December 19, 2008

Today, Rotarians, I am sure will enjoy the program, as long-time, student athlete, football coach, faculty member, administrator and author, Bob Carroll visits and gives us a history lesson concerning the University of Tennessee Martin.

Bob is a native of Milan, TN and attended UTMB from 1952-54, while it was still a Jr. College. He transferred to the University of Wyoming after his two years at Martin, where he excelled academically and on the football field, receiving academic all American and honors Graduate in 1956. He received his Masters Degree in History from Ole Miss in 1962, and Began his coaching career at UTM in 1957. He coached there until 1974 and is still the winningest coach in UT Martin History. He served as Ass’t AD from 1974-1980 and served as Ass’t Vice Chancellor of Alumni from 1980 until retirement in 1997.

Coach Carroll was a member of UT Martin Dept. of History faculty from 1957-1997, he is a charter member of the UT Martin Athletic Hall of Fame, he was inducted into Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1993, and in October 2002 the Bob Carroll Football Building was dedicated by the UT Board of Trustees in his honor.

After his illustrious career in football, Coach Carroll became very interested in the history of UT Martin Junior College through stories told by his father-in-law, Edward Clifton Pritchett, prompting him to undertake the writing of a book, "History of the University of Tennessee Martin: the First One Hundred Years", of which we will hear excerpts today.

Coach Carroll is a Marine Corps veteran, and is married to the former Kay Pritchett they have three children, Steve, Cliff and Kayla.

Next two weeks, there will be no meeting of Union City Rotary, due to the up-coming holidays.

Everyone have a - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Last Week, the Hampton Center was almost at full capacity, as there was a full agenda on the program, with several guests including proud parents and grandparents. The Friday noon meeting began with a rash of activity, as Bob Stephens was asked to lead in the song of the day, and we would remind Mr. President that if there are a bunch of elementary students around, please don’t ask Bob to do this again, as he was overwhelmingly outclassed.

We had the distinct honor of having several teachers and members of the So. Fulton Beta Club on hand, under the guidance of Brandi Cantrell. The Rotary sponsored "Reading Railroad" program was especially grateful to these students, as the President of the Beta Club, Alexander McWhirt, took the podium and presented the program with a check for $1,620.00. This is the second year the Club has been very generous to the reading program, as last year they donated $1,200.00.

The agenda then turned to the scheduled program of the day, as the Chorus Kids, second and third grade students from Union City Ele. School took over and again astounded guests and Rotary members with their talents, under the direction of Linda Harrelson.

The program began with the students entertaining with their rendition of "Shout", along with body and arm movements to enhance the musical even more.

Ms. Harrelson then asked for a volunteer from the audience to participate in the next song, and play the part of a Snowman bringing more reality to their performance of "Frosty The Snowman", and we all agree that Jody Kizer fit the role perfectly. The program ended with a perfect presentation of "Little Drummer Boy", and "Jingle Bells".

Nick Hall was presented to the club, as a prospective new member.