University of Tennessee Athletics
A Celebration Fit For Champions
September 27, 2023 | General
In the rich tapestry of the University of Tennessee's storied history, there have been only a few who have scaled the heights of their endeavors and solidified their legacies as true champions. With the arrival of UT's second annual Champions Weekend, the vibrant campus now awakens with a sea of orange as Vol Nation eagerly anticipates a remarkable celebration of Tennessee pride and success.
At the helm of this event stands Steve Hamer, a VFL who now serves the athletic department as the Director of Letterwinner Relations. His ties to the university run deep, tracing back to his early days as a men's basketball student-athlete. Steve's athletic journey as a Volunteer has left an enduring mark on the university's history, amassing more than 1,400 points and garnering selection by the Boston Celtics in the 1996 NBA draft. As a devoted alumnus of the University of Tennessee, Hamer's affection for his alma mater has grown even more profound since his return in 2020.
Last fall, the inaugural Champions Weekend unfolded during halftime of Tennessee's triumphant victory over Kentucky, featuring a diverse array of conference and national champions. This impressive roster ranged from the 2021 soccer SEC championship team to the 1972 cross country national championship team.
Reflecting on the event, Hamer remarked, "We initiated this tradition in 2022, inviting back 164 letterwinners and their families to partake in a special celebration. Last year's event was an overwhelming success. While other schools have hosted similar gatherings, we've tailored it to make it uniquely our own. This year, we're anticipating the participation of more than 190 letterwinners, all to be celebrated on the hallowed field."
With a multitude of returning athletes and their families, this grand occasion is expected to reunite over 500 individuals on Rocky Top. Now in its second iteration, the 2023 class comprises legends from various eras and sports, including the 1998 football and women's basketball national champions, among others.
The paramount outcome of this weekend lies in affording former Vols and Lady Vols the opportunity to connect not only with each other, but also to rekindle their connection with the University and the loyal fans who supported them. Hamer, a proud VFL himself, leverages his connections and experience to personally reach out to alumni, extending a warm invitation to return.
From the moment the event was slated, Hamer worked tirelessly behind the scenes, orchestrating events, engaging with alumni and paying homage to the remarkable achievements of Tennessee's finest athletes and scholars. His passion for the university's traditions and the triumphs of its student-athletes radiates through every facet of Champions Weekend, swiftly establishing it as a testament to his unwavering commitment to UT.
"This is an outreach endeavor for us," Hamer explained. "I have the privilege to reach out to all these individuals via phone calls or emails, ensuring they feel embraced and know they have a bridge to return to the University of Tennessee. There's no reason why our letterwinner club can't be the premier letterwinner club in all of collegiate athletics. I'm charged with building it, and that's what we're going to do."
Yet, the event is not limited to just alumni. Champions Weekend doubles as an opportunity for ardent fans to express their gratitude to the alumni who crafted some of their fondest Vol memories. It's a moment for everyone associated with the university to be part of the Volunteer family and share in the pride of their cherished institution.
"Our fans will have the chance to reminisce," Hamer added. "We possess such a diverse fanbase, encompassing older, middle-aged, and younger people. Yet, all of us share that same passion for Tennessee Athletics, whether it's football, basketball, baseball, or any sport you can name. Fans will truly have the opportunity to celebrate these players of yesteryear. I believe many of our fans will appreciate the fact that we celebrate the present while paying homage to the past, which is just as important."
Following this year's event, Hamer will take a moment to celebrate, but his sights will soon turn to the future of Champions Weekend and how he and the athletic department can elevate it even further.
"We want this event to grow with each passing year," Hamer said. "We aspire for it to become a hallmark of Tennessee Athletics. When people think of the football season ahead, I want them to think, 'When's Champions Weekend?' because they'll get to meet some of the people they looked up to as a kid. Every year, I want our fans, student-athletes and letterwinners to anticipate this as a highlight of the football season."
As Champions Weekend continues to grow and evolve, it is poised to become a cherished tradition in the realm of Tennessee athletics. The legacy of this event will not only honor the past achievements of Volunteer athletes, but also serve as a bridge that connects generations of fans and student-athletes to the rich history of their university.
