University of Tennessee Athletics
The Rowdiest of Rocky Top
November 08, 2010 | Men's Basketball
Nov. 8, 2010
Drew Rutherford
UTsports.com
There were just 35 seconds left on the game clock and not a soul was sitting. As the ball went through the hoop, a deafening roar echoed through the cavernous corridors of Thompson-Boling Arena.
Even the game officials at the scorer's table, using headsets and microphones, could not hear a thing over the thunderous clamor that erupted.
Skylar McBee's memorable three-point shot against No. 1 Kansas last season is just one of countless moments in Thompson-Boling Arena history that left ear drums ringing. That is in no small part due to the dedication of the Rocky Top Rowdies, Tennessee's basketball-loving student section.
"I remember trying to block out all the noise because we had to get back on defense," McBee says. "I didn't fully appreciate it until I saw the replay--it was unbelievable how loud it was. The Rowdies went wild. They are one of the biggest student sections in the SEC and they are really loud--not just in that game, but in all of them."
While McBee already knows what it feels like to bring the fans to their feet, other Vols await the opportunity to send the Rowdies into a fevered frenzy.
"I wasn't here for that game, but the atmosphere is always amazing here," UT freshman Trae Golden says. "The Rowdies are great. A loud student section always gets me pumped up and ready to play. I can't wait to hit a three and see them go crazy."
Just like the student-athletes on the court get a rush of adrenaline when the Rowdies react to their shots, the people in the crowd experience a similar feeling when a big shot is made.
"My favorite part of the game is when our team hits a three or somebody has a big dunk," says Sully Sullivan, leader of the Rowdies. "You can just feel the momentum from the court reach us in the stands. Then it is just uncontrollable loudness--everyone is yelling. "
Sullivan's name will likely never appear on a final box score, nor is he expected to earn All-America status this season. But his contributions to the Tennessee basketball program, as well as those of his fellow students, are greatly appreciated and recognized.
"There is not necessarily a better environment in college basketball than Thompson-Boling Arena--it's as good as any," head coach Bruce Pearl says. "We now play in the best arena in the country and our fans have demonstrated that they are as supportive as any in the country."
The legend of the Rowdies extends beyond the borders of Big Orange Country. The Rowdies' ability to dictate the noise level inside Thompson-Boling Arena led video-game maker EA Sports to name the Home of the Vols one of the nation's 15 toughest places to play in 2009.
During the 2009-10 season, Tennessee rode the home crowd to 15 home wins, including victories over then No. 1 Kansas and No. 2 Kentucky. In Pearl's eyes, the wins are directly related to the support of the Rowdies.
"We don't beat Kansas or Kentucky without the 22,000 here," Pearl says. "We need them to be loud and they are."
