Orange: The Experience, August 2012 by EDWARDS PUBLICATIONS

IPTAY SEAT EQUITY PLAN

➤ 2013 Memorial Stadium seat modifications announced, page 12

august 2012

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Orange: The Experience

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Orange: The Experience

August 13, 2012

Volume 4, Issue 1

inside ...

departments 6 Terry Don Phillips

I want to see our football program grow

something in these hills 8

Date set for the annual Rock the ‘John event Tiger Cub Club Birthday Party

10 Bill D’Andrea

IPTAY Donors making the difference

12 IPTAY seat equity plan for Memorial Stadium 15 In focus: Clemson’s capital campaign for soccer 16 IPTAY Donor Spotlight

Rus Kingman

18 IPTAY Representative Spotlight

Tiger Defense in Good Hands

22 Clemson’s Original Playmaker 45 Men’s Soccer Outlook Andre Ellington has matured into the leader Dabo Swinney always knew he could be.

26 2012 Football Preview

To win a second straight ACC title, Tigers must answer questions up front.

38 Electric and Loud

New technology will enhance the gameday experience.

Mike Noonan is optimistic about the Tigers.

48 Women’s Soccer Outlook

Youthfulness a team advantage for new season.

50 Volleyball Outlook

Tigers look to take on ACC with full force.

52 Cross Country Outlook

Tigers team up to the challenge of a new season.

40 Another Large Freshman Class 54 2012 IPTAY Year in Review Despite injuries and late enrollments, new men’s basketball players spend valuable time on the court. 56 Fan and Football Parking Information 42 Lady Tiger Freshmen Adjust New players have great personalities and are ready to work as they adjust to college life. 60 World of Compliance

David Parker

20 IPTAY’s new assistant director of major gifts is ‘All-In’ 61 Memorials 62 IPTAY Donor Photos 64 The Last Word

Notre Dame joining the ACC would be good for both parties

Editor: Philip Sikes Assistant Editors Tim Bourret Lindsey Leonard Will Vandervort Graphics Coordinator: Melissa Bradley Contributing Writers Sam Blackman Jeff Kallin Libby Kehn William Qualkinbush Chief Photographer Rex Brown

IN THE NEXT ISSUE ... We chronicle the journey Daniel Rodriguez took to fulfill his college football dream.

Orange: The Experience is published eight times a year exclusively for donors to the IPTAY Scholarship Fund. A minimum priority contribution is $140, although contributions of any amount are welcome. To join IPTAY, call 864.656.2115 or go to www.clemsontigers.com and click on IPTAY. To advertise in Orange: The Experience, call 864.882.2375, fax 864.882.2381, call 864.656.2975 or e-mail to lsweval@exchange.clemson.edu. If you’ve had an address or phone number change, call the IPTAY office at 864.656.2115; go to www.clemsontigers.com and click on IPTAY; or send your name, IPTAY number, new address, new phone number and e-mail address to: IPTAY, P.O. Box 1529, Clemson, SC 29633.

august 2012

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â?&#x2DC;

Orange: The Experience

august 2012

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I want to see our football program grow Terry Don Phillips

clemson athletic director

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Orange: The Experience

have had great support from our IPTAY members. The WestZone Club seats have really helped us financially. Thanks to our IPTAY donors, the indoor facility is going to be a tremendous asset, and we are now in the process of getting a position approved for a sports nutritionist to start putting a training table program together. We do not know right now how all that is going to work, but we have a very good (dining) facility in the WestZone that is going to help our football program, and it may possibly help other sports that can also take advantage of the program.” Q: You took a lot of heat when you hired Coach Swinney in 2008. You’re not the kind of guy to say I told you so, but aren’t you glad to see he is doing the things you knew he was capable of doing when you hired him? Dr. Phillips: “Dabo coaches hard, and I enjoy his coaching style. He coaches with a lot of excitement and enthusiasm, and he is an outstanding recruiter. He is very good with people, and he is very smart. I felt if he had the opportunity, he could possibly be a special head coach. When we made this decision, I explained to people that I have never seen an outstanding head coach start out as an outstanding head coach. Someone had to take a chance on them. Sometimes it works out, and sometimes it does not. I strongly believe as Dabo continues his career as a head coach, he is going to have a very strong and long-term career.”

Photo by Rex Brown

With football season approaching, Orange: The Experience’s Will Vandervort sat down with Clemson Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips and got his thoughts on the upcoming football season, the state of the program and Head Coach Dabo Swinney. Q: Let’s talk about this coming football season. How do you see this season? What are you expecting? Dr. Phillips: “I want to see our program continue to grow. Dabo will tell you that it is not where he intends for it to be. He is putting together a very solid program for the long term. Being the defending ACC Champions, we obviously have a target on our back. We know that it is going to be a tough challenge to defend our championship. The ACC is going to continue to improve. We have some very capable teams that can be dominant programs. So, our challenge is to be a consistent contender and we always need to be in the upper echelon of the league, which gives you a chance to win conference championships. If you do that consistently enough, you will have the opportunity to have one of those special years where you can be a factor in the BCS playoff and National Championship picture.” Q: The media that cover the ACC picked Florida State to win the ACC this year. Do you think Coach Swinney will use that as motivation? Dr. Phillips: “It can help you. It can put a chip on your shoulder. From a coaching standpoint, it isn’t about Florida State or Virginia Tech or Georgia Tech, or any of those schools. It’s about individually, and then collectively, how are we going to get better? How are we going to improve ourselves? You worry about yourself and your team. You don’t worry about what is being said out there, and you certainly don’t worry about what’s being written. You have to work inwardly to the outside, which means the kids have to have a commitment to get better individually as a player and then collectively as a team. If they do that, the other stuff will take care of itself.” Q: How proud are you with the things that are happening with the football program? Dr. Phillips: “I feel good about the progress we have made. We all agree that we are not where we want to be, but we have made some significant strides. The West End Zone took a lot of effort by a lot of people involved. There were a whole lot of people. We had great support from our major donors. We

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something in these hills Date Set for the Annual Rock the ‘John Event The date and time has been set for the 2012 version of the annual Rock the ‘John event. This exciting event, aimed to introduce both the men’s and women’s 201213 basketball teams, is set for Friday, October 19th at 8:00 PM in Littlejohn Coliseum. This year’s Rock the ‘John will take place during the middle of an exciting weekend on campus for Clemson Athletics. Coach Hoover and the volleyball team will host Miami at Jervey Gym at 6:00 PM for Youth Night, where there will be face painting, sign making, photos with The Tiger and an autograph session with the team at the conclusion of the game. Men’s Soccer will also be at home on Friday night as they will host San Diego State at Historic Riggs Field at 6:00 PM, and will be highlighted by the 25th Anniversary of the

1987 Clemson National Championship team. On Saturday, football will host Virginia Tech in Death Valley for a rematch of the 2011 ACC Championship game. The weekend will conclude with volleyball hosting Florida State for the annual Dig Pink event on Sunday at noon, as the team will look to build awareness and money for breast cancer. Although all details for this year’s Rock the ‘John have yet to be finalized, fans can expect a fun, free, and exciting event for all ages! Fans will experience exciting acts, player and coach introductions, an opportunity to win great prizes, and autographs from their favorite players! More details for Rock the ‘John will follow with a preview in the September issue of Orange: The Experience.

Tiger Cub Club Birthday Party The Tiger Cub Birthday Party is set for the Ball State game on Sept. 8 in Jervey Gym. Members of the Tiger Cub Club are invited to the Tiger Cub’s birthday party prior to the Ball State game. An invitation will be sent in the mail in the coming weeks with more details. You may purchase youth tickets for this game for $10 (ages 18 and younger) through the ticket office at 1-800-CLEMSON. If you are interested in signing up a friend or loved one for the Tiger Cub Club (open to fans age 18 and younger), please call 864-656-2115. The membership fees are $30 for an annual membership or $500 for a sustaining membership (which includes an engraved brick in our Tiger Cub Club Plaza). Go Tigers!

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IPTAY Donors Making The Difference Bill D’Andrea

— executive senior associate athletic director for external affairs —

As we conclude the 2012 year, while catching our breath as we prepare for the upcoming season, Clemson can be proud of the continued support we received from our IPTAY members. IPTAY continues to be the leader in annual fundraising in the Atlantic Coast Conference, followed closely by Virginia Tech and Duke. As Dr. R. C. Edwards once said, “It would be hard to measure the impact IPTAY has made on the athletic department and our university.” Our staff and IPTAY reps have also played a significant role in establishing some solid benchmarks achieved this year. For the 2012 year we have more new donors — 1,739 — the highest since 2008. And our IPTAY reps played an essential role in signing up these new members. We have also sold over 3,000 more season tickets than last year and our membership level is pushing 14,700 — its highest since 2008. IPTAY’s mission of supporting scholarships is more important today than it has ever been to our athletic department. The results of our spring semester grades are a testimony to this support from our donors, as our student-athletes achieved the highest GPA on record for a semester with a 2.99. We also had record numbers of student-athletes on the Honor Roll and President’s List, as well as four NCAA post graduate scholarship winners, more than anyone in the ACC. Without our IPTAY donors’ support, Clemson Athletics would be financially limited in providing the resources essential to compete. Having a position in the athletic department provides me with a first-hand opportunity to see your donations make a difference in our student-athletes, facilities and overall operational support. I can assure you that your support is appreciated by many and is not taken for granted. We have worked, and will continue to work hard, toward improving our organization. In the last 10 years we have probably made more adjustments to IPTAY than were made in the previous 68 years, simply because of the changing landscape in college athletics. Recently, the athletic department established a nine-member advisory committee of highly successful and generous donors. This committee was designed to provide our department with an outside perspective of our athletic department, and they have made several recommendations to help athletics improve our branding, marketing and all other areas of our department. IPTAY has secured an outside resource that specializes in brand-

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Orange: The Experience

ing and marketing and various other services that are affiliated with growing annual funds. In addition, we will be adding another major gifts position to enhance this area in pursuit of our facility initiatives and other needs. We have posted a new communication specialist position to help us be more transparent, develop consistent messages and provide more communication to our donors and fans. The IPTAY staff was also busy this past spring with our annual Prowl & Growl meetings. The meetings were well attended and we deeply appreciate the support of our donors, IPTAY reps and Clemson Club presidents who helped to make these meetings a success. I know the coaches enjoy being there and it is a way for IPTAY to say thanks to all of our loyal supporters and fans. The biggest changes to our organization will be to emphasize our athletic development area. This will include making IPTAY a more comprehensive fundraising organization that will encompass planned giving, major gifts and our Letterwinners Association. All of this will be brought under the leadership of Bobby Couch, our Director of IPTAY Development. Tim Match, associate athletic director for marketing, will expand his responsibilities to oversee our ticket office and take on new oversight of our video operations, which will be brought under the auspices of IPTAY/External Affairs. This past year, IPTAY raised $19,200,000 and major gifts was responsible for another $10 million in cash and pledges. The expanded IPTAY footprint is essential to Clemson Athletics if we want to continue having first-class facilities. This organizational emphasis and change is critical, simply because we can’t accomplish our goals based solely on the annual fund. We anticipate all our donors will consider contributing in some fashion to our facility campaign and sport specific initiatives to help make our facility vision a reality. We hope you are excited about the upcoming athletic and academic year. We will have two new scoreboards in Memorial Stadium located on the west side, an encompassing ribbon message board on the façade of the stadium’s north and south stands, as well an enhanced video board on the east side. In closing, I want everyone to know how eternally grateful our staff is to have the loyal, annual support from our IPTAY donors. Your gifts are making a significant difference in Clemson Athletics. Thank you all for a solid year in IPTAY. Go Tigers and thank you, again!

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2013 IPTAY Seat Equity Plan for Memorial Stadium What is IPTAY? IPTAY is widely regarded as the father of athletic fundraising. The IPTAY Scholarship Fund traces its roots to the 1930s. Dr. Rupert Fike is credited with being the originator of IPTAY, but the seed that Dr. Fike needed for his now much-envied group was planted by head football coach Jess Neely. The organization was first established as a secret organization and initial membership dues were set at $10.00 a year (I Pay Ten A Year). A little more than $1,600 came into the coffers the first year of IPTAY, even in the heart of the Great Depression. Some payments were made in the form of barter. Milk, sweet potatoes, turnip greens and the like were accepted in the initial efforts to build membership. While the basic principles of IPTAY outlined in 1934 remain the same, the scope of IPTAY has grown tremendously. Not only does this unique organization provide for athletic scholarships, but IPTAY is also a key in building and maintaining the outstanding facilities that are essential for Clemson to remain as one of the top intercollegiate athletic programs in the United States. Change is essential for the growth of IPTAY Clemson faces significant increases in operations, scholarships, travel, game-day operations, security and personnel costs. • The IPTAY Seat Equity Plan has and will continue to strengthen the IPTAY Scholarship Fund and provide better opportunities for the program to meet its competitive goals. • IPTAY has undergone few changes in annual giving despite major shifts in college athletics: - 1989: Minimum giving level increased to $100 from $30. - 1996: Minimum giving level to receive a numbered parking spot rose to $1,000 from $500. - 2003-2004: All membership levels increased by 40%. - 2008: Implemented the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan. • In 2008, Clemson University was the last institution among the Top 20 Division 1-A football attendance leaders to implement a preferred seating component to its annual donor program. What is the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan? Beginning with the renewal of 2008 football season tickets, Clemson University joined the other Top 20 Division 1-A football attendance leaders in adding a preferred seating component to its annual giving program. Under the plan, season-ticket holders who gave at or above the specified per seat values qualified for specific seating in Memorial Stadium (see the attached map). The initiative enhanced annual support for studentathletes at Clemson and gave our athletic programs the resources they needed to compete amid increasing scholarship, operations and facilities costs. 12

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Orange: The Experience

With the new IPTAY year of 2013, adjustments to the per seat donation values that qualify donors for areas in Memorial Stadium will be made to the Seat Equity Plan. Clemson is entering year six of the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan. These adjustments have been determined and endorsed by the IPTAY Board of Directors and the athletic department. The majority of changes involve a $50 per seat increase to the current price. Other changes involve adjusting the values associated with the Top Deck of Memorial Stadium between the 30 yard lines. Please see the map to identify these areas. We estimate that IPTAY donors will continue the long-standing history of a high renewal rate which could impact the number of lower-level seats that come available. How does the plan affect you? In September 2012, you will receive a contribution form detailing the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan donation required for the renewal of your football season tickets for the 2013 football season. Please return 50% of your IPTAY contribution by February 15, 2013 to ensure your priority season-ticket renewal. If you have retained your seats through years of loyal IPTAY donations, you will have the option to maintain your seats by aligning your current seat location to your respective giving level. To estimate the minimum IPTAY donation required to renew your seats for the 2013 season, simply multiply the new seat value for your section by the number of tickets you have in that specific location. See the seating diagram in this brochure for details and pricing. Seat Equity Plan Equation IPTAY Seat Value x Number of Seats = Required IPTAY Donation Life Donors/Endowment As was done in 2008, the modification of the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan will allow Life Donors to purchase the number of seats outlined in their respective Life Donor agreements as it pertains to the specific IPTAY giving level. These seats in the Life Donor agreement will not be affected; however, seats purchased above and beyond the Life Donor agreed upon number (included in the agreement) will be impacted by the modification of the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan, similar to the 2008 IPTAY Seat Equity Plan. Faculty/Staff A faculty/staff member will have the same opportunity to maintain current seats as an IPTAY donor. Continuing from the 2008 IPTAY Seat Equity Plan, a current Clemson faculty/ staff member who purchases tickets will receive $140 credit toward an IPTAY membership which may be applied to the modification of the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan. If the faculty/staff member already maintains an IPTAY donor level, $140 will

be credited/added to his/her current IPTAY level. What is the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan designed to accomplish? The modification of the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan is a common system used in intercollegiate athletics to enhance the annual support provided to student-athletes. When the initial IPTAY Seat Equity Plan was announced and implemented in 2008, one component of the plan permitted a marketplace review of the values of each section of seating in Memorial Stadium following the fifth year of the implementation. Does this plan mean that everyone in your section pays the same amount of money? A misconception when we use the term “equity” is that each IPTAY Donor sitting next to another IPTAY Donor is paying the same amount as the other. This is true in some cases, but there are many factors that contribute to this not being exact. Obviously, the quantity of tickets is the main factor, as well as the parking the donors receive for their IPTAY annual donation. The per seat donation that IPTAY requires members to contribute is the minimum donors can contribute to keep their seats. Many IPTAY donors contribute more than the required donation and developed a perception that they contribute too much; however, one must consider all the factors, including parking, seat locations and most critically, that each donation is supporting the mission of the IPTAY Scholarship Fund — funding the scholarships for all Clemson studentathletes. Why is the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan important? All of the 20 schools leading in Division 1-A football attendance have annual giving programs that include a preferred seating plan in their stadiums. These annual giving programs provide the resources necessary to continue to strive for athletic excellence. To compete on a national platform, Clemson student-athletes need the support generated by this important program. Why are we revising the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan now? When we implemented the plan in 2008, we noted that we would not change or modify the seat values associated with sections throughout Memorial Stadium for a five-year period. After reviewing the marketplace and comparing many factors, we felt it was critical to make the appropriate modifications for the 2013 football season. Will the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan be required beyond 2013? Yes. The IPTAY Seat Equity Plan works in conjunction with your annual contribution and will be necessary for your seaCONTINUED ON PAGE 14

2013 IPTAY Per Seat Donation Yellow - $750 Gray - $550 Orange - $400 Red - $190 Purple - $120 Blue - Non-Priority Seating Green - Seats Unavailable

2013 IPTAY Per Seat Minimum Donation

2013 IPTAY Per Seat Donation Yellow - $750 Gray - $550 Orange - $400 Red - $190 Purple - $120 Blue - Non-Priority Seating Green - Seats Unavailable

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2013 IPTAY Per Seat Minimum Donation

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IPTAY Seat Value Required IPTAY Donation

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Life Donors/Endowment As was done in 2008, the modification of the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan will allow Life Donors to purchase the number of seats outlined in their respective Life Donor agreements as it pertains to the specific IPTAY giving level. These seats in the Life Donor agreement will not be affected; however, seats purchased above and beyond the Life Donor agreed upon number (included in the agreement) will be impacted by the modification of the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan, similar to the 2008 IPTAY Seat Equity Plan.

CONTINUEDFaculty/Staff FROM PAGE 12

ion among the to implement a program.

A faculty/staff member will have the same opportunity to maintain current seats as an IPTAY Donor. Continuing from the 2008 IPTAY Seat Equity Plan, a current Clemson faculty/staff member who purchases tickets will receive $140 credit toward an IPTAY membership which may be applied to the modification of the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan. If the faculty/staff member already maintains an IPTAY Donor level, $140 will be credited/added to his/her current IPTAY level.

the marketplace and comparing many factors, we felt it was critical to make the appropriate modifications for the 2013 football season.

The payment or reimbursement of the operating expenses of IPTAY.

Will the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan be required beyond 2013?

The establishment and maintenance of an adequate scholarship reserve fund deemed appropriate by the IPTAY Board of Directors.

Any expenditure other than those established under the previous three priorities shall be limited to either direct or indirect aid to the athletic program of Clemson University and must be approved by the IPTAY Board of Directors.

Yes. The IPTAY Seat Equity Plan works in conjunction with your annual IPTAY contribution and will be necessary for your season ticket renewal each year. Also, the donation levels and seat values associated with each specific section may be revised to address the future needs of IPTAY and the Clemson University Athletic Department. The IPTAY Board and Athletic Department will review the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan each year.

nor’s annual giving level and priority point total. As donors How will I be notified of the specific IPTAY Seat Equity Plan for the renewal of my football season tickets? make a decision to increase their giving to retain seats or to You will receive a statement in September 2012 that will indicate request seat improvements, parking will be afyour required IPTAY donation based onassignments the 2013 IPTAY Seat Plan. In order to maintain your current seat location, 50% fected. Equity of this donation needs to be completed by February 15, 2013 to

son ticket renewal each year. Also, the donation levels and seat values associated with each specific section may be rekets, Clemson ensure your preferred season-ticket renewal. Each subsequent year, all attendancevised to address the future needs of IPTAY and the Clemson IPTAY will send renewal solicitations in early fall with a deadline of annual giving What is the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan designed to accomplish? February of the following year for 50% of total IPTAY contribution. ave at or aboveUniversity Athletic Department. The IPTAY Board and Athletic Is the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan tax deductible? ng in Memorial The modification of the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan is a common system Do I have to participate in the annual IPTAY Seat Departmentutilized will review the IPTAY Seatto enhance Equitythe Plan each year. in intercollegiate athletics annual support EquityIRS Planhas to keep my season-ticket Yes. The ruled that gifts location? for preferential seating provided to student-athletes. When the initial IPTAY Seat Equity Plan hletes at was announced and implemented in 2008, one component of the plan are 80%Yes. The IPTAY Seat Equityconsult Plan is a requirement for renewalfor of more deductible. Please your tax advisor they needed to permitted a marketplace review of the values of each section of seating season tickets in these identified priority locations. acilities costs.How will I be in Memorial Stadium following the fifthIPTAY year of the implementation. notified of the specific Seat information. How will this affect my parking assignment? per seat mean that everyone in your section Equity PlanDoes forthis theplanrenewal of my football season rial Stadium pays the same amount of money? Parking is reassigned on an annual basis using each donor’s annual is entering tickets? and priority point total. As donors make a decision to Can I usegiving mylevelemployer’ s matching gift program ents have been A misconception when we use the term “equity” is that each IPTAY increase their giving to retain seats or to request seat improvements, ctors and the Donor sitting next to another IPTAY Donor is paying the same parking assignments will be affected. a statement in September 2012 that will toward my contributions for the IPTAY Seat Equity a $50 per seat You will receive amount as the other. This is true in some cases, but there are many djusting the that contribute to this not being exact. Obviously, the quantity indicate yourfactors required IPTAY donation based on the 2013 Plan? IPTAY Seat Equity Plan. In order to maintain your current Yes. If your employer will match a gift to an athletic proseat location, 50% of this donation needs to be completed gram, you can use these funds to fulfill the IPTAY Seat Eqby February 15, 2013 to ensure your preferred season-ticket uity Plan contribution. The matching contribution will only renewal. Each subsequent year, IPTAY will send renewal so- be credited to your account when the funds are received by licitations in early fall with a deadline of February of the fol- IPTAY. lowing year for 50% of total contribution. How will contributions to the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan be used? Do I have to participate in the annual IPTAY Seat Contributions to IPTAY, in conjunction with the Seat Equity Equity Plan to keep my season ticket location? Yes. The IPTAY Seat Equity Plan is a requirement for re- Plan, will be used to support the annual operational costs asnewal of season tickets in these identified priority locations. sociated with sustaining a highly competitive athletics program at Clemson University. These costs include everything from scholarships to facilities and maintenance, and imporHow will this affect my parking assignment? Parking is reassigned on an annual basis using each do- tant academic support programs.

14 FBItickets2011.indd ❘ O r a n g e5: T h e E x p e r i e n c e

Timeline for Implementation of the Modification of the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan August 2012

IPTAY Seat Equity Plan unveiled

August 2012

IPTAY donors will receive packet of information with complete details of the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan

September 2012

IPTAY donors will receive information pertaining to their specific seat location

February 15, 2013

IPTAY pledge (50% payment due) and reply deadline

April 2013

Purchase football tickets

June 15, 2013

IPTAY contribution deadline

August 2013

Season tickets will be printed and mailed

In accordance with the IPTAY constitution, the four priorities are as follows: 1. The payment of the annual cost of athletic scholarships. 2. The payment or reimbursement of the operating expenses of IPTAY. 3. The establishment and maintenance of an adequate scholarship reserve fund deemed appropriate by the IPTAY Board of Directors. 4. Any expenditure other than those established under the previous three priorities shall be limited to either direct or indirect aid to the athletic program of Clemson University and must be approved by the IPTAY Board of Directors. 7/25/12 2:56 PM

6/27/2011 9:06:26 AM

In Focus:

Clemson’s Capital Campaign for soccer

In 2011, the Clemson athletic department announced a $50 million campaign to enhance the facilities at Memorial Stadium, the Hoke Sloan Tennis Complex, Historic Riggs Field, Doug Kingsmore Stadium and Littlejohn Coliseum. Recently, Orange: The Experience assistant editor and senior writer Will Vandervort sat down with Assistant Director of IPTAY’s Major Gifts division, Ford Williams, to discuss the Historic Riggs Field Capital Campaign and what it means for Clemson’s future success in both men’s and women’s soccer. Q: What are the plans for the upgrades at Historic Riggs Field? Mr. Williams: We have two projects in progress, one on the north side and one on the south side. The project on the north side will be started this fall after the season is complete. It will encapsulate the history of Historic Riggs Field, and the history of the man it is named for, Walter Riggs, who was our first president and our first football coach. It will display what he did for Clemson University, and how he brought athletics and academics together. He set the footprint for what Clemson athletics is today. The north side project is funded, and we have some exciting plans in motion. We are also currently raising money for the south side, which will include a new entrance and wall of honor. Through this walkway, we will honor our past All-Americans and National Championship teams. This project will capture the history of both our men’s and women’s soccer programs. Q: What else will this capital campaign help improve at Riggs Field? Mr. Williams: We will be able to include new locker rooms for the men’s and women’s teams and a visiting locker room (men’s and women’s locker rooms are currently used by the visiting teams on game days). There will also be a dedicated area for the referees to prepare for the games, new concessions, and a multipurpose room. Q: How much money will you need to raise for the south side? Mr. Williams: Right now, we are looking at raising $1.5 million for the south side project. As soon as we hit certain goals for this project, we can start laying bricks as soon as possible. We are fortunate to have a passionate and driven volunteer campaign committee that is setting the bar high for this project.

Q: So there are a couple of phases to this project, correct? Mr. Williams: Once we are able to get the north side completed and we have raised the necessary funds for the south side, we will go ahead and get the entryway and the locker rooms taken care of. We already have one key piece, which is the new scoreboard that just went up this summer. That has been a wonderful addition. It is one of the largest in the ACC, and is going to do a lot for the athletic district and for the environment at Historic Riggs Field. The progress has been exciting; however, there is always a need to continue the momentum in a campaign. We continue to seek support from those who want to see the betterment of Clemson University and its student-athletes. Q: How much does the Highway 93 project, which the City of Clemson is a big part of, help move the north side addition along? Mr. Williams: It helps tremendously. The interesting part to me about Highway 93 is that it is the entrance into the athletic district. Our donors, fans, alumni, and friends coming to any of our on-campus competitions throughout the year are going to be welcomed with a new look to the athletic district, which will highlight an important part of Clemson’s campus. The Highway 93 project will tie all of that in, and with our overall athletic plan, it will showcase our great facilities. It will connect both sides of the campus as we go down from Historic Riggs Field all the way to the new indoor practice facility for football. Q: Why is it important that we honor Walter Riggs with this project?

Mr. Williams: Walter Riggs did so much for the university from his leadership as president to his leadership as a coach. He played a big role in the full experience as a student here at Clemson. He wanted to encourage the value of education and athletics to all Clemson students. That footprint he laid for Clemson University is going to be honored in this project. We are going to showcase what Walter Riggs was able to accomplish for our great university on both the academic and athletic side. Q: What will be the overall cost of the two projects combined? Mr. Williams: The north and south side projects will total $6 million. With the generosity of the IPTAY Board matching the $1.5 million we need to raise on the south side, the existing south side renovation will total approximately $3 million dollars. Q: If someone is interested in helping fund this project, how can they help? Mr. Williams: We seek to involve people who are not only interested in our soccer programs, but also engage those who recognize what Walter Riggs did for this campus. Historic Riggs Field has been a cornerstone of Clemson Athletics over the years, and has hosted a big part of Clemson University’s history. From military drills to football games, track and field events and now the men’s and women’s soccer programs, Riggs Field has been a big part of Clemson and tells a lot of our history. If someone is interested in helping us honor Walter Riggs or our soccer programs, they can contact me (Ford Williams) at (864) 656-0314 or email fordw@clemson.edu. — compiled by Will Vandervort

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D ONOR S P OTL I GHT

When did you become a Clemson fan? “Mack Cureton and Bob Kay introduced me to Clemson when I was seven years old. In 1963 at the age of 12, Mack and Bob invited me to my first Clemson home football game with Bob’s son, Tommy. That first home gameday experience will be forever indelibly imprinted in my memory.”

Rus

Kingman

Why did you get involved with IPTAY? “Originally, I joined IPTAY from a sense of obligation and a desire to ensure the availability of season tickets for football. Since that early beginning, and with a greater grasp of and appreciation for IPTAY and what Clemson has provided my family and me, I have felt it important to increase my commitment of time and financial support. I do this gratefully from a sense of loyalty and appreciation.” What is your favorite gameday tradition? “My favorite Clemson gameday tradition, in addition to the ‘most exciting 25 seconds in college football,’ is that of spending time and sharing the experience with family and friends. I am always appreciative and consider myself blessed when visitors stop by our parking tailgate to say hello and get caught up.” Who is your favorite all-time student-athlete? “There have been so many who have given me so much enjoyment over the years. However, when forced with selecting one all-time favorite, I am only able to narrow it to four. These special men of excellence are Jeff Davis, Charles Warren, Bob Mahony and Patrick Sapp. Four finer examples of outstanding Clemson student-athletes who continue to give back daily to our great University in immeasurable ways, I cannot possibly imagine.”

Rus Kingman greeting the team.

Who is your favorite Clemson coach? “My favorite past Clemson coaches would include Frank Howard, Danny Ford, Bobby Roberts, Cliff Ellis and Bill Wilhelm. However, in part due to having spent more time with this special man and knowing his exceptional strength of character, Larry Penley is my favorite Clemson coach. Coach Penley’s amazing record on the golf course speaks for itself. However, I find his sincere, down home warmth, charm, caring and generosity to be among his most rare and endearing attributes.”

Current Hometown

What is one thing you always do when you come to Clemson? “Whenever in Clemson, I always try to make an effort to either stop or drive past my F\father’s place of burial at the cemetery at Old Stone Church. Although dad was a Wofford man, he cherished his time in Clemson and rooted for the Tigers to win whenever they took the field or court. Perhaps dad’s love for Clemson began when he hosted the original Frank Howard Show for WSPA. I do know that he always loved telling Frank Howard stories, especially after we became neighbors of Coach Howard’s following our move to Clemson.”

40 Years

Greer, SC

Years of Membership

— compiled by Victoria Reid

“(In my first game) I was initially

awe struck by the size of the crowd (at Memorial Stadium), the loud roaring

cheers of the fans and the solid waves of orange scenery. Added to that, during the game, there was a drop in temperature from 84 to 57 degrees and an inch of hail pelted down on us and covered the Death Valley field. The entire experience was cold and wet, yet terrific fun for two young boys and I was hooked on Clemson forever!” 16

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Orange: The Experience

Kingman with Joe, Jimmy and John at a Miami Orange Bowl party.

Kingman with friend Phil Prince.

FOLLOW THE TIGERS RIGHT ON YOUR PHONE. On America’s Fastest 4G Network, stay up-to-the-minute with the latest Clemson football news, stats and more. With Verizon, no one will know the game better than you. Coverage not available everywhere; see vzw.com. 4G LTE is available in more than 200 cities in the U.S. ©2012 Verizon.

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RE P RESENT A T I V E S P OTL I GHT

When did you become a Clemson fan? “It started at birth. My parents said I was telling people “I’m going to Clemson” before I started the first grade.”   Why did you get involved with IPTAY? “It was a way to give back to Clemson and to stay involved.”

David Parker

What is your favorite gameday tradition? “Watching the team run down the Hill. I get chills every time.” Who is your favorite all-time student-athlete? “There’s been so many. My high school teammate James “Peanut” Martin would never forgive me if I didn’t mention that we grew up with Casey Stone’s parents, so I always enjoyed watching him play. And even though he hasn’t played a down yet, how can you not pull for Daniel Rodriguez?” Who is your favorite Clemson coach? “I can’t narrow that down, so many good guys over the years. I’ve been fortunate to know a lot of them.” What is one thing you always do when you come to Clemson? “I always try to visit the coaches.” Why should someone who is not an IPTAY member join? “It’s not all about parking and tickets, it’s about being the best we can be. It’s about giving our coaches and student-athletes what they need to be successful. If we want our teams to be successful on a national scale, we have to continue to be nationally competitive in fund raising.” — compiled by Victoria Reid

“(IPTAY is) not all about parking and tickets, it’s about being the best we can be. It’s about giving our coaches and student athletes what they need to be successful.

If we want our teams to be successful on a national scale, we have to continue to be nationally competitive in fund raising.”

Current Hometown

Gaffney, SC

Years of Membership

30+ Years

David Parker with former coaches Larry Shyatt and Tommy Bowden.

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Orange: The Experience

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IPTAY’s New Assistant Director of Major Gifts is ‘All-In’ When he came to Clemson for the first time as the starting goalkeeper for the University of North Carolina soccer team, Ford Williams knew he was in the presence of something special. “I always looked forward to coming here and playing,” he said. “You always knew you were in for a tough battle. It was always a tough environment, and the fans were great. You also knew you were coming into soccer history. There is an aura about Historic Riggs Field. It is an intimidating place to play.” Though he was playing for another team, Williams could also sense there was something different as opposed to other schools, too, including the one he was playing for. Though he did not really know what that feeling was at the time, he quickly picked up on it when he came to Clemson earlier this year as part of a job interview for an opening in Clemson’s major gifts division of IPTAY. “Clemson is such a special place and there are very few places in this country like it, and I have been fortunate enough to travel to quite a few universities throughout the country,” Williams said. “When you step foot onto this campus and you become a part of its culture, it’s hard not to fall in love.” Williams, the newest assistant director of major gifts who currently oversees the capital campaign for improvements to Historic Riggs Field, admits it took him a little while to become a part of the culture at North Carolina. He says the feeling was not the same at Clemson. “Believe it or not, I grew up an NC State fan,” he said. “My dad is an NC State alum, and we always went to NC State football games growing up. I was raised to hate Carolina, however, it grew on me after a little while. “But Clemson was different. As soon as I started interviewing for this job, I knew this was the place I wanted to be. The passion of this fan base is unreal. The traditions and history really are special. It is an honor, truly, to work at a place like Clemson. So, I’ll be honest with you. The only thing in my office that has anything to do with North Carolina is my degree. I’m 100 percent converted, and I try to convey that to everybody because it’s the first question I get.” The funny thing, Clemson was one of Williams’ top choices when he was deciding on where he wanted to play college soccer. He says Clemson recruited him heavily as a goalkeeper, but he decided to go to UNC instead because of playing time. At the time, Doug Warren was an All-American goalkeeper for the Tigers, and Williams knew he was going to have to play behind Warren. “It was not beyond anything other than playing time and greed from my perspective,” he said. “I wanted to start as a freshman, and I couldn’t do that because Doug Warren was here at 20

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Orange: The Experience

the time. He did a great job here. I have a lot of respect for Doug, but I did not want to play behind him, I wanted my own opportunity. “That’s what ultimately led me to North Carolina because the opportunity was there for me to compete for the starting job right away in the best league in the country, but I have always held a tremendous amount of respect for Clemson both on and off the field. Being able to come down to Historic Riggs Field and play was a great experience because it is one of the oldest and best facilities in the country.” Now that he is a Tiger, Williams is excited about the opportunity he has in improving Historic Riggs Field. One of his first assignments at Clemson is to lead the way as Clemson drives a major capital campaign that will improve both the north and south sides of the stadium, as well as honor the man who laid the footprint for collegiate athletics at Clemson University – Walter Riggs. “I want to be a part of building something special, and I think Clemson is a place to do that,” he said. “This is not a job for me, this is a passion. I am excited to do everything I can for the betterment of Clemson athletics. “I just want to see Clemson athletics be where it can be; a top 25 athletic department in all areas, and it is a pleasure to be a small part of that process. We are fostering an invaluable experience not only for our fan base, but more importantly exceptional opportunities for our student-athletes, which is truly life changing. “I don’t know if we think about that as much as we should. Sometimes we tend to focus on the wins and losses,” he continued. “But, the overall experience for a student-athlete from the time they step foot on campus as a recruit to the time they graduate with a degree from Clemson is truly why we give of our time and treasure. If young men and women can understand that they will have everything they need at Clemson as a student and as an athlete, the decision to compete for Clemson is a no-brainer. They can get everything they want from practice, competition, education and from a social setting. Those are things, thanks to the generosity of fans, alumni and donors, which will change and shape their lives forever.” — by Will Vandervort

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red u t a M s a h n o t Andre Elling ney n i w S o b a D r e Into the Lead Be d l u o C e H w e n Always K n d e rvo rt b y Wil l Va B r ow n p h o to s b y R e x

Andre Ellington returned for his senior season and is 10th in Clemson history in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.

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Orange: The Experience

s he walked over to the sideline following his 44yard touchdown run that sealed Clemson’s win over Maryland last October, Andre Ellington was swarmed by his teammates, as each one patted him on the helmet or high fived him. Then he saw Head Coach Dabo Swinney, who looked at his star running back, smiled and told him how proud he was. As the two embraced for a hug, Ellington could only laugh as he had a smile that stretched from ear-to-ear.

yards in the last half of the 2011 season, prompting Swinney to say his toughest recruiting job in 2012 was to convince Ellington to come back for his senior season.

“I really can’t say what he said, but I can tell you he was really excited,” the preseason All-ACC running back said. “He was just happy to see me break out like that. Up to that point, I had struggled pretty much, and to get that opportunity to get loose in the open space and show what I’m capable of made him proud.” Swinney was proud. Ellington rushed for a career-high 212 yards on 24 carries in the 56-45 victory that night, including a three-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Ellington went on to rush for 650 of his 1,178

rushed for over 100 yards in five different games last year, including 125 in the ACC Championship game against Virginia Tech. But as good of a year as he had, it seemed as if most have forgotten about Clemson’s original playmaker. “I love the way no one really knows what I’m capable of until I actually go out there and do it,” Ellington said. “I like to go out there and prove people wrong, and being the underdog gives me an opportunity to do that.” Morris doesn’t look at Ellington as an underdog. He knows with No. 23 in the backfield, Clemson’s chances of success are greatly enhanced. “He was, and is, the best recruit we had

ith the emergence of playmakers like quarterback Tajh Boyd and wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Sammy Watkins, the college football world became enamored with Clemson’s offense. The Tigers were almost unstoppable at times, as Offensive Coordinator Chad Morris was putting his playmakers in the best possible positions to be successful. That was also true in how Morris used Ellington. The Moncks Corner, SC native

this year,” Morris said. “When you start looking back on the way things have transpired, we are extremely excited to have him back, and even more excited to see him healthy. I don’t know if Clemson fans have seen him healthy in several years. “When you have a guy that rushed for nearly 1,200 yards and did not play the entire season, it tells you what his potential is and what he is capable of doing.” Before Hopkins came into his own and before Boyd and Watkins hooked up for long touchdowns, Ellington was the guy that made the Clemson offense go. Through the first eight games in 2010, he led the ACC in rushing, touchdowns, rushing touchdowns and scoring. Clemson found out how important he was after he suffered a turf toe injury at Boston College, causing him to miss most, if not all, of the last five games of the season. Without their playmaker, the Tigers limped to a 2-3 finish down the stretch, while the offense failed to find any consistency or an identity. Last year, Ellington opened up strong again, rushing for 740 yards the first seven games of the year, but this time an ankle injury against North Carolina sidelined him for much of that game and all of the next game at Georgia Tech. Not only was his playmaking ability missed, but also his knowledge of the offense and ability to pick up oncoming blitzes. With Ellington out, the Yellow Jackets changed their entire scheme and attacked Boyd from just about every angle, sacking him twice and hitting him countless other times. “In this offense, we have a lot of great receivers that can catch the ball and a quarterback that can throw it, but if we can’t run the ball and if we can’t block, then those guys will not be a factor,” he said. “It kind of goes hand-in-hand, we need them as well as they need us.”

Clemson’s Original Playmaker

august 2012

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fter a productive spring, Ellington did at it. He and Tajh put in extra time throwing not play in the Orange & White game. and catching, so I’m really pleased with the Instead, he had minor surgery on his maturity he has had when it comes to improvfoot to remove some bone fragments that were ing his ability to catch the football.” causing some irritation. It was a good move. llington has also improved his relationHe got all he needed out of the previous 14 ship with Swinney. Though he has never practices and the extra few days allowed him been intimidated by his head coach, Elto start his rehabilitation process early so the lington believes a player has to develop and healing could begin. By the start of summer workouts, Ellington earn the kind of relationship he and Swinney was running like he did prior to his injuries as share today. “I believe once you get to talk to the ball a sophomore and as a junior. He was cutting and juking defenders during voluntary skills coach, you have proven yourself,” Ellington said. “I believe I have done a lot in the past to and drills workouts. “A healthy Andre Ellington is like having a prove myself, so that has given me the privilege Heisman Trophy winner compared to some- to talk to him more. “He is the head coach and you really don’t one who is coming out of high school,” center Dalton Freeman said. “We are very excited to have that type of relationship with him as a have him back. He had, Below: Ellington had a gameI think, the best off-seahigh 125 rushing yards in son he has ever had and Clemson’s ACC Championship I think he will have the win over Virginia Tech. best season he has ever had.” At right: Head Coach Dabo Like any other year, Swinney presented Ellington with Ellington has estabthe Solid Rock Award among the lished some individual Tiger running backs. goals he would like to accomplish. Sure, it is not out of the realm of possibility he could pass Raymond Priester’s all-time rushing mark, or set new marks in yards per carry and touchdowns, but those are not the kind of goals Clemson’s senior tailback is talking about. He has two goals. First, stay healthy. Then, become a complete running back. “I want to get back to 100 percent,” he said. “I want to get back to the way I was playing before I got hurt during my sophomore year. I young guy. Since I decided I was going to was limited last year, even though I had flashes come back to finish my senior year, our relahere and there, but I want to stay healthy and tionship has grown stronger. I seem to come to him more than I did in the past.” show everyone what I’m capable of.” Playing behind the likes of James Davis and He also wants to show the pro scouts he can catch the football out of the backfield. Though C.J. Spiller, Swinney said it has been a pleasure his numbers aren’t bad — 45 catches for 273 to watch Ellington grow into not only a fantasyards and a touchdown — Ellington knows he tic football player, but into a leader as well. He pointed out that it isn’t always easy for a young can do better, and so does his position coach. “Andre knows for him to be the best player man with Ellington’s talent to sit back and he needs to be here at Clemson, and to play watch while someone else steals all the glory. But he feels Ellington has handled things at the next level, he has to get better when it comes to catching the football,” Tony Elliott elegantly through the years, and by watching said. “He has bought into it and he works hard guys like Davis and Spiller he learned how to

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Orange: The Experience

become a better football player and an even better teammate, student and man. “He is a man now,” Swinney said. “He came here as a young boy, but he is now a man. He needed to mature individually. It has been fun to watch him grow as a leader because I don’t think that was something that came natural to him. I don’t think that was something that he really embraced early in his career. “To see where he is now, he is dialed in and he is focused. He did not have a spring (in 2011) and he did not have a summer. He is healthy now. He feels good and is excited about graduating. I believe he is poised to have a great season.” Ellington said he has learned a lot during his time at Clemson. When he red-shirted his freshman year, he did not pout, but instead

chose to watch what made Davis and Spiller so good and such special players. He paid attention to the way they handled themselves with the media, their teammates and even Swinney. He said he also paid close attention to how they conducted themselves off the field and in the classroom. On the football field, he paid attention to the way they played the game, how hard they ran the football, and how they were willing to throw their bodies out there for the betterment of the team. “James and C.J., they were leaders,” Ellington said. “I got to see early in my career how you are supposed to act and how you are sup-

posed to handle things. I learned a lot from them.” Now Ellington is the teacher, as he serves as a mentor to young players like Roderick McDowell, D.J. Howard and Zac Brooks. “The thing about Andre is that he has paid his dues,” Elliott said. “He played behind C.J. He had to work to get himself in the position that he is in. So it means something to him. Now he sees, like it was for C.J. to mentor him, it’s his turn to mentor the younger players. “The thing that is great about Andre is that he had to work for everything that he had, and now he is staying humble because of it. Now he is in the position where he has to shoulder the burden of the running game because he is the most experienced guy, and now he has to help the young ones get ready so they can carry on his legacy when he leaves.” And as Ellington does this, it makes Swinney pump his fist more and more, and more than anything, it makes him proud. “Andre is just as fine of a person or player as we have had here. I’m just really happy for him and I’m really praying that he can stay healthy, and finish his career in really good form,” the Clemson coach said. “He rushed for almost 1,200 yards last year, and it was like he had a bad year or something. I don’t

know how many backs rushed for 1,200 yards, but it probably wasn’t many. He had some big games. Just to be able to consistently be there

and be with the team is something I know that is important to him. “I’m really proud of him.”

Ellington rushed for 117 yards on 22 carries against Boston College in 2011.

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2 0 1 2 C LE M SON FOOTBA LL P RE V I E W

Under the Microscope To win a Second Straight ACC Title, Tigers Must Answer Questions up Front by Will Vandervort | photos by Rex Brown

abo Swinney understands the expectations at Clemson. He knew when he took the job in 2008, he had to win an Atlantic Coast Conference Championship, and when he did it, he knew it would mean he had to win more than one. Well, last year his Clemson Tigers won the ACC for the first time in 20 years, and now with the start of the 2012 season just a couple of weeks away, he knows there is no time to rest on his laurels. “It doesn’t matter if you won six (games) last year or 10, the expectation at Clemson is that you are supposed to win,” he said. “Last year is over. Everybody has short memories around here. We have moved on. We were happy that we were able to have that great experience. It is something we will be able to learn from. “There were some things that we did not do well, and we have looked at all of that. Our eyes are forward. We talk to the players all the time about how the windshield is real big and the rearview mirror is small. It matters what’s behind you, but what’s in front of you, is much more important.” One of the things in front of Clemson will be learning to play as the hunted. This time last year, the Tigers talked about getting off on the right foot and staying hungry. “This is a nice feeling (being a champion), but at the same time, last year was last year,” center Dalton Freeman said. “We are excited about a new beginning. We have not done anything this year.” Instead of the one doing the hunting, as Clemson did in beating defending champion Virginia Tech twice in 2011, the Tigers are now the hunted. The so-called “X” is sitting squarely on their backs and every ACC school on their schedule this fall is looking to take them down. “We are going to have a target on our back,” Freeman said. “It is always going to be there. We are the defending ACC Champions until someone takes it away from us. We are not going to give it away very easily.

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Orange: The Experience

“It is going to be a challenge each and every week, and we are excited about that opportunity.” Though Clemson will be the defending champions, the Tigers, who return 14 starters from last year’s 10-4 team, will still be able to carry the torch as an underdog. Once again, Florida State is the media’s preseason favorite to win the ACC. The Seminoles received 72 first place votes last month as the favorite to win the Atlantic Division over second place Clemson, who tallied 17 first place votes. Florida State was also picked to win the league title over Virginia Tech in the championship game. It’s the seventh time in the eight years since the conference broke into two divisions that the Seminoles have been picked to win the Atlantic Division. Only twice has FSU actually won the division —2005 and 2010 — and only once — 2005 — has it won the ACC. “I have been the head coach here for three years and we’ve never been picked one time to win our division, and we won it twice,” Swinney said. “That stuff is fun for everybody to think about and predict. I’m much more interested to see how it ends up in December. That’s really the only concern I have.” To get to Charlotte, NC for the ACC Championship game on Dec. 1, the Tigers will have to answer questions along both its offensive and defensive lines. Clemson returns just two starters — Freeman and left tackle Brandon Thomas — on the offensive line and one starter — defensive end Malliciah Goodman — on the defensive line. “We’re the glue that holds everybody together,” Freeman said. “No matter what circumstance we’re faced with, we have to be consistent.” Joining Freeman and Thomas up front will be a cast that showed some consistency in the spring, allowing Offensive Coordinator Chad Morris to feel good about the offensive line going into camp. Kalon Davis and David Beasley will battle at left guard, as will Tyler Shatley — who

moved over from defensive Dabo Swinney coached the tackle — and Reid Webster at right guard. The biggest Tigers to their first ACC question is at right tackle, Championship where red-shirt sophomore in 20 years Gifford Timothy and redlast season. shirt freshman Joe Gore are neck-and-neck in competition with one another. “We have to develop some depth,” Freeman said. “That is an area of concern as we head into fall camp. We have the talent and we have the potential, but the experience isn’t quite there. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you don’t have that experience and that cohesiveness to be able to go play it out under the lights, then you are not going to be very successful. “We are excited about it, and I’m looking forward to being able to step back and help these younger guys, and take on that leadership role.”

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At l a n t ic D ivi s i o n

Wake Forest Demon Deacons 2011 RECORD: 6-7, 5-3 (tied for 2nd)

(listed by predicted order of finish by ACC media)

Head Coach: Jim Grobe, 68-67, 12th season; 101-100-1, 18th season overall Returning Starters: 10 (3 offense, 7 defense) Players to watch: QB Tanner Price; RB Josh Harris; WR Michael Campanaro; NT Nikita Whitlock, CB Merrill Noel; CB Kevin Johnson. Team’s strengths: The defense is the strength of this unit. Though small, Whitlock is one of the best defensive tackles in the ACC, while Noel is one of the best cover corners in the conference as well. Areas of concern: Price and Harris give the Demon Deacons an experienced backfield, but the offensive line must replace four starters and has little depth. A wide receiver must step up in the absence of departed playmaker Chris Givens, who left early for the NFL. What they are saying: “Since I have been here the media has said we are a young team, but we were a field goal away last year from winning our division with a young team.” — quarterback Tanner Price Overview: Wake Forest seems to be the same squad it was a year ago, but replacing four starters on the offensive line and finding a replacement for Givens might be too much for Price to overcome at quarterback.

Florida State Seminoles 2011 RECORD: 9-4, 5-3 (tied for 2nd)

Head Coach: Jimbo Fisher, 19-9, third season Returning Starters: 17 (8 offense, 9 defense) Players to watch: QB E.J. Manuel; RB Devonta Freeman; WR Rodney Smith; DE Brandon Jenkins; DE Bjoern Werner; CB Xavier Rhodes; PK Dustin Hopkins. Team’s strengths: Florida State returns eight starters from a defense that ranked eighth nationally in sacks. The Seminoles led the ACC in total, rushing, passing and scoring defense, and ranked fourth nationally in total defense and second in rushing defense. Areas of concern: The offensive line is still the primary area of concern heading into the season. FSU struggled to run the football in 2011, ranking 104th nationally. What they are saying: “It was tough watching (Clemson and Virginia Tech) them play for the ACC Championship. We want to change that this year, plain and simple.”— quarterback E.J. Manuel Overview: Florida State has been picked to win the ACC’s Atlantic Division title for the seventh time in eight years. But only twice — 2005 & 2010 — have the Seminoles matched the prediction. This year, some have also hyped FSU as a national championship contender, but for that to happen, the Seminoles have to get better at running the football. The ‘Noles finished 10th in the ACC in rushing last year.

Clemson Tigers 2011 RECORD: 10-4, 6-2 (1st)

Head Coach: Dabo Swinney, 19-15, third full season Head Coach: Dabo Swinney, 29-19, fourth full season Returning Starters: 14 (7 offense, 7 defense) Players to watch: QB Tajh Boyd; RB Andre Ellington; WR Sammy Watkins; WR DeAndre Hopkins ; C Dalton Freeman; DE Malliciah Goodman; S Rashard Hall; PK Chandler Catanzaro. Team’s strengths: The Tigers are loaded on offense. Clemson has the best set of skill players in the ACC, with Boyd, Watkins and Ellington all named to the All-ACC Preseason Team. Watkins was named as the preseason favorite to win ACC Player of the Year honors. Areas of concern: The offensive line will have three new starters and little experience. The defensive line is also a concern, as it must replace three starters and build depth at the end position. The defensive tackles are young, but talented. What they are saying: “It doesn’t matter if you won six (games) last year or you won 10, the expectation at Clemson is that you are supposed to win.” — Head Coach Dabo Swinney Overview: Clemson has all the tools to repeat as ACC Champions, though there are concerns with depth up front on both sides of the ball. Look for Clemson to be right in the thick of things, especially if it can go to Tallahassee, FL and beat the Seminoles on Sept. 22.

NC State Wolfpack 2011 RECORD: 8-5, 4-4 (4th)

Head Coach: Tom O’Brien, 33-30, sixth season; 108-75, 16th season overall Returning Starters: 13 (6 offense, 7 defense) Players to watch: QB Mike Glennon; RB Tony Creecy; WR Tobais Palmer; DE Art Norman; CB David Amerson; S Earl Wolff; S Brandan Bishop. Team’s strengths: Glennon threw for more than 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns last season and was a major reason the Wolfpack won their final three games of the year. The four starters in the secondary are the best in the ACC, while NC State’s defense combined for 27 interceptions a year ago, tops in the nation. Areas of concern: There will be three new starters at linebacker, which will hurt NC State’s blitz-oriented scheme. The offensive line is still an issue when it comes to run blocking. The Wolfpack averaged just 104 yards per game in 2011, which ranked 109th nationally. What they are saying: “I came here to throw touchdown passes and to win games. I think the momentum we ended the season with last year will carry over into this season.” — quarterback Mike Glennon Overview: NC State has talent, especially in the secondary and at quarterback. But, road games at Miami, North Carolina and Clemson will more than likely keep the ‘Pack out of the hunt in the division. However, another bowl trip for Tom O’Brien does seem likely.

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Dalton Freeman is a preseason candidate for the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s best center.

On the defensive line, new Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables is not quite as confident as Morris is about the offensive line. “I don’t feel as good about it for obvious reasons,” he said. Venables doesn’t feel good because there is a noticeable lack of depth at defensive end. Outside of Goodman and Corey Crawford, no one showed enough consistency in the spring that would lead him to believe they will push the projected starters in 2012. Though help could be on the way with defensive end Martin Aiken from Bamberg, SC and local product Shaq Lawson, from nearby Daniel High School, Venables said he will take a wait-and-see approach. With depth as a major issue, Venables may be forced to bring Tavaris Barnes back over from the interior. Last year, Barnes was used sparingly at defensive tackle, where he recorded seven tackles in nine games played. “That is a possibility. He has done it,” Venables said. “I don’t think he has been a dominant player where he is. It’s not like we’re taking a dominant player and sliding him over (to end) to help with depth, so he becomes average there. I don’t think he has really solidified himself at a spot. “But I think he is talented, and I think he is a viable option for us there.” If the Tigers decide to move Barnes outside again, then it will take away some of their depth at tackle. As inexperienced as they are on the outside, there is a strong argument the Tigers are even younger at the tackle positions. DeShawn Williams, also from Daniel High School, along with Josh Watson and Grady Jarrett, will battle for the two tackle spots. Watson, a red-shirt sophomore, is the oldest of the three, but he is the least experienced, registering just 21 snaps in 2011. Jarrett recorded 61, while Williams had the most with 138. He finished the year with 20 tackles, including two for loss.

Orange: The Experience

Boston College Eagles 2011 RECORD: 4-8, 3-5 (5th)

Head Coach: Frank Spaziani, 20-19, fourth season Returning Starters: 14 (9 offense, 5 defense) Players to watch: QB Chase Rettig; RB Andre Williams, TE Chris Pantale; WR Colin Larmond; DT Kaleb Ramsey; LB Kevin Pierre-Louis. Team’s strengths: Unlike previous years, the offense will take a step forward this year under new OC Doug Martin. The offense returns a wealth of experience, including four starters on the offensive line. Areas of concern: Safety is a concern, especially when it comes to depth. This could be a problem, especially when the Eagles have to face nationally-respected units of Clemson and Florida State. What they are saying: “I have to do a better job of managing problems this year,”— Head Coach Frank Spaziani Overview: The schedule will present quite a challenge for Spaziani’s squad in 2012. The Eagles get Clemson and Virginia Tech at home, and road games at Florida State and at Georgia Tech.

Maryland Terrapins 2011 RECORD: 2-10, 1-7 (6th)

Head Coach: Randy Edsall, 2-10, second season; 76-80, 14th season overall Returning Starters: 11 (5 offense, 6 defense) Players to watch: QB C.J. Brown; TE Matt Furstenburg; DT Joe Vellano, LB Demetrius Hartsfield. Team’s strengths: The defense should be improved, especially with the return of defensive tackle Vellano and a linebacker corps that will be much better after being decimated by injuries in 2011. Areas of concern: Depth is an issue in the secondary, and the Terrapins must replace three starters along the offensive line, including both starting tackles. What they are saying: “You are going to have some trying times, but sometimes you have to take two steps back to go forward.” — Head Coach Randy Edsall Overview: Twenty-five players have transferred out of the program since Edsall took over last year, forcing Maryland to go with a lot of young and inexperienced players. The Terrapins will experience some growing pains early in the year, but should improve as the season moves along. — compiled by Will Vandervort

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CO A STA L D ivi s i o n

(listed by predicted order of finish by ACC media)

Virginia Tech Hokies 2011 RECORD: 11-3, 7-1 (1st)

Head Coach: Frank Beamer, 209-98-2, 26th season; 251-121-4, 32nd season overall Returning Starters: 10 (2 offense, 8 defense) Players to watch: QB Logan Thomas; WR Dyrell Roberts; DE James Gayle; DT Luther Maddy; LB Bruce Taylor, CB Kyle Fuller Team’s strengths: With eight starters back on defense, no one, other than Florida State, will be better. The Hokies have one of the best linebacker corps in the ACC and the secondary is as stingy as ever. More depth on defense should make this unit even better. Areas of concern: The offensive line must replace four starters and its top tight end. It doesn’t help that the Hokies must replace ACC Player of the Year David Wilson and its two best wide receivers. What they are saying: “Those guys are my best friends.” — quarterback Logan Thomas on his new offensive linemen Overview: The Hokies will be hard to read at the start of the season. The defense should carry them through most of the early part of the schedule, but September games against Georgia Tech, at Pittsburgh and a neutral site matchup against Cincinnati could be dangerous. By season’s end, however, this team has the potential to be the best in the Coastal Division.

GEORGIA TECH YELLOW JACKETS 2011 RECORD: 8-5, 5-3 (tied for 2nd)

Head Coach: Paul Johnson, 34-19, fifth season; 141-58, 16th season overall Returning Starters: 14 (7 offense, 7 defense) Players to watch: QB Tevin Washington; FB David Sims; OG Omoregie Uzzi; LB Jeremiah Attaochu, S Isaiah Johnson Team’s strengths: Does anyone in the country run the ball better than Georgia Tech? A deep offensive line, led by Uzzi, makes this unit even stronger than usual. The defense has continued to improve the last two seasons under Al Groh, especially at linebacker and safety. Areas of concern: The Yellow Jackets must be strong up front defensively in order to slow opposing rushing attacks. Though Washington runs Johnson’s triple option attack well, he isn’t much of a passer and with Stephen Hill going to the NFL, there is no established deep threat to keep safeties from keying on the run. What they are saying: “Rep after rep after rep breeds precision.”— quarterback Tevin Washington on why the Yellow Jackets execute the triple option so well Overview: The Yellow Jackets have the talent to make it back to the ACC Championship game, but whether or not they do will depend on someone emerging at wide receiver to give them the big play threat this kind of offense must have to beat teams like Clemson and Virginia Tech.

“I have a bunch of players that are in diapers,” said Dan Brooks, who coaches defensive tackles. “And it’s that way on both sides (offense and defense). That’s just the way it is. We have some really good young people, but we have to grow up. They are young. You can’t buy experience, so you have to go against the best you can in practice. “So, they are young, but like I have told them, that’s no excuse.” It should help that one of the top defensive tackles in the country is now in camp in Forest City, NC native Carlos Watkins. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound freshman had 15 sacks, five forced fumbles and an interception as a senior in high school. Goodman understands the need to have four bodies acting as one strong unit. While he understands the process involved, the senior notes the will to improve among some of his younger teammates as a major reason why he feels answers will come quickly. “We have some really high-energy guys,” the senior said. “They want to play and are athletic, strong people. I think we’ll fare well this year.” Though Goodman and his comrades have to adjust to a different system under Venables, he is convinced that success up front comes down to desire and preparation. “We just have to come out with the attitude that we’re not going to get beat,” he said. “We’re not going to get outworked. You have to work harder than the person in front of you. You have to be quicker and think faster.” Like his teammate, Freeman said there are no excuses. Despite the question marks up front, he believes if they work together, they can still reach that common goal. They can bring a second straight ACC title back to Clemson. “We came to Clemson to win championships,” he said. “I have been very blessed. I have played in two championship games and won one of them. I would like to play in three and win two, and then be able to go on and win something bigger than that.”

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Orange: The Experience

Head Coach: Mike London, 12-13, third season; 36-18, fifth season overall Returning Starters: 11 (7 offense, 4 defense) Players to watch: QB Michael Rocco; RB Perry Jones; OT Oday Aboushi; OLB LaRoy Reynolds Team’s strengths: The Cavalier offensive line and running game, with Jones leading the way, is one of the best in the ACC. Rocco and a cast of wide receivers are dangerous enough to keep defenses honest. Areas of concern: The defense was hit hard by graduation. The secondary is inexperienced and there are no proven pass rushers up front. What they are saying: “There is a very thin line between winning and losing.”— Head Coach Mike London on how his team won five games by seven points or less last year Overview: Virginia will rely heavily on what should be a very explosive offense. The problem is, are the Cavaliers good enough to beat teams that can match them pointfor-point?

MIAMI HURRICANES 2011 RECORD: 6-6, 3-5 (tied for 4th)

Head Coach: Al Golden, 6-6, second season; 33-40, seventh season overall Returning Starters: 9 (4 offense, 5 defense) Players to watch: QB Stephen Morris; TB Mike James, TB Duke Johnson; DL Anthony Chickillo; LB Denzel Perryman; DB Brandon McGee Team’s strengths: The secondary is a veteran group that can break up a lot of passes. The only issue is they have to work on catching those breakups this year. They only had one has a unit all of last season. Areas of concern: The offensive line lost three starters, the running backs are unproven and the wide receivers are young and lack experience. The only thing worse is to bring back an inconsistent quarterback from an injury riddled year. What they are saying: “We just have to have a little patience, and we’ll get through this turbulent time.” —Head Coach Al Golden on keeping his team’s focus on football Overview: Like North Carolina the previous two seasons, the Hurricanes will undergo another football season with the distraction of an NCAA investigation hanging over their head. On the football field, Golden will try to ride of the strength of his defense until Morris and the offense get going.

DUKE BLUE DEVILS 2011 RECORD: 3-9, 1-7 (6th)

Head Coach: David Cutcliffe, 15-33, fifth season; 59-62, 11th season

NORTH CAROLINA 2011 RECORD: 7-6, 3-5 (tied for 4th)

Head Coach: Larry Fedora, first season; 33-19, fifth season overall Returning Starters: 11 (7 offense, 4 defense) Players to watch: QB Bryn Renner, RB Giovani Bernard, WR Erik Highsmith; DT Sylvester Williams, DE Kareem Martin, LB Kevin Reddick Team’s strengths: The Tar Heels are loaded on the offensive side of the ball, as they return a veteran line, a second-year quarterback and one of the top running backs in the ACC. Areas of concern: Depth on the defensive line could be an issue and with only four starters back on defense, experience in key situations could hurt the team. What they are saying: “We are still trying to find personnel that can run our defense. If it does not get better, freshmen will play.” — Head Coach Larry Fedora Overview: It’s difficult to forecast North Carolina this season. The Tar Heels have played the last two years through turmoil due to an NCAA investigation and handled it well, and though things have calmed down this year, how will the players, especially seniors, respond to the postseason ban, which includes the ACC Championship game should the Tar Heels qualify.

VIRGINIA CAVALIERS 2011 RECORD: 8-5, 5-3 (tied for 2nd)

overall Returning Starters: 15 (7 offense, 8 defense) Players to watch: QB Sean Renfree, WR Conner Vernon, RB Juwan Thompson; LB David Helton; CB Ross Cockrell Team’s strengths: The Blue Devils should be good on offense as they have a veteran offensive line to go with a savvy quarterback in Renfree, while Vernon is one of the best wide receivers in the conference. Areas of concern: Cutcliffe is concerned about the strength of his young defensive front, which could bode problems for stopping the run. What they are saying: “Right now everyone has the same record. We have the same goal as everybody else in this conference. Our goal is to win the ACC.” — wide receiver Conner Vernon Overview: Duke has not been to a bowl game since 1994. It’s not likely this year’s team will end that streak, either. The Blue Devils have too many question marks on defense, and though the offense will be better, it can’t carry the defense right now.

Corey Crawford will assume a starting role at defensive end in 2012.

— compiled by Will Vandervort

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Orange: The Experience

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Orange: The Experience

Tiger Defense in

Good Hands T

by William Qualkinbush | photos by Rex Brown

here are many ways to measure natural athleticism. The list includes looking at an athlete’s hands. The list of adjectives used to describe effective hand usage is extensive — active, strong, quick, soft, just to name a few. None of them can adequately describe the hands of Clemson senior defensive end Malliciah Goodman. Nicknamed “Handzilla” for the massive measurements of his mitts, the 6-foot-4 specimen is looking to capitalize on his biggest advantage in his final season as a Tiger. To fully understand the advantage Good-

man enjoys due to his huge hands, it helps to compare him to the rest of his peers. The average human being measures about nine inches from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the pinkie. According to experts, a prospect is considered to have big hands if he measures out at 10.5 inches or greater. In 2009, as a part of an ESPN the Magazine story that was published before he ever played a snap at Clemson, Goodman’s hands were measured at 11.5 inches across, among the largest for a football player in any given year. The Clemson senior knows the edge he has over his opponents, and he knows they are aware of it, too. Every now and then, he says, he hears from a frustrated adversary.

“Sometimes, when there’s a TV timeout, guys will say, ‘Dang, man, you’ve got big hands,’” Goodman said. “But during the game, nobody really says anything about it because it’s so intense that your only concern is making a play.” Goodman started all 14 games at end for Clemson a season ago, racking up 59 tackles in the process of amassing 767 snaps — almost 100 more than he played in his first two seasons combined as a reserve. His presence provided the Tigers with a hulk that could stalk whoever happened to be in the opposing backfield.

Malliciah Goodman has the largest set of hands on Clemson’s roster. august 2012

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But this is the time when careers are made. Goodman says what he has done thus far has no bearing on this year, his final chance to make a mark and leave a legacy at a defensive end position that has yielded significant returns in the form of professional contracts over the past decade or so. “Everyone wants to be the best they can be in their senior year,” Goodman said. “That’s what I’m trying to do. I also need to bring those young guys along and get them to another level.” Speaking of reaching another level, Head Coach Dabo Swinney wants a little more out of his senior leader on the line. Swinney still sees Goodman as an outstanding talent with untapped potential to do more. “What we need him to be is dominant,” he said. “To be a dominant football player.” In order to achieve at a higher level in 2012, Goodman has gotten to work during the offseason enhancing the attributes he displayed at times during his junior season. The Florence, SC native was pleased with the work he put in during the campaign, particularly when considering the amount of times he altered the flow of opposing offenses.

“I got a bunch of pressure on the quarterback,” Goodman said of his work last season. “Even though I might not have gotten sacks, I still feel like I got good pressure. I plugged up the line on third-and-short, things like that.” Statistically, Goodman’s assertion is accurate. Among returning players, he led in quarterback pressures with 14 last season. However, if Goodman is to enhance his stock ahead of the 2013 NFL Draft, his season total of four sacks must improve. Goodman seems poised to become more of a pass rushing threat now that he is tasked with

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Orange: The Experience

leading a young crew of defensive linemen. As the lone returning starter from a season ago, he knows others will now look to him for examples of how to conduct themselves both in practice and in games. Due to the youth on the defensive front, Goodman also knows his snaps per game total will probably go up again this year. He says go-

the NFL, has attempted to drive home a fundamental truth about Goodman’s hands for over a year. “Coach Hobby tells me to get my hands on offensive linemen to control them,” Goodman said. “If I don’t control them, they’re going to control me. But I have to stop their momentum first.” Swinney says Goodman can become an unblockable force due to his sheer length and size. The Tigers’ head coach feels having new Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables around can make Goodman a more intense player, which should only Clockwise from top: heighten his chances Goodman has the of reaching the potenpotential to be one of tial he came to camthe great leaders within pus with as a freshthe Tiger program. man. “His hands, that Goodman looks to length, makes him continue Clemson’s very difficult,” Swintradition of producing ney said. “He’s tall, NFL talent at the but he plays like he’s defensive end position. seven feet tall coming Goodman had his best off the edge. He can game against Boston bat balls down or grab College in 2011 with guys. He can play two and a half tackles with leverage better. for loss, including a He can reach guys sack. without letting them get into him. He’s one of those special guys that was physically built to play this game.” Goodman is also learning from those who came before him. Swinney said the staff’s charge to Goodman is similar to those given to Andre Branch and Da’Quan Bowers in years past. Goodman says he can still receive guidance from those former players, ing against a fast-paced offense in practice can which has helped him prepare to lead for a fionly benefit him by providing extra stamina nal time this season. on top of the drills he is already doing. “Branch came back (in July) and taught “If I get tired to the point that I can’t do any- us some stuff that they did in Jacksonville,” thing, that’s my fault,” Goodman said. “I have Goodman said of his former teammate and to condition myself at the maximum intensity current Jacksonville Jaguars rookie. “He’s still in the summer and work myself to prepare.” helping us by giving back even though he’s The improvements Goodman hopes to now an NFL player.” make even include his defining characteristic. Goodman would love to be in those shoes The 280-pounder has worked hard at being one day — as an NFL player passing along more efficient when using his gargantuan paws knowledge to younger generations. For now, to shrug off opposing linemen. Defensive ends all he has to do is hold the Clemson defense in coach Marion Hobby, who is no stranger to his big, strong hands.

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Electric Loud and

New Technology will Enhance Gameday Experience

hile there are some who were excited to get their hands on EA Sports NCAA 2013 college football game last month, Mike Money wasn’t one of them. He has no need for such make believe video games, especially when he is in charge of a real one. Clemson’s Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Game Management will get to play the ultimate video game this fall inside Memorial Stadium as he takes charge of all the new technology that was placed inside the 80,000-seat venue this summer. “I can’t wait to get my hands on them,” Money said while looking over Death Valley one day in July. “I’m excited to see what everything can do. I think all of this will only add to the excitement that makes Death Valley the best place to watch a college football game.” So, what are the new additions to the atmosphere in Death Valley? For starters, there will be a new 61-foot wide and 25-foot tall video board above the Hill in the east end zone. The new video board, which is made by Daktronics, Inc., will also be equipped with a state of the art sound system, which only five other schools in the entire country use. The new video board uses the latest in light emitting diode (LED) technology, with superb clarity and contrast of video images. The sound system will be integrated with the video and scoring system,

which will provide full-range sound reproduction and deliver clear and intelligible speech while delivering pounding bass energy, smooth mid- and high-range frequencies and high impact entertainment. “We knew we needed to take it up another notch, and I think we have done that,” said Robert Ricketts, Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Grounds. In addition to the main video board in the east end zone, the opposite side of the field will have two 19 x 31 feet video boards which will be placed in the corners of the West Zone facility. “Every seat in the stadium will have a viewing angle of a video board,” Money said. “That is a significant upgrade from what we had.” The upgrade doesn’t stop there. Clemson also added 730 feet of LED ribbon board, which will be mounted to the sideline fascia on the north and south stands of the stadium. These displays will integrate seamlessly with the existing ribbon board, while providing game information, realtime statistics, scores from other games, animation and sponsor logos. “We are continually looking for new ways to upgrade our facilities, which Robert Ricketts does a great job with,” Money said. “We have been in talks with Daktronics for quite some time about the current digital upgrades. “The fan experience is something that is unique at Clemson, and we want to continue to make it more and more special with all the different changes we have in place, it’s going to continue to do that.”

The improvements on gameday experiences do not end with football. Daktronics also added a new and better quality video screen to the scoreboard display at Littlejohn Coliseum, making the fan viewing experience much better. The old football video board, which was only six years old and still fairly new in technology, was broken up into two parts - with one of the parts now providing a new and more improved video board for baseball at Doug Kingsmore Stadium and the other becoming the first video board at Historic Riggs Field. “We will be able to have live video of men’s and women’s soccer, as well as stats and all the other bells and whistles that come along with it,” Money said. “It gives us another high quality video board on campus.” The LED ribbon board in Death Valley will allow Clemson to provide sponsors with more exposure, but also allowing the main video board to now to be a fullscreen video board. Ricketts said with the new video boards and the new ribbon board, the atmosphere at Clemson, especially at night, should be second-to-none. “That’s what we are shooting for,” he said. “We want it to be electric and loud. There is going to be no holding back.” “It is going to be pretty neat. When we score a touchdown we will light up every board with a touchdown graphic’ all the way around the stadium,” Money said. “And that is just the tip of the iceberg. Day or night, Death Valley will be electric.”

by Will Vandervort photos by Rex Brown and Brad Lewis 38

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Orange: The Experience

Memorial Stadium Clemsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s football stadium will feature a brand new video board atop the east endzone, ribbon boards that run the entire length of the north and south stands, and new corner video boards on both sides of the WestZone.

Historic Riggs Field Clemsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soccer home will feature a brand new video board located in the northwest corner of the facility.

Doug Kingsmore Stadium Tiger baseball fans will enjoy a brand new video board in 2013.

august 2012

â?&#x2DC;

Jaron

Josh

blossomgame

smith

Jordan

Roper

Landry

Nnoko

Basketball Welcomes Another Large

Freshman Class

by Philip Sikes | photos by Rex Brown

arlier this year, the NCAA passed a rule allowing men’s basketball coaches to conduct two hours of individual skill instruction per week with their players. It’s a rule that can best be described as a double-edged sword for Tiger basketball. Four of the five prospects Head Coach Brad Brownell and his staff signed last November enrolled for the second session of summer school. But, only three have been able to get their feet wet with individual workouts. Jaron Blossomgame, the highest-rated prospect of the group, has been limited to physical therapy two times a day because of a broken leg suffered in April. Adonis Filer, a key signee at the point guard position, did not enroll until August. “We spend a lot of time on skill development — it’s a great way to build relationships with your players,” Brownell said. “So from

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Orange: The Experience

that standpoint, this summer has been a little frustrating with injuries and not having all of our guys in school.” Three players that have benefitted tremendously over the first month of their college careers are guard Jordan Roper and post players Landry Nnoko and Josh Smith. Roper led Irmo High School to the AAAA state championship as a junior and was a twotime first-team all-state selection for the Yellow

Jackets. He scored 1,698 points in his high school career, second in Irmo history behind only B.J. McKie, who went on to a standout career at the University of South Carolina. At 5-foot-11 and weighing only 155 pounds, he will have to adjust to the physicality of the game at the collegiate level. But, he possesses an important skill that last year’s team sorely lacked — an ability to shoot the basketball from mid-range and score in bunches.

2012-13 Freshman Class At a Glance No. 3 5 20 33 35

Player Adonis Filer Jaron Blossomgame Jordan Roper Josh Smith Landry Nnoko

Pos. G F G F C

Hgt. 6-2 6-7 5-11 6-8 6-10

Wgt. 190 190 155 255 240

Hometown Chicago, IL Alpharetta, GA Columbia, SC Charlotte, NC Yaounde, Cameroon

Previous School Notre Dame Preparatory (MA) Chattahoochee HS Irmo HS Olympic HS Montverde Academy (FL)

“Hopefully, I can be someone the team can rely on to make shots and score baskets,” Roper said. “I want to bring something to the team that we can use – whether that’s in practice or if I’m out on the court.” Nnoko and Smith are raw talents, but both possess tremendous upsides according to Brownell. At 6-foot-10, Nnoko will take over the role as a reserve center behind veteran big man Devin Booker. The nation’s No. 19 center prospect according to ESPNU, he will provide an athletic, shot-blocking presence the Tigers sorely missed after Jerai Grant’s graduation in 2011. “I can be a rim protector, by rebounding and blocking shots,” he said. “My ability to play defense is what will get me on the court faster than anything else.” Nnoko, whose cousin Luc Richard Mbah a Moute played at UCLA and now suits up for the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, has only played organized basketball for three years — the last two at Montverde Academy in Florida. He drew interest from Florida State in the recruiting process, but ultimately chose Clemson because of several important factors. “I knew I’d have an opportunity for playing time,” Nnoko said. “Of all the visits I took, the other coaches seemed to act overly nice. But here, Coach Brownell was intense, but he was real with me at the same time.” Smith is cut from a different cloth. A traditional post player who prefers to operate within six to eight feet of the basket almost exclusively, he enrolled at 255 pounds and should bring a physical presence to the program. As much as any of the three players, he has learned a great deal in just a few weeks of individual instruction. “I enjoy the way Coach Brownell teaches,” Smith said. “He breaks each thing down, so you can learn it in practice and apply what he’s taught you.” Like all of the freshmen, Smith will need to continue to work on his conditioning with Strength Coach Darric Honnold. Blossomgame, a 6-foot-7 small forward from Alpharetta, GA, suffered a broken leg on April 16 and has spent the past three months rehabilitating the injury. “I hope to be healed by the end of August,” he said. “I’ve been using a bone stimulator to help it grow. The x-rays have been good and I’ve been doing pool therapy in the mornings in the WestZone, and then additional therapy in the afternoons at Littlejohn.” When healthy, he raised eyebrows last summer as part of the Georgia Stars, the same AAU program that sent Tanner Smith to Clemson. Blossomgame went on to average 25.8 points per game as a senior at Chattahoochee High School, earning first-team all-state honors at the AAAA level. He is excited to join the Tiger basketball program for a number of reasons. “The coaching staff was loyal to me throughout my recruitment,” Blossomgame said. “They were with me and committed from day one. I see myself fitting in as a small forward in their scheme, meaning I will finally be able to play my true position out on the floor. I played the four a lot in high school because I was one of our biggest guys.” Throw Filer in the mix, and it appears the Tigers have another good combination of players entering the program. Though Clemson will be a young team in 2012-13, the newcomers have not diminished the level of expectation. “We’re not here to compete; we’re here to win ACC Championships,” Roper said. “It doesn’t bother me that some people will doubt us. “Basketball is all about chemistry, and the team that works the hardest usually comes out on top.” Editor’s Note: Images of Adonis Filer in Clemson uniform unavailable. He enrolled in August.

Brad Brownell Weighs in on his Freshman Class Q: How instrumental is the freshman class to the future of your program? A: “These five guys are certainly an important part of our future. We’ve only worked with them a short time, but we’ve been really pleased with their attitudes and willingness to be coached. They’ve worked really hard to date and we believe they want to get better, so that’s exciting. Some of them will be thrown out there and be exposed because we don’t have a lot of depth and maturity on the roster. I’m anxious to see how they perform under fire. Like most freshmen, there will be some moments where they’ll do fine and some where they’ll struggle.” Q: Can you identify a player’s “coachability” on the recruiting trail? A: “In some cases, yes. We look for kids that are coachable. We want kids that look for help and have a true passion for basketball. Many kids play basketball, but I’m not sure a lot of them have true passion for the demands that go with it at this level. Your work with the strength coach and our staff during individual workouts in the summer will determine a great deal about how much you can improve. The ones that improve the most have a real desire and passion for playing the game.” Q: Jordan Roper looks like one of those guys. What’s your take on him thus far? A: “We really like Jordan. It’s good to get a player out of South Carolina who won a state championship a couple years ago. He’s a little smaller, but he’s a very good athlete. He has a 40-inch vertical jump and a tremendous mid-range game. That’s different than a lot of kids who play now – most just shoot threes or drive to the basket. Jordan has a good pull-up jumper and could be good working off ball screens. He has to get stronger and get used to the speed with which he’ll have to play at this level, but we’re excited with his work ethic in his first few weeks with us.” Q: Adonis Filer is set to enroll in August, a month after the other freshmen, but what did you see in the recruiting process in him as a player? A: “He’s a strong player. He should handle the challenges of the physicality of the level better than some other guys because he is older and stronger. He’s going to work on his shooting and will need to adjust to playing at our speed. His decisionmaking will determine his playing time early on. Playing against better competition every day should help him in the transition. He’s had to compete regularly against more talented players than a traditional high school guy.” Q: How has Jaron Blossomgame progressed since suffering a broken leg in April? A: “His injury was a little disappointing. We were eager to get him here and work with him on his perimeter skills. He loves to play and is a competitive young man. It’s difficult for him to be on the sideline – but he’s going to be there a while. We won’t get much out of him this summer. He suffered a compound fracture and has walked with a limp. We need him healthy before we worry about everything else. If his mindset is right, he’ll be fine and help us this season. He’s very versatile. There will be some rust, though, when he comes back. We’re excited about him, but we’ll have to be a little patient with him coming back.” Q: What have you seen in your post players Josh Smith and Landry Nnoko since they enrolled? A: “Josh embraces physicality. He runs reasonably well for a guy that is 6-foot-8, 255 pounds. He will get in better shape. He wants to post and play inside. He has good hands and pretty good feet. As he matures and his body changes physically, he’s going to be a good player. He has work to do between now and then. It’s rare these days to find kids that want to play around the basket. Landry is another guy like that. He’s got good size and has good weight to him. He needs skill development. He has a reasonably good jump hook and runs the court well for a guy his size. He has not played the game for a long time, but we’re excited about his development. We hope Landry can block some shots and protect our basket a little bit better than we did last year.” ∎ august 2012

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Danaejah Aisha

grant

TURNER

Nyilah

Jamisonmyers

Lady tigeR

freshmen

Getting Acclimated to College Life by Jeff Kallin | photos by Rex Brown

hen talking to a few members of the newest crop of Lady Tigers, two things were apparent of Coach Itoro Coleman’s group. First, they have great personalities, and are ready to work. Second, is that five in the morning is (shockingly) not the ladies’ favorite time for workouts and conditioning. It is exactly that kind of commitment, however, that Coleman is looking for out of the class, of which three members enrolled in classes in the second summer session. The number of freshmen this year will total four, covering almost all of the positions. Coleman’s most heralded recruit, Jonquel Jones, will enroll in the fall after spending a few final days with her family in her native Bahamas before beginning her tour of duty with the Lady Tigers.

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Orange: The Experience

On campus in July tasting their first bit of big-time hoops were Danaejah Grant (Piscataway, NJ), a top-100 player nationally; Nyilah Jamison-Myers (Orangeburg, SC), also a four-star player; and Aisha Turner (College Park, GA), a four-star point guard out of the Atlanta area. Each of the three is already getting acclimated to the college environment as the program sets its sights on the 2012-13 season. Jones, the nation’s 17th-ranked prospect in the class by ESPN Hoopgurlz, will certainly be a big part of Coleman’s plans in the upcoming season, and the staff is eager to get her on campus. There has been a lot of movement around the program in the past few months, including a new assistant coach, a new video coordinator, and two high-profile transfers. Together, this class, paired with last season’s group of heavily-used freshmen, will form the foundation of Coleman’s rise in the ACC on the floor. Clemson will not have a scholarship senior on the roster this year, and its returning group of sophomores has collectively seen more than 3,000 minutes of action. Additionally, there are just two returning juniors in Chancie Dunn and Quinyotta Pettaway. With the youth movement as it is, the adjustment has come early and often for the freshmen, as Coleman searches for her rotation for the upcoming season, which will feature nine freshmen and sophomores. There will be no “waiting your turn.” It’s full go from day one, and the ladies are already pushing themselves and learning about personal responsibility. “It’s been a difficult adjustment coming

2012-13 Freshman Class At a Glance No. 10 11 15 22

Player Aisha Turner Jonquel Jones Nyilah Jamison-Myers Danaejah Grant

Pos. G G F/C G

Hgt. 5-7 6-3 6-3 5-10

from a high school level where it’s not as intense,” Grant said. “We have a lot of workouts, and for us to wake up at five o’clock and condition is a big adjustment, and having to get to class after workouts has been tough, but we’re getting used to it.” “When I was home, someone woke me up in the morning,” Jamison-Myers said. “Now, I’m getting myself up in the morning. I know where I need to be at specific times and I make sure I’m there at that time. You also can’t stay up until whenever because you have to be up at a certain time in the morning.” In other words, welcome to the real world. It hasn’t been all bad, however. “I wouldn’t say I had more freedom in high school, but it has been nice not having my parents around to hear that nagging,” said Turner while laughing. “They tell me to do the dishes. Sometimes not even my dishes! They’d get on me about schoolwork, and ask why I got a ‘B.’” “My favorite part is all the freedom that you have,” Jamison-Myers said. “You can leave when you want, come when you want, and that’s probably the best part.” They’ve taken these newfound freedoms well, and are spending a lot of extra time in the gym on their own.

On the court, I’m a team player ... I like assists; I’d rather have an assist than take the last shot — but I really don’t care as long as we win. — Aisha Turner, point guard

Hometown College Park, GA Freeport, Bahamas Orangeburg, SC Piscataway, NJ

Previous School Wesstlake HS Riverdale Baptist HS (MD) Orangeburg-Wilkinson HS Piscataway HS

“My favorite thing about being on campus is having access to the gym any time,” Turner said. “I can get in the gym any time I want to, and work on my game, get up some shots, and work on my dribbling. Right now, I’m working to improve my shot and my left hand.” While Jamison-Myers and Turner are relatively close to home, Grant, a New Jersey native, has found another challenge since she’s been in Clemson. “One main difference is the accents,” she said. “Being in the city and coming here on the country side of things, there aren’t as many stores. The mall is pretty far. Where I lived, it was just down the street. It’s been hard to get to an H&M or a Macy’s.” What they all possess, however, is a great drive to succeed, and the basketball talent to back it up. They bring aspects to the team that will fit into Coleman’s system nicely, and a maturity level that will be necessary in a tough ACC. “I’m a defensive threat. I like to call myself a shot-blocker,” Jamison-Myers said. “I can finish around the rim, and I’m long. I’m not as loud or aggressive. I’m laid back, but I’m still playing hard, so you know I’m there. I think it’s just how I am. I’ve never really been a loud player, unless I get a lot of blocks in a row.” “You should expect to see leadership. I can help out my teammates, and be a blue collar player for my teammates,” said Grant, touching on a key subject. “My best strengths are probably on the wing, shooting, or driving to the basket, or even locking down the other team’s best player.” “On the court, I’m a team player,” said Turner, a quick point guard. “I feel like I can view the court as a point guard, and set people up that are open. I like assists; I’d rather have an assist than take the last shot — but I really don’t care as long as we win.” It’s this mindset that Coleman’s young players have possessed lately, and gives a glimpse into the personality of the newbies. Expect the adjustment period to fly by, because in a couple of short weeks, the training wheels come off. Editor’s Note: Images of Jonquel Jones in Clemson uniform unavailable. She enrolled in August. august 2012

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Orange: The Experience

2012 SEASON OUTLOOK | MEN’S SOCCER by Sam Blackman Head Coach Mike Noonan is optimistic about the Tigers in 2012. With experienced players returning and a blend of talented newcomers, the fall of 2012 could be very rewarding for the Tigers. “There is no question that getting off to a good start will be important to this team,” said Noonan, who is entering his third season at Clemson. “I believe that good early season results would help this team come together quickly. It will build the confidence that will allow us to make a good run throughout the season. “One of the physical characteristics of this team is that we are going to be faster. Also, the importance of self-belief and unity that seems to be developing amongst the group will be one of our best characteristics. The team wants to play for each other and for Clemson. Those are two themes that run throughout this team. This process has developed nicely over the past couple of seasons.”

MEN’S SOCCER ROSTER No.

Player

Pos.

Hgt.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Cody Mizell George King Francklin Blaise Jack Metcalf Austin Savage Emmett Lunceford Alex Stockinger Manolo Sanchez Iain Smith Amadou Dia Mortagy Amr Tyler Happ Matt Hilton Wes Nelson Alex Burnikel Paul Clowes Matt Erasmus Phanuel Kavita Kyle Murphy Bo Godwin Ara Amirkhanian Andrew Tarbell Chris Glodack Preston Gayton Kyle David Fisher Richard Robinson Andy Anglade John Cajka T.J. Casner

GK D D M F M/F M M/F F M/F M M D D D M D D F D M GK GK M D M F M F

5-11 5-9 5-9 5-8 5-9 5-11 6-1 6-1 5-11 5-9 6-0 5-9 6-0 5-9 5-10 5-9 5-10 6-1 6-0 5-6 5-11 6-3 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-0 5-9 6-0 6-1

Clemson returns nine starters from last year’s team and 11 letterwinners. The Tigers finished 8-8-2 overall and 4-4 in the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2011. The 2011 team was unbeaten in the last six matches of the season, and that equated to a 4-0-2 record. The Tigers had wins over 14thranked Boston College and topranked Maryland during the latter part of the season. It also included a 0-0 draw at 25th-ranked Duke in the first round of the ACC Tournament before not advancing in a penalty shootout. In 2011, Clemson recorded its first overall record of .500 or better since 2006, while the four ACC victories were the Tigers’ most since 2000. This year’s schedule will be one of the most challenging in the country. “The schedule is difficult anytime you play in the ACC. It’s always going to be very deClass Hometown manding. We have really Jr. Woodstock, GA challenged the guys this Fr. London, UK year by scheduling some *Sr. Miami, FL nationally prominent Jr. Liverpool, UK teams on the road. A deSr. Summerville, SC veloping program and Fr. Columbia, SC team must experience Jr. London, UK the challenge of playing Fr. Philadelphia, PA So. Suwanee, GA championship teams So. Highland Ranch, CO away from home. We Fr. Cairo, Egypt play Indiana and Notre *Fr. Roswell, GA Dame in Bloomington, *Fr. Charleston, SC IN. We also play host to *Jr. Austin, TX San Diego State as part *Fr. Greer, SC of the 25th anniversary Fr. Cheshire, UK of the 1987 National Jr. Cary, NC Championship team. So. Salt Lake City, UT After the home opener *Fr. Red Hook, NY *Sr. Decatur, AL versus USC Upstate, we So. Clemson, SC will play Davidson, FurFr. Mandeville, LA man, UNC Greensboro, *Fr. Myrtle Beach, SC UAB and South Carolina Fr. Peachtree City, GA all superb programs - so Fr. Easley, SC it’s obvious there’s not a Fr. Elmont, NY break in the schedule. Fr. Alpharetta, GA

Fr. Greer, SC Fr. Irvine, CA

Head Coach: Mike Noonan Assistant Coaches: Phil Jones, Brian Cronin Note: Roster subject to change; * denotes enrolled in January, 2012

Goalkeepers Clemson could possess the deepest goalkeeping corps in the country. The Tigers

Cody Mizell returns return two-year in goal for the starter and All-ACC Tigers as one of the performer, Cody nation’s best. Mizell. He played Photo by Dawson Powers over 1,609 minutes last season. He gave up only 23 goals for a 1.29 goals allowed average and finished the year with 76 saves. He also registered four solo shutouts (South Carolina, No. 14 Boston College, Wofford and No. 24 Duke in the ACC Tournament). The other two goalkeepers that will push for playing time in goal are red-shirt freshman Chris Glodack (Myrtle Beach, SC) and incoming freshman Andrew Tarbell from Mandeville, LA. “There’s no question that we are very deep at this position,” Noonan said. “Cody is back for his third year and the other two players, Chris and Andrew, are both outstanding. We have depth, variety, and experience in goal and this will be a huge strength for us. Mizell is the veteran player with two years of experience playing for us in the ACC battles and is arguably one of the best keepers in the country. “In goal, it has to be the deepest I have ever seen in my career. I’ve never had three players of this quality. Any one of the three could anchor and win games for a top-level team in the country. They are focused on what’s important. They are pushing each other to become better goalkeepers and not worried about how many minutes they will play. They have great attitudes, and each knows how vitally important they are to our success.” august 2012

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BACKS Clemson will have fierce competition for playing time in the back. The preseason training will be important in finding not only the right players, but discovering the right combination to compose a workable and cohesive unit. The backs with experience include two seniors, Francklin Blaise and Bo Godwin. Starters Wes Nelson, a junior, and Phanuel Kavita, a sophomore, also return in 2012. Kavita is a talented athlete who scored the winning goal in Clemson’s 2-1 victory over No. 1 ranked Maryland on October 28, and played every minute in 2011 as a true freshman. Blaise missed the entire 2011 season with an injury, but has worked hard in rehabilitation. “Defense will be a priority this year, so we will work hard from day one in the back. I believe we will have a cohesive unit, but it will be a matter of time,” Noonan said. “We need Phanuel to stay consistent, and we also have Francklin coming back and hopefully in 100 percent form. Bo and Wes have a lot of games under their belts, and we have some young players that will push everybody for positions, especially for the wing positions. “We could also use Matt Erasmus in the back along with Jack Metcalf. Matt Hilton and Alex Burnikel are red-shirt freshmen who could see time in the back. Two freshman who could see playing time this fall are Kyle David Fisher of Easley, SC and George King, a native of London, England who comes to Clemson from Manchester City’s Academy. “We definitely have options in the back. Solidifying our backline is one of our objectives in the preseason.”

Aug. 15 Aug. 18 Aug. 24 Aug. 27 Aug. 31 Sept. 2 Sept. 7 Sept. 10 Sept. 14 Sept. 17 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 2 Oct. 5 Oct. 9 Oct. 13 Oct. 16 Oct. 19 Oct. 27 Nov. 1 Nov. 5-11

Wed. Sat. Fri. Mon. Fri. Sun. Fri. Mon. Fri. Mon. Fri. Fri. Tue. Fri. Tue. Sat. Tue. Fri. Sat. Thu. Mon.-Mon.

Note: * denotes ACC match

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Campbell (exh) Wofford (exh) USC Upstate at Davidson at Indiana vs. Notre Dame *Wake Forest UAB *at Duke at South Carolina *NC State *at Virginia at UNC Greensboro *North Carolina at Furman *at Boston College Gardner-Webb San Diego State *at Maryland *Virginia Tech in ACC Tournament

Orange: The Experience

MEN’S SOCCER SCHEDULE

Date Day Opponent

MIDFIELD The Tigers’ midfield has returning veterans compiling a solid list of candidates for these positions. Among them are junior Alex Stockinger, sophomore Ara Amirkhanian, Austin Savage, Amadou Dia and Jack Metcalf. “Outside of our goalkeepers, our deepest position is the midfield. We have many options in the system we play and also in the personnel,” Noonan said. Metcalf is the energizer who brings life to the team. Stockinger started 17 games last season. Amirkhanian started 12 and had one goal and one assist for three points. Savage was the Tigers’ second leading scorer with six goals and four assists for 16 points. Dia had four goals and one assist for nine points. “When we moved Stockinger to the midfield last year, the team started to play well,” he said. “This is his natural position. AmirkhaIain Smith (9) and Jack Metcalf (4) will be nian had a good freshman year and spring instrumental to Clemson’s success in 2012. Photo by Dawson Powers season in the midfield. Metcalf is also an important player in the midfield and adds played in all but two. a lot of savvy. We are also very fortunate to Smith should be joined by Savage, a senior have Manolo Sanchez, a transfer from Louiswho has been a consistent goal scorer and ville, join us for 2012. We definitely have many Clemson’s most creative and incisive player choices to draw from here. It’s a very deep poduring his first three years. Incoming player sition for us, and many of our attacking playT.J. Casner could also be a factor in this posiers can and will play in the midfield as well.” tion. Newcomers to the midfield position inAnglade is a newcomer who possesses clude Andy Anglade, John Cajka, Preston speed that Clemson has not had since the Gayton, Emmett likes of Dane Richards, a current professional, Lunceford, Richplayed with the Tigers in 2005 and 2006. Ausard Robinson and Location Time tin, Dia, Gayton and Kyle Murphy could also Sanchez. Clemson, SC 7:00 PM see action at forward. Murphy was the Tigers’ Clemson, SC 7:00 PM leading scorer in the spring after red-shirting FORWARDS Clemson, SC 7:00 PM Clemson im- in the fall, and is a powerful and dynamic strikDavidson, NC 7:00 PM Bloomington, IN 7:30 PM proved in the er whose goals can come from anywhere. “We are as deep in terms of numbers in atBloomington, IN 11:30 AM scoring column Clemson, SC 7:00 PM last season with tacking players, since I have been at Clemson,” Clemson, SC 7:00 PM 23 goals and 28 Noonan said. “We have to continue to imDurham, NC 7:00 PM assists. The Tigers prove in not only scoring goals, but also scorColumbia, SC 7:00 PM will also have five ing goals against the top level teams. We have Clemson, SC 7:00 PM of their top six proven we can score, but we have to score Charlottesville, VA 7:00 PM scorers returning two and three goals in matches this year. We Greensboro, NC 7:00 PM from last season. could have an exciting year in our attacking Clemson, SC 7:00 PM Sophomore Iain roles.” Greenville, SC 7:00 PM “Overall, we still have a young squad with Smith finished Chestnut Hill, MA 7:00 PM only three seniors, and that is very exciting the season with Clemson, SC 7:00 PM for our future. We have some places with Clemson, SC TBA five goals and College Park, MD 7:00 PM two assists for experience, which should be a strength this Clemson, SC 7:00 PM nine points. He year that has been missing the last two years. TBA TBA started 11 match- Hopefully, we can make a lot of progress in es last season and the preseason and create a solid team.”

august 2012

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2012 SEASON OUTLOOK | WOMEN’S SOCCER by Libby Kehn One word that seems to find its way into every conversation about the 2012 Clemson women’s soccer team is “youth.” Of the 22 players on the roster, 13 are underclassmen and 10 will take the field in a Tiger uniform for the first time this fall. Head Coach Eddie Radwanski sees the youthfulness of his team as an advantage. “One of the strengths of the team is going to be the injection of incoming players,” he said. “It’s not just the playing ability. It’s the mentality and the competitiveness that they bring. They are ready to go out on the field and compete against anybody, and I love that approach. “I think it will also help our returning players. They will get a little bit of a lift from that youthfulness coming in. You can sense the excitement. It’s something I believe will be a really good inspiration for us going into the season.” Radwanski is also excited about the return of red-shirt junior forward Tabitha Padgett (Orange Park, FL) to his lineup. Padgett transferred from UNC Greensboro prior to the 2011 season, but ended up sitting out the entire year with a medical red-shirt. In two Liska Dobberstein was an All-ACC Freshman Team selection last fall.

WOMEN’S SOCCER ROSTER No. Player

Pos. Hgt. Class Hometown

16 24 13 6 4 21 30 9 22 15 2 14 10 18 7 19 12 26 3 5 25 17

M G M/D D F F G D M M D M M D F M M G M F M/D M

Brittany Beaumont Sydney Branson Morgan Campbell Savannah Coiner Liska Dobberstein Maddy Elder Morgan Hert Stacey Huddleston Haley Hunt Hailey Karg Erica Kim Allie Kington Vanessa Laxgang Heather Marik Tabitha Padgett Jenna Polonsky Katelyn Reeve Hunter Rittgers Tina Shakes Deana Sherry Annie Studdert Kylie Tawney

5-0 5-9 5-4 5-10 5-8 5-7 5-10 5-3 5-6 5-2 5-5 5-8 5-3 5-9 5-5 5-6 5-7 5-10 5-7 5-2 5-10 5-6

*Jr. Fr. *So. So. So. Sr. Jr. So. *Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Sr. *Jr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr.

Head Coach: Eddie Radwanski Assistant Coaches: Jeff Robbins, Siri Mullinix

Photo by Rex Brown

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Orange: The Experience

Conyers, GA Raleigh, NC Winter Springs, FL Rocklin, CA Charlotte, NC Roanoke, VA Simpsonville, SC Fontana, CA Aiken, SC Salt Lake City, UT Oak Park, CA Knoxville, TN Arlington Heights, IL Naperville, IL Orange Park, FL Dallas, TX Cary, NC Escondido, CA Manhasset, NY Hockessin, DE Sacramento, CA Charlottesville, VA

seasons for the Spartans, Padgett scored 18 goals and tallied eight assists for 44 points and was named the SoCon Co-Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year in 2009. “Beyond scoring, setting up and her pace and ability to stretch the back line, one of Tabitha’s best qualities is her competitiveness,” Radwanski said. “She hates to lose, she wants to win and she plays like it every single day. That is the sort of mentality that we are building here.” In addition to Padgett, senior Maddy Elder (Roanoke, VA) and sophomore Liska Dobberstein (Charlotte, NC) will be asked to provide leadership at the forward position. Elder is a three-year starter and has led the team in scoring each of the past three seasons. Entering her senior season, she has 23 goals and 10 assists for 56 points. Dobberstein was a member of the ACC All-Freshman Team and ranked second on the Clemson team in scoring with six goals and five assists in 2011. “Maddy played a bit of a different role for us in the spring,” he said. “She played some behind the strikers, and was asked to do a little bit of the dirty work. She did it quite well at times, and that was a nice surprise to see.” In the midfield, Radwanski looks forward to adding freshman Allie Kington (Knoxville, TN) to the lineup in 2012. “Our fans are going to love watching Allie play,” he said. “She will go from the opening whistle to the final whistle and will not stop

At left: Eddie Radwanski begins his second season at the helm of Clemson women’s soccer in 2012. Above: Heather Marik returns as a three-year starter on defense for the Tigers. Photos by Rex Brown

that if you practice good habits, results will take care of themselves. “The approach has to be selfless. Are these players willing to do what it takes to help the team and put the team before their own interests? If this team can collectively make that commitment, a lot of good things can happen.”

WOMEN’S SOCCER SCHEDULE

competing and battling and fighting and running. She has the heart of a tiger and will be a great addition for us in the midfield.” Junior Vanessa Laxgang (Arlington Heights, IL) and freshman Kylie Tawney (Charlottesville, VA) will be relied upon for depth at the midfield position. Laxgang has started all 37 games of her Clemson career and has 24 points on 10 goals and four assists heading into her junior year. Senior Heather Marik (Naperville, IL) returns as a three-year starter on the Clemson back line, having started every game on defense for the Tigers over the past three seasons. Despite playing on the back line, Marik also scored two goals and tallied three assists in 2011, playing in an offensive role primarily on corner kicks. “Heather is someone whose performance we are depending on this fall,” Radwanski said. “She will be a leader for us on and off the field.” Savannah Coiner (Rocklin, CA) will return as a sophomore on the back line after starting 15 of 16 games for the Tigers during her freshman year. Radwanski also expects athletic freshman Tina Shakes (Manhasset, NY) to make an immediate impact for the team this fall, on defense or in the midfield. Two freshmen, Hunter Rittgers (Escondido, CA) and Sydney Branson (Raleigh, NC), will join junior Morgan Hert (Simpsonville, SC) as the three goalkeepers on the 2012 Clemson roster. Hert played in six games, started five, and posted 19 saves for the Tigers in 2011. “We have some decent depth within the goalkeeping position, but it is an area where we need to continue to grow and improve. The candidates that we have on the roster are very capable of doing the job,” Radwanski said. “Hunter has good club experience and has been playing at a high level. She will certainly bring good competition to the position.” Radwanski has stressed the importance of commitment during the offseason and precision in preseason training in helping determine the 2012 team’s success. “You want the players to arrive on campus physically fit and mentally prepared for the season ahead. During the preseason, our goal for training will be to do specific tasks and do them well in order to help build a foundation. I have always been a believer

Date

Day Opponent

Location

Time

Aug. 7 Aug. 11 Aug. 17 Aug. 19 Aug. 24 Aug. 26 Sept. 1 Sept. 3 Sept. 7 Sept. 9 Sept. 13 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 27 Sept. 30 Oct. 4 Oct. 7 Oct. 12 Oct. 18 Oct. 21 Oct. 28-Nov. 4

Tue. Sat. Fri. Sun. Fri. Sun. Sat. Mon. Fri. Sun. Thu. Sun. Sun. Thu. Sun. Thu. Sun. Fri. Thu. Sun. Sun-Sun.

Cullowhee, NC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Greenville, SC Clemson, SC Columbia, SC Clemson, SC Davidson, NC Charlotte, NC Chestnut Hill, MA College Park, MD Clemson, SC Durham, NC Winston-Salem, NC Tallahassee, FL Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC TBA

7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 1:00 PM 7:00 PM 2:00 PM 7:00 PM 2:00 PM 7:00 PM 2:00 PM 7:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 7:00 PM 1:00 PM 7:00 PM 1:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 1:00 PM TBA

Western Carolina (exh) Alabama (exh) Appalachian State North Florida at Furman Presbyterian College at South Carolina Winthrop at Davidson at Charlotte *at Boston College *at Maryland *Virginia *at Duke *at Wake Forest *at Florida State *Miami *North Carolina *Virginia Tech *NC State in ACC Tournament

Note: * denotes ACC match august 2012

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2012 SEASON OUTLOOK | VOLLEYBALL by Jeff Kallin The Clemson volleyball team has played two straight seasons with just one senior on the roster. This year, however, four of Clemson’s most decorated players will suit up for their final season in orange and white. Head Coach Jolene Jordan Hoover’s team is all grown up, and this team is poised to make big strides in the ACC, a year after finishing with 20 wins for the fifth time in the last six seasons. The group of Sandra Adeleye, Natalie Patzin, Alexa Rand and Serenat Yaz are the only four players on the roster to have tasted an NCAA Tournament bid, which came in 2009 as freshmen. Since then, they’ve racked up individual hardware and taken over many of the school’s all-time lists, but haven’t been able to get back, finishing just outside the bubble last season. Hoover’s leadership in the class is strong, and she welcomes back all of her starters from last season, including juniors Mo Simmons and Hannah Brenner, as well as sophomore Kristin Faust. The Tigers also have key 2011 reserves Karis Watson and Kamryn Sherman waiting in the wings, along with incoming freshman outside hitter, Kalah Jones. Last season, Clemson took great strides forward with some position changes. Patzin took over at libero midseason for the now graduated Cansu Ozdemir, which moved Faust into a more active role on both ends. Offensively, the Tigers switched back and forth between a six-two and a five-one, with

Brenner holding setting duties primarily in that formation. The setters had several options with whom to work at the net. Yaz built upon her breakout sophomore season to earn All-ACC honors as a junior at outside hitter. Rand, already one of the school’s greatest blockers ever, earned her first All-ACC honor as well, rebounding from a challenging sophomore year offensively. Adeleye continued her excellence as the offensive anchor, earning her third straight All-ACC honor, and crossing the 1,100 kill plateau for her career. Simmons upped her game playing six rotations, and responded with terrific improvement offensively and as a passer. The Tigers also defended the home court well, going 11-2 in home matches, which included a win over No. 22 Miami and a threeset sweep over Duke, as they won five of the final six home matches.

Offense Clemson’s recent success on the court has largely come from an ability to have one player carry the team. Last season, four players tallied at least 243 kills apiece and averaged more than 2.0 kills per set. The options are good from just about anywhere on the floor, and the setters have stuck with game plans that the coaching staff believe will best give the Tigers a chance to win. Adeleye is clearly the top option, as she has established herself as one of the top middles in the league, if not the country. Her release is impossibly high and powerful from her perch above the net. No. Player Pos. Hgt. Class Hometown She torched opponents to the 1 Serenat Yaz OH/RS 6-1 Sr. Istanbul, Turkey tune of 404 kills on .353 hitting 2 Sandra Adeleye MH 6-0 Sr. Katy, TX on her way to a third straight 3 Kalah Jones OH 6-0 Fr. Fayetteville, GA AVCA All-Region nod. 4 Lou Davis DS 5-5 Fr. Fountain Inn, SC Yaz was actually Clemson’s 5 Kamryn Sherman S 5-10 So. Ponte Vedra, FL most frequent attacker with 7 Quinn Carty DS 5-7 Fr. Temecula, CA 934 attempts, and was second 8 Karis Watson MH 6-1 So. Rock Hill, SC 9 Abby Gortsema MH 6-3 Fr. Grand Rapids, MI with 326 kills from the outside. 10 Savannah Miller OH 5-10 Fr. Mount Pleasant, SC She also led the team with 26 12 Kristin Faust OH 5-9 So. Orlando, FL service aces on her way to her 14 Natalie Patzin L 5-10 Sr. Naperville, IL first All-Region honor. Yaz also 15 Hannah Brenner S 5-10 Jr. Orrville, OH improved her ability to finish 17 Alexa Rand MB 6-3 Sr. Mentor, OH out of the back row, adding to 22 Mo Simmons OH/RS 6-0 Jr. Buford, GA the potency of the offense, especially in breakdowns. Head Coach: Jolene Jordan Hoover Simmons had a breakout ofAssistant Coaches: Jodi Steffes Welp, Kelsey Murphy

VOLLEYBALL ROSTER

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Orange: The Experience

Hannah Brenner fensive season with 281 returns at the kills in 755 attempts as setter position a sophomore, in which after recording she was named a cap982 assists as a tain by her teammates. sophomore, an Simmons’ strong play average of 8.25 at the net makes her per set. a force on both ends, Photo by Tyler Smith and her game continues to develop. Rand was another solid option offensively, hitting .334 with 243 kills on the season. Faust evolved into a solid offensive threat as well in her freshman season, totaling 176 kills and earning a Freshman-of-the-Week honor in the ACC. She is a high-flyer, and appeared in 90 sets as a true freshman. Jones will also try and step in as an outside hitter. The freshman from Sandy Creek High

Jolene Hoover will lean heavily on veteran leaders Mo Simmons (22) and Alexa Rand (17) this fall.

in Georgia is regarded as a top athlete, and at six feet tall, is hoping to make her mark early on. As for the “quarterbacks” of the offense, both Brenner and Sherman return. Brenner played in all 119 sets last season, tallying 982 assists, and a team-best 14 double-doubles on the season. She has quite a bit of experience going into her junior year, as she played often as a freshman. Sherman saw most of her action in the sixtwo, appearing in 72 sets with 358 assists. She also spent part of the summer competing in China with some of the top players in the game. As a unit, they led Clemson to a .252 hitting mark as a team, good for 28th nationally and third in the ACC. The options will continue to be there for the Tigers offensively, and as long as the setters can spread the ball around, look for another solid season on the attacking side. Defense Clemson has built a reputation around strong net play and good back-row passing as staples of their defense. Last season, the Tigers’ 2.68 blocks per set were good for 19th in the nation, as opponents hit just .196 against them for the year. They return their primary passers in Yaz, Faust and Patzin. Patzin, the libero for much of last season, picked up things beautifully after moving from the outside, as the Tigers had a .951 service reception percentage. No one picked up gaudy dig numbers, because the front line sends so much back, and because the attacks are generally spread out among the back row players. At the net, Rand has controlled things for three years. She has put herself in position to become the school’s all-time blocking leader with a strong senior season, as she has 495 career rejections entering the year. Last season, she ranked eighth in the nation in blocking at 1.48 per set. She also traveled to China over the

VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE

summer to continue to develop her game. Adeleye is no slouch either, as she has 349 career blocks, and an average of 0.91 per set last season. Simmons also had a good year at the net with 94 total blocks. Yaz, at 6-foot-1, is a challenge outside when up front, and Watson was a great change of pace in the middle, turning in 44 blocks Photo by Tyler Smith in 77 sets. Defense has been this team’s calling card for the past few seasons, finishing no worse than second in the ACC in blocking in the last five seasons. With Rand and Adeleye still anchoring the middle and Simmons and Yaz able to chip in, look for those numbers to rise, and for opponents’ hitting percentage to fall. In all, this is a group that is as seasoned as anyone in the league, and arguably just as hungry. They fought in every match in 2011, and the continuity of having the key parts in place should give them an edge, especially in road matches. They’ll protect Jervey, and the early homestands should help build confidence. With the final five matches at home, the Tigers could have the ACC Championship in their grasp, with control of their own destiny. The conference is as strong as ever, but the Tigers look to take on anything or anyone headed their way with full force. This Tiger team is setting a first NCAA bid since 2009 in their sights, and they’ll stop at nothing to reach that goal.

Date Day Opponent

Location

Time

Aug. 17 Fri. Aug. 24 Fri. Aug. 25 Sat. Aug. 28 Tue. Aug. 31 Fri. Sept. 1 Sat. Sept. 4 Tue. Sept. 7 Fri. Sept. 8 Sat. Sept. 13 Thu. Sept. 14 Fri. Sept. 21 Fri. Sept. 22 Sat. Sept. 26 Wed. Sept. 29 Sat. Oct. 5 Fri. Oct. 6 Sat. Oct. 12 Fri. Oct. 13 Sat. Oct. 19 Fri. Oct. 21 Sun. Oct. 26 Fri. Oct. 28 Sun. Nov. 2 Fri. Nov. 3 Sat. Nov. 9 Fri. Nov. 10 Sat. Nov. 15 Thu. Nov. 16 Fri. Nov. 20 Tue.

Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Greenville, SC Columbia, SC Columbia, SC Columbia, SC Atlanta, GA Atlanta, GA Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Chapel Hill, NC Raleigh, NC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Durham, NC Winston-Salem, NC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Chestnut Hill, MA College Park, MD Blacksburg, VA Charlottesville, VA Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC

5:00 PM 7:00 PM 12:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 6:30 PM 10:30 AM 4:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 1:30 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 5:00 PM 8:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 12:00 PM 7:00 PM 2:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 5:00 PM

Orange & White (exh) $Coastal Carolina $SC State $Xavier Slovenian Jr. National Team (exh) ^Charlotte ^UT Chattanooga ^East Tennessee State at Furman #at South Carolina #vs. Winthrop #vs. UAB !vs. Georgia State !*at Georgia Tech *Maryland *Boston College *at North Carolina *at NC State *Virginia *Virginia Tech *at Duke *at Wake Forest *Miami *Florida State *at Boston College *at Maryland *at Virginia Tech *at Virginia *NC State *North Carolina *Wake Forest *Duke *Georgia Tech

Note: $ – Big Orange Bash; ^ - Clemson Classic; # - Carolina Clash; ! – Georgia Tech Classic; * denotes ACC match. august 2012

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2012 SEASON OUTLOOK | CROSS COUNTRY by Philip Sikes Building a championship caliber cross country program at Clemson has been a process. Last year, the Clemson women enjoyed their finest fall season in nearly 20 years. Now in year five under Director of Cross Country Lawrence Johnson, he and Distance Coach Brad Herbster hope to see the men’s program follow suit, while the women continue to climb within the ranks of the Atlantic Coast Conference. It will be a formidable challenge for the Clemson women, who lost 2011 senior leaders Alyssa Kulik and Kim Ruck to graduation. “Our freshmen and sophomores last year learned from Alyssa and Kim, but now they’re going to have to step up and be productive,” Johnson said. “We’re relatively young, probably as young as we’ve been in a while.” One student-athlete with the luxury of experience under her belt is junior Natalie Anthony, who was easily the most improved runner on the Tiger roster a year ago. Anthony will help fill the void left behind by Kulik and Ruck. A native of Randolph, NJ, she was just two spots shy of earning all-region status last fall after helping the Tigers to a fourthplace team finish in Louisville, KY. Anthony was also the team’s No. 3 runner at the ACC Championships, finishing 32nd individually. “Natalie made huge strides last fall and

carried it over into track season,” Herbster said. Anthony will receive a boost this fall in the form of 2011 Furman graduate Erin Barker, who will have one year of eligibility with Clemson in cross country and track & field. Barker actually finished six spots ahead of Anthony and was a member of the AllSoutheast Regional Team last fall. Barker was also an All-Southern Conference performer after finishing fourth for the Paladins. Kate Borowicz returns for her senior season. She was strong in cross country last fall before an up-and-down track season. Borowicz was 31st at the 2011 ACC Championships and 43rd at the Southeast Regionals, scoring in both important meets for the Tigers. Cara Talty, a junior from Raritan, NJ, transferred into the program last fall and made an impact. She scored in two meets, including the Southeast Regionals, where she was one spot behind Borowicz. Elyse Borisko is a red-shirt junior who could be a wild card for the Tigers in 2012.

CROSS COUNTRY ROSTER MEN Name

Hgt. Class Hometown

Name

Jack Andritsch Travis Christenberry Josh Copus James Dwyer Roland Hakes Kevin Ketner Stephen Lewandowski Martin Maloney Ty McCormack Sam McGill Steven Phillips Cole Rains Aaron Ramirez Tim Tyler

6-3 6-1 5-11 5-11 5-10 6-0 5-9 5-11 6-3 5-7 5-5 5-9 5-8 5-11

Natalie Anthony Erin Barker Lindsey Bellaran Brianna Blanton Elyse Borisko Kate Borowicz Meagan Brandli Brianna Feerst Lisa Girard Alyssa Henshaw Katie Inclan Emily Lewis Laura Loveless Sara Manesiotis Jillian Meserve Taylor Miller Kayla Skipper Cara Talty

Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. *Fr. Fr. *Sr. Jr. *Fr. Fr. Fr. *So. So.

Fishers, IN Tampa, FL Winston-Salem, NC Dunwoody, GA Irmo, SC Fort Mill, SC Mountain Lakes, NJ Apple Valley, MN Gainesville, GA Aiken, SC Cary, NC Asheville, NC Simpsonville, SC Mt. Pleasant, SC

Director of Track & Field/Cross Country: Lawrence Johnson Men’s & Women’s Distance Coach: Brad Herbster Note: Roster is subject to change * denotes student-athlete has red-shirted one season.

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Orange: The Experience

Natalie Anthony returns to lead the women’s team as a junior. Photo by Tyler Smith

She was a consistent scoring threat for Clemson as a freshman in 2010, but had her share of ups and downs in 2011. The Tigers would benefit greatly from more performances like the one she had at the ACC Championships, where she was 40th on ClemWOMEN son’s home course. Height Class Hometown The remainder of the Clem5-9 Jr. Randolph, NJ son women’s roster will be 5-6 Gr. Easley, SC made up of promising, but un5-2 Fr. Holmdel, NJ proven red-shirts and sopho5-6 *Fr. Summerville, SC mores, as well as incoming 5-2 *Jr. Ellicott City, MD freshmen. Taylor Miller has 5-7 *Sr. Greenville, SC drawn rave reviews from the 5-5 Fr. Mt. Pleasant, SC coaching staff, while Easley 5-5 Fr. Brick, NJ High School product Emily 5-9 Jr. Fountain Inn, SC Lewis will be among the new5-4 Jr. Darnestown, MD 5-8 *So. Spartanburg, SC comers with a chance to con5-5 Fr. Easley, SC tribute as a first-year freshman. 5-9 *So. Kingsport, TN “Emily was one of the quiet5-4 So. Hilton Head Island, SC est recruits you could ever hear 5-10 Fr. Haverhill, MA of in the ACC,” Herbster said. 5-4 So. Fort Mill, SC “She ran 11 flat in the two-mile, 5-5 Fr. Gilbert, SC which is good in this state at 5-3 Jr. Raritan, NJ the high school level.”

competitor,” Herbster said. “He’ll be a good leader for us, even though he’s only a freshman.” With McCormack out, the onus to step up productivity may fall on red-shirt senior Martin Maloney and sophomore James Dwyer. Maloney scored at both the ACC Championships and Southeast Regionals last year. Dwyer returns as a sophomore after scoring in several meets as a rookie. Both will need to show improvement in their times for the Tigers to take the next step as a program. Travis Christenberry and Stephen Lewandowski are a pair of freshmen who At left: Furman transfer Erin Barker will team with Kate have a chance Borowicz to give a young Tiger team veteran leadership. Photo by Rex Brown to contribute in Clemson’s top sevBelow: Martin Maloney (left) and Aaron Ramirez will step en, Herbster said. up as team leaders this fall while Ty McCormack red-shirts Christenberry was due to an academic commitment. bronze medalist Photo by Tyler Smith in 2011 at Florida’s AAAA state championship cross country meet. Lewandowski has run 4:08 in the mile, and was sixth in New Jersey’s Meet of Champions 5K. The two teams will face a tough schedule ahead in the fall of 2012. Clemson opens the season on Aug. 31 at home, but will race against several tough teams out West at the Los Angeles Invitational in September and at One of the team’s top performers could the NCAA Pre-Nationals in October in Louisdoor track season in the steeplechase. “On the men’s side, guys have to invest very well be freshman Roland Hakes out of ville, KY. The ACC Championships will be held themselves more into the program,” John- Dutch Fork High School in Irmo, SC. Herbster in Blacksburg, VA for the first time later in the said he is one of the best in-state prospects month, while the Southeast Regionals will son said. A good example of someone who has cer- to sign with the Clemson distance program also have a new home in Charlotte, NC. No matter who finds themselves contribtainly upped his investment recently is red- in a long time. Hakes won AAAA state championships in uting on a consistent basis, Clemson’s young shirt sophomore Aaron Ramirez, who imcross country as a rosters must mature quickly against that junior and senior. type of a schedule. Herbster believes his groups are up to the He ran a personal best of 15:09 on a challenge. Date Day Meet Location Time “People expect us to fall on the women’s difficult 5K course. Aug. 31 Fri. Clemson Invitational Clemson, SC 6:00 PM He was a multiple- side because we lost Kulik and Ruck, but we Sept. 21 Fri. Los Angeles Invitational Santa Clarita, CA TBA time state cham- can surprise this year. On the men’s side, we Sept. 28 Fri. Charlotte Invitational Charlotte, NC 3:30 PM pion in track & field need to build the team up. Without Ty in the Oct. 13 Sat. NCAA Pre-Nationals Louisville, KY TBA mix and with some coaching uncertainty at as well. Oct. 27 Sat. ACC Championships Blacksburg, VA TBA “He works hard some ACC schools, it’s a great opportunity Nov. 9 Fri. NCAA Southeast Regionals Charlotte, NC TBA and is a strong for our younger guys to step up.” Nov. 17 Sat. NCAA Championships Louisville, KY TBA Other newcomers that have a chance to contribute are Lindsey Bellaran and Brianna Feerst, both of whom relocated to Clemson from the state of New Jersey. The Tiger men’s team will have a different look in 2012, largely due to the absence of AllACC and all-region standout Ty McCormack. He will red-shirt the fall season because he will be studying abroad in China as part of his language & international trade curriculum. McCormack’s loss will be significant, as he placed eighth at the ACC Championships last season and was coming off a solid out-

proved by leaps and bounds during the outdoor track portion of the 2011-12 academic year. Ramirez finished fourth in the 1500 meters at the ACC Outdoor Championships, and his coaches hope he can carry confidence over from that type of performance into more strenuous cross country races. “Aaron was over-thinking the entire season in cross country,” Herbster said. “He was most nervous for the 10K at Southeast Regionals, but that turned out to be his best race because he finally relaxed and understood what he needed to do.”

CROSS COUNTRY SCHEDULE

august 2012

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IPTAY 2012

YEAR IN REVIEW 2 0 1 2 I P T A Y ST A TS

Total 2012 IPTAY Annual Contributions

$19,180,000.00 Total Cub Club members

2,308

Total Collegiate Club members

5,405

donor renewal rate from 2011 to 2012

93.9%

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Orange: The Experience

How the Clemson Athletic Ticket Office Assigns Football Tickets

s the football season approaches, the Clemson Athletic Ticket Office would like to explain the process involved in assigning football tickets. All seat improvement requests are reviewed in the month of June based on IPTAY donor levels and priority points within each level. On July 20, all season ticket holders received an email with their seating and parking locations. The ticket office and IPTAY wanted to give all donors their information before receiving tickets and/or parking in August. There are several challenges the athletic ticket office faces when assigning season tickets each year. We want IPTAY donors to understand the ticket assignment process and the limitations that make it challenging when reviewing various requests. Challenges: High Renewal Rate The renewal rate for the upcoming season was 93.9%, which is typical for our loyal IPTAY donors. Donors who pay 50% of their IPTAY pledge by February 15 receive a renewal ticket application. Remember IPTAY donors must give up seats for other donors to be improved. New Season Ticket Purchases For the 2012 football season, the athletic ticket office has sold over 3,000 new season tickets. To receive season tickets in the lower deck for the upcoming year, the minimum IPTAY donation was $1,400. Depending on the number of season tickets sold and number of IPTAY donors at specific levels, this minimum donation certainly can fluctuate each year. More Requests than Available Seats The ticket office received over 3,600 requests for seat improvements. We assign all donors in their seats from the previous season

prior to reviewing any seating requests. Every request is reviewed in IPTAY priority order based on IPTAY donor levels and priority points within each level. Below you will see how many tickets were purchased at each IPTAY level and how many requests were made at each level. The numbers of IPTAY donors in this chart are only donors that ordered season football tickets. *The average season ticket holder requests improvement of 4 seats each year, making the total number of seats to be improved over 12,000. Misconception of Seat Availability The seat equity plan outlines the minimum per seat donation to qualify for a specific area. Many IPTAY donors contribute more than what the seat equity plan requires. The number of IPTAY donors that qualify for seats in our highest per seat donation area, highly outweighs the actual number of seats in these areas. Donors must keep in mind that seats must become available to offer any seat improvements. Season tickets and parking will be mailed in mid-August. Single game tickets will be mailed in mid-August and away game tickets are mailed 3 weeks prior to each game. Digital Ticketing Reminders The athletic ticket office introduced digital ticketing for all home football and basketball games last year. The digital ticketing system offers increased security with barcodes located on every ticket to identify counterfeit and stolen tickets. Fans have the opportunity to “Print-atHome” single game tickets; re-sell tickets via Clemson Ticket Marketplace by utilizing StubHub; and transfer tickets from season ticket packages to a fellow Clemson fan via email. All of these digital ticketing options can be accessed at www.clemsontigers.com by signing into your personal ticketing account with your IPTAY/customer number and password.

august 2012

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Memorial Stadium Information

Fan Information

Concession Stands Concession stands are located beneath all stands inside Memorial Stadium and can be reached from any portal.

Emergencies First Aid stations are located on the South side under Section J, North Side under Section T, North Top Deck under Section K, and South Top Deck under Section E. Trained nurses are on hand. If a doctor is needed, ask any usher. For emergencies, call 911.

Handicapped Entrances are at Gates 1, 5 and 13 for the handicapped.

Lost & Found Please report any item to the Gate 11 information booth.

Notice Solicitation for any purpose is prohibited at an athletic contest in Memorial Stadium.

Passouts Passouts are allowed, however, fans will have to go through the same level of security screening as they did upon entering.

Prohibited Items Umbrellas, folding chairs, chaise lounges, food, and beverage containers of any type.

Smoking Memorial Stadium is a smoke-free facility. In accordance with Section 44-95-20 Code of Laws of South Carolina smoking is prohibited in Memorial Stadium or within 25 feet of the stadium.

Public Address System The public address system is intended for spectatorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; information. Do not request its use to make social contacts.

Season Ticket Holders/ Other Visitors All visitors to Memorial Stadium are requested to enter at Gates 1, 5, 9, 11, or 13. Top deck ticket holders must enter via the ramps, located behind the North and South stands. Ramp entrances are adjacent to Gates 1 and 13 (South) and Gates 5 and 9 (North).

Digital Ticketing All tickets will be bar-coded and scanned in upon entry into the stadium.

IPTAY and the ticket office will open four hours prior to kickoff. The IPTAY office will close 30 minutes before kickoff and the ticket office will close at halftime. 56

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Orange: The Experience

Will-Call Will-call tickets can be picked up at the ticket office (Gate 9) 4 hours prior to kickoff.

Football Parking Information 2012 Clemson Football Parking and Tailgating Policies

For the safety and enjoyment of all fans, please adhere to the following policies so that Clemson can continue its tremendous game day atmosphere. 1. No parking in areas not designated as football parking area. This includes the sides of Perimeter Road and all sidewalks. 2. Follow the instruction of all parking attendants. Park as directed to ensure that all space is used efficiently. SAVING SPACE(S) is NOT ALLOWED. 3.Trailers, cookers and overall vehicle size cannot exceed spaces wider than 9 ft. and longer than 23 ft. Any vehicle or tailgating items that go beyond these parking space dimensions will be prohibited. 4. Golf carts, mopeds, motorcycles and scooters are discouraged inside the interior of Clemson’s parking areas. 5. Tailgating tents are allowed. However, they must be confined to your designated parking space as described in #3. Please make sure that your tent is secure and will not damage vehicles or pedestrians in the event of inclement weather. 6. No large tailgating groups (20 or more) are allowed. No bands, large speakers or PA equipment is allowed. Personal portable restrooms are not allowed. Please make use of all restroom facilities (permanent or otherwise) that are provided by Clemson Athletics. 7. Solicitations of any kind are prohibited. Items will be confiscated and you will be removed from the campus. 8. Portable generators are allowed as long as they are rated at 70dB or lower as to not disturb other tailgaters. 9. Banners and signage for advertising purposes are not allowed without prior approval from CUAD. Product sampling is also prohibited without CUAD approval. 10. Outside catering companies are not allowed without prior approval from CUAD. Clemson University Athletics reserves the right to refuse access to any parking lot regardless of placard. Counterfeiting or placard passing will result in loss of parking privileges and offenders will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Please make use of all permanent restroom locations: Littlejohn Coliseum, Doug Kingsmore Stadium/Chapman leftfield grandstands, Memorial Stadium (open 90 minutes prior to kickoff), Rock Norman Track Complex, Hoke Sloan Tennis Center and the Student Union connected to Harcombe Dining Hall.

Most Frequently asked Questions about IPTAY Football Parking

Be sure to look at th e back of your sheet of parking passes for yo coupon code to pu u rchase merchandise at www.clemsontigers .com

Q: What is the reason that I am not in the same parking space that I had during the 2011 season? A: Parking is reassigned each year using donors’ current level of giving. Priority points are used to rank donors within each giving level and are assigned in that order. If the demand from donors at higher levels exceeds the number of spaces in a specific lot then reassignments occur. For example; if you are a $1400 donor and parked in Lot 5 in 2011 it isn’t likely that you will be in Lot 5 again for the 2012 season due to our increase in donors at the $2100 and $2800 levels. Q: I order six tickets but only get one parking pass. Why doesn’t IPTAY give another parking pass since you can’t put six people in most cars? A: We realize that most vehicles can’t accommodate 6 people but even with our inventory of 15,000 parking spaces we wouldn’t be able to provide parking passes to everyone at the $350 level and above if we didn’t have a limit of one pass for six season tickets purchased. Individual passes are not for sale from the IPTAY Center. Q: My family and/or friends park in another lot. Can I call the IPTAY office and swap my pass for another lot? A: Due to the tremendous support of IPTAY during the 2012 year and the increase in season ticket sales there are very few spaces remaining for people to move to other lots. While it never hurts to ask; it isn’t likely that we will be able to make any exchanges for the 2012 season. Q: Can I exchange one of my single game car passes for a single game RV pass? A: Unfortunately we don’t have that as an option. RV passes for Jervey Meadows are assigned on a season basis just like all parking spaces available for IPTAY donors and IPTAY doesn’t have any open spaces once assignments are made.

1. Parking lots open at 6:00 a.m. for 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. kickoffs, 8:00 a.m. for 3:30 p.m. kickoffs and 9:00 a.m. for all games starting after 6:00 p.m. 2. Handicap parking is available at the Hendrix Student Center at the corner of Cherry and McMillan Rd. All that is required is a state issued handicap hangtag or license plate. The individual that the pass is assigned to must be present in the vehicle and will be given two wristbands to use the shuttle service to Gate 1. The wristbands are for themselves and 1 person to assist them to the stadium. 3. On game day parking information and assistance is available at West Gate of Littlejohn Coliseum.

Indoor Practice Facility Project Freeman Hall Construction

Academic Success Center

LOT 20 RESERVED LOT 19 AREA

LOT 22 AREA

C-1

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1960s

1970s

DEATH VALLEY THROUGH THE YEARS Clemson’s Memorial Stadium celebrates its 70th anniversary on Sept. 19. A complete profile of the stadium’s history will follow in the Sept. 24 issue. Photos courtesy of Clemson Sports Information

1990s

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Orange: The Experience

Today

august 2012

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World of Compliance

he world of NCAA compliance has dramatically changed over the last academic year. Major college athletic programs have received unprecedented penalties for violating NCAA and unethical conduct rules and the division I membership has undergone a major review of all personnel, amateurism, and recruiting rules. Times have changed and it has never been a more important time to follow NCAA rules. With the start of the new academic year and football season upon us, compliance services would like to remind fans of the obligation that Clemson University and our representatives of athletics interest has of complying with all NCAA and ACC rules. We strive to preserve the core principles of the NCAA and protect the eligibility of current and prospective student-athletes. NCAA rules are very complex and change from year-to-year. As you know, NCAA rules do not allow student-athletes and their families to receive anything free or at a reduced cost because of their status as a student-athlete or to receive compensation above the going rate for employment or for work not actually performed because of their status as a student-athlete. However, did you know a business may not use a student-athlete’s name, picture or appearance in promoting a business or product? NCAA rules prohibit the use of a student-athlete’s name or picture without the student-athlete’s knowledge or consent. This prohibition specifically relates to the selling of student-athlete altered or unaltered photographs, signatures, or commercial items displaying the student-athlete’s name or picture (e.g. T-shirts, posters, framed pictures, etc.). Please note, if you or a business is selling any item that includes a current student-athlete’s name or picture, those actions have violated NCAA rules and you will need to cease and desist such activity in order to retain the student-athlete’s eligibility. However, NCAA rules allow the institution, charitable, educational or nonprofit agencies to use a student-athlete’s name, picture, or appearance to support its charitable or educational activities or to support activities considered incidental to the student-athlete’s participation in intercollegiate athletics provided the following conditions are met prior to the activity: The agency must submit a Promotional Activities Form to the community service coordinator; The student-athlete must receive written approval to participate from the director of athletics; The specific activity or project in which the student-

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athlete participates does not involve cosponsorship, advertisement or promotion by a commercial agency other than through the reproduction of the sponsoring company’s officially registered regular trademark or logo on printed materials such as pictures, posters or calendars. The company’s emblem, name, address, telephone number and Web site address may be included with the trademark or logo. Personal names, messages and slogans (other than an officially registered trademark) are prohibited; The student-athlete does not miss class; All moneys derived from the activity or project go directly to the member institution, member conference or the charitable, educational or nonprofit agency; The student-athlete may accept actual and necessary expenses from the member institution, member conference or the charitable, educational or nonprofit agency related to participation in such activity; The student-athlete’s name, picture or appearance is not used to promote the commercial ventures of any nonprofit agency; Any commercial items with names, likenesses or pictures of multiple student-athletes may be sold only at the member institution at which the student-athletes are enrolled, the institution’s conference, institutionally controlled (owned and operated) outlets or outlets controlled by the charitable, educational or nonprofit organization (e.g., location of the charitable or educational organization, site of charitable event during the event). Items that include an individual student-athlete’s name, picture or likeness (e.g., name on jersey, name or likeness on a bobble-head doll), other than informational items (e.g., media guide, schedule cards, institutional publications), may not be sold; and The student-athlete and an authorized representative of the charitable, educational or nonprofit agency sign a release statement ensuring that the student-athlete’s name, image or appearance is used in a manner consistent with the requirements of this section. We thank you for your support and compliance with NCAA rules. We had a wonderful year and look forward to an exciting year both on and off the field. Clemson is a special place and it is the goal of Compliance Services is to help each and every one of our student-athletes protect and preserve their ability to play the sport they love so dearly, and to safeguard the integrity of Clemson University. If you have questions about Promotional Activities or any other NCAA rule, please contact Compliance Services at (864) 656-1580 or email at compliance-L@clemson.edu.

IPTAY

Mr. W.T. Williams passed away October 2008. He was an IPTAY Member for 28 years. Mrs. Kimberly Craven passed away March 25. She was an IPTAY Member for 26 years. Mr. John Huffman passed away March 29. He was an IPTAY Member for 31 years. Mrs. Caroline Garrison passed away June 9. She was an IPTAY Member for 59 years. Mr. William Stephenson, Sr. passed away June 17. He was an IPTAY Member for 47 years. Mr. C.W. Mulkey passed away June 19. He was an IPTAY Member for 42 years. Mrs. Beverley Rivers passed away June 30. She was an IPTAY Member for 44 years. Mr. Derwood Aydlette, Jr. passed away July 4. He was an IPTAY Member for 37 years. Mr. John Hair, Jr. passed away July 16. He was an IPTAY Member for 31 years. Mr. Ellerbe Dukes passed away July 18. He was an IPTAY Member for 57 years.

We fit your lifestyle by meeting your news and informational needs. Count on The Journal to be your information source. In print or online, our publications cover life in the Upstate and all you need to know for your busy lifestyle.The Journal is the Upstate’s source for the latest news and features on Clemson football, basketball, baseball and all sports, including up to the minute recruiting news.

We’re here, 24/7, for you!

210 W. N. 1st Street, Seneca, SC 29678 phone: 864.882.2375 fax: 864. 882.2381

august 2012

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IPTAY DONOR otos ph

Marita (‘73) & Stan Clifford (‘73) and Lib and Joe Godfrey (‘58) along Giants’ Caus eway, Northern Ireland in June.

arriving in style at Mandi and Bobby Sturkie June 16, 2012. on ion ept rec g din wed their in Secondary ng jori ma tly ren Bobby is cur the daughter is ndi Ma on. Education at Clems Leesville. of aly of Tony and Ranell She

, Jim and Celeste Wilder James and Jenny Bostic, the at der Wil l Joe and Dr. Jim and Edie Bostic, nce. etery in Normandy, Fra American National Cem

Wayne Jones, Freida Jones, and Barry Patterson (‘73) were members of a mission team building a church in the village of Matamanyane, South Africa.

A picture of AC Duke’s ”Tiger Den” located in Kingstree, SC.

Justin Sams (‘09) and ) Kayce LeNeave Sams (‘11 were married May 19 in Greenville, SC. Lindsey Newingham at the Belém Tower in Lisbon, Portugal during her European cruise.

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Dr. Donald Neal (B.A. ‘71 , M. Ed. ‘75) and wife, Susan, in June 2012. The Neals were in Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the marriage of their son, Dr. Matthew B. Neal, to Dr. Anna Seal.

Don Moore and Brad Mo ore (‘01) in Hope Town, Abaco, Bahamas on July 14, 2012.

Daniel (‘10) and Erica (Jones) (‘07) McDowell were married in Gaffney, SC on Sept. 3, 2011. Joining the couple on this special night during the reception at the bride’s home, are Clemson alumni and current students. The couple honeymooned in Riviera Maya.

aney Swaim at the Ryan (’92,) Cindy and Del Myrtle Beach. in ve ser T.I.G.E.R.S. Pre

Jacob Shelton (M.Ed. ‘11 ) of Waynesville, NC in Jackso n Hole,

showing their Clemson The Shadinger family is minican Republic. Do a, Pride in Punta Can my, Anna, and Jack. Beck (‘12), Linda (‘84), Tom

WY.

Cal (‘84) and Trudy Ma ddox , Harold and Laura Hooper and Dana Edgar-M cBride (‘93) at Allen’s Cay (Iguana Isla nd), Exumas. Ethan Roberts vs. Wofford in 2011.

a Karr Brian (‘01, ‘03) and Meliss Adalyn Erin Karr. announce the birth of Another Tiger is born!

Kelly Ryan (‘10) travele d around Kenya in March 2012. Here, she spreads Tiger pride to some of the people of the Samburu tribe.

Wayne Osef (‘70) and his visit the daughter Alyson (‘15) ation on Rose Bowl, while on vac st. Coa st the We

E-mail photos, information & IPTAY number to Lindsey Leonard at lsweval@clemson.edu, or mail IPTAY, Attn: Lindsey Leonard, PO Box 1529, Clemson, SC 29633

august 2012

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Notre Dame Joining the ACC Would Be Good for Both Parties by Tim Bourret

ne of the most common questions I received from coaches, administrators and IPTAY members this offseason centered around whether I thought Notre Dame might join the ACC someday. The new four-team football playoff that will start in 2014 certainly was the genesis of the queries because many feel it will be to Notre Dame’s benefit to join a conference. It is interesting to note that I got that same question just about non-stop at my 35-year reunion at Notre Dame this past June. Notre Dame alumni also realize it might be time to join a conference in the near future. Without much coaxing from me, most of my classmates said they would like to see Notre Dame join the ACC if the school gave up its independence because they thought it was the “best all-around fit.” In reality, joining the ACC may be good for both sides of this equation. Here are some points to consider: Academics While many sports bloggers and broadcasters don’t see academic compatibility as a big deal, the presidents and board of trustees at ACC institutions and Notre Dame do. They have the final say in this, thus, it is a big deal. One of the positive points about the league in this year’s ACC football media guide points out that the average starting salary for graduates of conference schools (not just athletes, all students) is $48,000, most among BCS conferences. Notre Dame’s average is $52,800, fourth among all BCS conference schools. That is a plus for the ACC in that category. But two of the three schools ahead of Notre Dame are Georgia Tech ($57,500) and Duke ($54,500). Good for Notre Dame to be in the mix with those ACC institutions. Virginia and North Carolina also have very high rankings in the U.S. News & World Report ranking of pub-

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Orange: The Experience

lic schools, and don’t forget Clemson isn’t far behind.

years ago. The Irish have been strong in basketball for many years, including women’s basketball, where the last two years they have reached the NCAA Championship game. We all know how the ACC cherishes its basketball. Geography Notre Dame is in Indiana, but it is not that far from many ACC schools. It is 518 direct air miles from Clemson to South Bend, but 641 miles from Clemson to Miami and 845 miles from Clemson to Boston. From Notre Dame’s standpoint they are flying to South Florida, Boston and Syracuse now when it comes to their Olympic sports and basketball, with future trips to Central Florida and SMU if they stay in the Big East. Football is not an issue when it comes to travel. Notre Dame’s first game this year is in Ireland. Geography also means recruiting. Where are many of the great high school football players? The deep South, especially Florida, and playing games in this region of the nation would only create more recruiting contacts and exposure in this area. One other note concerns Billy Lott scored the Boston College. BC and Notre game-winning touchdown Dame are the only two Catholic when Clemson defeated schools in the nation that play Notre Dame 16-10 in Division I football. A move to South Bend in 1979. the ACC would put them both Photo courtesy of Clemson in the same conference.

Scheduling If Notre Dame wants to keep its independence it will be more difficult to continue to schedule BCS conference opponents late in the season. The trend seems to be towards playing nine of your 12 games against conference foes. The ACC goes to that format next year and the Pac-12 has already done it. Three of Notre Dame’s four games in November this year are against current or future ACC schools (Pittsburgh, Boston College and Wake Forest). The Irish also play Miami this year. Will they be able to get those dates when the nine-game schedule begins? Sports Information From the ACC side of the Finances equation, adding Notre Dame certainly adds to When Notre Dame signed its first NBC conthe strength of schedule. Sure, Notre Dame has tract in 1991, it was for $38 million over five not been as powerful the last 15 years as it once years. That was quite a windfall for an indepenwas. But, here is one fact that will surprise you. dent that could also keep all $13 million when it Since 2000, Notre Dame has been to three BCS went to a major bowl. bowls, the same amount as Alabama. But, times have changed. According to published reports, Notre Dame brings in about Olympic Sports $15 million from its NBC contract today (goes If you don’t think Olympic sports success is through 2015). The ACC’s new TV deal will important to Notre Dame, then take a tour of bring in around $17 million per team over the its new $57 million hockey facility (a facility that next 12 years. We now have a situation where wiped out about 200 football parking spaces, by Wake Forest makes more off TV revenue than the way). Notre Dame. While the ACC does not have hockey (outside If the Irish join the ACC it would be a big of Boston College), it excels in soccer, lacrosse, increase for both. The ACC would head back rowing, and men’s and women’s basketball. to the bargaining table to enhance that number When North Carolina saw its 92-game winwith ESPN. Notre Dame would also benefit ning streak end in women’s soccer in 1994, it was and perhaps work something that would keep Notre Dame that ended it. Notre Dame faced NBC in the mix for all of its sports. Duke in the NCAA lacrosse championship three

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Orange: The Experience

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