Part of the mission of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga athletics department is to guide, encourage and support our Student-Athletes in their quest for comprehensive excellence - academically, athletically and socially.  The 2008-09 season was an amazing year for the Mocs in all three areas and GoMocs.com is currently taking a look back at the accomplishments of the student-athletes at UTC. 

In the first week, we recapped the academic achievements of the Mocs in 2008-09.  Last week, we delved into the performances of UTC student-athletes in their respective arenas of competition over the last year.  Now we look at the last part of the Mocs Mission and how UTC student-athletes represented themselves, the program and the University in the community. 

The Mocs have always been very socially responsible, involved in community projects and excellent representatives of the University and the city of Chattanooga.  Over the past year, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) developed, sought out and participated in numerous community events, while each individual team took time during the year to volunteer in many different community projects. 

“Our student-athletes are as involved in the community as any in the nation,” said UTC Director of Athletics Rick Hart.  “They willingly find time in their busy schedules of training, practicing and studying to volunteer at countless events throughout Chattanooga.  It is a source of pride for our entire department and the University.” 

Community involvement naturally begins with the Mocs’ volunteer efforts.  The Mocs logged hundreds of hours through various projects throughout the area during 2008-09.  Whether it was the 100+ that participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, or the 1,700+ pounds of food collected for the Chattanooga Food Bank, the UTC athletics department was heavily involved in volunteer projects throughout the season. 

Community involvement also includes the amount of regional and national exposure UTC student-athletes bring to the University and the city.  Being a top-100 program, and having 10 teams represented in the postseason, gave the Mocs plenty of chances for national exposure.  UTC spent an entire week featured on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon thanks to the men's basketball appearance in the NCAA Tournament.  Two student-athletes were also featured in Sports Illustrated during the past year. 

Finally, community involvement can be measured by the interest the surrounding area shows in the athletic program through attendance at home events.  Over 150,000 fans attended home games at UTC in 2008-09.     

Below is a rundown that highlights the Mocs community involvement in 2008-09.  Also included is a look back at the national exposure UTC student-athletes received, the leadership and sportsmanship honors bestowed upon the Mocs and the attendance numbers at UTC home events last year.

UTC Student-Athlete’s Volunteer Experiences

• Over 100 UTC student-athletes were involved in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

• Members of the football and women’s basketball teams volunteered for the 41^st Annual Area 4 Ray Lloyd Smith Spring Games. 

• UTC Gathered 1,500 pounds of food for the Chattanooga Food Bank at the Cumberland football game.