Tubner Attends SEC Coaches Opportunity Forum
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Tubner Attends SEC Coaches Opportunity Forum

Posted on August 7, 2024

Tennessee women’s basketball assistant coach Roman Tubner attended the recent 2024 Southeastern Conference Coaches Opportunity Forum.

The SEC Coaches Opportunity Forum was created as a result of SEC Bylaw 23, which was implemented in 2021 to promote opportunities in paths to leadership. The goal is to empower participants with knowledge, skills and resources necessary to progress toward head coaching positions in their respective sports.

Participants, who come from a variety of different sports and schools within the SEC, engaged in a two-day immersive professional development experience aimed at providing the knowledge, skills and resources necessary for their next career progression.

In addition to receiving welcome remarks from SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, those attending heard from a who’s who of presenters and panelists. That list included Alabama Athletics Director Greg Byrne, Georgia Athletics Director Josh Brooks, former Alabama football coach Nick Saban, South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, Missouri men’s basketball coach Dennis Gates and ESPN anchor/host Elle Duncan.

Topics and forums included leadership and career progression, an SEC Athletics Directors panel, what a school’s job search looks like, guidance for personal development and coaching, and the process to leading. Additionally, there was a media and communications session as well as opportunities for networking.

Tubner is in his first season at Tennessee after spending the previous three years with the women’s hoops program at Alabama. He has 11 years of experience as an assistant and has helped coach teams to six postseason tournament appearances during his career.

Ojeda Announces 2024 Fall Slate
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Ojeda Announces 2024 Fall Slate

Posted on August 7, 2024

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Entering her ninth season at the helm of the women’s tennis program, head coach Alison Ojeda announced the Lady Vols’ fall schedule on Tuesday afternoon. 

The Lady Volunteers are fresh off one of the most monumental seasons in program history. In 2023, the team notched a 22-8 record (9-4 SEC), achieving the highest number of victories in the Ojeda era for the second year in a row, and reached the Final Four for the second time ever.

“This fall is going to be an exciting one on Rocky Top for our women’s tennis team,” Ojeda said. “We have three returners who Matias Marin and I are very excited to get back on court with. We also have seven new players on our roster this year, as well as our new assistant coach Elizabeth Scotty. It’s going to be fun to get to know one another in a competitive and thriving environment.”

Tennessee will kick off its fall match play on the road, starting at the H-E-B Invitational in Waco, Texas, from September 20-22. The following week, the Lady Vols will travel to Cary, N.C., to compete in the ITA All-American Championships, which will take place from September 23-29.

The squad will travel to Murfreesboro, Tenn., to compete in the ITA Ohio Valley Regional Championship from October 10-14. Tennessee will return home to host the UT Home Invitational from October 25-27.

Pending on the Lady Vols’ qualifications, select players will travel to San Diego, Calif., for the ITA Fall Nationals from November 1-5. Additionally, select players will compete at the ITA Sectionals in Athens, Ga., from November 7-10

The team will conclude its fall match play by returning to Waco for the NCAA Individual Tournament, set for November 19-24.

For all the latest information from Lady Vol Tennis, follow the team on Twitter/X @Vol_WTennis, Instagram @vol_wtennis or Facebook.

2024 Fall Schedule:

September 20-22 – H-E-B Invitational – Waco, T.X.

September 23-29 – ITA All-American Championships – Cary, N.C.

October 4-6 – Woman of Troy Invite – Los Angeles, Calif.

October 10-14 – ITA Ohio Valley Regional Championships – Murfreesboro, Tenn.

October 25-27 – UT Home Invitational – Knoxville, Tenn.

November 1-5 – ITA Fall Nationals – San Diego, Calif.

November 7-10 – ITA Sectionals – Athens, Ga.

November 19-24 – NCAA Individual Championships – Baylor University

MATCH CENTRAL: Tennessee at Virginia (exhibition)
Courtesy / UT Athleticcs

MATCH CENTRAL: Tennessee at Virginia (exhibition)

Posted on August 7, 2024

The Lady Vols are headed to Charlottesville, Virginia, for the first of two pre-season exhibition matches, squaring off with the Cavaliers in a 7 p.m. ET contest at Klöckner Stadium Wednesday night. 

Live stats and live video will not be available for this exhibition match. Admission for this contest at UVA is free.

NEW FACES: Tennessee added 17 newcomers in its 2024 signing class. 10 newcomers are freshman as seven are transfers with collegiate experience.

BACK AGAIN: The Lady Vols return 13 letterwinners from the 2023 squad that advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

THE LAST MEETING: Tennessee last played Virginia during a regular season matchup on Sept. 12, 2014, falling 2-1 to the eventual NCAA runners-up.

UP NEXT: Tennessee will host UNC Asheville at 1 p.m. Sunday in its final tune up before the season begins when UT goes on the road to Indiana for an 8 p.m. ET contest on Thursday, Aug. 15. 

Knoxville Police Say Efforts to Reduce Gun Violence are Working

Posted on August 6, 2024

Knoxville Police say collaborative efforts to reduce gun violence in the area are paying off.

Officials say “If you look at our numbers year-to-date right now, all fatal and non- fatal are down 33 percent compared to the same time in 2023.” 

Taking a look at historical data, this far into the year, KPD reported a three-year average of 47 non-deadly shooting victims and a five-year average of 45 victims.

 KPD patrols three districts: East, West, and Central. In those areas, KPD selected three microzones that been impacted the most by gun violence over the last five years, upping efforts.

In the East District, a 7 and a half-block microzone located between Martin Luther King Avenue and Chestnut Street has had no shootings in the last 10 months.

The project’s focus is not only on reducing gun violence, but to provide better quality of life by working with other city partners.

Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles Cell Phone Seized by FBI
Official Photo

Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles Cell Phone Seized by FBI

Posted on August 6, 2024

Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles is speaking out after the Federal Bureau of Investigation seized his cell phone.

His phone was taken August 2nd, the day after he beat Courtney Johnston in the U.S. House primary race for District 5.

In a post on X by Ogles yesterday (Tuesday), he says “It is his understanding that the FBI is   investigating the same well-known facts surrounding these filings.”  He says that it’s been widely reported for months that his campaign made mistakes in its initial financial filings and they have worked diligently with attorneys and reporting experts to correct the errors and ensure compliance going forward.

Ogles added that he will be cooperating with the FBI as he claims to have been doing with the Federal Election Commission.

He says he’s confident all involved will conclude that the reporting discrepancies were based on honest mistakes, and nothing more.

Ogles has represented the district since last year which includes Lewis, Maury and Marshall counties and parts of Davidson, Williamson and Wilson counties in Middle Tennessee.

As the elected primary Republican candidate, Ogles will now face the unopposed candidate in the Democratic Primary, and three independent candidates.

Amazon Officials Hope to Open East Knoxville Location this Year
Photo courtesy of WVLT

Amazon Officials Hope to Open East Knoxville Location this Year

Posted on August 6, 2024

Amazon hopes to have its second facility in East Tennessee up and running by the end of the year.

Amazon announced it would open a distribution site in East Knoxville on the former site of East Towne Mall in 2021 with plans to open in 2022.

Since then, it has sat empty, but an Amazon spokesperson says internal construction is ongoing and hopes to open before the 2024 holiday season.

However, an opening date has not been finalized.

This will be the second Amazon facility in East Tennessee. A fulfillment center opened in Alcoa last year.

TBI: Crossville Police Department Detective Charged with Assault

TBI: Crossville Police Department Detective Charged with Assault

Posted on August 6, 2024

Cumberland County, TN (WOKI) A detective with the Crossville Police Department is indicted on an assault charge following an investigation.

Officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation say special agents were asked to investigate an allegation that Detective Tyrel Lorenz assaulted a man after a criminal interview on June 3.

TBI says the investigation found that Lorenz used physical force while arresting the man who was then taken to a local hospital, treated and released.

Lorenz turned himself in Monday, August 5 at the Cumberland County Jail following his indictment on one count of assault; he has since been released pending his next court date.

Crossville Police Department detective charged with assault, TBI says. (Frankly Media)
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Asking for Public Comment on Proposed Fee Increases

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Asking for Public Comment on Proposed Fee Increases

Posted on August 6, 2024

Middlesboro, KY (WOKI) The National Park Service wants your opinion on possible fee changes at the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.

The park is proposing higher fees for things like guided tours, picnic shelter rentals and camping.

Officials say the money you pay will go toward park improvements and future projects.

The park proposes to implement fee increases incrementally over the next three years, as shown in the table below:

Guided ToursCurrent (2024)202520262027
Gap Cave Tour – Adult$8$12$18$24
Gap Cave Tour – Child (5-12)$4$6$9$12
Gap Cave Tour – Interagency Senior/Access Pass$4$6$9$12
Hensley Tour – Adult$10$20$30$40
Hensley Tour – Child$5$10$15$20
Hensley Tour – Interagency Senior/Access Pass$5$10$15$20
Picnic Shelter RentalsCurrent (2024)202520262027
Old Bartlett Park – half dayN/A$25$30$35
Old Bartlett Park – all day$30$50$60$70
Sugar Run – half dayN/A$24$33$42
Sugar Run – all day$30$48$66$84
Lewis Hollow – half dayN/A$24$33$42
Lewis Hollow – all day$30$28$66$84
Campground O4 – half dayN/A$24$33$42
Campground O4 – all day$30$48$66$84
New Bartlett Park – half dayN/A$30$40$50
New Bartlett Park – all day$30$60$80$100
Civic Park – half dayN/A$30$45$60
Civic Park – all day$30$60$90$120
Wilderness Road CampgroundCurrent (2024)202520262027
Non-electric Campsite$18$24$30$30
Non-electric Campsite – Interagency Senior/Access Pass$9$12$15$15
Electric Campsite$24$30$36$46
Electric Campsite – Interagency Senior/Access Pass$12$15$18$23
Group Campsite$39$48$58$68

The park is accepting public comment on the proposed fee increases now through September 4. Following public engagement and National Park Service approval, officials said new fees up to the amounts outlined above could be implemented as soon as October 2024.

Comments can be submitted by email or by mail to: Cumberland Gap National Historical Park / 91 Bartlett Park Road / Middlesboro, KY 40965 / Re: Fee Increase Comment.

NPS officials said fees for guided tours and shelter rentals have not changed in at least 15 years. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Loudon County Sheriff’s Office Warning of Telephone Scam

Loudon County Sheriff’s Office Warning of Telephone Scam

Posted on August 6, 2024

Loudon County, Tn (WOKI) Authorities in Loudon County are warning citizens of an ongoing telephone scam plaguing the area.

The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office says it is continuing to field calls from citizens regarding phone calls they are receiving from a man claiming to be employed by the Sheriff’s Office. LCSO says the man is “spoofing” his phone number to appear as if he is calling from their non-emergency dispatch number, telling respondents that they owe money and to meet him or they will be arrested.

Officials say neither the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office nor the Lenoir City Police Department will ever call and ask for money.

If you think you are being scammed, LCSO says simply hangup and call the non-emergency dispatch line at 865-458-9081 and ask to speak to a deputy.

LCSO says an unknown man is claiming to be a high ranking member of the Sheriff’s Office. (Courtesy: LCSO)
Sampson Named to Doak Walker Preseason Watch List
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Sampson Named to Doak Walker Preseason Watch List

Posted on August 6, 2024

DALLAS – Tennessee junior running back Dylan Sampson has been named to the 2024 Doak Walker Award Watch List, as announced by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum on Tuesday afternoon.

The award is presented annually to the top running back in college football and is named for SMU’s three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. It is the only major collegiate award that requires all candidates to be in good academic standing and on schedule to graduate within one year of other students of the same classification.

The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native makes his first appearance on the esteemed list after a productive 2023 campaign. Sampson ranked second on the team in rushing, recording 106 carries for 604 yards while scoring a team-high seven rushing touchdowns. The junior averaged 5.7 yards per carry, which ranked second on the team and eighth in the SEC. He ranked third on the team in all-purpose yards with 779, adding 17 receptions for 175 yards and one touchdown grab.

Last season, he also totaled two 100-yard rushing games against UTSA and No. 17 Iowa in the Citrus Bowl.

Off the field, Sampson is a two-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll and a member of the VOLeaders Academy.

The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name 10 semifinalists in November, and three finalists, as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, will be announced in November, as well. The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives.

The recipient of the 2024 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 12, 2024.

A complete list of Tennessee’s preseason honors can be found below.

2024 Tennessee Football Preseason Honors

John Campbell Jr., OL, R-Sr.
Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List

Bryson Eason, DL, R-Sr.
Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List

Nico Iamaleava, QB, R-Fr.
Maxwell Award Watch List

Lance Heard, OL, So.
Fourth-Team All-SEC (Athlon)

Cooper Mays, C, Sr.
First-Team All-American (Walter Camp)
First-Team All-SEC (Media)
Second-Team All-SEC (Athlon, Phil Steele)
Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List
Outland Trophy Watch List

Bru McCoy, WR, R-Sr.
Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
AFCA Good Works Team Nominee
Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List

Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Sr.
Third-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele)

James Pearce Jr., DE, Jr.
First-Team All-American (Athlon, Phil Steele, Walter Camp)
First-Team All-SEC (Athlon, Media, Phil Steele, Walter Camp)
Walter Camp Award Watch List
Lott Trophy Watch List
Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List
Walter Camp Award Watch List

Keenan Pili, LB, Sr.
Fourth-Team All-SEC (Athlon)
Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List

Jackson Ross, P, So.
Fourth-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele)

Dylan Sampson, RB, Jr.
Third-Team All-SEC (Athlon)
Fourth-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele)
Doak Walker Award Watch List

Javontez Spraggins, OL, Sr.
Third-Team All-SEC (Athlon)
Fourth-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele)
Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List

Omari Thomas, DL, Sr.
Fourth-Team All-SEC (Athlon)
Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List

Squirrel White, WR, Jr.
Third-Team All-SEC (Athlon, Phil Steele)

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Tubner Attends SEC Coaches Opportunity Forum
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Tubner Attends SEC Coaches Opportunity Forum

Posted on August 7, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

Tennessee women’s basketball assistant coach Roman Tubner attended the recent 2024 Southeastern Conference Coaches Opportunity Forum. The SEC Coaches Opportunity Forum was created as a result of SEC Bylaw 23, which was implemented in 2021 to promote opportunities in paths to leadership. The goal is to empower participants with knowledge, skills and resources necessary to…… Continue Reading

Ojeda Announces 2024 Fall Slate
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Ojeda Announces 2024 Fall Slate

Posted on August 7, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Entering her ninth season at the helm of the women’s tennis program, head coach Alison Ojeda announced the Lady Vols’ fall schedule on Tuesday afternoon.  The Lady Volunteers are fresh off one of the most monumental seasons in program history. In 2023, the team notched a 22-8 record (9-4 SEC), achieving the highest number of…… Continue Reading

MATCH CENTRAL: Tennessee at Virginia (exhibition)
Courtesy / UT Athleticcs

MATCH CENTRAL: Tennessee at Virginia (exhibition)

Posted on August 7, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

The Lady Vols are headed to Charlottesville, Virginia, for the first of two pre-season exhibition matches, squaring off with the Cavaliers in a 7 p.m. ET contest at Klöckner Stadium Wednesday night.  Live stats and live video will not be available for this exhibition match. Admission for this contest at UVA is free. NEW FACES: Tennessee…… Continue Reading

Knoxville Police Say Efforts to Reduce Gun Violence are Working

Posted on August 6, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

Knoxville Police say collaborative efforts to reduce gun violence in the area are paying off. Officials say “If you look at our numbers year-to-date right now, all fatal and non- fatal are down 33 percent compared to the same time in 2023.”  Taking a look at historical data, this far into the year, KPD reported…… Continue Reading

Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles Cell Phone Seized by FBI
Official Photo

Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles Cell Phone Seized by FBI

Posted on August 6, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles is speaking out after the Federal Bureau of Investigation seized his cell phone. His phone was taken August 2nd, the day after he beat Courtney Johnston in the U.S. House primary race for District 5. In a post on X by Ogles yesterday (Tuesday), he says “It is his understanding that the…… Continue Reading

Amazon Officials Hope to Open East Knoxville Location this Year
Photo courtesy of WVLT

Amazon Officials Hope to Open East Knoxville Location this Year

Posted on August 6, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

Amazon hopes to have its second facility in East Tennessee up and running by the end of the year. Amazon announced it would open a distribution site in East Knoxville on the former site of East Towne Mall in 2021 with plans to open in 2022. Since then, it has sat empty, but an Amazon…… Continue Reading

TBI: Crossville Police Department Detective Charged with Assault

TBI: Crossville Police Department Detective Charged with Assault

Posted on August 6, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments

Cumberland County, TN (WOKI) A detective with the Crossville Police Department is indicted on an assault charge following an investigation. Officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation say special agents were asked to investigate an allegation that Detective Tyrel Lorenz assaulted a man after a criminal interview on June 3. TBI says the investigation found…… Continue Reading

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Asking for Public Comment on Proposed Fee Increases

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Asking for Public Comment on Proposed Fee Increases

Posted on August 6, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments

Middlesboro, KY (WOKI) The National Park Service wants your opinion on possible fee changes at the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The park is proposing higher fees for things like guided tours, picnic shelter rentals and camping. Officials say the money you pay will go toward park improvements and future projects. The park proposes to…… Continue Reading

Loudon County Sheriff’s Office Warning of Telephone Scam

Loudon County Sheriff’s Office Warning of Telephone Scam

Posted on August 6, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments

Loudon County, Tn (WOKI) Authorities in Loudon County are warning citizens of an ongoing telephone scam plaguing the area. The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office says it is continuing to field calls from citizens regarding phone calls they are receiving from a man claiming to be employed by the Sheriff’s Office. LCSO says the man is…… Continue Reading

Sampson Named to Doak Walker Preseason Watch List
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Sampson Named to Doak Walker Preseason Watch List

Posted on August 6, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

DALLAS – Tennessee junior running back Dylan Sampson has been named to the 2024 Doak Walker Award Watch List, as announced by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum on Tuesday afternoon. The award is presented annually to the top running back in college football and is named for SMU’s three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. It is the only…… Continue Reading