The CheckerBoard

My first memory actually isn't a memory but more of a story and definitely an explanation of my fandom. I was born on October 19, 1985, just minutes after the Vols beat Bama. My dad and my doctor were actually in another room watching the end of the game while my mom was in labor. As soon as it ended, they came into the room, the doctor delivered me, and they immediately left to go back and watch the first pitch of the world series. I've been a VFL ever since! My greatest memory though was definitely the last time we beat UF in 2004. I was a freshman at UT and sitting 50 yard line, 12th row when Wilhoit hit the 50 yarder to win the game. Never heard a place that loud!

1972 First night game EVER at Neyland - Penn State/Tennessee. I was 14 and had never been to a UT game before. PSU had Mitchell, Harris, Hufnagel. Tennessee had Holloway, Stanback, Trott. 28-21 UT victory.... Phenomenal.

I was born in 1976 so I missed some good years simply being too young to remember them. I'm sure I've never missed a game in my life. Dad is a HUGE VFL, I remember bits and pieces from all the years from sometime early 80's. First clear memory is the 85 Sugar Bowl. Remember a loss to Bama, not sure the year, Majors was HC and it was a Field Goal contest, think we lost 6-9. I remember being mad for like a week because we thought Johnny played the 4th too conservatively. We'd been hunting in Tower Shieldings in Oak Ridge. We left in time to listen to the game on our way home to Cleveland, TN. I'm raising my daughter to be a VFL, her first Vol outfit was a pink cheerleader UT outfit. She is still learning about football and she loves watching the games with me. Sure wish she could hear the games like I did growing up. Watch it on tv if it was on with volume off and the radio blaring John Ward.

The 1985 Season... I played Pop Warner football and we would listen to the games on the radio in the Press Box... John Wards voice was mezmorizing as he called the Auburn game... Giving me chills as i type... GO VOLS!!!