When it comes to college sports, I bleed Orange, and this years incarnation of the mens basketball program has brought pride to a program which was temporarily humbled in football. Bruce Pearl has brought an enthusiasm that is contagious to the campus. From exhorting students in the cafeteria, to bringing his team into the stands on a road trip to thank the fans who came, Pearl is proving to be a fantastic coaching addition on the hill.
At the Orange and White game last spring, he made a point to come over and introduce himself to Thomas and Elisabeth. We had heard about him before this time, and I really didn’t know what to think. For so long, Tennessee mens basketball fans have had little to cheer about. When Thomas and I went for our annual Father/Son football game, Bruce was dancing the jitterbug on the sidelines at halftime with the Pride of the Southland Marching band.
Hopefully I have not jinxed the team as they take on Kentucky tonight in Knoxville. They have the opportunity to sweep the Cats this year, which would be tremendous. Regardless, Bruce Pearl with the extremely Orange Sports Coats, and Sweaty Suits has brought pride and enthusiasm and has been a blast to watch. GO VOLS!