Good Ol' Rocky Top!

I love this City and I love UT Football. When I was young, my Uncle Lynn brought me to a game and that was the beginning of my love affair. People in orange were everywhere. Folks were friendly and it was such a cool atmosphere. We played Vandy that day and Andy Kelly was quarterback. We won. I left Knoxville thinking to myself that I would be back.

In 1994, I made my way here for college and have stayed with little thought of leaving. I have a good history with this town. I have great memories and plan to make more. One of my favorite things in the world is the "T." I have been to one game where it was cancelled because of weather but if we have tickets, we make it in time for the "T."

College was fun. Very fun. I was blessed to have a great job for most of my time in college at the Copper Cellar on campus. As I ran this morning, I recounted some of the crazy memories. Waiting tables and bartending were hard - especially on game days - but we had so much fun.

I have been a UT Fan for as long as I can remember. The good, the bad, and the very ugly. I watched the Goal Post run down Cumberland Avenue in 1998. That was cool.

After college, I met Altman and if you've met him, then you know he likes a little college football. Over the years, we have had pre and post game parties at the house on White Avenue, we have held tailgate parties at our home, we've "owned" a spot on campus for tailgating, we've spent time back at Copper Cellar, and we've gone to a number of games through the years. We have great memories of friends from Knoxville and friends from out of town visiting and sharing the excitement.

When Jackson was born, he went to a few tailgate parties with us. We didn't stay long and always came home to watch the game. We were hesitant to take him down for a game last year but I think he might be ready this year. He's been signing Good Ol' Rocky Top all week. I drove him through campus today and he kept asking me to park so he could "play Tennessee." I love that he gets to grow up in such a fun environment.

I have a tradition of running through campus in the fall. Generally, I hit the road for the first home game but was sick last week and just couldn't do it. I almost didn't go today as I was teetering with the idea of trail running instead. I am glad I chose the road. I am glad that I chose the route that we ran and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead - with my life, work, and football.

Life isn't just about football but I am reminded today that football brought me to Knoxville where I got an education, met my husband, had the coolest kid, and have made many, many friends. GO BIG ORANGE!