August Newsletter - Week 5
Recap
This week we had special visitors from the University of Tennessee. Adam Wilgus is Director of Internal Operations for UT Foundation’s Tennessee Fund. He also brought the University of Tennessee Associate Athletic Director with him, Dr. Carmen Tegano and his lovely wife Debbie. Carmen has been there for 32 years and was Coach Doug Dickey’s first hire in 1985 after assuming his position as Athletic Director. Carmen has assisted in many departments throughout his career at UT including academic counseling, fundraising, and sport administration within 20 various sports. He is currently serving as the sport administrator for the UT baseball program now.He told lots of stories and recalled many memorable moments over the years. He spoke fondly of Peyton Manning’s recent donation to dedicate UT’s Tegano Dining Hall in their name this past summer. He greatly respects Peyton Manning and they still remain good friends today. He said that since Peyton was a senior in college, the University has asked him to go out and raise money for various departments within the college. Peyton always makes time to do it, no matter where he is or what he has going on. Dr. Tegano also spoke very highly of Charles McRae and Reggie White. He said that Reggie’s funeral alone was a testament to what an upstanding man he was. Over 50 NFL players attended his funeral including many people that Reggie had personally helped turn their lives around.
Dr. Tegano touched on the topic of UT Baseball and admitted that previously, they have not had the luck they wanted. However, he believes that is about to change with the hire of new baseball coach, Tony Vitello. They tried a new hiring approach this time that mimics what 12 or13 of the best 15 baseball programs out there are doing. These schools are hiring young 35 to 37-year- old coaches that can relate to the kids and their parents, and then building a whole program around their energy. They feel like that is what Tony is doing now and are excited to see him build up the program.
Finally, he talked about what most of us were waiting for…UT football. Unfortunately, he was not allowed to talk about injury reports or Josh Smith. However, he said they have two really impressive quarterbacks this year and feel confident about both Dormady and Guarantano. An obvious challenge will be to recoup after losing Hurd and Kamara last year. He also said that John Kelly’s individual challenge will be going all season without getting too beat up because he runs so angry. He also mentioned that Ty Chandler, Josh Palmer and Jonathan Kongbo are looking good. Carmen said to keep an eye on Trey Smith starting at guard, as he could be one of the greatest players ever to play at UT. He said there is great energy, new coaches and a great staff this year. Brady Hoke, new Associate Head Coach and Defensive Line Coach, brings fresh energy to the table. He also said the new Strength and Conditioning Coach, Rock Gullickson is a great addition to the team too and one of the best strength coaches they’ve had in a while. He seemed very optimistic about the upcoming season and thinks if we can pull off a win against Georgia Tech, then we would have a good season.
MembershipWe had another great crowd this week! We welcomed two new members to Rotary including Matt Ford with Invo and Megan with Southern Bliss in Clinton. We also had returning visitor Greg Deal, Assistant Director of Anderson County Schools. |
Items of InterestBill mentioned two possible dates that we could have a Rotary Social at the Museum of Appalachia. Please let him know as soon as possible if either October 27 th or November 3 rd works best for your schedule so we can secure the date.Trey McAdams invites everyone to the ribbon cutting for his new State Farm office in the old DMV building on September 6 , 2017. He would love for everyone to come and celebrate with him. Chick-Fil- A and coffee are provided! We are still in dire need of a family to host our Rotary exchange student while he’s here. If you are interested, please see Tom. Please remember that there will be no Rotary meeting next week in observance of Labor Day. We hope everyone has a safe and happy Labor Day holiday! |
Upcoming SpeakersAugust 29Carmen Tegano – University of Tennessee Assistant Athletic Director September 5No Meeting in observance of Labor Day September 12Charlotte Bowers – Habitat for Humanity September 19Melissa Charles – The Kinkaid House September 26Thomas Cole – Master Sergeant |
Rotary Club OfficersBill Gallaher Vickie Violette
Ronnie Fox
Jerry Schlandt
Mike Shrader
Gary Coleman
Tom Connolly
ET Stamey
Bear Stephenson
Leighann Green
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Clinton Rotary Club
Meeting Address: 101 S. Hicks Street Clinton, Tennessee 37716
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 524 Clinton, Tennessee 37717