Becoming Unlikely Teammates
In a surprising turn of events, former high school rivals Alan Treakle and Liam Vitters found themselves on the same Division I men’s college basketball team that won a national championship. Treakle, a Wakefield High School graduate, was the director of basketball operations, while Vitters, a Yorktown High grad, was a walk-on freshman forward for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Mocs.
- At the time, Treakle and Vitters were part of rival boys’ high school basketball teams in Arlington.
- The age differential between Treakle and Vitters meant they didn’t play against each other in high school — or even know each other until they met at Chattanooga.
- Vitters graduated from Yorktown in 2023 and Treakle from Wakefield in 2017, nearly six years apart.
From High School Rivals to College Teammates
The age differential between Treakle and Vitters meant they didn’t play against each other in high school — or even know each other until they met at Chattanooga. Vitters was coached by Treakle’s father, Kevin, in youth league basketball in Arlington.
- After high school, Treakle played five seasons of college ball, where he was a standout by scoring 1,337 career points, for the Division II University of Mount Olive team in North Carolina.
- Treakle then began his college coaching career as a graduate assistant at Chattanooga, being promoted to his current position that he’s had for two years.
- Vitters attended and played for the Kiski School in Pennsylvania, a college-preparatory boarding school, before attempting to make the Chattanooga team as a walk-on.
Walk-on Success Story
“To get two championship rings in my freshman season is pretty good. I wasn’t expecting that,” Vitters said. “Liam showed up here at Chattanooga with great work ethic and with so much energy and enthusiasm,” Treakle said. “He checked all the buttons that a walk-on needs to have.”
The Kiski experience was helpful in making the Chattanooga roster, according to Vitters. “Playing at Kiski taught me to be happy with the sixth-man role and be of value in that situation,” Vitters said. “I’m happy playing any role or position and doing anything that’s needed to contribute.”
Highlights of the Season
- 9 games participated in this season, with limited playing time.
- 2 shots from the floor, and 1 of 2 from the foul line to score five points, with 3 rebounds and an assist.
- “Making my two shots, I had the best shooting percentage on the team,” Vitters joked.
A Newfound Appreciation
“I really wanted to be a walk-on at Division I and be the big-energy guy on the end of the bench,” Vitters said. “It has worked out well. Now I hope I can make the story better going forward.”
Vitters saw only limited playing time this past season, as often is the case for Division I walk-ons. However, he was able to contribute in other ways. “Winning a national title has been crazy,” Vitters said. “I’m happy playing any role or position and doing anything that’s needed to contribute. Plus, I’m grateful to be part of this entire team here. The city of Chattanooga has embraced this entire team here. It’s a great place.”
| Points | 1,337 |
| Games Played | 148 |
Championship Rings
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Mocs won the National Invitational Tournament with a 5-0 record. The rings will be awarded for winning the national championship and the Southern Conference regular-season title.
A Bond Formed
“This is a big deal and we are grateful to be part of this,” Treakle told ARLnow. I’m not kidding, it’s a great place to live.”
“Liam showed up here at Chattanooga with great work ethic and with so much energy and enthusiasm,” Treakle said. “He checked all the buttons that a walk-on needs to have.”
The age differential between Treakle and Vitters meant they didn’t play against each other in high school — or even know each other until they met at Chattanooga. Vitters graduated from Yorktown in 2023 and Treakle from Wakefield in 2017, nearly six years apart. Vitters then attended and played for the Kiski School in Pennsylvania, a college-preparatory boarding school, before attempting to make the Chattanooga team as a walk-on. Treakle played five seasons of college ball, where he was a standout by scoring 1,337 career points, for the Division II University of Mount Olive team in North Carolina. He then began his college coaching career as a graduate assistant at Chattanooga, being promoted to his current position that he’s had for two years. Vitters saw only limited playing time this past season, as often is the case for Division I walk-ons. It’s a great place.” The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Mocs won the National Invitational Tournament with a 5-0 record. Vitters and Treakle have formed a bond, despite their initial rivalry in high school. Treakle said, “This is a big deal and we are grateful to be part of this,” Treakle told ARLnow. I’m not kidding, it’s a great place to live.” Vitters said, “Liam showed up here at Chattanooga with great work ethic and with so much energy and enthusiasm,” Treakle said. “He checked all the buttons that a walk-on needs to have.” Vitters was coached by Treakle’s father, Kevin, in youth league basketball in Arlington. He then attended and played for the Kiski School in Pennsylvania, a college-preparatory boarding school, before attempting to make the Chattanooga team as a walk-on. Alan Treakle and Liam Vitters have formed a unique bond, despite their initial rivalry in high school. Treakle, who was the director of basketball operations, and Vitters, a walk-on freshman forward, both contributed to the team’s national championship win. Vitters said, “I really wanted to be a walk-on at Division I and be the big-energy guy on the end of the bench,” and it has worked out well for him. It’s a great place.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the story of Alan Treakle and Liam Vitters is one of unlikely friendships and shared success. Despite their initial rivalry in high school, the two have formed a strong bond as teammates and colleagues. Their unique story is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and teamwork. As they look to the future, Vitters and Treakle are excited to see what the next season brings, and are grateful to be part of a team that has captured the hearts of the entire city.
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