Ask Mike - March, 2004 - University of Tennessee Athletics

April 2, 2004

Thank you for your continued interest and your response to the "Ask Mike" feature on utsports.com. I appreciate all the comments, questions and suggestions.

Go Vols!
Mike Hamilton

I have been critical in the past. But I believe tn sports are heading in the right direction. Good job and go Vols
Dale Skidmore
Knoxville, Tenn.

Mike Hamilton: Thanks for your comments and your support.

Go Vols!
Mike

Sir, I sure hope you will not be too negative about Buzz. As I'm sure you know, sometimes lack of leadership and development of competitive talent, takes time and patience. Buzz has the skills to accomplish a competitive team in the SEC if you will allow him appropriate time frame to do so. Thanks for allowing me to express my opinion...............Best Personal Regards.......Larry Kelley
Larry Kelley
Pikeville, Tenn.

Mike Hamilton: Thanks for your e-mail and your support of the program.

Although we did not finish the regular season as we had wanted, I am encouraged about the team Coach Peterson has assembled and their opportunities for next year. We had a very competitive SEC season at home this year, compiling an SEC-best 7-1 home record in league play. With all of our players returning next year and the addition of four great recruits coming in next season, we are looking forward to great things next season. Thank you again for your support of Tennessee athletics.

Go Vols!
Mike

My question in why the Alumni clubs in NC can't get enough alumni, vasf members & Vols fans to sign up to get NC lic. tags with "T" on them ? I know we have more fans in the Asheville area than Clemson does & they have their own NC tag. THANKS ( they only need 300 )
John Mills
Asheville, N.C.

Mike Hamilton: Thanks for your e-mail.

It would be great to have a UT license plate in North Carolina. We are bringing the Big Orange Caravan to Asheville and Charlotte this year, which might be a good opportunity to garner support. We will be at Asheville Mall on April 27 from 5 - 7 p.m., and we are planning a dinner in Charlotte on April 28. The Asheville event is free and open to all Tennessee fans. Ashley Frazier from the Charlotte alumni group is planning the Charlotte dinner. She can be reached at 704-948-1635 or ashvol@earthlink.net.

Thanks for your support of Tennessee athletics. We hope to see you in Asheville.

Go Vols!
Mike

Mike,

This is not to border on negativity and I know you're busy, but many Vol fans are concerned about rising ticket prices. This especially with mediocre performances lately in football, a 10-3 record notwithstanding. It could have been a lot worse. Sometime, look in on UTsports.com and observe some of the conversations taking place. Many are knowledgable football fans, some have even played the game. We are concerned about big pay raises following very poor bowl performances.
Especially, many appear uneasy with the coaching staff remaining in place, as it seems we are settling into mediocrity in the SEC while others are taking our place at the top of the leader board, so to speak.

Just wonder how you are evaluating the current situation at UT with regard to where we're going, the justification of rising ticket prices, and the satisfaction, if any of the current coaching staff.

Not particularly complaining here, just passing some of the concerns others have voiced.

Thank you!
Edwin Talley
Gordonsville, Va.

Mike Hamilton: Thanks for your e-mail and your concern for the football program.

First, to answer your question about raising single game ticket prices, raising ticket prices is never an easy decision. We have been working to make cuts in other areas, but unfortunately escalating costs of tuition for our student-athletes as well as increasing operational costs made it a necessary move. Since a majority of the tickets at Neyland Stadium are season tickets, we believe that by separating our pricing structure for season tickets and for games with teams who bring a large number of fans, the increase will be paid primarily by our visitors.

To answer your second point, at the end of every season Coach Fulmer takes a hard look at the future of his program to determine how best to prepare for the next season and evaluates what changes are needed. This includes looking at staffing, philosophy, personnel, recruiting and schemes. . Only three programs in America, Florida State, Kansas State and Nebraska, can boast the level of success Tennessee has had over the past 10 years.

We are looking forward to great things in 2004. Thanks for your support of Tennessee athletics.

Go Vols!
Mike