While the Vols have been on the road this season fighting for victories on the court, UT alumni chapters have been rallying behind coach Bruce Pearl and the players by hosting pre-game receptions and pep rally’s across the country.
Beginning on Thanksgiving, when the Vols took on Siena during the Old Spice Classic Tournament, the Central Florida UT Alumni Chapter hosted a traditional dinner for those in the area to celebrate the holiday. Alumni and friends who had traveled to watch the Vols play were invited to attend. The dinner included alumni from all over Florida as well as alumni from North Carolina and Tennessee. Coach Pearl and John Currie, executive associate athletic director for external operations, thanked the group of fans for their support at the dinner and posed for a few photo opportunities.
“The traditional Thanksgiving dinner was made extra special by the appearance of Coach Pearl and John Curry. Coach Pearl took time out from his very busy schedule to visit our group,” said Laura Leslie, Central Florida chapter president.
After the Vols made an impressive showing at the Old Spice Classic, they were on their way to Philadelphia, Pa., to take on Temple on Dec. 13. The Philadelphia UT Alumni Chapter wanted to encourage fans from near and far to get to the game to cheer for the Vols.
The chapter hosted an event the night before the noon tipoff, and Pearl visited with both local fans and traveling Vols. Alumni involved with the Philadelphia chapter, as well as alumni visitors from New York, Boston, and Florida, were in attendance.
“It was very much appreciated to have Coach Pearl present to meet and speak to alumni concerning his thoughts about the season and the game against Temple,” said Kevin Davis, Philadelphia chapter president. “His presence demonstrated a level of commitment from the university and the athletic department for reaching out and engaging alumni support for sporting events in cities nationally.”
Just three days after Pearl and the Vols took on Temple, they had to get prepared for Marquette in the Music City SEC/Big East Challenge. The Davidson County UT Alumni Chapter was ready to make the Vols feel at home in Nashville’s Sommet Center with hundreds of fans dressed in orange to cheer on the Vols. The chapter had a huge crowd at a pre-game pep rally, where Coach Pearl got the fans fired up and ready for tipoff, and it worked! The Vols went away with an 80-68 victory over Marquette.
To make sure you don’t miss out on opportunities like these and many other exciting alumni events in your area, visit the UTAA website.
1 comment
It is a shame that the Kansas City Alumni chapter didn’t get a chance to host an event with Coach Pearl when the Vols played KU in Lawrence. It would have been a nice touch. According to the count that was collected by the KC Alumni President there were 71 of us that attended the game. Not bad considering the size of our chapter.
Dean Clement
Class of ’95
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