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.

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UTC safety Jordan Walker ready to play like himself again

by Gene Henley ·August 15, 2024

Jordan Walker hasn't felt like himself during his UTC football career. He believes switching back to a familiar jersey number is changing that.

Staff photo by Robin Rudd / UTC safety Jordan Walker (4) tackles running back Reggie Davis during practice Thursday as the Mocs build toward their Aug. 31 season opener at Tennessee.

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Wiggles, Taylor lead latest talented University of Tennessee at Chattanooga defensive front

by Gene Henley ·August 13, 2024

Wiggles, Taylor latest UTC D-line leaders

Staff Photo by Matt Hamilton / UTC defensive lineman Quay Wiggles (0) celebrates with teammates after the Mocs forced a turnover. Wiggles is part of another highly-touted UTC defensive front this season.

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UTC receiver Javin Whatley fills big-brother role for Mocs

by Gene Henley ·August 10, 2024

Family has always been important to Javin Whatley. The oldest of nine siblings, he has always had a role in life as a protector.

Staff photo / UTC receiver Javin Whatley, left, shakes off The Citadel's Justin Preaster during a SoCon game at Finley Stadium last September.

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UTC running back Reggie Davis has grown into lead role

by Gene Henley ·August 8, 2024

Reggie Davis has had quite the roller-coaster football career at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Staff photo / UTC redshirt junior Reggie Davis, shown during a July 31 practice, is expected to take on a much heavier workload at running back this season.

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UTC has a history of walk-ons like Phillips becoming key contributors

by Gene Henley ·August 6, 2024

Sam Phillips received an opportunity to walk-on to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team back in 2021.

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton/ UTC receiver Sam Phillips is the latest example of a walk-on player earning his way onto scholarship and becoming a major contributor.

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Analysis of 2024 UTC football team shows great potential

by Gene Henley ·August 4, 2024

The UTC football team is less than a month away from its 2024 season opener against Tennessee in Knoxville.

Staff photo by Olivia Ross / UTC players line up before the snap at Scrappy Moore Field this past Wednesday, the Mocs' first day of official practice for the 2024 football season. The team's opening game is against Tennessee on Aug. 31 in Knoxville.

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UTC defense is expected to remain strong under Mike Yeager

by Gene Henley ·August 2, 2024

Mike Yeager is UTC's new defensive coordinator, but he isn't new to the program or new to that job as a football coach.

Staff photo by Olivia Ross / UTC junior linebacker Alex Mitchell (2) goes through a drill at Scrappy Moore Field on Wednesday during the Mocs' first preseason practice of 2024. Mitchell led the team in tackles last season with 78 and is expected to play a big role again as Mike Yeager takes over as defensive coordinator.

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Artopoeus returns at QB, determined to lead Mocs to a special season

by Gene Henley ·July 31, 2024

There was nothing Chase Artopoeus could do at the end of last season but watch — helplessly.

Staff file photo by Matt Hamilton/ Chase Artopoeus returns after an injury cut his season short last year, determined to help guide the Mocs to a deeper playoff run.

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Five key questions Mocs face as fall camp opens

by Gene Henley ·July 30, 2024

When the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team opens fall practice on Wednesday, it will begin in earnest the preparation for a 2024 season that opens Aug. 31 at Tennessee.

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton/ UTC quarterback Chase Artopoeus, who threw for more than 2,600 yards and 20 touchdowns before his season was cut short by injury, returns to lead the offense.

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4 crucial games for UTC’s playoff hopes this season

by Gene Henley ·July 24, 2024

With the 2024 season on the horizon for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team, the Times Free Press takes a look at the four most important games on the Mocs' schedule.