Athletics Podcast

Mocs on the Mic 185 - Football Preview

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 14:56:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic, host Chris Goforth chats with offensive coordinator Joe Pizzo and defensive coordinator Mike Yeager.

The 8th-ranked Chattanooga Mocs just completed fall camp in preparation for the fast approaching 2024 season. Now the team shifts to game prep with an August 31 date looming at Tennessee followed by another FBS road test at Georgia State before coming home to start Southern Conference play against Mercer on Sept. 14.

The Mocs have 14 starters returning - seven on both sides of the ball - as well as 27 from the 2023 2 deep.

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Mocs on the Mic 184 - Soccer Preview

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 14:32:00 +0000

Soccer kicks off this week. Head coach Gavin McKinney and host Chris Goforth discuss what to expect this season on the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic.

The Mocs will travel to Tennessee this Sunday and host Alabama in the home opener on August 25. Clarissa Salinas was named to the Southern Conference Preseason All-Conference Team. Keeper Caroline Ekern returns to protect the net and Caroline Richvalsky showed off her offensive skills with a pair of goals in the final 28 seconds against Murray State in the final friendly of the preseason.

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Mocs on the Mic 183 - Volleyball Preview

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 15:26:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic host Chris Goforth and Julie Torbett Thomas talk Mocs volleyball.

Entering her third season as the head coach and director of volleyball at UTC, Mocs are coming off of their winningest season yet under Torbett Thomas direction in 2023. After finishing the year 19-14 and reaching the SoCon Tournament Semifinals for the second consecutive year, Torbett Thomas now has her sights set on bringing some titles home to the Scenic City. The Mocs will get their season underway on August 30 at the Alabama A&M Invitational, but fans can catch UTC early as the annual Blue-Gold Scrimmage is set to be played on August 17 at 6 p.m. at Maclellan Gymnasium and is open to the public.

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Mocs on the Mic 182 - Larry Ward Retires

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 11:56:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic, host Chris Goforth heads down memory lane with long-time broadcaster Larry Ward as he announces his retirement from Chattanooga women's basketball.

Ward spent 26 seasons calling games for Chattanooga and saw the Mocs win 70 percent of the time. He called over 800 games starting with Craig Parrott. He returned with Wes Moore and followed Jim Foster, Katie Burrows and Shawn Poppie with his unique voice.

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Mocs on the Mic 181 - Year End Wrap with Mark Wharton

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 15:49:00 +0000

The 2023-24 season draws to a close and host Chris Goforth gets an update on the Mocs from Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Mark Wharton.

He touches on the construction of the addition to The McKenzie Arena and when the Mocs expect to take possession and move in and what the fans can look forward to when basketball season tips off.

With the departure of Shawn Poppie to Clemson, the women’s basketball team hired a new leader in Deandra Schermer. Wharton touches on the process of hiring a new head coach and what to expect from her team.

Many teams had success this season from women’s basketball to beach volleyball, men’s golf to softball. Wharton discusses how donations are instrumental in driving that success.

Listen in as the pair discuss NIL, Engel Stadium, conference expansion as well as scheduling and alliances.

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Mocs on the Mic 180 - Tennis Wrap Up

Thu, 23 May 2024 12:59:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic, host Chris Goforth is joined by head men’s tennis coach Chuck Merzbacher and head women’s tennis coach Chad Camper to recap the 2024 spring season for each program.

The men’s tennis team featured a program record seven All-Southern Conference selections in 2024 which was highlighted by Freshman of the Year Jakub Jupa. The team advanced to the SoCon Tournament semifinals for the third-straight season, marking the first time since 1998-2002 achieving the feat.

The women’s team was led by All-SoCon First Team singles player Rozalie Dohnalova in 2024 while newcomer Madlena Orlova found a spot on the league’s All-Freshman Team. Graduate student Caroline Gibbens wrapped up her illustrious collegiate career following the season, ending her tenure ranked fifth all-time in program history in singles wins (66) and seventh in doubles wins (64).

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Mocs on the Mic 179 - Softball Headed to the NCAA

Wed, 15 May 2024 16:11:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic, host Chris Goforth looks back with softball head coach Frank Reed on a successful season and forward to the NCAA Tournament.

The Mocs won both the Southern Conference regular season and tournament titles, the first time since 2015. In the regular season, UTC swept four series and finished three games up on second place UNCG. The two teams met three times in the SoCon Tournament. The Spartans sent the Mocs to the consolation bracket, but UTC came storming back with a pair of wins on Championship Saturday to claim their 16^th tournament crown.

Chattanooga is headed to the NCAA Tournament this weekend and will take on #15 seed Florida State in the Seminoles home stadium.

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Mocs on the Mic 178 - Beach Volleyball at the NCAA

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:02:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic, host Chris Goforth talks with head coach Darin Van Horn about his team’s historic fifth season for Chattanooga beach volleyball, as the Mocs prepare to head to Gulf Shores for the 2024 NCAA Championships.

The Mocs were able to claim both the Ohio Valley Conference regular season and tournament titles en route to earning the No. 17 seed in this year’s NCAA Tournament bracket. Along the way Van Horn helped UTC earn an OVC-record 14 all-conference honors that included the Mocs sweeping all four major awards: OVC Player, Pair, Freshman and Staff of the Year.

The Mocs are slated to play No. 16 seed North Florida at 9 a.m. ET in the opening round of tournament, with a win pitting UTC against No. 1 overall seed USC at 12 p.m. ET. Both of those matches will be available to watch on ESPNU.

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Mocs on the Mic 177 - Welcome Coach D

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 15:27:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic, host Chris Goforth talks with women’s basketball head coach Deandra Schirmer. She is the eighth head coach in UTC women’s basketball 50-year history.

Schirmer found success at Valdosta State with an impressive 114-31 record in five years. She helped VSU punch its ticket into each of the last four NCAA Division II Tournaments with her team making an Elite Eight run in 2022.

A native of Holton, Kan., Schirmer split her collegiate career between USC Aiken and Cloud County Community College. She was a prep standout in a multitude of sports including all-state in both basketball and volleyball. Schirmer was named a Naismith Award winner for her various athletic endeavors all throughout high school.

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Mocs on the Mic 176 - Wrestling Wrapup

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 10:52:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic, it’s Wrestling Wrapup Week. Host Chris Goforth and head coach Kyle Ruschell talk all things Mocs wrestling. That includes SoCon Champs Brayden Palmer and Isaiah Powe making trips to the national tournament and the rise of young guns Blake Boarman, Kamdyn Munro & Sergio Desiante.

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Mocs on the Mic 175 - Jimmy Fallon

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 16:49:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic, host Chris Goforth and several guests relive the 2009 UTC men’s basketball appearance on the Jimmy Fallon Show 15 years ago.

Come along as we take a behind-the-scenes look with then-head coach John Shulman, former Moc Nicchaeus Doaks as well as JAy Blackman, deputy AD and Jim Horten, the SID for men’s basketball.

NBC's "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" adopted the Chattanooga Mocs as its underdog team to root for during the 2009 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Fallon stated, “So much attention is given to the same four or five teams, so people forget that all the other teams also have a story to tell. The more we learn about the Mocs the more we like them.”

Coach Shulman along with the Mocs seniors and members of the UTC Pep band and cheerleaders traveled to New York following the Mocs first round NCAA Tournament game to be on the show. During the week Dennis Haskins, “Mr. Belding” from “Saved by the Bell” popped up and the audience was outfitted with Chattanooga Mocs “Gold Rush” t-shirts.

Relive the famous connection between Chattanooga and Jimmy Fallon on this week’s episode. Follow Mocs on the Mic on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcasts as we discuss all things Chattanooga Mocs! Click to subscribe to get notified when each episode drops.

Mocs on the Mic 174 - NCAA Preview

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 10:15:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic, host Chris Goforth talks with women’s basketball head coach Shawn Poppie and junior Sigrun Olafsdottir about the Mocs upcoming trip to the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

In just his second season, Poppie is leading the Mocs to his second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance after leading Chattanooga to yet another Southern Conference Tournament win in Asheville, N.C.

Sitting at a record of 28-4 on the year, the 2023-24 Mocs are the No. 14 seed in their region, pitting UTC against the No. 3 seeded NC State Wolfpack coached by former Chattanooga head coach Wes Moore. Having swept the SoCon regular season and tournament titles this season under the league’s Coach of the Year in Poppie, the Mocs will be aiming to make some noise in Raleigh, N.C., this coming weekend.

Sigrun Olafsdottir’s 2023-24 season has seen the Iceland native come away with honors that include being named to the 2024 SoCon All-Defensive Team as well as taking home the 2024 Pinnacle Award at the SoCon Tournament.

Touted as one of the best defensive players in the entire conference, Olafsdottir has a big decision waiting for her at the conclusion of the team’s NCAA Tournament run with the four-year starter still deciding whether or not she intends to utilize her final year of eligibility next season.

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Mocs on the Mic 173 - Frank Reed's 1200th Career Win

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 13:03:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic, host Chris Goforth talks softball with head coach Frank Reed.

Reed reached his 1200^th career victory earlier this season with the Mocs first win in the annual Frost Classic.

The pair discuss his accomplishment and take a look at the season as UTC heads toward Southern Conference play on March 22 at Samford.

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Mocs on the Mic 172 - Indoor and Beach Volleyball

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 13:42:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic, host Chris Goforth delves into the volleyball seasons with Director of Volleyball and indoor head coach Julie Torbett and beach volleyball head coach Darin Van Horn.

Torbett is coming off a 2023 season in which she led the Mocs to a 19-14 record on the year, marking her second consecutive winning season at the helm of the UTC volleyball program.

Her tenure at Chattanooga has already seen her reach her 500th career head coaching victory, coach multiple all-conference selections, as well as lead the Mocs to back-to-back SoCon Tournament Semifinal appearances in her first two seasons with the team.

Van Horn is just kicking off the fifth season of Chattanooga beach volleyball, a program that was established by Van Horn back in 2020. Just a season ago he coached the Mocs to a 19-15 record, marking the program’s highest single season win total since its inception.

Last weekend, UTC beach volleyball kicked off its 2024 regular season at the Jacksonville Invitational, marking the beginning of the team’s 25-match schedule over the coming months culminating in the Ohio Valley Conference Championships, which are set to run April 25-27 in Morehead, Kentucky.

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Mocs on the Mic 171 - 2024 Tennis Preview

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 10:14:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic, men’s tennis head coach Chuck Merzbacher and women’s head coach Chad Camper join host Chris Goforth to preview the upcoming 2024 spring season.

The men’s tennis team is coming off one of its most successful campaigns in program history after finishing the 2023 season with an 18-7 overall record, which included a 6-1 mark in league play and the program’s first-ever Southern Conference regular season title. The Mocs advanced to the 2023 SoCon title match for the first time since 2006 and eventually finished as runner-ups.

The women’s team put together another winning season in 2023 after finishing 14-8 overall and marking the sixth winning campaign in seven tries under Camper. The Mocs earned a national ranking early in the 2023 season after starting the year 10-1 which featured an eight-match winning streak, its longest since 2015.

Both teams have kicked off play against nationally-ranked opponents during the first week of action and feature numerous home events over the coming weeks and months. Follow Mocs on the Mic on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcasts as we discuss all things Chattanooga Mocs! Click to subscribe to get notified when each episode drops.

Mocs on the Mic 170 - Golf Preview

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 09:45:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic, host Chris Goforth delves into the men’s and women’s golf seasons with head coaches Colette Murray and Blaine Woodruff to recap the fall and look forward to the spring.

The Mocs golf teams had good starts to the season. Their respective falls included two team wins for the men and three individual titles between the two programs.

The guy are Top 25 in the mid-season NCAA Division I Rankings with two wins and two runner-ups in four fall forays. The team crowns came at Marquette and Furman with medalist honors for Samuel Espinosa (Marquette) and Paul Conroy (Furman).

The ladies came into the season with just two letter winners returning from 2022-23 and a nearly brand-new squad. They boast a win by transfer Makenzie Cooper at Old Dominion and solid beginning all-around.

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Mocs on the Mic 169 - Women's Basketball Check In

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 09:10:00 +0000

Chattanooga women’s basketball head coach Shawn Poppie and junior guard Addie Grace Porter check in with Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank host Chris Goforth to give an update on the team.

The women are off to a 14-3 start this season, including back-to-back victories over Mercer and Samford to open Southern Conference play. Poppie and Porter discuss the team’s hot start to the season, as well as preview Saturday’s in-state rivalry game against ETSU.

Under Coach Poppie, the Mocs have a record of 34-16 since he took over head coach responsibilities for the team in 2022. Poppie’s win percentage of .680 while at UTC ranks third in program history behind Jim Foster (.875) and Wes Moore (.760).

Porter is currently averaging 5.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game for the Mocs. The Lebanon, Tenn., native serves as one of the two captains for Coach Poppie’s 2023-24 squad.

The Mocs return to action this coming Saturday in a battle of the top two teams in the Southern Conference with UTC set to host ETSU. The game is scheduled to tip at 2 p.m. in the Roundhouse.

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Mocs on the Mic 168 - Southern Scuffle Recap

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 11:32:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, Mocs wrestling head coach Kyle Ruschell joins host Chris Goforth to recap the 2024 Southern Scuffle hosted by UTC.

The Chattanooga Mocs had its best finish in the recently completed Southern Scuffle since 2012. It was an impressive performance.

Four medalists, also the most since 2012, took the podium:
- 3rd place: Isaiah Powe (141)
- 4th place: Blake Boarman (133) & Noah Castillo (149)
- 7th place: Austin Paradice (157)

That led to the third top 10 ending coming in 8th. That also dates back to 2012.

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Mocs on the Mic 167 - Anastasia Zhukova

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 18:47:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth welcomes Anastasia Zhukova, former member of the Mocs women’s tennis program and a member of the newest class of the UTC Athletics Hall of Fame.

Zhukova was a two-time Southern Conference Player of the Year in her two seasons in the program. She posted a 23-1 dual match singles record at No. 1 in 2006 and a 24-2 dual match singles record at No. 1 in 2007 for a .940 career winning percentage (47-3). She was an All-SoCon singles and doubles honoree both years and was an ITA Scholar-Athlete with a 3.9 GPA. Her No. 23 Division I ranking is the highest in UTC history and she was also No. 47 in the country in doubles. Zhukova was named to the SoCon All-Century team announced in 2021.

Tune in to hear about her time at UTC and what she is doing today.

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Mocs on the Mic 166 - Frank Reed HOF

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 09:29:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth continues his talks with the newest members of the UTC Athletics Hall of Fame. This week’s guest is current Mocs softball head coach Frank Reed.

Reed, in his 23^rd year at UTC, was inducted into the 2023 Class alongside former student-athlete Michelle Fuzzard LaCourse. The six-time SoCon Coach of the Year has more than 700 wins at UTC and is on pace to top the 1200 career mark this spring. He has guided the Mocs to eight SoCon regular season titles and 10 SoCon Tournament crowns, the most of any school in the league. UTC has made 10 NCAA Tournament appearances. He has coached three SoCon Players of the Year, six SoCon Pitchers of the Year, four SoCon Freshmen of the Year and dozes of all-conference student-athletes.

The pair also discuss the 2024 Chattanooga softball season that includes 15 home games as well as two annual tournaments.

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Mocs on the Mic 165 - Football Recap with Coach Wright

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 15:45:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth meets with football head coach Rusty Wright to recap an exciting season.

The Chattanooga Mocs completed the 2023 football season last weekend reaching the second round of the FCS Playoffs for the fourth time in school history. It was quite the campaign.

The Mocs won eight games for the 13th time and six in the SoCon for the fifth occasion. It was definitely a tribute to the character in the locker room.

The Mocs battled injury and 10 consecutive weeks of games before a rest to continue building the program on a solid foundation.

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Mocs on the Mic 164 - HOF Michelle Fuzzard LaCourse

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 12:59:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth talks with the first of our UTC Athletics Hall of Fame inductees, Michelle Fuzzard LaCourse (2008-12).

She earned multiple accolades in her five years with Chattanooga. She was named the 2008 SoCon Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year in 2011. She was named to the league’s All-Conference First Team three times and is the first player in SoCon history to earn First Team (1B) and Second Team (P) honors in the same season (2009).

She, along with softball head coach Frank Reed, was honored on October 6. The UTC Athletics Hall of Fame was established to formally recognize outstanding contributions to the heritage and tradition of the University's intercollegiate athletics program. A total of 240 individuals have been inducted into the UTC Athletics Hall of Fame during special ceremonies held each year.

Follow each episode of Mocs on the Mic on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcasts as we discuss all things Chattanooga Mocs! Click to subscribe to get notified when each episode drops.

Mocs on the Mic 163 - Torrez Finney: MMA Update

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:32:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth catches up with former Mocs football player and wrestler Torrez Finney.

Goforth and Finney, also known as “The Punisher”, discuss his fight in Dana White’s Contender Series in Las Vegas on October 10 and his future in MMA. Finney is 7-0-0 and got a submission against previously undefeated Yuri Panferov.

Follow each episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcasts as we discuss all things Chattanooga Mocs! Click to subscribe to get notified when each episode drops.

Mocs on the Mic 162 - Mocs Club Update

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 15:34:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth welcomes Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development Ryan Jones.

Jones directs the Mocs Club, the philanthropic arm of the athletics department. On “Mocs Give Day” a record $1,103,861 was raised in cash and commitments from 711 donors. Jones and Goforth discuss where that money is used and future projects.

Follow each episode of Mocs on the Mic on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcasts as we discuss all things Chattanooga Mocs! Click to subscribe to get notified when each episode drops.

Mocs on the Mic 161 - Cross Country SoCon Preview

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 12:34:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth and cross country head coach Andy Meyer preview the Southern Conference Championships.

The Mocs are on the road to Kernersville, N.C., for the Friday morning championship meet. The women, led by Lesley Boyd, run the 5-kilometer course at 10:00 a.m. and the men’s 8K will start at 10:45 a.m.

Boyd is a two-time SoCon Runner of the Week this season and set a personal best time of 16:38.3 at the Mocs home meet two weeks ago. The men are led by junior Aaron Isbell and freshman Jack Martin. Martin claimed his first victory at the UTC Home Meet at Camp Jordan earlier this season.

Follow each episode of Mocs on the Mic on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcasts as we discuss all things Chattanooga Mocs! Click to subscribe to get notified when each episode drops.

Mocs on the Mic 160 - Wrestling Blue-Gold and Season Preview

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 15:47:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth moves into the next season with a look at wrestling. Head coach Kyle Ruschell previews the Mocs upcoming season and the Blue and Gold match this Saturday at First Horizon Pavilion.

The Chattanooga Mocs wrestling program is headed back to one of its favorite haunts. The grapplers are back at Finley Stadium Saturday for the annual Blue-Gold match.

There are 11 bouts on tap during pregame tailgating in the pavilion. It starts at 10 a.m.

The season starts November 4 on the road. The first home match is December 16 against Little Rock and Queens at Maclellan Gym. Tickets are on sale now at GoMocs.com.

Follow each episode of Mocs on the Mic on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcasts as we discuss all things Chattanooga Mocs! Click to subscribe to get notified when each episode drops.

Mocs on the Mic 159 - Volleyball and Soccer Midseason Look

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 12:53:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth checks in with soccer head coach Gavin McKinney and Director of Volleyball Julie Torbett on the progress of their seasons.

Coach Torbet earned her 500^th career head coaching victory last week against Furman. The Mocs are 15-6 on the year and starting Southern Conference play at 3-3. The Mocs got off to their best start in program history and look to carry that momentum into the final 10 matches of the season.

Women’s soccer put together a program-best six game win streak and went 6-2 in non-conference action. The Mocs are 3-2-1 in Southern Conference play and have three matches left to the season.

Volleyball will be on the road to Samford Friday and Mercer Sunday before returning to Maclellan Gym on October 26 to host UNCG.

Soccer closes out the home slate of the regular season Thursday night at Finley Stadium against Wofford. The final two matches of the year will be on the road at UNCG and Samford.

Follow each episode of Mocs on the Mic on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcasts as we discuss all things Chattanooga Mocs! Click to subscribe to get notified when each episode drops.

Mocs on the Mic 158 - Men's Golf Update and Preview

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 14:13:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic, men’s golf head coach and senior Sam Espinosa talk with host Chris Goforth on the team accomplishments so far and this year’s schedule.

The Mocs are off to a hot start. The guys captured wins at Marquette and Cincinnati to make it six in the 15 tournaments of the Blaine Woodruff era.

Samuel Espinosa claimed his first win as a Moc at Erin Hills, beating two top 50 players in the WORLD rankings and then was fourth just behind Paul Conroy in third at the Bearcat.

Follow each episode of Mocs on the Mic on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcast as we discuss all things Chattanooga Mocs! Click to subscribe to get notifice when each episode drops.

Mocs on the Mic 157 - Basketball Preview

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 12:56:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth gets an early look at the upcoming season for men’s and women’s basketball.

Women’s head coach Shawn Poppie, in his second season, previews the 2023-24 schedule that features a home contest against SEC foe Mississippi State and tournaments in Florida and North Carolina. The Mocs claimed the 2023 SoCon Tournament title, it’s 19^th since joining the league and 16^th NCAA Tournament appearance. UTC opens the season at home on November 6 against King University.

The women’s program is one of three at UTC celebrating 50 seasons of competition. Also celebrating the Golden Anniversary are volleyball and tennis.

Men’s head coach Dan Earl previews the upcoming 2023-24 schedule while highlighting this year's roster ahead of his second season at Chattanooga. The Mocs kick off the new campaign at home for just the second time since 2015-16 when they host Covenant College on November 6 at 7:00 p.m.

Follow each episode of Mocs on the Mic on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcasts as we discuss all things Chattanooga Mocs! Click to subscribe to get notified when each episode drops.

Mocs on the Mic 156 - Torrez Finney Goes MMA

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 14:44:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth catches up with Torrez Finney.

Finney, a former Chattanooga football player and wrestler, turned his focus towards mixed martial arts. He is headed to Las Vegas next month for a UFC event.

Tune in to hear Torrez relate his journey and his hopes for the future in MMA.

Follow each episode of Mocs on the Mic on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcasts as we discuss all things Chattanooga Mocs. Click to subscribe to get notified when it drops!

Mocs on the Mic 155 - Football Game Day Experience

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 10:11:00 +0000

On this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, we find out what goes into planning and executing the Game Day experience for Mocs football.

Host Chris Goforth talks to Finley Stadium Executive Director Brian Wright and UTC Deputy Athletics Director for External Operations Andrew Horton about the responsibilities of each organization on game day.

The Mocs open the 2023 home slate this Saturday, September 9 against Kennesaw State. Tailgate in the First Horizon Pavilion and cheer on the football team in the Moc Walk. There is plenty to do before the game, lots to eat and drink at the game. The game kicks off at 6:00 p.m.

Follow each episode of Mocs on the Mic on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcasts as we discuss all things Chattanooga Mocs. Click to subscribe and get notified when it drops!

Mocs on the Mic 154 - Rusty Wright

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 12:30:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth and Chattanooga football head coach Rusty Wright preview the 2023 season.

Coach Wright has his squad prepped and putting the final touches on the trip to North Alabama. It starts with 10 straight weeks of games before the bye and then the regular season finale at Alabama.

Learn more about what's to come with T.O.'s most celebrated teammate Rusty Wright.

Follow each episode of Mocs on the Mic on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcasts as we discuss all things Chattanooga Mocs. Click to subscribe and get notified when it drops!

Mocs on the Mic 153 - Football Coordinators

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 16:22:00 +0000

It’s Chattanooga football time on Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank. The season kicks off Sept. 2 at North Alabama. This episode features the architects of the offensive and defensive strategies for the coming season.

Host Chris Goforth is joined by the coordinators with Joe Pizzo representing the offense and Lorenzo Ward on the D side of things. Both are entering their fifth years in the Scenic City leading their respective groups.

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Mocs on the Mic 152 - SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 11:56:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth caught up with new Southern Conference Commissioner Michael Cross.

Cross is the 10^th commissioner of the Southern Conference and has nearly 30 years of athletic administrative experience. He came to the SoCon from Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics after previous stops at Penn State, Bradley, Princeton and Michigan.

A native of Hamburg, New York, Cross is a former basketball student-athlete and a two-time graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo, earning an undergraduate degree in economics in 1991 and a master’s degree in college counseling in 1993. He would go on to earn a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Michigan in 1999.

Cross and his wife, Jennifer, have two adult sons, Aidan and Nathan.

Mocs on the Mic 151 - Volleyball, Soccer Preview

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 16:49:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth chats with Director of Volleyball Julie Torbett and the 2022 Southern Conference champion women’s soccer head coach Gavin McKinney to preview their teams’ 2023 seasons.

Soccer makes its return to Finley Stadium and kicks off action in an exhibition match on August 5. The season opens on the road on August 17 at SEC foe Vanderbilt and the Mocs home opener is August 31 against Austin Peay.

McKinney, a two-time SoCon Coach of the Year (2020 [21], 2022) begins his ninth season at the helm. He returns All-Conference first teamer and captain Mackenzie Smith, second team members Caroline Ekern, Clarissa Salinas and Birna Johannsdottir. Ekern and Salinas were joined on the All-Freshman team by Zoey Mize and Carolina Richvalsky who earned a spot on the SoCon All-Tournament Team.

Volleyball turns its attention to August 25-26 as the team prepares for their season-opening tournament in Atlanta. Before that, fans have a pair of opportunities to catch the Mocs at Maclellan Gymnasium at the annual Blue-Gold Scrimmage (August 17) and the team’s exhibition against Tennessee Tech (August 22).

Torbett is entering her second year at the helm of Chattanooga’s indoor volleyball team, coming off of a season in 2022 in which the Mocs finished 17-16 and reached the SoCon Tournament semifinals for the first time since 2016. Torbett’s 17 wins marked the most for a UTC head coach in their first season.

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Mocs on the Mic 150 - Mark Wharton

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 10:13:00 +0000

We start the fifth season of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, with host Chris Goforth and Chattanooga Assistant Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Mark Wharton.

Wharton recaps the 2022-23 year and the accomplishments of the department. He was the winner of the Cushman & Wakefield Athletics Director of the Year Award given by NACA, one he attributes to the entire staff. Wharton, along with men’s assistant coach Ander Galfsky, also participated in the prestigious 2023 TopConnect Basketball Symposium, presented by Teamworks and INFLCR.

The pair discuss upgrades for the student-athletes as well as the fan experience across all sports. Listen in for updates on renovations to The McKenzie Arena and Frost Stadium.

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Mocs on the Mic 149 - Men's Golf Season Wrap

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 14:17:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth talks with men’s golf head coach Blaine Woodruff on the Mocs’ historic season.

The Chattanooga Mocs men's golf team rose to national prominence again with a special 2022-23 season. The squad won four times as a group with two individual wins setting scoring records throughout the history books.

The final ranking of No. 41 is the highest the program has been rated since the end of 2012 (27). It also brings excitement to 2023-24 with the starting five back along with key reserves and a talented trio of new players.

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Mocs on the Mic 148 - SoCon Champ Lesley Green

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 14:03:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic, host Chris Goforth meets up with cross country and track and field head coach Andy Meyer and Southern Conference champion Lesley Green. Green and Meyer look back to the dedication and preparation needed to accomplish a championship.

Lesley Green looks back on starting her career in track and field and what led her to Chattanooga. After redshirting the cross country season, she went on to earn a pair of all-conference finishes at the Southern Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships. As the year progressed, she got closer to her preferred distance, the 10,000 meter. Green outpaced the competition and claimed her first Southern Conference title with the win at the Outdoor Championships.

Follow each episode of Mocs on the Mic on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcasts as we discuss all things Chattanooga Mocs! Click to subscribe and get notified when it drops.

Mocs on the Mic 147 - Softball SoCon Preview

Tue, 09 May 2023 10:56:00 +0000

It’s Southern Conference time for the Chattanooga Mocs softball team. Head coach Frank Reed and senior Emily Coltharp talk about the season and preview the league championships with host Chris Goforth.

The Mocs are the No. 6 seed and will take on No. 3 Furman in the opening round. UTC has won 15 Southern Conference Tournament titles including in 2022 in thrilling comeback fashion.

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Mocs on the Mic 146 - Tennis Season Review

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 15:06:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth takes a dive into recapping the men's and women's successful tennis seasons with men's head coach Chuck Merzbacher and junior Peyton Gatti along with women's head coach Chad Camper.

The men's tennis team is coming off a historic 2023 campaign in which the squad won its first regular season Southern Conference title in program history. The Mocs, who finished 18-7 overall, made its first Southern Conference Tournament title match appearance since 2006 before eventually finishing as runner-ups in the event held at Champions CLub in town last week. The 18 wins are the most since 2005.

Junior Peyton Gatti was a key contributor for the team this season and was tabbed an All-Southern Conference First Team honoree at the No. 1 doubles postion. Gatti provided a thrilling 7-5, 7-5 comeback victory in the SoCon Tournament semifinals to clinch the team's 4-2 win over No. 5 Furman and punch its ticket to the championship match.

Coach Camper led the Chattanooga women's team to an ITA National Ranking earlier in the 2023 campaign, peaking at No. 70, before finishing the season with a 14-8 overall record. The team saw All-SoCon selections in Jessie Young, Caroline Gibbens, Lucia Garrigues-Melendez and Rozalie Dohnalova.

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Mocs on the Mic 145 - Coach Frank Reed

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 09:09:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, softball head coach Frank Reed can’t wait to get back to Frost Stadium. He and host Chris Goforth talk about this important move and what to expect. Hear what he has to say about the season and what’s to come.

Frost Stadium underwent renovations this year and the Mocs have played on nearly Warner Park Field #3 for the season. Now the team gets to go back to their home field for this weekend’s series against UNCG. New turf, new lights, updated press box.

Coach Reed claimed his 700^th win as head coach of the Mocs this season. He will be honored prior to Saturday’s game. He has reached 712 so far and is 12 away from 1,200 career victories.

Chattanooga is hosting the 2023 Southern Conference Softball Championships May 10-13 at Frost Stadium.

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Mocs on the Mic 144 - Meet Coaches Speir and Knox

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth introduces new football coaches Zeb Speir and D.J. Knox.

Speir, from Sylva, N.C., is the son of former Western Carolina head coach Mark Speir. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in three-and-a-half years from Appalachian State in 2018 where he was quarterback. The Mountaineers were three-time Sun Belt Conference Champs in his time and four-time Bowl winners.

Knox, a native of Fairburn, Ga., is a 2018 graduate of Purdue University where he was team captain and All-Big Ten Honorable Mention. He led the Boilermakers in rushing in 2018 and had nine touchdowns. Over his career, he tallied 2,360 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.

Get to know the new coaches and where they’ve been before moving to the Scenic City and what drew them here.

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Mocs on the Mic 143 - HOF Jonathan Hodge and Steven Kocsis

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 11:44:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth goes into the “Way Back Machine” to talk with 2022 Hall of Famers Steven Kocsis (cross country/track) and Jonathan Hodge (men’s golf).

Jonathan Hodge – Men’s Golf – 2006-09
Jonathan Hodge was a two-time Southern Conference Player of the Year in 2007 and 2008. He graduated with a school-record 71.41 scoring average, a mark that is now ranks second. He was a second team All-American as a junior when he had a school-record three wins in the season. Hodge was in the top 20 in the world amateur rankings during his career at UTC and guided the group to three consecutive Southern Conference team titles. He was also a member of the SoCon 100th Anniversary Team.

Steven Kocsis – Cross Country/Track & Field - 2001-05
A two-time Southern Conference Cross Country and Indoor Track Runner of the Year, Steven Kocsis is one of the most decorated student-athletes from the men’s program. He led the Mocs to SoCon titles as the individual champion in 2003 and 2004. He also won five titles in Indoor track and four more in Outdoor competition. He was the SoCon Indoor Athlete of the Year in 2004 and 2005 and the Outdoor Athlete of the Year in 2004. All totaled, he won 13 All-SoCon honors in cross country and track and field in his career and was a member of the SoCon 100th Anniversary Team.

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Mocs on the Mic 142 - NCAA Women's Basketball Preview

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 16:00:00 +0000

The Mocs are dancing!! The Chattanooga women basketball team makes its 16^th appearance in the NCAA Tournament and first since 2017.

Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank host Chris Goforth sits with UTC head coach Shawn Poppie as he makes his first trip into March Madness against his former team. Poppie was an assistant coach for Kenny Brooks at Virginia Tech for six seasons, associate head coach for his last three.

Chattanooga pounced through the SoCon Tournament, winning each game by double digits. Raven Thompson was named the SoCon Tournament Most Outstanding Player and joined on the All-Tournament teams by Addie Grace Porter and Yazz Wazeerud-Din on the First Team and Abbey Cornelius on Second Team.

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Mocs on the Mic 141 - Wrestling NCAA Preview

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 15:40:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth talks with wrestlilng head coach Kyle Ruschell and National Qualifiers Brayden Palmer and Matthew Waddell.

The pair, along with Rocky Jordan, qualified for the NCAA Championships beginning March 16 and runs through the 18^th in Tulsa, Okla.

Brayden Palmer, the 18 seed, opens against No. 15 Zach Redding from Iowa State. A win would likely setup a Southern Scuffle rematch with No. 2 Oklahoma State's Daton Fix who got past Palmer in the championship bout on Jan. 2 in McKenzie Arena.

Rocky Jordan is the 10 seed at 174. His first opponent is Drexel's Mickey O'Malley who is seeded 23rd. He also has a potential rematch in his half of the draw although they'll both have to reach the final four to see it come together. That's with No. 11 Nelson Brands who Jordan defeated 3-1 in the December dual in the Roundhouse.

Matthew Waddell comes in at No. 30. He'll matchup with No. 3 Aaron Brooks from Penn State. His half of the draw includes Clarion's Will Feldkamp (W, Fall), Campbell's Caleb Hopkins (W, Dec.) and Illinois' Dylan Connell (L, Dec.).

The top eight finishers in each of the 10 weight classes will be crowned All-American.

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Mocs on the Mic 140 - SoCon Basketball Championships Preview

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 14:11:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank host Chris Goforth talks with the Mocs head coaches as UTC makes its way to the Southern Conference Championships this weekend in Asheville, N.C.

Women’s head coach Shawn Poppie looks forward to his team’s chances in the SoCon Tournament as the No. 2 seed in his first season. UTC will take on Furman for the fourth time in five years. The Mocs finished the season 17-12 overall, 10 more wins than the previous year, and 9-5 in the conference, tied with ETSU. Chattanooga swept the Bucs in the regular season to secure the No. 2 seed.

The men's team enters the Southern Conference Championships as the No. 7 seed after finishing the regular season with a 15-16 overall record and a 7-11 mark inside SoCon play. The Mocs will face head coach Dan Earl’s former team, No. 10 VMI.

The women’s game tips off at 3:00 p.m. Thursday and the men’s game will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Follow all the action online at GoMocs.com for live stats, streaming audio and video.

Follow each episode of Mocs on the Mic on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcasts as we discuss all things Chattanooga Mocs. Click to subscribe and get notified when it drops!

Mocs on the Mic 139 - NFL Prospect McClendon Curtis

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 14:45:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, former Chattanooga football player McClendon Curtis talks with host Chris Goforth about his post-UTC career opportunities.

Mocs highly decorated lineman McClendon accepted an invitation to play in the Reese’s Senior Bowl. He and Goforth talk about his experience in Mobile, Ala., and what he learned about himself. Curtis showed off his talents in multiple positions along the offensive line and impressed the scouts with his versatility.

The pair look forward to his chances at the NFL Combine and look back on his time at Chattanooga and his journey to a possible career in professional football.

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Mocs on the Mic 138 - Football Spring Practice

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 17:12:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth talks with Rusty Wright, head coach of the Chattanooga Mocs football program.

Wright discusses the 2023 Signing Class with 23 coming on board this coming year. Eleven are already on campus which leads to the second part of the discussion...spring practice.

The Mocs are off to an early start this year with drills already underway. In fact, the group completes the cycle with a spring showcase on March 10 at 7 p.m., at Finley Stadium (free admission).

Follow each episode of Mocs on the Mic on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcasts as we discuss all things Chattanooga Mocs. Click to subscribe and get notified when it drops!

Mocs on the Mic 137 - Softball Preview

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth talks with softball head coach Frank Reed on the season and updates on Frost Stadium.

The Mocs were picked to finish third in the SoCon by the league coaches, but that didn’t stop a slew of preseason awards for the Mocs. Senior Emily Coltharp was named the Southern Conference Preseason Player of the Year. She earned the honor in 2021 as well. She is joined on the all-conference first team by fellow senior Brooke Parrott. Juniors Kendall Forsythe, Kailey Snell and Adison Keylon were all named to the second team.

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Mocs on the Mic 136 - All About Volleyball

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 12:52:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth takes a dive into the volleyball programs with Julie Torbett (Director of Volleyball) and Darin Van Horn (Head Beach Volleyball Coach) to gain an update inside each program.

The indoor volleyball team is coming off highly-successful 2022 fall season in which the team finished with its first winning season since 2016 behind a 17-16 overall record. The team advanced to the SoCon Tournament semifinals also for the first time since 2016. Torbett's 17 wins were the most for a UTC head coach in their first season.

The beach volleyball team will kick off action in the 2023 spring season on February 25-26 with a weekend full of matches in Hattiesburg, Miss., at Southern Miss. Van Horn has led the team to a 12-6 record inside Ohio Valley Conference play in the program's first two seasons as a sponsored sport at the NCAA Division I level.

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Mocs on the Mic 135 - Tennis Spring Preview

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 11:10:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth sits down with men's head tennis coach Chuck Merzbacher and women's head tennis coach Chad Camper to discuss the start of the 2023 spring campaign.

The women's tennis team is off to a 2-0 start for the fourth-straight season after picking up season-opening road wins at UNC Asheville and WKU in the early stages of the spring season.

The men's program kicked off its spring slate with a battle in Tuscaloosa against SEC-power Alabama last week. Both team's are set to make their home debuts this weekend (January 28-29).

Follow each episode of Mocs on the Mic on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcasts as we discuss all things Chattanooga Mocs. Click to subscribe and get notified when it drops!

Mocs on the Mic 134 - Hall of Fame Softball and Women's Tennis Inductees

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 14:59:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth takes us back with Hall of Fame inductees Meg Glass and Lacey Swarthout.

Meg Glass Bandy was the MVP of the 1991 Southern Conference Women’s Tennis Tournament and a three-time SoCon singles champion. She is one of nine individuals in SoCon history to win three or more singles titles in a career and was a member of the SoCon 100th Anniversary Team. She also won two SoCon doubles titles and was a two-time All-SoCon honoree. Glass helped the Mocs to SoCon team championship in 1988, 1990 and 1991. As a senior in 1991, she won both No. 2 singles and doubles, guiding the team to a 23-1 overall record. Chattanooga was 31-4 her junior year when she won trophies at No. 3 singles and doubles. As a freshman in 1988, she won the No. 6 singles crown at the SoCon Tournament. She was also a member of the 1987 SoCon Volleyball Tournament Champions.

Lacey Swarthout Paris was a two-time Southern Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2004 and 2005. She won 30 games in 2005 and 28 games in 2004, both are still the top two marks for a season in school history. A two-time All-SoCon honoree, she was also on the All-Region team in 2004. Her 41 appearances in 2004 are still a SoCon single-season record, while her 75 complete games are a school record. She helped the Mocs to the 2004 SoCon regular season and tournament titles and an appearance in the NCAA Regionals. She was also a member of the SoCon 100th Anniversary Team.

Follow each episode of Mocs on the Mic on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcasts as we discuss all things Chattanooga Mocs. Click to subscribe and get notified when it drops!

Mocs on the Mic 133 - Southern Scuffle Preview

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 15:37:00 +0000

On this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth talks with Mocs head coach Kyle Ruschell about the upcoming Southern Scuffle.

Coming up January 1-2 is the 2023 Southern Scuffle, presented by Compound Sportswear. One of the toughest in-season collegiate tournaments in the nation, the Scuffle field includes nearly 20 All-Americans, three national champions and top-10 competitors at every weight. Oklahoma State, Missouri, Iowa State, Stanford, Minnesota, Duke, Maryland and many more join the Mocs on the mat In McKenzie Arena. Tickets are on sale now on GoMocs.com.

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Mocs on the Mic 132 - Basketball Midseason Wrap

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 11:55:00 +0000

It’s that time of year.

No not Christmas. Southern Conference season is just around the corner for the Mocs men’s and women’s basketball teams.

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth talks with head coaches Shawn Poppie and Dan Earl recapping the season thus far and what the SoCon play looks like.

The women head into the holiday break with an 8-6 record and return home for the first time in a month to close out non-conference play on December 29 against Jacksonville State. Southern Conference play opens on the road for the women at ETSU on January 5. The next weekend the Mocs will host Samford and Mercer.

First-year head coach Shawn Poppie highlights the newcomers and their impact on the team including Yazz Wazeerud-Din, Raven Thompson and Brooklyn Crouch. He also talks about graduate Abbey Cornelius and her journey to 1,000 points. He also looks ahead to league play and who is the favorite and where his team needs to improve to return to the top of the SoCon.

The Chattanooga men hit Southern Conference play in the week before the new year with both games on the road. The Mocs open up on December 29 at The Citadel then head to Mercer for a New Year’s Eve matchup.

Coach Earl sees a competitive conference season and feels that a strong non-conference season where UTC went 8-5, will work to his team’s advantage. It’s four games into the season before Earl and the Mocs will take on his former team VMI in Chattanooga on January 7.

Jake Stephens is a proven leader who has garnered all but one Player of the Week nod from the league and was named USBWA Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week. However, Coach Earl looks to the rest of the squad and feels a great amount of depth, unselfish, coachable and high character players on his squad. AJ Caldwell got the mask off and the shots have started falling.

Tickets are on sale at The McKenzie Arena box office and online at GoMocs.com. Mini-packs and single-game tickets are on sale now. Get your tickets to support the Mocs.

Mocs on the Mic 131 - Golf Fall Recap - Spring Preview

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 16:57:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth explores the Mocs golf programs with head coaches Colette Murray and Blaine Woodruff.

Both of the Mocs golf teams wrapped up fall play and look forward to a full spring season. Listen to Coach Murray as she talks about the spring tournaments and what to expect in Southern Conference play. Coach Murray talks about her new assistant coach and the positives she brings to her team. Senior Dorota Zalewska heads up a young squad of three sophomores and two freshmen.

Coach Woodruff discusses the leadership of Paul Conroy, Sam Espinosa and John Houk on the course. The Mocs had strong showings in the fall with wins at NC State and Furman. This spring looks to be a competitive season as the Mocs head into the Southern Conference Tournament in April.

Follow each episode of Mocs on the Mic on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcasts as we discuss all things Chattanooga Mocs. Click to subscribe and get notified when it drops!

Mocs on the Mic 130 - Hall of Fame Wrestling Inductees

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 16:15:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth goes back in time to talk with the most recent inductees into the Chattanooga Mocs Hall of Fame. Today’s episode features former wrestling head coach Ethan Reeve (1985-90) and former wrestler John Feldhacker (1982-85).

Reeve led the Mocs program to five Southern Conference titles in his six seasons as head coach. He was a three-time SoCon Coach of the Year and developed and coached 28 Southern Conference Individual Champions. The Mocs ranked as high as 12^th in the nation during his tenure and he recruited three wrestlers who would go on to earn All-American honors.

John Feldhacker is a three-time Southern Conference champion and three-time NCAA Division Wrestling Tournament qualifier. He won the SoCon title at 150 pounds in 1982, 1984 and 1985 and is a member of the SoCon 100^th Anniversary Team. He won the prestigious Southeastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association Tournament in 1982 and his 22 career pins ranks seventh all-time at UTC.

Tune in for each episode of Mocs on the Mic as we talk all things Mocs. Click to subscribe and get notified when each episode drops. Follow on GoMocs.com, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Mocs on the Mic 129 - Soccer Season Wrap-Up

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 09:46:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth looks back at the 2022 women’s soccer season with head coach Gavin McKinney and senior Shelby Hash.

The Mocs claimed their first-ever Southern Conference title in the program’s 27-year history. McKinney was named the Southern Conference Coach of the Year, his second in three seasons. Senior Maggie Shaw earned her second SoCon Defensive Player of the Year honor and was named All-Conference First Team along with fellow captain Mackenzie Smith. Four were named to the All-Conference Second Team and four made the All-Freshman Team.

After falling to Wofford in the regular season, the Mocs avenged its only league loss with a quarterfinal victory over the Terriers, advancing to the semifinal. However, in overtime, the Mocs fell 2-1 to UNCG, ending a magical run. Hash and freshman Caroline Richvalsky were selected to the all-tournament team.

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Mocs on the Mic 128 - Name, Image, Likeness

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 11:58:00 +0000

You’ve heard “Name, Image, Likeness”, but do you know what it really means?

Tune in to this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank to hear UTC Associate AD for Compliance Ken Jones and host Chris Goforth discuss this new normal in college athletics.

Implemented in the summer of 2021, NCAA college athletes now have the opportunity to benefit from their name, image and likeness.

Hear how Chattanooga is working with our student-athletes to navigate the NCAA, state and university rules for Name, Image, Likeness.

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Mocs on the Mic 127 - Women's Basketball Preview

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 10:44:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth sits down with women’s basketball head coach Shawn Poppie and graduate center Abbey Cornelius.

The season is the last as a Chattanooga player for Cornelius, a two-time all-conference performer and the first for head coach Shawn Poppie. What does the season have in store? What is the excitement around the team? Come to the Boo and Gold tonight to get a feel for what’s in store this season!

The season opens Monday, November 7 at the Roundhouse against Young Harris. Single game, season and mini pack tickets are on sale now at The McKenzie Arena box or online at GoMocs.com. Click here for more information: https://bit.ly/3zlb3eG

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Mocs on the Mic 126 - Men's Basketball Preview

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 13:24:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth is joined by men’s basketball head coach Dan Earl and graduate transfer Jake Stephens to discuss the final preparations heading into the 2022-23 season.

Chattanooga opens the season on Monday, November 7 when it travels to face College of Charleston on the road. The home schedule opens Thursday, November 10 with a 7 p.m. ET matchup against Oakland City.

Single game and season tickets are on sale now! Click here for more information (https://gomocs.com/news/2022/10/18/mens-basketball-basketball-single-game-tickets-on-sale-now.aspx).

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Mocs on the Mic 125 - Wrestling Preview

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 08:02:00 +0000

Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank turns its focus to wrestling. Host Chris Goforth and head coach Kyle Ruschell talk about the exciting upcoming wrestling season.

The Mocs open the season with an exciting Blue-Gold match at First Horizon Pavilion on October 22 prior to the football game next door at Finley Stadium.

The Big 10 is heavily loaded throughout the Mocs schedule beginning with Ruschell’s alma mater Wisconsin in the “Battle in River City” in Jacksonville, Fla. Chattanooga will travel to Purdue and Illinois then host powerhouse Iowa at the McKenzie Arena and Indiana in the regular season finale.

The Big 12 makes an appearance in West Virginia coming to Chattanooga just as Southern Conference competition gets rolling.

The Southern Scuffle continues its residency at the Roundhouse and will host many of the top teams in the nation. An exciting tournament that is well received by the teams and fans.

Download and subscribe to follow all things Chattanooga each week on Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank. The podcast is available for download on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and GoMocs.com.

Mocs on the Mic 124 - Cross Country Update with Coach Meyer

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 10:33:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth catches up with Chattanooga cross country head coach Andy Meyer in midseason.

The Mocs started the season at Tennessee then went to Huntsville for the North Alabama Showcase. This weekend, UTC will run in the prestigious Live in Lou Cross Country Classic this weekend in Louisville, Ky.

UTC will host the Chattanooga Invitational in two weeks at Camp Jordan and wrap up the season with the SoCon Championships and NCAA South Region meet. Coach Meyer updates and highlights the season and his runners, both returning and newcomers.

Download and subscribe and get alerts each time the Mocs on the Mic podcast drops and tune in as we discuss all things Mocs!

Mocs on the Mic 123 - Support Your Hometown Mocs

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 12:41:00 +0000

There are many ways to support the Mocs. The obvious one is buying tickets and attending the games and the next is joining the Mocs Club.

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth talks with Associate AD for Development Ryan Jones with the Mocs Club and Assistant Director of Ticket Sales and Operations Chase Brock to discuss ways you can support your Mocs.

Mocs Give Day is coming up October 4. You can join the Mocs Club, donate to your favorite sport or the general scholarship fund. Check out GoMocs.com to see what you can do.

Football has three remaining home games and basketball tip-off is just around the corner. Football has a three-game mini-pack available and season tickets are on sale at The McKenzie Arena or online at GoMocs.com.

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Mocs on the Mic 122- Terrell Owens Homecoming

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 14:46:00 +0000

On this episode of “Mocs on the Mic” Hall of Famer and former Moc Terrell Owens sits down with host Chris Goforth and talks about Chattanooga and what draws him back each year for Homecoming.

Owens wasn’t the greatest player when he arrived in the Scenic City but would go on to become a Hall of Famer in the NFL. Listen to him and Goforth relive the “four touchdown game” against No. 1 Marshall and his touchdown catch against Green Bay.

Want to know what it was like to play with Jerry Rice, Steve Young and J.J. Stokes as a rookie? “I can call him right now,” Owens said when asked about his relationship with Jerry Rice now.

From playing at historic Chamberlain Field to historic Candlestick Park, Owens recounts his time as a scout team member for the Mocs to sharing a playing surface with the San Francisco Giants.

Owens is a member of the National Football Hall of Fame and opted to hold his induction ceremony in the McKenzie Arena on the UTC campus just blocks away from the field where he played for the Mocs.

Do you know where his gold jacket is? What opportunity led to him wearing it again?

What was his best catch and what led up to it?

How did he make it so far in “Dancing with the Stars” and what led to his ouster?

Download and subscribe to the podcast to find out all the answers to these questions and more as we discuss all things Mocs!

Mocs on the Mic 121 - Talking Golf with Blaine Woodruff

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 16:16:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mocs presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth talks with one of the newest members of the Mocs staff, men’s golf head coach Blaine Woodruff.

Woodruff came to Chattanooga after five years as an assistant at Pepperdine, but grew up in Acworth, Ga. The pair discuss his decision to become a collegiate golf coach instead of getting into business and his journey to the Scenic City.

Listen in as he talks about the attraction of the job at Chattanooga and the favorite golf courses around the area. Woodruff talks about his views and philosophy of golf and where the Mocs stand among the Southern Conference. He continues on the Mocs schedule and how that will shape and develop his student-athletes to contend for a national title.

Follow each episode on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Click to subscribe and get notified when it drops!

Mocs on the Mic 120 - Football Preview with Coach Wright

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 11:27:00 +0000

It's here, it's here! Game Week No. 1!

The 12th-ranked Chattanooga Mocs open at home against Southern Conference rival Wofford. Game time is 6 p.m., Saturday at Finley Stadium.

Our Mocs on the Mic Preview Series concludes with the man himself. Coach Rusty Wright joined Chris Goforth and technical whiz kid Tate Johnson for the final installment. Listen to it now wherever you enjoy a good podcast.

If you missed the offensive and defensive sessions, no need to fret. Click the links for OC Joe Pizzo and RB Ailym Ford as well as DC Lorenzo Ward and DT Devonnsha Maxwell.

2022 SEASON PREVIEW SERIES
GoMocs.com did an 8-part, position-by-position preview. Each installment is linked below:
Vol. 1: Defensive Line
Vol. 2: Offensive Line
Vol. 3: Linebackers
Vol. 4: Quarterbacks
Vol. 5: Secondary
Vol. 6: Running Backs
Vol. 7: Receivers & Tight Ends
Vol. 8: Specialists

TICKETS
Tickets can be purchased at the link above or by calling (423) 266-MOCS (6627). Season tickets start at just $60 for general admission, while single-game sales start at $15. Help the ticketing office reach their August campaign goal of 500 new season tickets sold. There are special perks and opportunities for new and old purchasers which are listed here.

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Mocs on the Mic 119 - Football Preview: Offense

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 15:58:00 +0000

Football season is getting closer and closer. Saturday, Sept. 3, against Southern Conference foe Wofford in Finley Stadium will be here before you know it.

This week's Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank features two people with big plans on the offensive side of the ball. All-SoCon running back Ailym Ford and offensive coordinator Joe Pizzo sit down with host Chris Goforth for a preview on that side of the ball.

GoMocs.com position-by-position preview series has begun this week focused on the lines of scrimmage.

Vol. 1: Defensive Line
Vol. 2: Offensive Line
Vol. 3: Linebackers
Vol. 4: Quarterbacks
Vol. 5: Secondary

Don't miss any of the 2022 campaign. Tickets are on sale now here on GoMocs.com or by calling (423) 266-MOCS (6627). Season tickets start at just $60 and with single game now available as well for as little as $15 per contest.

GoMocs.com is the official website of the Chattanooga Mocs. Buy officially licensed gear in our online store. The Mocs can also be followed on their official Facebook page or on Twitter. Find out how to join the Mocs Club and support more than 300 student-athletes by clicking here.

Click subscribe and get alerted when the podcasts drop.

Mocs on the Mic 118 - Previewing the Mocs Defense

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 13:39:00 +0000

Football season is fast approaching for the Chattanooga Mocs. Opening kickoff comes in Finley Stadium this year on Saturday, Sept. 3, against Southern Conference foe Wofford.

This week’s Mocs on Mic, presented by SmartBank features two people who figure prominently in good fortunes ahead for the program. All-America defensive tackle Devonnsha Maxwell and defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward sit down with host Chris Goforth for a preview on that side of the ball.

GoMocs.com position-by-position preview series has begun this week focused on the lines of scrimmage.

Vol. 1: Defensive Line
Vol. 2: Offensive Line

Don’t miss any of the 2022 campaign. Tickets are on sale now here on GoMocs.com or by calling (423) 266-MOCS (6627). Season tickets start at just $60 and with single game now available as well for as little as $15 per contest.

GoMocs.com is the official website of the Chattanooga Mocs. Buy officially licensed gear in our online store. The Mocs can also be followed on their official Facebook page or on Twitter. Find out how to join the Mocs Club and support more than 300 student-athletes by clicking here.

Mocs on the Mic 117 - Bands, Cheer, Dance and Scrappy

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 11:49:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth delves into the fan experience of Mocs sporting events from the point of view of the band, spirit squads and dance teams. He talks with Randall Coleman, Director of Bands, Ashley McKnight with Ladies of Gold and Ashli Adams with Cheer, Scrappy and the Sugar Mocs.

The Marching Mocs have a new look and a larger look this Fall and the sounds will be different as well with a “color” selection of music according to Director of Bands Randall Coleman. The band has grown to well over 100 members and 77 of those are freshman. The pair touch on the Pep Band and upcoming concert opportunities.

Ashley McKnight with the Ladies of Gold looks back to the origins and the previous dance team, “Elite”, that inspired spirit on campus. In 2019, the HBCU-style dance team reformed and branded themselves the “Ladies of Gold”. Ashley’s role is overseeing the team, helping with choreography and ensuring the quality of the entertainment.

The Mocs Spirit Squad encompasses the cheer teams, the mascot as well as the Sugar Mocs. Ashli Adams is beginning her 15^th season at Chattanooga. While the teams are separate, they work together to make the UTC gameday experience fun and engaging for the fans. Follow the teams on social media to see behind the scenes of Mocs sports from the field- and court-level.

Follow each episode on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Click to subscribe and get notified when it drops!

Mocs on the Mic 116 - Soccer and Volleyball Previews

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 13:54:00 +0000

On the latest episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth talks to soccer head coach Gavin McKinney and Director of Volleyball Julie Torbett about schedules, student-athletes and what the season has in store.

The soccer team reported Monday and is already two weeks away from it’s first competition at UAB on August 18 after a pair of friendlies at MTSU (8/9) and Jacksonville State (8/12). McKinney talks about this year’s opponents as well as what he has coming back to play another season. The season opens at home on Sunday, August 21 against Eastern Kentucky.

First-year Director of Volleyball Julie Torbett discusses the team and the schedule. The squad kicks off the 2022 campaign with an exhibition against Kennesaw State in Maclellan Gym on August 17 at 6 pm. The Mocs open the season on the road in Athens, Ga., in the Classic City Clash.

Admission to soccer and volleyball is FREE. Follow all the action on GoMocs.com.

Follow each episode on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Click to subscribe and get notified when it drops!

Mocs on the Mic 115 - Larry Ward in the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 13:40:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth turns the tables on Larry Ward and interviews him about his upcoming induction into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame.

Ward has 30-plus years in the radio industry and is in the Greater Chattanooga Area Sports Hall of Fame and the Southern League Hall of Fame. He joins the likes of Luther Massingill, Wink Martindale, John Ward (no relation), Rick Dees, Bill "Dex" Poindexter and fellow UTC broadcaster Jim "JR" Reynolds.

This season will be his 25th with the Chattanooga women's basketball team and his fourth head coach. He is also a long-time broadcaster with the Chattanooga Lookouts.

Listen to each episode on GoMocs.com, Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Click to subscribe and get notified when it drops!

Mocs on the Mic 114 - Michelle LaCourse Hall of Fame Induction

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 11:05:00 +0000

On this episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth talks with former Mocs softball student-athlete Michelle Fuzzard LaCourse on her induction into the Southern Conference Hall of Fame.

LaCourse is the fourth former Moc to be inducted into the SoCon Hall of Fame. She joins NFL Hall of Famer and Chattanooga football, men's basketball and track & field star Terrell Owens (1992-95), who was inducted in 2020 as well as women's basketball standout Regina Kirk (1984-88) and cross country and track & field All-American Shannon Womack (2002-06), who were both inducted in 2011.

As a student-athlete, Michelle ranks first in the Chattanooga record books for most runs batted in (217) and total bases (453) along with numerous top five all-time rankings. LaCourse also holds the record for slugging percentage (.846), on base percentage (.543) and most runs batted in (75) in a single season.

Subscribe to the Mocs on the Mic podcast available on GoMocs.com, Spotify and Apple Podcasts as we discuss all things Mocs!

Mocs on the Mic 113 - 50th Anniversary of Title IX

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 08:03:00 +0000

This week's episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth explores the history and future of Title IX at Chattanooga. He is joined by former student-athlete and head coach Sharon Fanning who lived the transition as an athlete and watched its growth as a head coach. Hall of Fame head coach Jim Foster chimes in on his view of the changes as they were made in the decade that followed.

UTC's Senior Woman Administrator Laura Herron looks back to how Title IX gave her the opportunity to work in college athletics full time, but also looks forward to what is needed in women's sports for continued growth.

Join us as we talk all things Mocs on each episode of Mocs on the MIc. Subscribe today to keep up with your favorite teams!

Mocs on the Mic 112 - Season Wrap Up with Mark Wharton

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 14:03:00 +0000

On this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Mark Wharton and host Chris Goforth discuss the 2021-22 season.

From the shot that stopped the world to the homerun that won the game, the Mocs saw great success this season, not just locally, but nationally. UTC had new coaching hires in multiple sports bringing new faces to the Scenic City. Wharton talks about the excitement brought about by the teams and touches on the renovations that will change the look of the Roundhouse in the years to come.

Pull up a chair, put in your earbuds a take a listen as we talk each week all things Mocs.

Mocs on the Mic 111 - Dan Earl Updates Men's Basketball

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 13:33:00 +0000

On this week's episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth sits down with new men's basketball head coach Dan Earl to give an early summer update from the program.

Over the past few weeks, Earl finalized his first coaching staff and recruiting class ahead of the upcoming 2022-23 season. He also talks on his move to the Scenic City and highlights the work that goes into building a roster and staff while adjusting to things such as the always-popular NCAA Transfer Portal.

Join us each week on GoMocs.com and subscribe to Apple Podcasts and Spotify as we talk all things Chattanooga Mocs!

Mocs on the Mic 110 - Beach Volleyball and Track Field Season Wrap

Fri, 27 May 2022 10:24:00 +0000

On this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth recaps the Mocs’ Beach Volleyball and Track and Field seasons.

Head Coach Darin Van Horn and sophomore Paige Gallentine sit down to recap the 2022 beach volleyball season. The duo discusses highs and lows, what there is to look forward to for the 2023 season and Gallentine compares her beach and indoor game.

Head Coach Andy Meyer recaps the Mocs indoor and outdoor seasons and looks forward to what’s to come in the future.

Join us each week on GoMocs.com and subscribe to Apple Podcasts and Spotify as we talk all things Chattanooga Mocs!

Mocs on the Mic 109 - Softball NCAA Preview

Thu, 19 May 2022 13:05:00 +0000

On this week's episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth visits with Southern Champions, head coach Frank Reed and the SoCon Tournament's Most Outstanding Player, Brooke Parrott.

Last week, the Mocs went 4-0 at the SoCon Tournament with wins over Western Carolina, Samford and two wins over top-seeded UNCG. The Mocs downed UNCG 9-7 in eight innings on Saturday to capture the program's 15th tournament title. The Mocs will make the program's 12th NCAA Tournament appearance.

Join us each week for Mocs on the Moc as we talk all things Chattanooga Mocs!

Mocs on the Mic 108 - Women's Basketball Update

Thu, 12 May 2022 10:18:00 +0000

On this week's episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth visits with new women's basketball head coach Shawn Poppie.

Coach Poppie introduces his first staff that includes current assistant coach Jon Goldberg and newcomers Katelyn Grisillo and Jayda Worthy. The pair discuss getting settled, recruiting and what's in store for the team in the coming year. Poppie is the seventh head coach for the Mocs and will lead UTC into it's 49th season.

Join us each week for Mocs on the Moc as we talk all things Chattanooga Mocs!

Mocs on the Mic 107 - Mocs Men's and Women's Golf

Thu, 05 May 2022 15:41:00 +0000

On this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth is talking Chattanooga golf and the NCAA.

The Chattanooga Mocs recently wrapped up play in the Southern Conference Women's & Men's Golf Championships. The ladies went first in scenic Myrtle Beach, S.C., battling rainy, windy conditions at Barefoot Landing Resort's Dye Course. The men had a whole other experience battling a hot humid three days at plush Reynolds Lake Oconee tucked away in eastern Georgia on the Oconee Course.

The women have endured quite the spring being limited to four student-athletes available for play. Coach Colette Murray's side soldiered on and competed well finishing fourth led by the seventh SoCon Champion in school history, junior Dorota Zalewska. It was a dramatic one-shot win for the Polish native with a hole-in-one on 17 offsetting Wofford's Becca Earl birdieing the final two as the paired dueled in the same group over 54 holes.

The men were paced by sophomore Paul Conroy who shot 7-under 209 over three days battling the Geogia heat later that week. Conroy finished fourth as the team settled for fifth. Our host Chris Goforth is joined by our champ, Dori, along with women's coach Colette Murray and men's interim leader Miles Moseley.

Join us each week for Mocs on the Moc as we talk all things Chattanooga Mocs!

Mocs on the Mic 106 - Tennis Season Recaps

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 13:08:00 +0000

On this week's episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, head women's tennis coach Chad Camper and head men's coach Chuck Merzbacher sit down with host Chris Goforth to summarize the 2021-22 season.

Both programs are coming off semifinal appearances in last week's Southern Conference Tournament which occurred right here in the Scenic City at Champions Club. It marked the first time since 2002 in which both the men's and women's teams made a semifinal appearance in the same year.

Join us each week for Mocs on the Moc as we talk all things Chattanooga Mocs!

Mocs on the Mic 105 - A Look at Softball at Midseason

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 16:08:00 +0000

On this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth, softball assistant coach Scottie Kilgore and junior infielder Emily Coltharp discuss the team’s accomplishments at the halfway point of the season and the start of Southern Conference play.

The Mocs return to the diamond this weekend at league-leading UNCG.

Join us each week on Mocs on the Mic as we talk all things Chattanooga Mocs!

Mocs on the Mic 104 - Spring Football

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 15:18:00 +0000

On this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by FirstBank, football head coach Rusty Wright joins host Chris Goforth to discuss spring practice, Pro Day and the signing class.

Coach Wright discusses his idea of the role of the quarterback and the team’s needs for the fall in replacing positions on the offensive line and in the defensive secondary as well as finding a quarterback. While the need to replace those moving on, the Mocs do have returning players to keep the momentum.

The pair also discuss this year’s Pro Day and the importance of giving players the opportunity to work out in front of pro scouts.

Coach Wright also talks about working to sign more players, the use of the transfer portal and the importance of finding the right fit for the program.

Join us each week on Mocs on the Mic as we talk all things Chattanooga Mocs.

Mocs on the Mic 103 - Men's Basketball NCAA Preview

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 11:36:00 +0000

On this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth is joined by men’s basketball head coach Lamont Paris and student-athletes David Jean-Baptiste, Malachi Smith and Silvio De Sousa.

Chattanooga is returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016 when the Mocs won the SoCon regular season and tournament titles. UTC earned a No. 13 seed and drew fourth-seeded Illinois in the Round of 64. This will be the third meeting between the two programs.

Chattanooga won both previous meetings including its historic NCAA run in 1996. The Mocs beat the 19^th-ranked Illini in the second round to reach their first-ever Sweet 16.

The Mocs relive an incredible season and Jean-Baptiste’s buzzer-beater against Furman in the SoCon Championship game.

Join us each week on Mocs on the Mic as we talk all things Chattanooga Mocs.

Mocs on the Mic 102 - NCAA Wrestling Championships Preview

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 12:47:00 +0000

Wrestling head coach Kyle Ruschell, along with Fabian Gutierrez and Matthew Waddell, joins host Chris Goforth on this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank to preview the NCAA Championships.

Gutierrez, a 125-pound senior and Waddell, a 197-pound junior, won individual titles at the Southern Conference Tournament and earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Championships March 17-19 in Detroit, Mich. Sophomore Brayden Palmer (133) and Drew Nicholson (165) finished runner-up and will join the pair as automatic qualifiers.

Gutierrez, ranked 24^th, and Waddell are both first-time SoCon Champions and each will be advancing to the NCAA for the third time. Palmer, ranked 18^thnationally, is making his first trip while Nicholson advances for the second time.

Join just each week on Mocs on the Mic as we talk all things Chattanooga Mocs.

Mocs on the Mic 101 - Beach Volleyball Preview

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 11:06:00 +0000

Chattanooga Mocs beach volleyball head coach Darin Van Horn joins host Chris Goforth for this week's episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank. Coach Van Horn highlights the upcoming 2022 Beach Volleyball season.

The Chattanooga Beach Volleyball team begins its 2022 season on Friday, Feb. 25 Greeneville, Tenn. at a tournament hosted by Tusculum. The Mocs open the season with Tusculum at 9 a.m. on Friday and follow that match up with a 1 pm tilt vs. Eastern Kentucky. UTC's home opener at the UTC Sports Complex is set for March 10 vs. UNC Wilmington and North Alabama.

Join just each week on Mocs on the Mic as we talk all things Chattanooga Mocs.

Mocs on the Mic 100 - Cole Strange

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 15:11:00 +0000

On the 100^th episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth sits with one of the NFL Draft's fast risers in offensive lineman Cole Strange.

Strange completed his career here in November as one of the most decorated linemen in school history. First team All-America honors aplenty, 2-time Jacobs Blocking Award winner and all-around good guy.

At the time of this interview, Cole just finished a standout week at the Senior Bowl and was just announced as invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in March.

His performance in Mobile elicited an exciting response from Senior Bowl Executive Director & former NFL personnel man Jim Nagy on Twitter:

Cole Strange’s willingness to try playing center despite barely doing it at FCS level speaks to how he’s wired. Whitewater’s https://twitter.com/QMeinerz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@QMeinerz and Notre Dame’s https://twitter.com/rhainsey72?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rhainsey72 did same thing last year and wound up going in third round. Hearing https://twitter.com/ColeStrange2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ColeStrange2 will likely go in second. ???? https://t.co/qZ6ofljNy8">pic.twitter.com/qZ6ofljNy8
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) https://twitter.com/JimNagy_SB/status/1493364280972005376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2022

Join just each week on Mocs on the Mic as we talk all things Chattanooga Mocs.

Mocs on the Mic 99 - Softball Season Preview

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 09:56:00 +0000

Chattanooga Mocs head coach Frank Reed and junior outfielder Gracey Kruse join host Chris Goforth for this week's episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank. Coach Reed and Kruse highlight the 2022 schedule and the roster.

The Chattanooga softball team begins its 2022 season on Friday, Feb. 11 in Natchitoches, La. at the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission Lady Demon Classic hosted by Northwestern State. The Mocs' home opener is set for Feb. 18 - day one of the Chattanooga Challenge. To purchase tickets to all 30 of softball's home games, click here.

Join just each week on Mocs on the Mic as we talk all things Chattanooga Mocs.

Mocs on the Mic 98 - Football National Signing Day

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 15:48:00 +0000

Chattanooga Mocs head coach Rusty Wright joins host Chris Goforth for this week's episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank. Coach Wright highlights the Mocs' 2022 Football Signing Day Class.

The Mocs added to nearly every position group with 14 newcomers joining the 2022 roster in the signing period. Wright added two quarterbacks, a wide receiver and tight end as well as one defensive back and kicker. Two offensive linemen signed along with three defensive linemen and two linebackers. Listen in as Wright and Goforth give you an inside look at the new class.

Join just each week on Mocs on the Mic as we talk all things Chattanooga Mocs.

Mocs on the Mic 97 - Tennis Preview & Mocs 1500 Update

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 12:56:00 +0000

On this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth is joined by men’s and women’s tennis head coaches Chuck Merzbacher and Chad Camper to preview the upcoming season. Also on this week, Ryan Jones with the Mocs Club will update the “Mocs 1500” successful campaign.

Merzbacher and Camper preview their rosters, the spring schedule and much more in this week’s episode. Both programs saw the spring season kick off last Friday against Jacksonville State and have had early success early on.

The women’s team is off to a 2-0 start after defeating the likes of JSU and MTSU to begin the year. Tomas Rodriguez represented the men’s team this week as he was named the Southern Conference Player of the Week for the third time of his career, becoming the first player in program history to win the honor three times.

There are plenty of opportunities to catch these teams in action this spring including the Southern Conference Tournament which will be held right her in Chattanooga April 21-24.

Join us each week on Mocs on the Mic as we talk all things Chattanooga Mocs.

Mocs on the Mic 96 - Director of Volleyball Julie Torbett

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 18:18:00 +0000

On this week’s episode f Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth talks with Chattanooga’s first Director of Volleyball, Julie Torbett.

Torbett was announced as the seventh head coach of the indoor volleyball program on January 4, 2022. She comes to Chattanooga with more than 450 wins over 28 seasons. She discusses her vision for the program, what the spring semester looks like, her first recruit and more.

Join us each week on Mocs on the Mic as we talk all things Chattanooga Mocs.

Mocs on the Mic 95 - Greg Andrews

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 16:01:00 +0000

On this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth talks with Chattanooga alum and first African-American scholarship student-athlete at UTC, Greg Andrews.

Andrews was inducted into the Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame in October 2021 and is truly a pioneer of Chattanooga Athletics He shares his journey to the Scenic City, stories from his military career and what it meant to become a member of the Chattanooga Hall of Fame.

Join us each week on Mocs on the Mic as we talk all things Chattanooga Mocs.

Mocs on the Mic 94 - Mark Wharton Updates Department News

Fri, 31 Dec 2021 13:50:00 +0000

Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Mark Wharton joins host Chris Goforth for this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank.

The pair touch on a bevy of topics including the two open head coaching positions, the future of the addition to The McKenzie Arena and future possibilities of the Engel Stadium complex. Wharton touches on Chattanooga’s membership in the Southern Conference, the intricacies of returning baseball to UTC and Title IX.

Wharton and Goforth get in depth of the Mocs Club Drive to 1500 members.

Tune in each week to Mocs on the Mic and keep up on all things Chattanooga.

Mocs on the Mic 93 - Southern Scuffle Preview

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 11:56:00 +0000

Chattanooga Wrestling Head Coach Kyle Ruschell and junior Franco Valdes join host Chris Goforth on this week's episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank to preview the 2022 Southern Scuffle, presented by Compound Sportswear.

Ruschell discusses this year’s field and what Mocs will be wrestling in the event. Valdes recaps one of his most memorable matches from the 2020 Scuffle and why you should attend one of the biggest in-season wrestling events of the year.

The 2022 Southern Scuffle takes place on Jan. 1 and 2 inside McKenzie Arena. Tickets are on sale now at GoMocs.com. Fans can also purchase a hospitality pass for $65/day or $100 for both days. The Hospitality Room features TVs, two full meals a day, two complimentary drinks and more! Click here to purchase the hospitality pass. To get your tickets to the 2022 Southern Scuffle, click here.

Tune in each week to Mocs on the Mic and keep up on all things Chattanooga.

Mocs on the Mic 92 - Fall Sports Recap: Soccer and Cross Country

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 12:38:00 +0000

Mocs head coaches Andy Meyer (cross country) and Gavin McKinney (soccer) join host Chris Goforth on this week's episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank to recap the fall season.

The Mocs soccer team earned a first-round win over Wofford on penalty kicks, its first win in the SoCon Tournament since 2004. McKinney shares how the season went and what to look forward to next year. The team will have its first spring training session since it was abruptly shut down in 2020 and hope to have five scrimmages.

Meyer discusses the women's win over Auburn to start the year and ending the season without some of the team's top runners at the SoCon Championships. The men's team found another strong runner in freshman Eric Mitchell and had the solid support of veteran Jonathan Boyd. The men's young squad will return the entire team.

Tune in each week to Mocs on the MIc and keep up on all things Chattanooga.

Mocs on the Mic 91 - Eslinger and Baron

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 17:26:00 +0000

On this week’s Chat with the Mocs presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth sat down with two of five members of Chattanooga’s 2021 Hall of Fame class.

Heath Eslinger (former Wrestling Moc, ’96-‘00) and Rosinda Baron (former Tennis Moc, ’78-’81) were two among that class who we got to chat with about their time here at Chattanooga, post-college careers, and what this honor means to them.

Tune in each week to Mocs on the Mic as we highlight all things Chattanooga Mocs.

Mocs on the Mic 90 - Jim Bradshaw

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 13:04:00 +0000

On this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth sits down with recent Chattanooga Hall of Fame inductee and former Pittsburgh Steeler Jim Bradshaw.

Join us as we deep dive into Jim’s time as a Moc, his experience playing in the NFL and whit it means to be a Chattanooga Hall of Famer.

Tune in each week to Mocs on the Mic as we highlight all things Chattanooga Mocs.

Mocs on the Mic 89 - Men's and Women's Basketball Previews

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 16:38:00 +0000

On this week's episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth talks with basketball head coaches Katie Burrows and Lamont Paris.

Both teams will host exhibition games this week in the final tune-up for the regular season that gets rolling next week. Listen to head coaches Lamont Paris and Katie Burrows discuss their teams, schedules and welcoming the fans back to the Roundhouse.

Katie Burrows talks staff, social media and breaks down what to expect from the team on the court this season from the veterans to the newcomers.

The men are picked to the win the Southern Conference this year. Lamont Paris talks about the maturity, talent and experience of his team.

Season and single game tickets are on sale at the McKenzie Arena box office and online at GoMocs.com.

Tune in each week to Mocs on the Mic as we highlight all things Chattanooga Mocs as we compete for conference championships.

Mocs on the Mic 88 - Wrestling Preview with Kyle Ruschell

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 10:41:00 +0000

On this week's episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth talks with wrestling head coach Kyle Ruschell.

Ruschell will enter his fourth season at the helm of Chattanooga Wrestling this season.

Listen as Goforth and Ruschell discuss the roster leading up to the season. The Mocs kick off their season on Saturday with the Blue-Gold Scrimmage at the First Horizon Pavilion at 10 a.m.

Tune in each week to Mocs on the Mic as we highlight all things Chattanooga Mocs as we compete for conference championships.

Mocs on the Mic 87 - Frank Reed Recaps Fall Softball

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 14:17:00 +0000

On this week's episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth talks with softball head coach Frank Reed.

Reed will enter his 21st season at the helm of Chattanooga Softball in the spring.

Listen as Goforth and Reed discuss the team's success in the fall as they recap the Blue and Gold World Series followed by a preview of what the spring schedule will bring.

Tune in each week to Mocs on the Mic as we highlight all things Chattanooga Mocs as we compete for conference championships.

Mocs on the Mic 86 - Billy Wilson

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 17:02:00 +0000

On this week's episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank, host Chris Goforth introduces us to a familiar face.

Billy Wilson, former assistant director of Equipment and Facilities under Mike Royster, has stepped into the legend’s shoes following his retirement after 47 years with the Mocs to become the director.

Listen as Goforth walks Wilson through his journey to UTC and the time he spent with the NFL and professional bull riders. You won’t want to miss this one!

Tune in each week to Mocs on the Mic as we highlight all things Chattanooga Mocs as we compete for conference championships.

Mocs on the Mic 85 - Offensive Lineman Curtis McClendon

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 14:45:00 +0000

Chattanooga Mocs offensive lineman McClendon Curtis is a lot of things. He’s an enormous presence on and off the field.

He joins host Chris Goforth on this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank.

Curtis is an NFL prospect and one of the top offensive linemen in FCS football. He’s also a great student – Dean’s List, Grad Student & Tutor in Student Support Services.

McClendon is a Chattanooga native and all-around good guy. On top of all that, he was just named to a select NCAA appointment as one of three FCS student-athletes on a 12-man committee.

Tickets are on sale to cheer on McClendon and the Mocs each week at GoMocs.com.

Tune in each week to Mocs on the Mic as we highlight our teams as they compete for conference championships.

Mocs on the Mic 84 - Fall Tennis Outlook

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 08:52:00 +0000

Tennis anyone?

Head coaches Chad Camper and Chuck Merzbacher along with men’s tennis player Kerim Hyatt join host Chris Goforth for this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank.

Camper begins his sixth season with the women’s team and will kick off the fall season this weekend at the JSU Fall Event. Senior Emma Van Hee returns to lead the team this season. She ranks sixth all-time at UTC in singles wind and eighth in doubles. She is joined by six returners and three newcomers.

The men, led by Merzbacher in his fifth season, started fall play last weekend at the UNCG Invite. Kerim Hyatt led the team with a perfect 4-0 mark in the three-day event. Coming up are the ITA Ohio Valley Regionals and the ITA All-American Championships. Six Mocs return to the court this season.

Tune in each week to Mocs on the Mic as we highlight our teams as they compete for conference championships.

Mocs on the Mic 83 - Join the Mocs Club

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 09:35:00 +0000

Ryan Jones, the Associate Athletics Director for Development joins Chris Goforth on this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic presented by SmartBank.

Since his arrival on campus over the summer, Ryan is working hard to increase membership in the Mocs Club with the 1500 Mocs campaign. The Mocs Club is the philanthropic arm of UTC Athletics and it’s goal is to ensure our student-athletes have the resources needed to be successful and get behind our common goal of bringing championships to Chattanooga.

Want to tailgate? Need parking closer to the game? Check out the benefits of joining the Mocs Club and former student-athletes join the C Club. Call the Mocs Club to join today at 423.425.4773 or find more information at GoMocs.com.

Become a member today and support your Mocs!

Mocs on the Mic 82 - Soccer Season Update with McKinney and Shaw

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 11:37:00 +0000

On this week's Mocs on the Mic with Chris Goforth presented by SmartBank, the Mocs soccer head coach Gavin McKinney and junior forward Samantha Shaw give an update on the season and preview the Mocs Tennessee match on Sunday, Sept. 12.

McKinney takes a look back at the previous matches and how they help going forward. With a pair of ranked SEC foes in the rearview mirror, he talks how those matches will help the Mocs who host the No. 19 Lady Vols Sunday at the UTC Sports Complex. Shaw, with all of Chattanooga’s goals so far this season, was just named the SoCon Women’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Month for August. She talks teammates and looking forward to the remainder of the season.

Tickets are on sale for the match this Sunday at GoMocs.com. UTC is 2-4 overall with three more non-conference games on the schedule. Southern Conference action kicks off at home against UNCG on Friday, Sept. 24.

Mocs on the Mic 81 - Cross Country Season Preview

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 12:03:00 +0000

On this week’s Mocs on the Mic with Chris Goforth presented by SmartBank, the Mocs cross country head coach Andy Meyer previews the season for the Mocs.

The men’s and women’s teams open the 2021 season at the Foothills Invitational hosted by Jacksonville State. Meyer talks about returning runners and a host of newcomers as the team returns to a normal fall season.

It will be another exciting season for the Running Mocs! Follow the action all season at GoMocs.com!

Mocs on the Mic 80 - Football Preview with Coaches Pizzo and Ward

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 15:53:00 +0000

On this week’s Mocs on the Mic with Chris Goforth presented by SmartBank, we talk with football defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward and offensive coordinator Joe Pizzo. Both are in their third season with the program and return all of their starters.

The Mocs football team is fast approaching its season opener against Austin Peay. The contest is set for a 7:30 p.m., kick off on Thursday, September 2. It’s the only FCS-ranked matchup of opening week with our heroes at No. 18 and the Govs ranked 20^th.

There is a flash sale on GoMocs.com for the game. General admission tickets are just $8 now through Friday (Aug. 27) at 11:59 p.m. Order tickets online at GoMocs.com.

Mocs on the Mic 79 - Football Game Day Experience Preview

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 10:30:00 +0000

This week's Mocs on the Mic presented by Smartbank with Chris Goforth, we look forward to Mocs Football Game Day. Deputy Athletics Director Andrew Horten, newly-appointed Director of Bands Randall Coleman and Spirit Coach Ashli Skiles all give us a look into the planning and work their team put into the Game Day experience for the fans as we close in on the Mocs football opener on September 2 against Austin Peay. A Chattanooga Game Day experience is like no other traditions with the “Moc Walk” through the Horizon Bank Pavilion, timeless tunes from Marching Mocs at halftime and chants, cheers and stunts from our talented cheer squads!

Season and single-game tickets are on sale now at GoMocs.com, the GoMocs app or call the McKenzie Arena box office, 423-266-MOCS, to buy your tickets today!

All episodes of Mocs on the Mic can be found on most Podcasting services, including Spotify, Apple and GoMocs.com/Podcasts. Be sure to rate the podcast and leave a review to help us spread the word about Mocs on the Mic.

Mocs on the Mic 78 - Volleyball Season Preview

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 10:18:00 +0000

This week’s Mocs on the Mic presented by Smartbank with Chris Goforth features Kate Neill and indoor volleyball head coach Travis Filar.

Neill, a 6-2 middle blocker, enters her second season on the squad. Last season, she made 13 starts and recorded 69 kills. This season will be Filar’s 11th at the helm of the program.

The 2021 indoor volleyball schedule features 11 home regular season matches, including the Chattanooga Classic and eight Southern Conference contests in Maclellan Gym. The Mocs open preseason play with an exhibition vs. Georgia State at home on August 20 at 6 p.m.

Neill and Filar sat down with Chris Goforth to discuss the schedule and the upcoming season. All episodes of Mocs on the Mic can be found on most Podcasting services, including Spotify, Apple and GoMocs.com/Podcasts. Be sure to rate the podcast and leave a review to help us spread the word about Mocs on the Mic.

Mocs on the Mic 77 - Caldwell Brothers Scenic City Reunion

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 16:28:00 +0000

This week’s Mocs on the Mic presented by Smartbank features the brothers Caldwell. Dominic and A.J.’s Scenic City Reunion came a year after Dom’s transfer from FIU.

Dom, a QB, joined the Mocs in 2017. His first pass was complete for a touchdown that season. He was a backup to Nick Tiano during his career and worked on special teams developing as a long snapper. He’s working on his Master’s degree and is an offensive quality control coach on Rusty Wright’s staff.

His younger brother A.J., came in the summer of 2018. He was a transfer from South Alabama. He’s proven to be a valued chess piece for Lamont Paris on the basketball floor contributing as both a reserve and starter during his career. He’ll be forever remembered for his buzzer-beater at ETSU this past February.

The easy-going brothers sat down with Chris Goforth to look back on their time together in Chattanooga. All episodes of Mocs on the Mic can be found on most Podcasting services, including Spotify, Apple and GoMocs.com/Podcasts. Be sure to rate the podcast and leave a review to help us spread the word about Mocs on the Mic.

Mocs on the Mic 76 - Soccer Season Preview with Gavin McKinney

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 09:54:00 +0000

This week’s guest on Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank is Soccer head coach Gavin McKinney who begins his seventh season leading the Mocs.

McKinney and host Chris Goforth preview the upcoming soccer season that includes matches against three SEC foes. The Mocs will open preseason play with a scrimmage at Vanderbilt and take on Auburn on the road and Tennessee at home in the regular season.

The Mocs are coming off their best season in program history with a third place finish in the Southern Conference standings. Team records are in the books despite a shortened season that was played in the spring.

All episodes of Mocs on the Mic can be found on most Podcasting services, including Spotify, Apple and GoMocs.com/Podcasts. Be sure to rate the podcast and leave a review to help us spread the word about Mocs on the Mic.

Mocs on the Mic 75 - Gerry Pacitti, Strength and Conditioning

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 21:30:00 +0000

This week's guest on Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank, is Gerry Pacitti, the Mocs’ new strength and conditioning coach.

Host Chris Goforth explores Pacitti’s past as a player and coach and discusses his transition to strength and conditioning and his path to Chattanooga.

Pacitti comes to the Scenic City from Southeastern Louisiana where he trained 2020-21 Walter Payton Award winner Cole Kelley. The West Depford, N.J., native led the Lions sports performance efforts from August 2017 until this move. There he focused on football and baseball with the Lions reaching the second round of the 2019 FCS Playoffs on the gridiron. Both programs consistently competed for Southland Conference titles.

All episodes of Mocs on the Mic can be found on most Podcasting services, including Spotify, Apple and GoMocs.com/Podcasts. Be sure to rate the podcast and leave a review to help us spread the word about Mocs on the Mic.

Mocs on the Mic 74 - A Conversation with Mike Royster

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 09:28:00 +0000

This week’s guest on Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank, is the now officially retired Mike Royster. UTC’s legendary equipment manager retired at the end of June after serving the University for 47 years.

Host Chris Goforth dives into Mike’s long career that began with the 1974 football season. Royster’s responsibilities include overseeing the equipment purchases and inventory of UTC’s 16 intercollegiate athletic programs as well as the repair and maintenance of athletic equipment.

Over the last 20 years, he had served as the assistant athletics director, directing the many facets of gameday management for all UTC sports, including game administration, game officials, promotional event coordination and facilities scheduling and use.

A respected leader in his profession, Royster has served on the Schutt Athletic Council, the Russell Athletic Council, the Adams Athletic Council and the executive committee of the Chattanooga Quarterback Club. He was elected to the UTC Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005. He has been a certified athletic equipment manager since July, 1991, and has served as the executive director of the Athletic Equipment Managers Association since 2010.

All episodes of Mocs on the Mic can be found on most Podcasting services, including Spotify, Apple and GoMocs.com/Podcasts. Be sure to rate the podcast and leave a review to help us spread the word about Mocs on the Mic.

Mocs on the Mic 73 - Talk with Tyrus Ward

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 21:43:00 +0000

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Assistant Football Coach Tyrus Ward joined host Chris Goforth for this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank.

Chattanooga football coach Rusty Wright named a new coach to his football staff. Tyrus Ward comes back to Chattanooga by way of Tyner Academy where he was recently named head coach. He spent four seasons prior to that at Brainerd High School where he took the team to the Class 3A playoffs in 2018 and 2020. Ward graduated from Chattanooga completing his playing career with an 18-game stint over 2004-05. He began his collegiate trek at ETSU before the school abruptly ended the program following the 2003 campaign. That led to 52 catches, 745 yards and five touchdowns in the correct shades of blue and gold.

Mocs on the Mic 72 – Talk with Director of Athletics Mark Wharton

Wed, 26 May 2021 15:14:00 +0000

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Vice Chancellor & Director of Athletics Mark Wharton joined host Chris Goforth for this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank.

Goforth and Wharton touch on a number of topics at the end of one of the strangest and difficult seasons in the history of college athletics. From fundraising, to attendance, to managing the COVID-19 pandemic, the pair dives into some interesting topics to cap off the semester.

Mocs on the Mic 71 – Softball Season Review

Wed, 19 May 2021 17:13:00 +0000

The week's Mocs on the Mic podcast, presented by SmartBank, takes a look back on the softball program's outstanding spring campaign.UTC finished third and earned a spot in the modified Southern Conference Tournament. Hayleigh Weissenbach was named to the SoCon All-Conference First Team, Emily Coltharp earned a spot on the Second Team and Courtney Ball was selected to the All-Freshman Team.

Senior Hayleigh Weissenbach wrapped up a stellar career and freshman Liz Rodebaugh talks about how hers has started. Head coach Frank Reed recaps the season from its rough start to its strong finish as well as the graduation of three key players.

Mocs on the Mic 70 - Women's Golf Review

Wed, 12 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank, takes a look back women’s golf’s 2020-21 season. Head coach Colette Murray and freshman standout Beatriz Barrios visit with host Chris Goforth about the year and competing during the pandemic.

Murray, a four-time Southern Conference Coach of the Year, completed her 14th season leading our ladies to the tee. The season included All-SoCon honors for Esme Hamilton, All-Freshman performance by Barrios along with the first career win for sophomore Dorota Zalewska along with the usual fantastic performance in the classroom.

Mocs on the Mic 69 - Men's Golf Season Recap

Wed, 05 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank, takes a look back men’s golf’s 2020-21 season. Head coach Mark Guhne and junior A.J. Lintunen visit with host Chris Goforth about the year and playing competing during the pandemic. Guhne, a four-time Southern Conference Coach of the Year, just wrapped up his 16th season at his alma mater. The team won the J.T. Poston Invitational in September for the 18th win under Guhne. Lintunen led the Mocs with a 72.93 stroke average collecting two wins and three top 5s on his way to All-SoCon honors. His two wins this year came at the J.T. Poston Invite and the Sea Palms Invitational in March.

Mocs on the Mic 68 - Tennis Season Review

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank, takes a look back at the men’s and women’s tennis seasons. Host Chris Goforth breaks down the year with women’s head coach Chad Camper and men’s head coach Chuck Merzbacher. Camper led the Mocs to a 9-9 overall record and a fifth place finish in the Southern Conference with a 2-5 league mark. Junior Emma Van Hee led the team with a 19-7 singles record, including a 14-4 tally at No. 2 in the spring. She and sophomore Caroline Gibbens went 13-9 in doubles, playing the No. 1 position in the spring. Van Hee and Jessie Young were both honored by the league in the postseason. Van Hee was a second team All-SoCon pick in singles, while Young made the SoCon All-Freshman team after playing No. 1 singles. On the men’s side, Merzbacher ended his fourth year at UTC with a 9-11 overall mark and a fifth place finish in the SoCon at 3-4. Sophomore Tomas Rodriguez led the team with a 20-10 singles record and an 11-8 mark at No. 1. He and freshman Peyton Gatti were 15-9 In doubles and 11-6 at No. 1. Senior Turner Voges won the Don Bunch/Buddy Hartsell SoCon Sportsmanship Award, the ninth time since 2000 a Moc has earned the honor. Rodriguez and Gatti were first team All-SoCon in doubles, while Rodriguez was first time in singles and Jeffrey Dewald made the SoCon All-Freshman team.

Mocs on the Mic 67 - Track & Field SoCon Preview

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This week’s Mocs on the Mic podcast, presented by SmartBank, features track and field head coach Andy Meyer and senior Nicole Buehrle. Meyer talks about the first three meets of the season and looks forward to the Southern Conference Championships in Cullowhee, N.C., May 1-2. Senior Nicole Buehrle is having an outstanding season with three personal records and ranks high in the Southern Conference in the 800 meter and the 1500 meter races.

Mocs on the Mic 66 - Soccer Season Review

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The week’s Mocs on the Mic podcast, presented by SmartBank, takes a look back on the soccer program’s outstanding spring campaign. Coach Gavin McKinney and host Chris Goforth discuss the record-breaking season and what it means for the team moving forward. UTC had a record six postseason awards including Coach of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. The Mocs graduate four seniors and will return both keepers. Senior Lauren Dluzewski earned her first-ever postseason honor when she was named to the SoCon Coaches All-Conference Second Team. She was a member of the Mocs’ defense who had six shutouts in 11 matches. She talks about her time as a member of the soccer team and what she plans to do in the future.

Mocs on the Mic 65 - Beach Volleyball Rundown

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This week's episode of Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank, hits the sand to recap the Chattanooga Mocs beach volleyball team’s first ever win in program history last month while also diving into the program’s development. Host Chris Goforth chats with head coach Darin Van Horn and senior Baylee Young, who was the first beach-only student-athlete to join the program. Chattanooga picked up its first ever win on March 24 in a 5-0 clean sweep over Carson-Newman during its inaugural home match inside the UTC Sports Complex. The No. 1 pair of senior Baylee Young and freshman Jordan Krege have won their last four matchups including a pair of tight 2-1 wins against Carson-Newman. Young and Krege also swept a pair of matches against North Alabama’s top duo on March 19. UTC begins OVC play next weekend with a trip to Jacksonville State on Friday and Saturday, April 16 and 17. The team returns home to face JSU in a pair of matches on Thursday, April 22 and Friday, April 23.

Mocs on the Mic 64 - Volleyball Season Review

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This week’s Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank, reviews the 2020-21 volleyball season with head coach Travis Filar. Host Chris Goforth and Filar talk on the team’s performance during the rescheduled spring championship season in addition to the bright future of the program. UTC sported a young and talented team in 2020-21, showcasing seven student-athletes who made their collegiate debuts. Filar touches on the stellar play from freshmen middle blocker Kate Neill and setter Sophia Bossong and their impact on the program moving forward. To close, Filar shares his thoughts on the resilient and successful career of redshirt senior Mikaela Gauthreaux. Gauthreaux returned to UTC following a season-ending knee injury ahead of the 2019 season which led to a two-year rehab journey.

Mocs on the Mic 63 - Mercer Football Game Preview

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank, takes a dive into the ninth-ranked Chattanooga football team. UTC hosts Mercer this weekend at Finley Stadium. It is the first time home fans, outside of friends and family, will be able to see the team in action since November of 2019. Host Chris Goforth visits with senior quarterback and junior linebacker Christian Snyder. Arnold has led the Mocs to a 3-1 record and a 3-0 mark in Southern Conference action. Despite being a fifth-year senior, this is really his first consistent playing time since he was a senior in high school. He talks about the identity of the offense and what to expect for the rest of the spring season. Snyder walked on to the team as a freshman and has earned more and more playing time over the last two years. He talks about his path to Chattanooga and what it is like seeing his opportunities and production increase during the spring.

Mocs on the Mic 61 - Softball Check-In

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank, features the UTC softball team. The Mocs have begun the 2021 spring season and are on the road this weekend at Georgia State. The next set of home games include a three-game series against Marshall, beginning with a double-header on March 20. Joining host Chris Goforth are senior Cameren Swafford and junior Emily Coltharp, along with head coach Frank Reed. Swafford had a pair of game-winning hits in a double-header sweep against Tennessee Tech earlier in the year, while Coltharp was tabbed as the SoCon preseason player of the year coming into 2021. Coach Reed is in his 20th season at UTC and his 31st overall as a collegiate head coach. The six-time SoCon Coach of the Year is mixing in 10 newcomers with 12 returners from last year’s team.

Mocs on the Mic 60 – SoCon Basketball Tournament Preview

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank, breaks down the upcoming Southern Conference Tournament in Asheville, N.C. Host Chris Goforth visits with women’s basketball head coach Katie Burrows and men’s basketball head coach Lamont Paris to go over both teams’ quest for a title and a trip to the NCAA Championships. The women are the No. 3 seed and open against Furman on Thursday, March 4, at 7:15 p.m. UTC split the regular season series with the Paladins. The men are seeded fourth and take on ETSU on Saturday, March 6, at 2:30 p.m. The Mocs swept the season series against the arch-rival Buccaneers. All games are carried on the Mocs Sports Network on WFLI 97.7 FM/1070 AM, as well as ESPN+. Links for live scoring, audio and video are available on the schedule pages on GoMocs.com.

Mocs on the Mic 59 - Spring Football Preview

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football coach Rusty Wright took time our of his schedule to join this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank. Host Chris Goforth breaks down the start of the FCS spring season with Coach Wright. UTC opens play on Saturday at home against No. 11 Wofford. Only a limited number of family will be allowed inside Finley Stadium, but fans can catch the broadcast on 97.7 FM WFLI or ESPN+.

Mocs on the Mic 58 - Black History Month Celebration Feature on Book McCray

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This week's episode of the Mocs on the Mic podcast, presented by SmartBank, continues the celebration of Black History Month with a visit with former men’s basketball standout Herbert ‘Book’ McCray. McCray was a part of Chattanooga’s glory days as a Division II powerhouse in basketball. McCray came to Chattanooga as a member of the first all African-American recruiting class at UTC. He played for national title in 1976 and won it all with the Mocs in 1977. McCray earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in education at UTC and served in the Hamilton County School System for 26 years, 11 as a classroom teacher and coach and 15 as an administrator. Even after retiring from the school system in 2009, Book didn't stop helping young people. In 1993, he gathered girls and boys for a citywide basketball league, which grew into the Chattanooga Basketball Foundation and the Independent Youth Services Foundation. McCray served as the Commencement Speaker at UTC spring 2018 graduation ceremonies. We hope you enjoy host Chris Goforth’s conversation with one of the best representatives of the Mocs.

Mocs on the Mic 57 - Super Spring Preview

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank, runs through a big Spring Sports preview with soccer, cross county, track & field and women’s tennis. Host Chris Goforth visits with soccer head coach Gavin McKinney, women’s tennis head coach Chad Camper, women’s tennis freshman Jessie Young and cross country/track & field head coach Andy Meyer.

Mocs on the Mic 56 - Black History Month Feature on Henry Dickerson

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This week’s episode of the Mocs on the Mic podcast, presented by SmartBank, features the Chattanooga Mocs first black head basketball coach. Henry Dickerson went from a coal mining town in West Virginia to the NBA before a career in college coaching. He impacted the lives of student-athletes in a career that spanned five decades. Host Chris Goforth and Coach D sat down to tell this tale, including cameos from Coach Mack McCarthy and the Mocs 1997 NBA 1st Round draft pick Johnny Taylor. Check out our men's basketball page on GoMocs.com for more to the Dickerson story and his impact as both an assistant and head coach in the Scenic City.

Mocs on the Mic 55 - Men's & Women's Golf Spring Preview

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The Chattanooga Mocs golf teams are back on campus and preparing for the spring portion of the season. Both teams experienced fall success with the men sweeping titles at Western Carolina’s event in Georgia and one of the ladies earning her first collegiate win in South Carolina. The women’s side brings back the same 6-person roster. Five of the six recorded a top 10 along the way in the 4-tourney swing led by sophomore Esme Hamilton. The guys played in three events claiming a win at the J.T. Poston Invite. It was a clean sweep with A.J. Lintunen earning his first collegiate win. The group's 835 (-17) is the third-best 54-hole total in school history and best tallied outside the Chattanooga metro area. The guys' roster differs from the women with two additions for the spring side of things. They are Utah State transfer Gabe Hunter, a freshman from Alcoa, and the Emerald Isle's Paul Conroy, a freshman and first Irishman on the roster under Mark Guhne. The ladies start a 7-event spring run to the postseason on Feb. 1-2 at the Trinity Forest Invitational in Dallas. The men have five dates opening three weeks later in Hilton Head at the Wexford Plantation Intercollegiate. Both squads are preparing for mid-April postseason work at the Southern Conference Championships with the women headed to Kiawah Island and the men in Reynolds Lake Oconee in Georgia.

Mocs on the Mic 54 - Volleyball Spring Season Preview

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank, takes a look inside the volleyball program with this week's episode. Host Chris Goforth sits down with head coach Travis Filar and senior Mikaela Gauthreaux to preview the upcoming spring season. Filar talks about how the program has maneuvered through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and previews the upcoming, and unique, 2021 spring championship season. Gauthreaux chats about her decision to return to UTC following a medical redshirt season in 2019 and also speaks on her leadership role within this year’s young team. Chattanooga volleyball opens the spring season this Friday in Maclellan Gym against North Alabama at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Mocs on the Mic 53 - Men's Tennis Spring Preview

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000

It is hard to believe that the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men’s tennis spring season gets underway this weekend, but that is the case for head coach Chuck Merzbacher, senior Turner Voges and the rest of the Mocs. Coach Merzbacher and Voges both took time out of their practice schedules to join this week’s edition of the Mocs on the Mic podcast, presented by SmartBank. UTC opens the 2021 campaign at Clemson on Saturday, Jan. 16.

Mocs on the Mic 52 - COVID Updates from Director of Sports Medicine Nate Barger

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000

UTC’s Head Athletic Trainer and Director of Sports Medicine Nate Barger joins this week’s Mocs on the Mic podcast, presented by SmartBank. Barger and host Chris Goforth break down the current climate and testing protocols for the Mocs, along with the challenges involved with keeping student-athletes safe while returning to practice and competition. “I think the biggest challenge has been creating something out of nothing,” stated Barger, when asked right off the bat what has been the biggest obstacle to overcome. “There was essentially no road map for how we navigate this … and create an environment for the kids to succeed.” He talks about how well our student-athletes have adapted to the protocols and what they learned from practicing in the fall. Lessons learned from August and September should pay off as they return to campus in January. Barger and Goforth also discuss how testing takes place moving forward and how his staff will continue to monitor student-athletes and coaches at practices and workouts. With football returning, there will also be continued challenges with the largest sport beginning practice in mid-January.

Mocs on the Mic 51 - Updates from Mark Wharton

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Mark Wharton joins host Chris Goforth for this week's episode of Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank. Mark takes some time out of his busy schedule to give an update on a number of topics surrounding UTC Athletics. The pairs runs the gamut of topics from COVID-19 testing, to the McKenzie Arena fan cutout, to the upcoming spring football season. The conversation also touches on the basketball season, the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the passing of long-time Mocs supporter Frank Kinser.

Mocs on the Mic 50 - Seasons Greetings from Ronnie Powe, Tae Davis and Cole Copeland

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This is a big one, Episode 50. We are almost to the one-year anniversary of the start of Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank. To celebrate this landmark, host Chris Goforth takes a look back at some of the best interviews from the last year. He picked out some of the best stories from UTC Athletics Hall of Fame Ronnie Powe, current members of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns Tae Davis and current Mocs quarterback Cole Copeland. We hope you enjoy this week’s podcast and we appreciate your help making this a success over the last year.

Mocs on the Mic 49 – Wrestling Schedule Release

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Mocs on the Mic is back again this week with Episode No. 49, presented by SmartBank. Wrestling head coach Kyle Ruschell joins host Chris Goforth to talk about the state of the program and what the 2020-21 schedule looks like. COVID testing, practice schedules and more make up the topic of conversations with the third-year head coach of the Mocs. Also joining this week’s podcast is senior Fabian Gutierrez. He talks about his goals for the year and what it has been like training and preparing in this unusual environment.

Mocs on the Mic 48 - Golf Fall Wrap Up

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This week’s edition of Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank, takes a look back at the fall seasons for the men’s and women’s golf teams. Host Chris Goforth visits with head coaches Mark Guhne and Colette Murray to recap a very unusual first half of the season. From COVID-related challenges to schedule changes, there was a lot of challenges off the course for both teams in the all. Despite is all, A.J. Lintunen and Dorata Zalewska both posted individual wins for both teams.

Mocs on the Mic 47 - Sharon Fanning & Regina Kirk

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Venture down memory lane to the early days of Chattanooga women’s basketball with former head coach Sharon Fanning-Otis and UTC’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder Regina Kirk in this week's episode of Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank. Fanning led the Mocs to the first three Southern Conference regular season titles and tournament crowns. Her 1983-84 team posted a 26-5 overall record and entered the Associated Press Top 20 at No. 19 after defeating 17th-ranked Clemson. Fanning, as Sharon Cable, played for UTC and went on to coach the Lady Mocs for 11 years. She led UTC to a state title, runner-up in the NWIT and three Southern Conference regular season and tournament titles. The NCAA was new to women’s championships at the time and did not offer an automatic bid to all conference champions. Regina Kirk played for Fanning in her final years and continued under head coach Craig Parrott. She is the Mocs’ all-time leading scorer with 2,376 points and rebounder with 1,086 boards. She holds school records in seven categories including points in a game and career field goals. She has two 20-point, 20 rebounds games and topped 30 points in a game 14 times. Both are members of the UTC Hall of Fame and Kirk was the Mocs’ first selection to the Southern Conference Hall of Fame. Fanning was named SoCon Coach of the Year twice and Kirk was selected the league Player of the Year in 1988 and was a four-time all-conference performer.

Mocs on the Mic 46 - Lander Postgame

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 12:00:00 +0000

This week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic, sponsored by SmartBank, breaks down the men’s basketball team’s 99-63 win over Lander to open the season on Wednesday. UTC’s ESPN broadcast team of Chris Goforth and Todd Agne take a look at the win and what is ahead for both the men’s and women’s teams. There is also some audio from head coach Lamont Paris’ postgame presser.

Mocs on the Mic 45 - Softball Seniors

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Mocs on the Mic, sponsored by SmartBank, features a pair of softball student-athletes. Host Chris Goforth sits down with seniors Hayleigh Weissenbach and Allison Swinford to discuss each other's plans heading into 2021. Weissenbach kicks off the episode detailing her decision to return to UTC following the NCAA's extended eligibility ruling. The Moreno Valley, Calif., native, along with others, saw her senior season come to a halt due to the pandemic in March. Swinford has opted to step away from the sport due to injury battles following a highly successful three-year career. She chats on her decision to retire as well as her award-winning work inside the Chattanooga communications office as a student writing assistant.

Mocs on the Mic 44 – Tennis Fall Recap

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank, takes a look at the men’s and women’s tennis teams with this week’s episode. Host Chris Goforth sits down with coaches Chuck Merzbacher and Chad Camper to recap a very active fall season. Coach Camper leads off this week. He talks about how fortunate the Mocs were to be one of about 40 programs playing this fall. The COVID-19 pandemic shutdown most of the 350+ Division I teams, but UTC was able to get in three events. Coach Merzbacher recapped a strong fall for the men’s team. Check out what he had to say about the team following the four fall tournaments.

Mocs on the Mic 43 – Men’s Basketball Preview

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank, previews to upcoming men’s basketball season. Joining host Chris Goforth on this edition is head coach Lamont Paris and senior guard David Jean-Baptiste. The men’s schedule is out and Coach Paris talks about some of the challenges with putting together a slate in the current COVID-19 environment. You can feel his excitement about getting back on the court and the start of play just around the corner. Jean-Baptiste is entering his fifth season in the program. He started all 33 games last year and was third on the team in scoring at 12.6 per contest. He is 75 points away from becoming a member of Chattanooga’s 1000-point club.

Mocs on the Mic 42 - Women's Basketball Preview

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Women’s basketball head coach Katie Burrows and senior guard Bria Dial are this week’s guest on Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank. They both join host Chris Goforth to talk about the upcoming season. The schedule is out and includes a new home game against Vanderbilt on Dec. 13. Coach Burrows talks about what the season is going to look like and getting the team focuses on the season opener on Nov. 25 at Tennessee State. Dial led the Mocs in Southern Conference play with 14.5 points per game last season, earning a spot on the SoCon Sports Media Association third team. She had a team-best 48 3-pointers and was second on the team in scoring with 10.3 points per game overall She was second on the team in steals and had 35 assists.

Mocs on the Mic 41 - Preview of the WKU Game with Rusty Wright

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Head coach Rusty Wright joins host Chris Goforth for this week’s episode of the Mocs on the Mic podcast today. Coach Wright previews the upcoming Western Kentucky game. The Mocs have one game on the schedule this fall, visiting the Hilltoppers on Saturday, Oct. 24. Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m. (E.D.T.) on ESPN3 from Houchens-Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Ky. Chris and Coach Wright take an in depth look at the Mocs as they are in game week for the first time since late November 2019. There is discussion about the depth chart and what to expect from some of the redshirt freshmen you haven’t seen yet.

Mocs on the Mic 40 - Football Preview With Defensive Coordinator Lorenzo Ward & Safeties Coach David Bibee

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This week's episode of Mocs on the Mic, presented by SmartBank, takes a look UTC’s defense heading into the Western Kentucky game. Host Chris Goforth visits with defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward and safeties coach David Bibee. The Mocs welcome back eight starters and 24 letter winners from a strong defense in 2019. UTC was 25thin the FCS in passing yards allowed (193.2) and led the SoCon in interceptions (11) and fumbles recovered (10). Junior Devonnsha Maxwell earned first team All-Southern Conference honors last season and returns up front after tying for the SoCon lead with 7.0 sacks. He was also second in the league with 13.0 TFLs. Junior Ty Boeck is back at linebacker after earning first team All-SoCon honors. He was sixth in the league with 101 tackles last season. The secondary is very experienced with seniors Brandon Dowdell, Jerrell Lawson and Jordan Jones. Dowdell is a two-time first team All-SoCon safety, while Lawson was heading to an All-SoCon season before injuries cut his year short. Jones led the league with 12 pass break-ups.

Mocs on the Mic 39 - Football Preview With Offensive Coordinator Joe Pizzo & Offensive Line Coach Chris Malone

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic gives UTC football fans a breakdown from offensive coordinator Joe Pizzo and offensive line coach Chris Malone. Host Chris Goforth takes an in-depth look at the Mocs with two coaches on that side of the ball. UTC returns 21 lettermen and nine starters on offense but loses quarterback Nick Tiano. The battle to take his place is between senior Drayton Arnold and junior Cole Copeland. Arnold was the back up last season after transferring from Old Dominion, while Copeland returns to the team after a one-year hiatus. He made the Southern Conference All-Freshman team in 2017 when he was pressed into service midway through the season due to injuries. Malone has six letter winners and four starters back from last season. Senior Cole Strange is a preseason All-American, while Harrison Moon was granted a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA.

Mocs on the Mic 38 – Conversations with Cole & Chad Copeland

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Younger Mocs fans know that junior quarterback Cole Copeland comes from an athletic family, centered around basketball. His sister, Brooke, played at Florida, while his brother, Bryce, played at Lee University. Brooke's husband is former North Carolina star and current Dallas Maverick Justin Jackson, and Cole himself was an all-state basketball player at Bradley Central High School in Cleveland, Tenn. What some may not realize that those family connections also extend to the Mocs basketball tradition of excellence. Cole's uncle, Chad Copeland, was the 1994 Southern Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year as a senior at UTC. Chad capped off a two-year career leading the Mocs to back-to-back SoCon regular season and conference tournament championships as well as back-to-back trips to the NCAA Tournament. He averaged 20.1 ppg as a senior and was named the 1994 SoCon Tournament MVP after tying a school record with 76 points in three games. Cole's first love has always been football and he has made his mark at UTC on the gridiron. He earned SoCon All-Freshman Honors in 2017 and is back competing for the starting job at quarterback after a one-year hiatus.

Mocs on the Mic 37 - Introducing New Softball Pitching Coach Cheyanne Tarango

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

The newest addition to the Chattanooga softball coaching staff and former professional standout, Cheyanne Tarango joins this week’s episode of Chat with the Mocs. Tarango was hired on by head coach Frank Reed on September 1 as an assistant and will work primarily with the pitching staff. The Anaheim Hills, Calif., native previously coached at the University of Louisville from 2016-18 while continuing her professional playing career. Tarango anchored the pitching staff for the Mexico National Team from 2015-19 while capturing silver at the 2018 Central American Games. She last pitched professionally with the Cleveland Comets as part of the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league in 2019. Collegiately, Tarango helped lead the Tennessee Lady Vols to three WCWS appearances during her career in Knoxville from 2011-15 including a national runner-up season in 2013.

Mocs on the Mic 36 - Women's Basketball Head Coach Katie Burrows on the Upcoming Schedule

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

The 2020-21 women’s basketball schedule is out and this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic takes a deep look into the upcoming slate with women’s basketball head coach Katie Burrows. The Mocs have their hands full trying to defend their Southern Conference regular season title from a year ago. In addition, Coach Burrows has put together a tough non-conference slate. She goes through the list with host Chris Goforth that includes home games against Belmont, Cincinnati, Tennessee Tech, UAB and Eastern Kentucky. UTC also visits Ohio, Murray State, Hampton, Troy and Purdue in non-conference action. Season tickets and the full schedule are available now on GoMocs.com or by calling the UTC Ticket Office at (423) 266-MOCS (6627).

Mocs on the Mic 35 - Soccer Preview with Gavin McKinney and Chloe Arnold

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

It’s game week for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga soccer team and head coach Gavin McKinney and senior forward Chloe Arnold are the featured guests on the Mocs on the Mic podcast. These two join host Chris Goforth to talk about the lone match of the fall against Georgia State. Match time is set for Sunday, Sept. 13, at 6:00 p.m. (E.D.T.) at the UTC Sports Complex. Fans will not be allowed at the game, but it will broadcast on ESPN+. Check out Atlanta United’s broadcast crew of Jason Longshore on play-by-play, with Jessica Charman as commentator. McKinney is entering his fifth season at UTC and is 32-47-12 during his UTC career. He is 17-14-7 in the last two seasons and 16-15-6 in the competitive Southern Conference over the last four years. Arnold is fifth on the Mocs’ career list with 21 goals. She is also sixth in all-time scoring with 48 points in her first three seasons. The Bristol, Tenn., native was Chattanooga's first-ever SoCon Freshman of the Year in 2017 and made the All-SoCon team in 2018.

Mocs on the Mic 34 - Emmy Award Winning Actor, Director and Producer Bill Landry

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This week on Mocs on the Mic we visit with Emmy Award winning actor, director and producer Bill Landry. A former utility player on the 1969 Chattanooga football roster, Landy played two seasons with the Mocs. He is best known across East Tennessee as the host of WBIR’s The Heartland series (1984-2009). Bill discusses his time at UTC as a theater Major, growing up in Chattanooga and how his love for storytelling is the driving motivator for his career and life. Landry wrote and directed many of The Heartland episodes, as well as producing and appearing as a character. The series aired over 1400 short features and about 150 half-hour length programs. The Heartland won awards including four Emmy Awards, six Iris Awards from the National Association of Television Program Executives, two bronze medals and a silver from the New York International Film and Television Festival, and a Theodore Roosevelt Award for "Best Outdoor Documentary."

Mocs on the Mic 33 - Rusty Wright

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Now that we know what the 2020 football season looks like for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team, head coach Rusty Wright jumps on this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic. Wright and host Chris Goforth talk about what led up to the decision to play the single game at Western Kentucky on Oct. 24 and the overall state of the program.
Coach Wright also touches on his thoughts on playing in the spring, how it affects the fall 2021 season, the impact of NCAA decisions on eligibility and much more. The two also take an in depth look at the current daily activities of the team and the safety protocols in place to help limit the impact of COVID-19.

Mocs on the Mic 32 - Former Mocs Soccer Star DonnaKay Henry

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Host Chris Goforth visits with UTC soccer legend DonnaKay Henry on this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic. A native of Queens Village, N.Y., Henry was a four-time All-Southern Conference performer from 2008-11. Henry scored a school-record four goals against South Carolina State and holds the record for most points in a game. She ranks in the top five in four single-season categories, including third in scoring (78), third in goals (31), second in assists (16) and third in shots (213). Following an outstanding career with the Mocs, she went on to play professionally overseas and is currently coaching in her home state of New York.

Mocs on the Mic 31 - Mocs Club Update

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This week’s Mocs on the Mic podcast includes a Mocs Club update from UTC Associate Athletics Director for Development Lee Roberts. With the recent cancellation of fall sports in the Southern Conference, there will be a lot of emphasis on the importance of the Mocs Club this fall. Host Chris Goforth and Roberts chat about how the Mocs Club impacts the student-athlete experience at UTC. He gives some unique insight on how the Mocs Club is so much more “than just the hospitality room at a football game.” Also included is an update on the Porky’s Open and a preview of the soon-to-be-announced Mocs Fly Together campaign.

Mocs on the Mic 30 - Hannah Huesman

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Current Philadelphia Phillies Mental Skills and Performance Coach and former two-sport student-athlete Hannah (Thurley) Huesman joins host Chris Goforth on this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic. Huesman began her career in Major League Baseball as a Mental Conditioning Coach Intern with the Pittsburgh Pirates before joining the Phillies staff full-time in 2019. She focuses on the mental aspects of the Phillies organization and its players including anything from confidence to motivation to composure. A 2014 graduate, Huesman earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Psychology and Moto Behavior at UTC while conducting herself as an athlete on both the softball and women’s basketball teams. Hannah is married to former UTC quarterback and current tight ends coach Jacob Huesman, who finished a legendary career with the Mocs in 2015. Listen as she talks about her time at UTC, working with professional athletes in the MLB, how important mentality is in sports, and more.

Mocs on the Mic 29 - Alex Black

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Alex Black came to Chattanooga from Memphis where she played for former Mocs’ assistant Becky Myatt Starks at Harding Academy. In her four years with UTC, Alex helped the Mocs to an historic win over fourth-ranked Tennessee, two Southern Conference regular season titles, two SoCon Tournament crowns and back-to-back NCAA appearances. She was named All-Conference by the league coaches in her senior year and was a two-time selection to the SoCon All-Tournament team. After graduation, Alex’s passion for basketball never wavered as she assisted Starks at Harding and was offered a position as an assistant coach with a men’s professional team in her hometown. She also studied nursing and is working in that field today. Listen as she relives her time with the Mocs and her present role in the medical field during a pandemic.

Mocs on the Mic 28 - Karen Mills & Skip Clark

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

While their paths to UTC were very different, former Mocs’ cagers Karen Mills and Skip Clark met on the basketball court and have continued that friendship on the stage as stand up comedians. Mills, an all-conference performer from Cleveland, Tenn., holds the school record for assists and is second for steals. The quick-handed point guard ranks among the best in scoring with more than 1,000 points. Clark, on the other hand, knew he wanted to get out of New York. He traveled to Chattanooga from the Bronx, passing on scholarship opportunities closer to home. He was selected to the Southern Conference All-Tournament team and holds UTC’s record in the NCAA Tournament for steals. Their paths after college were different, the two have met to perform together and today to relive their time on the court and what life is like after basketball.

Mocs on the Mic 27 - Lanni Marchant

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Lanni Marchant, the 2007 Southern Conference Female Athlete of the Year, talks about her journey to her second Olympic Summer Games as a member of the Canadian team on this week’s episode of Mocs on the Mic. Marchant qualified in the 10K and Marathon in 2016 and is currently training in Colorado for a second shot at the Marathon.The Ontario native is a six-time Southern Conference Champion in cross country, indoor and outdoor track while earning 14 all-conference honors. She was inducted into the UTC Sports Hall of Fame in 2015 for her accomplishments as a member of all three teams.After graduating from UTC in 2017, she went on to law school in both Michigan and Canada and is a practicing attorney for a Chattanooga law firm.

Mocs on the Mic 26 - Justin Tuoyo & Greg Pryor

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

We’re excited to get in the way-back machine for this week’s Mocs on the Mic Podcast. OK…so maybe not way back but our heroes are former standouts on the Roundhouse hardcourt. Our host Chris Goforth spends time visiting with Greg Pryor & Justin Tuoyo. Pryor was a 4-year starter during one of the best runs in school history. He directed 88-wins from the point guard position including a school-record 29 in 2016 winning Most Outstanding Player at the Southern Conference Tournament, the 11th win in the event which ranks second most all-time in league history. His 2020 professional season in England was cut short by the Covid crisis. Tuoyo memories and personality are as large as he played on the court. The 3-time SoCon Defensive Player of the Year holds every school record for blocked shots. His three campaigns in the Arena resulted in 70 wins, a SoCon title and ranking as one of the biggest fan favorites in school history. The pandemic also ended his professional season in Switzerland.

Mocs on the Mic - Softball Transfers

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This week's edition of Mocs on the Mic highlights the softball program and includes head coach Frank Reed in addition to a pair of local standout transfers, Kaili Phillips and Brooke Parrott. Phillips earned SEC All-Freshman honors as a catcher at Tennessee in 2019 after appearing in 51 games while batting .246 with 10 homers and 36 RBI. She was the 77th ranked player in the FloSoftball national ranking system coming out of Silverdale Baptist Academy in Ooltewah, Tenn., and carries three years of immediate eligibility at UTC. Parrott, a Harrison, Tenn., native, was an NJCAA Division I All-American pitcher at Chatt State in 2019 and carried a career record of 25-6 with a 2.14 ERA and 253 strikeouts in 217.2 innings. She was a four-time region and district champion at Chattanooga Central High School, posting 71 wins, 1,009 strikeouts and 19 no-hitters in her career. Parrott is a junior and holds two years of immediate eligibility.

Mocs on the Mic - Episode 24

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This week's edition of Mocs on the Mic is the 23rd installment of the podcast dedicated to UTC Athletics. This one takes a look at a pair of former Mocs who have having outstanding professional careers in their respective sports. First up is former women’s basketball star Jasmine Joyner. Joyner competed for the Mocs from 2014-17, ending her career with a Southern Conference record 436 blocks. Joyner was recently named the Women’s Player of the Year in the Basketball Journalists Association’s annual awards for the 2019-20 campaign with the Nottingham Wildcats Basketball Club. She also made the Women’s British Basketball League’s Team of the Year in 2019. Wolf competed for the Mocs from 2008-11 and has competed on the Ladies European Tour since 2012. The two-time All-SoCon performer, Wolf won the 2019 Hero Women’s Indian Open. She also scored a 2012 win at the Crete Ladies Open on the LET Access Series.

Mocs on the Mic - Episode 23

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Episode 23 of the Mocs on the Mic podcast came out today. This week's edition features Chattanooga volleyball alum and current European professional Allie Davenport ('16), in addition to head coach Travis Filar. Davenport recently signed in France with the Saint Die des Vosges club, the third professional contract of her career since graduating from UTC. She has made numerous playing stops overseas in England, Sweden, Vietnam, Switzerland and many more. The Tyrone, Ga., native had a highly-successful career as an outside hitter with the Mocs, finishing third all-time in aces (142), fifth in points (1,372.5) and sixth in kills (1,065). She earned All-Southern Conference first team and All-Tournament team honorees during 2015's historic season where UTC finished 26-6 and captured the SoCon regular season title.

Mocs on the Mic - Episode 22

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This week's edition celebrates the 35th anniversary of the 1985 NCAA Division II Women’s Tennis National Championship Team. That team capped off the second golden era of UTC women’s tennis. Led by head coach Tommy Bartlett, the Mocs won the NCAA Division II title in 1983, 1984 and 1985. Chattanooga also won AIAW national titles in 1977, 1978 and 1979 under head coaches Alice Tym and Bill Tym. Joining Chris Goforth on this call are All-Americans Sabine ter Reit Brent, Lori Massengill, Heidi Narborough Dettinger, Susan Bednar Kirby and Christine Picher. All five of these individuals are in the UTC Athletics Hall of Fame. There are some great stories on this podcast about Coach Bartlett, assistant coach Betty Sue Kelly, classic memorabilia from that era and much, much more.

Mocs on the Mic - Episode 21

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This week's edition catches up one of the most accomplished members of the current UTC staff, women’s basketball assistant coach Debbie Black. A three sport collegiate star at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Black played both softball and basketball for Hall of Fame Coach Jim Foster. She also played field hockey for the Hawks. Black went on to an accomplished career in professional basketball that spanned 16 seasons. She was named the 2001 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year while playing for the Miami Sol. She was also head coach as Eastern Illinois from 2014-17. A great storyteller, Black dives into her career and experiences from Tasmania, to Australia to the WNBA. Check out this entertaining listen with host Chris Goforth.

Mocs on the Mic – Episode 20

Wed, 27 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Host Chris Goforth talks with head coach Gavin McKinney (0:35) and senior forward Emily Szymanski about this unusual summer and the upcoming season. McKinney is entering his sixth year at UTC. The Mocs re coming off a 9-6-4 overall record in 2019, including a 4-4-1 mark in SoCon play. UTC set school record for shutouts (9), goals-against average (0.75) and goals allowed (15) last season. Szymanski was third on the team in scoring with three goals and two assists. The Spring Hill, Tenn., native has scored four goals in 50 career games played with the Mocs. Be sure to check out the full 2020 schedule that was release today. The upcoming soccer slate is available on GoMocs.com.

Mocs on the Mic - Episode 19

Wed, 20 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Host Chris Goforth talks with men’s golf head coach Mark Guhne (0:35), men’s tennis head coach Chuck Merzbacher (17:20) and women’s tennis head coach Chad Camper (28:05). Guhne is a four-time Southern Conference Coach of the Year who just wrapped up his 15th season leading his alma mater. He has guided the Mocs to SoCon titles five times and won the NCAA Bowling Green Regional in 2012. Be sure to check out his updated on the program. Merzbacher was the 2019 SoCon Coach of the Year who had the Mocs rolling in 2020 before the COVID-19 shutdown. UTC was 12-6 in duals, while senior Niklas Gerdes had a 15-2 mark at No. 1 singles. Camper also had the women playing well when play was halted in March. UTC was 8-5 overall and the No. 1 doubles tandem of junior Emma Van Hee and sophomore Caroline Gibbens were No. 76 in the national doubles rankings.

Mocs on the Mic - Episode 18

Wed, 13 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Episode 18 of the Mocs on the Mic podcast was released today. This week's edition catches up with our cross country/track & field and women’s golf programs. Host Chris Goforth talks with XC/T&F head coach Andy Meyer (1:00), senior XC/T&F student-athlete Makenzie Jones (18:00) and women’s golf head coach Colette Murray (26:10). Meyer just wrapped up his fourth year at his alma mater. He recapped his shortened season and talks about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic moving forward. Jones chimed in with a student-athlete perspective of the new normal. She discusses finishing up her semester and working out on her own in her hometown of Morristown, Tenn. Murray is a four-time Southern Conference Coach of the Year whose teams have never finished worse than second in the league in 13 seasons at UTC. She has a good story of the women’s team “roughing it” through the early days of the COVID-19 shutdown, along with some interesting insight into her program.

Mocs on the Mic - Episode 17

Wed, 06 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This week's edition takes a look at UTC’s brand new Beach Volleyball program. Host Chris Goforth talks with head coach Darin Van Horn and volunteer assistant coach Juliana Yensho about the process for getting the program up and running. The Mocs actually got in three matches at the Mercer Bears Beach Bash on Feb 29, just prior to all spring events being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mocs on the Mic - Episode 16

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This week's edition features a couple of former Mocs who are currently in the National Football League. Host Chris Goforth visits with Houston Texans quarterback Nick Tiano (1:20) and Cleveland Browns linebacker Tae Davis (12:20). Tiano’s conversation revolved mostly around Monday’s news that he had signed with the Texans as an undrafted free agent. He gives an insider’s look into the process of getting started as a professional athlete. Davis made recent headlines with how COVID-19 hit his family directly and what his response was when he heard that three family member had contracted the virus.

Mocs on the Mic - Episode 15

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This week's edition features another long-distance connection with two international student-athletes as host Chris Goforth checks in with them to see how they are handling the current situation surrounding COVID-19. Men’s golf senior Will Porter (0:35) and women’s basketball sophomore Pare Pene (13:39) discuss their travels back home and what life is like for them in this usual time all over the world. Porter is a native of Arbroath, Scotland, and he talks about being back with family and the stress of getting his golf clubs to follow him from Chattanooga back to Scotland. Pene returned to Rotorua, New Zealand, earlier in the month but was able to connect from halfway around the world. She also talks about her travels home and what life is like in her current situation.

Mocs on the Mic - Episode 14

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This week's edition features two international student-athletes and how they are handling the current situation surrounding COVID-19. Men’s basketball standout Ramon Vila (0:41), a native of Barcelona, Spain, is still in Chattanooga. He talks with host Chris Goforth about the loss of his grandmother in Spain to the virus and the way his parents, who are both doctors, are dealing with their situation in his home country. Soccer’s Hollie Massey (9:08) is back in Cheshire, England, but was able visit Goforth via Zoom. She talked about her travel back home and dealing with the lockdown in England.

Mocs on the Mic - Episode 13

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This week’s edition features former UTC quarterback Nick Tiano. Host Chris Goforth visited with Nick prior to the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown and that conversation is available today. Following an outstanding senior season in 2019, Tiano was the MVP of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Since that performance, he continues to climb a number of draft boards heading into the 2020 NFL Draft on April 23-25. Check out our visit with Nick Tiano.

Mocs on the Mic - Episode 12

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This is part two of the Hall of Fame edition of the podcast. Host Chris Goforth sat down with two all-time great from UTC Athletics. All-American defensive tackle Ronnie Powe (0:43) is up first, discussing his amazing career from 1976-79. He is followed by men's basketball standout Derrick Kirce (13:03). The two-time All-SoCon honoree talks about his era during the early 1990's. Both were inducted during the Feb. 28 ceremonies in the Tennessee Room of the University Center.

Mocs on the Mic - Episode 11

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This is the long-awaited Hall of Fame edition that is so good, will take up the next two episodes. Host Chris Goforth sat down with three of the inductees this week, beginning with wrestling’s Cary Waller (1:09), Emma de Groot (10:34) of women’s golf, and volleyball’s Lara Newberry (24:36). All three were inducted during the Feb. 28 ceremonies in the Tennessee Room of the University Center.

Mocs on the Mic - Episode 10

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

What a week this has been! Unprecedented times have led to unprecedented decisions. Host Chris Goforth spent over 20 minutes with UTC Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Mark Wharton, discussing what life is like right now for Mocs athletics. From the SoCon canceling the rest of spring sports, to the NCAA allowing spring seniors to receive another year of eligibility, there is a lot of news surrounding UTC Athletics. There are still a lot of answers yet to be determined, but these two take a deep dive into what we know today. News changes daily so listen the interviews for the most recent updates.

Mocs on the Mic - Episode 9

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This show is outside of the weekly schedule, but contains some important insight from Director of Sports Medicine Nathan Barger. This Podcast is just under 12 minutes long, but is full of information on how the Mocs are responding to the COVID-19 Virus from Nathan. Host Chris Goforth guides the Q&A that is filled with some useful information and a look at how the Mocs are working through these events. Nathan has been at UTC for less than two weeks, but is doing an outstanding job helping to guide our coaches and staff through this unprecedented sequence of events. It is worth the time to take a listen.

Mocs on the Mic - Episode 8

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This week's show previews the upcoming NCAA Wrestling Championships set to take place in Minneapolis, Minn., March 19-20. Junior Fabian Gutierrez (125) and sophomores Tanner Smith (149) and Matthew Waddell (184) all qualified for the NCAAs. Waddell earned an automatic bid with his second place finish at the SoCon Championships, while Smith and Gutierrez were at-large selections. Waddell (0:30), Smith (8:54), Gutierrez (14:51) and head coach Kyle Ruschell (22:55) join host Chris Goforth on this week’s episode. There are tons of announcements about the COVID-19 virus and its effect on sporting events across the country. Things are changing by the hour, but as of the release of this podcast, the NCAA Tournament is still on and UTC is still participating. Any updates will be posted on GoMocs.com.

Mocs on the Mic - Episode 7

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Athletics Department released Episode 7 of Mocs on the Mic today. This week's show previews the upcoming Southern Conference men’s and women’s basketball tournaments with head coaches Katie Burrows (0:25) and Lamont Paris (24:19). The women open play on Thursday, March 5, against Mercer at 3:30 p.m. (E.S.T.) while the men take on UNCG on Saturday, March 7, at 8:30 p.m. Both games are available on ESPN+ with links on their schedule pages on GoMocs.com.

Mocs on the Mic - Episode 6

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This week's show features host Chris Goforth with women’s basketball student-athletes Para Pene (0:33) and Ruona Uwusiaba (11:36). Episode 6 has an international flare with Pene, who is a native of New Zealand, and Uwusiaba, who hails from Nigeria. From proper name pronunciations, to how they would up halfway around the world in Chattanooga, both have interesting stories to tell about their travels to UTC.

Mocs on the Mic - Episode 5

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This week's show features host Chris Goforth with Jeffrey Wood II (0:33), Tyrell Price (9:24) and Ailym Ford (17:53). All three had their 2019 campaigns cut short due to season-ending injuries. Chris sits down with each of them to discuss their current recovery and how are they preparing for the 2020 season. In addition to talking about their recovery, Wood gives an outlook on the team, Price talks about his experiences with Last Chance U and Ford discusses his return for fall camp.

Mocs on the Mic: Episode 4

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This episode features host Chris Goforth with men’s basketball legends Ron Shumate and Book McCray. Shumate and McCray were both in the Roundhouse for the recent men’s basketball reunion game. Both are season ticket holders and fixtures at home games throughout the season. Shumate was the head coach of the 1977 NCAA Division II National Championship team, while McCray was one of the top student athletes on that squad. Goforth dives into some great stories with both guests. Longtime Mocs fans will enjoy the bit about how Tennessee stole “Rocky Top” as the unofficial fight song from UTC, according to Coach Shumate.

Mocs on the Mic - Episode 3

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In Episode 3, Chris takes a look at the upcoming softball season that begins this weekend at Frost Stadium. On the podcast are preseason All-SoCon senior Emma Sturdivant (1:05), preseason SoCon Player of the Year Ally Walker (6:34) and Coach Reed (14:33). Rainy weather in the Chattanooga area has forced a change in the schedule. Instead of a three-game series with Austin Peay to open the season, the Mocs host the Governors for one double-header on Sunday, Feb. 9. First pitch is 1:00 p.m. (E.S.T.) at Frost Stadium.

Mocs on the Mic - Episode 2

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Here is Episode 2 of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Athletics Podcast - Mocs on the Mic. Host Chris Goforth sits down each week with coaches, student-athletes and administrators to discuss various topics on the Mocs and UTC. This week we take a look at the international flavor on the men’s basketball team with interviews from four players who come from three different countries and all varying backgrounds. On the podcast are Chattanooga native Jamaal Walker (0:28), junior Ramon Vila (7:34), junior Stefan Kenic (17:43) and senior David Jean-Baptiste (28:15).

Men’s Basketball vs. The Citadel FirstBank Postgame Show

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

ICYMI, here is last night’s FirstBank Postgame Show following the Mocs 92-69 win over The Citadel. Voice of the Mocs Jim Reynolds breaks down the game and interviews sophomore guard A.J. Caldwell (9:00) and head coach Lamont Paris (23:18).

Mocs on the Mic - Episode 1

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Check out the first episode of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Athletics Podcast - Mocs on the Mic. Host Chris Goforth sits down each week with coaches, student-athletes and administrators to discuss various topics on the Mocs and UTC. The podcast opens with Chris breaking down the 2020 Mocs Football schedule with head coach Rusty Wright.