Plenty of big wigs showed up at UTC on Thursday to honor golfer Steven Fox for his amazing victory last week at the U.S. Amateur. Steven Fox got a little cake, and plenty of congratulations today. But Fox wasn't the only star attraction, so was his U.S. Amateur trophy.
People couldn't take their eyes off of it…even the governor. Said Governor Bill Haslam,"The first name I see is 1896. There are a few names on there you might have heard of like Tiger Woods and Justin Leonard and Mark O'Meara. I could go on and on. It talks a little bit about what a big deal this is."
Fox's victory also gave UTC administrators plenty of one-liners. "My name is Laura Herron. I'm the interim director of athletics. I've been on the job four weeks, and I have a national championship." (laughter).
Added UTC Chancellor Dr. Roger Brown,"We have so many dignitaries with us today. My only advice for Steven Fox is, you don't get the governor and U.S. Senator every time you win."(laughter).
Senator Bob Corker joked that Fox should blow off school. "He has unlimited practice rounds at Augusta National between now and the Masters. I would urge you to let him out of every class, so he has the opportunity to take advantage of that."(laughter)
Fox was overwhelmed by today's ceremony, especially when it came time to thank his family. "My mom and dad. Thank you for what you do. Without you, I wouldn't be here today. Want to thank my sister. She has been my PR person and PR assistant, my little sister. I know I have probably forgotten some people. Thanks to the girls team. My first night here, I spent the night with them, and it was fun." (laughter)
