UTC announces newest Hall of Fame inductees
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Athletics Department and the Office of Alumni Affairs recently announced the Class of 2017 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees. Five new members were chosen for induction, along with the four special award honorees.
The 2017 class represents a broad range of the history of Mocs Athletics. John Tyszkiewicz was an AllAmerican member of the Mocs football team from 1965-68, while Kenyon Earl was a standout quarterback from 1991-94.
Julie Copeland Christian was a fouryear starter on the women’s basketball team from 198891, guiding the Mocs to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1989. Julie Dunn Heim was an All-American member of the women’s tennis team from 1977-80 and a part of three AIAW National Championship teams.
Former wrestling standout Chris Thornbury rounds out the class. He was a three-time Southern Conference Champion from 1986-89.
“The history of UTC Athletics is wellrepresented in this incoming hall of fame class,” stated UTC Vice Chancellor & Director of Athletics David Blackburn. “We have had so many outstanding studentathletes represent our program over the years. This group helped build the winning reputation of the Chattanooga Mocs.”
The inductees will be honored at the annual Hall of Fame Banquet on Friday, Feb. 24, at the Chattanooga Country Club. The banquet is open to the public, but seating is limited and reservations are required. The cost is $40 per person, which includes dinner. Payments and RSVP’s can be submitted to the UTC Office of Alumni Affairs at (423) 425-4785. For more information, email Jayne-Holder@ utc.edu.
The UTC Athletics Hall of Fame was established to formally recognize outstanding contributions to the heritage and tradition of the university’s intercollegiate athletic program. A total of 209 individuals have been inducted into the UTC Athletics Hall of Fame during special ceremonies held each year.
In addition, AllAmerican running back Derrick Craine will receive the A.C. “Scrappy” Moore Award, Bryan Patten will receive the Gordon Davenport Award, John Bonner III will receive the Joe Morrison Award and Dr. Fred and Ruth Obear will receive the Harold Wilkes Award.