Name: Rick Govan
Spouse: Lori Brotherton Govan
City of Residence: Chattanooga Tn
Alma Mater: Rick - UC 1969
                     Lori - UTC 1993
Occupation or former occupation: Regional V.P. Sales & Account Management, Group Dept., Provident Life & Accident (later Healthsource) Deputy for Lay Ministry & Congregational Development, Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee

Why did you decide to join the Mocs Club and support Chattanooga Athletics?
From day one when I arrived as a freshman on the UC campus in the fall of 1964, living that year in the Stadium Dorm, I have been an enthusiastic Moc supporter. Along with fellow classmates, we attended the football games at Chamberlain Field, basketball games and wrestling matches in the "Big Mac", and I recall walking on spring days from the fraternity house to Engle Stadium to cheer on the baseball team.
Through the years, I have remained a loyal supporter of our university, even when I lived in other cities before returning to Chattanooga in 1983. Today, I remain very proud of UTC and believe that a strong and competitive athletic program is an integral part of a vibrant university. It excites me that we can help support the funding of student-athlete scholarships through the Mocs Club. Those gifts have the real potential of positively changing a student's life forever.

What is your favorite memory as a Mocs fan?
There are so many great Moc memories during these past 55+ years; winning seasons and championships, exciting and talented athletes, great last minute (or last second!) wins. It's impossible for me to determine a favorite. I realize that I am quite biased when I often fondly reflect on the era of the UC football teams during the mid-to-late 1960s. We had so many great wins and talented players---Joe Lee Dunn, Henry Sorrell, Jack Gregory, Roger Catarino, Bucky Wolford, Nubby Napolitano, John Tyszkiewicz, etc. Those teams' players remain especially close, often returning to the campus for games and reunions. They were both our heroes and our friends and remain so today. Champion supporters of all things UTC, Bea and Ron Wade's ever-present Pavilion tailgate is a must stop for many of these athletes and other alumni before each football game!

What would you tell others in the Chattanooga community to get them involved in the Mocs Club and supporting Chattanooga Athletics?
I really like the focus that Coach Rusty Wright is placing on the value of promoting UTC athletics to our friends and acquaintances. We truly have a tremendous product with our university, and our numerous athletic programs are a large part of that product. We have very talented and competitive women's and men's team sports. The recent academic accomplishments of our student- athletes are amazing. This past semester they posted an impressive combined record performance for overall grade-point average of 3.421!

I make a special effort to bring a different friend to many UTC games and events, and because Lori and I live nearby also invite them take a walk around the campus. Frequently, I hear expressions like "I had no idea!" or "This campus is really impressive, really beautiful!" Far too many of our regional neighbors are unaware of the value of this university to our community. We are very fortunate, and we have an opportunity to promote something great.

What would be your advice to current student-athletes?
I try, although not always successfully to not give advice. There is a great quote I have posted in my home office: "Be hesitant of giving advice. Wise men don't need it & fools won't heed it."

What is a fun fact about you?
While at UC, I worked full time as a radio DJ at a then top rated Top 40 station, WFLI "Jet Fli". My radio name was "Ringo Van the Music Man."  A couple of times a year for several years, the station sponsored "Jet Fli Spectaculars" at the Memorial Auditorium. During those events I met, chauffeured and introduced on stage popular recording stars like Neil Diamond, Herman's Hermits, Lesley Gore, Lou Christie, Johnny Rivers, Kenny Rogers, Jerry Lee Lewis and more. Great memories for sure!

Final thoughts?
During the late 1960s, fellow classmates Suzan Cotellesse, Frank Griscom (Tom's older brother), B.B. Bell and I hosted a weekly radio program called "What's New At UC". Thanksgiving Day 1967 was a special day of tremendous celebration at Chamberlain Field. On that final game of the season, the Mocs defeated Jacksonville State 51-0! It was a fitting end to 45 years of leadership by legendary head coach "Scrappy" Moore.  The following season former assistant coach Harold Wilkes, then serving as head coach, led his team to an impressive 9-1 season losing only to Ole Miss.

Below is a photo of B.B and me on that Thanksgiving Day recording an interview for "What's New At UC" with Coach Wilkes.

No doubt, I have been truly blessed to be a small part of this great university---both as a student and an active alumnus---for all these years. Go Mocs!