Tennessee’s second basketball championship this decade and strong showings in football and tennis propelled the Vols to a first-place finish on the men’s side of the 2007-08 Southeastern Conference All-Sports Trophy standings.

The basketball team under head coach Bruce Pearl won its first league crown since 2000 and first outright conference championship in 41 years. Football won the Eastern Division title and advanced to the SEC Championship Game for the fifth time in the last 11 years under head coach Phillip Fulmer, while tennis under second-year head coach Sam Winterbotham tied for second in regular season play and advanced to the conference tournament semifinals.

“The fact that the SEC is so competitive makes this accomplishment that much more impressive,” athletics director Mike Hamilton said. “It validates all the hard work of our coaches, student-athletes and staff who support their efforts.

“It also is a tribute to our great university and great fans, and to their loyalty and the emphasis they put on success in athletics.”

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