Is Tony Vitello becoming the most popular coach in UT history?

#26
#26
But I hope you picked up on the fact that he said, this place is impressive but I will take LNS and cozy confines over here any day. Even as impressive as it was to have 14,000 fans there and 12,000 being UT fans he still said he like the confine of LNS and it's makeup. So those of you who are wanting that expansive stadium, I don't think you will get it. Tony, and I, love the fact that LNS feels like Bristol rather than Daytona. Build it up and not out.
 
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#27
#27
madbamahater said:
He said something that kind of caught me off-guard. In a post game interview he was asked something about how he felt or what does this mean to you...the usual stupid question....he said something about appreciating being in the conference, although it doesn't always seem that way. Probably nothing to it, but it was an unusual and off the wall comment. Could there be a part of him that isn't happy or satisfied being at UT? He already has TONS of attraction from other teams (maybe even big leagues) and if he wins a Natty this year it will sky rocket. Did anyone else hear this? I'm sure it's nothing and I'm paranoid, a symptom of Battered Vol Syndrome....
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He’s not going anywhere. And the big leagues would be an unlikely option. You rarely see a college coach make that transition. The management of college games and athletes is completely different than the pros. Totally different goals and mindsets there.
 
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#28
#28
madbamahater said:
He said something that kind of caught me off-guard. In a post game interview he was asked something about how he felt or what does this mean to you...the usual stupid question....he said something about appreciating being in the conference, although it doesn't always seem that way. Probably nothing to it, but it was an unusual and off the wall comment. Could there be a part of him that isn't happy or satisfied being at UT? He already has TONS of attraction from other teams (maybe even big leagues) and if he wins a Natty this year it will sky rocket. Did anyone else hear this? I'm sure it's nothing and I'm paranoid, a symptom of Battered Vol Syndrome....
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Tony looked pretty emotional yesterday. His interviews weren't quite as collected and measured as he normally is. It sounded to me like he was just trying to be complimentarty of the tourney and the SEC staff.
 
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#30
#30
TheMookieMonster said:
No. But, that’s not a bad thing. Tennessee Football will always be king and even the most mediocre coaches will be more well liked than elite baseball coaches. It’s just who we are as a program, but it doesn’t mean our fanbase as a whole wouldn’t run through a brick wall for King Tony. I know I would.
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The importance placed on football is a double edged sword; mediocre coaches are not going to be “well-liked” on the hill. With more attention comes more scrutiny as well as more potential accolades. Beloved coaches get that way by winning. I’d wager you can find plenty of people who haven’t watched a women’s b-ball game in ten years who revere Pat over any other UT coach not named Neyland.
 
#34
#34
madbamahater said:
He said something that kind of caught me off-guard. In a post game interview he was asked something about how he felt or what does this mean to you...the usual stupid question....he said something about appreciating being in the conference, although it doesn't always seem that way. Probably nothing to it, but it was an unusual and off the wall comment. Could there be a part of him that isn't happy or satisfied being at UT? He already has TONS of attraction from other teams (maybe even big leagues) and if he wins a Natty this year it will sky rocket. Did anyone else hear this? I'm sure it's nothing and I'm paranoid, a symptom of Battered Vol Syndrome....
Click to expand...
He followed it up with he’s humbled to be a part of the conference every day. I personally took it more to mean despite the cockiness/arrogance (using words others might use, not my opinion of him) he exudes, it doesn’t mean he takes it for granted or feels like he’s owed his success.
 
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#35
#35
TennEddie said:
I know that is a very abstract question given the long and successful
history of UT athletics, but if he continues on this trajectory and perhaps
wins the CWS, he is definitely up there with the legends.
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Last season was the perfect storm for Vitello. That team came along right when the fanbase needed a winner and that jump-started his trajectory. Then the domination of the SEC by this team, throw in a bat grab and a chest bump, bam you are famous.
 
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#36
#36
AthensVol2007 said:
He followed it up with he’s humbled to be a part of the conference every day. I personally took it more to mean despite the cockiness/arrogance (using words others might use, not my opinion of him) he exudes, it doesn’t mean he takes it for granted or feels like he’s owed his success.
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This here is how I took his statements. He is, I am sure, very aware of the public persona he has not only here, but around the league and I just think he was saying that he is grateful to be a part of the best league in the land. And to be as successful as he is at such a young age.
 
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#40
#40
preacherman20 said:
But I hope you picked up on the fact that he said, this place is impressive but I will take LNS and cozy confines over here any day. Even as impressive as it was to have 14,000 fans there and 12,000 being UT fans he still said he like the confine of LNS and it's makeup. So those of you who are wanting that expansive stadium, I don't think you will get it. Tony, and I, love the fact that LNS feels like Bristol rather than Daytona. Build it up and not out.
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Great analogy. I’m not a NASCAR guy but have been to 2 races: short track at Bristol and super speedway at Talladega. Hated how huge Talladega was as the atmosphere at Bristol was 10,000 tImes better. Let’s keep the hornets nest and not build a cathedral.
 
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#42
#42
taylorvol said:
Great analogy. I’m not a NASCAR guy but have been to 2 races: short track at Bristol and super speedway at Talladega. Hated how huge Talladega was as the atmosphere at Bristol was 10,000 tImes better. Let’s keep the hornets nest and not build a cathedral.
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I’m ok with a “cathedral” from an aesthetics standpoint vs. size.
 
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#44
#44
CTV has the personality, swagger, and interpersonal skills to be the most beloved Coach in all of college baseball. His players love him and he surrounds himself with elite coaching talent Who knows what’s next for him? I think he relates well to college players, and obviously loves the game. In a decade, he might be coaching the St Louis Cardinals. Lol. 🍊👍😀
 
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#45
#45
I don’t know that he could ever be the most beloved as a baseball coach. Not that he wouldn’t be up there with those of us who actually watch college baseball. But the majority of our fan base does not. But to those of us who do watch, I think he is quickly gaining ground; and if this level of success is somewhat sustainable, he will be in my Mount Rushmore 100%. I mean every time TV talks I get a big smile on my face. He’s just so damn likable.
 
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#46
#46
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#47
#47
TV... man it's hard to put into perspective what he means to these kids. He helps bring out the best in them. I don't think he sugar coats anything and he has their back. He cares about those guys and the fans that support them. You could see last night during the interview that what these guys accomplished and all the guys last year that paved the way leading up to this.... That's class guys. Without those experiences last year and even though those guys are no longet here... They are a huge part of the success. TV loves this place and fanbase.
 
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#48
#48
TennEddie said:
I know that is a very abstract question given the long and successful
history of UT athletics, but if he continues on this trajectory and perhaps
wins the CWS, he is definitely up there with the legends.
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I would say yes, if he brings a World Series championship to Knoxville.
 
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#49
#49
TennEddie said:
I know that is a very abstract question given the long and successful
history of UT athletics, but if he continues on this trajectory and perhaps
wins the CWS, he is definitely up there with the legends.
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Big if there. Someone posted something similar about a week ago, of course, I had to look it up. Pat went undefeated and won the National Championship. She sustained a program at a very high level for a long time.
In today’s landscape, I wonder if she could have been lured away? I don’t think so.

CTV and Pat have one thing in common. They are building programs from nothing into something, though she had the tougher gig. The question now becomes can CTV sustain it the way Pat did. That’s a tall order.

But I would ask this question. Why does there have to be a most beloved?
 
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#50
#50
BigALWiLson said:
TV... man it's hard to put into perspective what he means to these kids. He helps bring out the best in them. I don't think he sugar coats anything and he has their back. He cares about those guys and the fans that support them. You could see last night during the interview that what these guys accomplished and all the guys last year that paved the way leading up to this.... That's class guys. Without those experiences last year and even though those guys are no longet here... They are a huge part of the success. TV loves this place and fanbase.
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True. I can also tell you that he is still close and communicates with the players from last year…he truly loves his guys.
 
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