From football, rising sophomore Derek Barnett is celebrating his 19th birthday. Barnett had a monster season in 2014, setting Tennessee's program record for sacks (10.0) and tackles for loss (20.5) by a true freshman in a single season. For his efforts, Barnett was decorated with Freshman All-America honors and a spot on the All-SEC second team.Â
Men's basketball rising senior Kevin Punter is also celebrating a birthday today. The Bronx, N.Y., native who averaged 10.3 points per game during his first season on Rocky Top is turning 22 years old today. A transfer from State Fair Community College in Missouri, Punter started 31 of 32 games last season and ranked second on the team in steals (1.6 spg) and minutes played (31.0).
The men's basketball program will also celebrate the birthday of one of its VFLs today as June 25 marks the birthday of Reggie Johnson. Johnson played at UT from 1976-80 before spending four seasons in the NBA. In February 2009, he was named to UT's All-Century basketball team.Â
Celebrating her 23rd birthday today is Tennessee softball legend Madison Shipman. The 2014 SEC Player of the Year had one of the finest careers in Tennessee history, hitting .348 with 44 home runs and 55 doubles over her four seasons on Rocky Top. She joined the UT coaching staff as a volunteer assistant in the fall of 2014 and helped the 2015 Lady Vols earn a berth at the Women's College World Series.
From the pool, we're wishing a happy birthday to recently graduated men's swimmer Tristan Slater. Slater earned four All-America certificates during his time in Knoxville as well as two SEC medals. The Glastonbury, England, native finished 14th in the 200 IM at this spring's NCAA Championships to earn 2015 All-America honors. He is 22 years old today.
Finally, we wish a happy 22nd birthday to another Vol swimmer in Timothy Wylie. A native of Dripping Springs, Texas, Wylie is a three-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll. During the 2014-15 season, he set two new career-bests at the SEC Championships with a time of 1:39.29 in the 200 freestyle and 1:45.68 in the 200 backstroke.
Happy birthday Derek, Kevin, Reggie, Madison, Tristan, and Timothy!
