Welder, Tennessee football fan leaves his mark on LSU’s football stadium

In the North end zone on the top of the scoreboard at LSU's Tiger Stadium, Nick Barnes said he welded “Go Vols” into the metal in a spot that would be tough to find.

Welders leave their signature with every bead they lay down. Sometimes, however, more is required to leave your mark.

Ask University of Tennessee Volunteers superfan and welder Nick Barnes.

I while back I came across this story on WVLT out of Knoxville, and as a college football fan, this might be one of my favorite reports ever.

While working on Louisiana State University’s Tiger Stadium, Barnes permanently scribed his UT love with a stick electrode.

In the North end zone on the top of the scoreboard, Barnes said he welded “Go Vols” into the metal in a spot that would be tough to find.

Eight years later, he not only feels confident nobody has seen it except for him, but that it’ll likely be there forever.

“They’ll never scratch those welds out,” said Barnes. “They’ll be on that steel until someone that’s smaller than me decides to crawl up where I put them, get in that tight space, and grind them off. But I doubt they’d want to do that.”

However, he didn’t stop there.

In the South end zone, Barnes also welded “UT” into the metal away from the public view. For him, it’s the ultimate way to show support for his team while ensuring the Vols are represented well outside of Knoxville.

Nick also mentioned how he couldn’t wait to post pics of his artwork on Facebook. Turns out this wasn’t an isolated incident. Here’s what the report added:

In the South end zone, Nick Barnes also welded “UT” into the metal away from the public view. For him, it’s the ultimate way to show support for his team while ensuring the Vols are represented well outside of Knoxville.

“He also alluded to a time when he left a message on the scoreboard at Vanderbilt University’s baseball stadium. He said he sent a picture to one of his two uncles, who are fans of the Commodores. During a baseball game, while people saw the photo and shared a laugh, the school’s athletic director was actually sitting behind the uncle. Barnes said he made sure the message disappeared from the scoreboard and took it upon himself to apologize to the school official. The AD thanked Barnes for the comment and shared a laugh over the ordeal.”

With his pics and story gaining traction on social media, Nick has a terrific perspective:

“That is all I ever care to do in this world is just pass along a smile to everyone I can,” he said. “Life is hard sometimes and something as simple as a smile can completely turn someone’s day around.”

Even though No. 7 Tennessee (10-2) and No. 14 LSU (9-3) are each 6-2 in the SEC and cemented in the top 25 of College Football Playoff ranking going into bowl play, the Vols dominated the Tigers 40-13 on Oct. 8 in their one match up of the season, so I’m sure Nick felt beyond vindicated.

Way to leave your mark, Nick Barnes.