Seeing orange: Lakeside home fan-tastic inside and out with Vols items

LOUISVILLE, Tenn. - When boaters along Fort Loudoun Lake pass Mike and Shirley Harb Serena's home, there's no doubt a passionate University of Tennessee fan lives inside. Mike Serena's 13-foot-by-10-foot UT flag waves to onlookers and serves as a distinct point of travel for the Vol Navy.

"My pride and joy is our Tennessee flag," he said. "People wonder if I take it down when the Vols lose, but we always keep it flying. "

Inside the Serena home, he finds other ways to show his spirit. In his downstairs Tennessee room, he displays more than 350 UT items. From the Lady Vols basketball national championship rug to the five UT theater chairs to autographed helmets and photographs, the oversized room is a sight for orange eyes. He stocks only orange-flavored sports drinks in the refrigerator, and his bar is lined with everything UT from tortilla chips to collegiate serving ware.

"Everyone knows I'm a Tennessee freak. I just celebrated my birthday, and I always get UT gifts. Some people may think our Tennessee room is cluttered, but everyone who comes over always has a good time with it."

Some of Mike's favorite items include a bronze statue of Smokey; 20 U.S. 41-cent postage stamps featuring a real picture of his UT flag; autographed Peyton Manning rookie cards and other Manning paraphernalia; signed items from coaches and players over the years; an authentic, orange 1951 Tennessee license plate in the shape of the state; more than 10 items that play the UT fight song; as well as themed Christmas trees, ornaments, Santas and nutcrackers.

An Ohio native who played football in the 1970s for Ohio State University, Mike moved to Knoxville 33 years ago to pursue his post-graduate work and worked as a graduate assistant under former coach Bill Battle. "Growing up, I always liked Tennessee and the way the team played defense. Even while at Ohio State University, Tennessee was my second favorite team. Plus, I always liked the color orange."

In regard to this football season, Mike said he's never seen so much enthusiasm. "Coach Kiffin has brought a new discipline and a feeling of hope that everyone will get a chance to play. Optimistically my prediction is an 8-4 season, but more realistically 7-5 because we are so young and we face a very tough SEC schedule with Florida, Alabama and Ole Miss on the road."

No matter how many wins or losses, you can bet Mike's flag will be flying.

Heather Peters is a freelance contributor to the News Sentinel.