Junior college transfer
Rod Johnson is certainly easy to get to know. As a matter of fact, the "Mayor" goes out of his way to make sure of just that.
"Rod's just a friendly dude,"
Jonathan Scott started.
"He's a guy that likes to talk a lot,"
Thomas Smallwood smiled. "He'll talk to everybody about anything and doesn't have much of a filter."
When the nickname "The Mayor" is used, it's because someone goes beyond a group. They're not necessarily tied to just one, but several feel a bond with the individual. It's that universal love that comes with such a buoyant personality.
"He's energetic and happy," Scott continued. "Everyone loves that about him. He talks to everyone…sororities, frats, whatever organizations…everyone."
Different words were used in the informal team study for "In A Word". There were a few outgoings, friendlies and turnts amongst the balloting. It all came back to the "Mayor" because Johnson brings a smile to all he comes across.
If you pass him on campus, you are going to get a smile, hello and how are you moment. We're talking about a guy who transcends generations, social norms, etc.
Teams are the same as families or any extremely close-knit groups. There are intimate pockets of like-minded people in smaller units within the family. Rod fits in just about any and all you find on the Mocs current edition.
While this series is specifically set for the student-athletes to serve as the storytellers, we take a step outside the bubble for the final thought on Johnson. Few people spend more time with their student-athletes than athletic performance and sports medicine professionals. Second-year strength guru
Tyler Dobratz didn't take a lot of time mulling over the term "mayor" for the Wisconsin native.
"That's perfect for Rod," he said. "He kind of has that attitude, personality…a confident, mayoral-type swagger about him."
That sums it up quite well.
Mayor: an official elected or appointed to act as chief executive or nominal head of a city, town, or borough. Merriam-Webster
Mayor: someone who seems to know everyone wherever they go and is always shaking hands. A person of great popularity, but in a genuine way. Enjoys the company of, and well received by others. Floats among many cliques. urbandictionary.com
IN A WORD
David Jean-Baptiste –
Engaged
Thomas Smallwood –
Dad
BASKETBALL TIPOFF EVENT
The Mocs men's and women's teams are hosting a get together in McKenzie Arena on Tuesday, October 30 at 6:30 p.m. It's an interactive program allowing young and old a chance to meet all of their Mocs and maybe even try their hand at displaying their own hoops abilities. There are game and skill stations managed by the student-athletes covering knockout, free throws and dribbling. Artists can render their interpretations of the players along with photo and autograph areas as well.
More info here.
TICKETS
Season tickets are on sale now. They can be
purchased on GoMocs.com or by calling (423) 266-MOCS. Fans can also stop by the Gate 1 ticket office at McKenzie Arena.
Full season tickets range from $90-190 for lower-level reserved through upper-level general admission.
| Seat Type |
Season Ticket |
| *Padded Reserved |
$190 |
| 100 Level Reserved |
$165 |
| 200 Level Reserved |
$165 |
| 200 Level Corner |
$135 |
| 200 Level End Zone |
$105 |
| 300 Level GA |
$90 |
*Mocs Club Donation Required
UTC faculty/staff season tickets are offered at a reduced rate. Faculty/staff members should stop or call the McKenzie Arena ticket office for more information or to purchase.
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 UTC Mocs Club and support more than 300 student-athletes by clicking here.
