Gene Henley

Gene has covered sports in the Chattanooga area since 2008 and has ascended from covering preps to colleges in his time. He primarily covers UTC athletics, a job he's held from 2013-18 and again since 2020, having spent two seasons covering Tennessee pre-pandemic. Gene played four seasons of college basketball and has a 20-year son named Judah who plays at Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri.

Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com.

KeShawn Toney has matured into key component of UTC offense

by Gene Henley ·September 20, 2022

KeShawn Toney needed to become his own man.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Chattanooga’s Keyshawn Toney (83) looks for running room after a reception. Defending for East Tennessee is Zach West (36). The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga hosted the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers in a Southern Conference football game, at Finley Stadium, on October 17, 2021.

Mocs got taste of adversity ahead of trip to Illinois

by Gene Henley ·September 18, 2022

The victory was nice for the UTC football team. What the Mocs did to get there was more important.

Staff photo by Olivia Ross / UTC's Javon Burke is unable to make the catch during Saturday's game against North Alabama at Finley Stadium.

Special teams help UTC beat North Alabama, reach 3-0

by Gene Henley ·September 17, 2022

Ty Boeck finally got his first touchdown.

Staff photo by Olivia Ross / UTC players and coaches huddle together before Saturday night's homecoming game against North Alabama at Finley Stadium.

Red Bank’s defense leads way to home win against Central

by Gene Henley ·September 16, 2022

Lions force five turnovers, improve to 4-0

Staff photo by Olivia Ross / Red Bank's Tyler Wright (4) and AD Crutcher (10) celebrate during Friday night's home win against Region 3-4A opponent Central.

Mocs QB Preston Hutchinson vows to have no regrets this season

by Gene Henley ·September 16, 2022

Preston Hutchinson wasted no time winning over his UTC teammates and winning the starting QB job.

Staff photo by Olivia Ross / UTC quarterback Preston Hutchinson, shown during the Mocs' season-opening win against Wofford on Sept. 3, has completed 62% of his passes through two games.

UTC’s Gino Appleberry much more than a running back

by Gene Henley ·September 15, 2022

Every weekend, Gino Appleberry treats himself to some lemon pepper chicken.

Staff photo by Troy Stolt / UTC running back Gino Appleberry (8) fights for additional yards during a SoCon game against Wofford in February 2021 at Finley Stadium. Appleberry also plays multiple positions on special teams for the Mocs.

UTC’s Marlon Taylor rests up, slims down to gain bigger role

by Gene Henley ·September 14, 2022

Marlon Taylor admits he was his own worst enemy when it came to getting on the field early in his UTC football career.

Staff photo by Olivia Ross / UTC defensive lineman Marlon Taylor (94) practices Wednesday at Scrappy Moore Field. Poor sleep habits and weight gain early in his time with the Mocs limited Taylor, who has become more involved with the rotation in games this season.

UTC’s young receivers don’t disappoint during 2-0 start

by Gene Henley ·September 11, 2022

UTC receivers coach Ricky Spradling has a lot to like about his group this season.

Staff file photo / UTC sophomore receiver Jamoi Mayes (26) helped lead the Mocs to a road win Saturday night, compiling 61 yards on a team-best six catches against Eastern Illinois.

Mocs improve to 2-0 with win at Eastern Illinois

by Gene Henley ·September 10, 2022

UTC football coach Rusty Wright had said he was interested to see how his young team handled things on the road for the first time in Saturday night's game at Eastern Illinois.

UTC Athletics photo by Laura O’Dell / UTC receiver Jamoi Mayes (2) had six catches for 61 yards in Saturday night’s win at Eastern Illinois.

Ronye’ Watson helps Central put away Hixson

by Gene Henley ·September 9, 2022

Central built an 18-point lead early in the second half of Friday night's Region 3-4A game at Hixson.