Yesterday afternoon, Jay called to tell me that Tennessee men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl was scheduled to make an appearance at a nearby mall that evening to sign autographs and such. Now, admittedly, I’m a Knoxville newbie, and the UT men are only sixth or seventh, at best, on my list of bandwagons of the moment favorite teams. But I’ve been a Bruce Pearl fan ever since his “kick Florida’s ass” speech, and my appreciation for his unique style and crazy antics has only grown with time. So, considering the mall is no more than a six- or seven-minute drive from where Becky and I live, I figured, what the heck? As a result, I’ve now met two Knoxville celebrities:
Bruce Pearl is a lot tanner than I am, isn’t he? Not that it takes much…
Anyway, I got a couple of things autographed and had the above picture taken. I also chatted with Coach Pearl briefly, mentioning (among other things) that I was subjected to the “infernal Florida fight song” far too many times at the Midwest Regional, so I’ll be rooting for the Vols especially hard when they play the Gators. (He responded with something noncommittal like “it’s always exciting when we play them.”)
He’s a great promoter for the program. The line wasn’t excessively long — there were maybe 20 people ahead of me when I got there — but it moved quite slowly, which was actually a good thing, in a way (even if it did make me a few minutes late for dinner… sorry, Becky) because it meant he was taking time to talk personally to each person who lined up for an autograph. He came off as very friendly and likeable. If I were a lifelong UT fan, I’d be very happy to have him as my team’s coach. (Of course, it also helps that the Vols have been winning. At one point, some guy walked past the end of the line and remarked, referring to the merchandise that people had bought to be autographed, “You’ll throw it all out if they don’t win 20 games this year.” Heh.)
Anyway, thanks to Jay for the tip. Now the question is, if the opportunity arises to meet Pat Summitt, will I take it? I’d say probably yes, but I’d definitely have to wear a UConn shirt. :)
June 19th, 2007 at 8:00:58 pm
When do you plan to
suck up tomeet President Fred Thompson?;}
June 19th, 2007 at 8:04:05 pm
Joe, it just goes to show you that everything good and wholesome is in Tennessee…
Glad you were able to get out to meet the Coach. Isn’t he a lot cooler than Mike Brey?
June 19th, 2007 at 8:04:48 pm
Heh. I think I read that he’ll probably announce his candidacy in Nashville on July 4 or thereabouts. Becky might take some convincing, but I for one would seriously consider going to that, even if it means taking a Greyhound bus and bar-studying en route there and back. Could be an historic occasion…
June 19th, 2007 at 8:05:38 pm
Yes. Fire Mike Brey. :)
June 19th, 2007 at 9:50:44 pm
Glen Reynolds, Bruce Pearl and I’d bet Fred Thompson is on deck…it’s Forrest Gump redux.
June 20th, 2007 at 3:15:33 am
Mike Brey? Good coach.
June 20th, 2007 at 8:24:03 am
“President Fred Thompson?” lol
And he looks older and in better shape than you…
But he looks older and in better shape than I am as well.
June 20th, 2007 at 8:48:24 am
You know what’s really fun? Mention Bruce Pearl to any Illinois fan in the world. They immediately go into a profanity filled tirade. :)
June 20th, 2007 at 12:39:38 pm
Yeah, that’s because they got caught cheating, so it’s understandable. I mean, c’mon, what’s college sports without a little illicit recruiting ?
The Illini can kiss my generous backside if they’re still hung up on Coach Pearl.
June 21st, 2007 at 6:18:49 am
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