Volume 149, Issuve 08
Strength training vital for women
First months of Torchbearer Hall
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Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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Defense powers Tennessee football over Alabama ALEX SARKIS Assistant Sports Editor
The Tennessee defense celebrates after intercepting quarterback Keelon Russell against Alabama at Neyland Stadium on Oct. 17. Jayden Randolph / The Daily Beacon
Jim Knowles has almost done it all in college football. The 61-year-old knows the emotions of winning a national title, the heartbreak of coming up just shy, and is among a rare group that sees their coaching career last as long as his 38 years. On Saturday, he added a new notch to his belt — a win over Alabama on the Third Saturday in October. It’s only fitting that his defense was the difference for Tennessee football. “Coach Knowles challenges us every single week, and he’s going to on Monday also,” Jeremiah Telander said. “To see him first time, in Neyland Stadium, smoking a cigar, I’ll remember that forever.” Telander contributed as one of the driving factors of a defensive unit that
To ‘woo’ or not to ‘woo’
earned Knowles his first Tennessee stogie. The Vols notched 10 tackles for loss in their 26–10 win over the No. 6 Crimson Tide, a dominant showing that saw the Vols silence one of the nation’s top offenses. Five different players recorded a tackle behind the line of scrimmage in a showing that head coach Josh Heupel didn’t shy away from praising. “Defense, suffocating, elite performance,” Heupel said. “Really proud of those guys. They handled adversity and sudden change really well.” By this time last year, while at Penn State, Knowles’ hopes of a College Football Playoff berth had already slipped away after the Nittany Lions struggled to win important games. This go around, a win over Alabama further clears his path to another College Football Playoff.
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Vols make dreams come Famous ‘Rocky Top’ ad-lib did not always exist true for kids PEYTON MCGINNIS Contributor For children facing serious medical conditions, sports can offer more than a game — they can offer hope. Through its collegiate Dream Team, national nonprofit Dream On 3 partners with Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital and UT athletics to create personalized sports experiences for children known as “Dreamers.” With more than 40 members, the student-led team runs everything from fundraising toward its 10,000 goal to creating custom “Dream Kit” reveals and VIP experiences for the kids. The mission is simple: transforming a sports experience into a lifelong sanctuary for kids and their families. Building connections
Tennessee students cheer and sing “Rocky Top” in Neyland Stadium during the football game against Alabama on Oct. 17. Jayden Randolph / The Daily Beacon
LOGAN WEST Staff Writer “Rocky Top, you’ll always be home, sweet home to me. Good ol’ Rocky Top, Rocky Top, Tennessee.” Echoing through Neyland Stadium on game day and blasting from speakers on the morning walk to class, the unofficial fight song of the University of Tennessee reverberates through every aspect of the Volunteer experience. Nestled between “Good ol’ Rocky Top” and “Rocky Top, Tennessee,” an energetic “woo” positions itself. This ad-lib in the anthem’s chorus has caused contrasting opinions and a generational divide. From mascots like Davy Crockett and Smokey that give a careful nod to the history and culture of the state, to the ceremonial smoking of a cigar to signify a football victory over Alabama — at Tennessee, tradition is the bread and butter of college life. The addition of the “woo” in “Rocky Top” begs the question: “What does tradition look like?” ‘Rocky Top’ The Osborne Brothers originally recorded the lively bluegrass tune in 1967, but it was not until a rendition from the “Great Lady of Country Music,” Lynn Anderson, in the 1970s that “Rocky Top” gained national attention. The University of Tennessee’s Pride of the Southland Band first performed the song as a part of one of its drills in 1972. The song soon became synonymous with UT as an anthem for its college athletics program. Following widespread popularity,
the state legislature took action to establish its significance in writing — adopting “Rocky Top” as an official Tennessee state song in 1982. Tale of ‘woo’ There is much speculation about where it began, but regardless of its origins, Tennessee fans quickly adopted the “woo.” Allen Landers, Pride of the Southland Band alum and 1984 graduate, said he heard a section of the band instituted the “woo.” “I have been told that one of the sections in the band, trombones maybe, started it in the late ‘80s,” Landers said. While the ensemble may seem like the most logical choice to attribute the creation of the ad-lib, many claim that students started the trend. “I remember the cheerleaders and the orientation leaders introducing the ‘woo’ to us over the summer of ‘91 at orientation,” Rose Armentrout Montgomery, 1995 graduate, said. “They told us to do it during ‘Rocky Top’ and that it would catch on. We as freshman didn’t do a good job selling it, but we shyly tried. They must have repeated the plan at orientation the next year or two because we were in full ‘woo’ across the stadium by our junior year.” Julia Maines Medearis, 1995 graduate, confirmed this theory with a story about one of her game day experiences in the early 1990s. “I distinctly remember sitting in the end zone near the band during one of the games in ‘92 or ‘93 and everyone ‘wooed’ during ‘Rocky Top,’” Medearis said. “My friends and I looked at each other and said ‘I guess we’re ‘wooing’ now!’”
The great divide This playful addition has been the topic of many conversations and debates — not only about its origins. Amidst its integration into game day culture, a generational divide emerged regarding the use of the “woo” in “Rocky Top.” Due to its adoption in the ‘90s, most college-aged students are not old enough to remember a time before the “woo.” Students expressed their fondness for the interjection and the life it brings to the Tennessee anthem. Kayson Sullivan, junior animal science major, said the “woo” has been a part of singing “Rocky Top” for as long as he can recall. “Personally, I like the ‘woo’ in ‘Rocky Top.’” Sullivan said. “For me, I think it belongs — partly because the only version of ‘Rocky Top’ I have ever been a part of has had the ‘woo,’ and also just because I think it’s fun and gives the song more energy, especially when singing it with 100,000 other Tennessee fans.” Junior supply chain management major Ben Dubrow had a similar opinion. “I think that the ‘woo’ brings a different level of energy to any group of people since it takes many participants to have a strong effect,” Dubrow said. “Overall, I think that the ‘woo’ serves as a unifier for all Tennessee fans, whether they have known ‘Rocky Top’ for 50 years or are just starting to learn it.” Those who attended the university during the rise of the “woo” became early adopters.
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Senior Sophia Hickey, former two-year co-captain of the team, shares her driving force in joining the organization. “I was very fortunate to experience something similar with my family,” Hickey said. Through the Steve Gleason Foundation, her grandfather, who had ALS, and her family were able to go to a Cubs game and meet the team. “It was an experience that I’ll forever cherish. I know the power of connecting over sports.”
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Crews tear down G10 garage for 865 Neyland KELA FIFER Staff Writer As the university brings plans of “865 Neyland” to fruition, existing campus structures are undergoing changes. Construction to the G10 parking garage began over a week ago. A portion of the garage is set to be expanded to accommodate for the size of the entertainment district, with the improved parking garage scheduled to be constructed by August 2027. According to a statement released in an Oct. 8 Vol Update, demolition equipment arrived on campus on Oct. 5.
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G10 Parking Garage is torn down on campus on Oct. 12 Audrey Tang / Contributor
News
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‘Rocky Top’ Torchbearer residents reflect on first months ‘woo’ JACEY THOMAS Contributor
cont. from Page 1
After a couple of months acclimating to Torchbearer Hall, the University of Tennessee’s new residence hall, students share their experiences in the living space, both good and bad. This seven-floor, suite-style residence hall is named after the statue found right across the street. It features many amenities, including a community kitchen, a first-floor laundry room and study and lounge spaces for its residents. After the two-and-a-half-year construction process, the dorm contains are four-person suites, with limited two-person suites available. As the newest addition to the university’s on-campus living spaces, it has a lot going for it. However, that does not mean it comes without drawbacks. One flaw of the residence hall is the elevator system. Multiple students, including freshman resident Riley Cada, spoke on this unexpected shortcoming. “Right now, the elevators are not very good,” Cada said. “There’s at least always one down and not working, so it kind of takes a while to go all the way up and down, and I’m on the seventh floor, so it just takes extra long.” The elevator problem is still ongoing, as discovered when speaking with fifth-floor freshman resident Leo Chapdelaine. “The elevators are broken half the time — it’s frustrating. It’s frustrating having to walk up all the flights of stairs when they’re broken,” Chapdelaine said. In addition to this, freshman resident Kayden Pelstring mentioned recurring problems
“I like the ‘woo,’” Medearis said. “It gets the whole crowd involved and is a fun tradition on game days.” Willis Jepson, former Smokey handler and 1999 graduate, claimed that the “woo” was in full effect during the Manning era and Tennessee’s national titlewinning football season in 1998. “I was probably here for peak Tennessee,” Jepson said. “I took care of Smokey for Peyton Manning’s senior year and then the national championship year. We had a fantastic time. I’m team ‘woo’ all the way.” Mike Keith, the “Voice of the Vols” for Tennessee Athletics and 1991 graduate, said he is agnostic to the “woo” as it is not included in the original lyrics. “I don’t know how it came to be, but it’s not part of the song,” Keith said during a panel discussion about sports journalism. Students walk into Torchbearer Hall on Oct. 18. Audrey Tang / Contributor “I don’t know whether I’m pro-‘woo’ or anti-‘woo.’” with small power outages at the Although there are downA new addition to the area is the Many older grads have beginning of the year. sides, there are also many second on-campus UT Creamery. “The first couple of weeks benefits to living in Torchbearer Tabitha Greer, another freshman positioned themselves there were issues with power,” Hall. Students reported feeling resident of the hall, brought up as traditionalists on this Pelstring said. “When you would lots of connection with their the creamery when asked about topic with strong negative try to plug your hair dryer in, dormmates. Freshman resi- the dorm’s amenities. opinions toward the “Everyone’s been talking about it would short circuit and your dent Delaney Jane Walker says addition. the UT Creamery being open, so I entire room would lose power, that she has felt connected with Keith Carver, senior vice so you’d have to call the mainte- fellow Torchbearer residents definitely expect there being a lot chancellor and senior vice of people,” Greer said. nance people and be like, ‘Hey, I since before the year began. president of the Institute Along with the connections blew a fuse again.’” “Moving in, our whole hall of Agriculture, posted a got pretty social — we went and Turner made in the study room satirical video on social knocked on doors and met people as discussed earlier in the article, media in July that read, and did room tours and stuff,” she also enjoys using the rooms “Preparing for when Netflix to focus on her school work. Walker said. makes a documentary about “I love the study rooms,” Freshman resident Mollie Turner has also felt close to the Turner said. “They have private how the ‘woo’ doesn’t people on her floor through rooms, and I use those a lot for belong in Rocky Top.” my chemistry work especially.” shared spaces. “I graduated in 1984, and Although Pelstring spoke about “I sit in the study room a lot, so the godforsaken ‘woo’ had I’ve been able to meet quite a bit the repetitive power outages in not yet polluted the song,” of people,” Turner said. “There her dorm, this is not her only Landers said. “I never yell it are people two doors down that view on the living space. and think it has ruined the “I really like the rooms — I’ve gotten to meet and talk to.” song.” Another benefit mentioned by it’s very new, it’s very nice,” Though not universally students is the proximity of the Pelstring said. “I like playing adored, this addition to a building to many popular and pool.” classic song has become Torchbearer Hall provides resiconvenient spots on campus. intrinsically linked to the “One of my favorite things dents with many good resources Volunteer experience — about Torchbearer is the location, even though it also has a few changing the game day it being so close to Neyland,” hindrances. Its opening was freshman resident Ben Mowery anticipated, and it is now celeatmosphere forever. said. “It’s right here by Stokely. brated as one of the most The decades-old question It’s really in the middle of sought-after residence halls on still remains: to “woo” or Lobby of Torchbearer Hall provides space for students on Oct. 18. campus, it feels like.” campus. not to “woo?” Audrey Tang / Contributor
G10 Parking | cont. from Page 1 “Students should anticipate increased construction activity, equipment movement and contractor presence near G10,” the statement said. A new entrance and exit opened on Neyland Drive to assist in curbing road congestion. “There will be signage and barricades to guide vehicle and pedestrian traffic,” the statement said. According to the university, the current construction schedule is reported to have limited interference with regular campus operations. The onset of the novelty entertainment district has been met with concerns. For some, the demolition of the parking garage brings up a loss of parking availability. “It’s very clear that they don’t prioritize transportation at all. If they did, we wouldn’t have
a parking problem,” Jack Foster, a senior marketing major, said. With a record number of enrollment, UT’s campus already faces stress on parking and housing. “I think it’s a bad idea, without them adding something else to kind of counterbalance it, … it puts too much of a strain on all the other parking garages,” Degan Haunhorst, a sophomore anthropology major, said. As the garage faces temporary closures and limited availability, UT continues to emphasize its commitment to improving parking conditions. “I think one of the biggest things, I’ve been here at UT for 25 years, is parking. That’s number one … Hopefully we can get better access to parking,” Brian Stevens, senior lecturer in the
Haslam College of Business, said. “I know the university has been working really hard at that. I’ve heard a lot of things from the provost about trying to get better options for students, so I know that’s on the university’s mind.” The entertainment district’s availability to private residences, with 51 luxury residences, 30 condo units and a private member club, conflicts with how some students envision UT’s campus. “I think that campus is already busy as it is, so adding a district that is going to be constantly surrounded by celebrities and people that genuinely already have their own thing in Neyland is a waste of time and money,” Samantha Beverley, a senior music business administration major, said. For others, the removal of the garage is a hit to a hub that hosted pre-game
G10 Parking Garage is torn down on campus on Oct. 12. Audrey Tang / Contributor
festivities such as tailgating alongside a view of the Tennessee River. “I think the entertainment portion of it is fine. It’s a good spot for it. Questionable to tear down a parking garage for it, but I don’t have a problem having the entertainment stuff there,” Foster said. “The problem I have is the hotel. It’s not just the fanbase bias that we have the most beautiful view of Neyland Stadium from the river. It’s the most beautiful view in the country.” Some say the addition of the entertainment district represents an exciting new chapter in the university’s growth. “Hopefully we’ll see more development along the river, Knoxville’s such an amazing place. I love when people come here and see Knoxville,” Stevens said. “This
university’s been growing so much, and we have a lot of great resources, and I hope we can just continue down that path of just making things better at UT.” Those looking for updates and details on the project’s progress can visit the university’s projects website as well as the “865 Neyland” updates page, according to Lisa Leko, the university’s communications manager. This is a developing story. Follow The Daily Beacon for more updates.Neyland” updates page, according to Lisa Leko, the university’s communications manager. This is a developing story. Follow The Daily Beacon for more updates.
Arts & Culture
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Festival of Phantasmagoria blends history with Halloween ZOE MANDEL Contributor The year is 1868, and you’re attending a séance. For Joseph Mabry, a Knoxville businessman and folk character, he lived this reality. Mabry originally owned the Mabry-Hazen house located just east of downtown Knoxville. The home, which housed the family and workers from 1858 until 1987, now serves as a museum filled with the original belongings that educates the public and those who lived there. Museum executive director and curator Patrick Hollis uses the Halloween season to lean into the family’s involvement in the Spiritualism movement through the five-day Festival of Phantasmagoria, previously called “A Victorian Séance Experience,” that runs from Oct. 28 through Nov. 1. “We were fortunate that within our collection, we have a number of books, articles, other ephemera that connect (the house) to the occult and esoteric movements of the United States,” Hollis said. “As well as a primary source documentation, Joseph Mabry, the original owner of Mabry-
Hazen house, attending a séance in 1868.” Hollis leans heavily on the information provided from primary sourced documents from the Spiritualism movements to create the script of the séance and structure of the festival. “If there’s no resource, there’s nothing that I can directly connect to this place, It would feel a bit, in my mind, false,” Hollis said. “Having those direct links to the stories of the family, of the people who lived and worked here that allows us to be able to offer the program.” Festival of Phantasmagoria includes the séance experience, a ticketed showing where participants are involved in a theatrical experience — the House of Tarot, where tarot, deviation readers and vendors will be, scholarly talks, workshops and scary storytelling, and a traveling exhibit called Ghost in the Machine from the American Museum of Science and Energy. The séance experience is the only event that costs money, and it is $25 for a ticket. It takes place in the front parlor of the house, lit up by gaslights turned electric and candles. The Ghost in the Machine exhibit is upstairs,
They might hear like, ‘They’re doing a séance’ and think that there’s people are summoning demons in this museum, and that’s something that we kind of want to fight back against in a way because … the connotation, it kind of hurts the spiritual movement in a way. Because it is rooted in like, acceptance, and making peace, and not summoning pazuzu on a ouija board.” ELIJAH BALL Senior public relations student
Dream Team | cont. from Page 1 Hickey’s first dreamer, Charlie, is another memory she’ll cherish forever. “We were doing the Vol Walk, and she just grabbed my hand, and she held my hand the entire time. She wouldn’t leave my side,” Hickey said. “That was just a huge moment because it showed that we were building connections with the dreamer and they wanted to share it with us.” For senior and current co-captain Julia Lawyer, being part of this group is
indescribably rewarding. “I’ve always had a leadership role in whatever I’ve done, but this organization has been the most rewarding of my college experience,” Lawyer said. Led by three co-captains, the team’s four committees — fundraising, outreach, social media and athletics liaison — work together to make a Dreamer’s year unforgettable. By focusing on just one kid a year, they personalize every detail, creating a special, unique VIP experience.
The Mabry-Hazen House stands on Dandridge Ave. in east Knoxville. Zoe Mandel / Contributor along with an activity that turns you into a Pepper’s Ghost — a technique originated in the 1800s and still used today for theatrical performances. For both Hollis and senior public relations student Elijah Ball, who’s helping the MabryHazen House promote the festival for a capstone project class, the Pepper’s Ghost is the element they’re most excited for. “The Mabry-Hazen House, it’s doing something that’s not only fun, but also it’s rooted in history,” Ball said. “Like, everything that is done here, there’s great attention (to) detail to make sure that it’s actually based on the reality that people lived in, throughout the life of the Mabry-Hazen House in general.” From the first time Ball toured the house, he’s been enamored with it, describing it as someplace that feels both familiar and foreign at the same time. He’s looking forward to the festival and plans to attend the séance experience. “The atmosphere is gonna be wonderful just ‘cause this is a beautiful area in the fall time, and they’ll be playing music, and they have silent films,” Ball said. “So even just like sitting out in the front of the house and just like taking it all in, I think it’s gonna be fun.” The name “Festival of Phantasmagoria” draws from an 18th-century German word for horror and mystery. The events serve as a way for people
Dreamers: The heartbeat of the team The journey begins with a Dream Kit, a surprise reveal filled with personalized gifts, specialized gear and an invitation to a custom experience. While student leaders coordinate logistics and partnerships, it is the spirit of the kids that gives the organization life, with every Dreamer coming in with a unique passion. For Dreamer Charlie, her ultimate wish was to meet former UT quarterback Nico Iamaleava and take in the
to interact with aspects of Spiritualism in an honest and meaningful way. “Our goal is … to create this environment that allows us to look at things that often scare us — you know, death, ghosts, the occult — but to help people cast the light on them, so they aren’t afraid of it,” Hollis said. “Because many of these ideas, these faiths, these concepts are not ones that invite evilness and darkness into our lives. They are much more complex, and this is helping people see that full complexity.” The portrayal of Spiritualism in media and public perception has painted it as a demonic faith and one that deals with “spooky stuff.” This is a narrative that the Mabry-Hazen House tries to denounce, instead providing a detailed history of the movement and how it shaped the lives of the house’s inhabitants. “They might hear like, ‘They’re doing a séance’ and think that there’s people are summoning demons in this museum,” Ball said. “And that’s something that we kind of want to fight back against in a way because … the connotation, it kind of hurts the spiritual movement in a way. Because it is rooted in, like, acceptance, and making peace, and not summoning Pazuzu on a Ouija board.” Hollis notes how during a previous year, he had a woman leave him a voicemail and later call to share her concerns about him “tempting the devil.”
“I did have one year, so a woman called me and tell me I was opening up portals to hell,” Hollis said. “It was a career achievement for me.” Ball expands on that, explaining how his mom warned him against attending the festival on the basis of the séance. “I told my mom about it, and she’s very religious, and she was like, ‘do not go to that,’” Ball said. “I’m pretty sure it’s gonna be fine. It’s just an reenacting the history of the experience, and it’s more of a historical lesson than it is summoning a demon on top of the house.” Both instances above are examples where people misunderstood what the purpose of the séance experience is — to teach people about the history and give them a place to confront their beliefs head on. “One of the kind of hurdles we have to surmount is that when people hear their word séance, they have an expectation of it being frightening and scary,” Hollis said. “But when you start to learn about Spiritualism and its beliefs, you’ll find that Spiritualists were kind of Victorian hippies.” Part of getting over these hurdles is bridging the gap between historical movements and the present. The Festival of Phantasmagoria is a chance to do just that, whether you pay for the séance experience or just enjoy the free activities.
The Dreamers themselves are incredible. Nothing beats the reaction of the kids’ faces when their moment is happening.” SOPHIA HICKEY Former two-year co-captain of Dream Team Tennessee football experience. For another Dreamer, Taylor, the vision was entirely centered on cheerleading — complete with her own full media day alongside the cheer squad. “They go through hardships I can’t even imagine, and just seeing them have that much fun … it means a lot,” Lawyer said. Hickey agreed, noting that witnessing their pure joy is the ultimate reward for the hours of planning. “The Dreamers themselves are incredible. Nothing beats the reaction of the kids’ faces when their moment is happening.” The dream keeps on rolling
Building connections with a dreamer doesn’t end after their VIP experience — it’s really just the beginning. In the off semester, members host alumni hangs, where past dreamers and their families are able to spend time with the Members of UT’s Dream Team, who create personalized sports experiences for children experiencing serious Dream Team alongside other medical conditions, stand in the HSS amphitheater. Peyton Mcginnis / Contributor families that can relate to each
other through the experience. Sharing experiences has turned into more than that: now, they share a friendship. “Two of our boy dreamers are best friends. They talk all the time,” Hickey said. “And our youngest Charlie was so excited there was a new girl. She’s like, ‘It’s like I have another sister.’” According to Hickey, Dreamer Taylor has new ambitions after her experience with the Dream Team. “Her new dream is to go to the University of Tennessee and cheer, but she also added that she wants to be in Dream On 3 because she wants to give back,” Hickey said. As the team prepares to welcome its next Dreamer, Hickey explains what makes this experience so impactful. “I was like, ‘If I could do this for someone else going through everything and just give them their moment to have those memories with their family and sweet moments through sports, I would love to give back to them,’” Hickey said.
Opinion
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Silence is scarier than sharing an opinion AVANGELINE GRECO Columnist I love sharing my opinion. I love it so much that I chose to write an opinion column every week. However, I have come to realize that sharing your opinion can be intimidating. Your audience is not always as receptive as you would hope. Some people are more interested in trying to silence you because they don’t like what you have to say instead of just listening. Sharing your opinion is scarier than ever, but that doesn’t mean your voice has any less value. In fact, it has more. Across the world somewhere, there is someone who would be punished for speaking their opinion. A woman, just like me, who would be sentenced to death for simply speaking outside of her home. I have the opportunity to share my opinion, and so do you — take advantage of that. In 2013, Angelina Jolie received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for her extensive work and advocacy with refugees. In herspeech,she talked about the privilege she has and how sheltered she was to not see that this is not a commonality. Jolie says, “I have never understood why people are lucky enough to be born with the chances I had and why across the world there is a woman just like me with the same abilities, same desires, same work ethic and love for her family who would most likely make better films and better speeches, only she sits in a refugee camp, and she has no voice.” As the United States of America was being constructed as a nation, the authors of the Constitution ensured that speech would be protected in this country. It is under the First Amendment that citizens of the United States have the freedom to express their opinion and not fear persecution. We take this right for granted. I think about the woman that Jolie refers to, women who are just worried about survival, who could probably write a better article than I can. But she doesn’t have the opportunity to advocate for herself, for the people around
her who deserve better. In America, we do have the opportunity. Increasing political polarization, specifically affective polarization, is further hindering us from expressing our right to voice our opinions. Affective polarization means that people will feel positive towards individuals of the same political party and negatively toward those of an opposing party. Due to affective polarization, individuals selectively accept information that aligns with their political identity while criticizing and dismissing information that contradicts it. This polarization is affecting the way that we view one another. Majorities of both Republicans and Democrats attribute negative stereotypes to members of the opposing party. This division creates an unfavorable view of individuals who do not share the same political beliefs as you do. A poll conducted by the CATO Institute in 2020 found a percentage increase in people feeling the need to self-censor their opinions out of fear of offending other people. These fears cross partisan lines. Majorities of Democrats (52%), independents (59%) and Republicans (77%) all agree they have political opinions they are afraid to share. With social media and your feed consisting of content that fits your preferences, we are faced with constant confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is people’s tendency to process information by looking for, or interpreting, information that is consistent with their existing beliefs. This makes it increasingly difficult to be accepting of different perspectives. Close-minded individuals do not realize that being receptive to new perspectives is proven to lead to higher intellect. A study by Psychology Today showed that intellectual people do not just know how to be right — they also know how to be wrong. They are receptive to new ideas and have frequent mind-changing that signals deeper thinking. Being open to new ideas does not need to be scary because changing your opinion is not equivalent to accepting defeat. In fact, allowing yourself to be open to new ideas that may challenge preconceived notions will actually
Graphic by Delaney Karr make you a smarter individual. I can not imagine having the same ideas that I had coming into college to this day. The reason I have learned about new ideas is through listening to others with an open mind. I have been exposed to people who have different ideas, and I welcome them, sit with them and compare them to what I had originally thought. In a world where so many
people are silenced, speak up. Having the privilege of voicing your opinion is something you should not take for granted — take advantage of it. Avangeline Greco is a junior at UT this year studying economics. She can be reached at agreco2@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
Strength training is vital to a woman’s life
MARIA MADRID Contributor Women need to prioritize strength training. As a woman who trains five times a week, aiming to eat enough protein for my body to process, I started to become more aware of how often we forget to prioritize muscle and protein, not for the aesthetics of a fit body but for the health risks that can emerge. Our society has a variety of beauty standards, but I’ve never witnessed a push for stronger women. Many people don’t strength train regularly, and people who do attend the gym are in their own bubble. This bubble often enables us to think that everyone around us is also lifting while understanding the benefits of strength training and the mental stability needed. We overlook the number of people who are intimidated by the gym or are unfamiliar with the long journey of gaining muscle.
Sarcopenia is a skeletal muscle disorder that occurs as you age and decreases your muscle function. It can affect your mobility, creating long-term conditions that can drastically increase mortality as you age, making you more prone to falling. Yet attending the gym is not something that women are encouraged to do — instead, the ideal thin body is continued to be upheld. This ideal standard is reinforced by social media, with influencers being a large source of information for health and fitness. These perceptions, in which women are more likely to listen to deceptive health information, affect their mindsets and lifestyles. According to the Pew Research Center, “57% of women ages 18 to 29 say they get health and wellness information from influencers.” Although influencers can disperse positive trends on a variety of platforms, it all Graphic by Delaney Karr depends on their intentions and In reality, as of this past messages. However, influencers April, the Health and Fitness are at an advantage because their Association states that 26.1% audiences are more likely to take of Americans attend the gym. their advice, considering their Although approximately 89 status as a public figure. The first “health trend” that million Americans is a large number, when we look at the comes to mind is the increase in overall population of the United Pilates training. Although Pilates States, which is currently around is a great way to keep your body 342,939,663, it really starts to active, I can’t count how many times I’ve heard or seen videos put things into perspective. influencers encourage The percentage of women where is even smaller, considering women to train with high reps the number encompasses all and low intensity to achieve the Americans starting at the age of “toned body.” I guarantee the toned bodies 6 years old. This inevitably leaves us vulnerable to the health risks we see are from strength training that come with the decrease in to failure and with progressive overload. There is nothing wrong muscle mass. National Public Radio explores with the increase in Pilates, but how muscle loss affects us while when we start to spread misinalso contributing beneficial meals formation and disinformation that are balanced and prioritize that can negatively impact other protein. “Muscle mass peaks in women, we create a cycle that our 30s and then starts a long, keeps us from obtaining a healthy slow decline,” states National body and mind. The article by Marisol Quintero, Public Radio. “Muscle loss, also called sarco- a writer for “Purely Pilates” and penia, affects more than 45% a Pilates trainer, explores how of older Americans, especially effective Pilates is for muscle building. According to Quintero, women.”
you can build muscle with Pilates, but it depends on where you are in your fitness journey and where you want to end up. Quintero compares Pilates and strength training by discussing both sides of the argument. “Pilates builds real, measurable strength, and it builds some muscle in people who have room to gain it. The trials support that,” Quintero said. “What it does not do is compete with a barbell for maximum size or maximum strength, because it cannot progress load finely enough or cover every major muscle group at sufficient volume.” Although they both can be effective towards your health, it’s important to recognize your own goals. Progressive overload is the only way you can truly gain an immense amount of muscle while avoiding health concerns. On the other side of the spectrum, because, of course, whatever a woman does with her body is on a platform to criticize, people often perceive it as masculine when women lift heavy weights, or they are scrutinized and labeled “too bulky.” I am currently bulking, and for those who are unfamiliar with the concept, it is defined by Medical News Today as the bodybuilding routine of “creating a calorie surplus to support muscle growth.” The first step I took in my bulking journey, while prioritizing muscle growth, is a mental and physical check. A changing body can sometimes be startling, and I know many of us have had moments where we aren’t quite satisfied with how our bodies look. So I have been taking my bulk journey at a slow pace, and every so often I check in with myself, along with my support system, on how I feel about my body changing. I began this journey thinking that I would have a hard time processing all the fat my body would eventually have, but every day at the gym I am able to see muscle and strength growth. I am not saying you have to train to the extent that powerlifters do, but start somewhere.
It’s important to prioritize our health as we age, but for women, the idea of slowly aging is more emphasized than strength. In the long run, strength is what will matter as you age. The gym can bring ease to your mind and health. In the research paper “Sarcopenia definition, diagnosis and treatment: consensus is growing,” the authors Sayer and Cruz explore how to define Sarcopenia along with its longterm conditions and ways to improve decreasing muscle function. “Interventions known to improve outcomes in sarcopenic patients like the one described are resistance exercise and optimising nutritional intake,” Sayer and Cruz said. Strength training offers a quality of life that not only aids your body physically by preventing chronic disorders. It also makes you more confident and content with the progress you make each gym session. It does not matter at what age and era in your life you are in — it’s never too late to gain the mental, emotional and physical benefits of strength training. The gym is an art form that requires skills anyone can learn and adapt to. Whether you’re starting at 5 pounds or 40 pounds, everyone should feel welcome at the gym. If you don’t know where to start, I promise there are a variety of people willing to give advice at the gym, and who knows, you can even find the perfect gym partner. The beauty in working out is that no matter how many times you try, you can always build from where you are. So give it a chance, and in a few years you can look back stronger and healthier. Marin McGuire is a freshman at UT studying biochemistry. She can be reached at mmcgui34@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.
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Defense over Alabama cont. from Page 1 Another Penn State import, Amare Campbell, senses a defensive difference that has led to more success in the duo’s new home. “I would say the biggest thing is just everyone buying in,” Campbell said. “You know, everyone trusting coach Knowles. Everything’s the buy-in. That extra film, to understand a concept, to understand that play, to understand the scheme. We’re all on this train. We’re all together as a unit.” Tennessee’s cohesive efforts shone through with pre-snap movement that confused touted Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell, a signature of Knowles’ system that has paid dividends so far in 2026. The Vols held one of the mid-season Heisman candidates to just 147 passing yards. They brought the firstyear starter down five times and forced him to commit three turnovers. Perhaps the defense’s best reps came on a pair of fourthdown stops that stuck a dagger in Crimson Tide possessions, each occurring in shortyardage situations. Tennessee dictated the game’s physicality. Heupel, who relied on an elite defense the last time his team downed Alabama, didn’t expect such a strong showing. “I don’t think you ever just think that is what it’s going to be,” Heupel said. “That happens because you prepare the right way, you practice the right way, you got a great game plan, and then guys go execute and physically play in a way that you can do that, sustain it for 60 minutes.”
Alabama players tackle a Vol near the end zone on Saturday Oct. 17. Jayden Randolph / The Daily Beacon After making his way down from his perch in the press box to a sea of fans, Knowles had his moment. He took in the scene of one of fall’s most famous Saturdays, toting one of college football’s sweetestsmelling trophies. It was a cigar well earned. “Every single week he challenges us,” Campbell said. “Just the narrative that everybody has. People think they can come into our house and come and get our defense, and do whatever they want to do. That’s something that’s not going to happen.”
Coach Knowles challenges us every single week, and he’s going to on Monday also. To see him first time, in Neyland Stadium, smoking a cigar, I’ll remember that forever.” JEREMIAH TELANDER Linebacker
Bishop’s big season continues in win over Alabama THEO COLLI Senior Staff Writer
DeSean Bishop (18) celebrates a first down during Tennessee football’s 26-10 win over Alabama at Neyland Stadium on Saturday. Jayden Randolph / The Daily Beacon
You look back at the start of my journey, it was literally watching this game at home, kicked up with my legs in the air. And now I’m making the plays that make the difference for my team. It’s truly a blessing.” DESEAN BISHOP Running back
It’s been DeSean Bishop’s world this season, and everyone else on the football field has just been living in it. His reign continued Saturday evening against Alabama, as the Vols defeated the Crimson Tide 26–10. The victory marked Tennessee’s third straight home win over Alabama, dating back to 2022. The story of the game cannot be told without Bishop, who grew up watching this rivalry unfold. His roots stem from Karns High School, less than 14 miles from the University of Tennessee’s campus. “You look back at the start of my journey, it was literally watching this game at home, kicked up with my legs in the air,” Bishop said. “And now I’m making the plays that make the difference for my team. It’s truly a blessing.” Bishop has had to fight for every opportunity as a former walk-on, but his story has grown beyond that. This season, he has established himself as one of the top running backs in the nation. Saturday’s performance against Alabama only strengthened that case, as he rushed for 159 yards on 32 carries. Tennessee’s offense started slowly, failing to find the end zone in the first half. Despite the struggles, Bishop remained a central part of the attack, recording 64 yards on 12 carries. However, head coach Josh Heupel needed even more from his running back in the second half if the Vols wanted to maintain their lead and secure the win. “Bishop was elite,” Heupel said. “At halftime, we just said, ‘It’s going to be a big second half,’ to him, and he had a big smile on his face, gleam in his eye, and he certainly did that from there.” It was a big half indeed, and Bishop answered the call. After Tennessee’s defense forced a stop to open the second half, Bishop went right to work. He touched the ball six
times during a nine-play drive, rushing for 35 yards, including a 20-yard gain. Bishop capped the drive with a touchdown, Tennessee’s first of two on the evening. On the 5-yard scoring run, he showcased his strength by powering forward to cross the goal line. The junior running back finished with two runs of 20 yards or more. His other came in the second quarter, helping put the Vols in position for a field goal. Bishop’s second touchdown came on perhaps the most critical drive of the game, with the running back once again at the center of the action. “He’s a special back. Smart, tough, physical, finishes runs,” Heupel said. “Runs through trash, a dirty 3-yard gain, he’s pushing for five. It changes the game. Situational football. He’s got great vision. When he bounces it, it’s typically the right time to bounce it.” The drive began with 12:49 remaining in the game and ended at the 3:17 mark, lasting nine minutes and 32 seconds. Tennessee’s 15-play possession was the longest drive of the game by a wide margin. Bishop carried the ball eight times for 36 yards during the drive, but the most telling stretch came at the end. Each of Tennessee’s final six plays was a handoff to Bishop as the Vols leaned on their running back to help put the game away. “You gotta control the game,” Bishop said. “It’s limited possessions in this game. I believe the statistics show you may get eight possessions, maybe less, so that really took the air out of the game.” The drive ended with another 5-yard touchdown run from Bishop, sealing the possession and adding to his standout night. Bishop’s season totals now stand at 837 rushing yards through seven games, an average of 119.6 yards per game. He has rushed for at least 130 yards in each of his last three games and surpassed 100 yards four times this season.
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Basketball struggles in Xavier exhibition THEO COLLI Senior Staff Writer
Team chemistry was clearly not where it needed to be, and things only got worse as the game progressed. The Vols lost their exhibition matchup against Xavier, 86–70, following a rough second half. Entering halftime, the Vols found themselves in the driver’s seat, leading 35–27 despite not shooting the ball as efficiently as they could. This is a brand-new team, featuring just two players on the roster who were on scholarship last season: DeWayne Brown II and Troy Henderson. “The fact is, nights when you don’t shoot the ball, if you’re a good basketball team, you’re going to find a way to win the game defensively,” Tennessee basketball head coach Rick Barnes said. “And once we hit a little bit of adversity where they scored on us, all because of bad offense, it really got even worse because of really, really poor defense.” Defensively, the Vols put together a solid first half, limiting Xavier to a 32% field goal percentage while shooting an egregious 15% from threepoint range. However, the Vols became too comfortable, and Xavier took advantage in the second half, shooting 70% from the field and 54% from threepoint range. The game’s top three scorers were all transfers who joined Tennessee this offseason. Terrence Hill Jr. finished with a game-high 22 points, Juke Harris added 15, and Jalen Haralson contributed 10. However, their efforts were not enough to keep the Vols in contention. Xavier appeared more prepared than Tennessee on Thursday, and for good reason. The Musketeers defeated Dayton in another exhibition game a week earlier. “I don’t think Tennessee had played a scrimmage yet,” Xavier basketball head coach Richard Pitino said. “We clearly looked a little ahead because we had maybe played one, where they’ll look really good.”
It was evident that Tennessee lacked the same level of preparation. Still, the Vols held all the cards in the first half before watching their advantage disappear possession by possession in the second half. Though it is a brand-new team, that cannot become an excuse. “These guys are coming into a new system and trying to figure out some things, but we’ve talked about it long enough,” Barnes said. “That’s the disappointing thing. All the things that happened tonight that we’ve talked about, what goes into winning — playing defense, rebounding the basketball, taking care of the ball — those three things, we just didn’t guard at all. Just too many easy baskets.” On the boards, Tennessee was outrebounded by 14, with Brown and Haralson the only players to record more than five rebounds. Overall, the performance fell short of what was expected from the team. “I don’t care if these guys have ever played
together or what, just too many breakdowns, too many breakdowns offensively, not listening, coming out of timeouts,” Barnes said. “There’s a lot of it, which you expect some of it with your first timeout because of just maybe jittery early. But as it went on, we just made so many careless mistakes.”
There’s a lot of it, which you expect some of it with your first timeout because of just maybe jittery early. But as it went on, we just made so many careless mistakes.” RICK BARNES Basketball head coach
Terrence Hill Jr. handles the ball during the Vols’ exhibition matchup against Xavier at Food City Center on Friday, Oct. 15. Jaden Vitt / The Daily Beacon
Baseball dominates Lipscomb THEO COLLI Senior Staff Writer There was no shortage of offense as Josh Elander and the Vols continued their fall ball schedule Friday evening against Lipscomb at Covenant Health Park. Tennessee got off to a hot start and never looked back, defeating Lipscomb 21–8 in a 10-inning exhibition. Here are some takeaways from the Vols’ second fall ball matchup of the preseason. Parker Detmers has an up-and-down start Friday night’s exhibition starter was Louisville transfer Parker Detmers, the brother of Major League Baseball pitcher Reid Detmers. Detmers’ outing was brief, but he showed promise over two innings of work. He faced early struggles after allowing his first two hitters to reach safely and giving up a run, but he struck out the next three Lipscomb batters. In his second inning, Detmers opened with a groundout before Lipscomb recorded two singles in the next three at-bats to score its second run. Detmers finished with two innings pitched, two earned runs allowed, two hits and five strikeouts. Although he
allowed three baserunners in two innings, his ability to generate swings and misses was encouraging. “I thought it was solid,” Tennessee baseball head coach Josh Elander said. “I think it was similar to those previous ones, where if he does a little bit better job of controlling the running game behind him, then they’re not going to score any runs.” Bats start early and don’t look back
The Tennessee offense was firing on all cylinders from the start, scoring at least two runs in each of the first four innings. By the end of the fifth, the Vols had already scored 15 runs. Amid the offensive outburst, Trent Grindlinger continued building on his impressive 2025 freshman season, going threefor-four through the first five innings and driving in four runs. Although Grindlinger returned from last season, many of Tennessee’s other contributors were new additions. “I think we’re more talented than we were last year,” Elander said. “I think that’s on paper, but I think the biggest difference, just the day-to-day coming to the building, has been awesome. I mean, these guys are creating an environ-
ment where they’re getting better every day, and we’re having fun while we do it.” Sean Dunlap and Travis Sanders also joined the offensive barrage, each hitting a three-run home run. Dunlap went deep in the bottom of the third inning, and Sanders followed with a homer in the fourth. By the end of the game, the Vols had surpassed 20 hits. Chris Ramirez drove in two runs, while Andrew Duncan added to the offensive production with a grand slam in the eighth inning. Duncan, a transfer from Wright State, also drew two walks while playing center field. “Yeah, he was scorching hot,” Elander said. “I mean, I don’t really look at averages or anything, but just a guy that looks comfortable, like the maturity that he brings to the program, the consistency every day, and the strength.” Bullpen works through earlyseason challenges After Detmers was relieved in the top of the third inning, the Vols turned to freshman Cole Koeninger, who took over against the Lipscomb lineup. Koeninger experienced some ups and downs during his 2.1 innings of work. He allowed no hits but walked four batters. He was charged with two earned
I mean, these guys are creating an environment where they’re getting better every day, and we’re having fun while we do it.” JOSHN ELANDER Baseball head coach
Freshman catcher Sean Dunlap celebrates a home run against Lipscomb at Covenant Health Park on Oct. 16. Courtney Faber/ The Daily Beacon
runs, both of which scored after he was relieved in the top of the fifth inning. Koeninger also recorded four strikeouts. “Well, he’s just a guy that’s a competitor,” Elander said. “(He) was a pitcher in a high school state championship game last year in Dell Diamond, where I grew up in Round Rock, and again he’s pitched in big moments, in big games. So it’s never going to be a moment of him being too sped up or whatever it may be.” Chandler Day entered in relief of Koeninger and surrendered
a two-out, two-run home run to Lipscomb’s Danny Ramirez. Day also worked through some challenges, allowing two additional earned runs. However, he continued to generate strikeouts, finishing his outing with five. Mercer transfer Braydon Kersey followed Day, pitching one inning and allowing two earned runs while walking one batter. All three of his outs came from a strikeout. Michael Teasley and Brady Frederick finished the game without allowing any runs.
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Alex Sarkis, Assistant Sports Editor (36-12) Tennessee 20 vs. South Carolina 17 Houston vs. Utah
Indiana vs. Michigan
Ole Miss vs. Texas
USC vs. Wisconsin
Trevor McGee, Sports Editor (36-12) Tennessee 20 vs. South Carolina 10 Houston vs. Utah
Indiana vs. Michigan
Ole Miss vs. Texas
USC vs. Wisconsin
Trip Scoutten, Digital Editor (34-14) Tennessee 27 vs. South Carolina 13 Houston vs. Utah
Indiana vs. Michigan
Ole Miss vs. Texas
USC vs. Wisconsin
Theo Colli, Senior Staff Writer (35-13) Tennessee 23 vs. South Carolina 13 Houston vs. Utah
Indiana vs. Michigan
Ole Miss vs. Texas
USC vs. Wisconsin
Natalie Dripchak, Opinion Editor (30-18) Tennessee 27 vs. South Carolina 13 Houston vs. Utah
Indiana vs. Michigan
Ole Miss vs. Texas
USC vs. Wisconsin
Patrick Busch, Editor-in-Chief (28-20) Tennessee 31 vs. South Carolina 10
Cartoon by Ben Garrison
Houston vs. Utah
Indiana vs. Michigan
Ole Miss vs. Texas
USC vs. Wisconsin
This chart is compiled weekly by Tessa Nacke, assistant news editor, in accordance with the 60-Day Crime Log available at https://clery.utk.edu/crime-log/.
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