On the evening of March 3, category three and four tornadoes tore through Middle Tennessee leaving a path of destruction from East Nashville to Cookeville.

Hundreds were left without a roof over their heads, thousands went without power for days, and some lost their loved ones. While CU’s campus and students were graciously spared from the storm, several members of our CU family were faced with the devastating loss of their homes and loved ones. 

Head Baseball Coach Woody Hunt’s house was in the storm’s direct path, and while he and his wife were thankfully unharmed, his house was destroyed. Members of the CU family and Lebanon community  gathered to help in the cleanup efforts for Coach Hunt. Help came from all over, from athletic teams to school deans and staff members. Coach Hunt had so many volunteers that he sent many to help neighbors who were also in need of assistance.

Over the course of the following weeks, students, faculty and staff volunteered their time and funding to help those affected. Through tragedy and destruction, the Phoenix spirit stayed strong and never faltered.