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.

UTC defense welcomes chance to face ETSU’s high-scoring attack

by Gene Henley ·October 1, 2026

East Tennessee State University boasts what will be the most productive offense UTC has faced so far this season. The Mocs' defensive stats make it a compelling matchup.

Staff Photo by Matt Hamilton / UTC defensive back Jaden Nelson tucks the football in as he returns an interception for a touchdown while defensive tackle C.J. Smith (44) cheers him on during a SoCon game against Wofford on Sept. 19 at Finley Stadium.

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UTC offensive line helped by transfer Jacob Ziegler’s move to tackle

by Gene Henley ·September 30, 2026

Home for Jacob Ziegler is Sandusky, Ohio, on the shore of Lake Erie. Chattanooga has offered a different view.

Staff Photo by Matt Hamilton / UTC junior Jacob Ziegler (62) and other offensive linemen watch a video replay with position coach Kevin Revis on the home sideline at Finley Stadium during the Mocs' Sept. 5 game against Tennessee Tech. Ziegler is a first-year transfer from Morehead State who was working at guard before moving into the starting lineup at tackle.

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Five things to know about UTC rival ETSU

by Gene Henley ·September 29, 2026

The UTC football team has won six straight games against East Tennessee State, including last season's 42-38 comeback win when the Mocs scored 21 points in the final 7:20.

Staff File Photo by Matt Hamilton/ ETSU head coach Will Healy shouts instructions to his players during their game against UTC at Finley Stadium on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

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Mocs notebook: Davon Kiser wants punters ‘scared’ of him

by Gene Henley ·September 27, 2026

UTC returner Davon Kiser didn't need long to make The Citadel change its punting plan Saturday afternoon.

UTC photo by William Glassgow / UTC's Davon Kiser keeps the ball tucked in tight as he finishes off a 56-yard punt return for a touchdown in the Mocs' 27-8 win over The Citadel on Saturday in Charleston, S.C.

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UTC men hit practice court with mostly new group and work to do

by Gene Henley ·September 26, 2026

The 2026-27 season is less than six weeks away for the UTC men's basketball team. Here are five storylines to watch for the Mocs and fifth-year head coach Dan Earl.

Staff File Photo by Matt Hamilton / The UTC men's basketball team began practice this past week for the 2025-26 season, Dan Earl's fifth as head coach. The Mocs, who have 11 newcomers on their roster, open Nov. 2 at Louisville.

Mocs 2-0 in SoCon football after dominant road win vs. The Citadel

by Gene Henley ·September 26, 2026

Davon Kiser's 56-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter gave UTC a lead it would never lose Saturday afternoon in Charleston, South Carolina.

UTC photo by William Glassgow / UTC defensive end Ryan Bell celebrates after recovering a fumble during the Mocs' 27-8 win against The Citadel in a SoCon game Saturday in Charleston, S.C.

Cleveland rallies for win at Tyner in state-ranked showdown

by Gene Henley ·September 25, 2026

Cleveland senior quarterback Kason McGowan knew what he wanted when the Blue Raiders found themselves down 11 points with nine minutes to play Friday night at Tyner.

Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter / Cleveland's Kason McGowan passes during Friday night's game at Tyner. McGowan accounted for 300-plus yards of offense, three touchdowns and a 2-point conversion to lead the Blue Raiders to a comeback victory.

UTC defense knows extra preparation for The Citadel isn’t optional

by Gene Henley ·September 25, 2026

It's not surprising that UTC football coach Rusty Wright finds it difficult to watch video of last year's game against The Citadel.

Staff Photo by Matt Hamilton / UTC linebacker Zion Rutledge and defensive lineman Orlando Daniels (10) celebrate after defensive back Jaden Nelson's 26-yard interception return for a touchdown during the Mocs' 41-7 win against Wofford last Saturday at Finley Stadium.

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UTC offensive lineman’s football career began with YouTube search

by Gene Henley ·September 24, 2026

When he moved from Chicago to Memphis before his junior year of high school, Tracy Jackson had never played football.

Staff Photo by Matt Hamilton / UTC junior offensive lineman Tracy Jackson takes part in an Aug. 4 practice at Scrappy Moore Field.

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UTC women tip off practice with 2026-27 season six weeks away

by Gene Henley ·September 23, 2026

The 2026-27 season isn't far away for the UTC women's basketball team. Here are five storylines to watch for the Mocs and third-year head coach Deandra Schirmer.