University of Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee Fans Welcome Vols Home After Win at Swamp
December 01, 2001 | Football
Dec. 1, 2001
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| Tennessee was welcomed by more than 4,000 fans Saturday night at Tom Black Track following the Vols' 34-32 win at No. 2 Florida. (photo: pmrphoto.com) |
| KNOXVILLE - Vols fans who couldn't make it to Gainesville for Tennessee's 34-32 win over Florida earlier Saturday evening crowded into Tom Black Track just before midnight to welcome their heroes home -- and what a welcome it was. A crowd estimated at 4,500 was on hand. Not since 1967, after the Vols defeated Ole Miss on their way to the Orange Bowl, had the campus hosted such a tumultuous welcome home. In greeting the multitudes, head coach Phillip Fulmer, whose team is now 10-1 on the 2001 season, said, "I'm proud of our football team and proud to represent the greatest fans in the world. I have a chance to work with the greatest staff and the best group of seniors any coach could have." Fulmer added what he thought the winning edge was. "Tonight's win is a classic example of what teamwork can do. Our team came together for an outstanding effort. There were a lot of people who didn't believe that this team could do what they did. We still have some work to do in Atlanta." Fulmer recognized and the crowd cheered team co-captain, defensive tackle and Outland Trophy finalist John Henderson, who said the chance to play in a game like the one today was one of the reasons he came back for the 2001 season. They also welcomed home running back Travis Stephens, who rushed for 226 yards and two scores in another superb performance by the Doak Walker Award finalist, and quarterback Casey Clausen, who completed 17-of-25 passes for 168 yards and one TD. "We have one more game to go," Clausen said, "before I head back home to California," to the cheers of the crowd. The Vols play LSU Dec. 8 at 8 p.m.(ET) in Atlanta for the SEC title. |
