55 Years and Counting!

[OneManGang]

There I was, disguised as a skinny 12-year-old, perched in Section RR on 20 September 1969 watching the mighty Vols take on the University of Chattanooga. This would be Chattanooga's last hurrah as an independent institution. In 1970, they would be fully absorbed into the UT System as UT Chattanooga.

Gawd, and what Mighty Vols they were!

The names will cause many a graybeard Vol to get a faraway look and then a fond smile: Scott, Watson, Kell, McClain, Delong, Kreis, Hunt, Weaver, Thompson, Walker, Reynolds, Rotella, Majors, Priest, ... thanks, guys.

The years since have added many more legends: Manning, Martin, Clifton, Hall, Wilson, Price, Pickens, Hooker, just to mention a few.

Both of my boys attended their first games in their Momma's tummy and remain Vols now that they are both grown. My emotions are a stew of awe, pride and humility.

And so I shall be there once again this coming Saturday as the Mighty Vols square off against Chattanooga once again to see yet another circle complete.



BTW, I will once again open that little Smart Pill Machine* to bring you my take on this year's proceedings.

Tentative schedule:

2024 Maxim Topics

UTC – Missionary Ridge
NC State – El Guettar
Kent State –Outpost Kelly
Oklahoma- Marvin Shields, USN MOH
Arkansas – Blanc Mont Ridge
Florida – David McCampbell
Bama – 10th AD at Bastogne
SUK – Roger's Rangers
MSU – The Tester Brothers
Georgia – U.S.Army Chaplain Father Emil Kapaun, MoH
UTEP- Wagon Box
Vandy– Edson's Ridge
Bowl– Arleigh Burke

*H/T the late great Leonard Postoasties

 

[Mustng959]

Remember many of those names on the '69 team. Chip Kell, Jamie Rotella, Bobby Majors, Hacksaw Reynolds, etc. I was 10 years old then, just behind you. Good Vol memories!

 

[J C Higgins]

Fond memories of all those referenced players. I wasn't there for that one but I was a UT freshman in the fall of 1959 so all the Chattanooga games that I saw were before they became UT Chattanooga.

 

[LIFE TIME VOL]

There I was, disguised as a skinny 12-year-old, perched in Section RR on 20 September 1969 watching the mighty Vols take on the University of Chattanooga. This would be Chattanooga's last hurrah as an independent institution. In 1970, they would be fully absorbed into the UT System as UT Chattanooga.

Gawd, and what Mighty Vols they were!

The names will cause many a graybeard Vol to get a faraway look and then a fond smile: Scott, Watson, Kell, McClain, Delong, Kreis, Hunt, Weaver, Thompson, Walker, Reynolds, Rotella, Majors, Priest, ... thanks, guys.

The years since have added many more legends: Manning, Martin, Clifton, Hall, Wilson, Price, Pickens, Hooker, just to mention a few.

Both of my boys attended their first games in their Momma's tummy and remain Vols now that they are both grown. My emotions are a stew of awe, pride and humility.

And so I shall be there once again this coming Saturday as the Mighty Vols square off against Chattanooga once again to see yet another circle complete.

View attachment 669967

BTW, I will once again open that little Smart Pill Machine to bring you my take on this year's proceedings.

Tentative schedule:

2024 Maxim Topics

UTC – Missionary Ridge
NC State – El Guettar
Kent State –Outpost Kelly
Oklahoma- Marvin Shields, USN MOH
Arkansas – Blanc Mont Ridge
Florida – David McCampbell
Bama – 10th AD at Bastogne
SUK – Roger's Rangers
MSU – The Tester Brothers
Georgia – U.S.Army Chaplain Father Emil Kapaun, MoH
UTEP- Wagon Box
Vandy– Edson's Ridge
Bowl– Arleigh Burke

My first game was sept 29 1051, we rode a school bus from Rutledge, i don"t remember but I guess we got in free. Sat in the east stands near the top surrounded by Mississippi State fans with those terrible cowbells. I think they are still ringing in my head. We did win the game 14-0. I can't make the trip much anymore. But, I am a VFL.

 

[bigorangepoppa]

My first game was sept 29 1051, we rode a school bus from Rutledge, i don"t remember but I guess we got in free. Sat in the east stands near the top surrounded by Mississippi State fans with those terrible cowbells. I think they are still ringing in my head. We did win the game 14-0. I can't make the trip much anymore. But, I am a VFL.

You must own the record for the oldest person to ever live. Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

 

[IndianaVol]

That's a heck of a schedule for Maxim Topics...can't wait!!!

 

[LIFE TIME VOL]

You must own the record for the oldest person to ever live. Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

sorry for the typo should be 1951

 

[Tin Man]

sorry for the typo should be 1951

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers knew your original intent without need for clarification.

 

[Tin Man]

Yes, OMG, I recall that the battle of Agincort was 364 years later than 1051. I’m aging but have not yet attained dotage.

 

[OneManGang]

sorry for the typo should be 1951

Not to worry, I was talking to a group of interns at the Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War at UT last week and kept saying "1915" for a talk I gave in 2015.

Pat Gang, historian, meets with the Center's Interns - Tennesseans and War

cstw.utk.edu

The man with me is Dr. Chris Magra, the Director of the Center and a great guy!

 

[Tin Man]

And yes, I know that Tennessee started playing football in 1891.

 

[Tin Man]

Not to worry, I was talking to group of interns at the Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War at UT last week and kept saying "1915" for a talk I gave in 2015.

Pat Gang, historian, meets with the Center's Interns - Tennesseans and War

cstw.utk.edu

The man with me is Dr. Chris Magra, the Director of the Center and a great guy!

Mere foibles. We’re old, but our minds are as sharp as razors (though mine could have been changed awhile back).

 

[GUNTERSVOL]

Fond memories of all those referenced players. I wasn't there for that one but I was a UT freshman in the fall of 1959 so all the Chattanooga games that I saw were before they became UT Chattanooga.

After years of going to gams, 69’ was not so hot. Working for a guy that required Sat. Work so I could provide him drop off and pickup service to the games.,, oh well.

 

[VOLdo Raine]

They have a new memorial for Emil Kapaun at the traffic circle at the junction of Pulaski Barracks, Vogelweh, and Kapaun (Air Field). Parentheses added cause it’s not an air field any longer. My mailbox and barber is on Kapaun. I’d be happy to send you a picture of it for your maxim.

 

[OneManGang]

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers knew your original intent without need for clarification.

Yes, OMG, I recall that the battle of Agincort was 364 years later than 1051. I’m aging but have not yet attained dotage.

And The Bard didn't write that line for another 184 years!

I'll save you the trouble!

 

[OneManGang]

They have a new memorial for Emil Kapaun at the traffic circle at the junction of Pulaski Barracks, Vogelweh, and Kapaun (Air Field). Parentheses added cause it’s not an air field any longer. My mailbox and barber is on Kapaun. I’d be happy to send you a picture of it for your maxim.

Send it to keepingyourstoriesalive@gmail.com and I'll credit you for it in the essay.

Thanks.

 

[Tin Man]

In a way, OMG, I envy you. I was conceived in one city, grew in my mother’s womb in another, and was born in yet another. I lived in a number of cities before coming to Knoxville and a few more after that. For a forty year stretch, I only attend Vols games elsewhere. I was a member of the legion of Vols fans who attended away games, including a number of bowls. Though I enjoyed two residences in greater Nashville, work and other adventures took me to locations outside of Tennessee. I was in Neyland for the Ol’ Miss game in 1978, and did not return until the Florida game in 2018. I still fondly remember how well this old alumnus was treated that day, despite the outcome of the game. I’m overdue for another trip to Knoxville and would be happy to meet you in person when that occurs.

 

[RavinDave]

I was 14 and selling “cold drinks” mostly to fans mixing in their JD.

 

[OneManGang]

In a way, OMG, I envy you. I was conceived in one city, grew in my mother’s womb in another, and was born in yet another. I lived in a number of cities before coming to Knoxville and a few more after that. For a forty year stretch, I only attend Vols games elsewhere. I was a member of the legion of Vols fans who attended away games, including a number of bowls. Though I enjoyed two residences in greater Nashville, work and other adventures took me to locations outside of Tennessee. I was in Neyland for the Ol’ Miss game in 1978, and did not return until the Florida game in 2018. I still fondly remember how well this old alumnus was treated that day, despite the outcome of the game. I’m overdue for another trip to Knoxville and would be happy to meet you in person when that occurs.

Hit me at the email above next time you're headed to K-Vegas.

 

[feathersax]

You must own the record for the oldest person to ever live. Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

Ahh...Theodoric of York, medieval barber (Steve Martin, SNL).

 

[Savannahbayvol]

There I was, disguised as a skinny 12-year-old, perched in Section RR on 20 September 1969 watching the mighty Vols take on the University of Chattanooga. This would be Chattanooga's last hurrah as an independent institution. In 1970, they would be fully absorbed into the UT System as UT Chattanooga.

Gawd, and what Mighty Vols they were!

The names will cause many a graybeard Vol to get a faraway look and then a fond smile: Scott, Watson, Kell, McClain, Delong, Kreis, Hunt, Weaver, Thompson, Walker, Reynolds, Rotella, Majors, Priest, ... thanks, guys.

The years since have added many more legends: Manning, Martin, Clifton, Hall, Wilson, Price, Pickens, Hooker, just to mention a few.

Both of my boys attended their first games in their Momma's tummy and remain Vols now that they are both grown. My emotions are a stew of awe, pride and humility.

And so I shall be there once again this coming Saturday as the Mighty Vols square off against Chattanooga once again to see yet another circle complete.

View attachment 669967

BTW, I will once again open that little Smart Pill Machine* to bring you my take on this year's proceedings.

Tentative schedule:

2024 Maxim Topics

UTC – Missionary Ridge
NC State – El Guettar
Kent State –Outpost Kelly
Oklahoma- Marvin Shields, USN MOH
Arkansas – Blanc Mont Ridge
Florida – David McCampbell
Bama – 10th AD at Bastogne
SUK – Roger's Rangers
MSU – The Tester Brothers
Georgia – U.S.Army Chaplain Father Emil Kapaun, MoH
UTEP- Wagon Box
Vandy– Edson's Ridge
Bowl– Arleigh Burke

*H/T the late great Leonard Postoasties

I too was at the game. Slight correction, UC merged with the UT System September 1, 1969. This was their first game as UTC. I go to breakfast every Tuesday and Thursday with a friend who played in the game.

The 2 alumni associations had a meeting last Wednesday in Chattanooga to celebrate the game. As one who grew up in Chattanooga and attended UT I have a vested interest in both campuses.

https://www.utc.edu/about/utc-history

 

[OneManGang]

I stand corrected.

 

[bigorangepoppa]

sorry for the typo should be 1951

I figured it should have been, just couldn't resist the opportunity. I'm not far behind you, I'm a 1953 model.

 

[Mccage]

There I was, disguised as a skinny 12-year-old, perched in Section RR on 20 September 1969 watching the mighty Vols take on the University of Chattanooga. This would be Chattanooga's last hurrah as an independent institution. In 1970, they would be fully absorbed into the UT System as UT Chattanooga.

Gawd, and what Mighty Vols they were!

The names will cause many a graybeard Vol to get a faraway look and then a fond smile: Scott, Watson, Kell, McClain, Delong, Kreis, Hunt, Weaver, Thompson, Walker, Reynolds, Rotella, Majors, Priest, ... thanks, guys.

The years since have added many more legends: Manning, Martin, Clifton, Hall, Wilson, Price, Pickens, Hooker, just to mention a few.

Both of my boys attended their first games in their Momma's tummy and remain Vols now that they are both grown. My emotions are a stew of awe, pride and humility.

And so I shall be there once again this coming Saturday as the Mighty Vols square off against Chattanooga once again to see yet another circle complete.

View attachment 669967

BTW, I will once again open that little Smart Pill Machine* to bring you my take on this year's proceedings.

Tentative schedule:

2024 Maxim Topics

UTC – Missionary Ridge
NC State – El Guettar
Kent State –Outpost Kelly
Oklahoma- Marvin Shields, USN MOH
Arkansas – Blanc Mont Ridge
Florida – David McCampbell
Bama – 10th AD at Bastogne
SUK – Roger's Rangers
MSU – The Tester Brothers
Georgia – U.S.Army Chaplain Father Emil Kapaun, MoH
UTEP- Wagon Box
Vandy– Edson's Ridge
Bowl– Arleigh Burke

*H/T the late great Leonard Postoasties

69 was quite a year

 

[Volfan1000]

Remember many of those names on the '69 team. Chip Kell, Jamie Rotella, Bobby Majors, Hacksaw Reynolds, etc. I was 10 years old then, just behind you. Good Vol memories!

I was 4 years old in 1969 and had moved to Knoxville from Macon, Georgia.