University of Tennessee Athletics
What Others Are Saying
March 1, 2004
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"It's
a matter of trying to stay ahead of the curve. Facilities have a tremendous
amount to do with that. You can talk to a
recruit all you want about how committed you are to athletics, but until
they see something physically, that's all it is -- talk. These facility
improvements will put Tennessee back in the mix of the top eight to 10
schools in the country."
Phillip Fulmer, Head Football Coach |
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"It's not about
having the nicest lockers or the biggest arena. It's what results from
giving our players and our fans first-class facilities.
Demonstrating to our student-athletes that we're a big-time school creates
an automatic level of respect. They know that they have to work hard and
respect the program to be worthy of the investment we're making in their
athletic careers."
Pat Summitt, Head Women's Basketball Coach |
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"To have one
complex that includes one outdoor 50-meter pool, an indoor 50-meter pool
and the new 50-meter competition pool will, in our
opinion, give Tennessee the leading aquatic facility in America. This in
itself is spectacular. But the real measure is the amount of support the
athletic department and the community are giving to Tennessee's swimming
and diving programs."
John Trembley, Head Men's Swimming Coach |
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"In order for Tennessee to continue to attract top national recruits, it is imperative that we not only compete with, but surpass, our competition. We want a national championship at Tennessee. The only obstacle I see in our pursuit is the lack of a permanent soccer facility." Angela Kelly, Head Women's Soccer Coach |
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"There's an intangible
feeling that you get when you walk onto the court at the University of
Tennessee. It's a combination of the mystique
of Pat Summitt, the championship banners hanging from the rafters and the
first-rate facilities. Everything from the locker room to the gym floor
tells you that you are part of one of the best basketball programs in the
country. It's a powerful recruiting package. As one of the top athletic
schools in the country, we should have that impact on recruits in every
sport."
Kara Lawson, Former Lady Vol Basketball All-American |
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"I am honored
to have chaired this campaign. It is important to the state of Tennessee
and the university that all our teams and student-athletes
have a chance to be successful. STEP UP will provide the across-the-board
facility improvements that will positively impact recruiting, training
and competition preparation for all of our student-athletes."
John Thornton, STEP UP Executive Committee Campaign Chairman |
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