During the University of Virginia’s College at Wise’s annual Red-Gray spring football game on Saturday afternoon, there was one noticeable absence on the artificial turf at Carl Smith Stadium.

Brad Slade’s preparation for the 2008 football season began long before warm weather and spring practice arrived on the campus of the University of Virginia’s College at Wise.

A resolution spearheaded by Sen. Rusty Crowe, R-Johnson City, supporting the reinstatement of East Tennessee State University’s football program was passed unanimously by the Tennessee House of Representatives Monday.