Homecoming is often synonymous with alumni. It’s a chance for them to reconnect with their college days and see old friends, to wander streets that hold meaning for them and to relive some of their fondest memories.
For students, homecoming can seem a bit intangible. Besides the obvious love one might hold for their school, there isn’t much to celebrate. After all, you can’t “come home” to a place you are currently at.
But for Nick Johnson, a senior public administration major, UT’s homecoming is something deeply personal.
As a senior and third-generation Vol, Johnson grew up hearing about the traditions, lives and stories of his family members who went to UT. The traditions of homecoming are an annual experience for him.
“Our roots are really tied here. My grandparents grew up here,” Johnson said. “I really just remember being here on Saturdays. … It’s kind of a tradition, you know, runs in the blood.”
Rowan Sheppard is a sophomore majoring in chemical engineering. He knows Johnson as a personal friend and grew up attending church with him.
“I’ve known Nick for a very long time, and there’s only two Saturdays in the fall he doesn’t wear orange and white. Those Saturdays are bye weeks for the Vols,” Sheppard said.
Those orange roots do indeed run deep. Johnson’s grandfather attended UT in the 70s, and his mother, Pamela Beason Johnson, graduated in 1997. She was the head majorette for UT and returns every fall to march with the Pride of the Southland Band during the annual homecoming halftime show. Johnson’s grandfather was a member of the Pride, and his aunt was a member of the color guard.
Being a third-generation Vol is like a tradition at this point, according to Johnson. It just feels right to always have someone in the family attending UT.
“You grow up 20 minutes away from campus, you hear about your mom’s times here, you see the photos and the videos from my grandparents about her being the head majorette and marching with the T and all that on the field,” Johnson said. “Getting to experience the life here myself and going through the trials of trying to graduate — it’s really special, too, because you know … it’s hard to really put that into words.”
Homecoming for the Johnson family has always featured the Vol Navy. Originally named the UT Armada, it began in 1962 when former sports announcer “Voice of the Vols” George Mooney rode to Neyland Stadium on a boat. Up to 350 boats now journey to the football games every Saturday, and extra dock space was constructed in following years to accommodate the fans.
“Not everybody has access to a boat, but most people at the Vol Navy are really (welcoming) and open,” Johnson said.
Johnson, alongside his dad and brother, always watches his family members march with the Pride during homecoming.
“Getting to see Mom do her majorette things … was very special to me, just being able to see my family do that. I only picked one school — I only applied to Tennessee — so it was make it or break if I got in or not,” Johnson said.
For the Johnson family, it’s easy to tell when homecoming is approaching — just listen for the sound of objects breaking as Johnson’s mom brings out her batons again.
“She would always go up to one part of the room and practice the routine,” Johnson said. “When I go home for homecoming week, you normally hear a few things crashing and breaking and thudding because she’s practicing.”
Like many seniors across UT, Johnson is facing the stark reality that it’s his last year to experience the traditions of UT as a student. Something he waited his whole life to do is coming to a close.
“When we get to the last home game, I’ll probably just sit there and stare at the field for a little while, realizing that it’s come and passed, probably one of the best parts of my life,” Johnson said.
