My philosophy as a fan: Expectations

On a message board in response to a question asking what one's expectations are for the UT football program, I posted the following, and now I bring it here:

From the Tennessee football team, I expect inspiring performances that create fond memories. An exceptional season doesn't make my life better. The results of a particular season have no tangible effect on my life. Although I contribute money, I receive no dividend. I am not a shareholder in a corporation. I do not invest in Tennessee football. My money is gone, no matter how the team performs.

I am a fan. If Tennessee football inspires me and brings me a fond memory, whether the Vols are an undefeated team in Tempe or a 5-6 team coming back in Death Valley from 21 down, I don't care what the final record is. I do not get angry at the team or the coaches when Tennessee loses, because my self-worth is not tied to the performance of the team for which I cheer.

I expect to be inspired. Right now, I don't care that the Vols lost to UGA in 2001, because I got to be there when Travis gave it his all on that screen pass, and it makes me happy to remember it. I don't care that the Vols lost the SECC to LSU, because I got to see them pound the rock and drain the Swamp one week earlier, when NO ONE said the Vols could win. I was inspired, weren't you? Yeah, I wanted to go to the Rose Bowl, but it wasn't even on the radar 7 days earlier, so what did I really lose?

Why in the world do you think fans of perennial losers keep going to games, games that they should and likely will lose? It is the memories of past glories and the eternal hope that there is always that great upset still hanging out there, waiting to be seized by a team who really wants it.

Why do fans of Tennessee believe they are entitled to a perennial winner? Most fans didn't choose Tennessee; TENNESSEE chose THEM, either by birth, or heritage, or accident. I am a fan of Tennessee because my parents moved to Knoxville when I was three. Nothing more, nothing less. Does that non-choice entitle me to anything at all? It shouldn't. Does the fact that I contribute money entitle me to anything besides the chance to buy tickets? It shouldn't. I feel fortunate that I have experienced 5 SEC championships and 1 National Championship in my time as a fan, and if Tennessee never gets one again, so be it. I will always remember those, and for those I am thankful.

I want to be inspired by the football team, hopefully more often than not, and I want to be able to remember it. If the Vols can do that, then I honestly don't care if the Vols have lost to Florida by 1 or 21. I look forward to the rest of the year, and years to come. I think there are more inspiring moments and memories to be made in my future. I can't wait until Saturday.