University of Tennessee Athletics
Early Named to Vol Network General Manager Post
Feb. 10, 2004
LEXINGTON, Ky. - Host Communications, Inc. has named Steve Early as General Manager of the Vol Network succeeding Edwin Huster, who passed away January 24, 2004. Employed by HOST since 1991, Early has spearheaded the sales and marketing efforts of the Vol Network for the past 13 years. During this time period, the Vol Network experienced exceptional growth in numerous areas including programming, sponsorships and home entertainment.
HOST Chief Executive Officer and President, Gordon Whitener, acknowledged the Vol Network as a model collegiate property due in part to its veteran staff. "Steve Early has been well trained to expand his responsibilities and provide oversight for our entire Vol Network property by his mentor, the late Edwin Huster," said Whitener. "While we continue to mourn Edwin's passing, we are extremely excited about Steve continuing the rich tradition that our company has established at Tennessee. The respect Steve has earned both in the athletics and business community, plus his love of Tennessee, make him the perfect choice to lead the Vol Network."
A native Knoxvillian, Early earned a sports management degree from the University of Tennessee in 1987. Prior to joining the Vol Network, Early worked for two Knoxville television stations, WBIR and WKXT.
"It is an honor to lead what I consider to be the most heralded network in all of college sports," said Early. "The legacies of such great men as Lindsey Nelson, John Ward and Edwin Huster are something our staff embraces every day. I appreciate the support shown by both HOST and UT as we make this transition and I will always owe the utmost gratitude to my friend, Edwin Huster, who prepared me for this appointment. He will forever be a part of us."
