If you’ve ever been to a Chattanooga Red Wolves SC match, chances are you have heard the boisterous voice of Gene Taylor, a self-proclaimed Red Wolves super fan (and rightly so). Not only is he a tried and true supporter of the players on the field, but he’s an even bigger supporter of them when they are off.
The start of the connection between Taylor and the Red Wolves dates all the way back to the team’s February arrival date for preseason camp. A frequent visitor of Downtown Family YMCA, which happens to be home base for the team, Taylor was one of the first community members to meet the city’s newest residents.
Taylor, a Vietnam Veteran, swims, bikes and walks daily at the Y. After bumping into and meeting members of the team, he was quickly adopted into their inner circle. Per their persistent requests, he visited the team’s practice one morning and, in his own words, had a great time even feeling the need to jump in and shag balls.
“I told Colin [Falvey], these guys have a karma about them and I like them,” said Taylor. “And then, the guys started liking me.”
Taylor was apprehensive about going to one of the team’s games at first, having never been to a soccer match before. But after attending the team’s inaugural home opener against Forward Madison FC, he was sold. Taylor has been to every home game since.
“I got such a rush,” said Taylor.
In fact, after the first match, he couldn’t get out of the bed due to exerting so much energy cheering on the team, running up and down the side of the home stands.
“That’s when Debbie Roth got me a trainer, and I got in shape,” said Taylor. “Now, thanks to the Red Wolves, I’m in the best shape of my life.
“When it starts getting close to Saturday, I get really excited. It’s good for me because I have an outlet. I haven’t felt a camaraderie like this since Vietnam,” he added. “All the guys together reminds me of that, and so it helps my PTSD.”
Taylor credits the Red Wolves with making him stronger—both physically and mentally.
“Now I’m strong, and I have a reason to do it. The Red Wolves are my reason,” said Taylor. “Plus I love it. I don’t know what I would do without the Red Wolves now. I just don’t know.”
The feelings between Taylor and the team are mutual.
According to midfielder Josue Soto, the connection was instant.
“He started talking to us right away, and we developed a relationship I think on the very first day,” said Soto. “Every time he sees us, he’s so happy and I think that has created a connection on our part.”
Defender Leo Folla agrees with Soto and even says that Taylor is an integral part of the team on game days.
“Gene is the spirit of the team,” said Folla. “He’s one of the only people I hear distinctly on game days. He really is our number one fan.”
For someone who became a fan of soccer at the age of 75, Taylor has already shown unwavering dedication and no signs of stopping.
“I just heard the definition of a fan a few days ago,” said Taylor. “As a fan you should really get involved with your team and know them. With these guys, I know them.”
When asked his favorite moment of the season so far, he shared the time when defender Vangjel Zguro lifted him up as the team walked through the roped off path to the locker room ahead of taking the field for the team’s inaugural home opener. Every member of the team followed suit.
“They told me for the next game, they wanted me right there in the same spot,” said Taylor. “So that’s where I’m going to be.”
