University of Tennessee Athletics
From The Desk of Mike Hamilton
Feb. 2, 2004
The month of February finds us going in a number of different directions at once, what with a number of different sports competing for our attention.
We've scheduled Big Orange Receptions across the state, an effort to say thank you to the greatest fans in the country, we're going across the state and beyond to carry the message of Big Orange athletics. Our season ticket holders are the foundation of our tradition of success. We want Big Orange fans to know they can have the opportunity to be a special part of U.T. athletics as a season ticket holder without having to be on a waiting list.
We're also right in the middle of our annual Fund Drive, with our staff headed out across the state to tell the story of Tennessee athletics. We're anticipating a big year as we look to continue to provide the best for our student-athletes.
Todd Kelly and Pete Kutz are providing capable leadership as we head down the home stretch of the campaign. Thanks to all of you who have been involved. We appreciate your efforts.
I remind you that the deadline for benefits in the VASF program is March 1, just about a month away. The season ticket mailing will follow shortly thereafter and, before you know it, the Orange and White game weekend will follow April 16 and 17, with a host of activities, as always, set for even the most hardened Vol fan.
Let's continue to give all of our dedicated student-athletes the support they deserve.
Wednesday, Feb. 4, was a big day on campus as head coach Phillip Fulmer looked to bring in another highly-touted recruiting class on national signing day. You never know until a couple of years pass how these classes will turn out, but the future looks bright for Vol football.
February is always a hot time for hoops on campus. Both Buzz Peterson and Pat Summitt have put exciting teams on the courts and Thompson-Boling Arena is jumping every time either one of these teams tip it off. We're looking for big things on the hardwood with exciting young players and two hard-working coaches going at it each time out.
Baseball begins Feb. 13 and there'll be some new looks at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. There will be club seating behind home plate and new seats down the foul lines. Rod Delmonico's team has an exciting and challenging schedule and you'll want to be a part of it.
We were pleased to be able to honor former pitcher Mike Smithson and the late pitcher Tommy Bridges at our Lead-Off Banquet this month. Buck O'Neill was the featured speaker and his story appears later in this issue. This was a good kickoff to the baseball season and we look forward to the excitement of afternoons and evenings at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
As always, my door is always open to seeing you whenever you're in town or wherever the Vols might be competing. I'm looking forward to another great year.
Expect to win!
