By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information

GAINESBORO, Tenn. – A few years ago, John Glasscock roamed the Tucker Stadium sidelines as a volunteer assistant manager for the Tennessee Tech football team and then-head coach Watson Brown. He built a great rapport with the Golden Eagles players and staff.

It was during this time that he gained a prized possession – a Tennessee Tech game ball signed by legendary Golden Eagle Lonnie Warwick. A fantastic defensive presence for the Golden Eagles in the early '60s, the TTU Sports Hall of Famer became a member of the Minnesota Vikings' lauded "Purple People Eaters" defense from 1965 to 1972.

Warwick's grandsons, Jake and Jack, have both suited up for the Golden Eagles since, with Jake on the roster when JAG worked with the team. The elder Warwick is still to this day a presence, traveling down to Cookeville to watch his grandsons play, as well as take part in the annual TTU Football Alumni Golf Weekend.

"I got the football at the Homecoming game of my first season volunteering at Tech," Glasscock said. "His grandson (Jake) had just started at college. I met him and we started talking and one thing led to another and that's how I got the football."

Glasscock spent a few seasons with the program, even earning a Golden Eagle Volunteer of the Year award during the team's 2013 banquet.

"I had a blast working with the team," he said. "I love football. I love Tech football. I love helping people. It's amazing being able to give back, then seeing those guys remember what you put in. Those years were awesome. I remember getting to travel with the team some and I loved that. I always wanted to help win an OVC championship there, but didn't get that chance. I always hold Tech dear to my heart."

After his days with the Tech team had concluded, Glasscock began working with the Jackson County Rescue Squad in nearby Gainesboro, but he still had Warwick's signed football.

That was until a couple of months ago. In late October, the ball went missing. Almost immediately, Glasscock's family went on social media, asking for help finding the misplaced treasure.

The request went noticed by members of the Tech athletics department and the Golden Eagle football team. Jack Warwick, currently a redshirt sophomore linebacker with the Golden Eagles, took a Tech football helmet with him during the Thanksgiving holiday and Lonnie signed the new gift to the Tech volunteer.

He probably thought Wednesday was going to be another day of work. But once he arrived at the Jackson County Rescue Squad headquarters, there were a couple of familiar faces waiting for him. Tech head coach Dewayne Alexander and associate head coach Sam Williamson – both on the staff when Glasscock was – presented him with the helmet.

The expression on his eyes was priceless. After thinking his treasured keepsake was lost, the team he spent countless hours with had given him an early Christmas gift.

"It means a lot," Glasscock said. "I've been a Tech fan all of my life. This is just an amazing feeling. I feel blessed."