"Talk of the Town": My Fan Day Experience
I went to Fan Day yesterday; even though I was one of the lucky few to get in line early as I arrived in Gainesville @ 8:00 in the morning, that didn't stop the ensuing chaos once the doors were opened a half-hour later than scheduled.
Even though I was able to get autographs from the running backs, kickers, punters and tight ends sans Aaron Hernandez, it was a madhouse in there. I had voicemails on my cell phone from two friends I was hoping to meet up with, but with such a large crowd there that was nearly impossible. To get to the other position tables tickets were being handed out, but unfortunately the QB table was cut off after a certain point. To me, it seems that Tebowmania was the main reason why the vast majority of the fans came.
I did see Chuck Steinmann, who's Billy Steinmann's (reserve OL) dad up from Volusia County. I had met and talked with him during a spring practice session I had attended on a Saturday before the O&B game, and I was happy that he remembered our conversation. I also noticed some of the other players' parents there also; Chas Henry's dad was speaking to his son just before I got to the autograph table, and earlier before doors opened I had noticed Rev. and Mrs. Tebow walking across the street en route to the football complex.
Around 1:30 or so, knowing it was going to be next to impossible to get other autographs on my poster, I headed over to the student union for lunch and some shopping; in spite of the fact that I saw a couple of guys with Bama and SOW gear on to my displeasure over there, I did pick up a nice Gator wine decanter for my glassware at home that I had an eye on. Some students were arriving back on campus, and it looks like Pi Chi sorority had some of their pledges there as well.
I headed back to Orlando @2:30 or so, not knowing which direction and/or how much of an effect Tropical Storm Claudette would have on the area since it was out there in the Gulf. Since we're hitting peak hurricane season right now, my travelling will come to a stop until later - now I need to start planning my gametime menus for the season! Still hoping to get some tix to the FIU game in November, though.
GO GATORS!!!!!! :gator::gator::gator:
