Cookeville Council Honors TTU Athletics

Cookeville City Council honored members of the Tennessee Tech baseball, men’s tennis, and women’s track & field teams Thursday.

Each team was recognized by Mayor Ricky Shelton for each of their championship seasons in 2018.

TTU President Phillip Oldham said it’s great for the coaches and athletes to be recognized for their efforts.

“It’s such a great relationship between the University and the community, both Cookeville and Putnam County,” Oldham said. “We’ve had great support for our athletic programs and Tennessee Tech from the community. I think it’s just an indication of what that relationship is all about. We really appreciate the City Council and Mayor Shelton recognizing these special teams for the seasons they’ve had this year.”

Oldham said it’s special to the athletes and coaches to be able to compete in a smaller community.

“[People] can get to know these student-athletes,” Oldham said. “They can follow them closely, they get to shake their hand, pat them on the back, root them on, so it’s almost like having their own children out there playing.”

Athletic Director Mark Wilson was honored to have members of his department be recognized for their efforts and talents.

“We consider ourselves family. We have personal relationships with everybody that works here at the city,” Wilson said. “This just continues to strengthen that personal relationship that we have.”

Wilson emphasized the importance of intercollegiate athletics in the area. He said success such as the baseball team’s Super Regional title help put Cookeville on the map.

“You think about the baseball run. How about the number of people who were Googling ‘Cookeville’?” Wilson said. “So many people have not heard of it, and that’s what intercollegiate athletics and Tennessee Tech athletics can do for Cookeville, Putnam County, and this region of Tennessee.”

As part of the recognition, Mayor Shelton officially deemed July 19 as TTU Golden Eagle Athletics Day in the city of Cookeville.