University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Mark Wharton announced the upcoming retirement of legendary staff member Mike Royster today.  Royster recently completed his 47^th season with the Mocs, serving the last two decades of his tenure as the Assistant Athletics Director for Equipment and Facilities.

An icon within the Chattanooga athletics program and a national leader among collegiate equipment managers, Royster is ending his nearly five-decade long run on June 30, 2021. 

"It is a bittersweet moment for all of us," stated Wharton.  "We hate to see him go, but we are excited for the opportunity for him to spend more time with his family. 

"Mike is an institution in himself and one of the most recognizable figures in the history of our program.  He has been a leader in our industry and an invaluable member of UTC Athletics for years."

For a unique profile into Mike's career and his recent decision to retire, check out this article from UTC's communications office on the University's website. 

"His legacy is set in stone, but to further his impact on future Mocs, we are starting the Mike Royster Student Equipment Manager Endowed Scholarship," added Wharton.  "This scholarship will directly benefit our student managers, who have been under Mike's guidance throughout his career at UTC."

To give to this scholarship fund in any amount, visit www.GoMocs.com/Royster.

"It has been my pleasure to serve this University for the last 47 years," stated Royster.  "I have enjoyed the relationships that I have made throughout my professional career, especially those with the student managers and student-athletes who have represented this program over the last half-century.  It has been an amazing journey and I look forward to seeing this program continue to grow.

"You will still see me at the games, but this is a great time for me to step away from the day-to-day operations and spend more time with my family."

During his time at Chattanooga, Royster's responsibilities included overseeing the equipment purchases and inventory of UTC's 16 intercollegiate athletic programs, as well as the repair and maintenance of athletic equipment.

In his role as assistant athletics director, he directed 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 served as the executive director of the Athletic Equipment Managers Association since 2010.

While at UTC, Royster has assisted with the educational and career development of numerous student managers.  Many of those have gone on to full-time work in the profession at the secondary school, collegiate and professional levels.

A native of Nashville, Tenn., Royster came to Chattanooga in 1974, from St. Andrew's School in Sewanee, Tenn., where he coached football, baseball and basketball and was the trainer and equipment manager. Prior to that, he served as equipment manager and trainer at Columbia State Community College from 1968-71.  He received a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from UTC in 1977.

He is married to the former Pat Smartt of Monteagle, Tenn. They have two children, a daughter, Robin, a son, Joey.  They also have five grandchildren, Benjamin, Carson and Bailey Kate Arp; and Keegan and Michael Royster.