Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Writer: Shanna Relford
news@utsi.edu
During his speech at the UT Space Institute in Tullahoma last
week, UT Athletic Director Mike Hamilton said that what he loves
most about his position in college athletics is the opportunity to
make a difference in young people’s lives. “First and foremost,
college athletics is about the student athlete,” said Hamilton.
Hamilton spoke to a large group of local UT alumni, supporters and
sports fans as well as UTSI Support Council members at a Support
Council dinner meeting held in UTSI’s cafeteria. Also in attendance
at the event were State Representatives George Fraley and Judd
Matheny as well as local UT Trustee Charles Wharton. Thanking Mr.
Wharton for joining them that evening, Hamilton said that he was
grateful for a board of trustees that recognizes that world-class
athletics and academics are not mutually exclusive. Hamilton
stressed that “doing what is right academically” is one of his
highest priorities for UT Athletics.
Hamilton stated that he was committed to maintaining world-class
athletics for UT and, while they always search for talent in-state
first, that meant going nationally to recruit. One of the ways
Hamilton evaluates the success of UT Athletics is the National
Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Director’s
Cup, which measures success in a broad range of both men’s and
women’s sports. Only the top 20 schools in each division are
recognized, and UT Knoxville, competing in Division I, placed 7th
last year, beating their previous best ranking of 8th for 2004-05.
Hamilton mentioned that local legend Jeff Hall, a native of Franklin
County, is being honored this year as part of a 10th anniversary
celebration of UT’s 1998 National Championship Team. A placekicker
from 95-98, Hall started 50 straight games and, in 1998, was elected
a captain by his teammates and helped lead UT to capture the NCAA
National Championship.
During the question and answer session, Hamilton was asked about
another Franklin County native, UT Football Coach Phillip Fulmer. “A
lot of people are disappointed in Phil Fulmer for not winning a
national football championship the past ten years,” answered
Hamilton. He went on to say that he is very proud of Phil Fulmer for
his record and for his character. “We should all be proud that Phil
Fulmer is our football coach and we will miss him when he’s gone,”
said Hamilton. Hamilton also said that he knows other athletic
directors who just despise the coaches they have to work with
everyday because they are hired guns. “Phil Fulmer is not a hired
gun.” He then added, “We’re going to win another championship,
though. I promise you that.”
Looking forward to this football season, Hamilton said the season
kicks off with an away game at UCLA on Sept. 1. Tennessee is ranked
19th in ESPN’s Preseason College Football Power Rankings with the
note that “most expect the Vols to finish third in the SEC East.”
Hamilton said they’d be facing some tough competition playing teams
like Georgia, Florida and Auburn, but “a lot depends on how and when
we play those games, but I think you’ll be pleased with this fall.”
Hamilton also touched on how UT Athletics are weathering the current
economic downturn. He reminded the group that all funding for
athletics, including coaches' salaries, is generated by athletics
and not from state appropriations or other university revenue.
“Money for athletics comes from five places,” said Hamilton, “season
tickets, concessions, corporate partnerships, and conference TV
revenue.” Despite the hard times, Hamilton said that season ticket
sales are still robust and the revenue outlook is positive. He said
that he fully anticipates selling out of men’s basketball tickets
this year, and that he believes Bruce Pearl has made all the
difference in that program. While coaches’ salaries are often
subjected to public criticism, Hamilton noted that “Bruce, Pat, and
Phil have all made significant gifts back to the University recently
with both athletic and academic components.”
Hamilton said that he could not stress enough the emphasis that is
being put on athletic facilities growth. “I’m always thinking 4-6
years in advance,” said Hamilton. In the case of Neyland Stadium, he
was thinking 75 years in advance, as that’s how long Hamilton said
the life of the facility will be extended after the $200 million
renovation project now underway. Neyland Stadium is currently
undergoing the second of five phases of renovations, scheduled to be
complete before the opening home game on Sept. 13. Fans can expect
to see widened concourse areas, additional restrooms and concession
stands when they make the trip to cheer on the orange and white this
fall. The renovations also include the addition of club seating and
updated infrastructure for water, electric and sewer systems.
While the Neyland renovation is clearly the most expensive,
facilities improvements are happening across the athletic spectrum.
The Thompson-Boling Arena just underwent a $19 million overhaul to
make it last another 25 years, and Pratt Pavilion, a new basketball
practice facility, was added just next door. The US Olympic Trials
for diving were held at the new world-class Allan Jones
Intercollegiate Aquatic Center from July 2-6, though the official
grand opening of the new facility is being held Friday, Aug. 16 from
7-9 p.m. UT also recently opened the new Regal Soccer Stadium and
Sherri Parker Lee Softball Stadium, and is set to open a new golf
course next spring.
Why so much at once? Hamilton said that it had been over 25 years
since they had really done anything with facilities, so he’s
focusing on them now to prepare UT Athletics for the future.
Just before he left the podium, Hamilton noted that he had enjoyed
his visit to UTSI, which he referred to as “a little jewel in the
woods” and said “Thank you for letting me be a little part of that
tonight.”
University
of Tennessee Athletic Director Mike Hamilton (center front) is shown
above just after speaking to members of the UTSI Support Council and
local UT alumni, friends and sports fans at the UTSI cafeteria last
week. Shown with Hamilton from left to right are UT Associate
Athletic Director for Development Mark Ingram, UTSI Support Council
Treasurer Ray Knowis, Support Council Chairman Dick Farrar and
Interim UT Associate Vice President for UTSI Angie Bukley.
-- UTSI Photo by Laura Horton
