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.

Bradley Central win a milestone for coach Damon Floyd

by Gene Henley ·August 30, 2024

After his on-field career ended, Damon Floyd wasn't necessarily locked into becoming a coach.

Staff file photo by Robin Rudd / Bradley Central football coach Damon Floyd, center, became the program's all-time wins leader on Friday night when the Bears beat visiting Tyner. It was his 125th win as head coach at his high school alma mater.

Subscriber Exclusive

‘Rocky Top’ on repeat preps Mocs for game at Neyland

by Gene Henley ·August 30, 2024

UTC linebacker Kobe Joseph had never heard "Rocky Top" before. Mocs coach Rusty Wright sure changed that.

Staff photo / UTC football coach Rusty Wright and his team take the field at Neyland Stadium for their game against Tennessee on Sept. 14, 2019. Wright's Mocs will face the Vols for the first time since then on Saturday in Knoxville during the season opener for both teams.

UTC passing connection a strength entering opener vs. Vols

by Gene Henley ·August 29, 2024

UTC quarterback Chase Artopoeus threw for 2,672 yards and 20 touchdowns in 10 games last season.

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Furman's Travis Blackshear, right, hits UTC's Sam Phillips during a SoCon game last November at Finley Stadium. The return of Phillips, fellow redshirt junior receiver Javin Whatley and starting quarterback Chase Artopoeus is a plus for the Mocs entering the 2024 season.

Subscriber Exclusive

UTC’s O-line eager to keep up its standard while facing Vols

by Gene Henley ·August 28, 2024

No matter the opponent, there's a certain responsibility that comes with playing on the offensive line for UTC.

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / UTC offensive lineman Bryce Goodner, right, practices in March at Scrappy Moore Field. Goodner's status for Saturday's season opener at Tennessee is questionable, and if the veteran right guard is unavailable against the Vols, the challenge of dealing with edge rusher James Pearce Jr. could be even bigger for the Mocs.

Subscriber Exclusive

Mocs have experience, talent to reach big goals in 2024

by Gene Henley ·August 25, 2024

UTC has given itself the chance to have a championship football program, more because of the players it kept than any it added in the offseason.

Staff photo by Robin Rudd / Jordan Walker tackles running back Reggie Davis during a UTC football practice on Aug. 15. The Mocs kick off their 2024 schedule Saturday at Tennessee.

Subscriber Exclusive

UTC’s three reasons for optimism and three for concern

by Gene Henley ·August 25, 2024

UTC's 2024 football season brings reason for optimism and concern. Here are three of each.

Staff photo by Robin Rudd / UTC quarterback Chase Artopoeus takes the snap during an Aug. 15 practice. Artopoeus returns to start for the Mocs after missing the end of the regular season and the playoffs last year due to an injury.

Subscriber Exclusive

UTC lineman’s personal growth included major weight loss

by Gene Henley ·August 24, 2024

When he transferred to UTC prior to the 2023 football season, Tyrell Ragland looked around and asked himself how he fit in with the team.

Staff photo by Robin Rudd / UTC offensive lineman Tyrell Ragland, shown during an Aug. 15 practice, has gone through knee surgery and a weight loss of 50-plus pounds since transferring from Carson-Newman in 2023.

Red Bank’s rushing attack takes down Tyner

by Gene Henley ·August 23, 2024

Red Bank football coach Ted Gatewood preached physicality to his players prior to the Lions hosting Tyner in the season opener for both teams.

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Red Bank's Olivir Merritt stiff-arms a Tyner defender during Friday night's season opener for both teams. Merritt helped lead the host Lions to a 24-8 win.

Subscriber Exclusive

Mocs confident in cornerbacks but need consistency to come along

by Gene Henley ·August 21, 2024

Rusty Wright and his staff knew this day was coming for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football program.

Staff file photo / UTC sophomore D.J. Adams from nearby Cleveland is among the options for the Mocs this season as they seek to replace both starters at cornerback.

Subscriber Exclusive

Mocs may have winner on edge in defensive end Chris Victor

by Gene Henley ·August 17, 2024

Around the UTC football program, there's some optimism that defensive end Chris Victor could be in line for a big season.