The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Athletics Department and the Office of Alumni Affairs announced the Class of 2017 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees today. Five new members were chosen for induction, along with the four special award honorees.
The 2017 class represents a broad range of the history of Mocs Athletics. John Tyszkiewicz was an All-American member of the Mocs football team from 1965-68, while Kenyon Earl was a standout quarterback from 1991-94.
Julie Copeland Christian was a four-year starter on the women's basketball team from 1988-91, guiding the Mocs to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1989.
Julie Dunn Heim was an All-American member of the women's tennis team from 1977-80 and a part of three AIAW National Championship teams.
Former wrestling standout Chris Thornbury rounds out the class. He was a three-time Southern Conference Champion from 1986-89.
"The history of UTC Athletics is well-represented in this incoming hall of fame class," stated UTC Vice Chancellor & Director of Athletics David Blackburn. "We have had so many outstanding student-athletes represent our program over the years. This group helped build the winning reputation of the Chattanooga Mocs."
The inductees will be honored at the annual Hall of Fame Banquet on Friday, Feb. 24, at the Chattanooga Country Club. The banquet is open to the public, but seating is limited and reservations are required. The cost is $40.00 per person which includes dinner. Payments and RSVP's can be submitted to the UTC Office of Alumni Affairs at (423) 425-4785. For more information, email Jayne-Holder@utc.edu.
The UTC Athletics Hall of Fame was established to formally recognize outstanding contributions to the heritage and tradition of the university's intercollegiate athletic program. A total of 209 individuals have been inducted into the UTC Athletics Hall of Fame during special ceremonies held each year.
Below is a brief biography on each member of the 2017 class. Be sure to check back with GoMocs.com over the next few weeks for a more in-depth look at each inductee, as well as photos from their days at Chattanooga.
Julie Copeland (Christian) – Women's Basketball – 1988-91 – Copeland was a four-year starter for the Mocs from 1988-91. She helped UTC to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance as a sophomore in 1989 and led the team in scoring with 19.2 ppg in 1990. Her 1,406 career points are eighth all-time at UTC. A two-time All-SoCon selection, Copeland also guided the Mocs to the 1991 regular season Southern Conference title.
Kenyon Earl – Football – 1991-94 – Earl graduated as the school's all-time leading passer with 6,400 yards in his career. His 42 career touchdown passes were also the most in school history when he finished in 1994. He was the Scrappy Moore Award winner as team MVP in 1991 and won the most valuable back honor in 1993.
Julie Dunn (Heim) – Women's Tennis – 1977-80 – Dunn was a member of the first 'Golden Era' of Chattanooga tennis. She was a four-year letter winner during UTC's run of AIAW National Championships from 1977-79. She was an All-American for the Mocs on the 1978 national title team.
Chris Thornbury – Wrestling – 1986-89 – Thornbury was a three-time Southern Conference Champion who was ranked in the top 10 at heavyweight his season year. He won the SoCon at 190 in 1986 and heavyweight in 1987 and 1989. His 38 wins in 1989 are the second-most in a season by a Moc and his 101 career victories rank eighth all-time at UTC.
John Tyszkiewicz – Football – 1965-68 - 'Big John' was a captain for head coach Harold Wilkes first team in 1968 that went 9-1. He was a Little All-American honoree in 1967 and his teams went 26-13-1 over his four seasons. He was drafted by the Houston Oilers in 15th round in 1969.
Special Award Winners
A.C. "Scrappy" Moore Award - Derrick Craine .... The A.C. "Scrappy" Moore Award is presented to a current UTC student-athlete who best personifies the athletic department's mission of equipping for success, in the classroom, in competition and in the community. Derrick Craine is an All-American running back for the Mocs. He is only the third with two 1,000-yard seasons and the second two-time Academic All-American in Mocs football program history.
Gordon Davenport Award- Bryan Patten ... The Gordon Davenport Award is given annually by the UTC Athletics Hall of Fame to a person who has shown outstanding commitment to the Chattanooga Mocs athletics program. Bryan Patten is a long-time supporter of the Mocs who just finished a 10-year run as the Chairman of the Finley Stadium Corporation.
Joe Morrison Award - John Bonner III ... The Joe Morrison Award is given annually by the UTC Athletics Hall of Fame to a former student-athlete or coach for notable accomplishments and life experiences. Former Chattanooga football standout John Bonner III (1967-70) is a long-time Episcopal minister and the current interim rector at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Chattanooga.
Harold Wilkes Award - Dr. Fred and Ruth Obear ... The Harold Wilkes Award was established to recognize a volunteer, coach, staff member or University administrator who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in furthering the Vision of Chattanooga Athletics – to achieve excellence. Dr. Fred and Ruth Obear are two of the Mocs' biggest fans. The former Chancellor and his wife can be seen at almost every basketball and football game, and many of UTC's other athletic events.