The Gilliam Blog - All the Blog While Its Blog

Russ Gilliam's DNA strikes again!

The following pictures were taken today as we claimed our "Day with the Vols" prize package. In addition to attending football practice and receiving a facilities tour, the boys were given goody bags filled with hats, shirts, media guides, posters, and more.

The first pictures are of the east side club area, which was new for the 2006 football season. The club seat area features 414 outdoor 22-inch leather seats and, directly behind the seats, a large indoor club room with private restrooms, pre-game and half-time buffets, tables, couches, and several flat-screen televisions. This common area also has a great view of the Tennessee River on the side opposite the view of the field.




Pictured to the right is Jeff Day, a former track athlete at UT who now works in the Marketing Department. He was our guide for the day. We learned that his girlfriend's parents, Paul and Sandy Davis, live in Martin. Russ, we understand that they are avid runners, teach at UT Martin, and attend the Methodist Church.




Elevator Doors






















Imposing photo of former Vol, Jesse Mahelona


Skybox View








Note the new full-color, state-of-the-art fascia display that has been added. In fact, there have been 4 added which measure the longest in any collegiate outdoor stadium at approximately 1,200 feet. These displays have the capability to show recorded video, colorful animation and vivid graphics. The displays use red, green and blue light emitting diode technology to present images and information.


View from where the players begin their run through the T.




Game Day Locker Room


Thompson-Boling Arena Luxury Box construction












UT is the only Division I school with its own pharmacy. The pharmacist, John Karnes, is one of Laura's old buddies from CVS. We had a good time visiting with him, and I now know what I want to do when I retire.




Entrance to locker rooms


Entrance to weight room - Countdown to Cal!


"Daddy, won't you please increase your UT donation?"

Once a family farm, Metcalf Bottoms is now a large picnic area with plenty of space along the rich bottomland by the river. As Little River Road was being built, the Metcalf family often brought fresh spring water to the many workers. The National Park Service remembered the favor by naming the picnic area for them.

Thanks for the birthday present, Mom and Dad!!!

His Momma Isn't treating my grandson fairly. Pop

Easy Come --Easy Go

LET'S TALK ABOUT MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bryce celebrated his second Elvis Week by being overstimulated by
images of The King around the house decorated for a Tribute Party.
Little E shown above welcomed the partygoers in the foyer under
the watchful eye of Big E. A potluck dinner, which included all of
Elvis' favorite dishes, was served: Grilled Peanut Butter and
Banana Sandwiches, Fried Chicken, Eggs Benedict, a tasty Onion
Casserole, as well as the obligatory Jelly Doughnuts. The centerpiece
for the meal, prepared by Lisa, was the famous Fool's Gold Loaf.
Legend has it that when some hunger pangs came calling, Elvis
dispatched his airplane to Denver to pick up the gastronomical treat.
The Fool's Gold Loaf consists of a loaf of Italian Bread hollowed out to
hold the contents of a jar of Skippy Peanut Butter, a jar of Grape Jelly
and a pound of Bacon (extra crispy).