Entering the 2014-15 season, the mission statement for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men’s basketball Mocs was very simple: They wanted to “restore respect for Chattanooga basketball.”
With the first 20-win regular season in 21 years, it seems as though they’ve taken a distinct step in that process. That record was sealed in the team’s 67-59 senior night win over rival East Tennessee State on Saturday.
Not that there are going to be any parades thrown because of the win, despite the opponent.
“It’s a good accomplishment. Our guys really wanted to do that,” UTC coach Will Wade said. “We have goals, and all of our goals are on the table. You’ve got to have a mission — to play for something more — and our guys came up with that slogan. We’ve lost a bit (of respect) over the last 10 years or so, and one of the things we pointed to was getting to 20 wins. I think we’ve done that; we’re a big game on the road, but people in town are starting to catch on.
“Everybody loves a winner. I can market all I want, but fun is in winning, and to win 20 games is a great accomplishment for the players. I’m proud of them.