There is a long, proud history that went into the name Tennessee Volunteers. Most of us are aware of the basics: we're a historically patriotic state whose men were well known to volunteer in large numbers to fight for their country.

I wasn't aware of many particulars beyond that, so I thought it would be interesting to do some digging on the subject.

During times of war, such as the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Mexican War, Tennesseans signed up for duty in overwhelming numbers.

During the War of 1812, Tennessee Governor Andrew Jackson, who later became the 7th President of the United States, answered the call of President Madison by gathering 1500 Tennessee men to fight Native Americans and then the British at the Battle of New Orleans.

Then again during the Mexican War, Tennessee Governor Aaron Brown called for 2800 men to battle Santa Ana. Imagine the Governor's surprise when some 30,000 Tennesseans took up arms in answer!

Newspaper publications began making reference to "the volunteers from Tennessee" and "the Tennessee Volunteers". From then on, Tennessee has been dubbed the "Volunteer State".

The University of Tennessee was originally founded in 1794 as Blount College, making it the oldest institution of higher education in Tennessee and the 28th oldest university in the entire United States of America. As the state's flagship land grant university, the University gradually took over the name that had become most associated with the people of the State.

The first publication to use the term "Volunteers" to describe one of the University of Tennessee's athletic teams was the Atlanta Constitution following the Tennessee-Georgia Tech football game in 1902. It was not until 1905 that the Knoxville Journal and Tribune and the Knoxville Sentinel adopted the name as well.

Shortly thereafter, female athletic teams were created and became known as the Lady Volunteers. Today, the nickname is used by all varsity athletic teams, although it is often shortened by fans to the "Vols" and "Lady Vols".

Being a Tennessee Volunteers fan isn't just cheering for the orange and white. It is a symbol of Tennesseans' willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty for their country; it's a constant reminder of our spirit and courage; it's a huge part of why we're proud to be called Tennessee Volunteers!

UT Football Head Coach Phil Fulmer reportedly earned a salary of $2,050,000 last year, compared to Lady Vols Head Coach Pat Summitt's $1,125,000 - and Men's basketball Head Coach Bruce Pearl's $1,100,000.

Some local sports commentators and Vols fans have declared that Fulmer's recent performance doesn't merit his salary, and that UT should get a new Head Football Coach.

So did beating the pants off of Georgia save Coach Fulmer's bacon? If not, who do you think could replace him?

You make the call! (Or, if there's something else about the Vols you'd like to share, have at it!)

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