2012 Alabama vs Western Carolina

While I am not a huge fan of getting up early in the morning, it was indeed nice being finished and back at the RV in time for the afternoon games. Welcome to an 11:21 kickoff. Additionally, this tailgate brought a venue change as we were across from the quad at the Shelby County Alumni Association Tent as Alabamatailgate.com was the sponsor.

It was nice being on the in the mix of foot traffic. I love nothing more than to meet fans from the other team and this week was no different. We had a couple who stopped by the tent on the way to the game and grabbed a beverage. After the game they came back by the tent. They were vibrating with excitement. It turns out their son was a starting lineman for Western Carolina. They were able to spend a few minutes after the game with him. The relayed that he told them that Alabama was the most well disciplined and polite team he had ever played. They went on and on about how great everyone was to them and how much they enjoyed being there and seeing their son on our field.

That folks is why I love Alabama football. Don’t get me wrong I know we have our bad fans just like any other team. Heck, after some of the TN losses I may have well been one of those fans… I like to think it was because I was younger.

With that said, it was a humbling 15 min that I was able to spend with them. It quickly reminded me that at the end of the day it is simply a game being played by very young men. It reminded me how important being a part of something larger than you is for those life lessons. His parents were so excited to talk about his football, but they were more excited to tell me about his academic success. They were so excited to tell me how he had entered as very poor student and had grown into a great student due to the opportunities he has earned through hard work.

As Alabama fans entering the Iron Bowl week, let’s try and remember that. I want to beat Auburn and want to beat them BAD. But, I also want all of us to take a second and welcome their fans into Tuscaloosa. Welcome them to your tailgate and make sure they have a great time while here!

Roll Tide!

Shane

Tags:

Alabama football

Alabamatailgate.com

Iron Bowl week

Shelby County Alumni Association

Western Carolina