Working in athletics you see a lot of different things and different people. You work with very motivated coaches, fellow administrators and student-athletes. You also deal with a wide variety of fans and spectators. Regardless of whatever school you work for, you do see a lot of the same things. However, today I had a first.
This morning, around 9:40 AM, I walked out onto our Baseball Field with two middle aged women. After removing a small bag from a plastic case, the ladies began spreading the ashes of their father around the diamond. Shortly after, we walked down to the football stadium and spread the remaining ashes in both endzones and at midfield. I received the call from one of the daughters Tuesday. Their father, Mr. Robert Harris, was a long time Vanderbilt fan and consistent donor to the program for many years. It wasn't as emotional as you'd think. Mr. Harris passed two years ago and clearly the majority of the grieving process had been complete for his daughters. However it was touching. Harris loved Vanderbilt Athletics. He loved being a Commodore fan and making his way to all of the sporting events. His dying wish was to become a part of Vanderbilt.
I know it is a somewhat somber thing to talk about, but this man had so much passion for Vanderbilt, he wanted to remain a part of it even after death. I've always said that I want to be cremated someday. It would be nice to have so much passion about a place to want to be a part of it. Yes that sounds strange, but I also believe it adds some closure. Harris became a part of our facilities. When his family returns for games, they will know their dad is with them. As a sport nut, I think that is a pretty cool thing.
Have I mentioned how crazy things are right now? Not enough time to get things done at work. I wish I could invent a new day at work where all you did was come in and get things done. No meetings, no phone calls, no emails. Just work. Alas, my life is not so simple. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do. All of you should know that by now. I just wish I had more time. I have tons to prepare for, and maybe someday when I'm bored I let you all know what I really do. I wish it was as simple as tossing a ball out on to the field or court and having teams go at it. But it isn't. Oh well.
I'm heading to Chattanooga this weekend to visit a friend. I've never been, but I hear they have a kick ass aquarium. These are things you miss when you get in your 20s and up. You really don't go to things like this unless you are a kid or a parent with kids. At least I wouldn't normally think to check it out, but this weekend I will. Like that long explanation?
Earlier today, Bid Red emailed me an instant messenger conversation we had back in 2002. It wasn't a ranking system of the girls we knew, but more so a mock draft. Big Red v. Jay Lowe in the 2002 Spring Street Draft. I remember having this IM conversation, and I laughed throughout. Reading it again made me die of laughter. There were attempts at trades, there was a controversial pick ... all the drama you could ask for. I know this makes no sense, but trust me when I say it is hilarious. If you aren't easily offended, I'd be more than happy to share.
I hope everyone has a great weekend. See you in August.
This morning, around 9:40 AM, I walked out onto our Baseball Field with two middle aged women. After removing a small bag from a plastic case, the ladies began spreading the ashes of their father around the diamond. Shortly after, we walked down to the football stadium and spread the remaining ashes in both endzones and at midfield. I received the call from one of the daughters Tuesday. Their father, Mr. Robert Harris, was a long time Vanderbilt fan and consistent donor to the program for many years. It wasn't as emotional as you'd think. Mr. Harris passed two years ago and clearly the majority of the grieving process had been complete for his daughters. However it was touching. Harris loved Vanderbilt Athletics. He loved being a Commodore fan and making his way to all of the sporting events. His dying wish was to become a part of Vanderbilt.
I know it is a somewhat somber thing to talk about, but this man had so much passion for Vanderbilt, he wanted to remain a part of it even after death. I've always said that I want to be cremated someday. It would be nice to have so much passion about a place to want to be a part of it. Yes that sounds strange, but I also believe it adds some closure. Harris became a part of our facilities. When his family returns for games, they will know their dad is with them. As a sport nut, I think that is a pretty cool thing.
Have I mentioned how crazy things are right now? Not enough time to get things done at work. I wish I could invent a new day at work where all you did was come in and get things done. No meetings, no phone calls, no emails. Just work. Alas, my life is not so simple. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do. All of you should know that by now. I just wish I had more time. I have tons to prepare for, and maybe someday when I'm bored I let you all know what I really do. I wish it was as simple as tossing a ball out on to the field or court and having teams go at it. But it isn't. Oh well.
I'm heading to Chattanooga this weekend to visit a friend. I've never been, but I hear they have a kick ass aquarium. These are things you miss when you get in your 20s and up. You really don't go to things like this unless you are a kid or a parent with kids. At least I wouldn't normally think to check it out, but this weekend I will. Like that long explanation?
Earlier today, Bid Red emailed me an instant messenger conversation we had back in 2002. It wasn't a ranking system of the girls we knew, but more so a mock draft. Big Red v. Jay Lowe in the 2002 Spring Street Draft. I remember having this IM conversation, and I laughed throughout. Reading it again made me die of laughter. There were attempts at trades, there was a controversial pick ... all the drama you could ask for. I know this makes no sense, but trust me when I say it is hilarious. If you aren't easily offended, I'd be more than happy to share.
I hope everyone has a great weekend. See you in August.
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