Well this is the first time in a while that I have had the chance to write my column. I honestly wish it were under different circumctances, but unfortunately its not.

Joe Dacus or Schmo as most of you know him, our former sports editor who is also a Specialist in the Tennessee Army National Guard has just recently received deployment orders in conjunction with Operation Enduring Freedom. We here at the

Pacer send out our prayers and our love to Joe and to all of our troops that are and have been sent out to serve our country.

Joe is also going to be getting married on Sunday. We wish you well and congratulations.

Joe will certainly be missed here in the Pacer office and on campus, he definitely has a sense of humor all to his own.

I encourage you all as UT Martin students to do all you can to show your and our campus’ support for our troops that are currently over seas and are being sent over seas.

Now on a lighter side, great job Volleyball for making UT Martin history. Goodbye and goodluck to those of you seniors who won’t be with us next season. We hope to see all of you returning players come back with a bang.

UT Martin’s spring sports is looking pretty full. And So far our men’s and women’s basketball teams are looking pretty good.

Go out and support them at their next home game, its February 15th. Our softball, baseball, men’s and women’s tennis teams ,and golf teams are soon going to open up their seasons. Go out and support your teams. For questions or comments you can write to me at pacer_sports@mars.utm.edu