 01/31/99 By PAUL NEWBERRYAP Sports Writer
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (The Associated Press (01-30-1999 17:31 EST)) -- Twenty-six days after winning the national title in the desert, the Tennessee Volunteers finally held a celebration on Saturday -- at home in the rain.
"In 1993, we said we would get to another level," said Phillip Fulmer, who took over as head coach that year. "Well, I believe we are there."
A sea of orange ponchos estimated at 35,000 to 40,000 cheered the winningest team in Tennessee history through a chilly rain at Neyland Stadium. The Vols finished 13-O with their Fiesta Bowl victory over Florida State on Jan. 4 in Tempe, Ariz.
The Neyland scoreboards flashed the outcome: UT 23, FSU 16.
The entire game was replayed on a giant Jumbotron, with retiring "Voice of the Vols" broadcaster John Ward calling the action. The crowd roared like it was game day.
Outside the stadium, at the intersection of Stadium Drive and Peyton Manning Pass, throngs awaited the team's customary "Vol walk" to the stadium.
"We're not No. 5, not No. 4, No. 3, No. 2," a group of women dressed in orange and white from head to toe chanted. "We're No. 1. We are UT."
The team ran onto the field through a gameday "T" formed by the Pride of the Southland marching band. Starters were introduced individually. Senior linebacker and co-captain Al Wilson was the last onto the field, and got the biggest cheer.
"On behalf of my teammates and the coaching staff and everybody that had something to do with our football team, I want to thank the fans for all your support and all the love and care you showed throughout my four years at the University of Tennessee," Wilson said.
Proclamations and trophies greeted the team -- the national championship trophies from The Associated Press, the MacArthur Bowl National Championship Trophy and the Sears national trophy.
Knoxville, Knox County and the state of Tennessee all declared Saturday as the Vols' special day. "You remind us that being a champion is within the grasp of everyone if you will work," Knox County Executive Tom Schumpert said.
National coach of the year awards were bestowed on Fulmer from the Football Writers of America and the American Football Coaches Association.
Fulmer, a Tennessee native, a former Vol lineman and a longtime Vols assistant coach, thanked the players, his assistants, the university administration and then the sea of orange around him.
"Especially, for all the fans that have stuck with us through thick and thin," he said. "You are truly and will always be our 12th man."
And is if the fans needed an extra lift, Fulmer said, "What a great 1998. And we already are looking forward to 1999."
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