Tennessee HC Josh Heupel makes powerful statement about UT's Vol Walk
Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel is a big fan of UT's storied traditions. And that's not just because he's the head coach and he's supposed to embrace those traditions. Tennessee fans have seen plenty of past Vols coaches who "embraced" UT's traditions mostly because it was part of their job. Heupel, however, seems to […]
Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel is a big fan of UT's storied traditions.
And that's not just because he's the head coach and he's supposed to embrace those traditions. Tennessee fans have seen plenty of past Vols coaches who "embraced" UT's traditions mostly because it was part of their job.
Heupel, however, seems to have a deeper connection to Tennessee's traditions. And it's evident in the way he talks about the things that are unique to the Vols, like Vol Walk, running through the T, the Vol Navy, etc.
On Wednesday night during Vol Calls, Heupel was asked if he ever stops before a game to take a moment to appreciate the position he's in at Tennessee.
"I think one of the things just as a player that I learned afterwards is that I didn’t enjoy the moment enough," said Heupel. "I talk to our team a lot about that. There’s times during your career and there’s times during the week to take in the moment, too. I think that brings energy to the moment that’s next, but it brings energy throughout the year, too."
"For me, when I go on the Vol Walk, you can see the coaches all take their kids with them," continued Heupel. "I try to soak in that moment as much as I can. One, being with my kids. And then interacting with the fans as we walk down to Gate 21."
“There’s nothing better in college sports," added Heupel. "There’s nothing better that I’ve heard about, and nothing that I’ve experienced in sports than that."
"When we’re out running through the T, I enjoy that moment a lot more than I did when I was playing. I take that in. Man, we all missed running through the T (before the Austin Peay game due to weather), because that entrance is the best in college football. There’s nothing like being here for a home game. The other thing I absolutely love is when we’re driving to the stadium and I look over and there’s 150 boats tied up on the river, seeing Vol Navy. It’s really special here.”
Heupel clearly cares deeply about Tennessee's storied traditions. And that has developed in part because Heupel has taken the time to appreciate what those traditions mean to Vols fans.
I'm not sure anyone, except maybe athletic director Danny White, knew how perfect of a fit Heupel would be at Tennessee.
Tennessee defender comments on Vols’ players-only meeting ahead of the Florida game
A Tennessee defender commented on the Vols’ players-only meeting ahead of the Florida game
Featured image via Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
