A True Story That Became Something More

Some stories don’t start in a single moment.
They’re built over generations.

J.R.’s roots run deep in Tennessee.
Four generations deep.

His great-grandfather, John T. “Punch” O’Connor, served as mayor of Knoxville in the 1930s.
His family’s connection to the University of Tennessee stretched across decades.

This wasn’t just a school.
It was part of who they were.

The Moment

In 1998, Tennessee was on the brink of something special.In 1998, Tennessee was on the brink of something special.A championship season.
A moment that hadn’t come in 50 years.J.R.’s father told him: “Enjoy every minute.” And he did.

The tux

Joe Shands

Joe is a writer and storyteller. He hails from the foothills of Tennessee and has been a proud Tennessee Volunteer since birth. Shands has been a brand-building professional and the writer behind many well-known advertising campaigns—including Got Milk? and Brand Jordan—for more than thirty years.

Nicholas Child

Nicholas is a freelance illustrator based in Cheshire, England. He has illustrated a wide variety of picture books; some of his clients include Paperchase, Sainsbury’s, and Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece. See more of his works at www.thechildrensillustrator.com.