Founded 1924 Course Lambert Acres Course Conference Southeastern Conference | Location Knoxville, TN Nickname Volunteers | |
University University of Tennessee Head Coach Beth Alford-Sullivan (2nd year) | ||
The Tennessee Volunteers men's cross country program represents the University of Tennessee located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The men's program competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I and the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The men's cross country team officially started in 1924.
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Coaching staff
Upon entering the 2011-2012 school year George Watts had been a part of the University of Tennessee cross country team for 26 years and as head coach of the men's cross country team. Under his mentor he has developed 25 All-SEC citations, 13 All-SEC or All-South Region, three SEC All-Freshman honorees and three All-America performers. In July 2011 it was announced that Watts had been released and that J.J. Clark would take over the men's cross country team effectively merging all of Tennessee's track & field and cross country programs. In May 2014, it was announced by Athletic Director Dave Hart that Director of Track and Field/Cross Country JJ Clark would not be retained. Later, in June 2014, it was announced that Beth Alford-Sullivan would be the next Director of Track and Field/Cross Country at the University of Tennessee. This hire made her the first female SEC coach of any men's team.
Team history
The Tennessee Volunteers program began competing in 1924. It wasn't until 1962 that the team gained its first coach, Chuck Rohe. Under his guidance the Vols reached new heights winning multiple SEC regular season and tournament championships. Under his guidance the Vols reached their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1963 where they finished 5th, he would then lead the team to four more NCAA appearances until he left the team in 1968. The team would find even more success with the hire of Stan Huntsman who led UT to many trips to the NCAA Tournament and won the Volunteers their first and last national title. From 1962-2009 the team has amassed a 201-38-1 record in team dual meets earning them a .840 winning percentage.
Lambert Acres Golf Club
The Lambert Acres Golf Club has been the site of all cross country meets for the Tennessee Volunteers for 13 seasons. The course serves as a 27-hole golf course,and is nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and boasts 9,525 yards. Since 1998 the course has hosted the Tennessee Invitational 10 times, the NCAA South Regional in 2002, 2006 and 2008, and Southeastern Conference for the 1998 and 2011 SEC Championships.
All-Americans
Tennessee has a total of 17 men's cross country All-Americans