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Chattanooga Knows: Why were University of Chattanooga classes canceled on Nov. 10, 1958?

Staff Photo / In 2003, members of the University of Chattanooga 1958 football team John Green, left, Jerry Arnold and Harold Willkes with the game ball from their 14-6 victory over the University of Tennessee. "I remember feeling like we were going to win all that day," Arnold said while standing on Chamberlain Field with his former teammates.
Staff Photo / In 2003, members of the University of Chattanooga 1958 football team John Green, left, Jerry Arnold and Harold Willkes with the game ball from their 14-6 victory over the University of Tennessee. "I remember feeling like we were going to win all that day," Arnold said while standing on Chamberlain Field with his former teammates. Staff Photo / In 2003, members of the University of Chattanooga 1958 football team John Green, left, Jerry Arnold and Harold Willkes with the game ball from their 14-6 victory over the University of Tennessee. "I remember feeling like we were going to win all that day," Arnold said while standing on Chamberlain Field with his former teammates.

By Staff Report 1 min read

Q. Why were classes canceled at the University of Chattanooga on Nov. 10, 1958?

A. Students at the University of Chattanooga were given the day off to celebrate after the Mocs defeated the Tennessee Vols 14-6 in their college football matchup in Knoxville two days earlier.

The game is remembered not only for Chattanooga’s victory, but also the riot that unfolded afterwards when Mocs fans took to the field to dismantle a goal post. Ten people were arrested, and eight police officers were injured, according to a 2019 story on the game on wbir.com.

Tennessee finished the season 4-6. The Mocs closed 5-5. Chattanooga joined the UT system and became UTC in 1969.

Do you have Chattanooga related trivia to share or a question you’d like answered? Email news@timesfreepress.com with subject line Chattanooga Knows.