OMAHA, Neb. — Zander Sechrist waxed splendidly about Tony Vitello on Monday within the aftermath of Tennessee baseball’s first nationwide championship.
The Vols pitcher added a little bit additional love when he noticed athletics director Danny White at the back of the room through the postgame press convention.
“I’m going to place on the market I hope there’s a lifetime contract coming quickly for Coach Vitello,” Sechrist mentioned.
Time will inform what a future contract seems like for Vitello, however White is assured within the pairing between the dynamic coach and the Vols program he has revived — and launched to the highest of the game.
“I don’t assume anyone must persuade him of what he has constructed right here,” White mentioned to Knox Information when requested about holding Vitello at Tennessee long run. “The blood is within the bricks. Our followers know that. He is aware of that. I do know he cares about Tennessee. All of us are excited and energized by his management.”
What Danny White is worked up about with Tennessee baseball, Tony Vitello
White and a big portion of the Tennessee administrative workers drifted by means of the delighted crowd on the sector at Charles Schwab Area on Monday. It marked first nationwide title for White because the AD at Tennessee after he was employed in January 2021.
He lauded Vitello within the preliminary moments of the celebration.
“There’s no shortcuts,” White mentioned. “He has grinded and constructed it the fitting manner. That’s the reason it’s sustained. We’ve been on this city now thrice within the final 4 years. You don’t do this accidentally. That’s not a blip on the radar display.”
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Baseball has spearheaded a dominant athletic division in current seasons. The Vols have owned the SEC all-sports championships in three straight years with 4 SEC titles. UT is certainly one of two Energy 5 colleges to have each sport attain the postseason within the 2023-24 season.
Vitello and his bunch bought the most important title of all.
“You discuss constructing the very best athletic division within the nation, which means nationwide championships,“ White mentioned. “Baseball has actually propelled us to do this. So excited for this crew. They labored so onerous. It has been an superior, superior season and journey. Enjoyable to see them accomplish their final aim.”
How Lindsey Nelson Stadium continues to issue into plans
Lindsey Nelson Stadium is partway by means of a multi-phase renovation that has a price ticket of greater than $100 million, White mentioned.
The stadium added seating down each strains previous to the 2024 season, whereas suites, a brand new press field and extra upgrades are within the works.
“We’re beneath development with what I believe would be the finest stadium in America,” White mentioned. “I believe we have now the very best teaching workers within the nation that’s headlined by our head coach Tony Vitello. We’ve bought some nice issues happening and intend to proceed to construct.”
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The unique renovations finances was $95.8 million, a determine that was permitted in June 2023. Tennessee already added two ranges of the left-field porches amongst different upgrades earlier than breaking floor on an overhaul.
White mentioned Tennessee has — and continues to — put its cash the place its mouth is with the Lindsey Nelson Stadium modifications, which is a part of his aim of seeing UT as the highest athletics division within the nation.
“I don’t know if there’s a higher assertion to make than sitting right here in Omaha successful the nationwide championship,” White mentioned.
Mike Wilson covers College of Tennessee athletics. Electronic mail him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and observe him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. In the event you get pleasure from Mike’s protection, think about a digital subscription that can permit you entry to all of it.