Football Operations Center
Local development, real estate leaders make gift to new Tech Football Operations Center in memory of late friend
The Gaw family name is synonymous with development and real estate in the Upper Cumberland.
Now, the longtime Cookeville business and philanthropic leaders are embarking on a
new passion project: a generous gift supporting Tennessee Tech’s student-athletes
given in memory of their close friend, Ottis Phillips.
Tennessee Tech’s vision for Golden Eagle Football inspires gift to Football Operations Center
Tennessee Tech alumnus Jim Bodak says he was inspired to give to the university’s
Football Operations Center because of a shared vision among President Phil Oldham,
Athletic Director Mark Wilson and Head Football Coach Bobby Wilder to take Tech’s
football program to the next level.
Football Operations Center Excerpt from the 2022 Edition of Gratitude
One Bank gives $50,000 to Tennessee Tech’s Football Operations Center
A local financial institution recently made a significant investment in Tennessee
Tech Football.
One Bank’s $50,000 gift to the Football Operations Center will help Tech recruit and retain student-athletes and increase the program’s economic impact.
Golden Eagle football alumni look to honor Don Wade with memorial in Football Operations Center
When Sam Smith saw that the new Football Operations Center would include opportunities to name spaces both inside and outside, he knew he wanted to do something to honor former head football coach Don Wade. Wade served as Tech’s head football coach from 1968 to 1982, and as athletic director from 1974 to 1980.
“In my four years at Tech, I learned that Coach Wade was genuine,” said Smith. “He was tough, sarcastically funny, loyal and loving – albeit tough love. Coach Wade’s impact continues to influence my life today. Don Wade earned the right to have his name permanently inscribed in the new facility.”
Tennessee Tech raises $105,000 for Football Operations Center on Giving Tuesday
Head Football coach Dewayne Alexander and his wife, Angy, promised to match every
gift made on Giving Tuesday, up to $35,000.
Their commitment and belief in the project inspired many alumni and friends to make gifts as well, making Tennessee Tech's 2021 Giving Tuesday its most successful ever.
President and CEO of AMIkids says Tennessee Tech football prepared him to be a leader
As president and chief executive officer of AMIkids, Inc., Mike Thornton, `89 business
management, leads the nonprofit organization dedicated to helping youth develop into
responsible and productive citizens.
It’s hard to imagine where many of those individuals might be today without AMIkids and without Thornton at the helm. And it was at Tennessee Tech – in the classroom and on the football field – that Thornton first learned the skills needed to be a leader.
Lifelong friends, Tech alumni lead fundraising initiative for Golden Eagle Football
Decades of friendship and a love for Golden Eagle Athletics have inspired two Tennessee
Tech alumni to partner in leading fundraising efforts for a Football Operations Center
on campus.
Phillips and Murphy credit their Tech education for successful careers. Both are members of Tech’s Foundation Board, and Murphy says when the topic of Tech’s football facilities came up at a meeting, she knew she wanted to partner with her friend on the project.
