I am coming up my 12 year Volnation anniversary. I had read through some articles and a few threads before, but I really jumped in on that cold January night in 2010. Chaos was waving through Knoxville and there were reports of mattresses on fire on the Tennessee campus. Lane left. I was so sad and angry but also inspired by the fans. I wasnt in Knoxville, but i did set my Lane train t-shirt on fire in solidarity. That coaching search was so rushed and panicked but it was also an impossible situation. There was no time at all. Makes me mad at Lane again just thinking about it.
I was also really intrigued with what we were going to do next. Our recruiting class was falling apart. How were we gonna build this back? We were so close to being back on top and then we were immediately at the bottom lower than before. That was difficult to admit at the time for me. But Volnation and specifically this thread when i eventually found it, tucked away in what felt like a secret corner of the site, kept me hanging on. Kept my eyes looking forward. The folks in here spoke with wisdom and optimism. Thats how i wanted to be too. Reminded me of conversations with my Dad.
I've written a bunch of stuff and have come and gone many times over the years. Sometimes i have to step away for a couple months when the baseball talk gets too thick. But i appreciate this little thread and all of you. Its comforting to know you're always in here trying to figure out how the Vols are gonna get better.
Go big orange forever