Pilgimages

VAUGHT-HEMINGWAY STADIUM 2019 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PILGRIMAGE

VAUGHT-HEMINGWAY STADIUM 2019 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PILGRIMAGE

                                        Vaught-Hemingway Stadium

It was the morning of November 4, 2019 and the Gray Rental Chariot (GRC) was packed for the 2nd Leg of the 2019 College Football Pilgrimage. Included in the cargo were the Blessings & Gifts that my Feet received from Bobby Dodd Stadium Grant Field. For more on the Blessings & Gifts, visit the Pilgrimage Section on the Homepage and click on the Bobby Dodd Stadium Grant Field Story. This is a 16,000 word short story filled with pics and images.

The drive from near Atlanta to outside of Oxford, MS, the home of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium and the 8th Oldest College Football Stadium in the USA, was advertised for about 300 miles. It was estimated that with the driving skills and habits of My Feet, it should take about 5 hours or less. Speed was not a priority, but Safety and Good Health was. Most of the drive was programed by the GPS to be on freeways and 4 lane roads. When venturing from one Shrine to another Shrine alone, many thoughts entertain My Feet. With no-control on the outcome of the Pilgrimage, My Feet ventured into the UNKNOWN.

There are those who claim that they enjoy driving and there are those who do not make such a claim. My Feet fall into the second category, for driving is a necessity of getting from point A to Point B. As the driver, sightseeing is minimal as one’s senses have to remain vigilant for the dangers that lurk on the roadways. The GPS routed the trip back through Birmingham Ala, the landing point for the start of the 2019 CFP. It was on the same freeway taken to Atlanta from Birmingham. Mental notes were used as a reference for roadwork construction was part of the drive from Birmingham to Atlanta.

Stops were planned at the 100 and 200 mile mark to stretch and take a few Deep Breaths while enjoying the scenery. The anticipated construction roadwork did not cause any unexpected delays, but it did slow down the speeds of the Chariots. Once beyond the construction, the higher speed limit gave a sense of making-up for lost TIME. All seemed to be back on the original schedule around the 150 mile mark. Then an unexpected sign reared its head with a Warning. It read, ‘In 5 Miles, One Lane’. The Chariots were still flowing freely, but in a short distance, all would change dramatically. At the 4 Mile Mark, the Chariots pace dropped to a walk.

Though the walk kept moving, it changed into a slow baby’s crawl between the 4 and 3 mile mark. Progress was being made. To keep the Spirits of My Feet up, my thoughts kept reflecting on a statement once used in another writing. “Slow Progress is Progress”. One should remember that in the Game of LIFE, once the Progress Stops, the Dirt Throwin Will Begin. Eventually, at the 3 Mile Mark, both lanes of traffic were now at a Snail’s Pace. When one adds, a Snail’s Pace with no clock to inform the driver, one’s Patience is put to the test. The 3 mile converging drive took about an hour. Though the GPS kept offering new route directions with a few exits, it was decided to remain with Slow Progress.

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BOBBY DODD STADIUM GRANT FIELD-5TH OLDEST-NOV. 2019

BOBBY DODD STADIUM GRANT FIELD-5TH OLDEST-NOV. 2019

The 2019 College Football Pilgrimage begins with the 2nd Leg of visiting the 10 Oldest College Football Stadiums in the USA according to a most recent 7/12/19 NCAA Ranking. Prior to this season, a different ranking had been in use. In part of the 150th Anniversary of College Football, the NCAA Ranking will now be the Official Ranking. The 1st Leg was completed during the 2018 College Football Pilgrimage (CFP). For those you are new to my website, a CFP is scheduled for about 20 days with visits to 3 or more College Football Stadiums. An Invite from GM in 2010 to Beaver Stadium on the campus of Penn State University was the catalyst for the CFPS. This is a short story format around 11,800 words.

As a graduate and former Pitt football player, watching the Panthers play at Heinz Field would wrench my insides. After tearing down Pitt Stadium in 1999, the Panthers have remained homeless for no stadium resides on campus. This travesty has put the Pitt Football Program into a ‘Quandary of Stupidity’. For in the history of NCAA Football Championships, a college football team sharing a pro stadium has not ever won a National Title. If Pitt continues marching deeper into this ‘Quandary of Stupidity’, one of two things will be the result. Pitt will become the first College Football Team to win a National Title sharing a Pro Stadium. Or, Pitt will continue selling ‘Fool’s Gold’ to their Future Gladiators, Alumni, Students, Faculty and other Pitt Fans while not ever winning a National Football Title by sharing a Pro Stadium. For the complete story, visit the Archives and in the College Football Section and/or Pittsburgh Sports Section, click on ‘Pitt Football, the Pederson Penalty’, parts One & Two.

BEAVER STADIUM PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

It was during the halftime at Beaver Stadium that My Feet confessed to GM about my Revelation. The Blessings created by the electrifying atmosphere of the tailgating and the near sold-out crowd of around 106,000 fans convinced my Feet, that my days as a Pitt Fan at Heinz Field were history. GM was the 1st to be told that beginning in 2011, My Feet would now Pilgrimage to other College Football Stadiums in the USA to seek similar Blessings from Beaver Stadium. For Heinz Field resembled a Morgue. My loyalty would remain with the Pitt Panthers and My Feet would follow them on TV. However, my small financial support would be held back and so would My Feet until Pitt built a New Pitt Stadium on campus. My rationale was this. ‘Why should My Feet support Pitt University who is selling ‘Fool’s Gold’ and will not win a National Football Title while sharing a Pro Stadium? Plus, my saved financial support could be used to finance the College Football Pilgrimages. Next is a reprint of the editorial that was published in the Pittsburgh Tribune, The Beaver Valley Times and the Altoona Mirror during the Fall of 2017.

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FRANKLIN FIELD-PENN UNIVERSITY-OCTOBER 2018

FRANKLIN FIELD-PENN UNIVERSITY-OCTOBER 2018

Because of a tight schedule for my 2018 College Football Pilgrimage, the Story of Franklin Field is being written from the Dream Home in Henderson, NV some TIME after my feet rested in the ‘Oldest College Football Stadium’ in the USA. Normally, the first two legs of the CFP are written on the road for freshness remains in the memory process. For the Yale Bowl Story and Harvard Stadium Story, check the Pilgrimage Section or College Sports/Football Section on the Homepage. Since an extra 8 days were added to visit with family and friends in Aliquippa, PA, writing was not on the agenda for that section of the CFP. TIME & Forces have now permitted, after a few days of resettling in, to put the Franklin Field Story into words. This is a Short Story format with about 10,600 words. It includes images and videos.

With two-thirds of my 2018 College Football Pilgrimage now in the books, a planned 5 ½-hour drive in the Red Rental Chariot from Framingham, MA to Springfield, PA was next for Franklin Field. After arriving Safely and in Good Health at my new campsite, my thanks were sent to God and My 2 Angels of INSANITY. For those of you unfamiliar with My 2 Angels of INSANITY, a short intro is needed. Angel Compassion has been part of the CFPs since 2014 and Angel Passion Chaffee joined in with the INSANITY in 2016. With 2 Angels of INSANITY, Protection, Guidance, Inspiration and Stimulation has been greatly increased.

Artist Rendition of Angels of INSANITY-Passion & Compassion

Franklin Field is located about 10 miles from my campsite. Because of the CFP schedule, the history of Franklin Field needed to be investigated before Ritual Day. Unlike, the Yale Bowl and Harvard Stadium where much was discovered before Ritual Day, the history of Franklin Field was only skimmed for the highlights. As with the other two stories about the 2018 College Football Pilgrimage, a trip back into TIME will begin the story.

upenn.edu writes

Context: Early Football In America

When intercollegiate American football began on November 6, 1869, with a game played by Rutgers and Princeton in New Brunswick, New Jersey, football bore little resemblance to its modern-day descendant. Rules for the contest were adopted from those of the London Football Association, which themselves were similar to soccer — players could neither throw the ball nor run with it, though they could bat it about with open hand or fist. It was not until 1876 that formal rules were codified for football as a distinct sport with its own rules.Read More »»»

HARVARD STADIUM-OCTOBER 2018

HARVARD STADIUM-OCTOBER 2018

Part 2 of my 2018 College Football Pilgrimage begins at Harvard Stadium on the campus of Harvard University. According to Joe Vitale from UGA Football Live, Harvard Stadium is the 2nd oldest football stadium in the USA. Harvard along with Yale and a few other universities are given credit by the historians for the creation of American Football. Though Harvard Stadium was constructed in 1904, Harvard Football began many years before the first shovel broke ground. Another journey back in TIME begins Part 2. This is a short story format with about 12,500 words plus images and video.

Prior to the Stadium’s opening, Harvard played its home football games at a number of sites. Jarvis Field, where the Littauer Center now stands, was the setting for the Crimson’s inaugural contest against McGill (1874) and its first intercollegiate game against Tufts (1875).

JARVIS FIELD

After several seasons of playing home games at the South End Grounds, Harvard returned to Cambridge in 1881 and played at Holmes Field, now the sight of Langdell Hall. Football, and most of the school’s outdoor teams, moved to Soldiers Field in 1894. Similar to the other universities at the time, football began at Harvard as an Intramural sport prior to the 1850’s. It was best described as Mob Football with 30 or more players per team.

BLOODY MONDAY & MORE

“In the early days of college football each school developed its own rules–in intercollegiate contests the home team’s rules prevailed. The early days of college football were a time of trial and error. Different schools played different versions of the game. Some versions looked more like soccer, others like rugby, and others were a combination of many influences.Read More »»»

YALE BOWL OCTOBER 2018

YALE BOWL OCTOBER 2018

Welcome to the start of my 2nd College Football Pilgrimage or CFP. My 1st CFP of either playing in, sitting in, or both, in the Ten Largest College Football Stadiums (attendance wise) in the USA, concluded with my trip to Sanford Stadium in October of 2017. Sanford Stadium is located on the campus of Georgia University and to mark my ‘Historic Event’, Homecoming was declared for that weekend. That story along with others is located in the Pilgrimage Section. Since my CFP began during my days as a Pitt Gladiator, not all Pilgrimages have been put on ink. However, photos and thoughts remain for a future printing. This is a short story format of 11,500 words with images and video.

With many lists to choose from for my 2nd CFP, the selection was Joe Vitale from UGA Football Live. His list included the birthplace of College Football unlike other lists that excluded the Ivy League. Joe ranked all on campus stadiums according to age built and provides a brief synopsis of each.

10. Neyland Stadium, University of Tennessee (1921)

Opened September 24, 1921, Neyland has been the home of the Tennessee Volunteers ever since. Initially its capacity was only 3,200. The stadium has undergone 16 expansion projects, at one point reaching a capacity of 104,079 before being slightly reduced by alterations. Neyland now seats 102,455. (Editor’s Note: Neyland Stadium was included in my 2015 CFP and can be found in the Pilgrimage Section. (My 2015 CFP was a 2 for Onener. It included the Top 10 Largest and the Oldest.)

FOX FEATHER AT 2015 CFP NEYLAND STADIUM, U OF TENNESSEE. FRIDAY RITUAL DAY WALK

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SANFORD STADIUM AT GEORGIA U–10/13-14/17

SANFORD STADIUM AT GEORGIA U–10/13-14/17

SANFORD STADIUM AT GEORGIA U–10/13-14/17

Unlike my other two previous 2017 College Football Pilgrimage that were written on the road, my third story about Sanford Stadium is being constructed inside the Dream Home in Henderson, NV. I am thankful that my ASS has returned intact, after experiencing a safe and healthy Pilgrimage. In my thoughts, God was thanked. QVV & QVS were thanked in text messages for their contributions, as my Pen is Pals.

When my vehicle pulled into my campsite less than 10 miles from Sanford Stadium on Monday, October 9, 2017, my lower back was barking. Being away from the comforts of one’s writing chair and bed was producing not so welcomed results. The situation with my lower back actually began with a blowout of my front driver side tire on my Dodge 07, 2500 Diesel Truck on September 20. It was my birthday as I was traveling along the freeway at 75 mph to my haircut.

In my IMAGINATION, Queen Vampyre Sonata and Queen Voodoo Vixen were entertaining me. Warning signs about my tire were checked as my drive started after pulling over about one mile from the Dream Home. With no physical evidence to support a tire issue, my journey continued. After a few miles on the freeway and with a ‘Grin’ on my face, Imagining about the two Queens, the rumbling started. My first reaction was it must be a road problem. Those of you reading this, has your vehicle ever experienced a ‘Blowout’ at 75 mph? (Actual pics of tire)

My ‘Gut & Radar’ started to kick in and the Fantasies of the ‘3 of US’ took a back seat. In an instant, a very loud minor explosion then occurred. Instead of Fantasizing about the ‘3 of Us’, natural instincts now took command of my truck. With my truck in the far left passing lane, an extra wide emergency landing area was on my left. The truck violently rocked back and forth during the initial explosion causing my lower back to jerk violently. My right foot following the lead of my instincts pumped the brakes slowly.Read More »»»

DEATH VALLEY AT MEMORIAL STADIUM & FRANK HOWARD FIELD-CLEMSON UNIVERSITY-10/6-7/17

DEATH VALLEY AT MEMORIAL STADIUM & FRANK HOWARD FIELD-CLEMSON UNIVERSITY-10/6-7/17

10/5/17

My fingers type from Anderson, South Carolina about 10 miles from Memorial Stadium on the campus of Clemson U. Currently my position is in place for the second leg of my 2017 College Football Pilgrimage. If you have not done so and if your time permits, the previous story ‘Jordan-Hale Stadium & Pat Dye Field’ describes the ‘Celebration of Pigskin’ on the campus of Auburn University. With another ‘Child’ added to my list, Memorial Stadium is next.

Free time today permitted me to visit the Anderson County Museum. Recently, I have become a fan of ‘Mysteries at the Museum’ on the Travel Channel. Since my College Football Pilgrimage plays out like a mystery for the Unknown awaits me, a visit to a Museum might unlock a few mysteries of its own. Learning something new daily is vital to one’s progress. The day one stops making progress will be the day the ‘Dirt Throwin’ will begin.

I learned many things on my tour. Three things will be shared.

Anderson County has a Hot Air Balloon Tradition

The very first electrical transmission line was constructed in Anderson, SC.

Many Human Hand Hours were involved in the ‘Work of Love’ for this QUILT.

HISTORY OF MEMORIAL STADIUM & FRANK HOWARD FIELD Read More »»»

JORDAN-HARE STADIUM & PAT DYE FIELD-AUBURN UNIVERSITY -9/29-30/17

JORDAN-HARE STADIUM & PAT DYE FIELD-AUBURN UNIVERSITY -9/29-30/17

9/29/17

I write from my campsite in Opelika, Alabama, about 15 miles away from Jordan-Hare Stadium on the campus of Auburn University. This is the final leg of my College Football Pilgrimage Odyssey that actually began in 1970. Little did I KNOW then, that my days with the Pitt Panthers football team would be the start of my Odyssey. My high school Gladiator Football Skills permitted me to earn a 9 term Grant in Aid Scholarship with Pitt University. During my travels of 3 years, we played in majestic College Football Stadiums throughout our country.

As most alumni, I too was loyal to my university until the destruction of Pitt Stadium in 2000 to make room for a basketball arena, student housing, student fitness center, plus many offices, training rooms, and workout rooms for athletes only. My two part story covering ‘Pitt Football’-The Pederson Penalty at Pitt and Nebraska is archived in the College Sports Football section on our homepage.

After 15 plus years of witnessing the ‘Downfall of Pitt Football’ in Pitt Stadium, Three River Stadium, and Heinz Field, my yearly ‘Football Weekend’ from Henderson, NV with the Boys of Quiptown in Aliquippa, Pa changed. With my friend Greg in from Houston to watch a Thursday night game between Miami and Pitt at ‘Dismal Heinz Field’, Greg surprised me with a ‘Gift’. He had two tickets for the Temple vs Penn State Game at Beaver Stadium that Saturday in September of 2010.

 

Though I played in Beaver Stadium, the current structure had increased from around 60,000 seats to about 106,000 seats. The memories of driving and walking in the parking lot are still fresh. Fans were everywhere. The chatter and the noise added to the Tail Gating experience. However, it is always the most primitive sense that is staggered by the competing aromas of food being cooked. With such a large gathering surrounding Beaver Stadium, it dwarfed the crowd and atmosphere at Heinz Field for a Pitt Game.Read More »»»

KYLE FIELD AND THANKSGIVING DAY—11/24/16

KYLE FIELD AND THANKSGIVING DAY—11/24/16

KYLE FIELD AND THANKSGIVING DAY—11/24/16

While driving to College Station from Fort Worth Texas, time alone in one’s car permits for reflections. Three legs of my 2016 College Football Pilgrimage had been completed. For those of you reading this and missed the other two previous stories short titled, “Darrell Royal Stadium”, and the second one “TDECU Stadium and Amon G Carter Stadium”, they are located in the Sections titled Pilgrimages and/or College Sports-Football, or scroll down the Homepage and check recent posts.

As I was reviewing the many ‘Blessings’ that were bestowed upon me, two really had a major impact on me. Remember a ‘Pilgrimage’ is “A journey out of one’s everyday life to a sacred site and return home, during which time a transformation has taken place”.

My home in Henderson, NV awaited me upon my return the Saturday after Thanksgiving. However, the ‘forces’ in Texas had already begun my transformation. Many, who shared my Pilgrimage with me, blest me with a safe and healthy journey. As I thought about the many ‘Blessings’ that were created, the two that affected me the most were:

* Meeting 4 West Virginia Faithful who watched me play in the Greatest College Football Game at Pitt Stadium. It was Pitt 36-West Virginia 35. For the complete story, see “Darrell Royal Stadium”

* Having a ‘Random Act of Kindness’ created for me by Amon G Carter Stadium. That can also be found in the story “TDECU Stadium and Amon G. Carter Stadium”.

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