Fan Profile: Peter Lane
Alumnus Peter Lane is just about as diehard True Blue as you can get. During his six years as an undergraduate at Georgia Southern, he never missed a home game. So when the 2007 graduate left campus more than three years ago, it wasn’t likely that he would forget his alma mater. These days, the executive recruiter of client and candidate management for The Intersect Group based in Atlanta, Ga., enjoys sharing his love for everything Georgia Southern with co-workers.
Lane recently won first place in his office’s annual Tailgating Day contest, and his cubicle was decked out with some of his most prized Eagle memorabilia. Some of the items included a team football with signatures from former coach Chris Hatcher and Walter Peyton award winner Jason Foster, as well as a newspaper clipping celebrating Georgia Southern’s victory against Furman, which propelled the school to a number one ranking in the FCS in 1985. Perhaps the most unique article is the remnant of a Styrofoam cooler that Lane used during the 2005 football season. On the Styrofoam square, he carefully recorded the game scores for the season, handwritten at the conclusion of each game in marker.
The Athens, Ga., native could have been a Bulldog, but after growing up in that college town, he was ready for a fresh start. Lane’s True Blue days began during his first two years as an undergraduate, as a trombonist in the Southern Pride marching band. “I went to all of the football and basketball games during that time. When you wear the uniforms and go to all of the events, you’re tied to the school,” he said.
Shortly thereafter, Lane became a founding member of the University’s Delta Chi fraternity, and when the organization received their charter, he was excited to experience a visit from Erk Russell, their guest speaker. Soon, Lane’s focus shifted from band member to unofficial Saturday tailgating chef for more than 200 people. “We cooked a big variety of food – hamburgers, hot dogs, Boston butts, ribs, steak and eggs and lowcountry boil,” he related.
As an Atlanta resident, Lane still has a powerful connection with Georgia Southern – attending many alumni events in the area, visiting the Atlanta Touchdown Club to hear guest speaker Coach Jeff Monken, and even dressing in True Blue attire to watch the Georgia Southern vs. Navy game with friends in a local restaurant.
“I still come to every home football game and I will be going to three out of the four away games this year,” said Lane. He may not cook for hundreds of friends anymore, but the celebrations are still festive. Just look for him at the massive tailgate behind Paulson Stadium.
