I'm a VOL

WHAT IS A VOL?
UT draws the nickname of its athletic teams (Volunteers) from the name most associated with the state. Tennessee acquired its name "The Volunteer State" during the War of 1812. At the request of President James Madison, Gen. Andrew Jackson recruited 1,500 men from his home state to fight the Indians and later the British at the Battle of New Orleans. The name became even more prominent in the Mexican War when Gov. Aaron V. Brown issued a call for 2,800 men to battle Santa Ana and some 30,000 Tennesseans volunteered. The term "Volunteer State," as noted through these two events, recognizes the long-standing tendency of Tennesseans to go above and beyond the call of duty when their country calls. The name "Volunteers" is frequently shortened to "Vols" i n describing Tennessee's athletic teams.

WHAT IS THE HILL?
Since the 1800’s, "The Hill" has been symbolic of higher education in the state of Tennessee. The University, founded in 1794 as Blount College moved to "The Hill" in 1828 and quickly grew around it. The main part of UT's old campus stands on this rising bank above the north shore of the Tennessee River. Neyland Stadium sprawls at the base of The Hill, between it and the River. Years of constant expansion and development have pushed the campus west of The Hill. Ayres Hall, built in 1919, still provides one of the most dynamic and recognizable scenes on campus.