In honor of College GameDay being in Austin today, I thought I would share my GameDay story…and my television debut.
Vanderbilt started their 2008 season with one of the best starts in history – undefeated after four weeks. No one really expected that out of Vandy, and ESPN deemed Vandy worthy of a GameDay visit in week five…Auburn at Vanderbilt. No question in my mind, I was going to GameDay, decked out in my burnt orange.
Previous to August 2008, I lived in Arlington, Texas. College GameDay has made many visits to Dallas for the Texas-OU game. So why did I not ever go there? Well, Texas-OU weekend has a history of being pretty rough, and at times, violent. As much as I wanted to experience GameDay, I honestly didn’t really want to deal with the craziness. There’s also something really fun about going to GameDay when your home team isn’t the host.
The morning of October 4, 2008, I woke up at 5:30a…yes, 5:30a on a Saturday! I couldn’t sleep. I was just so excited. I’ve watched season after season of College GameDay, and now I get to go! I donned my burnt orange Texas t-shirt and headed out. I found parking at Vandy and joined the line of people waiting to clear security and gather in the courtyard. People watching at it’s best. Students wearing in black & gold, wrapped up in the early morning chill. The occasional group of Auburn fans being taunted by Vandy fans. Local dads bringing their sons (and a few daughters) to experience college football at it’s best. High schoolers just hoping to be on TV. Fans, much like me, wearing their favorite school colors and soaking it all up.
Inside the gate, I was searching for the best place to stand. I wanted to be able to see everything going on, but I also wanted a place to possibly be on TV. I’ve never been on TV before and thought College GameDay would be the perfect debut. I wasn’t planning on doing anything stupid or crazy to get on. Just wanted to create the opportunity. My eyes landed on some crimson and cream…OU fans. The next weekend was the Texas-OU game, so I knew standing with them would probably be wise, especially since GameDay would be in Dallas for the game. These Sooners were standing pretty close to the front, along one of the Home Depot barriers. I slid up next to them and sarcastically asked “Is it okay if I stand here? We don’t have to talk or anything.” They laughed and said “Of course. We’ll definitely get on TV this way!”
The other highlight of the day came a little bit later. I stuck around after the show, really to see if any of the cast would come out to sign autographs. I must be honest and confess that I have a huge crush on Kirk Herbstreet. I really didn’t care about the others, just Kirk. Chris Fowler came over, Kenny Chesney came over (he was the guest host for the pics that day). Even Desmond Howard was out signing autographs. Then I saw him. Kirk was headed my way! I was excited and nervous all in the same moment. What was I going to say? I didn’t want to look like a complete idiot. As he signed my hard hat, we made eye contact, and I told him that I watch GameDay every week and am a huge fan. He said thanks and that he was impressed I watch every week. My day was now officially complete…College GameDay, being on TV, and meeting Kirk Herbstreet. I was a happy girl. (I know, I know, you are laughing at me, but I don’t care. I met Kirk.)
Oh, and by the way, Vanderbilt went on to win the game against Auburn, 14-13, continuing their winning streak.