The Daily Beacon
New 2-story Taco Bell opening Oct. 27 will not be a Cantina page 3
Columnist Claire Thatcher says reality TV is “ultimately hollow” entertainment Page 12
Elite receiving corps continues to power top-ranked Tennessee football offense page 15
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‘Backgrounds and identities’ bylaw language remains unchanged after senate meeting
OLIVIA LEE Staff Writer
Senators did not revisit last session’s controversial amendments during Tuesday’s meeting of the Student Government Association’s Undergraduate Senate. As it stands, the phrase “students of all backgrounds and identities” remains within the senate’s bylaws.
Previously proposed under amendments 52 and 56, the changes were presented last session following Gov. Bill Lee’s signing of House Bill 923, the “Dismantling DEI Departments Act,” in May. The bill prohibits certain public entities from “maintaining or authorizing an office or department that promotes or requires discriminatory preferences in an effort to increase diversity, equity, or inclusion.”
The senate’s Access and Engagement Committee, which is outlined in article 5, section 8 of the bylaws, contains verbiage that some senators worry will jeopardize the working relationship between SGA and university administration. The amendments were written by Speaker of the Senate Campbell Butler and presented by Sen. Niya Angelova during the last senate meeting. Protesters gathered at the meeting to oppose the amendments.
The senate passed amendment 52 during the senate meeting on Sept. 30. Senators successfully replaced the word “equity” in article 5, section 8, paragraph B of the bylaws with “accessibility.”
The other change, under amendment 56, which was tabled at the last meeting, would have removed the phrase “of all backgrounds and identities” from article 5, section 8, paragraph C.
Sen. William Bricker, sophomore economics major and president of UTK College Democrats, commented on the bylaws’ language prior to Tuesday’s meeting.
“Nothing has changed in between last senate session and now,” Bricker said. “We are still determined to preserve a UT that serves students of all backgrounds and identities, regardless of those who want to push us away from that noble ideal.”
Students spoke during the meeting’s open town hall, urging senators to keep the current language in the bylaws.
“Although I chose not to seek reelection because I felt I couldn’t devote the time my constituency deserved, I stepped away trusting that the senate continue acting in the best interest of all students,” former Sen. Madeline Bell, who served on the Access and Engagement Committee last year, said. “I now find myself questioning
that assumption.”
Bell stressed the importance of prioritizing UT students and principles over government pressure.
“Compliance with external pressures should not come at the expense of our university’s core values,” Bell said.
Freshman public affairs major Jack Dempsey, who attended the last senate meeting to protest the amendments, returned Tuesday to ask again that the senate make decisions based on the interests of the university, not Nashville or Washington.
“All that should ever matter in a decision is conscience,” Dempsey said. “That is all that should ever matter in the spirit of morality.”
No senator chose to bring amendment 56 back to the docket during the second reading period, killing the amendment indefinitely unless it is rewritten and presented in first reading again.
“Because it’s tabled, I assumed it would come up at (Tuesday’s) session,” Sen. Caroline Greenholtz, who leads the Access and Engagement Committee, said.
Kerry Gardner, UT director of media and internal relations, commented Oct. 2 on behalf of the university after last meeting’s protests.
“The Student Government Association (SGA) is a registered student organization (RSO) at the University of Tennessee,” Gardner said. “RSOs operate independently of the university, and some receive guidance and support from university departments. During a recent review of its bylaws, the SGA executive board sought counsel regarding potential amendments. As with all independent RSOs, decisions regarding governance and policy changes rest solely with SGA.”
Former Sen. Madeline Bell spoke during the open town hall section of SGA’s senate meeting. Jayden Randolph / The Daily Beacon
Stalking charges dropped against former UTPD officer
OLIVIA LEE Staff Writer
Court charges were dropped against former UTPD and KPD officer Anthony Rizo, who was arrested for stalking in December, according to court documents filed on Aug. 25 and obtained by WATE.
with his estranged wife.
Rizo was taken into custody by Knox County sheriffs and awaited extradition to Georgia in Knox County Jail. He was also fired by UTPD, for which he was working at the time, following the accusations.
Rizo was accused of stalking and observation without consent last December in Georgia. Records say Rizo drove from Knoxville to Georgia to stalk a man he thought was in a relationship
Stalking and observation without consent charges against Rizo, 34, in Paulding County, Georgia, were dismissed Nolle Prosequi, or without prosecution, on account of there being insufficient evidence for the case. An additional fugitive from justice charge from Knox County was dismissed in June.
“We have high expectations for the behavior of our officers both on and off duty,” UTPD Chief Sean Patterson said in a statement on Dec. 5. “His alleged behavior does not reflect the values
of our agency, and he is no longer employed by our agency.”
The Aug. 25 court documents said that the court would seal criminal record information regarding the case and that information about the case would not be revealed without court approval unless it was for law enforcement purposes.
UTPD provided the statement from December by Patterson, and KPD declined to provide comment on the dropped charges.
2-story Taco Bell to open on Cumberland; no alcohol served
excitement confirms the opportunity for more sales and engagement.
The new Taco Bell coming to Cumberland Avenue on Oct. 27 will not be a Cantina, as confirmed by Jacqueline Dorris, marketing correspondent and community manager for Tacala Companies, the largest Taco Bell franchisee.
This new addition to Knoxville will feature both a covered patio and two dining rooms, one with an overhead view of Cumberland Avenue, along with mobile kiosks both inside and out. It will include the new Cantina Chicken menu.
Dorris said the new Taco Bell was designed with students and local businesses in mind.
“Before this new two-story building was constructed, an older Taco Bell operated in the same location,” Dorris said. “With high foot traffic and increasing delivery and mobile pickup orders, we knew we needed new ways to serve students and customers.”
Because of this increased need for a more efficient system, the company made the decision to demolish the old store and rebuild, bringing about several challenges, such as limited access to the construction site.
“With its unique location — designed to serve students and local business foot traffic — parking is limited, side streets are tight, and logistics for construction vehicles, large truck deliveries, and heavy foot traffic are challenging. Thankfully, our development team and vendors adapted quickly, finding creative solutions to keep construction moving despite limited access to the site,” Dorris said.
Potential complications seem to be worth the benefits of the new store, which will be Tacala’s first two-story location, especially as student housing in the area continues to increase. More student living facilities allow for more possible customers, and current student
Conversations about the new Taco Bell have arisen around campus as construction nears completion. Students, especially freshmen who have never experienced the previous Taco Bell, seem to be eager for the opening.
“I am so excited for this new Taco Bell,” Madeline Beehn, a freshman studying psychology, said. “It’s so nice to have one right on Cumberland, right on the strip, basically right behind my dorm.”
The old Taco Bell featured a drivethrough window, something that the renovated restaurant will no longer offer. Instead, Dorris said it has been “designed to focus on dine-in and mobile pickup and delivery.”
Despite any changes with construction, Taco Bell is focusing on bringing in more innovations to this location, “creating a unique design to better accommodate our Taco Bell fans,” according to Dorris.
The patio, seating 16, as well as the two dining rooms make space for more patrons at a time. Mobile kiosks, another special feature, are being added to the restaurant for customer convenience when ordering.
With the grand opening less than two weeks away, students can eagerly anticipate this new restaurant.
This isn’t just Taco Bell, it’s your new go-to campus food location where you can have a fun and edgy atmosphere. The best part — the lighting on the building at night. Just wait until you see it.”
-JACQUELINE DORRIS Community manager for Tacala Companies
MARGARET WHITE Contributor
Construction continues at Taco Bell on Cumberland Avenue, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon
Federal shutdown impacts UT students, rangers, wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains
REAGAN MURPHY Contributor
For many students at UT, trips to one of the closest national parks could be negatively impacted this fall. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is experiencing increases in trash, vandalism and wildlife appearances as a result of limited park ranger involvement due to the government shutdown.
On Oct. 1, 2025, the federal government shut down after Congress failed to pass funding appropriations in ample time. Effective immediately, the National Park Service, among countless other agencies and departments, saw a severe hit to funding allocated for employed workers.
For national park lovers, this also meant limited access to their favorite camping destinations, while park rangers are not being paid to maintain and supervise the roadways and historic sites they normally do.
As a result, tourists may see an increase in trash on the side of the road, a lack of maintenance on the plumbing systems and even a greater presence of wildlife in human-inhabited areas.
Sally Rebecca Hoyt, president of the Canoe and Hiking Club, touched on how her organization has already felt the impacts in light of their fall break plans for members.
“For our fall break trip this weekend, we had to go and make sure nothing was closed and we could actually get places where we were supposed to get to,” Hoyt said.
In consideration of the park’s vehicle access, the majority of roads have stayed open, but dozens of trailheads have not had the opportunity to be cleared of both natural debris and trash left by people.
The National Park Service was founded on the Leave No Trace Seven Principles, which emphasize picking up after oneself in the parks and packing out any trash you may have, instead of leaving it in the woods for wildlife to find.
Unfortunately, these principles are still not abided by all, and park rangers have taken over the responsibility of making sure trash gets picked up before wildlife can access it. With the shutdown, employees are not being paid to stay and look after park conditions, which means any trail or trash maintenance has
to be done through unpaid volunteer work.
“One of the worst parts about it is the fact that there is no one to take care of the bathrooms or take out the trash. So people aren’t going to have a place to put their trash, which means it’s going to go on the ground,” Hoyt said.
Sarah Brobst, the visitor services director at Ijams Nature Center, explained the long-lasting impacts an overflow of trash and sanitation can have on these natural reservoirs.
“You don’t think one little wrapper will make that much of a difference, or oh, you dropped your water bottle on the side and don’t go back for it, but the Smokies see millions of visitors each year. So if every person leaves one little thing that adds up quickly,” Brobst said.
But while the increase of trash and vandalism has a negative impact on tourism and the visitor’s experience, the wildlife of the park would disagree with these negative claims. Access to a stable food source — like human trash — is more prominent, and wildlife could find increased comfort in these once maintained areas.
“Cades Cove is also really popular with bears, and in order to have people enjoying that space, there need to be rangers there to make sure people aren’t messing with bears or trying to approach them,” Hoyt said.
The increased appearance of wildlife may be entertaining for visiting tourists, but it has greater implications for the park as a whole. In the past, bears and other larger wildlife have had to be euthanized due to their comfort level around people, as it starts to become a safety issue for those trying to enjoy their lunch on a hike.
Michael “Mike” McKinney, director of environmental studies at UT, stresses the impact the shutdown has had on animals.
“The bear population is exponentially increasing right now, and the fact that there are fewer rangers at a time where we have more bears is definitely going to be a danger for human-bear interactions,” McKinney said.
An increase in foot traffic can typically be seen from September to November, as the south enters its “leaf peeping” season, or when the fall foliage starts to turn from lush green vegetation to the oranges and reds we associate with the crisp autumn. As a result, it creates beautiful sights that many travel from all over the world to see.
“Leaf peeping is a really, really busy time for the Smokies, so if there aren’t bathrooms and trash being taken out, it’s going to take a huge toll on everything that’s going on,” Hoyt said.
This not only causes damage to the developing and thriving ecosystems, but also hurts the parks aesthetically as well.
Visitors have also taken advantage of the opportunity that the lack of supervision has opened to vandalize historic sites such as the cabins in Cades Cove, and to damage natural attractions such as rock formations.
“The increase of vandalism sometimes has really lasting implications when people go above and beyond scratching their name into a tree,” Brobst said. “It’s not something that gets budgeted into having to fix that much damage, so you know those bigger projects where normally it would just be day-to-day maintenance now have to go to fixing problem areas that have been vandalized.”
The park service in previous years
has had to reassess allocation funds to make up for the vandalism they are now having to undo. This results in a hit to funding for other park functions that make daily life and enjoyment possible.
You don’t think one little wrapper will make that much of a difference, or oh, you dropped your water bottle on the side and don’t go back for it, but the Smokies see millions of visitors each year. So if every person leaves one little thing that adds up quickly.”
-SARAH BROBST Visitor services director at Ijams Nature Center
With the furlough of 9,000 out of the 14,500 agency’s employees, the impact is severe for not only the community, but for the families of the staff as well.
“I was at a meeting recently, and many of the rangers from the federal government couldn’t come because they were on furlough. There’s gonna be a pause of research for a while,” McKinney said.
Many of these rangers cannot bear to see the parks damaged, and instead dedicate their free time, without compensation, toward maintaining trails, clearing out trash and continuing their studies with the limited funds available.
“The basic idea is that they will get reimbursed when they come back to work. Today, we just heard that they may not be reimbursed,” McKinney said. “Everybody knows that the parks are underfunded. … They rely heavily on volunteer work, and this is going to make that need greater.”
At a time when there’s an emphasis on detoxing from screens and getting outdoors, McKinney argues that we need to remember what the national parks were founded in the first place.
“The U.S. invented the national park system. … The fact that we’re degrading it and systematically gutting it is a very tragic part of our cultural heritage, (something) that we need to build up and not tear down,” McKinney said.
Graphic by Lindsay Favre
UT professors: Federal shutdown layoffs could reshape presidential power
BIMO SAPKOTA Contributor
The United States federal government shut down on Oct. 1. With a contentious partisan divide and potential threats to federal worker retention, this shutdown is different from others in the past.
Since Friday, Oct. 10, reductions in force have begun, according to White House Office of Management Director Russ Vought, marking a significant escalation in how the Trump administration is handling the lapse in funding.
Professors Joshua Dunn and John Stavick from the Baker School of Public Policy and Affairs say that this action has the potential to shape how future shutdowns are managed and potentially redefine how far the president’s constitutional powers extend.
Dunn said the administration is expected to rely on an argument grounded in Article II of the Constitution, claiming that the president’s executive powers override statutory protections for federal employees.
“The president can lay off employees due to reorganization or a lack of work or funds, but that has not been applied to a temporary loss of funds due to a shutdown before,” Dunn said. “The Trump administration will certainly argue that statutory restrictions on the president’s ability to fire federal employees are
superseded by his Article II powers.”
Both presidential power and the rights of unionized employees are called into question, as unionized employees are protected by collective bargaining agreements.
“Unionized employees cannot be laid off as simply as ‘at will’ employees, because the collective bargaining agreement typically specifies what rules the federal government must follow to terminate
a unionized employee. Earlier this year, DOGE was pursuing terminations of probationary employees that are more easily terminated at will,” Stavick said.
In fact, the American Federation of Government Employees has already filed a lawsuit against these potential force reductions.
While there is no precedent allowing the president this power thus far, there is potential for this case to change that, as
these lawsuits and potential violations of the collective bargaining agreement make it to the courts.
“I think the current understanding of the law would work against the Trump administration, but the Supreme Court has signaled a willingness to reconsider executive power, particularly under Article II, and I can’t see how the issue wouldn’t make it to the Supreme Court.
“If the Court says presidents can engage in these firings during shutdowns, then we could easily imagine Republican presidents welcoming shutdowns as an opportunity to reduce the size and scope of the administrative state and that could give them leverage in negotiations with Democrats in Congress,” Dunn said.
If these layoffs are implemented and successful in the courts, shutdowns could become a new form of political hardball, shifting from a temporary funding tactic to a tool for reshaping the federal workforce and passing legislation.
Students planning to enter the federal workforce will likely continue to do so, despite this potential threat to the federal workers’ unions.
“I think that students who are interested in pursuing public service will continue to do so despite the shutdown. Federal shutdowns are infrequent and usually short-lived. I think there remains a great deal of opportunity for careers in public service,” Stavick said.
Professor Joshua Dunn of the Baker School of Public Policy and Affairs.
Courtesy of Emily Loden, Baker School Creative Manager
The Great Smoky Mountains, where students might experience increases in trash, vandalism and wildlife appearances as a result of limited park ranger involvement due to the government shutdown. Photos courtesy of Lumos Media Services.
UT students volunteer with Keep Knoxville Beautiful through ‘really fantastic’ partnership
SHELBY WILSON Staff Writer
Keep Knoxville Beautiful is a nonprofit service organization in Knox County. The group was founded in 1978 as a solution to clean up the city before the 1982 World’s Fair.
From there, KKB has grown immensely, and through the formation of their Youth Advisory Board and their connections to UT’s campus, they have become a big organization for students to volunteer for.
Reagan Durkee, a senior majoring in neuroscience, works closely with KKB as her sorority’s service chair.
“KKB is a wonderful way for everyone, from college students to long-time residents, to come together and help make Knoxville a cleaner, more welcoming place,” Durkee said.
“Thanks to KKB, our community looks brighter, and we all feel a deeper sense of pride and appreciation for where we live.”
KKB directly works with ServeUTK, which is UT’s website for tracking community engagement and providing students with information about upcoming events.
“Our mission is to inspire and empower Knox County communities to improve their quality of life through beautification and environmental stewardship,” Amanda Seale, KKB’s director of programs and the administrator for KKB on ServeUTK, said.
Through ServeUTK’s page for KKB, they have tracked over 5,000 volunteers, as well as over 30,000 hours of service.They typically host their cleanup events on weekends, giving students ample opportunities to attend.
“We have a really fantastic partnership with UT. We get a lot of our volunteers from the university, which is incredible,” Seale said. “They’re always very enthusiastic and
very hard-working.”
On occasion, KKB partners with student clubs and organizations on campus for events. Some of their most recent events have included service mixers with different sororities and fraternities on campus, as well as a partnership event with the Student Government Association.
“I started volunteering with Keep Knoxville Beautiful through my sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha,” Durkee said. “It’s great to see KKB consistently partnering with campus organizations.”
KKB has been making an impact on Knoxville’s beautification. Just this past year, they reported picking up over 110,000 pounds of litter in the area. This is not only a huge difference for UT’s campus, but for the surrounding community as well.
“Donations to our organization help make these events happen and we wouldn’t be able to support a local school or create a beautiful landscape
or host a large-scale litter cleanup (without donations),” Seale said. “We had a cleanup this past weekend with over 400 volunteers that picked up over 5,700 pounds of trash.”
On top of picking up trash on the streets, the organization also offers recycling resources and turns graffiti into murals. Students can get involved in many ways to help make Knoxville a much cleaner and better place.
The sustainability efforts of KKB are an important part of keeping the county clean and helping give back to the environment. The more volunteers, the more work KKB can do.
“I find it really inspiring to see people who are taking time out of their day to go make a difference in the community and clean up our environment, creating these beautiful spaces, creating community amongst themselves, working alongside one another towards a common cause.” Seale said.
4 sustainability-focused student organizations at UT
SHELBY WILSON Staff Writer
On a campus where Vol spirit and sports are big passions, students have been working hard to serve another passion — sustainability.
There are numerous organizations that students can be a part of, all working towards learning and spreading awareness, but doing so in different ways. They all are doing their part to highlight culture and engage with the community to help the environment around them, reshaping the campus
Students Promoting Environmental Action in Knoxville
Students Promoting Environmental Action in Knoxville, better known as SPEAK, works to raise awareness of environmental issues.
SPEAK strives to help students get involved in environmental action and wants to grow in its impact.
SPEAK has weekly garden days and public events. In the past, SPEAK has hosted a compost coalition and sustainable confetti initiative.
Madelyn Osburn is a junior studying evolutionary and ecology biology and a SPEAK member.
“We work in our garden, keeping the weeds down, putting compost down and cleaning up the garden in other ways,” Osburn said. “We also try to have a cleanup once a month, where we either clean up our section of Third Creek or organize a cleanup in some other part of Knoxville.”
Environmental Law
The Environmental Law Organization works to build future leaders of the community by allowing members to learn more about policy issues and broader environmental law.
Hunter Carr is a graduate student
studying law and the president of ELO.
“Much of ELO’s programming focuses on bringing speakers to campus who can provide information about current environmental law topics as well as potential job opportunities for law students to work in the environmental field,” Carr said. “Outside of that, we promote fellowship among our members by hosting social events such as hikes and trash pickups.”
One of their biggest events is the Appalachian Public Interest Environmental Law Conference.
The Appalachian Studies Club
The Appalachian Studies Club is dedicated to building a community of students looking to engage with Appalachia.
The club engages with Appalachian history and culture through various lectures. The club also focuses on community service and various field trips and events, giving its members the opportunity to learn more about this area and its rich history.
Emma Patterson, a senior majoring
in history, is the president of the really cool project we started year is selling stickers for Hurricane Helene relief,” Patterson said.
“After selling them all, we ended up raising around $500 and donated the proceeds to the East Tennessee Foundation and AIDNET of Greene
The Pulsera Project
The Pulsera Project is a nationwide nonprofit organization that works closely with artists of Central America to bring culture and education to schools across the country.
One of the main impacts of the Pulsera Project is the sale of hand-woven pulseras from these Central American artists to schools. The word “pulsera” is Spanish for bracelet. With each sale, artisans in Central America are offered continued employment.
4 series students are watching this fall
SHELBY WILSON Staff Writer
“Gilmore Girls”
“Gilmore Girls” has become the staple television show of fall, with even this year’s Emmy Awards show reuniting the onscreen mother-daughter duo and bantering about the show being a fall staple. The show itself is an early 2000s dramedy, centered around Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter, Rory.
Camille Mitchem, a freshman majoring in neuroscience, watches the show when the fall season hits.
“It’s very comforting and I watched it as a kid, so when I want to just snuggle up and sit on the couch and watch a show, that’s typically what I put on,” Mitchem said.
The characters go through many phases of their lives, as well as many love interests, and while every season is present, the show has a big fall persona due to the outfits, the small town, the diner on the corner and school beginning.
“The main characters are always off at college or doing school which is very ‘fall’ to me, so I guess it kind of gives off those vibes,” Mitchem said.
“It’s super fast paced so it reels you in right away, and it’s really easy to get through,” Mitchem said. “You’re gonna fall in love with the characters, so it’s a very bingeable show.”
“Twilight”
“The Twilight Saga” has become somewhat of a classic movie series for the younger generations and is highly rated. The movies are inspired by the book series written by Stephenie Meyer. The series falls into the same category as shows like “The Vampire Diaries,” “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” or “My Life With the Walter Boys,” because viewers typically pick whether they are team Edward or team Jacob.
Daphne Seay, a sophomore marketing major, watches these movies every fall for many reasons.
“It’s just so bad that it’s good,” Seay said. “It’s a cult classic and the vibes and atmosphere are so nice … You can watch it any time of the year, but during the fall is just the best because it’s like the most cliche fall movie there is.”
The movies have a supernatural element to them, which is the main reason why they are viewed as fall or Halloween movies. There are vampires and werewolves, but the main character is human. The movies follow her storyline as she tackles romance and hard decisions.
“‘Twilight’ kind of reminds me of almost ‘Tim Burton-y’ stuff, but not in an artsy way, it’s just kind of like that weird, dark atmosphere,” Seay said.
“The Vampire Diaries”
Mentioned briefly above, “The Vampire Diaries” has a similar vibe to the “Twilight” movies. “The Vampire Diaries” is a show following a high school girl named Elena Gilbert in her small town of Mystic Falls. She and her friends soon meet a pair of vampire brothers, Stefan and Damon Salvatore, as they uncover the mysteries lying within the town and the romance forming between Elena and the brothers.
Ansley White, a junior at UT majoring in social work, is an avid watcher of the show.
“The first season starts in the fall with all the leaves falling, and the storyline gives fall,” White said. “When I first watched it, I watched it in the fall, so I just kept that up.”
The show also has a spinoff series called “The Originals,” which focuses on a large vampire family that appears in the main show.
There are many twists and turns in the show, as well as many deaths, new characters and vampire rules and history that make up a large part of the show. This history even brings the characters to New Orleans at one point in the series.
“I think it’s a must-watch because it’s got a lot of seasons and it’s packed with drama,” White said.
“Harry Potter”
There are many people who believe the “Harry Potter” films are Christmas movies, but a huge majority of fans also believe them to be fall movies.
The movies follow Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger throughout their time at Hogwarts, facing numerous enemies and surprises along the way.
Kendall Giordano, a junior majoring in accounting, is a huge fan of the series and always watches the movies during the fall months.
“I am a nostalgic person, which makes the Halloween season one of my favorites, and ‘The Sorcerer’s Stone’ captures that feeling perfectly,” Giordano said. “It is magical, cozy, warm and just spooky enough to make it the ideal fall movie.”
These movies are based on the popular book series by author J.K. Rowling, and there is an upcoming HBO television series currently in the works. The soundtrack mixed with the aspect of magic truly makes this series perfect for the holidays — whether that be closer to Halloween or Thanksgiving, leaning towards Christmas.
“Nothing says Halloween quite like witches, wizards and magic,” Giordano said. “If you want to feel a wave of nostalgia, coziness and autumn vibes, these movies are the perfect choice to watch during fall, especially on a rainy day.”
HoLa Hora Latina celebrating Hispanic culture, building community
SARAH-NICOLE JACKSON Staff Writer
When Pedro Tomas first inherited the mantle of president of HoLa Hora Latina, the HoLa Festival was still taking place in Market Square. Now, the festival has expanded more than he could have imagined.
Alongside being the president of HoLa Hora Latina, Tomas is also a professor of Spanish at UT, where he commutes from his home in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Originally born in Cuba, Tomas aims to help bridge the gap between the Hispanic community and the rest of the Knoxville community.
HoLa Hora Latina began its journey in 1992.
“A group of women just wanted to get together and share their culture,” Tomas said on the origins of the organization.
Since then, it has become the largest grassroots Latino non-profit in East Tennessee. Their mission statement states that they aim to promote unity in the community by combining arts and culture with education and leadership. They are headquartered at Casa HoLa on South Gay Street at the Historical Emporium Building.
Tomas says that one of the biggest contributing factors to the organization’s success is the support of the community.
“If we don’t have a community to support these things, then something’s not working,” Tomas said. “There are many things we have in common with the Knoxville community.”
HoLa Hora Latina recently brought their annual HoLa Festival to World’s Fair Park once again on Sep. 27 and 28. During this two-day affair, members of the Knoxville community were able to experience a wide variety of Hispanic cultures ranging from 21 heritage tables to arts and crafts to food and performances.
The festival is an annual staple in Knoxville and this year marked its 25th anniversary. It is a collective collaboration between sponsors, independent vendors and the Knoxville community.
Amelia Sandoval, a junior at UT studying physics, attends the festival annually.
“HoLa Festival is always one of my favorite
parts of fall in Knoxville,” Sandoval wrote in a text. “The music is always incredible and the festival always has such a fun atmosphere. One of my best memories was when it rained a few years ago, and I spent an hour sitting under one of the tents and talking to one of the volunteers. I always leave the festival with a sense of community and a better understanding of Spanish.”
In addition to the HoLa Festival, HoLa Hora Latina hosts various cultural and educational programs throughout Knoxville as well as showcasing Latin art.
For students with great academic records who do community work, they also offer the Luis Velázquez Scholarship, named after the first CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of East Tennessee.
The organization offers an opportunity for everyone, regardless of race or national origin, to come together and celebrate Hispanic culture. Tomas hopes events like the HoLa Festival can continue HoLa Hora Latina’s mission of bridging gaps in the Knoxville community.
“We have to learn how to live with each other and the more we know about each other, the more we find our commonalities,” Tomas said. “That’s what’s gonna make us live better with each other. You don’t just see Latinos come out, you see all types of people come out. The Knoxville community is very supportive and I’m extremely grateful for that.”
Women performing at the HoLa Festival. Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Courtesy of Jennifer Martinez Mendez
Well, Vols, it may still feel like summer out there, but like it or not, cuffing season has officially begun. Venus has returned to its home sign, Libra, and brought with it so much drama. This week is defined by Venus’ opposition to Neptune. A war between idealism and clarity rages in our lives, and it’s the perfect time to ask yourself whether they’re the love of your life or just wearing Tecovas. Although Venus in Libra is alluring and whimsical, it merges with Pluto in Aquarius and Uranus in Gemini to form the grand air trine in which the planets work harmoniously to create a time of transformation and innovation. Venus and Pluto balance whimsy and insight, whilst Pluto grounds us in truth. If you’re single, Venus is working hard to change that; be open to new ideas, whilst not letting yourself disregard red flags. If you’re in a relationship, this opposition may make you feel a newfound sense of enchantment in your love life, and Venus’ trine to Uranus and Pluto strengthens bonds and adds excitement. Outside of the relationship sector, this week will have you wanting to touch some grass. You may experience some thunderous reality checks due to Pluto’s trine to Venus and Uranus. Take time to yourself and evaluate where you are in your journey. Stay off the strip and go to class, babe.
Capricorn — Dec. 22-Jan. 19: Capricorn, as Venus moves to the top of your chart, there is no use in hiding the romantic notions that make your life go round. ‘Tis the season for hard launching your significant other in a pumpkin patch, isn’t it? Show that special person off to the people that matter the most: your ex and his new girlfriend, who chronically stalk your Instagram. The stars are telling you to be bold with your passions, as it will be your key to success. Follow your instincts, even if you aren’t entirely sure what they’re telling you; trust the bigger picture and be open to being clueless.
Aquarius — Jan. 20-Feb. 18:
Aquarius, are you a “Charlotte”? Just like our favorite Park Avenue Princess, this week has had you experiencing so much hope and faith in love, and since Venus enters your ninth house of beliefs this week, you may feel those more than anything. Its conjunction
with Neptune brings idealism and conviction together. No matter how messy everything seems, nothing bad enough to make you lose hope will happen this week. Miracles are coming your way, Venus trines both Uranus and Pluto in your romance sector. This is a week of social innovation. Take this lighthearted romantic energy, brought to you by the grand air trine, to balance your fomo and ground yourself. Social innovation doesn’t always mean expanding your circle: Sometimes it means letting go of people who drain your battery so you can focus on yourself. Remember that choosing yourself isn’t selfish.
Pisces — Feb. 19-March 20: Pisces, this week Venus enters your eighth house of shared resources. This marks the start of a financial transition for you. Take the time to get a handle on your finances. Make a budget, and really evaluate what you’re spending your money on. During this period, you might start to appreciate being treated to gifts, and gifts become a more prominent love language for you. Remember that you have nothing to prove; don’t just buy things for the sake of buying them. Likewise, financial stability is desirable to you right now. Get with that finance bro, and create the energy you need in your soul.
Aries — March 21-April 19:
Aries, I know you’re in the mood for love, but there is more clarity in the quiet. I get it —you want attention — and with Neptune in your sign opposing Venus in your partnership sector, you will definitely get some this week, but you could miss it if you’re too caught up in the bigger picture. Let things soak in. There’s a deeper meaning to everything if you look closely enough. Take off the headphones, stop doomscrolling Instagram Reels in Hodges, and for once in your life, let yourself be available. Taurus — April 20-May 20: Taurus, you are in your practicality era. Venus in your 6th house reinforces your love for simple little pleasures. You crave dedication: someone who truly understands you and someone who steps outside their comfort zone to make your day a little better. While Tears by Sabrina Carpenter may still be your anthem, you are ready to step things up: no more bare minimum. This transition begins a new era for you that is defined by “acts of service”, slow-burning relationships, and
soulmate energy. Set your standards, Gemini — May 21-June 21: Gemini, Venus enters your true love sector on Monday and moves to Neptune, the planet of unconditional love. You might meet the love of your life this week; the energy is certainly there — claim it if you want it. Venus trines Uranus and Pluto on Tuesday, which means that the truth of your love life will come out. If you are in a relationship, a positive new side of your partner will emerge if you spend enough time with them. This week is all about sacred energy and soft boundaries. Take time to build your inner stability; don’t let yourself get whisked away by the whimsy brought on by the grand air trine.
Cancer — June 22-July 22: Cancer, take this week to prioritize your future. The world has been testing you recently, and it’s time to ground yourself. Focus your energy by reflecting on your upbringing and figuring out what you want. Major themes for you this week are defined by Venus entering your home and family sector. If you’re in a relationship, take bigger steps to introduce your partner to your parents. If you’re single, consider having a family member set you up. Older siblings usually know what’s best for you. I mean, look at Monica and Chandler from “Friends”; if someone can get along with your sibling, they’ll be a perfect match for you.
Leo — July 23-Aug. 22: Leo, Venus enters your sector, and its opposition to Neptune brings with it a wildly energetic sense of inhibition. If you ground yourself, you’ll channel this energy into motivation; take this time to speak up, be honest and bold. New relationships on the horizon as Venus trines Uranus and Pluto, so that one friendship might become something more. Deep platonic connections lay the foundation for a long-lasting relationship. Being true to your heart will pay off this week.
Virgo — Aug. 23-Sept. 22: Virgo, be bold and let your true self shine through. The main themes for these weeks are work and health. You need to stay vigilant, as Venus and Neptune’s opposition means overlooking little things like. Venus enters your second house of self-worth. Be bold, let yourself shine through. You deserve it all this week. Don’t spend time with people who suck your energy —it’s not worth it! Let love define
your path.
Libra — Sept. 23–Oct. 23: Libra, you may be due for some fated connection this week. You may have noticed that life is smooth, everything is on the right track, and you feel like a certain spark is back in your life. Venus in your sign, coupled with its opposition to Neptune, brings magic and harmony to your life. If you are in a relationship, you may realize that your current partner really is the one for you. If you are single, your manifestation may come to fruition this week, but beware of who the universe brings to you, as not all fated connections are good ones.
Scorpio — Oct. 24-Nov. 21: Scorpio, dear sweet Scorpio, you have been put through the ringer. Venus in your friendship sphere opposes Saturn, which suggests a tragic loss of a friend or lover. However recent it may have been, it’s clear that you still hold powerful emotions for them, and it’s painfully awkward to see them on Ped, or even just in your feed. Whatever boat you’re in, this is the time to protect your peace and stray from bold actions. Emotions and communication rule your sign this week; if there is any unresolved animosity or tension, consider having a productive conversation about your feelings instead of airing them on the Tea App. Remember that just being present is enough, and you deserve a little time to breathe and reset.
Sagittarius — Nov. 22-Dec. 21: Sagittarius, your friends are the key to happiness. Venus slides into Libra, which brings forth relational harmony, and then it moves into your 11th house of sociability and debate. Venus’s opposition to Neptune is making you a little bit delusional; you are too focused on being in a relationship that you are ignoring all of the red flags. Pluto’s trine to Venus and Uranus calls you to be honest about your relationship with your friends and genuinely listen and apply what they have to your situation; they want what’s best for you, and it’s not that cute you met at Literboard. This week is all about balancing adventure and routine. You may find yourself struggling to choose between your desires and your duties. Don’t hide your heart, but sometimes, and I’m gonna hold your hand when I say this, you need to use your brain.
LINDSAY FAVRE Design Editor
The Weekly Crossword by Margie E. Burke
"A" in "CAT scan"
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32 Chicago team 34 Cowboys QB Prescott
35 Tub foot, 57
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39 Pocket breads 60 Disgusting, staple
40 "Twilight" writer slangily
Stephenie 61 Must-have
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containers
50 Kids series, 3 Give in a rope
Bishops' body "PAW ____" 4 "The View", e.g.
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56 Dial follower 8 Paw part
Airport area
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Nerve fiber
ANDI JONES Staff Writer
No UT tailgate is complete without the perfect soundtrack. Blending country, classics and a bit of rock, here are some of the songs you should queue up next Saturday, curated with the help of fellow Vols fans.
“Dixieland Delight” by Alabama
Although the argument of whether this song is meant for Alabama or Tennessee fans seems to never end, its iconic call-andresponse chorus can be heard every “Tennessee Saturday night.”
“Wagon Wheel” cover by Darius Rucker “Wagon Wheel” is one song that can be heard at almost every tailgate. It’s a crowdpleaser with a sing-along chorus that brings together friends, families and strangers much like Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” and Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl.”
“Joker And The Thief” by Wolfmother This rock banger feels like kickoff is right around the corner with its stadium-ready energy and driving riff.
“Tennessee Fan” by Morgan Wallen Wallen has various songs worthy of making the list such as “Talkin’ Tennessee” and “Had Me By Halftime,” but “Tennessee Fan” is a must-have Vol anthem.
“Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi Few songs bring together a crowd like “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Often heard in Neyland during suspenseful moments, this song is a key part of the Volunteer experience.
“I Go Back” by Kenny Chesney Chesney captures the nostalgia of nights under football stadium lights, celebrating the good ol’ days we’re living out now.
“9 to 5” by Dolly Parton Getting ready on game day can feel like a full-time job, making this song perfect for those noon games when you need extra motivation. “9 to 5” adds pep to every step, and a game day playlist would not be complete without a song from Tennessee royalty.
“Thunderstruck” by AC/DC
This electrifying song is meant to raise adrenaline levels. The opening guitar riff alone heightens the energy in any room.
The perfect fall, game day playlist cover photo. Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. Ava Edwards / The Daily Beacon
“Tennessee Orange” by Megan Moroney
Even though Megan Moroney is a University of Georgia alum and fan, there’s something about this feel-good country song that captures the pride in Tennessee Orange.
“American Pie” by Don McLean
The timeless sing-along verses are ideal for the Fourth of July and Tennessee tailgates. It’s closely tied with other American classics “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” by Toby Keith.
“I Love Rock ‘N Roll” by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
This head-banging throwback is instantly catchy and easy to sing along to with an added nostalgic feel.
“Orange and White” by Conner Smith
The familiar intro of this song is just the cherry on top of this exemplar of the Tennessee spirit. On Oct. 18, swap this track out for another Smith masterpiece, “I Hate Alabama.”
“Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
If you can make it through the slower build-up, the epic guitar solo can energize any audience. Get out your air guitar skills for this classic rock staple.
“Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks
The fourth-quarter tradition at Neyland was recently replaced by Wallen’s “The Way I Talk,” but it remains a favorite at tailgates.
“Rocky Top” by The Osborne Brothers
It wouldn’t be a Tennessee game day playlist without this legendary song. If you’re not listening to “Rocky Top” first thing on Saturday morning, is it even game day?
GREAT SHOWS.
The Gen Z career paradox: Striving for stability in a shifting job landscape
MARISSA HUNT Columnist
Born between 1997 and 2012, Generation Z has come of age in an era where two competing career narratives are both loudly preached — and neither seems to fully satisfy. On one hand, students are urged to “follow your passion” to find meaning and purpose. On the other hand, we’re warned that settling for anything less than a high-paying job is irresponsible, especially given rising living costs, economic instability and sprawling student debt. This tug-of-war leaves many Gen Zers caught in a paradox: chasing interests that may not be financially viable, or prioritizing income so heavily that we sacrifice what makes work feel fulfilling.
This internal conflict doesn’t just shape big decisions like the choice of college major. It filters into the everyday: the kinds of internships one pursues, the risks one is willing to take, the stress and doubt that accompany every resume cover letter. Over time, the pressure to resolve this tension — between passion and pay — affects not just career trajectories, but mental health, well-being and the ability to adapt in a rapidly changing labor market.
I have felt these pressures both personally and professionally. I have held more than 10 jobs, to name a few: barista, recreational gymnastics coach, day-camp counselor and after-school
counselor, service receptionist at a dealership, etc. I grew up with a strong work ethic from my parents. I spent childhood days in the dealership watching my father, a master GM technician.
I have learned sales and communication by watching my mother, a real estate agent and
inside sales representative. I’ve watched my parents grow professionally in their careers, and I’ve also experienced the stressful side of living in the full-time workforce from my parents’ jobs and my own jobs. It’s a world, I believe, most college students are not prepared for, yet this is
the reality we are all heading into.
In research done by Bank of America, studies show that unemployment for new entrants was up more than 9% year-over-year in February 2025. The March 2024 jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics also reported a surge in the unemployment rate, implying some workers are taking whatever jobs they can find in this low-churn labor market. For Gen Z, this could have long-term career implications as they struggle to find roles. It could also have ramifications for U.S. productivity as a whole.
The trending agreement on social media from recent graduates is that everyone is struggling to find a job. This affects the mental health of postgrads, and this knowledge provides a fearful culture for current college students facing this reality all too soon.
Deloitte’s 2025 Gen Z and millennial survey found that many younger workers are not looking to climb the corporate ladder but instead seeking purposeful work, mentorship, and on-the-job learning opportunities. This includes developing critical skills like communication, leadership, and empathy. According to Deloitte, 67% of Gen Z want to make positive contributions to their workplace and the world. Gen Z also wants more well-being and financial stability. 40% of Gen Z stated that they feel stressed or anxious “all or most of the time because of their job,” Deloitte
reported. Working long hours and not garnering recognition or appreciation is an additional draining factor that stresses Gen Z as well.
Gen Z basically wants work to feel good. We spend our whole lives at work, and no one should have to survive until Friday. Gen Z is pushing the boundaries of what they want out of the workforce. They want a place where “thanks for doing that” isn’t rare, where mistakes don’t mean harsh paperwork, and where you can learn without constantly burning out.
We’re all human at the end of the day, and we should all be able to live lives full of joy, depth, and happiness. We need everybody, the witty millennials, the fearless Gen Xers, and the passionate Gen Zers to make the workplace better for us all and for future generations, because we all deserve meaningful workdays that we look forward to. I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.
Lili Ellis / The Daily Beacon
Marissa Hunt is a junior at UT this year studying journalism. She can be
Reality check: What reality TV is actually doing to Gen Z
CLAIRE THATCHER Contributor
One could argue that all digital entertainment is a form of escapism — disappearing into a hand-crafted universe specially designed to make you feel good. We did it as children with “Harry Potter” and “The Hunger Games” and “Barbie”, pretended we had magical powers and spent hours coming up with our own characters and plotlines. As children, content like this bred creativity, made us hopeful for the future and stoked curiousity about what magic awaited on the other side of childhood.
As Gen Z has evolved, so has our digital entertainment. New forms of entertainment have taken center stage — haven’t you heard? Reality TV is all the rage!
Ushered in by the prevalence of shortform social media content, reality TV has filled the void that TikTok leaves when it’s time to put the phone down. It’s stimulating, authentic and a large contributor to cultural discourse. Say goodbye to “Gossip Girl” and “Vampire Diaries”. We are putting away childish things. We crave reality. But, there is something dark about modern digital entertainment that makes its consumer feel inherently guilty about consuming.
That’s what I’ll explore today with you: What is it? Why isn’t it fun anymore? To entertain myself and disappear into someone else’s life — why does it make me feel so shameful?
It’s no secret that most teenagers and young adults have an unhealthy relationship with technology. A 2025 study reveals that Gen Z averages over nine hours of screen time a day. Nine hours is no longer a jaw-dropping number — it’s pretty normal.
Streaming services have brought forth this new wave, making digital entertainment infinitely more accessible. For a low monthly fee, you can have unlimited access to countless movies and television series, no longer waiting on broadcast television to air your favorite show, one night a week. Now you can binge every episode of “Gilmore Girls”, over and over and over. It’s impossible to say no. The reality TV production market capitalizes on the addictive relationship the modern consumer has with television. A study done examining the rapid growth of the industry explains how “competitionbased reality shows, dating shows, and transformation content thrive due to their episodic nature, cliffhanger endings, and high viewer retention rates.”
The corporate suits that manufacture
Graphic by Ashley Cammarota
these shows know that “Dance Moms”, “Real Housewives”, “Vanderpump Rules”, “90-day Fiancé” and “Love Island” have the power to pull you in and keep you hooked. Every episode is like its own mini car crash — so bad, but so good.
Watching Abby Lee Miller throw a chair across the room at a 9-year-old girl, watching Ariana Madix confront her cheating boyfriend of 10 years and his mistress on live television, watching Chrisean Rock do literally anything on “Bad Girls Club” — these are people’s lowest moments and also my Friday night?
Despite the questionable, exploitative nature of these shows, they have had massive success. In 2024, the reality TV industry made $38.6 billion. Scandal clearly pays.
Major networks can count on the fact that you will click “next episode,” not only because you’re addicted to screens, but because the content in these shows is designed to keep you hooked.
Binge-watching anything can have disastrous effects. The National Library of Medicine describes how an addiction to television could lead to worsened depression and anxiety. And everyone knows that if there is one thing Gen Z has a problem with, it’s using technology as a coping mechanism. The inescapable impulse to watch TV and doomscroll as a stress reliever. Addictively formatted media content has become a coping mechanism that’s unknowingly making us all feel worse.
The format and delivery of the content are just one issue. The content is a whole other problem.
Sex and hookup culture are at the heart of many of these shows. Love Island, the hit dating show broke viewership records with season 6 — NBC Universal reports
that it was the top streamed reality TV series across all streaming services. Season 7 wasn’t far behind — NBC reports that the most recent season of “Love Island USA” racked up over 18 billion minutes streamed.
“Love Island” is a steamy competition show where absurdly hot 20—somethingyear-olds travel to a remote island and “couple up,” hoping to win America’s affection and the ultimate prize of 50,000 dollars. “Bombshells” join the villa, using their wiles to tempt cast members, earning a permanent spot in the villa. Competitors partake in challenges (kissing each other blindfolded, stripteases, bikini obstacle courses) to stir up drama and keep passions high. America votes on who they want to stay, and trashes who they hate. Season 7 generated 2.2 billion social media impressions — people care.
Eighteen billion minutes is a lot of minutes. But it leads me to wonder- what was being promoted during those 18 billion minutes? What was CBS so thoughtfully imparting upon the youth?
It turns out that reality TV does influence its viewers. TV shows revolving around sex and promiscuous behavior have negative effects on their viewers, who might, I add, be primarily women, ages 16-24.
In a National Library of Medicine study, a group of 13–17-year-olds was examined - how does their consumption of reality TV relate to their sexual presence online? Can you take a wild guess at what they found? Those who consumed reality TV were more likely to “produce and distribute sexual images of themselves on social media.” I don’t even need to explain how dangerous that is.
A 2018 study revealed that excessive consumption of reality TV could lead to “risky” sexual behaviors and dangerous drinking habits — putting consumers at a higher risk for sexual assault. But what’s the difference between “Love Island” and
“50 Shades of Grey?” Or “Bridgerton?” Or any other sexually charged digital entertainment?
The study describes that there is an explicit correlation between the “perceived reality” of reality TV and the engagement in negative behaviors. While some moments may be scripted, edited to look more exaggerated, and generally made to function more as entertaining rather than authentic, that’s the secret influence reality TV holds. To the viewer, it’s real life with real people.
It’s especially effective with its target audience — countless studies show that Gen Z craves authenticity in their media — reality TV is as “authentic” as it gets.
While you may not be partaking in any negative behaviors (be honest, Victoria), there is still subconscious influence. Reality TV, assisted by social media, clearly has a huge impact on its viewers and is a massive part of culture. It is still setting trends and precedents for what’s socially acceptable.
In my humble opinion, the nail in the coffin of reality TV is that ultimately, it’s hollow. It is hollow entertainment. Content made with no other purpose but to capture its viewers and trap them for as long as possible. Fitting in as many ads in a 45-minute period as possible, you aren’t learning anything or widening your horizons. You are feeding an addiction to technology and content that promotes trashy behaviors and negative lifestyle choices.
So you want to know why you feel like crap when you finish binge-watching Too Hot to Handle?
Because when you were a child, you watched “Mako Mermaids”, went to the pool, and said you had the power to move water and that your tail was purple.
Now, when you watch whatever crap Netflix shovels at you, you just rot on the couch, scrolling social media and seeing what the comments are saying about Huda’s nose job.
You don’t care to imagine or create anymore — you long to be lulled into complacency, letting life pass you by as you spend 9 hours a day on a screen.
Life, along with TV, has lost its magic.
Claire Thatcher is a freshman at UT this year studying journalism and media. She can be reached at qtq974@vols.utk.edu.
‘Linebacker on a softball field’: Maddi Rutan shows 2-way prowess for Tennessee softball in fall outing against Lee
TREVOR MCGEE
Sports Editor
Eastern Kentucky transfer Maddi Rutan is gelling into the Tennessee softball circle — and lineup.
The junior utility player continued a strong fall against Lee on Friday, using her two-way abilities to dominate the Flames, 22-1, in nine innings. Rutan earned the start, and delivered five no-hit innings. She also delivered a 3-for-6 day at the plate with a pair of doubles alongside four RBIs.
“She’s a linebacker on a softball field and I just love the way she goes about things,” head coach Karen Weekly told The Daily Beacon.
Rutan’s start marked another appearance in the books, joining a prior start against Roane State to begin the fall ball slate. The five innings, however, was the longest so far.
She opened the evening with a quick 1-2-3 inning, logging a pair of strikeouts in the frame. Rutan followed at the plate as the No. 4 hitter in the lineup, and gave herself insurance with her first at-bat. After Saviya Morgan drove in the first run of the game on an RBI double, Rutan brought her home with an RBI single to expand the early lead.
“It’s fun to be able to do multiple things, and it’s just, it’s a cool skill and it takes a lot, but I really enjoy it and be able to do both,” Rutan said. “I really, I really love it.”
Rutan’s second inning of work was not as simple. Though she got two quick outs with a popup and a groundout, the next batter followed with a walk — dirtying up the base paths for the first time.
She followed with a groundout to get out of the minimal jam.
“I’ve said many times, we didn’t recruit her for her pitching, her defense or her hitting,” Rutan said. “We recruited her because she’s a competitor. Now, she does all those three things well, so we’re really pleased with that, and we can see that. But what really stood out to us was what a competitor she is.”
When Rutan returned to the plate in the home half of the second inning, she doubled her efforts. Rutan smoked an RBI double through the field, aiding in an effort of three consecutive RBI base hits during the half inning.
In the circle, it remained the same business against the Flames. She added two more strikeouts and a groundout to keep the no-hit bid intact. That continued until the fifth inning. Her last inning of work resulted in the best frame of the day, striking out the side. She then took to the plate and followed a previous at-bat groundout with a two-RBI double to push the lead to 15-0.
When the sixth inning began, it was Kailey Plumlee taking the reins in the circle. Rutan finished with eight strikeouts, allowing a lone
baserunner across the five innings of work.
“You just saw her stretch the strike zone more,” Weekly said. She lived too much around the middle last week. She learned from it, and this week, she was working the upper part, the lower part, and both sides of the plate. And then when you have that and you mix the changeup, she’s got a lot of weapons.”
But her day still wasn’t over. She switched out the pitching gear for fielding, and took a spot at third base — remaining in the lineup for the remaining innings.
Her night ended on a fielder’s choice that brought in a run. Still, Rutan wasn’t satisfied.
“She hits a super hard ground ball to the shortstop, brings in a run and she’s asking us, what I do wrong? She’s squaring the ball up,” Weekly said.
Though the game was never close, and Rutan was a leading cause for that — she still uses the moments as learning lessons.
“How to stay calm, like you could get jittery and that kind of stuff when you’re up 20 runs or whatever it is,” Rutan said. “So, just trying to stay calm and stay within yourself and also practice what we’ve done.”
Much of that is what Rutan contributes to
coaching — peer and professionals. Rutan was a two-way phenomenon with the Colonels for the last two years, mounting 2024 Atlantic Sun Pitcher of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors alongside NFCA All-Region recognition in both 2024 and 2025.
But now she has the chance to pull knowledge from All-American pitcher Karlyn Pickens.
“I can’t say enough good things,” Rutan said. “I’ve learned to be calm and crazy situations. She’s been in many, of course, and just seeing her presence — she’s never jittery, antsy or anything, and just being so calm and her presence on the mound, you know when Karlyn’s pitching. Like, you know her presence and her just energy is something to learn for we can all learn for, but it’s really inspiring, for sure.”
And that comes alongside more knowledge from hitting coach Craig Snider, who has been in the business since the turn of the century. It’s a dynamic she has not experienced before.
“I’ve learned a two strike approach,” Rutan said. “I’ve learned just not trying to do too much, just sticking within your plan, having a plan going up there and sticking within it. And if you’re not looking for something and you let
a strike go, then that’s okay. You’re going to stick within your plan and get a pitch that you can nail. And that’s just something that I’ve never been trained before, and it’s really helped me a lot, grow here and appreciate it.”
Rutan’s comfort level continues to grow as she settles into the SEC. As the fall progresses, and regular season play rolls around in the spring, it will be a further test to whether she remains a two-way prowess.
Both Weekly and Rutan believe it can remain an option.
“I think so,” Weekly said. “I mean, we’re working her at everything because we want to have those options. You look at us right now, we’ve got two pitchers hurt. They’ll be back in the spring, but you never know what’s going to happen, so we need her to be ready.”
“I’m really blessed for the opportunity and being able to play both ways, or all ways, and I just think it’s something if I keep working hard at it, that it’s a real, real big possibility,” Rutan said. ”I just go keep working hard.”
The next test comes on the road against a power opponent. The Lady Vols will head south for a doubleheader with Georgia Tech on Oct. 18.
Maddi Rutan (5) fires a pitch against Lee during a fall ball scrimmage at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. Luke Goins / Contributor
Diana Cantu picks up 1st win as Tennessee women’s golf coach at Mercedes-Benz Collegiate
TREVOR MCGEE Sports Editor
It turned full circle at Cherokee Country Club.
Tennessee women’s welcomed a 15-team field for its only home tournament of the season for the Mercedes-Benz Classic. After the three rounds concluded, the Lady Vols walked away outright champions with a 13-underpar showing — edging out second-day leader Oregon State by nine strokes.
The Lady Vols and Beavers were the only two teams that finished under par for the tournament. Chattanooga, Western Kentucky and Penn State each tied for third with a sixover-par outing.
Diana Cantu earned her first win at the helm. It was the Lady Vols’ first win at the MercedesBenz Collegiate since Cantu’s senior season in 2010 — becoming a full-circle moment for Tennessee’s fifth-year head coach.
“It’s just amazing, and doing it at our home tournament, 15 years after we hadn’t won it here, it’s just full circle and really amazing,” Cantu told The Daily Beacon. “This is a great group of ladies that are just going to crush it. This is going to be a really fun journey.”
Oregon State held a three-stroke advantage entering day three, but the tide shifted Tennessee’s way when the 9:15 a.m. shotgun start got underway. Rain was evident in the forecast, and showers littered the course throughout the round.
It did not affect the Lady Vols, however. Tennessee went on to shoot a tournament-best 11-under-par round, blowing the Beavers out of the water.
“I always knew my teams did better in tough conditions,” Cantu said. “They’re gritty.
They enjoy that. When there was rain in the forecast, I said, ‘Great,’ because it’s going to be good for us. And they handled it great and they managed it, adapted and did everything they needed to.”
True freshman Thitikarn Thapasit was a catalyst for the late success. Thapasit was fresh off a four-over day in the second round, but flushed the misfortune to deliver a team-best five-under-par third round to lead the Lady Vols.
She was joined by the remainder of Tennessee’s lineup, who all shot under par for the day.
Sophie Christopher, Martina LopezLanchares and Manassanan Chotikabhukk added three-under, two-under and one-under rounds, respectively, to guide the Lady Vols to the win.
Chotikabhukk led the way across all three rounds, tying for third place in the tournament with a four-under-par weekend.
“We have a saying on our team, ‘It’s either you adapt or you don’t,’” Chotikabhukk said. “There’s no in between, so we went out there and we adapted.”
Thapasit earned a ninth-place finish in the tournament with a two-under performance. She was tied with a pair of teammates, Madison Messimer and Lauren Nguyen.
Messimer, another true freshman, made the tournament lineup and contributed a roundone best three-under, followed by a one-over in round two as her scores contributed to the team score. Her even-par round three did not count toward the team, but she still finished tied for ninth place individually.
Nguyen, meanwhile, missed the lineup cut. She competed in the tournament as an
individual and put the Lady Vols’ depth on display. The redshirt senior contributed 7168-72 to earn a top-10 finish, tied with her teammate pairing.
“This is a strong team at Tennessee,” Cantu said. “We didn’t have two of our players. They were in Singapore and to be able to get it done, that means we have depth, right? And everybody can come out and go low. That’s really fun. We don’t normally depend on one person. They can all show up and do a really good job for us. This is not an easy golf course to shoot under par like we did.”
Neither of Tennessee’s top finishers in the Cougar Classic, Sofie Engeseth and Kyra Van Kan, participated in the Mercedes-Benz
Collegiate. That left the remaining six players who were available in the thick of conditions to reel the teams to an overall 839 strokes weekend — calculating 280, 286 and 273 strokes per round.
Tennessee tallied 56 birdies across all participants during the three rounds, adding a final-round eagle from Lopez-Lanchares on a 471-yard par-five hole. That includes 23 birdies in round three to aid the battle from behind.
“That’s college golf,” Lopez-Lanchares said. “There’s so many shots you can just cut from other teams that you just play your ball and wish your teammates are doing good too. So we just played all together and it happened.”
Elite receiving corps continues to power top-ranked Tennessee football offense
The high hopes were there, but that’s all.
As the summer talking season played out, Tennessee football’s receiving room drew negative forecasts.
The Vols’ wideout depth felt depleted once the likes of their previous core moved on, either to the NFL or into the transfer portal. The veteran presence surrounding the likes of Dont’e Thornton Jr, Bru McCoy and Squirrel White existed no longer. It would be primarily up to the youth to make a difference in 2025, a reality that those outside of the Tennessee program didn’t predict to spark significant success.
Sophomore Mike Matthews appeared to be the headliner of the group, a former highlytouted high school recruit who only tallied seven receptions during his freshman season.
Braylon Staley took a redshirt in his freshman year, leaving Chris Brazzell II as the only returning starter. To the midway point in the season, the trio that most thought would be a weak point is potentially the Vols’ strongest.
Head coach Josh Heupel doesn’t forget any negative preseason sentiment.
“Thanks for trusting our staff, I appreciate it,” Heupel said. “Coach Pope and our wide receiver staff did a great job, starting when we got back here in January. Individual plan for those guys on specific areas that they needed to grow in, and then collectively as a group, continued to push them every day. Coach Pope does a great job teaching fundamentals, but defensive concepts, understanding the scheme, the nuances of playing that position, and the guys have invested in a great way.”
The group’s investment is showcased
primarily among the SEC’s receiving boards. Brazzell ranks second in the conference with 536 yards, a number that pales to his leaguebest seven touchdowns. Staley slots in fifth place on the yards chart with 431, while Matthews sits seventh with 416.
Staley enjoyed a career outing in Tennessee’s 34-31 over Arkansas, a 109-yard afternoon that featured him in the lead role. Matthews added 58 yards in a game that saw Brazzell as the top concern for the Razorbacks’ secondary. The Vols’ leading receiver tallied just one reception through the Hogs’ double coverage.
“Braylon’s played at a really high level,” Heupel said. “Braylon played that way on Saturday because he’s full of confidence because of how he works from the time that he got here and just continues to progress in his development. I think it’s cool that you’ve seen different wide receivers on a given Saturday
kind of been the lead guy for whatever reason – coverage, call, whatever it might be.”
Further down the depth chart, Tennessee is thin. Reserve receivers Travis Smith Jr. and Radarious Jackson both missed the Arkansas matchup with injuries, causing a need for the Vols’ starting trio to play every single snap. Matthews stayed on the field for 66 of them, one shy of the offensive total. Even though Tennessee’s depth was affected by injury on Saturday, Heupel and receivers coach Kelsey Pope have given a majority of the reps to their starters anyway.
“You reap rewards not always on your time, but you reap them if you continue to invest, and those guys have, and because of who they are and how they’ve competed, they’ve put themselves in a position to go make plays, and they’ve done that.”
ALEX SARKIS
Asst. Sports Editor
Thitikarn Thapasit gets a high-five from coach Diana Cantu during the Mercedes-Benz Collegiate at Cherokee Country Club. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. Ericksen Gomez-Villeda / The Daily Beacon
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