I'm not a Tennessee fan by any means but I've met Pat and she is first class all the way. I have the utmost respect for the lady.
2005, I'm keeping the clock for the Women's Final Four. One of the guys in my office is Pat's neighbor in Knoxville. He tells me to be sure to say hello for him.
On Saturday, I meet her at the shoot around, mention my friend's name, we have a nice talk. On Sunday, she wins her semi-final game, and in the tunnel afterward, we get into a discussion about her son. She is worried because her son will miss school on Monday and Tuesday. I say, "Come on, how often does mom get to play for the National Championship? Oh, excuse me, actually, it's pretty often!" We both chuckle and go on.
At the Championship on Tuesday, she comes out on the court, shakes hands with Gene Auirema of UConn, and then comes over to the table and shakes hands with me. Reporters and others at the table ask why she stopped to see me, are Pat and I friends? Told them, no, she is just a class act.