Name: Tom & Marion Griscom
Occupation or former occupation - Tom:
- Communication Director for President Ronald Reagan
- Press Secretary for U.S. Senator Howard Baker
- Editor & Publisher, Chattanooga Times Free Press
Occupation or former occupation - Marion:
- Librarian and mother of 3
City of residence: Chattanooga, TN
Alma Mater: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, both 1971 graduates with BA in English
Why did you decide to join the Mocs Club and support Chattanooga Athletics?
UTC is how we met and has been part of our relationship for more than 50 years. We remember football games at Chamberlain Field and basketball in Big Mac. During the 20 years that we were away from Chattanooga, we followed the Mocs as they moved into the Southern Conference, updated their football and basketball venues and won league championships. This is our university and the student-athletes who choose Chattanooga deserve our support.
What is your favorite memory as a Mocs fan?
We saw the UTC team that won the NCAA Division II basketball championship in 1977, a determined team with star players from Louisville, Kentucky, that Ron Shumate put together. Members of that team came back to campus a couple of years ago and while they have aged, as all of us do, seeing them one more time brought back great memories.
What would you tell others in the Chattanooga community to get them involved in the Mocs Club and encourage them to support Chattanooga Athletics?
UTC is Chattanooga's team and there is a lot of community pride. While we compete in the shadow of the SEC, we see student-athletes that many times are like unpolished gems. Our football team has a number of NFL starters and as a Mocs fan, you are able to recall seeing them on the turf at Finley Stadium. We have proven coaches in Lamont Parris and Rusty Wright, a former player now coach Katie Burrows for a championship women's basketball program and others. Student-athletes at UTC also perform well in the classroom. With program and classroom success, this is a great return on a personal investment.
Who is your favorite Moc of all time, player, coach, or administrator?
Favorite Moc of all time is somewhat difficult. There are 1971 graduates in our class like Tom Losh that stand out. But being pushed for one, Bucky Wolford stands out followed closely by Angelo (Nubby) Napolitano. Bucky put team first and his successes on Chamberlain Field and in his professional career always were a team effort.
What hobbies or activities do you and Marion enjoy besides rooting on the Mocs?
Well, Covid-19 has been an interesting experience. We have spent more time together over the past several months than at any other time. While we enjoy a Viking River Cruise in Europe, sitting in AT&T Field watching the Lookouts or completing the 30-team MLB tour, the most important decision was starting a college fund – hopefully at UTC – for our grandson, Luke.
Favorite place to eat in Chattanooga and favorite dish?
During Covid-19, we have found Pizza Bros and their thin crust entries and in more normal times, it would be a choice among Sushi Nabe, Alimentari and oysters at Easy Bistro.
Final thoughts?
You will see two photos – us at a UTC football game at Jacksonville State- and, hopefully, the next Moc in our family, Luke. My family has deep roots at UTC/UC. My great aunt was the chair of the English Department and I have heard stories over the years from her students. UTC is Chattanooga and there are so many opportunities to be engaged – the Mocs Club is an important connection for us….Go Mocs!
