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Tennessee Vols morning report: Chris Weinke to Knoxville, Fulmer on Gillespie

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 09: Tennessee Volunteers fans cheer during the first half of the game against the Indiana State Sycamores at Neyland Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 09: Tennessee Volunteers fans cheer during the first half of the game against the Indiana State Sycamores at Neyland Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Chris Weinke joining the Tennessee Vols football team and Phillip Fulmer comments on Robert Gillespie lead the Volunteers news for Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018.

Well we’ve certainly got some drama surrounding the Tennessee Vols football team for today. And it’s not all good news, but it all centers around one main story: the attrition at the position of running backs coach and recruiting coordinator.

Two stories regarding that lead our morning news on Rocky Top. We then have three SEC honors to bring up.

And finally, there are two match-ups to preview in two different sports today. So it’s a heavy news day overall in the aftermath of Valentine’s Day. Let’s start with the football news.

Chris Weinke joining the Tennessee Vols – Patrick Brown, GoVols247

The Tennessee football program filled the coaching vacancy left by Robert Gillespie pretty quickly. Chris Weinke, who won a national championship and a Heisman Trophy with the Florida State Seminoles, leaves his position as an offensive analyst for the Alabama Crimson Tide to join the Vols.

"Weinke was the head coach at the talent-rich IMG Academy in Florida for five seasons (2010-14) before spending two seasons with the NFL’s St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams as their quarterbacks coach."

Fulmer on Robert Gillespie’s departure – Mike Wilson, Knoxville News Sentinel

Tennessee Vols athletic director Phillip Fulmer noted that Robert Gillespie did not like the decision by Jeremy Pruitt to have him part ways with the program. He commented on the departure Wednesday afternoon. Here’s a bit of what he said.

"“This is a big boy’s business. He understood. He was very professional. We talked yesterday. It was simply a matter of coach (Jeremy) Pruitt doing what he thought was right for his program and Robert.”"

Tennessee Lady Vols to face Alabama – UTSports

The Tennessee women’s basketball team will look for its fifth straight win Thursday night hosting the Alabama Crimson Tide. At 21-4 and 9-3 in the SEC, the Lady Vols are trying to climb the seeding ranks for the NCAA Tournament.

"The 55th meeting between the Lady Vols and Crimson Tide is an important one, as UT tries to maintain its second-place position in the league standings, while the Crimson Tide tries to improve its chances of earning an NCAA Tournament bid with a quality win on the road."

Alex Cleveland on women’s Community Service Team – SECSports

Tennessee Vols senior swimmer Alex Cleveland made the 2018 SEC Women’s Swim and Dive Community Service Team.

"Cleveland coached young swimmers with the Emerald Youth Foundation, a Knoxville leadership program for urban youth. She volunteered alongside the team at the Man Run, a 5K organized by the University of Tennessee Medical Center that raises proceeds to benefit prostate cancer research and educational programs."

Ty Powers on men’s Community Service Team – SECSports

Tennessee Vols junior swimmer Ty Powers made the 2018 SEC Men’s Swim and Dive Community Service Team.

"Powers has participated in the ABC (Anti-Bullying Campaign) at Coulter Grove Intermediate. He has volunteered alongside the team at the Man Run, a 5K organized by the University of Tennessee Medical Center that raises proceeds to benefit prostate cancer research and educational programs."

Luis Valero named SEC co-player of the week – UTSports

Tennessee Vols senior men’s tennis player Luis Valero was named SEC co-Player of the Week for matches from Feb. 5 to Feb. 11. Valero was named alongside senior Wayne Montgomery of the Georgia Bulldogs.

"Valero was instrumental in the Vols’ 4-1 upset over No. 20 Duke last Friday. He began the day by picking up a crucial doubles win with partner Preston Touliatos on Court 1. After dropping the first set of his singles match, 6-4, to Duke’s Sean Scully, the Cali, Colombia native answered with two dominant sets (6-2, 6-1) to clinch the victory for Tennessee."

Women’s tennis to face N.C. State –UTSports

The Tennessee Vols women’s tennis team will face the N.C. State Wolfpack Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. E.T. on the road at J.W. Isenhour Tennis Center.

"The Lady Vols (9-0) are coming off a big road win at Indiana on Sunday and will be looking to build off the momentum of their early season play. Despite being on the longest winning streak since 2001, head coach Alison Ojeda believes the results on the court aren’t the only thing contributing to the impressive start."

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