If you are a sports fan in any way, the sports world has most likely affected you in some way. Whether it is the stress I, and other Rebel fans have experienced through almost every season of any sport, or if it's the privilege you face if you're an Alabama fan, you have most likely been affected in some way as a sports fan.
Everyone remembers their first game. For me it was the 2013 Magnolia Bowl, in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. My father, Cliff Sanders and I won the tickets at a convention former Rebel Coach Hugh Freeze was speaking at at my great-grandparents church in Memphis.
Before leaving for the game, my father and I realized our house had been rolled with toilet paper the night before, thanks to a few of my then classmates. The tickets also gave my father and I the opportunity to tailgate in the Grove, along with the other winners of tickets. I remember standing by the Walk of Champions awaiting to see Rebel greats such as: Laquon Treadwell, the Nkemdiche brothers, Bo Wallace, Donte Moncrief and many others. However, ten year old Cooper must have upset a college student, because she used a few choice words because I was in her way. To this day, it is still one of the most exciting games I have ever attended. The Rebels won the game over the sixth ranked Tigers, 27-24, courtesy of a last second field goal by Andrew Ritter from 46 yards out.
This is one of the many sports moments I shared with my father. I also remember my first basketball game like it was yesterday. My father had won tickets from the Refuge 107.1. It was a weekend night and I was told I was being taken to Party Safari. My young self was confused when we passed through Ackerman and Eupora “on our way to Jackson”, but once we reached Bruce, Mississippi I finally asked the question “where are we going?” I then found out we were going to watch the Rebels face the Vanderbilt Commodores, in the brand new Pavillion.
I do not remember the score but all I remember is that it was one of the most fun nights of my life. Some more moments me and my father experienced were more Ole Miss basketball games, an Egg Bowl baseball game along with my grandfather David Keen, many NBA basketball games, and many Ole Miss football games.
But two moments stand out in particular. One being a chance to see my favorite NBA team play live. The 2017 Golden State Warriors were in Memphis facing the Grizzlies and me and my father had the opportunity to go. My grandparents Kim and David Keen had gifted the tickets as a Christmas gift, and it was one of the best presents I could receive. I remember leaving school early to head to Memphis. Beforehand, we had to head to the Good News Club luncheon for some reason I do not remember, because we did not even purchase lunch. But then we headed to Downtown Memphis.
We spent the time before at Huey’s and I remember my younger self being extremely confused by the toothpicks in the ceiling. We had a great time and then headed to the game. I had both my Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry jerseys on, because for some reason I had planned to have one showing each quarter. We experienced a very exciting game, and even witnessed history, as Draymond Green recorded the first triple-double, without ten points. This game was another great experience with my father that had a great impact on my childhood and life.
The other moment that stands out was a game we did not even attend, we actually did not even get a chance to watch the game. Ole Miss was facing the top ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. We were attending my cousin, Kayla Richards’, wedding. I remember my father, my uncle Steve Daniel, and I were all checking the score on our phones during the wedding. All three of us were shocked to realize the Rebels were leading. As soon as the “I do’s” were said, I ran to the beach house as if someone were chasing me. I walk into the room to see another Rebel fan whom I did not know celebrating, and I see that there is a review for Senquez Golson’s game winning interception.
The interception was confirmed, and I watched Bo Wallace take the final knee, and I then ran to my father back on the beach. I jumped into his arms with a big fins up, as me, him and Steve celebrated the win. It was one of my happy childhood moments, as a Rebel fan.
These moments all had a great effect on my childhood, and I was able to share each of them with my father.
