In 1998 I was at the Arkansas game with my a friend of mine from high school. My dad and I had season tickets two rows below the V in the vols sign. This particular Saturday, my dad went to sit with my friends dad and I sat with my friend. I promise at 15 years, I said every curse word in the world on UT's last offensive outing prior to the stoner fumble. I also assure you, that every blue hair in the place stared me down as though I was Damion born on 6/6/66. My friend joined me in my rant, he was as all vol as all vol can be. After the stumble and fumble, we were ecstatic and full of jubilation, and the final touchdown was a huge life experience.
In December 2004, my friend from the game, Daniel Harrison was killed in action in Iraq. He was riding in a Humvee positioned at the 50 Cal. machine gun stationed on top of the vehicle. The Humvee hit a bump in the road/sand, and Daniel dropped down in the all purpose vehicle. When he pulled himself up, an enemy bullet went through his armpit and straight into his heart, as it is the only place that is not covered by a chest protector.
As we all know, the Vols sign was takin away and the jumbo tron was put up after the 98 season. In 2005, during the Memphis game, the jumbo tron showed a picture of Daniel on top of a Humvee during his time from Iraq. His picture was just above where we sat for that game. I was still young at that time, I kept my sunglasses on, as I cried. I have never been sadder at a UT game. I wish I could say a lose to UF or Bamma was my saddest moment; however, a victory over a nobody like Memphis was the saddest UT moment in my life. I really doubt it will ever be matched.