It could be a football player trying to score the winning touchdown against Alabama or a basketball player that covets the chance to beat Kentucky.

It might be a swimmer or track star with Olympic aspirations. It could be someone that wants to reach the College World Series.

It could be a stellar athlete or a backup that rarely even plays, but has gained an education that will be priceless in life .Regardless of the sport, there are literally hundreds of reasons to appreciate the VASF and how important it is to Tennessee.

With a budget of nearly $80 million for the athletic programs at UT, the VASF raised approximately $30 million in 2007. Along with operating expenses and salaries, the athletic department gives back $1.5 million to the University for academic scholarships each year.

"The Volunteer Athletics & Scholarship Fund is one of the cornerstones of our athletics department," said UT men's athletic director Mike Hamilton. "These funds are used in a number of ways, including scholarships for our student-athletes and helping to maintain the best facilities in the country. Without members of the VASF there is no way we could remain competitive on a national level in all of our sports."

Fundraising is an extremely important piece of the puzzle at UT because it receives no support from state or local tax dollars for athletics. The athletic department generates revenue through donations, ticket sales, concession revenue, television contracts and marketing rights. Tennessee fans have made the VASF the driving force behind the program and students don't pay an athletic fee on campus like other institutions. (For instance, the University of Virginia receives $9 million from student fees to help offset costs and provide upkeep on their athletic facilities.)

In order to help keep up with the changing times and to help UT student-athletes remain competitive, the VASF was founded in 1986. The goal was to have continued growth and remain competitive among the best collegiate programs in the country.

Former Vols kicker James Wilhoit has gone from having a scholarship to working in the VASF office and trying to help raise money from donors to fund scholarships.

"We do all types of things," said Wilhoit, who works about 30 hours a week and remains hopeful for a chance to play in the NFL. "First, most of the athletes - me included - are not aware where the money for their scholarship comes from. I did not know the donor that actually made that scholarship possible. I think it's important to know that because it helps make so many things possible in your lifetime."

Wilhoit has spoken at numerous venues around the South about his love of the university and how much it meant to play for the Vols.

"There are certain things and experiences you can look back on and know you are going to cherish them forever," he said. "It definitely was a privilege to be part of this great university and to have my dream come true."

The VASF was founded in 1986 with hopes of improving the athletic facilities and helping each team to compete among the nation's best collegiate sports programs. The VASF is designed to give UT student-athletes the opportunity to compete athletically and academically while funding some of the department's operating expenses. The VASF made it possible for Tennessee fans to continue supporting "The Big Orange" while receiving various member benefits such as the opportunity to purchase season football and basketball tickets.

There are approximately 11,000 active donors to the athletic department. Members of the VASF contribute directly first and foremost to the scholarships of the student-athletes on campus. They also help fund the overall operating budget as well as capital gifts towards renovations of current facilities and the building of new ones. Many people have the misconception that the university writes off a student-athlete's scholarship once a student-athlete comes to campus on an athletic scholarship; however, the athletic department writes the University a check for the entire amount of all the scholarships.

Just like a parent writing a tuition check for their child, the athletic department writes a check for all those scholarship student-athletes on campus. In-state tuition fees for a student in 2008 are approximately $12,000 while the out-of-state tuition is approximately $24,000 each academic year. Other costs average more than $4,000 per semester and include text books, which average $200 to $400, housing that costs $2,500 per semester and meal plans that cost about $1,500 per semester. The athletic department must pay those costs each year just like a normal every day student.

People that give $250 a year can make an impact just as much as a $10,000 donor can. Donations are 80 percent tax deductible if the donor receives the opportunity to purchase benefits such as season tickets.

"I really feel like people need to know more about the VASF and what it does," Wilhoit said. "There are a lot of people working very hard behind the scenes. It has been interesting to see how so much work goes into making everything possible for us."

In this regard, the VASF has many faces. Perhaps, most of all, it is comprised of dedicated individuals that care about the University and most of all, the student-athletes that need financial assistance, athletic opportunities and educational opportunities.

But there also is a bond among VASF members around the country. They have become the backbone of UT's program. Their generosity and dedication as VASF members helps the program thrive and grow each year.

For more information, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (865) 974-1218.

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Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved.