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Dallas Bowlin

Counting Our Blessings: A Tennessee Fan’s Thanksgiving

By: Dallas Bowlin

Senior Staff Writer/Editor/Host

All Vol Call In Show




It’s the season to give thanks, and for Tennessee fans, there’s no shortage of blessings to count. From thrilling victories to the premiere athletic department in the country, there's plenty to celebrate. But what exactly should we be most thankful for?

For starters, fans should be thankful for Athletic Director Danny White. Under his leadership, Tennessee Baseball has soared, Tennessee Football is experiencing a remarkable rebirth, and the program has navigated an NCAA investigation with the steadiness of a captain guiding a ship through stormy seas. Tennessee is incredibly fortunate to have White at the helm.

Fans should also be thankful for Tennessee Basketball coach Rick Barnes. Coach Barnes has elevated the program to the pinnacle of college basketball. And you know what? I’m just going to say it: Despite not yet winning that elusive national championship, Tennessee is now a bona fide college basketball 'blue blood.' Few programs can rival the consistent success the Vols have enjoyed under Barnes. Along those same lines, fans should be thankful for Dalton Knecht. His incredible season set the stage, making Rocky Top an appealing destination for players like Chaz Lanier and Igor Milicic Jr. to join the fold.

Though he may have his flaws, Tennessee fans would be foolish not to be thankful for football coach Josh Heupel. He has restored Tennessee Football’s relevance on both the SEC and national stage. The Vols are on the verge of their first College Football Playoff berth with freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava leading the way. And with elite talent continuing to join the program, Tennessee is set up beautifully at the quarterback position for years to come.

Tennessee fans should be especially thankful for Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell. She has taken a once-proud program that was losing its luster and is steadily reviving it, reigniting excitement within the fanbase with her fast-paced, dynamic style. With the nation’s second-ranked recruiting class coming in next season, the Lady Vols are poised for a bright future. Lady Vol basketball is fun again.

I would be remiss not to mention Tennessee Baseball head coach Tony Vitello. He delivered the long-awaited National Championship in one of the three major sports and has positioned the baseball program as one of the nation’s elite. Under his leadership, Tennessee Baseball’s future is as bright as ever. Be thankful. 

Finally, it’s cool to be a Volunteer again. Everywhere you turn, major celebrities are proudly repping the Vols, and professional athletes are giving shoutouts to Tennessee. It’s clear—everyone wants to be a Vol. With the best athletic department and the best head coaches in the nation, Tennessee stands unmatched. And yes, I’ll go to war for that opinion.

Photo | Bing AI


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