose Place
Last week, members of the Senate’s Access and Engagement Committee visited a Knoxville City Council meeting to discuss safety concerns at the intersection of Lake Avenue and Melrose Place, which is situated right in front of the Tyson House.
This led to getting in touch with the city’s engineering office, which is now planning to make safety improvements at the location. Sen. Jordan Sloan spoke to the planned changes.
“They are going to make new implementations of sidewalk cuts, crosswalks and new lighting at the intersection because we went to the meeting,” Sloan said.
The dates of these planned improvements are not clear.
New UT sustainability initiative
Student Body President Dante Grayson updated the Senate on a sustainability initiative that the university has been working on. The initiative is to replace the confetti currently used at graduation ceremonies, which is not sustainable, with a more biodegradable version of confetti. Grayson updated the body on what the SGA will be doing in this effort for sustainability.
“We’re going to have each senior graduate sustainable,” Grayson said. “What that means is the SGA is going to take on the initiative of supplying a thousand units of biodegradable confetti. We’re hopeful this will start a tradition on our campus.”
Grayson explained that beyond the environmental benefits, this would save the university money, as it costs UT nearly $4,000 every time confetti pops off for graduation photos due to the damage it causes to stormwater drains.
First readings: Online Vol Core Bill and the Gameday Cup Bill
S. Bill 24-10, the Online Vol Core Bill, sponsored by Sen. Caroline Greenholtz, aims to make it easier for students to complete their Vol Core classes and to ease overcrowding in some buildings. Greenholtz discussed her intentions with the bill.
“We’re running into an infrastructure problem where we don’t have enough classrooms to accommodate these students,” Greenholtz said. “What this bill is getting at is I want to create
an online asynchronous class for every Vol Core class.”
Greenholtz elaborated that the registrar would have some discretion on not creating online Vol Core classes for certain small, higher-level courses. Bill 24-10 is still being reviewed and will have to be reread in the Senate before being able to be voted on.
S. Bill 24-11, the Gameday Cup Bill, is sponsored by Sens. Don Darcangelo, Helen Alexander, Thomas Ernstberger, Laura Gilliard, Margaret Gourley and Andrew Hogan.
The bill aims to replace the nonrecyclable souvenir gameday cups sold at UT sporting events with recyclable cups. The senators said that because of the number of cups sold, this single action would be meaningful in the name of sustainability. S. Bill 24-11 is still being discussed and cannot be voted on until after a secondary reading.
Second readings: The CPR Bill and the Restoration of the Torch Seal Act
Sen. Campbell Bulter presented the CPR Bill, S. Bill 24-8, for the second time. As it currently stands, dorm resident assistants may risk termination if they ever perform CPR on a resident in the event of an emergency. S. Bill 24-8 would reverse that policy, allowing properly trained RAs to perform CPR in an emergency.
S. Bill 24-8 passed unanimously. This does not mean a policy change has occurred directly from the university.
Senators Kevin Ho and Nathan Shroeder presented their bill for the second time. The Restoration of the Torch Seal Act, S. Bill 24-9, will mandate fixing a crack in the seal on the Ped Walkway right outside of the Haslam College of Business.
According to the sponsors, this project will likely be completed this summer. Funding is currently being discussed between the SGA and university administration, and a donor may step up and pay for the restoration.
Student Government Association senators on the Access and Engagement Committee met with the Knoxville City Council last week to address safety concerns at Lake Avenue and Melrose Place across from the Tyson House on campus. Now, the city’s engineering office is planning to make improvements.
Madelyn
Stone / The Daily Beacon
‘Diversity makes a university’: UT NAACP chapter, students rally for justice
Culture Editor, News Editor
Friday, Feb. 28, students met at the Frieson Black Cultural Center, where they made signs and marched down Pedestrian Walkway toward the torch bearer shortly after. Some students gave speeches, while others carefully listened and applauded when necessary.
“HEY HEY, HO HO, DONALD TRUMP HAS GOT TO GO,” “FIGHT FOR JUSTICE, FIGHT FOR DEI” and “NO HATE, NO FEAR. IMMIGRANTS ARE WELCOME HERE,” were chanted as the students made their way across campus.
University of Tennessee students marched through campus with signs reading “IMMIGRANTS MAKE AMERICA GREAT,” “The revolution will NOT be televised!!!” “DIVERSITY MAKES A UNIVERSITY,” “LET’S TRUMP TRUMP” and “IMPEACH THE ORANGE” during a peaceful protest organized by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People chapter at UT.
The protest was organized to stand against recent policy changes to DEI initiatives, the Paris Agreement and immigration that President Donald Trump and his administration have made.
In Trump’s first term thus far, he has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement. Drawn up in 2015, it “agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to limit global warming and forestall the worst impacts of climate change,” according to NPR. On Jan. 20, 2025, less than a week into his presidency, he withdrew again from the treaty after former president Joe Biden resigned in 2021.
Ruth Tessema, a senior at UT studying political science, said that the immigration laws Trump has made hit home for her being a daughter of immigrants.
“The only way I got the right to citizenship was through the 14th Amendment,” Tessema said. “It makes me so frustrated to hear people who don’t have representation and rights be solely taken away from them.”
Trump’s administration touched on several aspects of immigration that sparked controversy among students — including heavy immigration enforcement and restricting birth rights.
In regards to the border, “Those who do enter without inspection are barred from seeking or obtaining immigration benefits, including but not limited to fear-based forms of relief such as asylum,” according to New York City Bar.
Kimberly Sanchez, a senior at UT studying human resources management, also
said that she is frustrated with Trump.
“I come from a small town 40 minutes from here, and there is a mostly Latino population,” Sanchez said. “A lot of us are being affected because our parents are immigrants, so we really want to fight for them because they can’t have a voice right now because they are scared.”
Ethan Hollins, a junior nursing major, noted that the vital position of immigrant populations within America should not be overlooked.
“Immigrants built this country, and immigrants are the foundation of this country — so that should not change anytime soon,” Hollins said.
Quintara Jones, a senior studying kinesiology, expanded on what she wanted students at UT to gain from this protest.
“I just want them to have a little bit more insight and to see that we’re actually standing up for something,” Jones said. “I just want them to see our perspective
of things, not trying to force it down their throats, but try to understand and help us.”
During former president Joe Biden’s presidency, he enforced diversity, equity and inclusion “into virtually all aspects of the Federal Government, in areas ranging from airline safety to the military,” according to the executive order President Trump released on Jan. 20, 2025. The executive order goes on to say, “the public release of these plans demonstrated immense public waste and shameful discrimination. That ends today.”
Jaden Clark, a sophomore cinema studies major, put this protest into perspective.
“I want students to understand that this is bigger than us,” Clark said. “We are doing this because the generations that came before us gave space for us to be here and we need to do this for the generations that are to come.”
In terms of Trump’s policy on DEI, Clark
reminded the student population that DEI is more than fair treatment in regard to diversity. It also includes the right for accessibility to all.
“I know there has been a lot of controversy surrounding DEI, but we need to remember that it’s not just DEI, it’s DEI and accessibility,” Clark said. “Getting rid of that is also getting rid of modes of transportation and just accessibility for disabled people.”
With the mass political and social divides our nation has experienced recently, universities nationwide will be a hotspot for activists to fight for what they believe in. Clark and the dozens of students who marched on Friday peacefully united students in what will likely not be the last protest here at UT.
“I am just so grateful that everyone came out,” Clark said. “What we are doing here is revolutionary.”
EMMA CASKILL, SAMANTHA WHITLEY Arts and
Students gather outside of the Frieson Black Cultural Center to make their signs before marching down Pedestrian Walkway to protest against the Trump administration’s recent policy changes affecting DEI Initiatives, immigrants and the environment. Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. Emma Caskill / The Daily Beacon
FIFA president Gianni Infantino applauds UT’s cutting-edge turf research
HARRISON ING Staff Writer
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s president, Gianni Infantino, recently visited the innovative turf research facility at the University of Tennessee’s Institute of Agriculture as it undergoes innovative contributions to soccer playing surfaces that will have a lasting impact.
UT’s work in high-performance pitches will contribute to both the FIFA Club World Cup this summer and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“I was delighted to attend and see for myself the exceptional work being done in Knoxville, Tennessee,” Infantino said on Instagram. “At these global competitions, nearly 170 games will be played in different host cities across the U.S. — as well as Canada and Mexico — and it is imperative to provide the best players in the world with the best pitches and consistently high-class conditions so that they can entertain fans of the world’s most popular sport.”
With the announcement that the FIFA World Cup 26 would be held in North America, FIFA’s Pitch Management Team partnered with UT and Michigan State University to research and develop the perfect surfaces for both tournaments.
John Sorochan, professor of turfgrass science and management, is leading the research in design, management and installation. The turf will be used in 16 stadiums and training facilities for
the 2026 World Cup.
Games will be played in the United States, Canada and Mexico across multiple climates and playing environments. With these varying conditions, host cities have been facing many obstacles. However, the work done by UT and MSU should alleviate some of these concerns.
“A good quality turf field can affect the speed of play in a game of soccer,” Parker Love, soccer player and Chattanooga State Community College alumni, said. “Players are more injury-prone on some bad quality turf as well. It’s also more enjoyable to play on good quality turf,” Love said.
Premier League teams played games on multiple fields across the U.S. for their preseason tours. Yet, poor quality turf led to numerous injuries and outrage from international soccer fans.
Chelsea Football Club played at Soldier Field in
Chicago during the 2023 preseason, and supporters flooded the internet with complaints that the pitch was too dangerous and resembled a “cabbage patch.”
This prediction was demonstrated when Chelsea player Christopher Nkunku suffered damage to his meniscus in his left knee which kept him benched for four months. This injury was due to using a thinner type of turf that caused the field to be less supportive for players.
FIFA investing in evidence-based research to improve turf began many years ago. Turf development focuses on durability — ensuring it withstands multiple games without degeneration — and playability by allowing the ball to roll and bounce well. It should also prioritize player safety by optimizing shock absorption and traction and sustainability by requiring less water, fewer
chemicals and lower maintenance costs.
Joey Hopper, a senior at UT studying mechanical engineering and a soccer player, highlighted how impactful turf is for gameplay.
“Turf is the most important feature of the pitch. It determines how the ball moves on the ground, how hard you can kick the ball, how high you kick the ball, and the traction of your cleats,” Hopper said.
As soccer popularity grows across the U.S., these investments in turf research and development are crucial for the safety and prosperity of American soccer players.
The goal is to ensure that the quality of each pitch is the same for all teams across all 16 stadiums, and research teams are creating the environment of each city and stadium inside the facilities so the grass grows correctly. This turf innovation will completely transform the way pitches are made.
The findings made at UT and MSU will help improve playing conditions for athletes everywhere, and not only soccer, football and golf could benefit from high-quality playing surfaces.
As the FIFA Club World Cup approaches in June, preparations are in full swing to ensure that all pitches meet the highest standards. Infantino’s visit demonstrated that the work being done by the UT Institute of Agriculture will not just improve playing fields but will elevate the game itself.
Scopes Monkey Trial: Beyond science versus religion debate
HARRISON ING Staff Writer
John Wilson, an independent scholar and expert in educational history, decided to expand on the details of the Scopes Monkey Trial during his visit to the University of Tennessee. He spoke of the defense’s misguided focus on the establishment clause in the First Amendment and how it lacked mention of academic freedom — the actual battle behind the dispute — until Scopes’ final testimony.
Most know the story of the trial as a battle between scientific study and religious establishment. In 1925, in Dayton, Tennessee, John Scopes was tried for teaching Darwinism, a breach of the Butler Act, which forbade any material contrary to Bible scripture.
Though Scopes lost, the case was hugely important in bringing the matter of evolution further into the public eye and building the movement toward repealing the Butler Act — that doesn’t mean the case is simply a science versus religion story.
“His statement is the only time in the trial that academic freedom is ever mentioned, and, in fact, Scopes’ mentioning of it is perhaps the earliest time that academic freedom was ever invoked in a trial,” Wilson said.
Though it may have had little impact on Scopes’ case, academic freedom evolved into the spearhead argument for most cases involving controversial curricula down the line. More specifically, it became one of the core tenets of the American Association of University Professors.
Wilson said the AAUP was founded by psychologist John Dewey and historian Arthur Lovejoy to investigate a series of firings across the country in 1915 over the teaching of sensitive topics like evolution. Wilson said the organization became a unifying force for actual scientists to advocate for their rights to teach proper material.
“The focal point of the arguments around evolutionary theory and other sensitive topics was shifted to a battle between academia and politics, not so much religion and science,” Wilson said. “The AAUP helped repressed scholars fight against the established political and religious structures.”
Academic freedom became so powerful over time that creationists shifted tactics when the Butler Act was repealed in 1967 and used it for their mission. Wilson said a Louisiana law tried to establish creationism alongside evolutionary theory in public schools.
The judge sided in favor of evolutionary scientists and deemed the law unconstitutional, but academic freedom became a universal quality through the case.
Wilson said there is one major shortcoming of
the AAUP that still affects schools — its lack of protection for public school teachers. A century ago, the organization believed public schools to be below the bar of prescience, and with many of the teachers being female, it was not worth the fight in their view.
“The AAUP has actually done an incredible job of protecting the academic freedom of university professors, but it has done so at the cost of the freedom of high school and middle school teachers,” Wilson said.
This situation has led to numerous cases in which K-12 teachers have been fired or disciplined for teaching what they see at higher levels and believe to be just, and much overturn in the curriculum. Wilson said it is even more critical to remember the past for the current federal administrative trend for all levels of education today.
With federal funding being cut for many educational programs — a form of censorship — and books and ideas being banned, Wilson said it is important to remember that science serves us best when it is allowed proper freedom. He said that even means considering bad ideas and using them to make teachable observations.
John Wilson speaking at the Scopes Trial. Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.
Harrison Ing / The Daily Beacon
“All ideologies — even those most would consider wrong — can still have their place in the academic sphere,” Wilson said. “When we ban things without consideration we confine ourselves to a smaller area, and it can lead to repression of ideas.”
For students, this could mean shrinking job fields and academic opportunities. Wilson said there is a noticeably negative impact on economic standings when scientific studies are curbed, as it puts red tape in the way of expansion into unproven fields, even when they contain promise. Now is the time to remember the Scopes Trial, 100 years later, and keep in mind the scientific advances made because of the fight of the repressed against the established.
FIFA and UT department members. Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. Courtesy of Tyra Haag
Review: Clarence Brown Theatre’s ‘Inherit the Wind’ challenges audience to think differently through dramatic retelling of infamous Scopes Monkey Trial
played by Jed Diamond.
Drummond is depicted as an “evil” character and is rumored to have represented and won a case for a murderer.
The right to think differently than most of society has historically been seen as a threat or wrongdoing, which continues to be a trend even today. The “outsiders” or “underdogs” constantly challenge mass opinions, whether statewide, nationwide or worldwide.
The Clarence Brown Theatre’s production, “Inherit the Wind,” tells the story of the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial, in which a schoolteacher challenged Tennessee’s Butler Act, a law that stated evolution could not be taught in schools. The trial was completely staged, though the public was not aware of this until later.
The production, originally written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, is based on the trial that took place in Dayton, Tennessee, in July 1925, but almost all of what is written is fictional.
The play takes place in Hillsborough, a small town where everybody knows everybody. The teacher, played by Clay Cooper, is represented by Henry Drummond,
Terry Weber plays the town hero, Matthew Harrison Brady. Brady is given a more-than-warm welcome to the town, with a place to sleep, food to eat and people who praise him. Alongside Tom Davenport, played by Denzel Dejournette, Brady acts as a prosecutor.
At the beginning of the play, Brady is welcomed with a parade, and actors hold signs that say, “Don’t monkey with our schools,” “Are you man or monkey?” and “My ancestors ain’t apes.” The most vivid and important sign on the stage, however, is one that hangs front and center for the entirety of the play, displaying “Read Your Bible” in bold letters. Drummond recognizes this sign as biased for the trial, but the town refuses to take it down.
Initially, the town is unarguably on the prosecutors’ side — not including Deepika Jayan’s character, Cates’ fiancée, Rachel Brown. However, as the trial progresses, the town starts to question its own beliefs, leaning toward Drummond and Cates’ side.
The production uses the original script, but Katie Lupica, director of the production and assistant artistic director at the Clarence Brown Theatre, explained how she used her own creative ideas to make the play unique.
“One thing we kind of did to make it our own is to take that invitation of a democratic story at a democratic scale,” Lupica said. “We have the ability to have a large community on stage, and we really celebrated that.”
Lupica explained that the audience’s takeaway from the play is up to them. The goal is for each member to take away something different, challenging their way of thinking.
“The play is about the freedom to think, so we want you to play with us,” Lupica said. “We want you to fall in love with these people, to fall in love with this town, to root for someone you might not root for, and to be in that liminal space where you might feel and learn something surprising, which is actually kind of hard in such a polarized world.”
With two years in the making, the production team was able to think critically about every aspect of the show — from
costumes to mannerisms to set design to sound. Everything was perfectly placed for the audience to use their imagination to depict their own meaning of the play, including myself.
During the beginning of the show, I was almost certain that I would be handed a Bible on my way out, along with a southern lady telling me to have a “blessed night.” As the play progressed, I realized that while the actions and thoughts of the people who live in the town of Hillsborough are deeply based on their religion, the production challenges that and asks the characters to think differently than what they have always been taught and are surrounded by.
The original play was made to have more than 60 actors. Yet, Clarence Brown Theatre’s production had 38 actors on stage during the show. Each actor brings a different view to the trial, ages ranging from teenagers to elders. The audience is able to see a diversified way of thinking and interpret how each perspective contributes to the trial.
“Different people encountering these questions at different points in their lives made it very easy to create a genuine community,” Lupica said.
Everything within the audience’s view — from the costume design to the set design to the sound — contributed to the production’s message. One of the first things I noticed when the show began was the bright, pastel colors that flooded the stage. It was almost impossible not to get lost in the costume design of each character. Lupica explained that the costume designer, Kaelyn Marie, wanted the actors to look like they were dressing for heaven.
“These are people who are living for the future, who love the town that they live in, who love the way that they live, who find beauty and comfort in this story,” Lupica said. “We were hopeful that the bright and engaging colors and the singing and the dancing would help us fall in love with the town.”
The story told in “Inherit the Wind” is not only a piece of historical fiction but also a challenge to the audience to think differently and question what society and the government tell us to do or think. After watching the show, I was reminded that there is no right or wrong way to think and that there is always room to keep an open mind.
“Uncertainty is hard,” Lupica said. “It would be so nice if we could just erase all of the question marks and ambiguity about the human condition with one way of thinking about things, but as Drummond points out, that’s what we are plagued with — that’s what we do.”
EMMA CASKILL Arts and Culture Editor
‘Inherit the Wind’ at the Clarence Brown Theatre. Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. Courtesy of Mindy Cooper
Opinion: Respect or reputation: What we don’t know about UT suicides
ANSLEY GRAVES Opinions Editor
This article discusses topics of suicide and mental health. Reader discretion is advised.
The larger part of the student body a ttending the University of Tennessee will tell you that it is the greatest place in the world — and they are 100% correct.
For what seems like the small majority who might feel differently, there is a lot to be asked of their opinion on this matter. How could you be unhappy when you are in the greatest place in the world?
Struggling with mental health in college is extremely common. With numbers growing each year, students struggling with depression, anxiety or even questioning taking their own life is at an all time high.
When thinking about students who struggle here on campus, the initial thought of taking their lives stems from several different factors, not just their educational environment. Students might have come to college with certain struggles, and when paired with the fact that they are away from familiar faces and resources, they might face immense internal challenges.
Unfortunately, suicide is something that can happen on any campus at any time, and it will never get easier to hear about. When students hear about suicides at UT, it almost feels rare, but there is no doubt that it hits close to home.
What if this was a friend of a friend or a person you had a class with and never spoke to — or what if they were in your grade? Seeing someone in the same shoes as you puts a lot into perspective and leaves an impression on a Vol’s heart, no matter the details.
However, the discussion of suicides that have occurred on our campus — our home — almost feels nonexistent. We might pass out fliers that act as resources throughout campus with numbers and hotlines, but are we really advocating for suicide prevention and mental health support effectively?
Whether it be an attempt to respect the victim and their family or to shield our school’s reputation, there are more conversations that our school’s leaders need to have on our campus.
Why aren’t we talking about it?
To our community’s knowledge, a suicide in Stokely Hall garage occurred last semester, and this semester, a student
Opinions Editor Ansley Graves says, “Respect can be granted and given to the victim’s family while still honoring damages that occurred on a campus we pay to attend and nevertheless, be protected and accounted for.” Ansley Graves / The Daily Beacon
was found in the Tennessee River. Because of the very public setting of these suicides, there was no way that it could be ignored, right?
I remember going to classes after the Stokely incident happened. None of my professors mentioned it, except one, who I thanked after class for her outspoken bravery. A planned death happened moments away from us from one of our own, and it was almost like we were expected to turn our heads and carry on as usual. This is not to say that all classes and campus activity should come to an immediate halt because of an untimely and tragic incident. Still, anything seems better than ignoring it altogether.
It is important to note that this is not about getting the “drama” or being nosey to investigate the incident. When any death happens, regardless of the details, it is common courtesy to respect the family and any other individuals involved. Names, details and unnecessary information are public because Jane Doe wants to know, which is absolutely unnecessary.
We are not entitled to anyone’s damages.
The larger importance here is that someone took their life, and not spreading awareness about suicide and related themes could very well be another struggling student’s last straw.
While our administration did not speak on the incident, or maybe were not allowed to, it does not mean that they didn’t want to. As I mentioned previously, one of my teachers offered resources and condolences after the Stokely incident, and I am sure more administration wanted to. There is a fine line that I am still investigating what is OK and what is not OK to discuss. As very few professors have spoken about this topic, I am confident that this incident was not ignored by the student body. Everyone was talking about it, questioning it — seemingly everyone except the higher-up individuals who did not seem to have answers to give.
I remember some of my peers being dumbfounded that a formal statement — or at least an acknowledgment — was not sent out to us. Were we imagining this?
This led me to question how many other suicides or similar incidents might have occurred that weren’t in such a public place and how easy it might have been to sweep it under the rug.
The following information was obtained from anonymous sources who do not have any involvement in this story at this time. If sources wish to come forward, this article will be updated as necessary.
Shortly after the suicide, I attained in-
formation that shook me to my core. A professor here on our campus, one of the very few and brave, spoke up about the Stokely suicide, or in this case, questioned it. The professor asked their students how many suicides they think have occurred at UT in the past semester or even the past year. Guesses were thrown around, but nothing could have prepared the students for the answer.
The professor said there were 12 student suicides last semester. However, it is not clear where this professor got this number as there is no official report.
Allegedly, 12 times, someone on this campus felt strongly enough to end their life, and it felt as though it wasn’t important enough even to mention it or honor the student anonymously. This is a scary number and one that might have been significantly less if a conversation about additional resources or awareness had been made a priority.
It is hard to think that our campus wasn’t made aware of this, which unfortunately makes me question if the school’s concern was preventing a damaged reputation. This would make sense, as incoming freshmen would not necessarily be thrilled about the fact that multiple suicides have occurred on our campus.
However, suicide can happen at any time on any campus. While not to excuse the severity of these incidents by calling them a decision, factually, they are, and they should not influence the entire outlook of our incredible school’s reputation. I think most people would know that, and if more awareness were raised, it would significantly benefit our student body’s well-being.
Aside from various unexpected and unplanned tragedies that can happen on a college campus, there are very particular protocols that are put into place when it comes to suicide that are not always known to the public and our student body.
A key rule of thumb is not sharing names or personal information. The family, and only the family, should have all the information — not the public. Matters are handled privately, and UTPD will cover any and all aspects of the aftermath. This protocol is only for ethics and legal factors, not a response.
According to a prevention and crisis response resource for schools (ages in this context vary), “the first course of action is to make sure this news is true… (and) immediately confirm the death of a student.”
While this may not be UT’s exact protocol, it is important that this was the first statement in this versatile guide. Additionally, it is important that nothing about identifying the student was necessary but acknowledging the situation to clear up rumors and misinformation was advised. The text goes on to say in terms of a crisis response, schools can “help students cope with their feelings… [and] minimize the risk of suicide contagion.”
The protocol for suicide aftermath at UT is not made public. However, there were alternative resources for prevention. In November of 2018, UT partnered with the JED Foundation, a nationwide nonprofit organization that promotes mental well-being and suicide prevention in teens and young adults.
Additionally, the website has an entire page dedicated to looking for signs of suicidal intentions, coping with mental illness and aiding others in seeking help.
The list of resources that UT offers is extensive in numbers. However, they are once again found only on a website or a flier. There is not anything being said about the suicides that have happened or what someone affected by them should do to cope — even in the student conduct book.
If a student contemplates taking their
own life, they could gain peace of mind seeing awareness and repercussions of what happened to someone who actually chose to go through with it and could rethink their decisions. An email, for example, offering condolences and listing resources would be a tremendous and positive help to most of our student body.
In situations like these, most students do not seek answers but rather seek closure and acknowledgment. One could argue that we are not entitled to closure, as the suicide was an individual action and had nothing to do with us. However, this concerns the student body, and not offering closure or acknowledgment is incredibly damaging.
This should be a required duty of the administration at UT, regardless of whether their reputation will be “damaged.”
Respect can be granted and given to the victim’s family while still acknowledging damages that occurred on a campus we pay to attend.
Whether it be an email or announcement, I think that our professors should at least be required to acknowledge a suicide if it happens and to offer resources. A professor acknowledging an incident like this would assure students that they didn’t just hear a rumor and
that they are not being kept in the dark.
A small communication from anyone in charge could do so much.
As Vols, we are undoubtedly lucky to attend a place that is so beautiful inside and out. Over the past decade, the rise of interest in attending our school has skyrocketed and will only continue to grow. Keeping the incoming students and current students in mind, we must be there for each other and keep the conversation about mental health going.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, please reach out to 865-9742196 for immediate and confidential student life resources at UT.
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.
Opinion: Busy Going Nowhere: How we can move forward, not around
JEREMIAH VECCHIONI Columnist
Last semester, also being my very first, was one I’ll never forget.
It was fulfilling in countless ways, yet at the same time, it was also incredibly draining. I took on way more than I should have and spent 12-13 hours a day in nonstop busyness.
During winter break, I was able to enter into a time of rest. I’ve truly never rested like that in years, as the winter breaks prior were incredibly shorter and filled to the brim with holiday madness. When I was able to be still and not be constantly moving, I was left with one thing — myself. I truly believe that when you accomplish all the mundane tasks on your to-do list, you aren’t living much of a life. For me personally, I was actually escaping from it. That is because when you are left with nothing but yourself, you have to face all of the problems and issues of life. Over winter break, I was able to take an inventory on myself. I noticed so much about myself that I missed because I was in constant motion. It’s like a plane. I felt like a plane just flying around in circles. Was I moving? Yes. Absolutely.
But the real question was this — was I going somewhere?
Now, I’m about to get super cliche on you, but please do not take these words lightly. In this plane example, you must realize that you are the pilot of your own life. Nobody else but you can sit in that seat and pan those controls. Now, circumstances may come. Trouble might face you. Can you control what comes toward you? No. But can you control where you’re going and redirect in order to minimize impact? Absolutely. So stop going in circles. If you feel like you’re just doing the same thing every day and not making progress on your personal self (body, mind, soul and spirit), then I challenge you to think about where it is you want to go. I’m not necessarily talking about a job, career, family aspirations, relationships, finances, etc., but about the deeper. Where is it that you want to go? Where is it that I want to go? Well, I want health and prosperity in every area of my life — spirit, soul and body. I don’t just want a trickle of happiness here, and a trickle of happiness there — no, I want constant joy. I want to look in the mirror and instead of critique, I look in admiration, for I am in a place in my life that I’ve never been before. These aren’t far-out dreams that can’t be achieved — if you want it and are willing to sacrifice some things to go after it, you will get it. However, I have one last piece of advice for
When reflecting on his busy day-to-day- columnist Jeremiah Vecchioni says, “Not every position offered is a spot that is meant to be filled by you. Don’t settle for the first opportunity that comes knocking, as sometimes there is a greater one to follow.”
Ansley Graves / The Daily Beacon
you. Not every opportunity that is presented to you is for you. Not every position offered is a spot that you are meant to fill. Don’t settle for the first opportunity that comes knocking, as sometimes there is a greater one to follow. I’ve learned this the hard way. I’ve said yes to things and places that I feel are not where I should be or that do not fulfill me. Just because the plane is moving doesn’t mean that it is necessarily moving in the right direction.
With this being said, I encourage you to stop going in circles and get your bearings on where you want to go forward and go. What’s stopping you? More often than not, it may be you that’s
getting in your own way. Fly high, UT, and don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when footprints are on the moon.
Jeremiah Vecchioni is a freshman at UT studying secondary social studies education. He can be reached at jvecchio@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.
Ansley Graves is a junior at UT this year, studying journalism. She can be reached at agrave24@vols.utk.edu.
Lady Vols basketball needs to regroup quickly after loss to Georgia
THEO COLLI Staff Writer
Lady Vols basketball dropped their Thursday contest against Kentucky in what was undoubtedly the worst loss in the Kim Caldwell era, but Sunday’s matchup against Georgia added insult to injury.
The Lady Vols dropped an ugly 72-69 loss to Georgia.
The first quarter was far from pretty. Tennessee scored just two points throughout the first 6:30 of play. Its next bucket wouldn’t come until the 1:43 mark in the first quarter where Jewel Spear hit two free throws.
Talaysia Cooper was injured in the second quarter, and the Lady Vols trailed by 13 at halftime.
These past two games for the Lady Vols have shown the growth of this team isn’t linear. The same team that defeated UConn just over a month ago was defeated by a team toward the bottom of the SEC.
“I think it has to do with focus,” Caldwell said. “I think it has to do with our prep for that game, we were all locked in. It was all of us focused on that, and I think when you get towards the end of the year, maybe people
start focusing on the wrong things.”
Now the attention, whether the team wants it to or not, has to immediately shift towards Greenville, South Carolina where the SEC Tournament takes place. The team gets just one day of preparation before they have to kick back into high gear for postseason play.
Over the past two games played, Tennessee has shot 32% from the field. In the loss to Georgia, the Lady Vols shot 34% from the field and 21% from the three-point line.
Basketball is a game of runs, and the Lady Vols season has been full of them. Before the Kentucky loss, Tennessee was riding a fourgame win streak. Now, Tennessee has lost its first back-to-back game set since late January.
There isn’t enough time to look at all the holes, but the Lady Vols seemed to touch pretty frequently on something they needed to improve on.
“Consistent effort for 40 minutes,” Tennessee guard Samara Spencer said. “We haven’t had it in the past two games and it’s been evident.”
Starting strong is without a doubt a key component, and the Lady Vols opened the first quarter shooting 2-for-16 from the field, good for 13% from the field compared
to Georgia’s 43%. The second quarter was not much better. Tennessee shot 35% as a team. The Lady Vols outscored the Bulldogs, 20-9, in the third quarter which saw them cut into what was a big lead.
Efficiency isn’t everything. The Bulldogs made a quick 180 switch from their ugly third quarter going from shooting 21% to 70% in one quarter.
Caldwell kicks off her first SEC tournament
with her Lady Vols on either Wednesday or Thursday depending on the result of the Missouri/Vanderbilt game. If they want to see their season go deep into March, things are going to need to turn around.
“Starting fast, starting strong, we struggle with that,” Spencer said. “We talked about that, and we haven’t done that in a while, so doing that and knowing that every possession counts.”
Tennessee basketball’s walk-off win through eyes of head coach Rick Barnes
SARKIS Staff Writer
Tennessee basketball head coach Rick Barnes frantically signaled timeout toward the oncoming official.
Meanwhile, Jahmai Mashack trotted toward half court as the second-half clock ticked towards zero. He heaved a gamewinning shot to send Food City Center into a frenzy, Barnes continuing to beckon for a chance to draw up a play for the last shot.
The official never heard him
As the sound of “Dixieland Delight” bellowed from the speakers after Tennessee’s 79-76 win over archrival Alabama, Barnes could only put his hands on his head in disbelief. It came that close to never happening.
“And so I told the guys, welcome to March,” Barnes said.
Here’s a view of one of the classic finishes in Tennessee basketball history from the point of view of the 37th-year coach.
Mixed signals
For once, miscommunication paid off.
“I made one good coaching move today,” Barnes said. “I didn’t tell the referee I was going to call timeout. I normally tell them, and they would have probably given it to me, but I’m screaming and I did not see the shot.”
Barnes cited a similar circumstance that has only ever occurred one other time in his career, a buzzer-beating win for his Longhorns during a tenure at Texas. For a coach as weathered and as experienced as the Hickory, North Carolina, native, this kind of ending is still one of the most uncommon.
Trusting his guys
Although Mashack has never been Barnes’ most consistent scorer, the confidence in his guard to put the ball in his hands with the game on the line is a decision as telling as ever.
past either, but mostly for his defensive acumen.
“He’s always trying to make plays,” Barnes said. “I mean, even a foul he got, he was going in trying to just make plays.”
Taking it in
It’s fair to say that the moments following the dagger were a whirlwind for Barnes.
From not seeing the shot to nearly taking the points off of the board with a timeout, the only thing he could think to do was appreciate the moment, whether it was planned or not.
Barnes unintentionally veered from a usual tendency of his before Zakai Zeigler inbounded the ball to commence play in the final seconds, a change that maybe wouldn’t have occurred if the stakes or circumstances of the game weren’t as high.
“I want him out there,” Barnes said. “Because he’s been through a lot this time of year, he knows what it’s about. It’s about toughness — making plays. And the fact is, that’s what he does. But there is no question in my mind that I said, ‘he’s got to be out there.”
Barnes hasn’t been short of praising the Fontana, California, native in the
“I’ve been around the game a long time,” Barnes said. “Actually, when I walked off the floor, I told Danny White, ‘There’s none better.’ There’s not a better fan base in the entire country, and it’s not just in our sport here. Today was electric. It was just the crowd came to their feet and they stayed in it, and when we were even down, they stayed with it.”
Welcome to March.
ALEX
Rick Barnes coaches during a game against Alabama at Thompson Boling Arena at Food City Center. Saturday, March 1, 2025. Cambree Gliessner / The Daily Beacon
Samara Spencer (7) fights to get to the basket during the game against Georgia at ThompsonBoling Arena at Food City Center. Sunday, Mar. 2, 2025. Jayden Randolph / The Daily Beacon
‘Make a statement wherever we go’: Tennessee baseball sweeps field in Astros Foundation College Classic
TREVOR MCGEE
Sports Editor
A championship game did not take place, but Tennessee baseball can be crowned as the only team to leave undefeated at the Astros Foundation College Classic.
Houston, Texas, was the site for Tennessee’s first games away from home of the season. Facing a three-game slate, the No. 3 Vols (11-0) left without a blemish to their perfect record.
Through the first eight games of the season, the Vols had faced opponents of lesser competition. The tilt at Daikin Park served as their first chance to face a power-conference opponent.
Tennessee took wins over Oklahoma State, Rice and Arizona with little doubt throughout any of the games. It was a statement made for the defending national champions.
“I definitely think we always make a statement wherever we go, however we play,” pitcher Nate Snead said. “No matter the score. We always do something during the game that is pretty unreal. We are going to take it and run.”
The lone mid-major conference participant, Tennessee blitzed the Owls for a 10-run win. It received a solid pitching outing, but also strung together a great effort at the plate.
Gavin Kilen was the star of the show from the first two days in Houston. The Louisville transfer posted back-to-back two-homer games to raise his season total to seven blasts — two shy of his two-year total with the Cardinals. He added seven hits across the two games in the two-hole of the lineup.
“The big thing was just getting my nutrition right,” Kilen said. “And everything I could do with my body with (Quentin Eberhardt) in the weight room and I think that’s just made a huge difference this year.”
dium. His emergence as a power bat has been huge for a lineup with so much turnover.
“It is special,” Fischer said. “There’s still a lot of stones unturned for that kid. Everyone sees what is going on out here. He is putting on a show. I think he has got way more in the tank that people haven’t seen yet. He is going to be a really good ballplayer.”
Tennessee’s pitching allowed a total of six runs across the weekend. It added another 45 strikeouts, continuing to dominate through opposing lineups.
At the plate, the Vols posted 11 home runs through three games in a Major League Baseball stadium. Tennessee now owns 31 blasts on the season, proving that the power translates away from home.
Game one featured a previously ranked Oklahoma State squad. As the case has been through the first two starts this season, ace Liam Doyle delivered a gem of an outing to set Tennessee up for success. It added four homers of the same variety to down the Cowboys.
Game three added a struggle as the bats slowed early against Arizona. Wildcats’ starter Smith Bailey sat Tennessee down in order through the first two innings before finding a hit. It was not until the fourth when the Vols got a hold of the starter, tacking on back-toback homers from Andrew Fischer and Levi Clark. Tag on another bomb from Cannon Peebles later in the game and Tennessee was able to leave with a 5-1 win in the finale.
Rice was second on the weekend schedule.
Clark’s blast was the fifth of his freshman season, and it went far enough that the broadcast could not track the ball as it left the sta-
“When you got depth in your order like this team does, it’s really easy to pass the torch to the next guy,” Fischer said. “You got guys right now I mean obliterating baseballs so if it’s not going to be me that’s going to get it done it’s going to be the guy in front of me or behind me.”
Now, Tennessee returns home for a 10game homestand with one weekend series remaining before conference play begins.
“They got to see what an SEC weekend will look like,” head coach Tony Vitello said.
‘T-Credit’ roundup: Games to watch in Tennessee athletics during week of March 5
TYLER EDMANDS Contributor
Tennessee has a busy athletics calendar this week, headlined by both men’s and women’s basketball heading to the SEC Tournament.
Here’s a look at the week of March 5.
Mar. 5: Women’s basketball in SEC Tournament
The No. 18 Lady Vols (21-8, 8-8 SEC) head to Greenville, South Carolina, to compete in the SEC Tournament. Tennessee is the No. 9 seed and will face Texas A&M in the first round. If the Lady Vols win, they will face Vanderbilt on March 6.
Mar. 5: Baseball vs. Xavier
The No. 2 Vols (11-0) host Xavier after their productive weekend in Houston, Texas. Tennessee will start SEC play next week as its non-conference slate comes to an end.
Mar. 5: Men’s basketball at Ole Miss
The No. 4 Vols (24-5, 11-5 SEC) head to Oxford, Mississippi, to face the Rebels. After its thrilling win over Alabama last weekend, Tennessee is projected to get a No. 1 seed in March Madness this season.
Mar. 7: Women’s tennis vs. South Carolina
The No. 7 Lady Vols (7-1, 2-1 SEC) host the No. 53 Gamecocks. This will be their first home match since Feb 8, when they beat Pepperdine.
Mar. 7-9: Softball at Georgia
The No. 7 Lady Vols (19-3) travel to Athens, Georgia to face the No. 11 Bulldogs. This will be Tennessee’s first SEC game this year, and this won’t be an easy series.
Mar. 7-9: Baseball vs. St. Bonaventure
The Vols host St. Bonaventure at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. This will be the first meeting between these two teams.
Mar. 8: Soccer at Clemson
The Lady Vols head to Clemson, South Carolina, to face Clemson in an exhibition match. This will be the second of the six games Tennessee is slated to play this spring before its season starts in the fall.
Mar. 8: Men’s basketball vs. South Carolina
The Vols host South Carolina to close out the regular season. This game will also be Senior Day, as Tennessee commemorates its seniors in their last regular season home game.
Mar. 9-12: Dive at the NCAA Tournament
Tennessee’s dive team will head to Auburn, Alabama, to compete in the Zone B Diving Championships.
Mar. 9: Women’s tennis at Georgia
The Lady Vols travel to Athens, Georgia, to face the No. 2 Bulldogs. This will be Tennessee’s hardest task of the season so far, as it will play one of the best teams in the nation on the road.
Mar. 9: Men’s tennis vs. Kentucky
The No. 18 Vols (10-5, 1-3 SEC) host No. 31 Kentucky. This is a much-needed home match for Tennessee after it has spent the last three matches on the road.
Mar. 11: Baseball vs. West Georgia
The Vols host West Georgia for its final matchup before conference play. Tennessee is 1-0 over the Wolves, winning its only matchup 9-1 in 1982.
Mar. 11: Softball vs. Duke
The Lady Vols host No. 9 Duke. Both teams have been impressive so far this season, and Tennessee will be looking to make a statement after a weekend series against Georgia.
Mar. 12: Men’s basketball at SEC Tournament
The Vols stay within the state, heading to Bridgestone Arena for the SEC Tournament. The seeds have not been announced, but expect the Vols to come in near the top of the list.
Nate Snead (7) pitches during a game against Hofstra at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. David Smith / Contributor
Felix Okpara (34) cheers during a game against Alabama at Thompson Boling Arena at Food City Center. Saturday, March 1, 2025. Cambree Gliessner / The Daily Beacon