SI.com - SI 50th - Press Room - Sports Illustrated features state of Tennessee in series of 50 state-specific weekly sections

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED FEATURES STATE OF TENNESSEE IN SERIES OF
50 STATE-SPECIFIC WEEKLY SECTIONS

Lady Vols Coach and Tennessee Native Pat Summitt Sings the Praises of Her State

New York, NY, October 29, 2003 — This week’s Sports Illustrated highlights the sports scene in the state of Tennessee, marking the 16^th of 50 state-specific sections to be published in the magazine as part of SI’s yearlong 50^th anniversary celebration.

Identifying the Top Gun Motocross Showdown as an event unique to the state, the six-page feature also includes an accompanying essay by University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt, plus a wide range of facts, figures and photographs highlighting the most memorable moments and personalities that have shaped the Volunteer State’s sports landscape.

The Tennessee edition will hit newsstands today, Wednesday, October 29, 2003 . Newsstand copies in Tennessee will feature a cover-flap identifying the special Tennessee section.

Highlights from the special section include:

In " Hell on Wheels," SI senior writer E.M. Swift writes how at the Top Gun Motocross Showdown, dirt bikers ages four to 69 tried to dust each other.
Guest essayist and Lady Vols coach Pat Summit sings the praises of her state’s trio of distinct regions in "Three-Part Harmony."

The Poll : Tennesseans weighed in on their state’s sports scene in a Harris Interactive poll that found these results:

Favorite major league baseball team……………Atlanta Braves (38%)

Favorite NFL team……………………………… Tennessee Titans (57%)

Favorite NBA team………………………………Los Angeles Lakers (15%)

Greatest Tennessee Athlete………………………Peyton Manning (47%)

Favorite Announcer……………………………...John Madden (18%)

Enemy of the State –Former Florida head coach Steve Spurrier won with 65% of the vote. Baltimore Ravens head coach Brian Billick came in second with 4% of the vote and current Gators head coach Ron Zook with 3% respectively. Tennesseans most hated opponent: the Florida Gators.

Greatest Moment — Editor’s pick : The Tennessee Volunteers could easily have fallen flat in 1998, the year after Peyton Manning graduated. Instead, led by quarterback Tee Martin, they finished the regular season 12-0. Against Florida State in the Fiesta Bowl, Martin threw for 278 yards, including a 79-yard TD to Peerless Price that cemented the 23-16 win and gave the Vols their first national championship in 47 years.

SI’s 50^th Anniversary program, America’s Sports Illustrated: 50 Years, 50 States, 50 Sports , is a wide-ranging multimedia platform that is the most ambitious initiative in the history of the franchise. The grassroots effort, which began in July 2003 and continues through July 2004, is a yearlong celebration of sports in America. It will include editorial coverage in the magazine and online, a community sports outreach campaign with YMCA of the USA and National Recreation and Park Association, as well as The Toyota Presents Sports Illustrated’s 50^th Anniversary Tour that will travel to unique sports events in cities and towns throughout the country. SI’s actual 50th anniversary date is August 16, 2004. Toyota is the presenting sponsor of the Tour; Starter and Best Buy are program sponsors.

Contacts: Rick McCabe/SI (212) 522-1375 Julie Sprich/Edelman (212) 522-9511


	SI Media Kits \| Subscribe \| Customer Service \| Press Room Copyright © 2003 CNN/Sports Illustrated. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines.