Vanderbilt Unveils Uniforms, Dedicates Practice Fields During First Dore Jam Sunday On Campus 8/11/02

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Vanderbilt officially geared up for the 2002 football season on Sunday with the first Dore Jam celebration that attracted nearly 5,000 Commodore fans eager to get the first look at the team’s new uniforms and facilities.

The crowd of 4,811 watched under ideal weather conditions as Head Coach Bobby Johnson introduced eight seniors who model the black, gold and white uniforms. Afterward, the newly renovated practice facility was dedicated to Vanderbilt alumnus and long-time athletic booster John Rich.

Rich, introduced by Vanderbilt Chancellor Gordon Gee, was emotional during his acceptance speech before a crowd that included a number of relatives. Rich was joined on the stage by Gee, Johnson, Director of Athletics Todd Turner, and Nashville businessman and Commodore supporter John Ingram.

Rich has been instrumental in the development in numerous football facilities on campus, including the two practice fields and a state-of-the-art weight room renovation. The practice fields include a full-length AstroPlay synthetic surface and a natural grass surface. The project was completed less than a week ago, just in time for the arrival of Vanderbilt’s incoming freshmen football class. The weight room, opened last January, features nearly 2,000-square feet of space than before and new equipment.

The seniors - Dan Stricker, Rushen Jones, Jamie Byrum, M.J. Garrett, Aaron McWhorter, Hunter Hillenmeyer, Brandon Walthour and Mike Martin - modeled the uniformed designed by Nike. The team will have the option of choosing between three color schemes of both pants and jerseys.

Fans in attendance were treated to interactive contests directed by several of Vanderbilt’s respective head coaches, including Tim Corbin (Baseball), Ronnie Hill (Women’s Soccer), Tim McClements (Men’s Soccer), Martha Freitag (Women’s Golf), Press McPhaul (Men’s Golf), Cathy Swezey (Lacrosse) and Lori Shepard (Track & Field). The event included live entertainment, food and refreshments, autographs and numerous activities for youngsters.

An added bonus at Dore Jam was the first 2,000 adults who walked through the gates received two complimentary tickets to Vanderbilt home football opener on September 7 against Furman. For the past eight years, the Paladins were directed by the new Vanderbilt coach.