TIMES. Donnie Ross UT Baseball Player 1997

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1 TIMES utsports.com & utladyvols.com Winter 2008 Where are they now? Donnie Ross came to the University of Tennessee to play SEC baseball after spending two years at Columbia State Community College. His dream was always to play UT baseball and in 1997 his dreams came true. He was a great member of the team and helped UT succeed. Some of his fondest memories from UT include getting to play at all the SEC fields and hitting a homerun against Florida State University in Orlando, Fla. on ESPN. I wish I could have slowed time down and taken it all in, Ross said. Being a student-athlete Ross had to learn how to juggle many things at once. He values what he learned from his experiences. From my teammates, I learned about leadership, friendship, work ethic and loyalty. My coaches, especially Larry Simcox, taught me about preparing for the game, both in college and a the professional level. With a degree in Sports Management Ross went on to play minor league baseball with the Kansas City Royals. During his minor league days, Ross experienced a lot and had the privilege of meeting some great people. I will never Donnie Ross UT Baseball Player 1997 forget those couple of days George Brett spent in Wilmington, Del. of all places, for the information I was able to get from a Hall of Fame baseball player who asked me to call him George, Ross said. In May 2006, Ross accepted a job with the University of Tennessee Police Department. At UTPD I am in the Community Relations Unit and i interact with students and staff within the campus community everyday. I am also the coordinator of Rape Aggression Defense, a self-defense system taught to women, Ross said. He also acts as the liaison between the UT Athletics Department and the UTPD. He helps coordinate all of UTPD s involvement with games and events. His community involvement goes beyond just the University of Tennessee. Ross believes it is always important to give back what you have been given. I am a volunteer baseball coach at Knoxville Catholic High School and I have coached the Knoxville Thunder Red baseball team for the past two summers, said Ross. Donnie is married to the former Alison Kildow and they live in Knoxville. Ross lost his mother and brother at a young age and it has helped him to cherish Alison and their families. These losses have taught me to enjoy life as much as possible and I try to make light out of any situation if I can, said Ross. Ross loves being a part of a campus that has helped shape who he has become. Story continued on page 6 In This Issue A Note from Mike & Joan 2 Coach Q&A 2 Men s Athlete Spotlight 3 Women s Athlete Spotlight 4 Development News 5 Tennessee News Ticker 6 Facility Sneak Peek 7 NCAA Compliance 8

2 A Note from Mike & Joan Mike Hamilton Men s Athletics Director Joan Cronan Women s Athletics Director Dear Friends, What an exciting fall semester at Tennessee. Our men s and women s swim teams opened their season in the new Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center, former Lady Vol hoopster Nicky Anosike was named 2008 NCAA Woman of the Year, our men s basketball team was picked to repeat as SEC Champions and Tyler Smith was the preseason SEC Player of the Year choice. Across campus you ll continue to notice improvements to our facilities. Phase II of the Neyland Stadium Master Plan was complete in time for our home-opener in September and Phase III of the renovations began after the last home game in November and will be complete for In October we unveiled Phase I renovations, including a new locker room, team room, film room, training room and field improvements, to Robert M. Lindsay Field at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Phase II, scheduled to begin after the 2009 season, will include field level seating, the addition of suites and continued improvements to the field. This winter look for special events including the 100 Year Basketball Celebration, the Lady Vols Pink Zone event and the annual baseball banquet that will include the announcement of the All- Century Team. Visit and www. UTLadyVols.com for updated information. Thank you for your continued support of Tennessee Athletics. COACH Q & A The Lady Vol basketball program brings a familiar face back to Tennessee in Assistant Head Coach Daedra Charles-Furlow. How does it feel to be back at UT? I don t know if words can really describe how I feel to be back. It s very surreal for me. I played here for Pat and to come back as a coach is very exciting. I m definitely going to put my best foot forward and help this program stay on top. What do you hope to bring to this program? What I bring to this program is a lot of knowledge of the game of basketball. I ve played on every level and know my position (Post) very well. I also hope to keep the enthusiasm going and to reciprocate to these young ladies what I learned about being a Lady Vol, and that they would be as passionate about the University of Tennessee as I am. What do you like most about coaching? Being able to mentor these young women and giving life lessons means a great deal to me. Being able to talk about life and what do they want to do after basketball, because is really important after school to know where you want to go. What are your primary responsibilities as an assistant Lady Vol basketball coach? One of my highest priorities is to work with our student athletes on their classroom studies. We have a 100 percent graduation rate and we want to keep it like that. I also work a Daedra Charles-Furlow Assistant Coach Lady Vol Basketball lot on the recruiting front, but basically I fill in wherever I need to when I need to. How did you get the nickname Night Train in college? Leon Barmore that coached at Louisiana Tech tagged me with that name back in 87 when I played on the Olympic sports festival team. He came in one day and asked if I knew Dick Night Train Lane that played for the Detroit Lines? I am from Detroit, but I didn t know who he was. He was saying that when Dick Night Train Lane got the ball he was unstoppable. He said, You are a night train; you are unstoppable. That was a really huge compliment. That name still sticks because they still call me that. Is there anything else you would like to tell the readers of the Tennessee Times? Being here, I have high expectations. Tennessee is the icon of women s basketball without a doubt. To be able to work under Pat is an honor and is a privilege and I don t take that for granted. I am hoping that I can come in here and make an impact and help this program continue to stay on top. I see national championships. Eight are good but I d like to see a few more. My goal is to help Pat continue to win championships and for our graduation rate to remain at 100 percent. TENNESSEE TIMES WINTER 08 PAGE 2

3 Men s Athlete Spotlight Tyler Smith Leader on and off the court Pulaski, Tenn. native Tyler Smith feels right at home on the University of Tennessee basketball court. This will be the junior forward s second year as a Vol and his first off-season not in transition to a new school. He has taken full advantage of it. Since I said I was coming back to school I ve dedicated myself to being in the gym, Smith said. Following the incredible success of the season, Volunteer fans are hoping the winning tradition will continue. With only two returning starters, coaches and fans are looking to Smith to be the leader of a young Tennessee team. While many players of his caliber would have thrown themselves into the NBA draft, Smith wanted to make an informed decision that would be best for his future. He said the choice was difficult at first, but he and Coach Pearl weighed out his options and determined it was best for him to return to Tennessee. And for that, Volunteer fans are grateful. Last year, Smith earned First Team All-SEC honors, an All- America Honorable Mention, led the Vols in assists, rebounds, and field-goal percentage, and hit gamedeciding baskets in the last seconds of three games. This year, he is expected to earn first team All-America honors. Smith s personal goals are to earn SEC Player of the Year honors and to be a contender for the National Player of the Year. Smith has already had some great experiences as a Vol. He has brought home an SEC Championship, been to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen and helped the Vols reach No. 1 in the country. Smith said that was his best moment as a Vol so far. Beating Memphis that night and coming back and its 3 o clock in the morning and we ve got a lot of fans down here at the arena at three o clock in the morning you wouldn t think that there would be people waiting on you to get back from the game. It was really nice. While Smith is expected to have his best season yet, heavy-hitters Chris Lofton and JaJuan Smith are missing from this season s roster. But Smith is confident in Pearl s recruiting class. It s going to be hard to replace those two guys, Smith said about Lofton and Smith. But coach recruited a great group of guys in the freshmen class. None of them will be able to shoot it like Chris and JaJuan, but they get to the basket, assist more and are taller. We re really tall this year. Coach Pearl has singled Smith out to be a leader this season and he sounds up for the challenge both on and off the court. I m trying to step up and talk more on the court and that s hard because I never do talk a lot, Smith said. And I m trying to lead by example off the court. On the court we ve got a lot of talent, but they re young so they need help off the court as far as their college experience. Story continued on page 8 TENNESSEE TIMES WINTER 08 PAGE 3

4 Women s Athlete Spotlight Alex Fuller Leading by example Last season, the Lady Vol basketball team was led by a group of five talented seniors. This season, the team will be looking to the lone senior, Alex Fuller to fill the role as leader. Alex Fuller is a 6 3 forward and center from Shelbyville, Tenn. Growing up playing basketball in Tennessee, she saw the success and tradition that being a Lady Vol represents. I knew I wanted to be a Lady Vol basketball player, Fuller said. The Lady Vol basketball season brought incredible success at both the team and individual level. Last season, Alex Fuller was recognized for many accomplishments including being named Lady Vol player of the game against Texas. She also played a huge role coming off the bench for the national championship team s win against Rutgers when the starters got in foul trouble. She scored a career high of 19 points last January against DePaul and scored double digits in eight games. What does Fuller hope to accomplish this season? My goals on the court are to be more of a factor offensively, and defensively, being able to stop whoever I am guarding in the post, Fuller said. playing on two national championship teams she knows what it takes to succeed. Having an urgency and being able to discipline yourself both on and off the court is what it takes to be successful at this level, Fuller said. Her advice to the entering freshmen players: give it your all every time you step on the court. She knows the level of success this team can have and that is what drives Fuller to continue to work harder and be better. As the oldest player on the team, her role is to be a leader. She strives to be a good leader and a good role model both on and off the court. If anybody needs anything whether it be about basketball or in life, my role is to be there for everybody, Fuller said. Though winning two national championships is a great accomplishment, she is just as proud of the relationships she has established with all the players. Outside of basketball Alex enjoys shopping and getting manicures and pedicures. I m a girly girl, Fuller said. Alex is pursing a degree in Exercise Science. She wants to thank the fans for their continued support of the women s program. They have always been loyal. She expects great things for this season and after TENNESSEE TIMES WINTER 08 PAGE 4

5 Development News Single Game Men s Basketball Tickets Select individual game men s basketball tickets are still available for the season. Tennessee basketball fans can purchase tickets against SEC rivals Vanderbilt, LSU, and Georgia among others by visiting utsports.com or calling the ticket office at (865) Important Dates Be sure to look for your 2009 Southeastern Conference Women s Basketball tournament applications in the mail early December. The 2009 SEC tournament will be held in Little Rock, Ark. at the Alltel Arena on March 5-8. The 2009 NCAA Women s Basketball tournament applications will be mailed late January, early Febrary. If you have any questions regarding tickets for Lady Basketball, please call the Lady Vol Development office, at VASF News This December marks the beginning of the annual Big Orange Caravan Winter Tour. The VASF staff along with special guest speakers will be traveling to an area near you to say thank you for your support of the Tennessee athletics program. Detailed information will follow but we hope you will plan to join us this winter! Big Orange Caravan Winter Tour Stops: December 4 Birmingham, Ala. December 8 Oak Ridge, Tenn. December 16 Nashville, Tenn. January 5 Charlotte, N.C. January 12 Johnson City, Tenn. January 20 Knoxville, Tenn. February 4 Franklin, Tenn. February 5 Memphis, Tenn. February 18 Atlanta, Ga. February 19 Cleveland, Tenn. SEC Men s Basketball Tournament The 2009 SEC Men s Basketball Tournament is March in Tampa, Fla. at the St. Pete Times Forum. Tickets are $300 for the entire tournament and are available at utsports.com. Thompson-Boling Arena To Be Smoke Free For Basketball The University of Tennessee s Thompson-Boling Arena is now smoke free for men s and women s basketball games. The new policy will take effect November 1. Making Thompson- Boling Arena a smoke free facility for athletics is keeping with all other University athletic facilities: Neyland Stadium, Lindsey Nelson Stadium, Regal Stadium, Lee Stadium, Goodfriend Indoor Tennis Center, and Varsity Courts. Tennessee will become the seventh SEC school to ban smoking. Fans who exit the arena to smoke will need a new ticket to reenter. Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina and Vanderbuilt already have policies that require fans who exit the arena to smoke have a new ticket to re-enter the arenas VASF Co-Chairs The VASF is proud to have David Leaverton, former punter and member of the 1998 National Championship football team, along with VASF donor Mark Jernigan as the 2009 VASF Co-Chair Representatives. David and Mark are long time supporters of Tennessee Athletics and we are excited they have chosen to represent the VASF this year. Look for David and Mark at many Tennessee events throughout Save the Date It s that time of year again! Mark your calendars for the 21st Annual Salute to Excellence set for Friday, January 16, 2009 at the Knoxville Convention Center. This year s event will include a Live and Silent auction featuring exclusive items such as Lady Vol gear and tag-a-long trips with Lady Vol teams, just to name a few. The annual Salute to Excellence fundraiser, benefiting the Lady Vol Scholarship Fund, is a black tie and tennis shoes event. The evening includes a 200 item silent auction, a live auction, a cocktail reception, dinner, a short program, and entertainment provided by a local band. For more information please contact the Lady Vol Development office at TENNESSEE TIMES WINTER 08 PAGE 5

6 TENNESSEE NEWS TICKER Tennessee Athletes and Fans CAN Make a Difference Tennessee Student-Athletes Drive Success in the Second Annual SEC Can Food Drive The University of Tennessee Student-Athlete Advisory Committee collected 102,891 pounds of food for the Southeastern Conference s Together We CAN Food Drive that took place Sept , The food collected benefits the Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. The success of the food drive shows that together student-athletes, administration, coaches and fans can accomplish more, Emily Morgan, community outreach coordinator at the Thornton Athletics Student Life Center said. We are so thankful for the people in the community who continue to show support and are always willing to give more. Vol fans truly are the best fans in the country. Tennessee s food drive kicked-off Sept. 18 at the Big Orange Blast, UT s second annual fan appreciation event and pep rally. Drop-off locations were setup throughout campus and donations were also collected during sporting events, including volleyball and soccer matches. The SEC Together We CAN Food Drive was established in 2007 and is organized by the Student- Athlete Advisory Committees of the Southeastern Conference. Each SEC school participated in the drive with the donations from each school benefiting their local food banks. Last year, the SEC schools together raised just over 40,000 pounds. Tennessee student-athletes and fans exceeded expectations by more than doubling the total from last year. The Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee helps to eliminate hunger in 18 counties throughout East Tennessee by working to educate people at-risk of hunger about nutrition. For more information visit Lady Vols Continue to Promote Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Zone Event Set for February On Monday, Feb. 16, Thompson-Bowling Arena will be filled with pink when the Lady Vols host the Duke Blue Devils. The game is part of the Women s Basketball Coaches Association s 2009 Pink Zone campaign aimed at raising breast cancer awareness on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond. We continually strive to promote breast cancer awareness throughout all of our athletic programs, said Joan Cronan, women s athletics director said. Cancer will touch all of us in some way during some point in our life, so we really hope fans don t forget their pink that Monday. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. and a limited number of tickets are still available. For more ticket information, visit utladyvols.com or the Thompson- Boling Arena ticket office, or call (800) 332-VOLS or (865) Continued from page 1 He hopes that by interacting with the students and athletes he can help influence someone s life the way UT influenced his. In sports, the game can go too fast and the goal is to be able to slow it down in your mind so you see everything. I feel life can be the same way sometimes. When it seems like everything is going too fast and there is too much on your plate, step back and try to slow it all down so you see everything. Also, life is short, do what makes you happy and find a way to smile everyday. TENNESSEE TIMES WINTER 08 PAGE 6

7 Facilities Sneak Peek Lindsey Nelson Stadium Construction of Phase I on Lindsey Nelson Stadium is complete. The renovation project includes expanded stadium seating down the first baseline, a new team locker room, club room, training room, and weight room. New bathrooms and concession stands have been added for fans on a new concourse level. In addition, there is new office space for the coaches as well as upgrades to the field. Tennessee baseball fans interested in the new MVP Field Level Seats available for the 2010 season should contact Jennifer Wiggins or Amanda Horvath in the VASF office at West Club Seats Coming 2009! The West Club at Neyland Stadium is scheduled to be completed for the 2009 football season. Those interested in purchasing club seats and making a difference in the renovations of Neyland Stadium should call Greg Hulen or Scott Carter in the VASF office at or visit neylandclubseats.com. Tennessee Terrace Tennessee football fans will have the opportunity to be a part of the new Tennessee Terrace seating beginning in Tennessee Terrace will be located in the west upper deck of Neyland Stadium and will feature new chairback seating with a sideline view of all the action. An adjoining indoor concourse will offer an expanded concession menu, restrooms, and televisions showing other college football games in a climate controlled setting overlooking the campus. For more information on Tennessee Terrace please contact the VASF office at or visit tennesseeterrace.com. TENNESSEE TIMES WINTER 08 PAGE 7

8 NCAA COMPLIANCE The consequences of NCAA rules violations can be severe. Institutions are required by the NCAA to notify its boosters of the consequences of rules violations. Booster participation in non-permissable activities outlined by the NCAA could result in any of the following: 1. A prospect being declared ineligible to represent the University of Tennessee. 2. A student-athlete being declared ineligible to compete for the University of Tennessee. 3. An entire team being declared ineligible to compete in SEC or NCAA competition. 4. Disassociation of boosters with the institution and loss of season ticket privileges. The University of Tennessee appreciates your loyal support of our athletics program and asks that you assist us by following NCAA rules. In line with our core value of abiding by all SEC and NCAA rules, we ask that you contact our compliance office at before you act. Continued from page 3 What does Smith have to say about this season? Expect a great year from the team, he said. We re not as highly heralded as we were last year because we had a lot of veteran guys coming back, but this year, we re young but I think Coach is really going to get to these guys and we re going to have a year like last year. MARK YOUR CALENDARS Dec 15th Deadline to submit gifts for processing in 2008 year Jan 15th Final statement reminder for 2009 VASF donation Mar 1st VASF Priority donation deadline for football benefits TIMES An Official Publication of the UT Athletic Department P.O. Box Knoxville, TN UTPA# E NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 481 UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE KNOXVILLE TIME-DATED MATERIAL: PLEASE RUSH