Savage, Wharton move up on UTC coach Will Wade's staff

Arkansas-Oklahoma State Live Blog

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men's basketball coach Will Wade announced a pair of promotions in his coaching staff Tuesday afternoon.

Brooks Savage moves up to the assistant coach position formerly held by Turner Battle, who left recently to accept a similar position at Alabama-Birmingham. Savage's former job as the Mocs' director of basketball operations has been filled by former video coordinator Alex Wharton.

"Brooks has the energy and enthusiasm for our student-athletes and program that you want in an assistant," Wade said. "We are excited about his ability to hit the ground running with our team and in recruiting.

"Alex came in one role but like Brooks is very well-equipped for the new one he is moving into. He's very diligent, organized and takes great care in putting our players first. Those are tremendous assets for the operations position."

Wade hopes to fill the position of video coordinator soon.

The Mocs officially start practice with a 2:30 session Friday afternoon. They will practice Saturday and take Sunday off and then get back on the court Monday.

Ball N' Brawl set

The UTC athletic department has planned a "Ball N' Brawl" downtown block party for Friday, Oct. 10, promoting the men's and women's basketball programs and the wrestling program.

Third Street will be closed off between Market and Broad for the 5-7 p.m. event. The wrestling team will conduct a clinic on mats on the street, while a basketball court provided by Praters Flooring will be used for youth scrimmages on the parking lot adjacent to Third Street.

"It's a neat way to get out in the community, and I hope people come out and support it," Wade said. "We're going to take wrestling and basketball into the streets."

Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him at twitter.com/genehenleytfp.

Upcoming Events