University of Tennessee Athletics
MANNING WEEKEND BEGINS WITH VOLS THURSDAY PRACTICE
October 27, 2005 | Football
Oct. 27, 2005
Indianapolis Colts quarterback and former UT All-America Peyton Manning arrived in Knoxville Thursday and was a special guest of head coach Phillip Fulmer and the Vols during UT's 90-minute workout at Haslam Field. Manning spoke to the current squad after practice and reiterated what the coaching staff has been preaching.
"He talked about how tough times don't last but the tough people do," Fulmer said. "He did a good job of stressing how sticking together is important and all the things we've done as team. I haven't seen any lack of effort on this football team at all from anyone."
Manning is the second of three Vols having their numbers retired, with ceremonies slated for Saturday prior to kickoff of Tennessee's clash against South Carolina. Reggie White was honored before the Mississippi game and Doug Adkins will be recognized before the Nov. 19 contest against Vanderbilt.
"We're excited about having Peyton here this weekend," Fulmer said. "He's a Tennessee Volunteer through and through, he pulls for us every week and he's a great friend. He's an important part of our heritage and it's great we're honoring him here this weekend."
Manning will join the Vols in their 5:30 p.m. Vol Walk to Neyland Stadium prior to Saturday's 7:45 p.m. Eastern time kickoff.
The Vols concluded preparations for South Carolina on a positive note.
"I was really happy with our Thursday practice and the work we had," Fulmer said. "I'm looking forward to seeing how we play Saturday. As hard as we've been playing and with the effort we've had, we need to add great execution this week. And that's what we're going to try to do."
TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR UT-SOUTH CAROLINA GAME
Tickets for Saturday's Tennessee-South Carolina football game remain on sale for $45 each. Ticket office hours for phone and over-the-counter sales are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time at the athletics department ticket office in Thompson-Boling Arena, or via the utsports.com Web site. Fans also may order by calling 656-1200 or (800) 332-VOLS (8657) outside the Knoxville area.
The ticket window at Gate 21 of Neyland Stadium opens Saturday at 3 p.m.
INJURY REPORT (South Carolina Week): Probable -- OG Rob Smith (ribs), DE, Parys Haralson (illness), DT Justin Harrell (wrist).
HARDESTY UNDERGOES KNEE SURGERY
Tennessee tailback Montario Hardesty underwent knee surgery Thursday to reconstruct a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
UT head athletic trainer Keith Clements reported that the surgery took place in Charlotte, N.C., and that Hardesty, after a one-night hospital stay, should return to Knoxville Friday afternoon.
"Montario is expected to be back in time for the 2006 preseason," Clements added. Hardesty appeared in two games and was injured Oct. 1 against Mississippi. He finished his first collegiate season with 18 rushing yards on six attempts.
Dr. Patrick Connor performed the surgery at Carolinas Medical Center.
VOL NETWORK OFFERING FREE DVD WITH SOUVENIR GAME PROGRAM PURCHASE
Fans attending Saturday's SEC showdown between Tennessee and South Carolina will receive, for the first time ever, a free Vol Network DVD with the purchase of an official Tennessee Gameday souvenir program.
Presented by Hardee's, this 13-minute DVD on Tennessee football features highlights and scenes from Coach Phillip Fulmer's 13 years as head coach of the Volunteers.
Available for only $5, the "Tennessee Playbook" can be purchased from any program booth or vendor located around Neyland Stadium. Game programs also can be purchased at Tennessee Traditions souvenir stands inside Neyland Stadium. The Tennessee football DVD, compliments of Hardee's, is free with a program purchase while supplies last.
MAYFIELD ICE CREAM ON LOCATION AT VOL NETWORK'S 'KICKOFF CALL-IN SHOW'
"The Kickoff Call-In Show" begins Vol Network coverage Saturday at 6:00 p.m. Eastern time just outside the North end zone of Neyland Stadium at the base of "The Hill."
Bob Kesling, Tim Priest, Jeff Francis and John Wilkerson will entertain a live audience on campus and on the airwaves. Fans can visit the "Kickoff Call-In Show" site beginning at 5:00 p.m. for a free scoop of Mayfield ice cream, compliments of Mayfield Dairy. A growing tradition during football season, the Mayfield Moms will be on site scooping Mayfield Birthday Cake ice cream and the always popular Cookies and Cream.
Fans not attending the game and out of earshot of the more than 70-plus Vol Network affiliates can follow the action through a number of other sources. The game can be heard online by going to UTSports.com and signing up for a subscription pass through Yahoo! Sports. The Vol Network broadcast will also be on Sirius Satellite Radio channel 127.
