[DeltAlum]

OK, another "old guy" story.

I was a Radio-TV major and was the announcer for our marching band which was/is a really big deal -- the band, I mean. We were on the quarter system, which meant that often the first game of the season was the weekend before classes started, on the day the students were moving in.

My wife used to tell the story of looking out her dorm window at the bridge which leads from the "uptown"/main college green area down to her residence green and the stadium and basketball arena. There I was, walking down the bridge in gray slacks, blue blazer, blue button down shirt and regimental tie (standard Greek dress -- especially for Delts -- in those days for games), mum in hand, on a spectacular, crisp Fall afternoon coming to take her to the game. She had just moved in, and we hadn't seen each other for several weeks. She met me at the bottom of the bridge in a short plaid wool skirt a nice top and wool vest. She was as spectacular as the day with long straight dark brown hair and flashing blue eyes.

What a memory.

Sounds like some of those traditions are still alive in the South. Damn, were they great! The Greeks really looked like something special, sitting in blocks with our letters on banners on the stadium fence in front or behind us!

The Tekes had their victory bell, the Pikes had an old fire truck and the Pershing Rifles (Army honorary) had their cannon. Those things were heavy -- we were content with flasks and beautiful dates.

After the game, we all followed the band as they marched up the bridge to the College Green and then we scattered to the bars or to parties.

What wonderful memories of fantastic times! The band is still outstanding and this year I plan to go back for Homecoming along with my daughter (her first trip back to our Alma Mater) and her husband who has never been there.

(personal note -- over the years I've directed live telecasts of all kinds of sports events -- but my very favorite still remains college football. It's magic.)