With over 108,000 people packed into Neyland Stadium every Saturday, it can be hard to tell who is the loudest fan.

Halls Cough Suppressants answered this question prior to the Alabama game on Oct. 21, with the Screaming Fans Halls of Fame contest to determine UT’s loudest fan.

Meet Michael Hill, the loudest Vol fan.

Clad in orange with his head shaved in the shape of the Power T,’ Hill and his friends headed over to the University Center Plaza for the competition before the Bama game.

Each competitor was allowed 15 seconds to scream as loud as possible, but it only took Hill 10.

After the competition, Hill and his buddies cheered the Vols on as they beat the Crimson Tide 20-10.

I was sitting in section D, row 5, and I was flying my flag and yelling like crazy during the game, Hill said. Everybody wanted to rub the Power T’ on my head. I just wanted Phillip Fulmer to hear me on the sidelines.

A week later, Hill received a Federal Express letter postmarked from New York. After seeing the letter, the loudest fan competition was the last thing Hill was thinking of.

I thought it was going to be something bad since it was a FedEx from New York, Hill said. I was worried, so I had a friend open it for me.

The letter was anything but bad news. It said that because of a combination of enthusiasm, originality and pure vocal strength, Hill earned the title of University of Tennessee’s loudest college football fan.

I couldn’t move because I was in shock, Hill said. I felt honored when I got the letter.

Hill will join 15 finalists from across the country on Dec. 16 when they travel to the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., for the final scream-off. The scream-off is otherwise known as the Halls Bowl.

The winner of the Halls Bowl will win a trip to BCS Championship Game in Miami on Jan. 3, 2001.

I am way too excited, Hill said. Out of thousands of fans, I’m supposed to represent the Vols, so I’m doing this for everybody UT, the state of Tennessee and all its fans.

Hill is a senior transfer student and a native of Mobile, Ala. He noted that he is used to an audience, something that helped him win the competition.

I just went on stage and said, C’mon Vol fans, let me hear you,’ Hill said. They started screaming but I couldn’t hear them.

Hill couldn’t hear the supporters cheering him on because he is hearing impaired. However, just seeing the crowd’s reaction made Hill scream louder and louder.

According to Hill, being hearing impaired doesn’t change anything in his life.

I can speak or I can use sign language, Hill said. Sometimes it’s difficult to fit in, but if you have a good mind and a good heart, that’s all that matters.

I respect people for who they are.

Hill himself has earned respect and new fans with his new title.

He also had some advice for those fans who try to be loud.

You’ve got to go out, show spirit and be the craziest you can be, Hill said.

Next up for the Vols is a home date with Arkansas this Saturday. Fans will be able to spot Hill in section D, row 9, seat 27, but it might be easier to just listen for him.