Basketball coaches get the chance to speak to area business leaders

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Tech basketball coaches Mike Sutton and Sytia Messer were up early Tuesday to speak to members of the Cookeville-area business community at the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce Business Before Hours gathering at the Leslie Towne Center.

Tennessee Tech President Bob Bell spoke to the audience, pointing out some reasons why Athletics are such a vital part of the University and the Cookeville community, and boasted about the high quality of student-athletes who represent TTU. Director of Athletics Mark Wilson (photo below left) followed with information about the recent outstanding academic results by Tech's student-athletes, and introduced Sutton and Messer.

Each coach spoke for a few minutes about the progress their team is making this season, their bids for OVC championships, and the importance of the support of the community. They both invited audience members to Tech's basketball games throughout February.

The Tech women are currently in first place in the Ohio Valley Conference with an 8-1 league record, while the men's team is 5-4 and tied for fourth place, just two games back of first place. The teams hit the road for OVC games this week at Eastern Illinois on Thursday and Southeast Missouri on Saturday.

Following those road games, which close out four-game road swings for each team, the Golden Eagles are at home for five of their final seven conference games.

For tickets to Tech's home games in Febraury, please call the Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center at (931) 372-3940 or stop by weekdays during regular business hours.