Starting a UT volleyball team was the idea of my former coach
at the Downtown YMCA, Dr. Joe T. Smith. Due to chronic foot problems
and age, my playing days were approaching the end. In the summer
of 1967, Dr. Smith approached Colonel Ira T. Sliger, Director
of the Student Aquatic Center, with the idea of establishing a
UT club team. Colonel Sliger approved it, and in the fall of 1967,
UT fielded its first men's volleyball team.
We had no players, no budget, and the only practice facility available was Alumni Gymnasium at 8:00 PM, Friday nights. Such
were our beginnings. After some hard selling and recruiting, we
finally found nine raw recruits that formed the first UT Men's
Volleyball Team. We practiced at every opportunity, when and wherever
possible. We certainly had some dedicated boys. Right away we
entered all the strong tournaments, and as might be expected,
were clobbered each time out, all year. But this team was eager
to learn and improve, and soon developed a competitive spirit
which set the tone and standard for the years to come. Playing
against good competition would pay dividends I thought, and sure
enough, it did.
Our successes began to come on the court. After a couple years,
other teams thought UT was a varsity squad, fully funded with
scholarships available. I received inquiries from other parts
of the country and world regarding the availability of scholarships.
The truth was that after three years, we received some $300 to
use toward balls, uniforms, tournament entry fees, and travel expenses.
At the time, it was all the university could afford, and over
the years, has increased to an amount sufficient to pay the bare
necessities.
By the early '70s, we were a respected team that began to dominate
towards the end of the decade. This dominance continued into the
early '80s, and after a slight decline mid-decade play was elevated
once again to a high level. The teams' accomplishments were due
mainly to three factors: dedication to the program, recruiting,
and participation against the best competition available.
Until about 1995 UT played USVBA and Collegiate tournaments.
Since then UT has played only other collegiate teams and tournaments,
due the increasing popularity of the sport, and more universities
picking up the sport. UT has been very successful throughout the
years, with some of it's top teams during the 1973-76-78-80-82-83-90-92
and 1995 seasons.
Our travels took us literally all over the country to such places
as Portland, OR., Davis, CA., El Paso, TX., Colorado Springs,
CO., Columbus, OH., Lancaster, PA., Washington, D.C., Charleston,
SC., Atlanta, GA., Orlando and Miami, FL., to mention only a few.
We have played against All-Americans, Olympic Team members, as
well as our countries best teams on occasion. Challenges upon
which UT teams have not only thrived, but represented the University
with pride as well.
Anyone who has seen our teams over the past 35 years will tell
you that year-in and year-out, we have been at or very close to
the top. No other team in the South can match the UT record. This
did not happen by accident, I assure you. We had a plan to which
we have been dedicated. Players who have been very supportive
over the years include Jim Beckham, John Connelly, Jay Clark,
John Blair, Jim Sparkman, Earl Sharpe, Art Fields, Bob Bertucci,
Doug Archibald, Mark Black, Ray Scudder and Jeff Harshbarger.
I am sure some others should be mentioned in this list as well.
Many former players have told me that they might not have finished
school had it not been for their interest in UT volleyball and
the team. Many great friendships have been made. I greatly value
to this day contacts with my former players. Reunions are held
each year the Saturday before Christmas. We have gotten to know
teammates from all over the world including Afghanistan, Iran,
Israel, Greece, Germany, France, Finland, Puerto Rico, Bahamas,
Venezuela, Chile, Japan and Hong Kong. It has been fun and rewarding
to all involved.
Among our alumni, careers are varied. You will find teachers,
coaches, salesman, business managers, builders, probation officers,
medical doctors, college professors, fighter pilots, CPAs, psychologists,
and I trust, lasting careers with our Lord Jesus Christ.
A special thanks to my wife of 35 years for supporting my efforts
and association with the teams, and to my three children who did
without "Daddy" for many weekends. And to the other coaches and
individuals who made it all possible -- I thank you so much.
-- Bud Fields --
Bud Fields is the founder of the University of Tennessee Men's
Club Volleyball Team, its former coach, and longtime supporter.
The team would like to extend its gratitude for his long-lasting
support, and congratulations for being awarded the YMCA Volleyball
Hall-Of-Fame Award by the National YMCA in Minneapolis, MN., in
conjunction with the USAV Nationals in 2003. In addition, Bud
was awarded the Knoxville Sports Hall-Of-Fame award in August,
2003 at the Knoxville Convention Center.
