A late wife’s introduction to Tennessee Football continues to inspire joy for one decades-long Vols Fan
Lincoln, Neb. – Tennessee’s College World Series run gave countless Vols Fans firework-worthy moments.
From Charles Schwab Field to a town 30 minutes outside of Omaha.
Following the Vols’ walk-off win over Florida State in the opening round, Tennessee loaded the buses to spend an afternoon with the Papillion community.
A city that’s home to just over 24,000 Nebraskans.
The team eventually made their way to High School where young fans and long-time fans like, Bob LeBank eagerly awaited their arrival.
“I’ve just bled Orange. I guess that’s all I can say. I just bleed Orange,” said
Bob had just moved back to Omaha from Knoxville days before the start of the CWS. Following the passing of his wife, he wanted to be closer to friends.
“So, I’ve got Tennessee stickers on my car. I got a Tennessee plate still,” said LeBank.
Bob and his wife met in the military and soon after they made a trip to Roane County, Tennessee to ask her father one important question.
“We drove home from San Antonio to Kingston, so I could ask her dad if I could marry her. So while I was there, friends of the family went to a Tennessee football game and asked if I wanted to go. I said, “Sure.” And after that one football game, I was hooked. I was hooked! And became a Tennessee fan 1971.”
If it weren’t for his wife, he might have never attended Saturday’s luncheon.
“It’s kind of sad that she’s not here with me. Because she’s the one that got me involved with Tennessee,” said Bob.
While his wife inspired his love for Tennessee, the host school for Saturday’s lunch also happened to be the place where he spent 15 years driving the bus for Titans Athletics.
“There was something about the kids when they would get on the bus, “Thank you, sir.” They just got beat 70 to 6, all muddied, “Thank you, sir.” And I said you know something this is a school I want to drive for,” said Bob.
“I haven’t seen Bob in a long time, said Papillion-La Vista South High School Athletic Director Jeremy Vanackeren. “We’ve texted a little bit, but it’s great to see him today. I knew he was coming but it’s good to have him back.”
An event Bob was more than looking forward to, even though he went to bed thinking Tennessee lost to Florida State in the opening round.
He woke up to a much different result.
“My phone’s lit up, my flip phone is lit up,” Bob whispered.
Bob LeBank on the overwhelming joy he felt at Tennessee defeated FSU.
A flip phone flooded with messages detailing an unforgettable walk-off against FSU.
“And I’m thinking wow they won! And a great feeling came over me. So now we’re going to go to the luncheon with them winning, it ought to be a great atmosphere,” said Bob.
As Bob settles back into Omaha, having the chance to wear the Orange and White and spend time with Vol baseball helped him feel a little more at home.
“God is good,” said Bob. “God is good and this is God’s plan.”
