Not The Time To Gloat

My first University of Tennessee game was a success. I had a great time with friends I hadn't seen in a while. I loved being around fans as enthusiastic as UT fans, especially when they got into it with South Carolina fans. And the win didn't hurt either.

After the game UT fans were excited and rowdy and USC fans... well you can imagine. And yet as we were soaking in a victory most didn't think we would have and USC was moping because of the loss, no-one would even imagine the tragedy the next morning would bring.

As I was walking out of the game, I couldn't wait to write a big "I told you so" blog. I was really going let all you USC fans who doubted UT have it! But after learning about Sunday's fire that claimed the lives of seven college students, six of which went to USC, football just doesn't seem that important anymore. It is hard to fathom how seven seemingly healthy, young, happy adults could suddenly be gone in the span of a morning. I can't imagine what their parents are going through right now. USC students, family members and friends were probably still talking about the football game Sunday morning. At that point no-one knew about the fire, and the loss of the football game was probably the worst thing on their minds. No-one could imagine the day would get a lot worse.

More than anything, I want to extend my condolences to the family and friends of those who lost a loved one on Sunday. I'm praying for everyone who goes to USC and Clemson, and for everyone who knew someone involved in the fire.

A Time of Tragedy

It's the kind of phone call that just hits you in the gut.

A massive house fire and anywhere between 6-13 people from your old college are dead. That's what I got on Sunday, when I was at home preparing to catch a nap before work.

Instantly - you go into panic mode. A lot of my friends still live in and around the campus area of USC. So I grabbed my cell phone and start calling people. That's when I realize, I need more information.

So I go online and start looking at the local papers for Columbia and Myrtle Beach. Thank goodness for online editions!

Even still, I went to places like Facebook and Myspace to see if anyone has posted anything at all... plans for the weekend, vacation plans or "Oh my God, did you see what happened?"

I was too nervous - I couldn't go back to sleep. I had to keep updated on everything that was coming out. Maybe it was the news guy in me, maybe it was the connection.

Its no secret that I don't like South Carolina Football, but the school - I loved. I met some of my best friends in classes, even if I didn't wanna be in class.

Even now, I still don't know. I haven't been gone that long from USC, some of those killed, I could easily know. Guess I'll have to sit - and wait.

I can't imagine being a parent right now, not knowing for sure.

My thoughts and prayers go out to those 7 students... and the family, who are just waiting on a call.