What does this year mean to you?

#1
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fortners

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#1
Alot to me, I am one of the biggest fans you will ever meet but growing up my parents hated football or sports in general so I didn't get to watch much. So I listened to John Ward (greatest sports play by play of all time) for years to scratch my itch for vol sports. In 1998 when I was 18 I joined the Marine Corps and moved away and watched every vol game I could find. During the first game of that season my dad calls me and asks if I was watching and then he watched a vols game for the first time ever. After that he called me every game of every year, never missing one. Even when I was deployed I would get a message on my phone when I got back. Three weeks ago my father passed away from heart failure, so I will be getting no more phone calls which sometimes aggravated me because they were right in the middle of the game, but now I don't know how I am going to feel without them. I have a special feeling about this year since 1998 was our last championship year. Just one vol fans opinion, but I will remember this year for a long time, I hope its the next great season in a long and proud history.
 
#2
#2
This year means the world to me. It seems like just yesterday Erik Ainge and Brent Schaffer were frosh, and it seems like just yesterday David Greene was beating us in the waining moments and his teammates tomped on the T, and it seems like just yesterday Peerless Price was running 79yards no flags on the field. Tennessee sports fly by and hopefully this can be a year to remember.
 
#3
#3
Easy, this is the year that means SEC Championship or Fulmer's head, plain and simple.
 
#4
#4
that personally will be a sad day when the ole pumpkin ain't on the sideline anyomore, it will be the end of an era and I hope he goes out holding the crystal ball with Eric Berry and Chris Donald.
 
#5
#5
fortners said:
Alot to me, I am one of the biggest fans you will ever meet but growing up my parents hated football or sports in general so I didn't get to watch much. So I listened to John Ward (greatest sports play by play of all time) for years to scratch my itch for vol sports. In 1998 when I was 18 I joined the Marine Corps and moved away and watched every vol game I could find. During the first game of that season my dad calls me and asks if I was watching and then he watched a vols game for the first time ever. After that he called me every game of every year, never missing one. Even when I was deployed I would get a message on my phone when I got back. Three weeks ago my father passed away from heart failure, so I will be getting no more phone calls which sometimes aggravated me because they were right in the middle of the game, but now I don't know how I am going to feel without them. I have a special feeling about this year since 1998 was our last championship year. Just one vol fans opinion, but I will remember this year for a long time, I hope its the next great season in a long and proud history.
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Great post. This cuts to the heart of why we take football so seriously, especially here in the South. It's more than a game and it's attached to things like family, pride, and a sense of place.

I won't ever watch a UT game without thinking about my grandfather and I'm sure you'll always be the same way in regards to your dad. Here's hoping we bring home some hardware this season.
 
#6
#6
fortners said:
Alot to me, I am one of the biggest fans you will ever meet but growing up my parents hated football or sports in general so I didn't get to watch much. So I listened to John Ward (greatest sports play by play of all time) for years to scratch my itch for vol sports. In 1998 when I was 18 I joined the Marine Corps and moved away and watched every vol game I could find. During the first game of that season my dad calls me and asks if I was watching and then he watched a vols game for the first time ever. After that he called me every game of every year, never missing one. Even when I was deployed I would get a message on my phone when I got back. Three weeks ago my father passed away from heart failure, so I will be getting no more phone calls which sometimes aggravated me because they were right in the middle of the game, but now I don't know how I am going to feel without them. I have a special feeling about this year since 1998 was our last championship year. Just one vol fans opinion, but I will remember this year for a long time, I hope its the next great season in a long and proud history.
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Welcome to Volnation! I'm sorry to hear about your dad. When I was a kid I started watching UT with my dad, and it became sort of a ritual in our house. He died in Feb of 99, so the Fiesta Bowl was the last game he got to see. I think about him every time I watch a game to this day, and I suspect it will be the same for you.
 
#7
#7
My dad was an Auburn fan, but he always watched the Vols with me. He's been gone since 2004. I miss him all the time, but especially during football season. Now I'm making (hopefully) lasting memories with my son. Football Saturdays are just ours together.
 
#8
#8
me and my dad watch every game it's the highlight of the my week. i wouldnt give it up for the world, sry to hear bout your dad. im just 15 and hope i can have many memories
 
#9
#9
Welcome to the nation, and thank you for your first post. Condolences on your loss.

At this point I am just ready for kick off, and am anxious to see some new speed on display. Hopefully UT will find a DB or two and a three DTs that are ready to roll.
 
#10
#10
Two things Fortners. Thanks for serving our country and welcome to Volnation!

Am sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My father and I also call each other during each game. Once before and usually after each score. It's hard for me to imagine not being able to call him. My heart felt condolences.

I am sure though you are still excited about the prospect that comes with a new season. Senior quarterback, some seasoned running backs. and other areas in which we hope the kids have become better.

Hope you are stationed in place now where AFN will pick up more games then less. Thanks again for serving and Go Vols!!
 
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