Re: Shearer On Dickey
It's always fun to reminisce about the VOL days back in my youth. Thank you, John, and Tom Mattingly who also brings back memories.
I was working at the training table at Gibbs Hall when Dickey first showed up, and frankly, I thought he was an arrogant jerk (probably being a 19-year-old one myself). However, that horrible morning when those assistant coaches got crashed by the train, all animosity went away and the VOL nation came together.
The tie with bammer when Joe Willy forgot the down was a hoot, and Gibbs Hall went crazy. Then, after I graduated, I had the pleasure of watching Charlie Fulton and company dismantle the mighty tide at Legion Field. Flying back in to Chattanooga with Volniacs Seldon Landress and Don Cannon at sunset, the tower announced "Even the sky is big orange tonight!"
I've actually almost forgiven Dickey for throwing the 1969 Gator Bowl (almost).
Good for you, Coach, otherwise.
Mark Rudisill
* * *
In Mark Rudisill's letter about Doug Dickey he makes two factual errors. In 1965 when Tennessee and Alabama tied in Birmingham it wasn't "Joe Willie Namath," who threw threw the ball out of bounds to stop the clock it was Kenny Stabler.
In 1967 when the Vols beat the Tide in Birmingham Charley Fulton did not lead the Vols to victory as he, along with Dewey Warren, was injured and did not play. Rather it was third string QB Bubba Wyche who led the Vols to a 24-13 victory.
Whether it is a political post or a football post I hate to confuse a liberal with the facts.
Douglas Jones
North Chattanooga