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2. Once Again Targeting Young Fans
When we were moving into the RTI Studios, I met a young man who worked for our internet provider who was a big Bulldog fan. Born and raised in Blount County, but a Bulldog fan nonetheless. He liked Georgia because they “won a lot.” Tennessee hadn’t won since he was a little kid. And even then, “they didn’t win a ton.” So he adopted Georgia as his team.
Sadly, there are plenty more like him. Because kids like winners, which isn’t good news for a program that’s been mired in a decade of mediocrity.
Back when I was a kid, none of my friends were defectors. We were hardcore fans. For many of us, the 1986 Sugar Bowl was our first experience of just how great fandom could feel. It was the purest of dope, and we were all hooked. But Tennessee hadn’t had a postseason victory like that in quite a few years.
Until yesterday.
The program’s first postseason win since the 2008 Outback Bowl — and just its fourth since the 98 championship season — was a long-awaited, much-needed and impossibly dynamic one. Orange stars shined bright at nearly every position on the field. Underclassmen stars at that.
Though the triplets (age seven) have followed the Vols all year, the TaxSlayer Bowl left them spellbound. They always looked up to the players, but yesterday, those players became heroes. I saw the transformation in their eyes happen right before mine.
This was their 86 Sugar Bowl. And I dare say they weren’t the only impressionable young fans who saw their first iconic postseason UT win.
And that’s good news for a program that’s finally leaving the decade of mediocrity behind.
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3 Responses
Agreed.
Have Following Will Travel
(for those old enough to remember…)
While, I definately feel good about the way the season ended, and the direction I believe the program is going, I’m going to hold off a little longer proclaiming the program back.
I too remember the jubilation of the SugarVols, and the momentum that we were supposedly riding but I also remember what a flop the 1986 team was. I’m sure Oklahoma felt they were back after laying it to Bama last year. I also remember thinking we turned the corner after 1979 Notre Dame and 1982 Alabama games.
One of the reasons for my caution is still lack of experienced depth. I can’t imagine we will be as lucky as Ohio State next year if Dobbs goes down.
I’m not trying to be negative at all, I just prefer to say ” so far so good” at this time.
Vols are my team have since 1978 go vols I’m die hard fan win or lose I’m a vol. Butch will show he’s the man for big orange!