Wednesday, January 24, 2024 - Welcome Back

Welcome Back

Students were greeted with snowy sidewalks and a delayed start to ring in the 2024 spring semester.

The Daily Beacon

|

Volume 145, Issue 1

|

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

|

@utkdailybeacon

2

WELCOME BACK

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

DAILY BEACON STAFF AND POLICY INFORMATION

Letter from the Editor: Taking it slow

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Abby Ann Ramsey MANAGING EDITOR: Bella Hughes COPY CHIEF: Emma Johnston NEWS EDITOR: Eli Boldt ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR: Macy Roberts SPORTS EDITOR: Caleb Jarreau ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR: Jack Church DIGITAL PRODUCER: Karsten Hoglund OPINIONS EDITOR: Calie Wrona PHOTO EDITOR: Cole Moore DESIGN EDITOR: Emma Fingeret ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Sarah Portanka PAGE DESIGNERS: Jibril Foronas

COVER PHOTO: David Smith

ADVERTISING/PRODUCTION ADVERTISING MANAGER: Cullen Askew ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES: Shelby

Coppock, Jacob Stromatt ADVERTISING PRODUCTION ARTISTS: Donatella

Thomas, Ailin Lopez

CONTACTS TO REPORT A NEWS ITEM OR SUBMIT A PRESS RELEASE, please email editorinchief@utdailybeacon.com TO PLACE AN AD, please email admanager@utk.edu.

LETTERS POLICY: Letters to the Editor must be exclusive to The Daily Beacon and cannot have been submitted to or published by other media.

Letters should not exceed 400 words and can be edited or shortened for space. Letters can also be edited for grammar and typographical errors, and Letters that contain excessive grammatical errors can be rejected for this reason. Anonymous Letters will not be published. Authors should include their full name, mailing address, city of residence, phone number and e-mail address for verification purposes. Letters submitted without this information will not be published. The preferred method to submit a Letter to the Editor is to email the Editor-in-Chief.

CORRECTIONS POLICY:It is The Daily Beacon’s policy to quickly correct any factual errors and clarify any potentially misleading information.

Errors brought to our attention by readers or staff members will be corrected and printed on page two of our publication. To report an error please send as much information as possible about where and when the error occurred to editorinchief@ utdailybeacon.com.

The Daily Beacon is published by students at The University of Tennessee on Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters. The offices are located at 1345 Circle Park Drive, 11 Communications Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0314. The newspaper is free on campus and is available via mail subscription for $200/year or $100/semester.

It is also available online at: www.utdailybeacon. com

ABBY ANN RAMSEY Editor-in-Chief I think almost everyone can agree that a sixweek winter break is a little bit too long. The idea of more than a month off of school and UT-related activities sounds nice on the surface, but most people I’ve talked to have said they’ve been bored and feel ready to go back.

While I agree that six weeks is an insanely long break, I found myself feeling less and less ready to return to campus as time went on.

Maybe, however, I wouldn’t have felt that way if the break was just a few weeks shorter and allowed me less time to settle into a routine with excessive free time.

I’m a bit of an all or nothing person in almost all facets of my life. I like to say my life is defined by Newton’s first law of motion: “An object at rest remains at rest, and an object in motion remains in motion at constant speed and in a straight line unless acted on by an unbalanced force.” I thrive when I’m in motion, constantly studying, working and doing my best to keep a packed schedule, so I have no option to slow down. Once I do slow down, it takes a lot to get me back in motion.

Especially ahead of my last semester of college, the thought of getting back into the motion of things has felt especially daunting because I know once I get going, I won’t stop, and these next few months will fly by in the blink of an eye. Instead of running full steam ahead through every second of every day, I’m challenging myself to take the semester slowly, allowing space for rest and walks with my dog to World’s Fair Park, while prioritizing the work I love to do at the Beacon.

News has a reputation for being fast-paced, which is part of the reason I’ve always been drawn to it. However, that tendency of journalists to write first, post first and talk first often puts listening on the back burner. The quick nature has also been one of the causes of lots of harm done by journalists to marginalized communities.

Timeliness is incredibly important in journalism — I cannot stress that enough. Taking your time, though, is also extremely important in helping tell stories in an authentic and accurate way that most fairly represents the people you’re talking about.

Not only am I challenging myself to slow down so that I don’t miss a moment of my senior year, I’m also challenging our newsroom to listen and observe so we can write articles, take photos and produce videos that tell the fullest version of every story — even if that

means we take an extra few minutes to get something to our readers.

This semester, we hope that you will notice the Beacon listening, observing and engaging with the campus community. You might see some of our staff handing out papers across campus or asking you to fill out surveys on Ped Walkway. In everything we do, we want to make sure we’re listening, telling the stories of the Volunteer community, and helping students, faculty, staff and alumni better understand what’s happening on campus.

Editor-in-Chief Abby Ann Ramsey writes that she’s taking this semester slow by allowing time for walks to World’s Fair Park and making a point for the Beacon to listen.

David Smith / Contributor

Letter from the Managing Editor: A snowy start BELLA HUGHES Managing Editor Welcome back Vols! Amidst the Tennessee snow, we have braved the winter and made it back to campus.

The first day of spring classes is rejuvenated because it feels like we are coming out of hibernation. We get to see our friends again, reestablish a routine and look toward the future.

For me, this semester feels eerily similar to my junior year of high school — the semester the world shut down due to COVID-19.

I remember sitting in my fourth-period statistics class before the bell rang to let us out for what we thought was two weeks. Flash forward four years, and I have graduated high school and entered my junior year of college in a city outside of my home state.

Yes, according to calendar years, I have aged, but I can’t help but feel like I am the same 16-year-old girl sitting in her statistics class.

The “pandemic skip” is a phrase coined to describe feeling a delay in personal development due to the years spent in lockdown.

It’s an intimidating flip to go from living at home and seeing childhood friends every day to being a busy college student who has to compare calendars with my friends to see them.

The pandemic skip seemed to be a period when I was navigating how to be a young adult, and now that I’ve rejoined reality, I face the risk that I am no longer “just a girl.”

The final days of winter break went from a palette of crisp snow that I could romanticize to cloudy skies and black keeping me trapped in a friend’s apartment. On day three of being snowed in, I started to feel the same sense of anxiousness and cabin fever that I experienced during quarantine.

I had a moment to reflect on my pandemic skip and realized that my aspirations are the same as that 16-year-old girl, but now I am actively pursuing my dreams of moving cities and pursuing a career in media.

I toured UT during the pandemic when classes were virtual, the stadium was empty and no one was on campus. Being on campus today is starkly different than what it was then — although, the amount of construction is the same.

Being forced to be still can be troubling for some, but the calm, sometimes boring, days that winter break provides are needed to rest

the mind. Although the snow caused panic to most Southerners, for college students local to Knoxville, the snow allowed us to slow down.

As we enter into the new semester with New Year’s resolutions set and high hopes for what is ahead, I can’t help but think of who I was during the spring semester of my junior year, full of aspirations yet nervous for the future and that hasn’t changed.

Managing Editor Bella Hughes enjoys the Knoxville snow during winter break.

Courtesy of Bella Hughes

WELCOME BACK

Wednesday, January 24, 2024 • The Daily Beacon

3

Students embrace donating plasma to fund college experiences EMMA JOHNSTON Copy Chief

As students struggle to keep up with the rising cost of living on top of costs associated with being in college, they’re resorting to unconventional ways of making money. One way UT students are bringing in extra profit is through donating their own plasma.

Freshman psychology major Morgan King, senior supply chain management major Sebastian Whittle and recent graduate Jack Cupit found that the earnings from giving plasma can be helpful in a variety of cases — from covering a delayed paycheck to funding costume pieces for an Oktoberfest party. While the reasons behind donating are different for each person, they each reflect a part of the college experience.

Donating plasma follows a process comparable to that of giving blood. When giving plasma, the donor’s blood is collected by a machine that separates out the plasma and returns the blood cells and platelets back into the donor’s body — an ending that differs from giving blood. The main difference between the acts is that plasma donors receive compensation, while blood donors do not.

Last semester for King, the compensation helped pay off a tuition balance while waiting on a delayed paycheck.

“I was working with a few people, and all of our paychecks got delayed,” King said. “And so somebody was like, ‘I’m going to go start selling plasma again.’

And I was like, ‘You can do that?’”

With a payment on her tuition due soon, King quickly took the idea and put it into practice. After making sure that she followed the preparation steps given to her, she went to Grifols Plasma on Middlebrook Pike to donate. She was able to earn $100 from donating only once.

“I knew that I would get the money, and it was before our tuition payments were due,” King said.

Through the deed, costing 1 ½ hours of her day, King was able to comfortably make her payment toward her college education on time.

Whittle and Cupit, on the other hand, invested their earnings into a different aspect of the college experience: extracurricular amusement.

Specifically, Whittle, Cupit and their roommates were busy planning their Oktoberfest party when they decided they wanted to have decorations and outfits that matched the theme. The key to their outfits was German lederhosen,

but the group needed some extra cash to help finance their endeavor.

“I wouldn’t say we’re a party house, but we like to throw a good party,” Whittle said. “So we wanted to get the proper decorations and all the stuff that would go with an Oktoberfest party, and so we needed to come up with some money.”

Deciding the slight discomfort when donating would be worth it, four of the roommates went to CSL Plasma in the Fort to donate and collect their payment.

Both Whittle and Cupit expressed that they spend a lot of time watching TV, listening to music or “doing nothing,” so it was an easy decision to spend that time watching TV or listening to music while also giving plasma.

“Why not go and do that while making money at the same time? Because you can just go make money by giving plasma by sitting in that chair … ” Whittle said. “You just gotta sit there, like, squeeze your little ball, so, like, your armband tightens. About an hour and a half later, you’re coming out of there with a little check.”

To Cupit, the activity demonstrated how college life can bring students unexpected experiences.

“I remember sitting there thinking,” Cupit said. “I was, like, reading a book and, like, listening to music while I was doing it. I was like, ‘College is so crazy.

Two hours ago, I thought I was gonna stay home for the night, and here I am in this medical bed.’ So strange.”

While the roommates’ decision to donate contrasts King’s at first glance, both decisions reflect distinct features of what students often look for in the college experience: to learn and to have fun.

After donating last semester, each student has been back to donate again.

The following times, their decisions had an additional purpose behind them: helping others.

Cupit, who used his next earnings to purchase DJ equipment and autotuning software, stressed the importance of plasma’s medical uses. Donated plasma is used in various medical solutions, including transfusions, treatments for chronic diseases, and care for shock and trauma emergencies.

“I also have a very good friend from high school, and she has lupus and would often get blood transfusions,” Cupit said.

“And we talked about kind of the hard time she had coming by donations. And so I’m like, ‘Hey, if I can help out people like my friend and make a little money, then why not?’”

If you are interested in donating plasma, you can find a donation center on the American Red Cross website.

One way UT students are bringing in extra profit is through donating their own plasma. Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon

4

WELCOME BACK

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Pride of the Southland modernizes traditions, stays connected by keeping rhythm ADAM DELAHOUSSAYE Staff Writer

At 101,915 seats, Neyland Stadium is a structure that’s often heard before it’s ever seen.

Since 1921, the roar of Vol fans has echoed throughout the hallowed hills of Rocky Top alongside six national titles, 16 conference titles and on-the-field legends clad in orange, creating one of the most — if not the most — unique environments that college football has to offer.

While athletes and their fans alike have no doubt contributed to cultivating the General’s house into what it is today, nowhere is tradition harbored better than in the students who soundtrack every Volunteer’s brightest moments.

The Pride of the Southland Band, as it’s formally known, has been a part of Tennessee’s rich history for more than a century. Conceived in 1869 as an offshoot of the school’s military department, it wasn’t until the 1920s before the band would see the field at halftime, and since then, they’ve never looked back.

Neyland’s decade in review includes throwing mustard bottles at former coaches, home opener losses to Georgia State all the way to Chase McGrath’s kiss of death in the form of a game-winning field goal against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

It’s safe to say pretty much every emotion in the book has been covered at one point or another by the program in recent memory. Win or loss, positivity is always preached, and no one seems more equipped for the task than Michael Stewart, the band’s current director.

“We don’t look at the scoreboard. We don’t look at wins and losses. That’s not what we do,” Stewart, currently in his second year as band director, said. “Our goal is to put on a performance every time we’re in Neyland Stadium or on the road, and our students knocked it out of the park this year with performances.”

Over the course of the 2023 season, the Pride performed in seven different halftime shows, as well as made a trip down to Orlando, Florida, for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, where the Vols squared off against the Iowa Hawkeyes. While those eight games only had one loss amongst them, positivity and an intense focus on the overall mission was never overlooked.

“The positivity and the attitude of the band is much more heightened now under Dr. Stewart than it was six years ago, my freshman year,” Chandler DeArmond, the current drum major studying music education, said. “Definitely more than it ever has been since I’ve been a part of it.”

No matter the legacy left in the record books or scores on the board when that clock gets to three zeroes, the Pride is able to carry itself and its keen sense of identity in ways immediately recognized by its starting pitch or opening formation. Tradition, above all else, is the priority for all 415 band members and their directors.

Inspired by a photo of the 1970 trombone section, the 2023 Pride of the Southland Band trombone section gathered around the Torchbearer for a photo. Courtesy of the Pride of the Southland Band Whether that means continuing those established or creating new ones for fans to enjoy, the history and heritage of the Pride is maybe its crown jewel.

“Especially for me, as a majorette, there’s so many traditions in the line that are really special to me,” head majorette Abi Long, said. “My baton coach was a majorette here in 2000, and being able to have traditions still in place that I do on game days that my coach did 20 years ago, having those traditions connect me to alumni and those who forged the way for what this is today is really special and really brings a sense of gratitude every time I’m out there.

I think it really sets not only our majorette line but our band as a whole apart from most in the country.”

The Pride prioritizes tradition for far more than those amongst their ranks, however. A highlight from seasons past for Long, DeArmond and Stewart was allowing athletes who have had a massive impact on the field get to wave out their fight song one last time. It’s a privilege that former quarterbacks Joe Milton III and Hendon Hooker shared, as well as Tennessee basketball alumnus John Fulkerson. In fact, these athletes probably revel in these moments just as much as their supporters in the Pride do.

While the Pride does have a special connection to football, the team across the street in their orange-striped warmup pants has also been known to have the love spread in their direction.

“John begged after almost every game to let me let him conduct the band,” Stewart said. “I

kept saying, ‘No, John, we’re not doing this, not yet,’ and then in his final game he came up and did it. I saw him at a wedding several months ago, and that’s one of the things he brought up was how much that meant to him.”

The biggest proponent of the current band, however, is found in the hearts of those who led the Vol Walk and formed the “Power T” before Long and DeArmond were even born.

DeArmond’s father, Scott DeArmond, was also a member of the Pride, graduating in 1991.

DeArmond says that his father and his former bandmates are still in extremely close contact, despite having different landing spots past their college days.

Even when not related by blood, alumni still show incredible support that seems to be growing in concordance with the group’s current roster numbers. This year’s halftime performance at Tennessee’s homecoming game versus UConn saw just under 500 alumni make their return to the field.

As much as the old guard and longstanding tradition influence most facets of the Pride, they’re always attempting to modernize while still keeping their building blocks intact. This past season saw the introduction of new, more breathable uniforms, as well as some new numbers and performances in most home games in Neyland.

“My goal is to not only continue those traditions but continue to be innovative,” Stewart said. “We want to see what’s gonna be the next Rocky Top or next opening of ‘The T,’ not messing with those traditions that identify who we are. You have to be innovative at the same

In 1970, the Pride of the Southland’s trombone section posed for a photo in front of the Torchbearer, inspiring future generations to embrace tradition. Courtesy of the Pride of the Southland Band time and continue to look for those new things, and that’s what we’re trying to do every year.”

Whatever form those new innovations take, the cultivators of the Volunteer game day experience take so much pride in past, present and future efforts. One of the Pride’s strengths is the incessant attention to detail. That attention itself, Stewart states, is maybe their most important tradition.

WELCOME BACK

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

5

Finding a routine: 6 ways to succeed, stay organized this semester CADEN DYER Staff Writer

short-term. Saying no to little things increases self-control and patience — true friends will understand when you explain that your exam is taking priority today.

We’ve hardly scratched the surface of January and some New Year’s resolutions have already proven challenging. It can be difficult to feel positive about the second semester in the face of goals that seem unattainable or, at the very least, demanding. Staying organized during the school year is necessary — but how do we achieve it?

Here are some pointers to make this your best semester yet.

Implement small habits This can be as simple as making your bed in the morning or cleaning up laundry off the floor every night before you go to bed. One by one, little habits will become routine. A quick sweep of your desk or putting away the makeup brushes as you head out the door will increase your sense of productivity and make life easier in the long run.

Write down your goals Studies show that writing things down helps with information retention and memory — not to mention it gives you a sense of accomplishment before you’ve even begun. Jot down a few goals you want to see yourself achieve. They might be long or short-term, but keep them simple and attainable. Goals like working out twice a week, taking a day off of social media or simply eating less fast food than normal are good ideas to begin thinking about.

Plan out your week “Sunday resets” have taken over TikTok for productive inspiration. Take a Sunday to try it

One way to stay on track this semester is to exercise in a way that fits your lifestyle, whether that’s by walking on campus or attending fitness classes. Audrey Nash / Contributor out, or maybe you’ve already implemented it at home. In college, though, it’s easy to live day to day and simply try your best when it comes to cleaning or organizing a calendar. Start this semester off strong by taking a few minutes before the week begins to make sure you know what will happen during the next few days. Be sure to plan for big assignments, trips to the grocery store and time to yourself.

Keep track of your homework Speaking of assignments, let’s make sure not to miss a due date ever again. Putting all your due dates in a Google spreadsheet once the syl-

labus is available only takes a few minutes and decreases anxiety since you can tell at a quick glance what needs to be done — bonus points if you color-code them by class.

Say no We all know the feeling when you’ve just sat down to study for a test, and your phone buzzes with a text that says, “Wanna grab food?”

“What a welcome distraction,” you think and grab your keys, only to come back a couple of hours later and find yourself woefully behind.

Instead of being so quick to distract yourself, focus on prioritizing your future, both long and

Commit to staying active Exercise takes many different forms, so try to find something that fits your personality and lifestyle. Maybe a brisk walk up and down campus is your speed or a group fitness class in the TRECs. Whatever your exercise style, make that a priority this semester. It will alleviate stress and clear your mind while also providing you with great physical health benefits. It’s also a great excuse to get out of your dorm if your roommate is driving you crazy.

The semester might seem scary right now, but committing to a few easy well-being habits will set you up for success and keep you on track to reach your goals.

6

WELCOME BACK

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

A Q&A with a UT freshman, senior as they enter the spring 2024 semester MACY ROBERTS Arts & Culture Editor

College students experience a great deal of change and growth in a short period of time.

Each year of undergraduate study brings its fair share of new adventures and struggles, and no two college experiences are identical.

Rachel Turner is a freshman special education major who is excited to continue learning and growing as she enters her first second semester as a college student. Helen Pritchett, on the other hand, is a senior psychology major soaking up her last second semester of college before she graduates in May. The term “second semester” means entirely different things to these two. In a Q&A about their current college experiences and future plans, Turner and Pritchett reveal both similarities and differences as two students in completely different stages of their lives. *These interviews have been edited for clarity.

What were your expectations coming into college, and how have those expectations lived up to reality?

Turner: Coming into college, I was both nervous and excited. I expected the classes to be more difficult than high school courses, and this proved to be true, but I also found that I had more time during my days that I could use to my benefit. I also was worried that it would be hard to make friends since the campus was so large, but it actually hasn’t been too bad finding good people.

Pritchett: Coming into college, I expected to expand my social life and explore my hobbies.

Although it took longer to reach because of Covid restrictions, I have definitely achieved both of those expectations.

What plans do you have for the remainder of your college experience?

tion. After graduation, I hope to become a special education teacher.

Pritchett: This is difficult to say, but I guess this is the fun part of nearing graduation. I’m starting to take the steps of figuring out where I’d like to be which could be anywhere but hopefully Nashville. I don’t have any specific post-graduation plans, but I do plan on having tons of fun figuring that out.

What has been your favorite and least favorite class?

Turner: So far, my classes have all been great. I’ve only been here for a semester, so that probably plays into it a little, but I haven’t had any major problems. My favorite class was my intro to poetry course because I enjoyed reading a variety of poems and hearing each of my classmates’ perspectives. My least favorite class was probably my biology course simply because it moved faster than I expected it to.

Pritchett: As a psychology major, my classes have been very engaging and fun. My favorite class was abnormal psychology taught by Katie Rowinski. My least favorite is probably accounting, which I’m only taking for my business minor — just barely made it out alive.

Why did you decide to come to UT? Turner: I chose to come to UTK because it just felt right. It sounds cheesy, but when I toured it, as soon as I stepped on campus, it felt right. I really loved what it had to offer for my major, and I loved the atmosphere around campus.

Pritchett: A lot of my siblings chose UT, and after having visited a few times, it already felt like the place I wanted to make my home after high school graduation.

What does being a Volunteer mean to you?

Turner: During the next few years of college, I hope to get more involved. I want to see what other clubs and organizations I can be a part of so that I can make a difference at UTK.

Turner: To me, being a Volunteer means helping others. You’re never forced to be kind, but you are anyway because it’s the right thing to do. Taking initiative to make the campus or the world a better place is what a Volunteer is to me.

Pritchett: I plan on staying super involved in my campus clubs like Alpha Kappa Psi and saying yes to more activities with friends. I also really want to scratch off a few UTK bucket list items — like roasting marshmallows off the torch bearer.

Pritchett: To me, being a Volunteer means that I am a part of an amazing community of people who show support and love towards each other. It means we understand the responsibility of upholding the Volunteer title by helping others before yourself.

Where do you see yourself after graduation?

Turner: In the next few years, I see myself getting my bachelor’s degree and working on my master’s. I am majoring in special educa-

As Helen Pritchett organizes her post-graduation plans, she hopes to soak up her final moments as a UT student by staying involved in clubs and completing her UT bucket list.

Courtesy of Helen Pritchett

Any advice to other college students?

Turner: My advice to other college students is to never be afraid to fail. Failure can be terrifying, but you should learn to accept fail-

As a freshman, spring second semester isn’t intimidating to Rachel Turner. She has time on her side as she navigates what it means to be a volunteer while gaining her bachelor’s degree. Courtesy of Rachel Turner ure because it means you’re trying. It means you’re learning. And that’s what we’re all doing here at college. Growing into who we are with each mistake we make. Mistakes are normal, and they push us to succeed. So never be afraid to fail.

Pritchett: Join a club, don’t be afraid to do things by yourself and step out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to make a wrong decision — you get out what you put into your experience.

WELCOME BACK

Wednesday, January 24, 2024 • The Daily Beacon

7

8

WELCOME BACK

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

As sobriety becomes popular for college students, UT programs provide support ELI BOLDT News Editor

On weekends, bars surrounding college campuses are overwhelmed with crowds. For many college students, socializing is synonymous with drinking, and college is a space where consuming alcohol can be seen as a normal part of social life.

College itself is an environment adverse to sobriety and recovery, students and experts alike say. Still, while drinking culture is a glaring narrative within college, another quieter culture is popping up around college campuses — one without drinking or drugs.

When Grace Hardin, a junior studying public policy and how development affects society, came to UT, she was surprised at the amount of drinking that took place.

“I feel like I came into college knowing more about drinking culture than the average student … but it was still kind of a shock when I got to college just how many people drink regularly,” Hardin said.

Hardin helped to create a mental health awareness club at her Nashville high school.

The work she did with the club helped her see how drinking and drugs affect people and led her to Rocky Top Recovery, a student organization for which she is now an ambassador.

Vanessa Betancourt worked to create Rocky Top Recovery with the help of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and the mentorship of Dr. Jennifer Tourville, an expert in substance use disorders.

Betancourt, in her second-year doctor of nursing practice program, is in the psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner concentration and has a sub-focus on addiction, mental health and how the two overlap.

She has familial experience with addiction and has herself lived experience with mental health recovery.

“Rocky Top Recovery is an all-encompassing student organization that is recovery-oriented,” Betancourt said. “Recovery can mean a lot of different things to people, but it’s us creating a safe place on campus for people to recover in an environment that is supportive of … addictions of any kind.”

Collegiate Recovery Programs, of which Rocky Top Recovery is one, are gaining traction on campuses across the country, Scott Washburn wrote in 2016. In “A New Emerging Trend: College Students in Recovery,” Washburn noted that “the college and university social environment has historically been unfriendly at best, if not hostile, to the prospects of recovery.” One way colleges are combatting the adverse environment is through programs aimed at helping students seeking recovery.

Rocky Top Recovery is a student organization aimed at creating community through

Rocky Top Recovery painted the Rock for National Recovery Awareness Month. Friday, Sept. 1, 2023. File / The Daily Beacon safe, sober spaces. UT’s Center for Health Education and Wellness also provides alcohol, drug and behavioral resources.

These types of resources are necessary for college students. Over 1,500 college-aged students are estimated to die from alcoholrelated injuries and around 15% of college students meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder.

Drinking to excess has become normalized in a dangerous way, Hardin said, and drinking culture is loud. But many students are starting to disengage from it.

“Something that has been really cool that I’ve learned through Rocky Top Recovery tabling is the amount of people who come up that, they may not be getting into recovery, but they just don’t care to drink. I think that’s interesting too,” Betancourt said.

This type of person that Betancourt encounters is one that is not coming from any problem or addiction with alcohol but instead one that simply chooses not to partake.

The beginning of the year sees people take on Dry January, where they refrain from drinking for the month. A movement that has been slowly gaining traction in online spaces is called “sober-curious.” It asks people to reevaluate their drinking habits from a mindful perspective: not to become sober but

to become intentional. Sober bars are gaining traction in cities, including in Knoxville where The Boocherie offers a sober nightlife scene. Nonalcoholic versions of beers and seltzers are hitting the market, and mocktails are popular additions to restaurant menus.

These trends follow the numbers that say young people, including college students, are drinking less than ever before. According to a Gallup Poll that analyzed data from over a 20-year span, adults ages 18-35 are drinking less regularly and less in excess than they did 20 years ago.

Although students are drinking less overall, Hardin pointed out that the stigma around sobriety remains. People make jokes, Hardin said, and social media tags about sober spaces are often inhabited by some users who just want to make fun. Rocky Top Recovery has had people come up to their table and laugh or joke around about sobriety during events.

“A big part of what we’ll try to do in the coming years with Rocky Top Recovery is decrease the stigma … and really emphasize the harm reduction,” Hardin said.

One way Rocky Top Recovery works to end the stigma is by throwing sober events where anyone is welcome. The events allow anyone to experience a fun night without alcohol. In May 2023, Rocky Top Recovery held an event

on Fiji Island, a space on campus in the middle of Fraternity Park. The group was skeptical about the turnout, especially considering the space, but put together an event with bands and catering. An outpouring of people came to the event, some of which came from their fraternity houses because they heard the music and were interested.

Sam McIntyre, a fourth-year graduate student in the sociology department, said the people who get involved with Rocky Top Recovery give her hope.

“It’s been really cool to have this at UT,” McIntyre said. “Because I would have really liked to have this when I was 18.”

McIntyre has been attending UT for almost a decade and has been sober for six. She attended the first Rocky Top Recovery meeting of 2023 and eventually became an ambassador for the program. Through her work with Rocky Top Recovery, she is helping others find comfort in safe, sober spaces. Betancourt pointed to McIntyre as an example of how full and rewarding people’s lives can be in the absence of alcohol.

“We’re wanting to just build that connection,” Betancourt said. “Because as humans we’re meant to connect and build hopefully healthy relationships with people.”

WELCOME BACK

Wednesday, January 24, 2024 • The Daily Beacon

9

10

WELCOME BACK

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Workforce rookies: Gen Z enters post COVID-19 job market, faces AI competition BELLA HUGHES Managing Editor

As Generation Z graduates and enters the workforce, the overall agenda of the workplace environment shifts. Gen Z prioritizes work-life balance, mental health and co-worker culture.

In a report conducted by Paychex, Gen Z has surpassed baby boomers in the workforce, and employment has steadily increased by 2% since 2018.

Despite Gen Z infiltrating the workforce, there is still a struggle for students to find jobs post graduation. Fields are currently dominated by industry leaders, applicants with five or more years of job experience and a vast list of company connections, making it difficult for newcomers to use their earned degrees to start their careers.

The class of 2024 is the next generation of industry leaders, but with digital clutter from scouting sites like Handshake and LinkedIn, they face the challenge of being criticized beyond the traditional resume — the digital footprint is now part of the portfolio.

Job applications and next steps are on the forefront for many graduating seniors, and finding a place to start is overwhelming. A strong LinkedIn profile puts you in the right direction, and taking online engagement to a new level can set you apart from other applicants.

“Looking for the right following and engaging with the right people on LinkedIn is important,” said Bukky Abdul, senior career coach for the College of Communication and Information. “As much as LinkedIn has a lot of people, your influence is limited. Be more intentional about the people you interact with on LinkedIn. That’s one way to stand out.”

Applying for jobs is similar to online dating in the sense that the more specific your profile is, the more likely you are to find your match. Handshake is designed to formulate recommendations based on the user’s information — beautifying your profile with relevant coursework, study abroad experiences and organization involvement creates a better chance for the algorithm to place you with a preferred job opportunity.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers noticed complaints about newcomers in the work industry being “lazy” or “not ready” and created a list of career competencies that young professionals can use to guide their job search and interview process in efforts to be career ready.

The eight career competencies — technology, leadership, equity and inclusion, professionalism, communication, career and selfdevelopment, critical thinking and teamwork — can be used as buzzwords for an online profile to help a candidate get boosted in the algorithm. Job searches rely on strategy and good timing.

Career changes and job popularity vary de-

The Center for Career Development hosts a series of career fairs and networking events to create an internship to full-time employment pipeline for students. Jared Worsham / Student Engagement pending on economic factors and social trends.

Currently, there is interest in content creation within the digital media industry and an overall need for engineers and healthcare workers.

Stephanie Kit, executive director of the Career Development Center, has noticed a shift in job trends and a demand for certain services.

“There has been a lot of need for various engineers, particularly civil engineers,” Kit said.

“Healthcare is also going to continue to be big because we have a lot of baby boomers retiring from health care and mental health physicians.

So, in general, the job market has been really strong post-COVID-19. In the past two or three years, there’s been a lot of demand.”

Internships can be stressful to navigate, but the positions held as a junior or senior in college can carry on to full-time jobs post-grad. Employers that work closely with UT, like FritoLay and 21st Mortgage, are used to seeing student interns who then become full-time employees post-graduation.

“Internships really are a pipeline for employers, and that’s one of the biggest reasons why they do them,” Kit said. “Especially larger companies that have a regular class of interns, they are looking to recruit those students into full-time positions as much as possible.”

Opportunities like this can be treated as an extended interview as employers are looking to

see how an intern interacts in group culture to see if they would make a good fit at the company long-term.

The influx of technology isn’t unfamiliar to Gen Z. YouTube viral videos, the rise and fall of Vine, TikTok and streaming services have provided constant digital media at the ready, and now in adulthood, Gen Z is facing a new technological advancement: artificial intelligence.

In creative industries like communications, AI may pose a threat, but with the introduction of AI courses at UT, workforce rookies are equipped to perform alongside the technology.

“Students have to be ready like to learn those technologies, be more tech-savvy and see how you can leverage artificial intelligence. AI is not necessarily to replace the human piece but to make the work more effective,” Abdul said.

Beyond the competition of computers, there is an internal clock to find a job. For Donté Mullins, a junior studying communications, he took the initiative early on in his collegiate career to create a space for his talents in his desired field.

Communication can be seen as a general major, but Mullins took this in stride as he landed a job working at AMR Agency as a player agent intern.

Mullins took internship hunting as a passion project and created a self-pitch to better angle himself in the eye of the interviewer. By

knowing his assets and researching companies looking to hire, he disrupted the typical interview process and left an impression on his now employer.

“I came in interviewing them. I said, ‘Hey, you’ve never had an intern like this. I’m gonna show you my previous work, who I know and how I can help you,’” Mullins said. “That was my drawn pitch to how I got hired because I knew what I could bring to the table. I just needed the opportunity.”

Being an advocate for yourself helps you exude confidence that employers seek in a candidate. Knowing your value and sharing it through your resume and interview can better your odds at moving forward in the selection process.

Constant scrolling on Handshake and LinkedIn leads to the inevitable self-comparison to others.

“Resist the urge to compare yourself. Your journey will be different than some else’s journey,” Abdul said.

Searching for a job is individual to the person applying. Industries are in need of eager employees willing to put themselves out there.

As graduation and summer internships approach, start your job search now because it’s time for Gen Z to make its mark.

WELCOME BACK

Wednesday, January 24, 2024 • The Daily Beacon

Sounds of the semester: Upcoming concerts in and around Knoxville SARAH PORTANKA Engagement Editor

With the state of Tennessee being the central hub for all kinds of music anywhere encompassing its major music cities, it’s no doubt that Knoxville contributes to the state’s musical reputation. UT’s students are always seeking the music experience unmatched by live music and concerts. Whether it’s with 21,677 other people in Food City Center or in a crowded backyard, here are some of the most anticipated concerts in and around Knoxville to bring some sound to the spring semester.

Feb. 15: Moon Taxi The Nashville-based indie/alternative rock band, Moon Taxi, plans to play three shows in February beginning in Knoxville and ending in their own backyard in Nashville. In order to celebrate 15+ years together, the band released their sixth studio album “Set Yourself Free” on June 9, 2023. The group will be playing at the Mill and Mine joined by The Hip Abduction.

The album creatively and cohesively crosses genres and styles, making for a unique performance and unmatched sound.

Feb. 17: Briston Maroney After announcing his second album, “Ultrapure,” on Sept. 22, 2023, the alternative/indie artist plans to visit the Mill and Mine. Maroney will be joined by indie pop/rock singer Phoebe Go. “Ultrapure” ventured deeper into Maroney’s personal life than ever, making a live event an opportunity for fans to draw closer to the artist on a personal level. Whether you’re a fan or looking to try out a new style of music, there is no doubt that anyone in the crowd will be welcomed.

This week’s Week of 1/22/24crossword - 1/28/24 brought to you by

grounds and traditional vocal styles, making for an unforgettable sound and experience.

April 26: Tim McGraw Among some of the most anticipated tours by country fans is country-music legend and three-time Grammy winner Tim McGraw’s “Standing Room Only” Tour. Joined by country singer-songwriter Carly Pearce, McGraw will visit Food City Center. With a career spanning more than three decades, this tour promises to be an unmatched production featuring the artist’s biggest hits of the past and top tracks from his 17th studio album “Standing Room Only.”

Hibachi Factory Week of 1/22-1/28

The Weekly Crossword

May 9- 10: Zach Bryan Ending this list with the most anticipated concert among UT students, Zach Bryan will visit Food City Center as part of his Quittin’ Time Tour. The folk-country artist will be joined by special guests Levi Turner and The Middle East. Bryan initially planned to play one show at Food City Center, but after selling out one night, another show was added the following night. Both shows were marked as sold out. However some ticketing sites have resale tickets posted. For any Zach Bryan fans still looking to go, tickets won’t come cheap, but there’s no doubt the concert will be unforgettable.

While these shows are just some of the headliners, there’s never a shortage of musical events in Knoxville. For more events check out event calendars at venues such as Food City Center, the Mill and Mine and more.

by Margie E. Burke

Copyright 2024 by The Puzzle Syndicate

April 6: Flipturn An alternative/indie band, Flipturn, plans to hit the road again this spring as they embark on their “Something More Tour.” Playing the biggest headline shows of their career, the group plans to visit the Mill and Mine along with special guest Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners. With their unique indie sound that makes you feel like you’re living in an endless summer, this anthemic sound is sure to have you feeling like you’re still on spring break.

April 16: Tyler Childers Less than a month after releasing his new album “Rustin’ in the Rain,” country singer-songwriter Tyler Childers announced his “Mule Pull ‘24 Tour” to serve as a celebration for the new addition to his discography. The tour will kick off in April with Childers visiting Knoxville at Food City Center in the beginning part of his tour. Childers’ unique neotraditional country style emphasizes acoustic back-

11 11

865 - 521- 6555

Authentic Japanese Grilled Chicken, Steak, & Seafood

Moon Taxi played at the Mill and Mine in 2020 and will return to the venue in February. Feb. 15, 2020. File / The Daily Beacon

ORDER ONLINE NOW!

@

12

WELCOME BACK

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

East Tennessee Maverick: TN state legislature opens up with oppressive restrictions

WALKER KINSLER Columnist The Tennessee General Assembly, our state legislature, began its 2024 legislative session on Jan. 9. House Republican leadership, who control a supermajority in their chamber, wasted no time restricting the public and minority lawmakers from engaging in the critical work of government.

Ever since the large gun reform protests occurred in the wake of the tragic Covenant School shooting last spring, House Republicans have become openly antagonistic, even hostile, towards members of the public. Lawmakers in the minority have faced crackdowns, with the expulsions of two Democratic representatives in April 2023, drawing national criticism towards state Republicans.

During the special legislative session on public safety last August, House Republicans banned small paper signs from being held by the public in the House gallery and committee rooms — despite the public having always been allowed to do so. This policy was sharply criticized as an attack on free speech and was rightfully struck down by a Nashville judge days after its introduction. Republicans also limited the west side gallery of the House to press only, despite the fact that the public has been allowed there for years.

When the 2024 session began on Jan. 9, House Speaker Cameron Sexton deployed a surprise tactic to thwart the public from accessing their elected government. With roughly 30 minutes to go before the start of the session at noon, Sexton’s office informed Minority Leader Karen Camper that a ticket would be required for a member of the public to sit in the west side gallery. Sexton’s policy further stated that each representative could only issue one ticket to a constituent, effectively cutting the number of observers in half.

This surprising policy — it is still unknown if Sexton even has this authority — shocked representatives, government staff members and the public. When some constituents contacted their representatives’ offices for a ticket, their staff weren’t even aware of the new system.

Let’s be clear: Both sides of the galleries have always been open to the public.

A ticket system has never existed in the Tennessee State Capitol before. Speaker Sexton waited until the last moment in order to throw the visiting public, which has been critical of the Republican response to protests, into confusion and

Columnist Walker Kinsler writes that House Speaker Cameron Sexton’s new ticket policy in the state capitol “restricts our right to hold our elected officials accountable.” Rob Shenk / Creative Commons

chaos. This confusion stunted the public’s ability to view their representatives and their ability to silently protest in the galleries. This restricts our right to hold our elected officials accountable.

This shows that state Republicans view every visitor to the State Capitol as a threat to their agenda — a dangerous precedent. People have a right to watch and learn about the work of government.

People have a right to observe their elected representatives debate and vote on bills that impact their lives. Republicans viewing all visitors with discrimination creates a worrying atmosphere of distrust.

At the same time, rules for lawmakers have become increasingly restrictive.

Representatives are no longer allowed to have visual aids when presenting and debating bills in committee rooms. Visual aids simply assist the lawmaker in getting their point across with the freedom of speech and expression. These rights should not be curtailed.

What are allowed in committee rooms, however, are firearms. How can bills be debated freely when a member of the public can bring a gun in to intimidate the opposition? Members of the Proud Boys, an organization that is proudly neo-fascist and violent, were present at the State

Capitol during the special session in August. We should be debating with speeches and visual aids, not guns.

More decorum rules were also added

by Republicans for this session. Representatives can be ruled out of order by the speaker for any reason. Unlike previous out of order rules, members can now be silenced near-instantly by varying degrees. By simply the third “violation,” a representative cannot speak on the floor for two legislative days.

Representatives can also no longer approach the speaker’s dais (where the speaker and clerks do their work) without the speaker’s permission, nor can they directly ask parliamentary inquiries or state points of order. Questions and points to the speaker must now be given to a member’s caucus leadership who speaks on their behalf. Once again, these rules have never existed in the state House. These are actions by Republicans to make it as difficult as possible for lawmakers in the minority party to dissent or work effectively.

It is obvious that House Republicans do not like active Democratic legislators or members of the public who wish to protest. The state GOP wishes to govern without input from the public and without working whatsoever with their elected

colleagues. However, this is the antithesis of democracy. Governing should take in perspectives from every single concerned citizen, not just those who already agree with you. The work of government should be open and accessible to all, not shielded and conducted behind closed doors.

It is up to every citizen to demand transparency and accessibility from our state government. I encourage everyone to make at least one trip to the State Capitol this session (lawmakers usually conclude their work in late April) to view how their government is functioning.

If we don’t show up and hold our representatives accountable, state Republicans are liable to forget their constituents even exist.

Walker Kinsler is a junior at UT this year studying political science and history. He can be reached at wkinsler@ vols.utk.edu

Columns and letters of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon’s editorial staff.

WELCOME BACK

Wednesday, January 24, 2024 • The Daily Beacon

OPINION: Heading into an election year EMMA CASKILL Columnist

Most New Year’s resolutions are to start a new diet, drink less or construct a new savings account. This year, candidates running in the 2024 election have a not-so-typical New Year’s resolution: to become president of the United States.

I know you’re probably thinking, “How has it already been a full presidential term?” To me, it feels as if the disastrous division of the country during the 2020 presidential election was just yesterday. On the contrary, four years have passed, and this year’s election could be a rematch of the previous Trump vs. Biden race.

With the primary election in full effect, republican candidates Donald Trump and Nikki Haley along with the democratic candidates Joe Biden, Marianne Williamson and Dean Phillips are all determined to persuade voters — ultimately giving them a majority of delegates needed to continue to the general election.

On Jan. 15, the Iowa caucus took place, starting off the primary election, and the results were highly in Trump’s favor. After 30 minutes of voting, the former president had won over half of the state’s caucus votes.

Republican candidate Ron DeSantis dropped out of the election this Sunday due to the vast majority of republican voters in Trump’s favor.

The results in Iowa put the former president on a clear path to becoming the candidate in the general election. This raises many concerns considering the former president is facing federal charges in court which are causing states to question his right to be on the primary and general election ballot. Maine and Colorado ruled back in December for Trump to be taken off the primary ballot.

Personally, I will not cast my vote to someone who is facing federal charges along with civil cases. The former president has also been behaving chilidshly in court, but that is not out of the ordinary for his daily attitude.

Republican voters opposed to Trump gaining power are supporting Biden if a rematch of the 2020 election takes place later this year. Their reason is that the former president poses a risk to U.S. democracy.

In my opinion, the work the former president did in his past term put our country in a worsened spot. He did irreversible damage to the planet, helped get rid of basic abortion rights protected by Roe v. Wade and separated thousands of families at the border.

The primary election will continue on Jan. 23 in New Hampshire where both parties will be present, but Biden will not be on the ballot. As the speed picks up, it is more important than ever to pay attention to the key issues being discussed between candidates.

In the past presidential election, college stu-

dents made a record-breaking number of 66% voter turnout.

Young people like college students need to vote in elections because of the generational shift of personal beliefs and morals between Generation Z and previous generations like millennials and baby boomers.

As many key issues involving our futures are up for debate — abortion rights, the economy, education and student loans — who we cast our votes for matters.

Elijah Jackson is a student at UT expected to graduate this year. Jackson is a registered voter who will vote in the upcoming election based on who he thinks will best represent the economy, have the best health care plan and who will represent society’s classes best.

I also spoke to Chris Sweat who graduated in 2021 from UT and voted in the 2020 presidential election. His vote was determined by finding the best candidate who aligned with his values and beliefs on topics such as immigration. Sweat is looking forward to voting for the best candidate that can continue to solve past issues and also can tackle the new issues that have surfaced such as the Israel/Gaza conflict.

I will be voting in the upcoming election because I want my voice to make your voice heard.

The first step to voting is registering to vote. You can go online to volsvote.utk.edu and register to vote online or on campus.

Don’t wait to register to vote like you wait to register for classes — start change now.

The Howard Baker Jr. Center during early voting. File / The Daily Beacon

Emma Caskill is a junior at UT this year studying journalism and electronic media. She can be reached at ecaskill@ vols.utk.edu.

Columns and letters of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon’s editorial staff.

13

14

WELCOME BACK

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Since you’ve been gone: An update on Tennessee athletics JACK CHURCH Assistant Sports Editor

Tennessee athletics did not stop for winter break.

Although student attendances have been lower, the Vols and Lady Vols have still been competing for the past six weeks.

Here is what you missed while you were away.

Tennessee football wins Citrus Bowl On New Year’s Day in Orlando, Tennessee defeated Iowa 35-0 to win the Citrus Bowl, completing a nine-win season.

True freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava excelled in his first collegiate start, being named Citrus Bowl MVP. Iamaleava scored four total touchdowns and threw for 151 yards.

Dalton Knecht leads surging Vols basketball Dalton Knecht has truly established himself as a premier scorer in the SEC. In Tennessee’s come-from-behind win over Georgia, Knecht scored 36 points before scoring 39 points against Florida just three days later. Knecht is the first player in the SEC with back-to-back 35-point games since Shaquille O’Neal, who accomplished the feat with LSU in 1991.

Knecht had a chance at a 40-point game against Florida, which would have been the 16th such game in Tennessee men’s basketball history. However, he was taken out of the game with less than a minute remaining.

“I was actually oblivious about Dalton getting close to 40 points,” Tennessee men’s basketball head coach Rick Barnes said after the win. “But his teammates were trying to get it for him.”

Knecht went on to score 25 points in Tennessee’s win on Saturday against Alabama, proving he can be a consistent scorer over a longer stretch. Knecht and the Vols will continue their quest to bring Tennessee to its first Final Four in program history.

Lady Vols basketball struggling but improving Although the fall semester was poor, the Lady Vols have gone 7-1 during the winter break.

Since returning from injury, Rickea Jackson has averaged 18 points per game. However, the Lady Vols are currently finding scoring from several different players, as five different players average 10 or more points per game.

One of those players is Jasmine Powell.

Powell was forced into a larger role due to Destinee Wells suffering a season-ending injury and has excelled on both sides of the

Dalton Knecht (3) gets above the defense for another bucket at Food City Center. Tuesday, Jan 16, 2024. Parker Phegley / The Daily Beacon ball.

“She is playing with such great consistency right now, and it’s consistent on both ends of the court,” Tennessee head coach Kellie Harper said after Sunday’s win over Vanderbilt.

Even considering the early start, the Lady Vols are getting hot at the right time to find their way into a 42nd straight NCAA tournament berth.

Men’s and women’s tennis begin seasons Although both teams just recently started play, the No. 6 Vols (5-0) and No. 18 Lady Vols (4-0) are both off to undefeated starts.

The Vols’ season so far includes a win over

No. 14 Michigan, with No. 20 Johannus Monday also starting his individual season 5-0.

The Lady Vols’ best win came Sunday morning against Wake Forest, as Tennessee beat the Demon Deacons 6-1.

“I think at every single spot, we’ve got an opportunity to beat whoever is on the other side of the net, regardless of who it is,” Lady Vols tennis head coach Alison Ojeda said after the match. “That’s exciting.”

Although conference play has not yet begun, both the Vols and Lady Vols are prepared to make deep runs in the NCAA tournament once again.

Tennessee athletics sets record for revenue in 2022-23

During the 2022-23 fiscal year, the Tennessee athletic department earned over $202 million in total revenue, including ticket sales, concessions and all other revenue streams.

Previously, Tennessee was not scheduled to cross the $200 million threshold until the 2026-27 fiscal year. Doing so early speaks to both the success of Tennessee’s teams and the fan support they generate.

“We put a foundation in place from a revenue standpoint (with) both the stadium and the arena to really maximize the value we can get out of those two venues and put an aggressive sales force in place,” Tennessee athletic director Danny White told The Daily Beacon in August.

WELCOME BACK

Wednesday, January 24, 2024 • The Daily Beacon

15

The future is ‘extremely bright’ for Vols after Citrus Bowl win CALEB JARREAU Sports Editor

After an Orange Bowl victory a year ago, head coach Josh Heupel talked about the “freaky bright” future for Tennessee football ahead of the 2023 season.

After a Citrus Bowl victory just under a month ago, Heupel talked about the “extremely bright” future for the Vols. Beside him sat an MVP-winning quarterback with a name that took the TV commentators three quarters to learn how to pronounce.

Tennessee fans know his name, and most football fans learned it very soon after he led the Vols to a 35-0 victory over Iowa in the Citrus Bowl. Nico Iamaleava is no longer the quarterback of the future for Tennessee but the quarterback of now.

“I believe he is going to be a great, dynamic playmaker,” head coach Josh Heupel said of Iamaleava. “I thought he handled himself composed all day long. Subtle things of breaking the huddle, communication inside of the huddle, controlling the run game, his eyes were in the right place.

“Great to see a young guy go out and perform in that way in his first career start. There are a lot of things that Nico can continue to grow and will continue to grow in.”

The freshman, who will retain a redshirt after the 2023 season, finished with 151 yards on 12-of-19 passing with a touchdown through the air and three on the ground. He accounted for every offensive touchdown against a Hawkeye defense that ranked in the top-five nationally.

Iamaleava’s first start — like many other units in the bowl game — sparked excitement for the Vols heading into the 2024 season, but he wasn’t the only new starter in the Citrus Bowl. The running back room looked very different from the regular season.

Sophomore Dylan Sampson earned his first career start in the Citrus Bowl, and the Louisiana native did not disappoint.

Sampson ran for 133 yards on 20 carries for an average of almost 7-yards a carry.

The performance came against an Iowa defense that allowed 111.8 yards per game.

“I was excited for this game,” said Sampson. “I needed this game, and I wanted to be in that role for myself and, you know what I’m saying, for my coaches’ eyes. They needed to see me in a starting (role) with multiple carries, and I want to prove every time that I’m not just a carries here, carries there type of guy. My goal is to be that No. 1 running back, however form and fashion it is, but it’s just building blocks. I think this was a good step. It’s

Nico Iamaleava (8) is awarded the MVP belt by “Ched-Z” after defeating Iowa at the Citrus Bowl. Monday, Jan. 1, 2023. File / The Daily Beacon time to work and get better.”

Freshmen Cameron Seldon and Khalifa Keith both got carries in the Citrus Bowl, going for 55 yards and 7 yards, respectively. The trio of Sampson, Seldon and Keith will be looked at to lead the ground game in the 2024 season.

As for the defensive side of the ball, Tennessee forced three turnovers and held Iowa to 173 total yards. All three turnovers came from Vols who return in the 2024 season.

Safety Andre Turrentine — one of the few remaining defensive backs from the 2023 season — ended Iowa’s most successful drive of the day with a diving interception in the end zone.

James Pearce Jr. capped off his breakout sophomore season with a pick-six and a strip-sack. The fumble set up Tennessee’s

offense on the goal line for an easy touchdown.

Pearce is shaping up to be one of the top-edge rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft cycle and in college football.

“James has a great football future in front of him,” Heupel said. “He is a great player right now, but really believe he has a chance to be extremely special. Just for him, continuing to grow and his understanding and football IQ as we continue to move him around and put him in positions to win is going to be extremely important as we go through this off-season.”

Pearce’s 9.5 sacks during his sophomore season is the most since former Vol Derek Barnett had 13 in 2016.

Tennessee wasn’t a finished product in the Citrus Bowl, but the performance on the field sparked confidence going into

spring practice and then the 2024 season.

“I am really excited about who is in that locker room, who is coming back,” Heupel said, “and where we have an opportunity to go in ’24.”

16

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

WELCOME BACK