TOP-RANKED VOLS BOUNCE BACK WITH 7-4 WIN OVER NO. 3 TEXAS A&M
Courtesy / UT Athletics

TOP-RANKED VOLS BOUNCE BACK WITH 7-4 WIN OVER NO. 3 TEXAS A&M

Posted on May 23, 2024

Game Recap: Baseball | May 23, 2024

HOOVER, Ala. – No. 1/1 Tennessee rebounded from its opening-game loss at the SEC Tournament with a 7-4 victory over No. 3/4 Texas A&M in Thursday’s elimination game at the Hoover Met.

The Volunteers used a well-rounded effort from their pitchers and hitters as numerous individuals played key roles in the win over the Aggies (44-13).

Kavares Tears led the charge offensively with a big day at the dish, going 3-for-5 with a home run and game-high four RBIs. Leadoff man Christian Moore also finished with three hits, an RBI and a run scored as he and Tears combined for six of the team’s 10 total hits.

Veteran lefthander Chris Stamos got UT off to a solid start on the mound with a career-best 3.1 innings to open the game, holding the Aggies potent lineup to just one run on one hit while striking out three batters before handing the ball off to AJ Causey in the fourth inning.

The Alabama native put forth another strong relief effort for the Big Orange to pick up his SEC-leading 11th victory of the year, scattering five hits and allowing two runs while racking up seven strikeouts in four innings of work.

After having its lead cut to one in the top of the sixth inning, Tears’ three-run opposite-field blast gave Tennessee some breathing room in the bottom of the seventh before senior catcher Cal Stark added a homer of his own in the bottom of the eighth to make it a 7-3 game heading into the ninth.

Texas A&M leadoff man and SEC Freshman of the Year Gavin Grahovac hit his second solo home run of the day in the top of the ninth to bring the Aggies within three, but that was as close as they would get as Kirby Connell struck out first-team All-SEC outfielder Braden Montgomery to end the game. 

Reliever Brock Peery was stuck with the loss despite not allowing a hit over 1.1 innings of action after walking three and allowing one run to score.

STAT OF THE GAME: By earning his 11th win of the year, Causey moved into a tie for sixth in UT single-season history for victories, tying five other players including Chad Dallas, who reached the milestone most recently by doing so in 2021.

The junior righthander has now recorded a win in each of his last five appearances and has tallied seven or more strikeouts in six of his last seven outings.

UP NEXT: The Volunteers await the loser of Thursday’s final game between No. 5 seed Mississippi State and No. 8 seed Vanderbilt, who they’ll play in Friday’s nightcap at approximately 7:30 p.m. ET on the SEC Network. The winner of that contest will advance to Saturday’s semifinal round.

Owner of Yassin’s Falafel House in Knoxville is Due in Court Following His Protest Arrest on UT’s Campus
Photo courtesy of WVLT

Owner of Yassin’s Falafel House in Knoxville is Due in Court Following His Protest Arrest on UT’s Campus

Posted on May 23, 2024

Knoxville business owner Yassin Terou is set to make a court appearance today.

He is charged with criminal trespassing after being arrested last week with ten others while protesting on UT’s campus in support of Palestine.

UT Police’s internal investigation into his arrest is underway/

He is the owner of Yassin’s Falafel House in Knoxville. He filed a complaint to address concerns about his safety during the arrest but didn’t give specifics on how he felt unsafe.

UTPD says they can’t release more information because that investigation is still ongoing but says all the events from May 15th are documented fully on body Cam.

Terou is set for an arrangement at 9:00 this morning.

#1 VOLS FALL TO VANDERBILT IN SEC TOURNAMENT OPENER
Courtesy / UT Athletics

#1 VOLS FALL TO VANDERBILT IN SEC TOURNAMENT OPENER

Posted on May 23, 2024

Game Recap: Baseball | May 22, 2024

HOOVER, Ala. – No. 1/1 Tennessee didn’t open its 2024 SEC Tournament run the way it had hoped, falling to Vanderbilt, 13-4, at the Hoover Met on Wednesday evening.

The Volunteers were unable to overcome a tough night on the mound in which they used eight pitchers and gave up 15 hits, including four home runs.

UT (46-11) was only able to muster four runs on seven hits, three of which came on one swing from sophomore designated hitter Reese Chapman.

After the Vols struck first with an RBI double from Hunter Ensley in the bottom of the second inning, the Commodores quickly erased the deficit and jumped in front with a five-run third inning, scoring four of their five runs with two outs.

Following another Vanderbilt run in the top of the fourth to extend its lead to 6-1, Tennessee mounted a two-out rally in the bottom of the inning to get back in the game. A Kavares Tears single followed by a Dean Curley walk put two aboard for Chapman, who launched an 0-1 pitch over the right-field wall for a three-run homer to cut the deficit to two.

The Commodores (37-20) answered with a run in the top of the fifth and built their lead back up to five on a two-run homer by Alan Espinal in the top of the seventh, his second long ball of the game after hitting a three-run shot in the third inning. The senior catcher was the catalyst for Vandy’s attack, finishing with five RBIs on the day.

Jonathan Vastine put the exclamation point on the Dores’ win with a three-run homer of his own in the top of the eighth to make it 12-4.

On a positive note for the Vols, sophomore righthander AJ Russell made his return from injury by tossing a scoreless sixth inning despite having to work out of some trouble after allowing the first two batters to reach base. The Franklin, Tennessee, native struck out Vastine to strand runners on the corners to end the frame and finished with a pair of punchouts in the inning.

Nate Snead got the starting nod, his first as a Vol and just the second of his career, and got off to a great start with a pair of scoreless innings before running into trouble in the third. The Wisconsin native was stuck with the loss after allowing five runs on five hits in 2.2 innings.

Blake Burke was a bright spot for the offense, reaching base three times, drawing a walk and leading the team with a pair of base hits. Tears, Curley and Bradke Lohry also added singles for the Orange and White.

STAT OF THE GAME: With a shutout inning of relief, Kirby Connell extended his streak of scoreless appearances to nine. The veteran lefty did not allow a hit on Wednesday and has not surrendered a run since April 21 at Kentucky.

UP NEXT: The Vols will await the loser of Wednesday’s nightcap between No. 4 seed Texas A&M and No. 5 seed Mississippi State, who they’ll play in an elimination on Thursday afternoon at approximately 2 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.

Sunset Cinema: Movies in the Park Series Announced

Sunset Cinema: Movies in the Park Series Announced

Posted on May 23, 2024

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.— Knox County is hosting its second annual Sunset Cinema: Movies in the Park Series. The Sunset Cinema is a perfect way to spend a night in the great outdoors, with popular movies showing throughout the summer months.

“Folks from here and across the region love these events, and it’s a good chance to have a picnic, and check out our parks, which are some of the nicest places in the area,” Mayor Jacobs said.

Activities kick off at 8 p.m. with screenings starting at dusk on various Fridays throughout May, June, July, and August. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets, lawn chairs, and food. However, no alcohol is allowed.

The dates and locations for summer 2024 are:

May 24: Shrek at New Harvest Park
June 7: Elemental at Carl Cowan Park
June 21: Migration at French Memorial Park
July 19: Barbie at Powell Station Park
Aug. 2: The Little Mermaid at Tank Strickland Park

If any movie must be canceled because of the weather, the county will post a notification to the Parks and Recreation Facebook page and the Park’s Twitter page.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Expecting Crowds for Memorial Day Weekend

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Expecting Crowds for Memorial Day Weekend

Posted on May 22, 2024

Gatlinburg, TN (WOKI) If you are planning an escape to the mountains this Memorial Day weekend, Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials say preparation is everything and have compiled a list of suggestions for making sure you enjoy your time in the park.

Topping their list, officials say you should plan your trip to include packing water, snacks, and sun protection as rangers expect park roads to be busy.

They say to also expect crowds, traffic congestion, and limited parking throughout the park.

Great Smoky Mountains Memorial Day weekend tips:

  1. Pack water, snacks, sun protection, cameras—and extra patience—for a safe, enjoyable weekend. Park rangers expect heavily congested roadways and full parking lots at most destinations. Arrive with a plan plus multiple back-up plans and consider starting your day earlier or later, before 10 am or after 3 pm. 
  2. Purchase your parking tag and park in designated spots only. The National Park Service does ticket and tow cars parked illegally, unsafely or in places that are damaging resources. Buy your tag online at Recreation.gov or at in-person kiosk locations.
  3. ​Don’t stress about parking—consider a shuttle. More people visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Yosemite combined and demand for parking often exceeds capacity at the most popular destinations in the park. Relax and enjoy a shuttle ride from local communities to park destinations. 
  4. Check for closures and alerts on our website. Temporary closures and projects may impact travel and hiking. Single-lane closures are currently in effect for Newfound Gap Road at the Gatlinburg entrance and Lakeview Drive. Many trails have active maintenance projects or temporary obstacles. 
  5. Protect your personal belongings and secure your vehicle. Busy weekends coincide with an increase in thefts from automobiles as visitation increases along popular trailheads and parking areas. Remove valuables from vehicles, close windows and lock doors. If you see something suspicious, stay safe and tell a park employee or call 865-436-1230. 
  6. Know your limits. Check the difficulty of the park’s trails and select those that match your abilities. Carry a detailed trail map with topography and don’t rely on cell connectivity for trail navigation. Most injuries result from slips, trips and falls, so please wear sturdy footwear and beware of loose gravel, slippery rock, steep climbs and uneven surfaces. 
  7. Drive responsibly. Slow down, stay alert and always wear your seatbelt. Use pullouts to allow faster vehicles to pass. Trailers, RVs and buses are prohibited on some secondary roads in the park, including Balsam Mountain Road, Greenbrier Road past the ranger station, Heintooga Ridge Road, Rich Mountain Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and the road exiting the park at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area. 
  8. Leave no trace. Pack it in, pack it out—take everything you bring into the park out again to protect plants, animals and history. This also reduces the amount of trash park staff need to manage. Go before you go—use restrooms at visitor centers and trailheads before venturing out on trails. 
  9. Consider leaving your pet at home. Pets are only allowed on two park trails: Gatlinburg Trail (4 miles roundtrip) and Oconaluftee River Trail (3 miles roundtrip). A leash is always required. Pets are family for many, but not all visitors share this sentiment, and dogs can chase and threaten park wildlife. Learn more about pets in national parks. 
  10. Plan your accommodations. Campground reservations must be made on Recreation.gov, but most of the park’s campsites are already reserved for Memorial Day Weekend. No campsites are available for request upon arrival. Backcountry camping, campfires and overnight parking are prohibited outside of designated campgrounds. 
2024 Knoxville Softball Super Regional
Courtesy / UT Athletics

2024 Knoxville Softball Super Regional

Posted on May 22, 2024

Sherri Parker Lee Stadium
2323 Stephenson Dr.
Knoxville, TN 37996

Parking is available for free in lots S14 and C25 adjacent to Sherri Parker Lee Stadium and Regal Soccer Stadium. Reserved bus parking is only available by pre-arrangement from the Event Management office by calling (865) 974-1205. There is no public RV or bus parking in Lee Stadium lots.

All fans looking to attend the softball regional should be prepared for traffic congestion. Fans are reminded that parking shuttles will be free and available at the Agriculture Campus all weekend. When Stephenson Drive lots are full, fans will be directed to the free Ag Campus Parking and Shuttles on River Drive. 

For more parking information, visit the softball gameday information page.

Weekend Schedule


Friday, May 24
SPL gates open at 3:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. – Game 1 (Alabama vs. Tennessee)
 
Saturday, May 25
SPL gates open at 2:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. – Game 2 (Tennessee vs. Alabama)
 
Sunday, May 26
SPL gates open at TBA
TBA – Game 3 (if necessary)


Stadium Notes

  • Tennessee’s clear bag policy will be in effect throughout the weekend. Tennessee’s full clear bag policy can be found here.
  • Gates for every game inside Sherri Parker Lee Stadium will open 60 minutes prior to first pitch.
  • A Water Monster with provided cups will be available for all fans throughout Regional games. The location for the Water Monster is on the concourse behind the third base dugout.


Fan Behavior and Fan Code of Conduct

In the spirit of sportsmanship, fans shall:

  • Conduct themselves in a manner that represents the NCAA with honor, dignity and respect.
  • Demonstrate qualities of civility and sportsmanship at all times.
  • Not use vulgar, abusive, racist, sexist, demeaning, or intimidating language at any time.
  • Support the players, coaches and officials in a positive manner.
  • Treat the visiting team, coaches and fans with courtesy and respect at all times.
  • Not engage in cheers that are vulgar, crass or demeaning.
  • Refrain from throwing objects onto the playing surface for any reason.
  • Not become inebriated or belligerent.
  • Refrain from entering playing and team areas at any time, including the game.
  • Be a positive role model for those around you by treating others with courtesy and respect!

Team Information

TeamRosterScheduleStatsGame Notes
#3 Tennessee (43-10)Tennessee RosterTennessee ScheduleTennessee StatsTennessee Game Notes
#14 Alabama (36-17)Alabama RosterAlabama ScheduleAlabama StatsAlabama Game Notes

Brackets, NCAA Game Program & All-Tournament Team

Game Results and Links

GameBox ScorePostgame QuotesPress Conference Link 1Press Conference Link 2Live StatsWatch Live
Game 1 – Alabama vs. TennesseePDF Box ScoreQuotesPress ConferencePress ConferenceLive StatsWatch Live
Game 2 – Tennessee vs. AlabamaPDF Box ScoreQuotesPress ConferencePress ConferenceLive StatsWatch Live
Game 3 – if necessaryPDF Box ScoreQuotesPress ConferencePress ConferenceLive StatsWatch Live
LifeStar Helicopter Lands on I-40 in Cocke County after Crash

LifeStar Helicopter Lands on I-40 in Cocke County after Crash

Posted on May 21, 2024

Newport, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Department of Transportation is reporting that a LifeStar helicopter has responded to I-40 near Newport after a crash involving a motorcycle.

TDOT officials confirm I-40 West at Mile Marker 435 in Cocke County is closed and that the crash involves a motorcycle.

This is a developing story.

BSB PREVIEW: No. 1 Vols Begin SEC Tournament Run on Wednesday in Hoover
Courtesy / UT Athletics

BSB PREVIEW: No. 1 Vols Begin SEC Tournament Run on Wednesday in Hoover

Posted on May 21, 2024

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BaseballMay 21, 2024

HOOVER, Ala. – No. 1/1 Tennessee begins postseason play Wednesday evening at the SEC Tournament in Hoover, Alabama, where it will take on the winner of Tuesday’s contest between No. 8 seed Vanderbilt and No. 9 seed Florida.

MORE INFO

GAME & BROADCAST INFO

#1/1 TENNESSEE (46-10 | 22-8 SEC)

 Roster Schedule Stats Notes Tournament Bracket Tickets Tournament Central Follow @UTGameday UT Athletics App UT Baseball RecordBookBuyTennessee Gear Vitello Pre-Tournament Presser

The Volunteers enter the tournament as the No. 1 seed after clinching a share of the SEC regular season and eastern division titles following a series sweep over South Carolina last weekend.

TOURNAMENT INFO

The official 2024 SEC Tournament bracket and other information, including tickets and gameday information can be found at the tournament central page by clicking HERE.

BROADCAST INFO

Every game of the 2024 SEC Tournament will be televised on the SEC Network while Sunday’s championship game will air on ESPN2. On the call for Tennessee’s tournament opener on Wednesday will be Tom Hart (PxP) and Kyle Peterson (analyst).

Hart and Peterson will call the second session games on Thursday, as well, while the duo of Dave Neal (PxP) and VFL Chris Burke (analyst) will call the first session games. Starting on Friday, Kris Budden will also join the broadcast crews as a field reporter for the remainder of the games.

Hart, Burke, Peterson and Budden will all be on the broadcast for both semifinal games on Saturday as well as Sunday’s championship game.

Fans can also listen to the Voice of Tennessee Baseball John Wilkerson call all of the action on the Vol Network (FM 99.1/AM 990) as well as UTSports.com and the Tennessee Athletics App.

VOLS SEC TOURNAMENT HISTORY

Tournament Appearances: 19
Overall Record: 32-28
in Hoover: 11-17
Other Sites: 21-11
Last 10 Games: 7-3
Last Appearance: 2023 (0-1)
Tournament Titles: 4 (1993, 1994, 1995, 2022)

Tennessee is making its fifth straight appearance at the SEC Tournament and is the No. 1 seed for just the second time since the tournament moved to its current 12-team format in 2013. The last time the Vols enter as the top seed, they went a perfect 4-0 to win their fourth SEC Tournament title in 2022.

NOTABLE

Success In Hoover Under Vitello
Since the arrival of Tony Vitello as head coach in 2018, Tennessee has seen a significant uptick in success at the SEC Tournament, posting a 7-4 overall record at the event with two title game appearances and one tournament championship (2022). Prior to Vitello, the Vols qualified for the tournament just three times in its current format (2014, 2015, 2016) and went 0-3 in those appearances.

Vols Rack Up SEC Honors
The 2024 SEC regular season champion Vols were well-represented in the league’s postseason honors, which were announced on Monday. Tennessee had four players earn first or second team All-SEC honors, including a pair of first-team selections, both of which were the second most of any team in the league.

Christian Moore and Dylan Dreiling were tabbed as first-team picks after finishing as two of the league’s top run-producers this season while Blake Burke and Kavares Tears were named second-team selections on top of earning SEC All-Defensive team acclaim, as well.

Drew Beam became the fourth Vol to win SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year and the third player to do so during Vitello’s tenure, joining Nico Mascia (2018) and Garrett Stallings (2019).

Dean Curley rounded out the group, becoming the fifth UT player in the Vitello era to be named to the SEC All-Freshman team. More info HERE.

Feeling Golden
Also announced on Monday was the 25-man semifinalist list for the 2024 Golden Spikes Award, which included a pair of Volunteers in Moore and Burke. UT was one of five schools that had two players make the list for college baseball’s most prestigious award, which is presented annually to the top amateur baseball player in the country.

Moore and Burke, who rank first and second in UT program history in career home runs with 54 and 46, respectively, are the fifth and sixth Vols to ever earn semifinalist status for the Golden Spikes Award. More info HERE.

UP NEXT

Following the SEC Tournament this week, the Vols – who will likely be a top-eight national seed – will return home to host an NCAA Regional for the third time in the last four years. The 16 host sites will be announced on Sunday night via Twitter/X and the NCAA Selection Show will air on Monday, May 27 at noon ET on ESPN2.

MOORE AND BURKE AMONG SEMIFINALISTS FOR 2024 GOLDEN SPIKES AWARD
Courtesy / UT Athletics

MOORE AND BURKE AMONG SEMIFINALISTS FOR 2024 GOLDEN SPIKES AWARD

Posted on May 21, 2024

CARY, N.C. – Tennessee was one of five schools with two players named 2024 Golden Spikes Award semifinalists, USA Baseball announced on Monday afternoon.

Juniors Christian Moore and Blake Burke were both among the 25 semifinalists for college baseball’s most prestigious award, which is presented annually to the top amateur baseball in the country.

Moore and Burke, who rank first and second in UT program history in career home runs with 54 and 46, respectively, are the fifth and sixth Vols to ever earn semifinalist status for the Golden Spikes Award, joining Kentrall Davis (2008), Nick Senzel (2016), Chase Burns (2022) and Trey Lipscomb (2022).  

Moore, who was also named a first-team All-SEC selection on Monday, won the SEC triple crown in league play, leading all players with a .429 batting average, 20 home runs and 41 RBIs in conference games. The junior second baseman ranks in the top-15 nationally in hits (11th – 87), home runs (6th – 27), slugging percentage (14th – .808) and total bases (6th – 181).

On top of becoming Tennessee’s career leader in home runs, Moore also set the program’s single-season record for homers, having sent 27 balls over the wall this season, besting the previous mark of 24 set by Sonny Cortez back in 1998. Entering postseason play, the New York native leads the team in most offensive categories, including batting average (.388), OPS (1.262), runs (64), hits, home runs, RBIs (60), total bases, slugging percentage and on-base percentage (.454).

Burke, who also garnered All-SEC acclaim on Monday, had a monster junior season that saw him become the program’s career leader in home runs before being passed by his teammate, Moore. The junior first baseman leads the SEC and ranks 10th nationally with a career-high 23 doubles and has also set or tied career bests in batting average (.359), runs (56), hits (78), homers (16), RBIs (50) and stolen bases (eight). His 44 hits in SEC play ranked fourth in the league.

Burke also broke UT’s program record for the longest hitting streak, besting Condredge Holloway’s 1975 record of 27 straight games with a hit with a 31-game hit streak from March 1 through April 25 this season.

Of the nine conferences that were represented, the SEC led the way with nine players on the 25-man semifinalist list, followed by the ACC with seven.

Fan voting will again play a part in the Golden Spikes Award in 2024. Baseball fans can vote for their favorite players on GoldenSpikesAward.com, beginning today with the naming of the semifinalists. USA Baseball will announce the finalists for the award on June 5, and fan voting will once again open at GoldenSpikesAward.com before closing on June 21.

The 46th Golden Spikes Award will be presented on June 22 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN ahead of Game 1 of the College World Series finals.

To view the full semifinalist list stay up to date on the 2024 Golden Spikes Award, visit GoldenSpikesAward.com and follow @USAGoldenSpikes on Instagram and Twitter/X. 

TOP-RANKED VOLS HAVE SIX PLAYERS GARNER SEC POSTSEASON HONORS
Courtesy / UT Athletics

TOP-RANKED VOLS HAVE SIX PLAYERS GARNER SEC POSTSEASON HONORS

Posted on May 21, 2024

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The 2024 Southeastern Conference regular season champion Tennessee Volunteers were well-represented in the league’s postseason honors, which were announced by the conference office on Monday afternoon.

The Big Orange had four players earn first or second team All-SEC honors, including a pair of first-team selections, while Drew Beam was named the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year and Dean Curley was selected to the Freshman All-SEC team for a total of six players garnering SEC postseason recognition. UT’s four players on the first and second teams were the second most of any team in the league.

Christian Moore and Dylan Dreiling were tabbed as first-team picks after finishing as two of the league’s top run-producers this season while Blake Burke and Kavares Tears were named second-team selections on top of earning SEC All-Defensive team acclaim, as well.

Beam is the fourth Vol to win SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year and the third player to do so during head coach Tony Vitello‘s tenure, joining Nico Mascia (2018) and Garrett Stallings (2019).

The junior pitcher boasts a 3.47 GPA while majoring in finance and has been a staple in Tennessee’s weekend rotation. Beam is the only pitcher on the team that started in all 14 weekend series this season and finished the year ranked eighth in the league with a 3.59 ERA. The Murfreesboro, Tennessee, native finished with an impressive 8-2 record and his eight victories were tied for the fourth most in the SEC.

Moore, who was also a candidate for SEC Player of the Year, earned first-team honors for the first time in his record-breaking career. The junior second baseman won the SEC triple crown in league play, leading all players with a .429 batting average, 20 home runs and 41 RBIs in conference games.

On top of becoming Tennessee’s career leader in home runs, Moore also set the program’s single-season record for homers, having sent 27 balls over the wall this season, besting the previous mark of 24 set by Sonny Cortez back in 1998. Entering postseason play, the New York native leads the team in most offensive categories, including batting average (.388), OPS (1.262), runs (64), hits (87), home runs (27), RBIs (60), total bases (181), slugging percentage (.808) and on-base percentage (.454).

Joining Moore as a first teamer was Dreiling, who has had a breakout sophomore season for the Big Orange, ranking second on the team and tied for eighth in the SEC with 59 RBIs to go along with a 1.164 OPS, 15 doubles, 17 home runs and a team-high 37 walks. The second-year outfielder’s 35 RBIs and .722 slugging percentage in conference play both ranked seventh in the league.

Burke garnered second-team All-SEC acclaim after a monster junior season that saw him become the program’s career leader in home runs before being passed by his teammate, Moore. The California native led the conference with a career-high 23 doubles and has also set or tied career bests in batting average (.359), runs (56), hits (78), homers (16), RBIs (50) and stolen bases (eight). His 44 hits in SEC play ranked fourth in the league.

Burke also broke UT’s program record for the longest hitting streak, besting Condredge Holloway’s 1975 record of 27 straight games with a hit with a 31-game hit streak from March 1 through April 25. Burke earned a spot on the SEC All-Defensive team, as well, excelling at first base for the Vols this season. He ranks seventh in the conference with a team-high 378 putouts and boasts a .988 fielding percentage with just five errors on the year.

Tears was recognized as an all-conference performer for the first time in his career after finishing tied for seventh in the SEC with 61 runs scored while ranking among the Vols’ team leaders in most offensive categories. The redshirt-sophomore outfielder is batting .339 on the year and ranks third on the team with a 1.125 OPS to go along with 12 doubles, 16 home runs, 43 RBIs and 35 walks.

The Lewisburg, Tennessee, native joined Burke on the league’s all-defensive team after posting a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage with 68 putouts while showcasing his incredible arm strength with three outfield assists.

Curley became the fifth UT player in the Vitello era to be named to the SEC All-Freshman team after bursting onto the scene and taking hold of the Vols’ starting shortstop position. The California native leads the team with nine stolen bases and finished among the league’s freshmen leaders in numerous offensive categories, including runs (40), hits (46), doubles (eight) home runs (nine), RBIs (37), slugging percentage (.512) and walks (26).  

The complete listing of SEC postseason awards and All-SEC teams can be found HERE.

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