UTC places third in Chattanooga Corporate Challenge

Participants from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga compete in a tug-of-war event during the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge at Finley Stadium. Several team members pull on the rope while coworkers in matching UTC shirts cheer from the sidelines and celebrate behind them.

UTC placed first in the tug-of-war competition. The team included Ashton Kelley, Shannon Stone, Mackenzie Allen, Michael Johnson, Ashton McLeod, Gerry Pacitti and Chris James.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga made its debut at the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge June 4 through June 6, competing alongside 21 other organizations in a weekend of events that drew nearly 2,000 participants. UTC placed third in the overall standings.

UTC competed in Division III, bringing just over 90 registrants across the weekend’s events, marking a strong first showing for the Mocs and a great foundation to build on in the years ahead.

The Challenge opened on Thursday, June 4, with Trivia Night at the Finley Stadium Ultra Club. Competition continued Friday at Southside Social, where UTC fielded two bowling teams.

The main event took place Saturday at Finley Stadium, beginning with the 5K run. Wrestling coach Kyle Ruschell was the first UTC participant to cross the finish line, helping lead the Mocs to a third-place finish in participation for the race. UTC also earned 50 bonus points through several top individual finishes.

One of the highlights of the day came in tug-of-war, where the Mocs claimed the championship in front of a large crowd of spectators. The title-winning team featured Ashton Kelley, Shannon Stone, Mackenzie Allen, Michael Johnson, Ashton McLeod, Gerry Pacitti and Chris James, whose effort and intensity delivered one of UTC’s most memorable moments of the weekend.

UTC’s other event championships came in cornhole and the 40-yard dash. Amy Slagle and Gary Snodgrass powered through the bracket to bring home the cornhole trophy. After a review of scoring, Chris James, Kevin Rodriguez, Kaelin King and Taylor Sawyer were found to have posted the fastest 40-yard dash times. This adjustment moved UTC from fourth to third overall.

The Mocs also turned in several runner-up finishes, placing second in the 1-mile walk, hula-hoop, and home run derby competitions.

UTC’s social media team participated throughout the weekend, sharing content from across the competition while taking part in events. Special recognition goes to Laura Bond for helping lead UTC to a second-place finish in the social media category.

Overall, UTC’s first venture into the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge proved to be a successful debut. To reach the overall podium—and ultimately the goal of becoming Corporate Challenge champions—the Mocs will need to grow participation even more next year. Be on the lookout for the 2027 save-the-date information and get ready to help UTC build on this year’s momentum.

Corporate Challenge photo gallery

UTC employees participate in a stationary cycling event during the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge, riding side by side under a shaded concourse at Finley Stadium while teammates and event staff watch nearby.

A UTC participant kicks a football during a field goal competition at Finley Stadium as teammates and other competitors watch from the field.

A UTC employee tosses a cornhole bag during a Corporate Challenge competition on the field at Finley Stadium.

A UTC employee prepares to throw a cornhole bag during a Corporate Challenge event while another participant waits beside the board.

Four UTC employees wearing Chattanooga Corporate Challenge shirts pose for a selfie on the field at Finley Stadium.

A UTC participant pedals a stationary bike during a cycling challenge while teammates cheer and encourage riders from the sidelines.

A UTC employee lines up a putt on a portable miniature golf course set up on the field at Finley Stadium.

Two UTC employees pose with championship medals and plaques after winning the Division III cornhole tournament at the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge.

UTC employees wearing matching Chattanooga Corporate Challenge shirts pose for a group photo inside Southside Social before a bowling competition.

UTC employees prepare to bowl at Southside Social during a Chattanooga Corporate Challenge event.

A UTC employee prepares to release a bowling ball while teammates watch from behind during a Corporate Challenge bowling competition.

A UTC participant crosses the finish line of the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge 5K as spectators and volunteers cheer nearby.

A UTC participant runs toward the finish area during the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge 5K.

A UTC participant wearing a navy Corporate Challenge shirt and blue shorts runs along the 5K course near the finish area.

A UTC participant approaches the finish area of the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge 5K while spectators and fellow runners line the course.

A smiling UTC participant runs toward the finish line during the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge 5K.

A UTC participant wearing patterned shorts runs along the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge 5K course near the finish area.

A UTC participant runs through the final stretch of the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge 5K as volunteers and spectators stand along the course.

A UTC participant nears the finish area during the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge 5K while volunteers and spectators cheer from the sidelines.

A UTC participant walks near the finish area after completing the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge 5K as volunteers and runners gather nearby.

Participant in a UTC Corporate Challenge T-shirt runs during the 5K race, wearing sunglasses and a race bib while spectators and other participants watch along the course.

A smiling participant in a UTC Corporate Challenge shirt and Mocs cap runs during the 5K event as other runners gather in the background.

A participant wearing a UTC Corporate Challenge shirt raises both arms in celebration after completing the race.

A runner in a UTC Corporate Challenge shirt reaches out for a high-five from an event staff member along the race course.

UTC employees participate in a group dance activity on a concourse overlooking Finley Stadium before the Corporate Challenge competitions.

A participant in a UTC Corporate Challenge shirt dances and gestures during a group warm-up activity at Finley Stadium.

Four UTC employees pose for a photo in matching Corporate Challenge shirts with the stadium seating in the background.

Participants spread across the field hula hoop during a Corporate Challenge activity at Finley Stadium.

A UTC employee carries a hula hoop while participating in a team challenge on the field at Finley Stadium.

Five UTC employees pose in front of a Corporate Challenge sign on the field at Finley Stadium.

UTC employees walk together during the Corporate Challenge 5K, wearing matching event shirts.

Participants from multiple organizations take part in a group warm-up session on the concourse at Finley Stadium.

A UTC participant sprints down a marked lane during a speed challenge event at Finley Stadium.

A UTC participant runs through a sprint challenge on the field during the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge.

A UTC participant races down a marked lane during a timed sprint competition at Finley Stadium.

A participant kicks a football during a field-goal challenge event at the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge.

A participant follows through after kicking a football during a field-goal competition on the field at Finley Stadium.

Members of the UTC team pose together for a group photo on the field during the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge.

UTC team members pull together during a tug-of-war competition at the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge while spectators look on.

UTC employees and participants from other organizations gather around activity stations on the field during the Corporate Challenge.

Two UTC employees face off across a tabletop maze challenge during the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge at Finley Stadium while teammates and participants gather in the background.

UTC employees work together at a tabletop puzzle event during the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge at Finley Stadium as teammates watch and offer encouragement.

A team of UTC employees gathers around a tabletop puzzle challenge on the field at Finley Stadium during the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge.

UTC employees compete in a tabletop puzzle challenge while coworkers look on during the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge at Finley Stadium.

Members of the UTC team brace and pull during a tug-of-war competition at the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge as spectators watch from the sidelines.

UTC participants celebrate after winning a tug-of-war match during the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge at Finley Stadium.

Members of UTC’s tug-of-war team pose with the Division III championship bracket after winning the event at the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge.

UTC employees participate in a softball throw competition on the field during the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge.

UTC participants pose with stationary bikes before a cycling challenge during the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge.

UTC employees pedal stationary bikes during a cycling competition while teammates cheer them on at the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge.

A UTC employee encourages a teammate during a cycling challenge as participants compete on stationary bikes at the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge.

UTC employees line up and prepare for a dodgeball game during the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge.

UTC employees prepare to receive a ball during a dodgeball game at the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge.

A participant in a UTC Corporate Challenge T-shirt and race bib jogs near Finley Stadium during the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge 5K, smiling and making a hand gesture toward the camera.

A UTC participant wearing a race bib and Corporate Challenge T-shirt raises her hand for a high-five from a supporter during the 5K portion of the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge near Finley Stadium.

Two UTC employees walk along a concourse overlooking Finley Stadium during the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge. Participants and activity stations are visible on the field below.

Corporate Challenge photo gallery

Communications and Marketing