Johnny Taylor was inducted into the Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame in 2024. | Photo by The Tennessean via Newspapers.com
With the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament underway, we thought we would take a journey back in time to when the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga progressed to the Sweet 16 in 1997.
The Mocs were led by Mack McCarthy, who served as head coach from 1985 to 1997. During his tenure, the Mocs went to five NCAA Tournaments + in 1997, they reached the Sweet 16 for the first time after winning the Men’s Division II basketball tournament.
The Mocs were named the No. 14 seed in the Southeast Region, and in round one they faced No. 3 seed Georgia. After going into overtime, the Mocs came out on top over the Bulldogs, 73-70. The Mocs then set their eyes on No. 6 seed Illinois for the second round.
One of the season’s star players, Forward Johnny Taylor, stated ahead of the game in a 1997 interview with the Daily Press, “They better be ready to play because UTC is no joke.”
It was reported that UTC players heard Illini celebrating their win in their locker room before the game began — which fueled the Mocs as they took to the court. To the surprise of many, the Mocs defeated Illini, 75-63, the second time ever that a No. 14 seed had advanced to the Sweet 16.
Finally, the Mocs were up against No. 10 seed Providence, and although it was a close game, the team was defeated by the Friars, 65-71, ending their longest progression made in the tournament to date.
Coach McCarthy described the run as an “unbelievable success story.” Notably, the victory over Illinois landed Taylor on the cover of USA Today + he would later become the highest draft pick in UTC’s history. He went on to play with the Orlando Magic in the summer of 1997.
Asked
Asked
How many NCAA tournaments have the Mocs appeared in?
All-Levels Yoga | 6-7 p.m. | The Chattery (Broad Street) | $18 | Bring your own mat for an accessible yoga flow led by Jimmy Urciuoli.
Wednesday, April 2
Networking & Neurodiversity | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Floor Five at The Edney Innovation Center | Free, RSVP | Connect with inclusive employers at this event with game areas + breakaway spaces.
Thursday, April 3
Jazz Festival | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | ChattState | Free | Join this celebration of jazz that includes performances by the Premier Jazz Orchestra, the ChattState Jazz Band, and faculty members.
Friday, April 4
The Green Prix | Friday, April 4-Saturday, April 5 | 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Volkswagen | Free+ | See Chattanooga-area students race their electric vehicles on a custom racetrack.
Saturday, April 5
BBB Shred Day | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Coca-Cola Bottling Co. | Free | Bring documents for on-site shredding, old hard drives + electronics for destruction or recycling, and unneeded prescription drugs for safe disposal.
Sunday, April 6
W Litter Cleanup | 8-11 a.m. | McCoy Farm & Gardens, Walden | Free, RSVP | Clean up trash while enjoying a stroll along the historic road.
The $1 billion Chickamauga Lock replacement project is in its final phase as the US Army Corps of Engineers seeks bids for its last contract. The agency expects the new lock to be operational in 2028 + will be large enough to accommodate up to nine barges simultaneously. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Open
Twisted Confections, a restaurant + bakery that specializes in burgers, breakfast, and desserts, is now open in Signal Mountain. Check out the menu before heading to this new family-owned spot — we’re eyeing the ‘Nillas & ‘Nanas gourmet cookie.
Closing
This isn’t goodbye, just see you later. The MoonPie General Store will close its Broad Street location on Tuesday, May 6. Folks can shop in-store until then + online until a new Chattanooga location is selected.
History
A new historical marker dedicated to the Chattanooga Rotary Club was recently unveiled in front of the UBS Building on MLK Boulevard. The marker recognizes the establishment of the club in 1914 + the traditions carried during its existence.
Outdoors
The East Main Street Litter Clean-Up has been rescheduled to Sunday, April 27. Sign up online to join volunteers in removing trash from the area, all supplies provided.
Plan Ahead
In case you missed it, the fourth annual Hello, St. Elmo street festival will be held on Saturday, April 26. Head to the business district from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a makers market, live music, and of course, the beloved corgi parade.
Some of these spots make for great photo ops, too. | Photo by @abbi_elizabeth
Whether you need a drinking paw-tner at a local brewery, hitting up a Chattanooga Lookouts Game, or just dining out, well bone appétit. Get ready to dig into this guide for dog-friendly spots around the Scenic City.
Tanasi Brewing & Supplies | This brewery has an enclosed turf dog park with toys, water bowls, and a clean-up station available — pups must remain on a leash inside.
Hair of the Dog Pub | This appropriately named pub welcomes dogs of all kinds to its patio — with bowls of water often provided.
Sculpture Fields at Montague Park | This art-filled park welcomes leashed dogs + has two stations at the front of the park for cleanup.
Chattanooga Lookouts | Bring your dogs to the ballgame on “Dogs at the Diamond” days. The first dog-friendly event of the season is on Sunday, April 27.
Mark your calendars — Hutton & Smith Brewing Co. will give away a free plant with a pint purchase on Friday, May 2 + Saturday, May 3. Swing by for a brew and pick from tomatoes, peppers, squash, pumpkins, flowers, and herbs.
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