Dorothy Brush "Random Thoughts" Published Aug. 17, 2005

Glade residents welcome top Vol with open arms

Fairfield Glade residents often poke fun at themselves as they unabashedly agree if it's free, offers food or includes football, they'll be there. Late this summer on a scorching hot and humid day, they proved how true that was, especially because another "F" had been added to the list. On that day Phillip Fulmer came to the Village Green Mall in Fairfield to meet fans.

Kathy Gilray works at First Tennessee Brokerage, sponsor of the coach's visit, and she was present during the entire afternoon. When planning for the event began, the first three "f's" were an absolute. A sure to please bonus was added. Each fan would receive a framed polaroid picture taken with Fulmer and autographed by him. That was a great idea, but they had to decide on the number of people who would show up. Numbers were tossed around and they finally decided 200 should be more than enough. They were wrong.

In spite of the miserably hot weather, the long line of people wound from one end of the mall to the other, surpassing the 200 mark. Just about every person held a T-shirt, hat or something to be personally autographed. One woman toted a six-foot orange buck saw. Among the adults were youngsters, many holding paper bags with the items they wanted autographed.

Coach Fulmer was most amiable and was genuinely interested in talking with each and every person as he signed "Go Vols" Phillip Fulmer on whatever they brought. If they wanted their picture with him taken sitting down or standing or beside the big friendly bear that stands in the lobby of First Tennessee's office, he was happy to oblige.

Many wore the shirt they wanted autographed and he signed the back. One woman asked if he would sign her shirt in front because she wore a smock at work and noone would know the back was autographed. Fulmer agreed and as he signed over her heart he asked, "You don't have a big jealous husband, do you?"

Kathy said many of the men, although acting very composed, were almost giggly as they approached the coach. It was much like little kids waiting to talk to Santa Claus. There is nothing unusual about this as anyone who has been in the presence of a famous person can tell you. It is unnerving to say the least.

Fulmer had endured a grueling summer with headlines questioning legal breaches, team rules violations and any negative scuttlebut that could be found. On this day he showed no wear and tear and he gave each person his undivided attention.

One young man who makes deliveries throughout Fairfield Glade tried to find a football to buy as he made his rounds. He had hoped to have it autographed for his first son not yet a year old. His search was unsuccessful but when he learned his name had been drawn for one of the door prizes and it was an autographed football, his day was made. Baby Dillon will hear that story many times as he grows up.

As the last fan brought an end to the coach's visit, Kathy's husband arrived, but he had nothing to autograph. Kathy told him he did have something. She had dressed the bear in his orange vol shirt and the back was autographed "Go Vols" Phillip Fulmer.

There was one more unusual signing as Fulmer went outside. Before he did that a man who had gone through the line earlier rushed up with a shirt. Coach recognized him immediately because at the first meeting the man had identified himself as "I'm a Purdue fan." Will he wear his "Go Vols" autographed shirt to Purdue games?

When Crossville's Checker Cab service learned Coach Fulmer was coming a woman called and said, "My blood is orange. Do you think he would autograph my cab?" He had no problem with that request and he signed the cab and a van for her as well as a large piece of cardboard. That autograph will be transferred with waterproof paint.

Other than having a tired hand from shaking and signing coach Fulmer must have felt good to know he had so many fans.

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Dorothy Copus Brush is a Fairfield Glade resident and Crossville Chronicle staffwriter whose column is published each Wednesday. She may be reached at ebrush@frontiernet.net