Manning scholarship winner is daughter of Alabama graduates

By BY MIKE STRANGE
strangem@knoxnews.com

Originally published 08:13 p.m., June 19, 2008
Updated 08:13 p.m., June 19, 2008

The parents of Elizabeth Tiller no doubt appreciate Peyton Manning more today than they did when he wore a Tennessee football uniform.

Tiller, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., was introduced Thursday as the 11th winner of the Peyton Manning Scholarship. She will enroll at UT this fall.

"My parents both graduated from Alabama and they're both Alabama fans,'' Tiller said before a ceremony at the Thornton Center. "But I know they definitely supported him as a football player.''

The Manning Scholarship is funded from $165,000 in gifts to the university garnered from Manning's academic awards during his career (1994-97), matching gifts from the athletic department and other private gifts.

Tiller is the first Manning Scholar who will also compete as an athlete. She will run cross country and track for the Lady Vols.

"This scholarship,'' said Manning, "has been a great connection for me back to the university and it's going to continue forever, hopefully.''