Naming, financial plan in place for Mocs’ new athletics facility Golf

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Chancellor Dr. Steven Angle recently announced the progression of the Mocs’ new athletics facility. According to the Chancellor, a financial plan is now in place to make the construction of the 70,000 square foot addition and renovation to McKenzie Arena a reality.

The announcement came at the Spring Showcase at Finley Stadium on March 24.

The new addition will be named the Wolford Family Athletics Center in memory of James “Bucky” Wolford. Wolford was an All-American defensive back for the Mocs from 1966-69. Inducted into the UTC Athletics Hall of Fame in 1989, Wolford’s 13 career interceptions are tied for the school record. He also led the Mocs with 852 rushing yards during a 9-1 campaign in 1968. He passed away on Sept. 1 of last year.

Progress towards the completion of the Wolford Family Athletics Center has been made possible through the generosity of many key people involved with the project. Lead donors include Charles and Bernita Cofield, Diane and Bucky Wolford, Hamico Foundation, the UC Foundation and John Murphy and Renee Haugerud.

“The generosity of the Wolford family and all of the donors who have helped make this possible is sincerely appreciated.” said Dr. Angle. “We would not be here without the help and partnership of John “Thunder” Thornton who worked tirelessly to ensure we were successful. Many supporters were inspired by Bucky Wolford who defines what it means to be a Moc.

“Bucky had a profound impact on UTC as a student, a UT Board of Trustee member, a UC Foundation Board member, an advisor to several chancellors, and a supporter of our athletic programs. Naming our new athletic facility in honor of the Wolford Family will serve as an inspiration for both current and future Mocs.”

The Wolford Family Athletics Center is a 35,000 square foot addition that will house a new sports medicine area and a stateof-the-art hydrotherapy section, along with team meeting and classroom space for use by all student-athletes at UTC. The plans also call for a new football locker room, coaches’ offices and meeting rooms, to go with a university-wide multi-purpose space.

The building will connect to McKenzie Arena between Gate 1 and the main loading ramp off the corner of 5th and Mabel Streets.

Angle reported the project also includes a renovation of 35,000 square feet of space inside McKenzie Arena. This area includes new locker rooms for the men’s and women’s basketball programs, as well as updated working spaces for the athletics staff and coaches who are housed in the Arena.

“A facility of this stature will impact our entire athletics program,” stated Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Mark Wharton. “Not only does it give new areas for our football and athletic training programs, it frees up additional space we currently use every day in McKenzie Arena. It is exciting to know that the vision of this asset to our University is becoming a reality.”

The areas vacated by staff moving into the new building will be renovated. This allows remaining coaches and staff to expand into virtually new offices and meeting spaces inside the existing structure of the Arena.

“One of Chattanooga’s greatest needs within our football program is a new facility,” stated UTC football head coach Tom Arth. “It is so exciting to know that plans are in place and that the project will be underway very soon.”

“The facility will make such an incredible difference in the experience of our studentathletes and the overall efficiency of our program. In addition, the building will also help us create an even greater edge in recruiting top-level high school prospects.

“As exciting and important as these things are, what makes this facility so special is knowing that it will be named for Bucky Wolford. Bucky and his family have impacted our University, community and football program in remarkable ways. For our players, coaches and staff to know that the place where we go to work each day is named for one of the greatest men and football players to graduate from Chattanooga is incredibly inspiring and humbling.

“It will surely be a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility that represents hallowed ground for all of us each time we enter its doors.”

Further information on the exact layout, as well as the formal groundbreaking date, will be announced when that phase of the building process approaches, added Wharton.

Caroline Bentley led Heritage with a 47, followed by a 48 from Lauren Self, a 49 from Katie Proctor and a 50 from Carson Nixon.

LFO, Ridgeland split

The LFO and Ridgeland golf teams split their nine-hole matches at Brown Acres Golf Course in Chattanooga last Tuesday.

The Lady Panthers won the match 116-121 behind a 54 from Christa Parrish and a 62 from Lauren Cain.

Tea Wilson shot a 60 for LFO, while Taylor Phillips carded a 61. Each team had just two golfers competing.

In the boys’ match, Garrison Gentry shot a 45 for the Warriors to lead them to a 205-240 victory. Alec Gentry carded a 51 for LFO, followed by John Reed (54) and Patryk Gilbert (55).

Justin Carver paced Ridgeland with a 58, while Eli Gilreath (59), Ryan Grasham (61) and Tristin Burks (62) rounded out the team score.

GL boys at Carrollton

The Trojans traveled to Carrollton for the Central-Carroll Lions Invitational at Oak Mountain Golf Club on Saturday and turned in a very respectable thirdplace finish in a 19-team field that included teams from virtually all classifications in Georgia, as well as teams from Alabama.

Class 7A North Paulding, led by low medalist Rece Moore’s 1-over par 73, won the team title with a 317. Dunwoody, a Class 6A school, was eight shots back at 325, followed by the Trojans at 329. Smith Station (Ala.) came in at 330 and Class 7A Brookwood’s ‘A’ team posted a fifth-place score of 339.

Perry Jackson of Dunwoody was second individually with a 4-over 76. Gordon Lee had three golfers finish in the top 10. Jacob Carlock shot an 80 to finish in sixth place, while Tucker Windham and Gray Weldon each carded and 82 to finish tied for ninth.

Cole Walker rounded out the team score with an 85 and Christian Boyd also played for the Trojans, finishing with a 90.

Gordon Lee will take part in the Hardaway Invitational at Bull Creek Country Club in Columbus this weekend.