We’re headed home today to visit family, friends and attend the first two football games. Since we moved too Tennessee 20 years ago spending that much time home was tough because of work and kids. Retirement is good.
War Memorial Stadium has so many great memories for me and my family. My Uncle James took me there for the first time in the late 50’s. I fell in love with the Razorbacks that day. We had seats in section 19 for most of the 80’s and early 90’s. My two daughters attended every game there with us when they children. We saw a lot of great wins and many heartbreaking losses. Lots of memories about the game but my best memories are the special time we had with friends and family at the game and tailgating.
Both our girls would be outfitted in Razorback cheerleader uniforms (we saved the uniforms and our two granddaughters have worn them). Our tailgating crew included family and friends. We tailgated in front of Ray Windsor field for over a decade. My older brother (actually brother in law) Wendall and I broke down the game and always agreed we would win. Our dear friend Bubba Hardgrave kept us all in stitches with his comedy. Bubba would sing the Alma Mater very loud in the pre game and say “Bacon of Hope” rather than “Beacon of Hope”. The entire section loved Bubba. One year prior to a Texas game Bubba and I had Kazoo’s and circled the stadium playing the Razorback Fight Song. We made it on National TV that day. I still have that tape. My father in law would attend with us on occasion and would bring tuna fish sandwiches wrapped in napkins and munch on them throughout the game. Oh how I miss my father in law - what a Godly loving man.
Next Thursday I’ll be sitting in section 19 for the first time in a couple of decades. I’ll enjoy the game but my mind will drift back to Bubba and John (my father in law) both who are now with their Lord in heaven. I’ll remember my girls calling the Hogs and I’ll cherish those memories. For some like me the games are wonderful but the memories of family and friends are the most important part of Razorback football.
Please do not think that this post is to start over the debate about WMS. Even I can see that it’s only a matter of time before all games are at RRS. My intent was to show that memories as a Razorback fan are not always about wins or losses but about family, friends and enjoying the experience. WPS
LD