The Morning News – 2/17

Baseball begins their 2012 Campaign vs NIU, the Lady Vols notch another win and are tied for first in the SEC, and a familiar face joins Kiffin at USC.

Opening Day for Baseball

Today is a opening day for Tennessee baseball. Dave Serrano leads the Vols onto the diamond for the first time. Serrano has a history of leading teams to the College World Series, he’s been to seven and led two different schools to Omaha.

“Dave is a guy that believes in the legacy of Tennessee baseball and I feel like that is a big part of what this program is all about.” – R.A. Dickey, Mets Pitcher

“Coach Serrano was the pitching coach when I was at Tennessee, and it was obvious even then that he was going to be a very successful head coach down the road. He has certainly proven that, taking both UC Irvine and Cal State Fullerton to the College World Series. He is extremely knowledgeable about the game of baseball, and Vol fans should be very excited that we were able to steal him away. I look forward to him getting the Tennessee program back on the winning track.” – Todd Helton, Rockies First Baseman

Drew Steckenrider is set to take the mound for the Vols on Friday, Zack Godley on Saturday, and Nick Blount on Sunday.

Lady Vols Tied for First with Kentucky 

The Lady Vols (19-7, 10-3 SEC) beat Mississippi State 57-41 Thursday and with a Kentucky loss to Alabama, the Lady Vols are now tied for first in the SEC. Shekinna Stricklen paced the Vols with 22 points, and 12 rebounds.

Tee Martin to join Kiffin’s staff at USC 

Legendary Tennessee quarterback and Kentucky wide receivers coach will be joining Lane Kiffin’s staff as wide receiver’s coach at Southern Cal. Martin led the Vols to the 1998 National Championship and played a few years in NFL Europe before returning to coaching at New Mexico in 2009 then Kentucky in 2010.

Martin is said to be an excellent recruiter and his credentials go without saying. At USC Martin will have a crop of talent to work with in Robert Woods, and Marqise Lee who will be catching passes from star returning quarterback, Matt Barkley. USC has been ranked #3 in preseason polls.