Volstorm
VN GURU
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2004
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I think that most kids still receive their education into the world of sports from one person
their father.
Those of you who have kids, or were active participants in sports realize how strong of an influence that is. As we grew up we can remember the first time that our Dad took us to a game. No matter which school you root for everyone has those memories of going to games with our fathers, and how that has fueled the passion we have for sports today. For me, I have always grown up in the environment of Tennessee Football. Though I wasnt able to get into the game very much early in life, my passion began when I moved to Knoxville in June of 1985 (coincidence, I think not).
My first live game ever was Vanderbilt at Neyland Stadium 1985. I can remember goal posts being carried out, sugar cubes being thrown, and an excitement in the air I had never experienced. I can remember going and picking up tickets for $5 a piece at the gate before games in the 80s. Even though my early career as a Vol fan was spent mainly test-tubing it (translation: watching on TV), Dad was always there. He taught me the Xs and Os of the game, and as I grew older, I began to develop a passion for the game. I remember the road trips to Memphis (Ole Miss), Nashville (Vanderbilt) and Lexington (Kentucky) on several occasions, and always going home victorious. And of course it just wasnt Tennessee Football without the scent of Jack Daniels.
I can remember my Dad and I sitting at the Florida game in 1992, in the monsoon, as Shuler and company shelled out a beating to the Gators. I remember the Alabama streak and watching the 1995 game at his best friends house as Manning and the Vols ended it. And of course the Kentucky game was always cold and miserable, but we hung in there. We would sit on his best friends boat with the Vol Navy before the games in the 90s, with music blaring from the boats sound system and the blender making another one of his famous Margaritas. And when David Allen Coes You Never Even Called Me By My Name was played, everyone joined in. I can remember the long walk from the boat up to his seats in the upper deck that took forever, and having him to talk to vent to after the games. My dad always watched the games on TV with me, and was able to put up with me through my yelling, jumping, throwing of objects, and pretty much everything that goes along with being a hardcore fan. My last live game with my dad was 2002, the 6OT game against Arkansas. I dont think we had been so relieved in our lives. But then again maybe God knew, and he wanted to make sure Dad got his fill.
Through the wins and losses, a good time was always had. My experiences with my Dad and his friends helped to make me the passionate fan that I am today of Tennessee Football. My Dads seat was in the South end zone, upper deck, I usually sat in the lower North end zone. And even when I sat in the student section I would always look for him, and I still will. The only difference is now he has a better seat than anybody does.
I take pride in the fact that even though my dad has passed, I was with him until the end, and that we both knew how much we loved each other.
This is dedicated to the memory of my father, my friend, John Michael Anderson. I miss you and I love you very much.
- John Michael Anderson II (Volstorm)
Those of you who have kids, or were active participants in sports realize how strong of an influence that is. As we grew up we can remember the first time that our Dad took us to a game. No matter which school you root for everyone has those memories of going to games with our fathers, and how that has fueled the passion we have for sports today. For me, I have always grown up in the environment of Tennessee Football. Though I wasnt able to get into the game very much early in life, my passion began when I moved to Knoxville in June of 1985 (coincidence, I think not).
My first live game ever was Vanderbilt at Neyland Stadium 1985. I can remember goal posts being carried out, sugar cubes being thrown, and an excitement in the air I had never experienced. I can remember going and picking up tickets for $5 a piece at the gate before games in the 80s. Even though my early career as a Vol fan was spent mainly test-tubing it (translation: watching on TV), Dad was always there. He taught me the Xs and Os of the game, and as I grew older, I began to develop a passion for the game. I remember the road trips to Memphis (Ole Miss), Nashville (Vanderbilt) and Lexington (Kentucky) on several occasions, and always going home victorious. And of course it just wasnt Tennessee Football without the scent of Jack Daniels.
I can remember my Dad and I sitting at the Florida game in 1992, in the monsoon, as Shuler and company shelled out a beating to the Gators. I remember the Alabama streak and watching the 1995 game at his best friends house as Manning and the Vols ended it. And of course the Kentucky game was always cold and miserable, but we hung in there. We would sit on his best friends boat with the Vol Navy before the games in the 90s, with music blaring from the boats sound system and the blender making another one of his famous Margaritas. And when David Allen Coes You Never Even Called Me By My Name was played, everyone joined in. I can remember the long walk from the boat up to his seats in the upper deck that took forever, and having him to talk to vent to after the games. My dad always watched the games on TV with me, and was able to put up with me through my yelling, jumping, throwing of objects, and pretty much everything that goes along with being a hardcore fan. My last live game with my dad was 2002, the 6OT game against Arkansas. I dont think we had been so relieved in our lives. But then again maybe God knew, and he wanted to make sure Dad got his fill.
Through the wins and losses, a good time was always had. My experiences with my Dad and his friends helped to make me the passionate fan that I am today of Tennessee Football. My Dads seat was in the South end zone, upper deck, I usually sat in the lower North end zone. And even when I sat in the student section I would always look for him, and I still will. The only difference is now he has a better seat than anybody does.
I take pride in the fact that even though my dad has passed, I was with him until the end, and that we both knew how much we loved each other.
This is dedicated to the memory of my father, my friend, John Michael Anderson. I miss you and I love you very much.
- John Michael Anderson II (Volstorm)
eace:
