Declaring it's a new day in UT Athletics, Sterling Henton electrified the Union County Business & Professional Prayer Breakfast with his energy, his optimism, and his voice. After BPA President Martin Shafer introduced Sterl the Pearl as he was known in his New Jersey high school and into his college career at the University of Tennessee, Sterling explained that he really never intended to go to college in the South. In 1987, he was focused on leading his high school to a state championship in three different sports. Alabama called, he refused. Florida called, he refused. Tennessee called, he refused. Penn State called, he refused.

But when Coach Harris of Tennessee continued to call, Sterling finally set up a visit in late February between the state basketball playoffs. Of course, February in New Jersey means snow. Henton considered canceling the Tennessee visit but his mother who was to accompany him on the trip reminded him of his obligation. So off they went to the airport and witnessed every flight being canceled except his flight. The plane was rerouted to Pittsburgh where he had to walk the tarmac to change planes. Of course, the Penn State coaches were also recruiting and happened to be there. When one coach said he did not realize Sterling was coming for a visit, Henton had to explain that he was on his way to Tennessee. Again, every flight out of Pittsburgh was canceled due to snow, but his. Arriving in Knoxville still wearing his winter coat, Sterling was greeted by a balmy 73-degree day. It is a new day! Wow! Maybe the South is not so bad!

His next stop on his Tennessee visit was Gibbs Hall with the cafeteria in the same building. Well, no northern school including New York had that arrangement. Then he visited the classrooms that were nearby. Hmm …. nice weather, endless food, convenient classes, Sterling decided to sign with Tennessee. It's a new day!

Henton entertained the crowd with his wit and humor. At UT, Sterling led the Vols during the seasons from ‘88 to ‘91 and beat UCLA on his 21st birthday. “Attitude is everything,” Henton maintained. “I never lost a battle, never played a game I lost, but I did run out of time!” He continued that you could always “hear my audibles” in the huddle. Those audibles brought back to back SEC Championships and four bowl game wins. When Chantay Collins, Prayer Breakfast Committee Chairperson, presented him with sparkling apple juice from Seven Springs Winery, Henton exclaimed his gratitude, “Got the juice, hang loose!”

Brenda Beeler and Ray Loy sang and played a medley of songs that related the story of the crucifixion. The medley included “Ringing of the Hammer”, “Gone”, “Rise Again”, “Stand by Me”, and “How Great Thou Art”.

Sponsors for the event were Air Quest, Thunder Road Printing & Graphic Design, Commercial Bank, Union County Chiropractic, Corum Bookkeeping Services, and The Sign Guys. Flowers by Bob provided the centerpieces and the Union County Senior Citizens donated the venue. Teresa's Bakery catered the event. Proceeds will help fund local service and educational organizations including Friends of Maynardville Library, 4H, Under the Tree, Union County Lions Club, and Horace Maynard Middle School Band.