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wahoo nation Mackey And Nancy Tilman Mackey and Nancy Tilman espouse a logical case refootball season tickets — and have continued to this day. garding why they've been VAF donors for more than 40 "When we first bought season tickets you could pay VAF years. $100, and they'd give you a parking space" he said. "We "There are so many student-athletes that couldn't parked in a lot called the "Golden C," and we have been take advantage of going to the University of Virginia if tailgating ever since." they didn't have a scholarship" Mackey Tilman said. "The An important 1964 UVa football game played a role in money we donate, along with the Tilman's wedding day (Oct. other VAF members, provides 17, 1964). the vehicle for these young peo"Our wedding was scheduled ple to get a great education that the day UVa was hosting West will prepare them for life after Point," Nancy recalled. "The wedschool while allowing then to ding was scheduled for 8 p.m. so continue their athletic prowess the guys could go to the game in school. in the afternoon. "It's worth every penny" "It was a miracle because we Nancy Tilman (UVa '64, nursbeat the Cadets." ing) has her own opinion reIn retrospect, it was a "miracle" garding the importance of The Tilmans have been football season in more ways than one. scholarships provided by the ticket holders and VAF donors for more "We got married in Roanoke than 40 years. VAF. which was a two-and-a-halfPhoto courtesy VAF "We are very interested in the hour drive," Mackey said. "The academic side," she said. "Many of our athletes are gifted groomsmen showed up for the wedding about a halfscholars. This may be their only chance for a great educahour before the service began." tion. Football isn't the only UVa sport that's drawn the Tilman's interest. "We have grandchildren who enjoy seeing these athletes, so we are seeing a generational thing which we They've been season ticket holders for men's basketball since the early 1970s and for women's basketball since like as well." the late 1970s. And Mackey has had a season ticket for Mackey, a Charlottesville native, remembers attending baseball for a couple of years. football games at Scott Stadium in the late 1940s with his "We are very impressed with the emphasis UVa is placparents, who had season tickets for many years. ing on all sports," Mackey said. "When you look at those "I also remember selling football programs for 50 cents sports, both for men and women, you see the quality each," he said. "Growing up in Charlottesville also gave coaches, the outstanding student-athletes we're recruityou the opportunity to see baseball games at Lambeth Field, and basketball, boxing and concerts at Mem Gym. ing and now, you see the progression of how well they're UVa sports were a big thing to do in those days, too." doing. After Mackey graduated from Washington and Lee ('63) "Without the VAF, Virginia couldn't have achieved what and logged some military service, the Tilmans returned is has and what it will in the future." to Charlottesville in 1967 and commenced purchasing — Mike Scandura