The Daily Beacon, Welcome Back 2019

WELCOME ACK

2019

THE DAILY BEACON

Photo courtesy of Erik Campos Volume 138 Issue 1

Friday, August 16, 2019

utdailybeacon.com @utkdailybeacon

2

Friday, August 16, 2019 • The Daily Beacon

SIGN TODAY & save up to

$1200!

Limited time, restrictions apply.

L I F E upgraded Multi-million dollar renovation | Resort-style pool Cable, internet, and trash included Upgraded units | Spacious floor plans Pet-friendly | 4.7/5 stars

865.213.1352 SOCIETY865.COM

CAMPUS NEWS

Friday, August 16, 2019 • The Daily Beacon

DAILY BEACON STAFF AND POLICY INFORMATION EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Kylie Hubbard MANAGING EDITOR: Caroline Jordan COPY CHIEF: Calista Boyd OPERATIONS MANAGER: Margot McClellan CAMPUS NEWS EDITOR: Alexandra DeMarco CITY NEWS EDITOR: Bailey Fritz SPORTS EDITORS: Cory Sanning, Noah Taylor DIGITAL PRODUCER: Austin Orr OPINIONS EDITOR: Evan Newell PHOTO EDITOR: Gabriela Szymanowska DESIGN EDITOR: Lyn Atter

ADVERTISING/PRODUCTION ADVERTISING MANAGER: Hailie Hensley MEDIA SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Julency Mytil ADVERTISING PRODUCTION ARTISTS: Anna House, Elizabeth Ledoux, Carlos Padron

CONTACTS TO REPORT A NEWS ITEM, please email editor.news@utdailybeacon.com or call (865) 974-2348 TO PLACE AN AD, please email beaconads@utdailybeacon.com or call (865) 974-5206 ADVERTISING: (865) 974-5206 beaconads@utk.edu EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: (865) 974-3226 editorinchief@utdailybeacon.com MAIN NEWSROOM: (865) 974-3226 editorinchief@utdailybeacon.com

of 100’s ces hoi New C

3

Letter from the Editor: I’m happy you’re here

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 Anonymous Letters will not be published.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 Letters submitted without this information will not be published.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 managingeditor@ utdailybeacon.com, or call our newsroom at (865) 974-5206.

The Daily Beacon is published by students at The University of Tennessee on Monday and Thursday 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

The Daily Beacon is printed using soy based ink on newsprint containing recycled content, utilizing renewable sources and produced in a sustainable, environmentally responsible manner.

I mean, seriously. It’s been like kinda lonely here on Rocky Top. Not to mention kinda boring.

But, all this down time has given me the opportunity to get ready to bring you the best of the best this fall. By best of the best, I mean I have hired some of the best people I could.

If you want to find out more about them, flip through this paper and you’ll find an introduction from every editor. I’m pumped about our 2019-2020 newsroom staff and I think they’re going to do nothing but great things.

But, I’m even more excited that you’re here, because we know you are going to do even greater things! We can’t wait to share what you’re doing with our readers and viewers.

For the fall, we will be switching to print one day a week on Wednesdays, but that doesn’t mean the paper isn’t worse! We are excited to produce thicker papers (like 16 pages- goodbye 8-pagers!) that we can showcase much more with.

Our goal in 2019 is to Bring the News to Light, a saying you’ve probably heard come out of my mouth more times than could be counted. Through this mentality, we’re hoping to shed light not only on what you want to hear, but what you need to hear. We’re doing this in real-life ways, giving students the opportunity to get hands on experience in a real world set-

Where: Student Union - Art Gallery When: Monday August 19 thru Friday August 23 Time: 9 A.M. - 6 P.M. Sponsor: Student Union

ting.

As the first three-semester EIC in recorded history, I’m really excited to Bring the News to Light one more time, and I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to continue to pour into a place that has done nothing but pour into me.

Reach out to me; I swear I’m cool.

4

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 16, 2019

CAMPUS NEWS

Knoxville Tattoo Convention Open to the public Tattoo - Piercing - Jewelry - Art Sideshow - Tattoo Contest Burlesque Performances - Kids Tattoo Coloring Contest August 23rd - 25th

www.KnoxvilleTattooConvention.com

Friday, August 16, 2019 • The Daily Beacon

5

6

Friday, August 16, 2019 • The Daily Beacon

CAMPUS NEWS

Friday, August 16, 2019 • The Daily Beacon

7

Margot McClellan - Operations Manager

Hello, Vols! I’m Margot McClellan, the operations manager for Fall of 2019. I am a senior studying Psychology and French double major, with a minor in business analytics. I have worked with the Beacon since 2016, first as a copy editor, then the Opinions Section Editor, and now here I am! I’ve learned a lot between then and now, and I am eager to see where life takes me next in my last semester at UT.

Worship Guide 1821 Melrose Ave

www.cscutk.org

The Christian Student Center (CSC) at UTK is a vibrant & distinguished ministry serving students in Churches of Christ since 1956.

Our mission is to help students cultivate their love for God, people, our campus, & our city.

Hillel Come for the food, stay for the family!

hillelutk.org Christian Student Center @ UTK @cscutk @cscutk

University of Tennessee Hillel UTK Hillel 865-898-9647

Join Hillel@UTK for a Welcome Shabbat on August 30th at 6pm!

Meat and Vegetarian options will be served.

8

CAMPUS NEWS

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 16, 2019

Letter from SGA Executive: Welcome Back to Campus, Vols NATALIE CAMPBELL ISAAC HOLT EMERSON BURD Welcome back, Vols!

If we haven’t met you yet, our names are Natalie, Isaac, and Emerson, and we are serving as your Student Government Association President, Vice President, and Student Services Director, respectively. We are very much looking forward to serving you this year and are eager to hear about your experiences and needs to help cultivate the best college experience possible for each of you.

We are working on policies that will improve your student experience, as well as our communication with you, so you can be sure to stay up to date on all that you need to know.

Watch our social media, @UTKSGA, to see what we’re working on. If you have a need or idea for our campus, feel free to share it! You can always stop by our office in the Student Union, suite 174B, or email sga1@utk.edu.

If you want to get involved in SGA, we have a few ways you can do that. Students don’t need any prior experience in SGA to get involved in any of these ways! One way you can get involved is through our Student Services

Committees. There are eight committees, which provide a great way for you to pursue your interests and meet other like-minded students. These committees allow for direct involvement on campus and through your efforts, can improve our campus community.

If you have any questions specific to Student Services, feel free to reach Emerson at sga3@ utk.edu. A full list of our committees is included below: Academic Affairs • Health and Wellness Diversity Affairs • Smokey’s Closet Environment and Sustainability Technology Affairs • Government Affairs UT Traditions If you are a first-year student, you can apply to be part of First Year Council. First Year Council accepts students who are on campus for the first time-- that can be freshmen, transfer students, international students and more! First Year Council provides an opportunity for students to make an early impact here at UT, with a primary emphasis on leadership development, writing legislation, and student engagement for your fellow peers.

If you have any questions specific to First Year Council, feel free to reach out to Isaac at

Courtesy of Natalie Campbell sga2@utk.edu.

To learn more about SGA, head over to our website: sga.utk.edu and follow us on social media @UTKSGA. If you want to get involved, fill out our interest form that can be found on our website and social media. If you have any questions, please email us at sga1@ utk.edu. Even if it’s not with SGA, we encourage you to get involved on campus! Check out

VOLink to see all the organizations that UT has to offer and find your home on campus.

Welcome back to campus, and we can’t wait to have a great year with you!

Go Vols, Natalie, Isaac, and Emerson

Friday, August 16, 2019 • The Daily Beacon

WELCOME! FROM STUDENT DISABILITY SERVICES

The mission of Student Disability Services (SDS) is to partner with the campus community in creating equitable access for eligible students while promoting disability-inclusive diversity.

ACCOMMODATIONS Some possible accommodations available to students with documented disabilities include: • • • • • •

Testing Accommodations Sign Language Interpreters or Transcribers Note Taking Assistive Technology Accessible Campus Transportation Accessible Seating

STUDENTS WE SERVE

PEER MENTORS

We serve students with disabilities related to:

SDS offers a peer mentor program to support first-year students with their transition to college. Benefits of this program include recommendations and insights for navigating campus as well as connections to campus resources and organizations. To sign up, or for more information, email sds@utk.edu.

• ADD, ADHD • Learning • Psychological and emotional health • Chronic health diagnoses • Vision • Hearing • Mobility • Autism Spectrum Disorder • Traumatic brain injuries • Temporary injuries

Student Disability Services 100 Dunford Hall | sds.utk.edu | (865) 974-6087 | sds@utk.edu

9

10

CAMPUS NEWS

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 16, 2019

Letter from Chancellor Plowman: Welcome Back, Vols!

DONDE PLOWMAN Chancellor

Welcome back, Vols!

I have been looking forward to your return to campus since I arrived two months ago. I am thrilled to be your new chancellor and to return to a place that my family and I love so deeply.

It’s been incredible to see how the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has transformed since I was a business professor here nearly a decade ago. We have a stunning new student union and new state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories. We’ve invested in creating additional student experiences and providing support both in and out of the classroom.

It is you, our students, who make this university come alive with creativity and curiosity. UT feels like home again with you here.

In the weeks since I started on July 1, I’ve been meeting with a lot of people, including the presidents of the Student Government Association and Graduate Student Senate, and learning as much as I can. But I want to hear from more of you.

Most Tuesdays during the fall semester, I will be holding open office hours at 3 p.m. in the Student Union or Hodges Library.

You can find all the dates on the campus events calendar. You don’t need to make an appointment—simply drop by.

It is my hope that through regular conversations with you and your elected leaders, I can learn about and encourage the great work you are doing on campus and help solve any problems you may be encountering. Together, as a campus community, we will build a shared vision for the future of our university.

This year marks UT’s 225th anniversary. Throughout the academic

Chancellor-elect Donde Plowman speaks ahead of her July 1 start day on Monday, May 6.

Gabriela Szymanowska / Daily Beacon

year, we will celebrate our journey from a small, scrappy college to Tennessee’s flagship public land-grant university.

You will be hearing more soon about the events, service projects, and stories that showcase our history and celebrate our future. Our legacy as a university is one of service and leadership. Let’s show the world what it means to have the courage to step forward, to solve problems, to help those who need it. Let’s show them what it means to be a Volunteer.

Go Vols!

Donde Plowman Chancellor @dondeplowman

“I

t is you, our students, who make this university come alive with creativity and curiosity. UT feels like home again with you here.

Donde Plowman, Chancellor, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Friday, August 16, 2019 • The Daily Beacon

$

Wed Aug 28th 2:00 - 5:00PM

Part-Time

Job Fair for undergraduate and graduate students of all majors

To arrange accommodations, Please call (865) 974 - 5435

CENTER FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT

$

$

$

11

12

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 16, 2019

Cory Sanning - Sports Editor Hello all! My name is Cory Sanning and I couldn’t be more thrilled to serve as one of your sports editors at the Daily Beacon this year! After serving as a staff writer in the section for nearly three years, it’s only fitting that this has finally come full circle. Aside from enjoying the warm weather, I served as the sports department intern at WVLT-TV this summer and made my second straight trip to SEC Football Media Days. We have big plans in store for this fall, and I can’t wait to hit the ground running.

SPORTS

SPORTS

Friday, August 16, 2019 • The Daily Beacon

13

Volunteer baseball wraps up 2019 season with highs and lows RYAN SCHUMPERT Staff Writer

There is an old SEC football belief that you find out how good a new head coach is going to be by his second season. If you hold that same belief in baseball, it’s safe to say Tennessee has a pretty good coach in Tony Vitello.

Tennessee’s 2019 season was its best in 14 years with the Vols winning 40 games and making the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2005 Vols made the College World Series.

“Whole reason I came to Tennessee,” pitcher Will Heflin said following the Vols 5-2 season ending loss to North Carolina. “We wanted to win today, but we’re going to focus on what we did this season, and that’s lay some bricks for the future to come. The guys that will return next year will continue that… It’s going to be a really exciting time around Knoxville for baseball.”

And an exciting season it was for the Vols.

Tennessee jumped out to its best start in school history, swept a road SEC series for the first time since 2010, and made it back to the SEC series.

However, it wasn’t without some bumps in the road. Tennessee was swept in its opening SEC series, and at one point lost six out of seven SEC games. It appeared that the Vols wouldn’t end its NCAA Tournament drought. Tennessee would bounce back, however, from that tough stretch to win four of its final five SEC games, including series wins at Florida and against Ole Miss.

“That’s been the most impressive part of the group,” Vitello said. “There is some skill there, coach (Dave) Serrano’s staff, our staff we’ve brought in some guys that can play a little bit, but what got our program to the point that we’re talking about some good stuff in the future hopefully, or at least some accomplishments this year was that ability to respond.”

As successful as the season was for Tennessee there is still plenty of work to be done moving forward. Despite the major improvements Tennessee just finished ninth in the SEC and didn’t win a game in the SEC Tournament.

Five Tennessee players were selected in the MLB Draft, including two starting pitchers and the Vols’ star third baseman Andre Lipcius.

However, Tennessee returns nearly every major position player and some talented young pitchers next year.

Garrett Crochet and Camden Sewell should

#13, Andre Lipcius celebrates with his team during the game against Ole Miss on Thursday, May 16, 2019. Caitlyn Jordan / The Daily Beacon continue to develop into top-end SEC weekend starters and closer Redmond Walsh, who posted a 1.38 ERA in 2019, will return.

The diamond isn’t the only place Tennessee will need to continue to improve as the Vols’ facilities remain one of the worst in the SEC. Tennessee put in a new state-of-the-art turf field this season, but they will need to continue to improve the baseball facilities to catch up to the rest of the league.

Vitello will remain a hot commodity in the

coaching world and schools will inevitably make a run at the Vols’ young head coach.

2019 was a banner year for the Tennessee baseball program and the future appears to be bright, but if the Vols want sustained success, financial investments must be made to pay Vitello and improve facilities.

To read more about the Vol’s season, visit utdailybeacon.com.

14

SPORTS

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 16, 2019

Previewing the Vols’ toughest games ahead of 2019 season NOAH TAYLOR 2019-2020 Sports Editor

After coming off of a 5-7 campaign in 2018, there should be no games that the Tennessee football team takes lightly.

However, the Vols 2019 schedule appears much more manageable than it has in recent years, at least on the surface.

In the last six seasons, Tennessee’s early non-conference slate has included games against Oregon, Oklahoma, Georgia Tech and most recently, West Virginia. Stack those up against an already tough SEC schedule and it is no mystery why the Vols have struggled for a postseason berth.

But this season, head coach Jeremy Pruitt’s second at the helm, the non-conference games of Georgia State, BYU, Chattanooga and UAB could help Tennessee reach bowl eligibility for the first time since 2016.

Despite the Vols not having to face the caliber of non-conference, Power Five teams that they’ve played in the past, the gauntlet that is SEC play remains and it is one Tennessee will have to find a way to survive if they want any kind of success in 2019.

With that in mind, here is a look at the Vols’

toughest games this season.

Oct. 19 at Alabama This game would most likely top any similar list. The Crimson Tide have set atop the college football world for nearly a decade now, and Tennessee hasn’t beaten their most historic and oldest rival since 2006.

Don’t let their 44-16 loss to Clemson in last season’s College Football Playoff final fool you, either. Alabama returns twelve starters, including leading wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and quarterback Tua Tagovaiola.

If there is one thing that Nick Saban teams have proven, they do very well in ‘revenge’ years. After losing to Florida in the 2008 SEC Championship Game, Alabama bounced back to finish undefeated and win a national title in 2009. They did the same thing in 2011, 2015 and 2017 after missing out or losing in the national championship the year before.

The game being at Bryant-Denny Stadium doesn’t help matters either, after all, it’s a place that Tennessee hasn’t won in since 2003 and was demolished, 45-7 in their last visit there in 2017.

Oct. 5 vs. Georgia Speaking of that 2017 season, Georgia last visited Neyland Stadium that year and handed Tennessee their worst home loss since a 45-0 decision versus Vanderbilt in 1905.

Since that game, the Bulldogs have emerged as one of college football’s premier programs, winning an SEC title and appearing in the national championship game that same season.

Last season, the Vols showed flashes of promise down in Athens against a Georgia team that wound up in their second-straight SEC Championship Game. After falling behind 24-0, Tennessee was able to make it a 24-12 game early in the fourth quarter before the Bulldogs pulled away to win 38-12.This time, Tennessee will get Georgia at home, but the Bulldogs are primed for another championship run with players like quarterback Jake Fromm, running back D’Andre Swift and a talented defense back.

Sept. 21 at Florida While they’ve come close in their last two visits to Gainesville, the Swamp has been a place where Tennessee has found very little success in the last 20-plus seasons.

The last time the Vols won at Florida was under Phillip Fulmer in 2003. They also upset the No. 2 Gators there in 2001, but you’d have to go back to 1971 see the last time Tennessee won in Gainesville again.

But even with Florida’s dominance in this rivalry, the Vols have watched opportunity after opportunity to beat the Gators slip away. In their 2015 meeting, Florida scored on 4th and 15 down 27-21 from their own 37-yard line in the final minute to escape with a 28-27 win.

The next meeting at the Swamp saw Gator quarterback Feleipe Franks launch a 63-yard touchdown pass as time expired to give Florida a 26-20 win.

Last season’s contest in Knoxville lacked near the same drama as six turnovers plagued Tennessee in a 47-21 loss. The Swamp has proven to be a difficult place to play for the Vols, and the Gators could also make major strides under second-year head coach Dan Mullen. This will once again be a tough matchup for Tennessee, but also an opportunity for an early-season statement.

Oct. 12 vs. Mississippi State The game against Mississippi State could be difficult for Tennessee for a couple of reasons.

One, the Bulldogs return many of their top offensive performers from last season, as well as a solid defense. Secondly, the game is sandwiched between games versus Georgia and at Alabama.

The Bulldogs won eight games in 2018, but struggled with offensive consistency. While they lose quarterback Nick Fitzgerald, they could possibly start quarterback Keytaon Thompson, who played in a backup role last season or Penn State transfer Tommy Stevens.

This team should improve their offensive numbers this season and will prove to be a challenge at home for Tennessee’s defense.

Friday, August 16, 2019 • The Daily Beacon

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Earn your nursing degree in 12 months Must have non-nursing bachelor’s degree to apply

Application deadline December 20, 2019 On-site and virtual information sessions begin in September

Questions? Contact conadvising@utk.edu

nursing.utk.edu

15

16

Friday, August 16, 2019 • The Daily Beacon

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 16, 2019

FOOTBALL:

GOLF:

August 31 vs. Georgia State September 7 vs. BYU September 14 vs. Chattanooga September 21 at Florida October 5 vs. Georgia October 12 vs. Mississippi State October 19 at Alabama October 26 vs. South Carolina November 2 vs. UAB November 9 at Kentucky November 23 at Missouri November 30 vs. Vanderbilt

September 6-8 at Carpet Capital Collegiate September 23-24 at Inverness Intercollegiate October 6-October 8 at Intercollegiate at the Grove October 11-13 at Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate October 18-20 at Golf Club of Georgia Collegiate Invtiational For spring semester schedule, check utsports.com.

SWIM & DIVE:

SOCCER:

August 22 vs. Fordham August 25 vs. Mercer August 29 at Rutgers September 1 at Columbia September 5 vs. Southeastern Louisiana September 8 vs. Cincinnati September 15 at UMass September 18 vs. UC Davis September 22 at Vanderbilt September 26 at Auburn September 29 vs. Alabama October 6 vs. Kentucky October 10 vs. Georgia October 13 at Missouri October 18 at South Carolina October 24 vs. Florida October 27 at Mississippi State October 31 vs. Arkansas

VOLLEYBALL:

September 6-7: Spartan Invitational September 13-14: Baylor Invitational September 20: Tennessee Classic vs. East Tennessee State September 21: Tennessee Classic vs. Georgia Southern September 21: Tennessee Classic vs. North Dakota State September 27 at Ole Miss September 29 vs. Texas A&M October 4 at Georgia October 6 at Auburn October 11 vs. LSU October 13 vs. Mississippi State October 16 vs. Kentucky October 20 at Missouri October 25 at South Carolina October 27 at Florida November 1 vs. Ole Miss November 3 vs. Georgia November 10 at Alabama November 13 at Arkansas November 22 vs. Alabama November 24 vs. Missouri November 27 vs. Auburn November 30 at Mississippi State

17

UT SPORTS FALL 2019

September 20 vs. Orange & White Intrasquad Meet September 27 at University of North Carolina Wilmington October 11 at University of South Carolina October 18 at University of Michigan October 19 at University of Virginia October 24 at University of Louisville November 8 vs. Purdue University November 9 vs. Georgia Tech (men) November 9 vs. Vanderbilt University (women) November 21-23: Tennessee Invitational December 17-19: Auburn Diving Invitational For spring semester schedule, check utsports.com.

MEN’S BASKETBALL:

October 30 vs. Eastern New Mexico November 5 vs. UNC Asheville November 12 vs. Murray State November 16-25: James Naismith Classic November 29-30: Emerald Coast Classic December 4 vs. Florida A&M December 14 vs. Memphis December 18 at Cincinnati December 21 vs. Jacksonville State December 28 vs. Wisconsin

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL:

October 29 vs. Carson-Newman November 5 at East Tennessee State November 7 vs. Central Arkansas November 11 at Notre Dame November 14 vs. Tennessee State November 19 vs. Stetson November 26 vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff December 1 vs. Air Force December 8 vs. Texas December 11 vs. Colorado State December 18 at Stanford December 21 at Portland State University December 29 vs. Howard University

18

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 16, 2019

Gabriela Szymanowska - Photo Editor Hi everyone! My name is Gabriela Szymanowska, but everyone calls me Gabi. I’m a senior studying journalism and electronic media and will be the Photo Editor this fall and Editor-in-Chief in the spring. This summer was a whirlwind for me as I interned at the Knoxville News Sentinel, wrote for the Beacon, and found time to try a bunch of different flavors of snowcones at Pelican’s. If you see me around campus or Knoxville, feel free to give me a wave!

SPORTS

SPORTS

Friday, August 16, 2019 • The Daily Beacon

19

Recapping Tennessee’s biggest summer commitments for 2020 class NOAH TAYLOR 2019-2020 Sports Editor

ute right away in the 2020 season. Here is a closer look at the Tennessee biggest commitments from this summer.

Art Green, Hutchinson Community

It was an up and down couple of months for the Tennessee football coaching staff on the recruiting trail this summer.

The Vols were able to nab a few top in-state prospects, including two from their own backyard, but like anywhere in the recruiting game, they battled some attrition, too.

According to the 247Sports composite rankings, Tennessee’s 2020 class currently ranks 31st overall, with 12 commitments, five of which are rated as four stars. In the SEC, the class comes in at No. 12 out of 14 teams.

Despite that, there is still five months until the early signing period in December and seven months until National Signing Day in February. A strong season where the Vols show marked improvement after a 5-7 2018 campaign could go a long way in bumping that class up in the rankings.

Until then, Jeremy Pruitt and staff have a few players who could contrib-

College, Huchtinson, Kansas Green committed to Tennessee back in May as a JUCO transfer out of Hutchinson Community College in Kansas.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound defensive back is rated as a 4-star prospect, and the No. 1 JUCO prospect at his position.

Tennessee’s secondary was young last season and because of injuries was forced into the spotlight early, meaning this season the group will have several underclassmen with valuable experience under their belts.

With Green going the JUCO route before joining the Vols, should he sign, he’ll have enough experience to join what should be an even more talented secondary in 2020.

Cooper Mays, Knoxville Catholic High School, Knoxville Mays’ commitment on June 21 was arguably one of Tennessee biggest gets over the offseason for a few reasons.

The previous coaching staff missed out on his brother, Cade who was five-

250 NEW UT Parking

Spaces

on Volunteer Blvd West & Todd Helton Dr. STARTING

MONDAY AUGUST 12, 2019

star offensive lineman that also played for Knoxville Catholic and ended up playing for Kirby Smart at Georgia. Not only was landing the younger Mays paramount in establishing Tennessee’s local foothold, their father Kevin played for the Vols in the 1990s.

Tennessee has recruited well upfront, bringing in two five-star offensive lineman in the 2019 class in Wanya Morris and Darnell Wright, both of which will see the field plenty for an offensive line that struggled most of last season.

Adding the 6-foot-2, 275-pound center could go a long way in turning one of the Vols’ biggest liabilities into one of the better lines in the SEC East by the 2020 season.

Tee Hodge, Maryville High School, Maryville In addition to Mays’ commitment, Tennessee continued their success in grabbing local talent when they picked up Maryville three-star running back Tee Hodge.

Hodge held offers from SEC foes Arkansas and Kentucky, as well as others from Georgia Tech, Memphis and Michigan, but Tennessee was able to keep him home, landing his commitment in

late June.

As the No. 24 rated player in the state of Tennessee, Hodge will add to a backfield that will lose seniors Ty Chandler and Carlin Fils-aime following this season. He could see the field as early as 2020, likely joining Tim Jordan and Jeremy Banks.

Keshawn Lawrence, Ensworth School, Nashville The Vols’ biggest in-state commitment came from Keshawn Lawrence out of Nashville’s Ensworth School back on June 2.

The 6-foot-1, 197-pound safety is rated as the No. 2 overall player in Tennessee and his commitment it further proved Pruitt and staff’s prowess when it comes to recruiting defensive backs, having already added Green and threestar Lovie Jenkins out of Florida to the 2020 class.

The Vols beat out the likes of Miami, Alabama, LSU and Auburn for Lawrence’s services and with senior safety Nigel Warrior leaving after the 2019 season, Lawrence could have an impact right away on Tennessee talented defense.

SPORTS

20 The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 16, 2019

With contract now in place, Vitello looks to build off historic season going forward STAFF REPORT

Before the Tennessee baseball team had completed their best season in over a decade, talks were going on behind closed doors to keep head coach Tony Vitello in Knoxville for the long haul.

Even by the halfway point of the Vols’ 2019 regular season, it was clear that Vitello’s vision for what Tennessee baseball could be was taking shape and lending quicker results on the field than many outside the program had expected.

It wouldn’t take long for other programs to notice too, especially those with openings.For that reason, Athletic Director Phillip Fulmer went ahead and offered Vitello a contract extension and raise earlier this month. The extension was good through the 2024 season, and the raise will pay the Vols’ second year head coach $650,000 by the time the agreement ends.

“Coach Fulmer had initiated conversations about halfway through the season,” Vitello told the media on Tuesday. “We felt like it was in our best interests to hold off until the season was over. We knew we

were going to move forward. The administration, headed by Coach Fulmer, did what we needed to do.”

The results spoke for themselves. Vitello, who arrived as a first-time head coach from Missouri ahead of the 2018 season, lead Tennessee to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2005. There, the Vols went 2-2, finishing as runner-up to North Carolina in the Chapel Hill Regional.

“Reflecting on the season, it was a successful one in a lot of different ways,” Vitello said. “The biggest way was our last group meeting where we talked about this group doing an awful lot of work to lay the foundation for what everyone wants around here.

“I think this group deserves a lot of credit. When that regional number goes up on the wall, that’s something they can be very proud of.”

In addition to making the postseason, other achievements that previous Tennessee teams had missed out on in the last 15 years included five series wins in SEC play, a third-place finish in conference play and 26 wins in the non-conference slate.

Perhaps their biggest series win was

taking two out of three from then-No. 2 Georgia in Knoxville on April 11-13.

Now that the Vols have proved they can hang with the best of the SEC’s elite, Vitello and the rest of the Tennessee coaching staff have more to sell to recruits than just an idea.

“When our players come back in August, they realize that there is a new tradition going on here,” Vitello said. “It’s not just about making one regional. I think now there is something to point to for recruits instead of just our vision. Now there’s some concrete things there that are truly tangible.”

But even Vitello knows that it doesn’t just start with winning, although that is the most important element in building a baseball program in college baseball’s premier baseball conference. Part of the stipulations in Vitello’s new contract was the guarantee of facility upgrades.

As it stands, Tennessee has lagged behind in the SEC’s ever-changing arms race. Rivals Kentucky, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida have either built new stadiums or have the plans in place.

That’s where Vitello wants his program, and with the recent contract, is getting his wish.

“The first priority is getting done now,” Vitello said. “We have some gentlemen painting our batting cages. I know that’s not an upgrade that’s going to be on the front page of the paper, but there’s a lot of things we want to have our hand in and initiate our brand of Tennessee baseball.”

Looking ahead to year three of his tenure, Vitello hopes that players see how their development at the collegiate level helps them achieve their professional aspirations.

Building on that, says Vitello, leads to the next crop of players stepping up in a big way.

“With guy’s in our league constantly getting looked at to play pro ball, there’s an awful lot of turnover,” Vitello said.

“This year, we have an ideal set up. We want to help develop kids so when they’re juniors, we can support them in signing a pro contract. It’s a great building block for the program.

“At the same time, we want to hold on to our guys so they can improve their status and earn their degree. You want that healthy turnover, and when you have it, there’s going to be young guys ready to step into their roles.”

F Y S Meet other first-year students & get involved

Connect with an instructor & peer mentor early in your college career

Explore campus resources & improve study skills

FYS offers classes that help make your first-year at UT even better than expected.

Explore sessions & topics at fys.utk.edu.

Two Bedroom - $825 Two Bedroom Loft - $1295

Friday, August 16, 2019 • The Daily Beacon

21

22

SPORTS

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 16, 2019

SEC Media Days: Tennessee’s rivals weigh in on upcoming season NOAH TAYLOR 2019-2020 Sports Editor

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.-The eyes of the college football world were on Hoover, Alabama on Monday, as the SEC kicked off their annual SEC Media Days at the Wynfrey Hotel.

The event has been known as the “unofficial” start to the college football season, as well as the peak of the “talking season,” as former Florida and South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier put it years ago.

The four-day event features all 14 of the league’s coaches and three players from each school to discuss the upcoming season. On Monday, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and three coaches took the stage, two of which Tennessee will face during the 2019 season in Missouri’s Barry Odom and Florida’s Dan Mullen.

Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt, along with junior quarterback Jarrett Gurarantano and senior linebackers Daniel Bituli and Darrell Taylor are slated to speak with the media on Tuesday.

Missouri Head Coach Barry Odom Following an 8-5 campaign in 2018, the Tigers said goodbye to record-setting quarterback Drew Lock. It didn’t take long for Odom and company to find their replacement, scooping up Clemson transfer QB Kelly Bryant in the offseason.

On Monday, Odom discussed the addition of Bryant and what went into his decision to designate Columbia, MO as his landing spot for his final season of eligibility.

“When Kelly stepped on campus for his official visit, I saw an interaction between him and our team,” Odom said. “It was a natural fit. He’s a very selfless person, low ego. And one of the best competitors I’ve ever been around.

“That fit with who we are as a program and as an organization. We need ten guys around him to play really well.”

Bryant will be under the tutelage of second-year offensive coordinator Derek Dooley. The former Tennessee head coach, who lead the Vols from 2010-2012 and compiled a 15-21 record, spent some time as an assistant in the NFL before finding his way back to the SEC last season.

Under Dooley, Missouri’s offense averaged more than 480 yards and 37 points per game in 2018. Odom talked about Dooley’s impact and what he has learned since his time in Knoxville. “(Dooley) was a great fit for us,” Odom said. “He was able to put together a scheme that allowed our kids to use their skills and also play with confidence. I’ve been able to bounce ideas off him and ask. He’s been very open about his answers, and things he had

SEC Media Days 2019 in Birmingham, Alabama, brought together coaches, staff and players from across the conference ahead of the 2019 season. Noah Taylor / Daily Beacon success with, things that if he had a chance to do it again, how he would approach it differently. That’s been good for us.”

Missouri will host Tennessee at Farout Field on Nov. 23.

Florida Head Coach Dan Mullen Before Dan Mullen took the Florida job ahead of the 2018 season, he was no stranger to the SEC, having spent four seasons as an offensive coordinator at Florida and another nine years as head coach at Mississippi State.

That experience paid off, as Mullen took a Gators team that finished 4-8 in 2017 to a 10-3 finish and a New Year’s Six Bowl win over Michigan in 2018.

Because of that quick success, Florida is facing big expectations in 2019 and Mullen also took to the podium on Monday to discuss the new standard and how his team can live up to those expectations.

“We’ve had a great off-season,” Mullen said. “The strides our guys took coming,

getting ready for year two. We need to take a huge step forward this year.

“I think we had a lot of success last year, but our consistency of performance is something I want to see change.“ Consistency is an area where the Gators struggled in 2018. Despite wins over LSU, Florida State and Mississippi State, Florida’s offense sputtered in losses to Kentucky and Missouri.

The key to that success will rest in the hands of Junior quarterback Feliepe Franks, who made major strides in year one in Mullen’s system.

According to Mullen, finding confidence is what allowed Franks to hit his stride in the latter half of the season.

“I think as the year went on, (Franks) understood what his abilities were,” Mullen said. “I think a light came on and I think he started to block outside noise, all the other opinions.“ Tennessee travels to Gainesville to face Florida on Sept. 21.

SPORTS

Friday, August 16, 2019 • The Daily Beacon

23

Takeaways from Tennessee football fan day, practice day 3 NOAH TAYLOR 2019-2020 Sports Editor

The day began with the Tennessee football team stepping foot on Shields-Watkins Field in their classic orange and white uniforms for the first time in nearly nine months.

The team gathered for their official 2019 team photo in the east stands of Neyland Stadium and then the rain came.

The weather, however didn’t keep the fans away. Despite the originally scheduled open practice being closed to the Vol faithful, fans lined up outside of the Anderson Athletic Training Center with helmets, posters and footballs in hand following Tennessee’s third practice of fall camp.

In between the team photo op and the practice, Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt and several players were available to talk to the media. For the players, it was their first time speaking up about the offseason.

Pruitt looking for toughness ahead of first full contact practice The first couple of practices in fall camp are meant to help players ease into the physical, more demanding part by going with very minimal contact.

Like they did on Friday and Saturday, Tennessee went without pads on Sunday inside the An-

derson Athletic Training Center. That will change on Wednesday with the Vols will don the pads for their first time this season.

While Pruitt has been pleased with what he has seen thus far, he has said that going full contact will reveal a lot more. What he and his coaching staff up to see is toughness.

“If you’re not playing with the right effort, it’s tough to be a good football player,” Pruitt said.

“Can you push through, can you handle adversity, can you handle the multiples whether it’s offense, defense or special teams?

“And as you put on the pads, you start working the fundamentals from a contact standpoint.

When you start hitting each other, it changes a little bit.”

Taylor more confident after first year at defensive back Alonte Taylor came into Tennessee’s 2018 signing class as a versatile athlete who could play a number of skill positions on both sides of the ball.

Due to a lack of depth and injuries, Taylor was thrust into a starting role in the Vols’ secondary last season, contributing heavily on Tennessee’s defense.

With a year now under his belt, Taylor is feeling more confident heading into his sophomore season than he did a year ago.

“My confidence level is big,” Taylor said.

“Coach (Derrick Ansley), Coach Pruitt and all of

#89 Hunter Salmon practices on day one of fall camp on August 2, 2019.

Cory Sanning / Daily Beacon the guys have built my confidence by staying on me. I just worked on my technique, maturity and just know what to do on the field.”

Guarantano confident in Chaney running the offense After SEC Media Days and three days of fall camp, one thing that is certain among players and coaches is a high confidence level in first-year offensive coordinator Jim Chaney.

Tennessee is looking for marked improvement in that area after struggling with consistency last season behind a young offensive line.

Despite those struggles, redshirt junior quarterback Jarrett Guarantano showed his abilities with an improved sophomore season. He’s confident in those abilities only getting better under Chaney.

“I think everybody has immense trust and immense respect for him,” Guarantano said.

“Whenever we signed him, everybody was very excited because they knew his track record. They knew the type of thing he’d done in the past.

“Everybody’s very excited. Just having that guy around, he exudes confidence in himself, and us.”

24

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 16, 2019

CITY NEWS

Friday, August 16, 2019 • The Daily Beacon

Local antique shops provide vintage looks KAITLYN DANIELS Contributor

Whether you are searching for antique furniture for your dorm room, or are just in the mood for some vintage shopping, there are quite a few eclectic antique shops located near UT where you won’t have to go too far to get great deals.

Four Seasons Vintage Four Seasons Vintage, 5710 Kingston Pike C, can be found in a small strip mall on Kingston Pike. Owner Laura Spaller offers a vast variety of booths and is proud to house over sixty vendors.

If you are looking for UT vintage memorabilia, then this is a good place to start. The huge selection of vintage dresses and hats would be perfect for a themed party. The jewelry selection is immense and you are bound to find a piece that fits your personal style. “A little of this and a little of that,” says Ms. Spaller, “You never know what you might see at Four Seasons Vintage. Hands down, there just aren’t enough words for some of the things you’ll find in our shop.”

Four Seasons Vintage is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Vintage Treasures Vintage Treasures, 5710 Kingston Pike A is conveniently located one door down from the Four Seasons Vintage.

Owner Deena M. Trevin is more than willing to help you find anything in the store for you. If you are into collecting books, they have a whole wall dedicated to old-fashioned books, with some new releases. Vintage Treasures also holds a large selection of records.

The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Bargain Hunters Antique & Flea Market Mall If you are in the mood for exploring and have some time to kill, the Bargain Hunters Antique & Flea Market Mall is best.

With over 300 booth spaces and 250 vendors, you are sure to find something that piques your interest in the flea mall, located at 3006 Chapman Highway. The building is immense; it is possible to spend hours browsing the shelves.

The extensive collection of Star Wars action figures and DC and Marvel comics make this store an ideal place for sci-fi comic book fans.

Bargain Hunters and Flea Market Mall is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Antique shops across town, like Bargain Hunters Antique & Flea Market Mall (top) and Vintage Treasures (bottom) provide Knoxvillians with a plethora of vintage options from clothing to books to action figures. Kaitlyn Daniels, Contributor

25

26

CITY NEWS

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 16, 2019

Beacon Bites: Ham’N Goodys feels a whole lot like home for all MORGAN PHILLIPS Contributor

Knoxville residents looking for a sweet treat to satisfy their cravings are in luck with bakery Ham’N Goodys nearby.

Customers can choose from an assortment of cookies, cakes, and various other pastries prepared by the bakery. However, after stocking up on sweets and chatting with the friendly employees, customers may find they have satisfied something much more than just a sweet tooth.

Found at 314 Northshore Drive, Ham’N Goodys has been welcoming customers since 1978. While founding owners Leroy and Emily “Cookie” Shoemaker originally opened doors to a gourmet meat shop with just a few tea cakes and cookies for sale, their business is now locally famed for its delicious baked goods, such as the infamous lemon cookie.

Although the bakery has been around through several decades, it remains rooted to its Christian-values and family based beginnings. The Shoemakers intentionally sought out someone who would uphold their own values when selling their bakery, which is why former salesman and customer of the shop, Dale Harold, now calls himself the owner.

“I was actually a salesman, I worked for a distributor,” Harold said. “I would come in here three times a week and take their orders for eggs, butter, flour, coffee and all that stuff.

I had a lemon cookie every time I came in.”

“When (the Shoemakers) got to the point where they wanted to sell, they wanted it to be somebody that had the same Christian values and Christian beliefs,” Harold added.

“They wanted somebody that would keep a bible verse up on the board, and wouldn’t be afraid to be Christian in the business. I try to carry that on my sleeve and I try to keep that up front.”

It’s evident upon opening the doors of the quaint bakery that it has no intention or need of switching things up, something that Harold says he believes gives the bakery a unique atmosphere.

“Sometimes we describe it as having that atmosphere of when you go to your grandmother’s house. You walk in, she comes to you, she pulls you in and takes care of you,” Harold said of the bakery’s comforting qualities. “You just feel at home.”

Customers aren’t just receiving a makebelieve, promotional show of values when they walk in and feel at home. That feeling is something deeply ingrained into all aspects of the day to day at Ham’N Goodys.

“It’s nice to watch employees come in and the first thing they do is they walk around and greet each other. They’ll come in, they’ll get a coffee, they’ll walk around and they say good

morning. It’s nice,” Harold said. “Its not show for the customers it’s just how we are.

We’re like that with each other as well.”

It’s the circulation of those notions of family and nostalgia from both sides of the counter that creates the fond feeling the bakery radiates. The warm, inviting pastry shop may be infamous for items such as lemon cookies and tea cakes, but a visit to Ham’N Goodys will leave customers feeling fulfilled to a much deeper extent.

“That atmosphere does not come from me, or these four walls, or the great cookies and cakes we have. That comes from the people that are on both sides of the counter. Whether it’s the people that are working or the clients coming in, they are so gracious and so wonderful,” Harold said. “It really all just kind of stirs in the crock pot and makes this great atmosphere where everyone is comfortable and at home, and time almost slows down, just for a minute.”

It’s that feeling, and of course the downright delicious baked goods, that makes Ham’N Goodys a staple in many households, generation after generation.

“It’s wonderful to see somebody come in with their three year old by the hand and talk about when their grandma used to bring them in here twenty years ago to get cookies, and now I’m going to get you some cookies.”

“Whether it’s a holiday meal or a birthday, all these meaningful moments in peoples’ lives, so often in the background there’s a Ham’N Goodys box,” Harold said. “That’s so cool to be apart of those special moments.”

Though tradition and history are a large part of the Ham’N Goodys brand, several new and exciting things have been popping up for the busy bakery.

One of those changes can quite literally be seen “popping up” around East Tennessee, as the bakery recently introduced its cookie trucks. Multiple trucks are sent out every week, so customers across the region have a chance to fill their cookie cravings.

“Usually we do [a food truck] or two a day, for four or five days of the week,” Harold said. “That’s a way we’re actually taking the cookies to the people. It’s been really fun to watch.”

The trucks go as far north as LaFollette and as far south as Chattanooga, so far-off fans of the bakery should definitely keep an eye out for the traveling trucks.

Additionally, early risers looking for a home-cooked breakfast can now stop by the bakery bright and early at 7am. The shop’s opening hours will soon be pushed back the extra hour as it introduces breakfast to its classic menu.

Due to booming business and the evergrowing notoriety of their lemon cookie, Ham’N Goodys has also recently opened the doors to a second location in Cedar Bluff.

Though content with the one original loca-

Found at 314 Northshore Drive, Ham’N Goodys has been welcoming customers since 1978.

Morgan Phillips, Contributor tion, Harold says he feels that the bakery’s second location was something his business was being led to do.

“Our goal was not to grow outside of here,” Harold said. “God just opened a door, so that’s where we went.”

Always finding its place amidst both the tradition and churning business at Ham’N Goodys, one thing stays a solid staple for customers: the infamous lemon cookie.

“We ship [lemon cookies] all over the country. They’ve even been up to the space station. They sent five dozen up when a UT student was up there,” Harold said. “They asked him if he wanted anything special to take with him, and he said he wanted some lemon cookies from Ham‘N Goodys.”

However, the cookie represents more than just the bakery’s best selling pastry. It represents the values the bakery was founded on, and the values it continues to nurture within itself and the community. “[The Shoemakers] always told me the secret ingredient in their lemon glaze was prayer. Everyday, the place is prayed over, the food is prayed over, the people are prayed over,” Harold said. “Out in the car, I sit out there and I say ‘God bless the food that we make today and the people that are making it and everybody that comes in.’”

The lemon cookie is also one of the main ways the bakery utilizes its products to give back to the community. The shop partners with a multitude of local sports teams, churches, and organizations in a bid to help their fellow community members.

“The heartbeat of the community is typically schools and churches. We donate to al-

most anybody who asks. That’s just the right thing to do. We don’t claim that on our taxes,” Harold said. “It’s the community. We’re apart of the community, they’re apart of our family. Whether it’s a cake walk or a bake sale, or they need something to auction off, we always donate.”

Harold reveals that organizations often come back having sold seven to eight hundred dozen cookies. “Evidently, it’s pretty easy to sell cookies,” Harold joked.

Located so close to UT’s campus, the bakery welcomes all students to come down and give the bakery a try, for both freshly baked goodies and that fond family feeling.

“We do a lot of fundraisers, and a lot of sponsorships and events that go towards UT’s campus. A lot of the clubs and groups come in and they ask for donations. And I think the lemon cookies kind of speak for themselves,” Emmerie Wheeler, a Ham’N Goodys employee and a junior studying kinesiology, said of the bakery’s appeal to students.

Everyone knows that college students are fond of some free food, so they should prepare to be excited. Harold is all about spreading the love when it comes to some Ham ’N Goodys lemon cookies.

“Anytime a student comes in and asks for a free lemon cookie, they’ll have no problem,” Harold said. “First lemon cookie is always on the house.”

“We hope [UT students] come visit. Just for that feel of hospitality,” Harold added.

“Whether they’re from Michigan or California, hopefully when they walk in they feel at home.”

Friday, August 16, 2019 • The Daily Beacon

27

28

The Daily Beacon • Friday, August 16, 2019

CMAFEST 2019

CITY NEWS

CITY NEWS

Friday, August 16, 2019 • The Daily Beacon

29

Emily Ann Roberts makes her ‘Someday Dream’ a reality GABRIELA SZYMANOWSKA 2019 Photo Editor

Emily Ann Roberts became a household name in Knoxville back in 2015 when the then 17-year-old Knoxville native competed on “The Voice,� coming in second place.

Now, three years later, Roberts is making her ‘someday dream’ a reality with the release of her new music and her EP “Someday Dream� available on July 12.

The singer/songwriter has worked hard the last three years, diving into the music industry and ďŹ nding her way while staying true to herself. “A big thing I had to kind of overcome when I ďŹ rst came to Nashville was I had a lot of people telling me just a bunch of different things and their opinions on what I should do or what my music should be or what I should say,â€? Roberts said. “I was 17-years-old so I never knew anything about the music industry, I was very green for sure. So I had to really come to a point where I dug my heels in the dirt and said, ‘No, I’m going to do what I want to do and

I’m going to be true to me.’ “It took me a long time to get to that place because I was, I had so many different voices telling me we got to take you and make it ďŹ t or make it work,â€? Roberts added. “That put me in such a box.â€?

But Roberts followed her heart to create music that reected who she is with songs that came naturally to her and showcased what a genuine person she is, which then opened up the gates for her music. The songwriting process became easier and her vision for her upcoming album became clearer.

With songs like “Someday Dream,â€? “Stuck on You & Me,â€? and “Wildâ€? on her album, fans can look forward to getting to know Roberts through music that she described as fun, encouraging, kind of rootsy and organic, but deďŹ nitely real country music.

Roberts encourages others to follow their dreams because she understands how impossible it can seem. “So many times I look back and I’m like, ‘How did this happen that I’m getting to live my dreams?’ Like 10-year-old Emily Ann would be freaking out right now,

but the biggest thing I want people to see whenever they hear my music or hear my story is if me, a simple girl from Knoxville, Tennessee can make her dreams a reality, then anybody can,� Roberts said. “I try to be the biggest cheerleader that I can be for everybody, because I really do believe that.�

While Roberts is already working on her country music dreams, that’s not the only dream she hopes comes true. What many fans may not know is that Roberts loves to bake, something she found a passion for while on “The Voice.� “I’m obsessed with baking and cooking,� Roberts said. “It’s really funny, when I was on “The Voice,� it was like music non-stop. I had to have something, like when we would come back to the hotel at night that was so opposite of music.

So I started watching “Cupcake Warsâ€? on Netix, no joke, and I came home and I was like, ‘I’m going to learn how to bake cupcakes.’â€?

Watching YouTube videos on how to make cupcakes and decorating videos, Roberts herself started baking cupcakes.

Which isn’t the only sweet that Roberts

makes as according to her _website blog_ (https://www.emilyannroberts.com/ blog/homemade-raspberry-sweet-rolls) she recently made Homemade Raspberry Sweet Rolls, giving tips that she learned during the process and the instructions on how to make them. “It is a huge dream of mine to own a bakery one day in Knoxville.�

Roberts continues to be an uplifting voice through her story. While she herself is still ďŹ guring everything out, like ďŹ nding a place to live in Nashville so she doesn’t have to continuously commute back and forth from Knoxville, Roberts hopes her story helps people keep chasing their ‘someday dreams.’ “There’s no dream too big and I try to tell people that all the time,â€? Roberts said. “No matter what you want to do--if you want to be a teacher or an astronaut or a doctor or whatever--keep chasing it, keep doing it and I was so blessed to have people encourage me to keep practicing on the guitar and keep singing, just keep going. I hope I can be that voice for people too, that they can do, that they can keep going and keep pursuing their dreams.â€?

!" #" # $ $

% &% '

(( ) %

30

Friday, August 16, 2019 • The Daily Beacon

CITY NEWS

Friday, August 16, 2019 • The Daily Beacon

!

"#$

%

%

&

' ' (

)

) ) * +

,

( - ( ( )

) *

-

)

) . * & '

/ * ( . /

) ) ' ( ) ( 0

* +

0

*

'

) (

)

' ) / * 1 (

/ ' ' ( ,

'

* 1 (

(

*

31

32

Friday, August 16, 2019 • The Daily Beacon