Knoxville, Tennessee, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Michael Harper and Allen Spain, devoted collectors in Knoxville, Tennessee, are committed to preserving the rich history of Tennessee Volunteers football. Harper shares memorabilia with Spain, who holds an extensive archive of newspaper articles dating back to 1938, and films of every televised game from 1967 to 1980. Spain’s passion for capturing this history was fueled by his childhood experiences, and he plans to donate his collection to the University of Tennessee, emphasizing his dedication to the team’s legacy.
Knoxville resident Michael Harper is dedicated to preserving the history of Tennessee Volunteers football through an extensive collection of memorabilia. This collection consists of printed copies of Tennessee football sports pages that Harper regularly sends to his friend, Allen Spain, who lives in Franklin, Tennessee. Spain is a devoted collector himself, having amassed a comprehensive archive of newspaper articles related to every Tennessee Volunteers football game dating back to 1938.
Within his impressive collection, Spain holds films of every televised Tennessee football game from the Orange Bowl after the 1967 season through 1980. Spain has shared some of these films with the University of Tennessee athletics department, furthering their understanding of the Vols’ rich history. His motivation for collecting stems from his childhood struggles of accessing information about Tennessee football while growing up in New Orleans during the 1970s. Spain’s parents, who hailed from Jackson, Tennessee, fueled his passion by sharing game clippings and helping him foster a love for the Vols, even from a distance.
Spain had the opportunity to attend the University of Tennessee from 1987 to 1991, where he could finally witness the games live. After returning to Knoxville, Spain maintained his tradition of saving newspaper clippings and articles about the Vols. His collection experienced significant growth in the late 1990s when he discovered an old newspaper set that included pristine copies dedicated to Tennessee football.
Additionally, Spain’s collection expanded after learning about Dr. Bernie Kozar’s archive of articles that focus on Tennessee football during and after his playing career. His ongoing commitment involves not only continuing to collect memorabilia but also providing valuable historical information to various organizations, including UT and sports publications.
Despite Spain’s deep connection to UT and its history, he has voiced some disappointment with the current state of college football, particularly regarding the impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals. In a personal decision, he dropped his season tickets due to scheduling conflicts but later regretted this choice when the Vols saw improvement under Coach Josh Heupel.
Looking to the future, Spain plans to donate his extensive collection to the athletic department, believing that it would be a fitting conclusion for his memorabilia during his lifetime. This heartfelt gesture illustrates the passion and commitment that collectors like Spain have for their teams and the history that surrounds them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Michael Harper do for Allen Spain?
Michael Harper regularly collects printed copies of Tennessee football sports pages to send to his friend Allen Spain in Franklin, Tennessee.
What is Allen Spain’s collection about?
Allen Spain possesses newspaper articles covering every Tennessee Volunteers football game dating back to 1938.
What films does Allen Spain have in his collection?
Spain possesses films of every televised Tennessee football game from the Orange Bowl after the 1967 season through 1980, some of which he has shared with the UT athletics department.
How did Allen Spain develop his passion for collecting?
Spain developed his passion for collecting due to difficulty accessing Tennessee football information while growing up in New Orleans during the 1970s.
What plans does Allen Spain have for his collection?
Spain plans to eventually donate his collection to the athletic department, believing it would be a fitting end for his memorabilia during his lifetime.
Key Features
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Collector | Allen Spain |
| Collection Start Year | 1938 |
| Films Included | Games from 1967 to 1980 |
| Location | Knoxville, Tennessee |
| Donation Plan | To UT athletics department |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Bob Brown Inducted into Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
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Additional Resources
- UT Sports: Vols Put Blazers Away Early
- Knox News: SEC Football Games Live Today
- Sports Illustrated: Report Card on Tennessee’s Offense vs UAB
- UAB Sports: UAB Falls at No. 15 Tennessee
- Wikipedia: Tennessee Volunteers Football
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
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