Tennessee fans are always trying to get closer to their favorite program. They show up in everything.
But what if you could have lunch with people involved in Tennessee sports, past and present? Who will they choose?
I asked my literary contributors. They answered:
Marie writes: Tony Vitello. Need I ask why?
My reaction: why? Is it because he drives a cool car?
Volus Mark writes: I would like to speak with Danny White, Tennessee's athletic director. His role has had a huge impact on shaping sports at the university. He's not just in charge of individual teams. He is responsible for where the department is going, how money is spent, and making sure everything runs smoothly.
Having lunch with him will be a great opportunity to hear about his plans for Tennessee sports, understand his challenges and learn how he aims to improve his team.
It's not just sports management. It's also about how athletics impacts the entire university community.
My reaction: White has only been in Knoxville for a short time, but he has already proven to be one of UT's best athletic directors. He hired a winning football coach in Josh Heupel and appears to be giving all his coaches the resources they need to be successful.
UT has also been profitable despite unforeseen expenses in the past few years, such as the destruction of goalposts at Neyland Stadium after the 2022 Alabama win.
Bill writes: I don't want to choose between Donde Plowman and Josh Heupel, but I think it's Donde because she has more cross-disciplinary influence (all sports, academics, donors, etc.).
My reaction: Plowman may be the most popular administrator in UT history for his handling of football coach Jeremy Pruitt and the NCAA.
Some sports columnists even suggested that UT should erect a statue of Donde Plowman.
David writes: It's easy. First up is Donde Plowman. Special award went to Randy Boyd. Donde is a pure gold asset and we are lucky to have her. I want to know more about what made her the person she is. It would be great to be able to use her knowledge of her to influence my girlfriend's two granddaughters.
Randy would also be great – especially if I were 40 years younger. As a young man, listening to his business and philosophical principles, I hope something got across to me as well.
My reaction: You're never too old to be successful in business. My mother-in-law started making felt bunnies in human costumes when she was 80 years old. She can't make rabbits fast enough to buyers.
Colorado Mark writes: Probably none other than Curt Watson. I'd love to have lunch with you and Top and Sparks at Ajax, but we need to laugh more, especially these days. Oh, bring Laura, she infuriates me. She wanted to say it was Hollywood, but sadly she heard it was gone and she was going to miss those fried pickles.
My reaction: I have a better idea. Meet for lunch at Bird & Jim Restaurant in Estes Park, Colorado. Blake and Adam aren't there, but you can text them a photo of your entree.
James writes: I hardly ever take a lunch break, and I don't want to talk to anyone during that short time. Additionally, I generally despise all celebrities on a personal level and have no real interest in meeting them (this includes athletes, coaches, and administrators). The only exception is Lane Kiffin, because if he comes back here, I want to know the details of the wreck off North Shore Drive.
Adams:Who is your least favorite SEC rival? Readers' Choice
My reaction: I've noticed a strong backlash against celebrity culture growing. Based on your email, you may be leading this movement. If so, I applaud it. I love when literary contributors engage with social issues.
But if you have the chance to have lunch with Taylor Swift, you'll probably change your mind.
John Adams is a senior columnist. 865-342-6284 orjohn.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at twitter.com/johnadamskns.
