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SEPTEMBER 24, 2012
Volume 4, Issue 2
DEPARTMENTS 6 Travis Furbee
The confidence to be a leader
SOMETHING IN THESE HILLS 8 Pawsitive Press
Steven Bradley Joins IPTAY Media Family
10 Where Are They Now?
Kendall Alley
12 Rock the ‘John Ready to Bring the Excitement 14 IPTAY Representative Spotlight
Elizabeth “Brice” Porter
16 IPTAY Donor Spotlight
Greg Smith
17 The Art of Gift Planning 18 IPTAY Donor Spotlight
Jonathan Mccombs
19 Golf Paws to Boost Program
INSIDE 20 Trusting His Instinct
After 42 years as a coach, administrator and athletic director, Terry Don Phillips plans to retire.
24 A Family Affair
Relationship with his father shaped Dalton Freeman’s love for football.
35 Sandra Adeleye
Her most memorable Clemson volleyball moments.
39 Setting the Example
After taking advantage of his opportunities, Bo Godwin leads on and off the soccer field.
42 Keeping the Faith
Maddy Elder shows growth as a senior leader.
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61 Memorials
Cherishing the Moment: Daniel Rodriguez
is fulfilling a promise
44 The 70th Anniversary of Memorial Stadium
The evolution of one of college football’s greatest venues.
50 Diving Outlook
Although season expectations are uncertain, Tiger divers looking to build strong foundation.
52 Golf Outlook
Head Coach Larry Penley sees a new attitude with team of young players.
54 IPTAY Rep Day
62 IPTAY Donor Photos 64 The Last Word
The impact of Terry Don Phillips’ tenure
Editor: Philip Sikes Assistant Editors Tim Bourret Steven Bradley Lindsey Leonard Graphics Coordinator: Melissa Bradley Contributing Writers Sam Blackman Hannah Burleson Schuyler Easterling Carrie Truax Will Vandervort Chief Photographer Rex Brown
Celebrating our volunteers that help us grow.
56 NCAA Compliance
Can I provide prospects with extra benefits?
IN THE NEXT ISSUE ... We look ahead to the 2012-13 men’s and women’s basketball seasons.
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 or 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.
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The confidence to be a leader Travis Furbee — assistant athletic director/director of iptay annual fund — No matter what you do for a living or what you might believe in, there are times when something occurs that motivates you. It’s a moment that speaks to your soul. It makes you think. It inspires you. One such moment for me came last month during President Jim Barker’s convocation before the start of the 2012-’13 academic year. That moment was hearing Harvey Gantt give the keynote address during the convocation. The day started out interesting when I was eating breakfast with my wife and kids. I had a coat and tie on and my wife asked me if I had a meeting today. I said that I was going to convocation and there was a speaker named Harvey Gantt. Immediately, seeming very inspired, my nine-year old said that she learned about him in third grade and that he was the first AfricanAmerican to enroll and graduate from Clemson. Of course, I was very impressed that my daughter knew exactly who he was, and she wanted to know all about his speech when I got home. Harvey Gantt is a name the Clemson family should know, and I’m sure you do. As my daughter Taylor stated, he was the first AfricanAmerican to attend Clemson on January 28, 1963. His story and the desegregation of Clemson University is chronicled at www.clemson. edu as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of this historic event. But to hear Gantt tell his story was one of inspiration to me and many others who attended. Just listening to all the trials and tribulations in the stand that he made to become a Clemson student was very encouraging. One thing that really struck me was his discovery as a young man that he was destined to be a leader and could take on any challenge that awaited him. Can you imagine having that kind of belief and confidence, especially at such a tough time in American history for African-Americans? Here he was, Harvey Gantt, a man not even 20 years old, and he was representing his whole race. He is an historical figure not just at Clemson, but in our country, as well. He became the first African-American male to attend an all-white military school. His wife is one, too. Lucinda was the first AfricanAmerican female to attend Clemson. On January 28, 1963, Gantt became the leader he knew he would be. He knew it would not be easy, but he stayed true to what he believed in and with the help of then Clemson President R.C. Edwards he moved forward with both his trials and tribulations.
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Since those days, Gantt has become a leader in so many ways. He received a degree in architecture with honors from Clemson and a master’s degree in city planning from MIT. From 1974-’83 he served on the Charlotte, NC City Council and was then elected as the first African-American Mayor of the city, a position he held from 1983-87. Still very active in politics, Gantt manages a successful architecture firm called Gantt Huberman Architects. The Harvey B. Gantt Center in Charlotte is named in his honor, as is the Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Center for Student Life on campus here at Clemson. Gantt still comes back to Clemson today, and he is a Tiger through and true. It is neat to look back at history and listen to someone who played such a major role in changing our culture. Gantt’s movement ultimately paved the way for others at Clemson. Craig Mobley, a basketball player, became the first African-American athlete at Clemson in 1969. The following year, Marion Reeves became the first AfricanAmerican as a member of the football team. By 1972, Bennie Cunningham, Clemson’s second two-time All-American in football, and seven other African-American athletes made their way to Clemson. Though Gantt might not have known it at the time, he changed IPTAY, too. By making Clemson a more diverse university, he unknowingly helped IPTAY become more diverse in the way it reaches out and helps student-athletes. Harvey Gantt did more than tell his story last month, he also inspired the Director of IPTAY’s Annual Fund. He inspired me as a leader at IPTAY to help provide our student-athletes and our members the best service as possible. As President Barker says, “We are all One Clemson.” Our goal here is to help the students and help them have a great college experience. Men like Harvey Gantt motivate us to help serve our student-athletes and the student body as a whole at Clemson University because you never really know who that next leader will be. It could be you. It could be your child. It could be the All-American on the football, basketball or baseball team. But what we do know is this. We all owe Harvey Gantt a great deal of gratitude for having the self-confidence and determination to be a leader. Thank you Harvey for inspiring many people, including myself and my family.
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something in these hills PAWSITIVE PRESS Highlighting Clemson’s top student-athletes Jolene Jordan Hoover Volleyball Head Coach 20th Season Hoover recorded her 400th win as Clemson’s head coach with a 3-0 win over South Carolina State on Aug. 25. She achieved her 500th career head coaching win on Sept. 13 in a 3-0 triumph over Georgia State. Stephen Behr Men’s Golf • Florence, SC Playing in his first collegiate tournament, the red-shirt freshman tied for fourth individually with a sevenunder par total at the season opening Carpet Classic in Dalton, GA. He led the Tigers to a fourth-place finish at the tournament featuring six other top-25 teams. Spencer Benton Football Myrtle Beach, SC The red-shirt senior set an ACC record by drilling a 61-yard field goal at the end of the first half in Clemson’s 52-27 win over Ball State. He was named ACC Specialist of the Week. Liska Dobberstein Women’s Soccer Charlotte, NC The sophomore forward scored the game-winning goal in double overtime as Clemson beat archrival South Carolina 1-0 in Columbia on Sept. 1. She also scored two goals in the Tigers’ win over North Florida.
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Andre Ellington Football • Moncks Corner, SC The Tigers’ senior running back ran wild against the Auburn defense in the Georgia Dome in the season opener. He rushed for 228 yards, most by any Clemson player in history in a season opener, and led the Tigers to a 26-19 victory in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic. DeAndre Hopkins Football • Clemson, SC The junior wide receiver established a Clemson record with 13 catches in the season-opening victory over Auburn in Atlanta. None were bigger than his grab from four yards out on a perfectly thrown fade pass by Tajh Boyd that put the Tigers ahead for good. He followed with three touchdowns against Ball State, tying a single-game school record. Aaron Ramirez Cross Country • Piedmont, SC The red-shirt sophomore won the season-opening Clemson Invitational on the Tigers’ oncampus 5K course. He produced a winning time of 15:34, besting the field by over 30 seconds, and led the men’s team to an easy victory on Aug. 31. Mo Simmons Volleyball • Buford, GA The junior outside hitter tallied 12 kills in the clinching match of the Clemson Classic and earned Most Valuable Player honors for the tournament. She averaged 3.8 kills per set and hit .303 in wins over Charlotte, UT Chattanooga and East Tennessee State.
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Steven Bradley Joins IPTAY Media Family
Clemson Athletics and IPTAY are proud to announce the addition of Steven Bradley as senior writer and assistant editor for Orange: The Experience. He will also write and edit weekly stories for the MyOrangeUpdate e-newsletter. He takes over for Will Vandervort, who left to pursue another opportunity. “We’re glad to make Steven a part of our family here at Clemson Athletics and IPTAY,” said Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director Bill D’Andrea. “Will has done a great job the last three years with our magazine and the MyOrangeUpdate newsletter, and we certainly want to wish him nothing but the best in his new venture. We know that Steven will continue to convey the stories of our student-athletes and coaches to our IPTAY members in a firstclass manner.” Bradley joins IPTAY Media after seven years on staff with the Seneca Journal, the last three as sports editor. Originally a freelancer for The Journal, he was hired as a staff writer in 2005 and promoted to assistant sports editor in 2007. He replaced Vandervort as sports editor in 2009 when IPTAY Media was formed. In his time with The Journal, he has won several awards from the South Carolina Press Association. He earned a first-place award for sports reporting in 2006 and one for sports column writing in 2008. He was The Journal’s Employee of the Year in 2008 and has been on the Associated Press men’s basketball poll board since 2009. Bradley is a native of Westminster, SC and a 1997 graduate of West-Oak High School, where he was a standout on the Warriors’ golf team. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English from Clemson in 2004. He and his wife, Melissa, have a two-year old daughter, Molly. Melissa is the graphics coordinator for Orange: The Experience. The opportunity to return to his alma mater and cover Clemson Athletics on a daily basis was too good for Bradley to pass up. “I’m extremely excited about the opportunity to become an assistant editor and senior writer for Orange: The Experience,” he said. “When I finished Clemson in 2004, I had no idea exactly how I planned to put my degree to good use. I loved sports and writing, so becoming a sportswriter only made sense. “As a journalist, I’ve come up through the ranks – from covering high school football on Friday nights to most recently an editor position running my own department – and I’ve enjoyed every step of the way. Being able to write about Clemson sports is a dream come true. I look forward to writing stories that hopefully will help our readers feel closer to their, and my, beloved Tigers.” — by Philip Sikes
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WhereIPTAY Are They Now? Making Kendall Alley Donors
The Difference
The greatest season in Clemson history had a unifying effect on One individual who made a significant impact on Alley’s life was the 1981 National Championship team, but each player carried the former Clemson athletic director, Bobby Robinson. Alley described story a little differently into the next phase of hisD’Andrea life. For Kendall Robinson as always “helping people think big, like a champion and Bill Alley, being of a championship sparked athletic a success director even he for a leader. He showed many —part executive senior associate external affairs — the keys to success.” couldn’t have predicted. With a new path and career to take on, Alley is best known in the state of South Alley still has never lost sight of what the Carolina for clutch catches during his past taught him. playing years, but today he is building “When you reach the pinnacle, strong relationships with employees and which we did by winning the National customers of Wells Fargo in Charlotte, Championship, you understand what it NC, by serving as the regional president. is like to execute at the highest level,” he Growing up in nearby Salisbury, Alley said. “That gives you a feeling of what played for North Rowan High School. excellence looks like. With my career, I try During his junior year, Clemson came to keep that same idea of working hard to calling. be a champion with the job I do and the “Somehow, Clemson thought I was people I do business with.” good enough to play there and started Each day at Wells Fargo, Alley has a team recruiting me,” he said. “I took a visit before to motivate. His experience with coach my senior year of high school, and the Danny Ford has only pushed him harder to moment I walked on campus I knew it was execute his business well and understand the place I wanted to be. what to do to be successful. “I chose it because of the great traditions, “Hard work is a way to get ahead, and excitement, enthusiasm, and importance there is no way around it. If you bring that of football. It turned out to be a very good kind of commitment and execution to a decision for me.” job, you will have success in whatever you When Alley became a Clemson Tiger, he try to achieve.” was in the right place at the right time. Today, Alley puts in hard work to many Kendall Alley, now a regional president “The beauty of my playing years was outside events as well. He serves as a of Wells Fargo, was a wide receiver for that Clemson stepped onto the national leader for the Wells Fargo Championship the Tigers from 1981-83. stage as a premier powerhouse in college on the PGA Tour, where two Clemson Photo by Jim Moriarty football. It ran that way for about a decade grads, Jonathan Byrd and Lucas Glover, and set the tone for excellence and what competed for the title in a playoff in 2011. Clemson could be.” “Having two guys that stand for all During his era, Clemson went 30-2-2 the good things that Clemson is, really and Alley said he was “fortunate to play through that period. It was showed well for the golf program and Clemson Nation.” a wonderful time and great experience,” he said. Wells Fargo will be sponsoring the championship again, and His best memories at Clemson came from being on the field. Alley is ecstatic to host it in Charlotte where the Clemson family is One of the best was a home win against Georgia, the defending well represented. National Champion. Although Alley holds a high title in the business world, he is “We won 13-3. It was the first game that I got to play a lot of not just all work and no play. He always finds time for Clemson, snaps, and I caught two passes during that game. That set the especially with his family. Alley has been married for 28 years with stage for us to win the National Championship in 1981.” two sons. His oldest Zack is a sophomore at Clemson who works Alley’s second best memory was famously winning the Orange for Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables. Alley’s youngest son, Bowl for the National Championship. Trent, 14, may be the next Clemson man in the family. “We have only had one of those in the history of Clemson, and it During just about any home game, a Clemson fan may be able was a very special time,” he said. to spot the former Clemson player supporting his alma mater. Alley’s playing years were an exciting time, and when it came Although football is a part of his past, Alley has high hopes for the to a close he shortly discovered a new place to put his passion. Tigers this fall. He enrolled in graduate school, where he discovered a passion “We look to be very strong this year,” he said. “We have recruited for banking. Luckily, he had contacts that helped land him a job well; we have good energy and momentum, and a lot of talented interview at C&S Banks, where he was offered a position. Alley players. The Tigers’ opportunities are very good as long as we stay remains thankful to those in South Carolina that remembered his tough on the front lines.” — by Victoria Reid name from football and helped get him through some doors.
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Rock the ‘John
IPTAY Donors Making The Difference
Ready to BringBill theD’Andrea Excitement
— executive senior associate athletic director for external affairs —
The fifth Annual Rock the ‘John event, celebrating the beginning of the men’s and women’s basketball season, is set for Friday, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. in Littlejohn Coliseum. The event, sponsored by Verizon and Nokia Siemens Networks and CocaCola, will be free to all, with the first 500 in the door receiving a 2012 Rock the ‘John t-shirt. All fans will have the opportunity to get their hands on schedule posters, pocket schedules, and schedule key tags! Returning as host of this year’s Rock the ‘John will be Clemson basketball’s ingame personality, J-Dew! Along with J-Dew, the event will have performances by Tiger Band, Cheerleaders, and Rally Cats. Returning this year will be one of the most dynamic and versatile dunk teams in America, Air Elite! Air Elite has performed at Rock the ‘John events in the past and has been a fan favorite, as well as crowd pleaser. Rock the ‘John, since its inception in 2008, has become one of the must-see events on campus, and a great way to kick-off the 2012-13 basketball seasons. Fans can expect a night filled with promotions, prizes, giveaways, skills competitions, interactive games, and a chance to highlight the personalities of 12
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the student-athletes. Fans can also look forward to unique and exciting introductions for both the men’s and women’s teams as well as the coaches, a brief scrimmage from the men’s team, and an autograph session in the concourse of Littlejohn to conclude the event. This year’s Rock the ‘John will take place during the middle of an exciting weekend
on campus for Clemson Athletics. Head Coach Jolene Jordan Hoover and the volleyball team will host Miami on Friday at Jervey Gym at 6 p.m. The match has been designated as Youth Night, which will include 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 host San Diego State at Historic Riggs Field at 6 p.m. That event will be highlighted by the reunion and the 25th Anniversary of the 1987 Clemson National Championship team, which will be recognized during the game. On Saturday, Oct. 20, football will host Virginia Tech at Memorial Stadium in a rematch of the 2011 ACC Championship Game. The game will be Military Appreciation Day. The weekend will conclude with volleyball taking on Florida State in the annual Dig Pink event on Sunday, Oct. 21 at 12 p.m. The Dig Pink event was designed to build awareness and raise money for breast cancer. Plans and other details for Rock the ‘John are still being finalized, and will be released on ClemsonTigers.com closer to the date of the event. Fans are urged to follow Clemson Athletics on Twitter at @cu_athletics, as well as “Like” Clemson Athletics on Facebook. Leading up to, and during the event be sure and interact by using the official hashtag (#RTJ) on twitter. You might just find yourself winning a prize or participating in one of the promotions! Gates open at 7:30 p.m., so make your way over to Littlejohn Coliseum after heading to Historic Riggs Field or Jervey Gym to support our men’s soccer and volleyball teams!
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REPRESEN TATI V E SPOTLI G HT
Why did you get involved with IPTAY? “I joined IPTAY as a young alumni right after graduation, and then worked to become an IPTAY Rep. I think it is a great way to stay involved and promote a team and school that I am so passionate about.” What is your favorite game day tradition? “It seems to be a common answer, but my favorite tradition is the team running down the Hill. In that moment the entire Clemson family is united for one reason and that is to cheer our football team on to victory.”
Elizabeth “Brice” Porter
Who is your favorite all-time student athlete? “Charlie Whitehurst. He won the starting position of quarterback the year I started going to football games, and he never lost to (South) Carolina.” Who is your favorite Clemson coach? “Dabo Swinney. He is a great motivator and has done a great job changing the morale of our football team.” What is the one thing you always do when you come to Clemson? “I always have to stop by Tiger Town Tavern. It was a tradition when I was a student and it will continue to be as long as I am able to make the games.” Why should someone who is not an IPTAY member join? “Any Clemson fan should join IPTAY to support their team. It is a great way to pass down the tradition of Clemson to family members and is a good way to stay involved with your university.” — compiled by Victoria Reid
Current Hometown:
Winnsboro, SC Years of Membership
5 Years
“I
have been a Clemson fan for as long as I can remember.
My grandfather and father both played football at Clemson for Frank Howard his first and last years here. However, my mother was the one that really started getting me involved with Clemson. She gave me season tickets one year for Christmas when I was in high school, and we haven’t missed a season since.” 14
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DON OR SPOTLI G HT
When did you become a Clemson fan? “I transferred to Clemson from a small community college in Corning, NY in the fall of 1981. The first time I saw Clemson was at orientation that summer. I fell in love with Clemson immediately. That season was indeed special.”
Greg Smith
Why did you get involved with IPTAY? “During a meeting with President Barker in 2009, he challenged me to get involved and give back to both academics and athletics. I got involved with IPTAY as a way to support the Clemson golf program, as well as general athletics.” What is your favorite game day tradition? “There are two things actually. I love the band marching down towards the stadium before the game, and of course… ‘The most exciting 25 seconds in college football’ is hard to beat.” Who is your favorite all-time student athlete? “C.J Spiller for football, and Jonathan Byrd for golf.” Who is your favorite Clemson coach? “Danny Ford. He was our coach when I was a student here and I have tremendous memories of those years. I had a chance to meet Mr. Ford the night before the Orange Bowl this year. It was really a treat.” What is one thing you always do when you come to Clemson? “I love meeting old friends and many of my fraternity brothers at our tailgate spots before, during, and after the game.” Why should someone who is not an IPTAY member join? “IPTAY is truly an amazing organization of very dedicated and talented people. I have truly enjoyed getting to know many of them over the past few years. IPTAY is very important to a relatively small Division I school like Clemson to be competitive. It is also a great way to reconnect with your Clemson roots.”
Current Hometown:
Alpharetta, GA Years of Membership
3 Years
— compiled by Victoria Reid
“IPTAY
is truly an amazing organization of very dedicated and talented people.
I have enjoyed getting to know many of them over the past few years. IPTAY is very important to a relatively small Division I school like Clemson to be competitive. It is also a great way to reconnect with your Clemson roots.” 16
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The Art of Gift Planning
What Role Will You Play for Clemson University Athletics? Everyone knows that for a team to be successful, everyone must play their role. Everyone is important. In creating a legacy at Clemson, every donor is important. In taking part in this program, you can join the names inscribed on buildings, marked forever in the record books. They wanted to ensure the future of Clemson, its programs, and its students. And you now have a chance to build upon their foundations. How can you get involved? • Make a gift through your estate. • Consider a bequest. • Give life insurance. • Leave bank accounts. • Include Clemson as a beneficiary.
If you would like more information on gift planning, please contact Bert Henderson at (864)656-2973 or berthso@clemson.edu
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DON OR SPOTLI G HT
When did you become a Clemson fan? “I became a Clemson fan when I was very young. My dad worked with Coke and worked the games, and I would go with him just to watch the Tigers play. One game I remember in the early 1980s, when I was about seven years old, I went down to the field near the Hill by myself during the game and had a great time. My dad couldn’t believe that I had made my way to the field by myself. My allegiance to Clemson continued and I have followed them to the present day. I obtained my undergraduate degree from Clemson and I still watch every game that is televised.”
Jonathan Mccombs
What is your favorite game day tradition? “I enjoy cooking out on the grill and watching the game on my big screen television. When I lived in Anderson, I would take my son to the games and we would grill on a small portable grill in the parking area. We both loved it.” Who is your favorite all-time student athlete? “C.J. Spiller is probably my favorite all-time student athlete. He is a Christian and a model young man. He is also a great football player and a magnificent running back. I now try to watch him play in the NFL whenever possible because he is so dynamic and interesting to watch.” Who is your favorite Clemson coach? “Danny Ford. I remember going to a game in the mid 1980s with my grandfather. It was the Maryland game where Clemson dropped a pass in the end zone and would go on to lose the game. Danny went out on the field to argue with the referees and to back up his guys. You just don’t see that type of passion anymore, at least until we got Dabo (Swinney).” Why should someone who is not an IPTAY member join? “IPTAY supports student-athletes in ways that can never be seen on the field. For many it is about winning, but to me it is about supporting lifelong learning, not just in the classroom, but also on the field of life. Many of the lessons these student-athletes will learn on the field will teach them things about life and how to operate in their career that will never be able to be taught in a classroom. Every Clemson alumni should join IPTAY because they love Clemson, but every Clemson fan should join IPTAY because they are committed to an institution that believes in a well rounded person that is educated on theory, but also on the practical side of life through athletics.”
Current Hometown: Columbus, Oh Years of Membership
5 Years
— compiled by Victoria Reid
“I always go by the stadium. I love to drive through campus and remember what it was like to go to school there and to later work there. Clemson is such a great place! I live in Columbus, Ohio where Ohio State is like a religion, but
I still do not think that anything is better than the Clemson campus and the Clemson people.”
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Orange: The Experience
Newly Formed Initiative to Assist Clemson Golf in Its Rise as a Top Program Even though the Larry B. Penley, Jr. Golf Clubhouse is up and running, Clemson’s work to stay as one of the best golf programs in the country is not over. “There is a whole lot more we can still do,” said Joe White, Assistant Director of IPTAY Major Gifts. Former Tiger golfers Steve Bond and John Engler felt the same way, especially after they visited programs at Augusta State and Georgia. In order to help with the day-to-day cost to run their golf programs, the two schools started booster clubs to raise money to offset expenses.
“When they saw what Augusta State and Georgia were doing, they felt like it would be a really nice program to have at Clemson,” said White. Bond and Engler got the ball rolling and introduced the program earlier this year at Augusta National during The Masters. They also made a push at the RBC Heritage tournament in Hilton Head, SC a week later. “The idea is that we are going to raise money for the golf program to give Larry, Jordan (Byrd), and J.T. (Horton) the things they need on a day-to-day operations basis,” added White. The idea has become known as Clemson Golf Paws. The organization’s motto is “Ensuring Clemson Golf stays at the top of its game.” Clemson Golf Paws was formed by former players and other supporters to supply needed operational funding to keep the Tiger golf program performing at the highest level. This initiative is designed to involve thousands of supporters of Clemson golf to benefit both the donor and the team. Funds will be raised from the yearly contributions donated to become a member of Golf Paws. Donating members will receive Tiger golf gear and will be given unique opportunities to connect with the program. The funds will allow Penley, Horton, and Byrd to maintain a championship-caliber program. “Golf Paws will be a tremendous asset to our program,” stated Penley. “It will increase involvement and provide funding that we need for our continued success. Golf Paws is a grassroots concept that will benefit all of our golfers.” Under Penley’s leadership, Clemson has 63 team wins,
nine ACC Championships, seven NCAA Regional titles, and one National Championship (2003). The program has developed a reputation for producing tour professionals at a high rate. Clarence Rose, Dillard Pruitt, Kevin Johnson, Lucas Glover, Jonathan Byrd, D.J. Trahan, Kyle Stanley, and Charles Warren have all made their mark as champions on the PGA or Web.com Tours. Corbin Mills, a member of last year’s squad who won the U.S. Public Links in 2011, is among the new breed of Tigers joining the professional ranks. With the help of Golf Paws, Clemson is sure to have more professionals on tour in the future. The money raised through Golf Paws is different from the funds raised through the Tiger Golf Gathering. Golf Paws, as mentioned, is for daily operations, like new equipment, shoes, or materials for the upkeep of the practice facility, which sits beside the clubhouse. The Tiger Golf Gathering is used for major gift needs, like the funds that were used to build the Penley Clubhouse. “Golf Paws will help us with the type of equipment we need to keep our (practice) greens in the conditions that they really need to be in,” said White. “We need some new mowers, aerators, and rowers to get these greens in the conditions they need to be in so we can be competitive.” The funds raised through Golf Paws will also help with the new women’s program, which is scheduled to begin competition in the fall of 2013. “We have a women’s program now, and this money will assist the program and what Coach Horton needs for it to be successful,” said White. So far, Golf Paws has raised more than $60,000 since it started in April. White said a lot of that credit goes to Bond, who is the co-chairman of the Clemson Golf Committee. “Steve has really taken over and has done an excellent job putting this together,” continued White. “He has spearheaded a lot of this and has got us off to a great start.” Clemson golf has enjoyed great success for almost 75 years. The success of the current team, the recent completion of the clubhouse, as well as expansion of the golf program into women’s golf suggest that Clemson’s golf program still has the best years yet to come. “Our goal is to help Clemson stay at the front of the line when it comes to golf,” said White. “This program will help us stay competitive for years to come.” — by Will Vandervort
For more information about how you can become a part of Clemson Golf Paws, visit ClemsonGolfPaws.com. september 2012
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Phillips is in his final academic year as athletic director for the Tigers.
Trusting his Instinct by Will Vandervort photos by Rex Brown
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erry Don Phillips had just laid his coat down when his wife, Tricia, greeted him at the door. “Coach Koetter called just a little while ago and he asked that you please return his phone call as soon as you can,” she said. Phillips, then the athletic director at Oklahoma State, did not really understand why Dirk Koetter would be calling him at such an hour. When they last spoke, several hours earlier, things seemed fine. Koetter, who had coached Boise State to a 26-10 record in three seasons, had agreed in principal to be the Cowboys’ new head football coach and a press conference was scheduled the
Orange: The Experience
After 42 years as a coach, administrator and athletic director, Terry Don Phillips plans to retire next day to make the announcement. Phillips thought maybe it was something to do with Koetter’s contract. He had just returned home after spending hours on the phone negotiating with Koetter’s agent in St. Louis. Maybe Koetter wanted to discuss those terms a little more. Regardless, Phillips knew he had to call him back. What Phillips did not know, was while he was on the phone discussing the basic terms of Koetter’s contract with his agent, Alabama was courting Dennis Franchione away from the Arizona State job. Reports had surfaced earlier that week that the TCU head coach was in line to accept the Arizona State position. But, Alabama threw a monkey wrench in the whole situation after then Miami coach Butch Davis, and Virginia Tech’s Frank Beamer told the school they were not interested in the job. The Crimson Tide had fired head coach Mike DuBose after a 3-8 season and was in the middle of an NCAA investigation. In a window of several hours, in which time Phillips had called Dallas Cowboys tight ends coach Les Miles — his second choice at Oklahoma State — and told him they were going to hire Koetter, Franchione accepted the job at Alabama and then Arizona State quickly acted and offered Koetter their job before he signed his contract with Oklahoma State. “It’s funny how things happen in the hiring process,” Phillips laughed. It sure is, especially when Phillips was the last one laughing. Despite holding an empty bag at the time, Phillips and Oklahoma State turned out to be the big winners in this particular coaching carousel. After hanging up with Koetter, Phillips quickly put in another call to Miles, who was in Jacksonville, FL with the Cowboys, who
were scheduled to play the Jaguars that Sunday. “Thankfully, Les was still interested in the job,” Phillips said. And Phillips was thankful that it all worked out. In four years in Stillwater, OK, Miles took a program that had three straight losing seasons prior to his arrival in 2001 and won 28 games, including three straight bowl game appearances. Things weren’t as good at Alabama. Amidst a two-year bowl ban and the loss of 21 scholarships from the findings in the NCAA investigation, Franchione left Tuscaloosa for Texas A&M in the middle of the night after his second season. In Tempe, AZ, Koetter stayed at Arizona State for six seasons, but never got the Sun Devils over the hump, as his teams went 2-19 against ranked opponents. Miles ultimately left Oklahoma State for LSU, where he has won a National Championship, played for another, won two Southeastern Conference titles and three SEC West Division titles. Oklahoma State has also prospered, thanks to a succession plan put in place by Phillips. Mike Gundy, who Phillips hired to be Miles’ offensive coordinator, has led the Cowboys to their most successful era in the program’s history. He has won over 60 games since 2005, won the 2011 Big 12 Title and played for the conference championship another time. His 2011 team went 12-1, and he has posted a 4-2 record in bowl games. “As things would show…the one guy that is still standing is Les Miles,” Phillips joked. “Mike is doing very well, too, so you don’t have to be smart, you have to be lucky in this business.” Don’t let Phillips fool you, though, he is smart. He became the first athletic director
President Jim to sign a coordinator Barker was on to a multi-year conhand at the press tract, signing Gundy conference when for two years with the Phillips announced promise he would be his retirement this the head coach should summer. Miles leave Stillwater for another job. “Mike was a former beloved quarterback at Oklahoma State, so it was critical that we brought him back,” Phillips said. “He had coached with Les on Bob Simmons’ staff, and I really enjoyed watching Les and Mike coach when they were assistants. When we hired Les to return as the head coach, we hired Mike to be the offensive coordinator. “Les was very supportive, but he was a Michigan guy. I knew he was going to do a good job for us, but I wanted to be prepared in case the Michigan job or another big job opened up and he left us. I had left and came to Clemson by then, but Les did end up going, and Mike has stepped in and made that program grow. “I’m not sure you will draw that up to how the pieces are going to fall, but it worked out really well for Les and it worked out really well for Mike. If things had not happened at Alabama, then Les and Mike would have never come back to Stillwater.”
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t’s strange how that same situation from Alabama, in a roundabout kind of way, returned Clemson back to the top of the Atlantic Coast Conference in football. No one knew it at the time, but there was a young up-and-coming assistant coach on DuBose’s staff that Phillips ultimately put his neck on the line for several years later at Clemson. The first time Phillips really noticed Dabo Swinney’s potential to be a head coach came one year when Swinney played a big role on an september 2012
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athletic department committee to help orball, rowing, and swimming. All of these ganize new guidelines for student-athletes coaches have taken Clemson to top-25 to be accepted into Clemson. seasons in their respective sports, with Though he was in the middle of footfootball, track and rowing winning ACC ball season, and was also the wide receivChampionships. ers coach and recruiting coordinator at the In all, Clemson has captured 13 ACC time under Head Coach Tommy Bowden, titles in eight different sports under PhilSwinney was well prepared and organized. lips’ watch. “I knew then, he had the potential to be “I hope (Clemson people) will see that a head coach,” Phillips said. “When I first we attempted to operate this program met Dabo, I just knew there was somecorrectly from a position of integrity,” he thing special about him.” said. “Certainly, improving our facilities In 42 years as a coach and athletic adhas been a big part of the plan and what ministrator, Phillips, who announced his we were trying to do in order to be comretirement as Clemson’s Athletic Direcpetitive at a high level on a consistent basis tor in August, has been around a lot of across the board. good coaches and seen his share of some “I think we made some significant ingreat ones, too. He played for legendary roads that we can continue to build on. Arkansas Head Coach and Athletic DirecI am confident we have coaches in place tor Frank Broyles. He worked with former that are going to be very successful. Being Clemson coaches Charley Pell and Danny a part of that process will be a nice legacy.” Ford at Virginia Tech, while also working with two-time National Championship erry Don Phillips cannot think of himself in any other way than, basketball coach Nolan Richardson at Ar“I’m just a regular guy.” Now, this kansas and Hall of Fame coach Eddie Sutregular guy will finally get the opportunity ton at Oklahoma State. to live a regular guy’s life. He and Tricia “Sometimes in this business, you have plan to get an RV and travel across the to trust your instinct,” Phillips said. country, as they try to catch up with the As everyone knows, Phillips trusted his lives of their kids and grandchildren. when he gave Swinney — a guy many critIn all, Phillips has two children in John icized for never having been a coordinator Dennis and Sarah-Jane, who both live out — his shot after Bowden resigned as head west, while he is also a stepfather to Tricia’s coach midway through the 2008 season. three children – Meagan, Marshall and The young coach from Pelham, AL was Madison. first hired as an interim head coach while “This was very hard on him, but he Phillips and Clemson began a nationwide At top: Dabo Swinney, who took Clemson to an ACC knew it was time,” Tricia said. “It has been search for Bowden’s successor. In the meantime, Swinney used his “Al- Championship in 2011, was hired by Phillips on a a long time coming. People don’t know full-time basis after the 2008 season. how much he has sacrificed and what he ways Believe” attitude and turned things has missed, but he loved doing it. He has around at Clemson, becoming the first Above: Baseball coach Jack Leggett has taken put everything he has into Clemson, and interim coach to guide a team to bowl elithe Tigers to the College World Series on two he loves it here. gibility. In six games, Swinney guided the occasions during Phillips’ tenure. “Dabo and some of the other coaches Tigers to a 4-2 record, including a 31-14 will never forget was being able to hand Terry talk about how they try to have some kind victory over archrival South Carolina. “I knew Dabo was going to be a good head Don that ACC Championship trophy,” Swin- of balance in their life and I’m sure they do, but coach someday, and I’ll be darned if I was go- ney said. “That is something I will never forget, when he does something, he doesn’t have that ing to let him go and be special somewhere because he believed in me and what we are try- kind of balance. He wants to, but he has always ing to do here.” been all-in. He puts everything he has into it. else,” Phillips said. That’s who he is.” On Dec. 1, 2008, despite the disapproval by hat Phillips has done at Clemson Still true to what made him one of the best some, Phillips removed the interim tag from is build a legacy that will continue athletic directors Clemson has ever had, PhilSwinney’s title and named him the head coach. to grow long after his retirement, lips listened to his instinct and again trusted “I love Terry Don. He is a great man,” Swinhis gut. It’s the same instinct that made him ney said. “He is a man of class. He is a man of which is scheduled to begin in June. He is responsible for the major facility en- go get Mike Gundy after hiring Les Miles at integrity and vision. He is also a man of guts. hancements that have taken place in every Oklahoma State. It was the same instinct that He had the guts to hire me.” Swinney has not let Phillips down. Now in program over the last 10 years. The combined led him to Clemson. It was the same instinct his fourth full season, Swinney has won more unrestricted fund reserves for operations and that led to the hire of Dabo Swinney. And this than 30 games, while also leading the Tigers to facilities have grown approximately 400 per- time, his instinct told him it was time to spend two ACC Championship Game appearances cent since 2002, from $9 million to over $50 more time at home. “I’m very blessed to have a wonderful wife,” and last year’s ACC Championship – the pro- million. In 10 years at Clemson, new coaches have Phillips said. “It’s important that we have more gram’s first in 20 years. “One of the more special moments that I been hired in football, track, men’s basket- time together.”
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Orange: The Experience
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As the only senior on the offensive line, Dalton Freeman has kept his teammates pointed in the right direction early in the season.
A Family Affair
by Will Vandervort photos by Rex Brown
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Orange: The Experience
Football has always been the bond between Ben and Dalton Freeman, but it’s not what defines their relationship osh and Justin Stepp were two of the said. “It’s one that I’m obviously very proud finest football players to ever wear a of. They were a lot of fun to coach and be Pelion High School uniform. Some around. That’s one that I will never forget.” might argue they were the best to ever Dalton Freeman, the Tigers’ starting center, come out of the small South Carolina will never forget it, either. Just 10 years old town, which sits about 20 miles out- at the time, he wanted to be around the field side Columbia. house as much as he could. In those days, the “I remember watching them play elementary school would get out earlier than when I was growing up,” Clemson center Dalton Freeman said. “They were something else. They were fun to watch.” Josh was the quarterback of Ben Freeman’s high-powered offense, which spread the field and had an up-tempo style that wore down its opponents. Josh could run and throw the football, and did both often. When he did throw the football, he usually threw it to his twin brother Justin, who was as sure-handed as they come. “I tell you, that was a lot of fun,” said Dalton, a water boy on his father’s football team that year. “That was probably the most involved I ever was. Obviously, Freeman played for the high school, so the younger Freeman it was the excitement of his father, Ben, at would hop on the bus and head over to the Pelion High School the Stepp brothers, and before coming to high school. then my brother, Justin, Clemson. When he got there, Dalton would hang was playing as well. out with his dad before heading to the “It was a lot of fun for me because the weight room to hang out with his older brothwhole town came together, too.” er and Josh and Justin. Led by the Stepp brothers and the master“I just wanted to be around them all the ful scheme of Ben Freeman, the 2000 Pelion time,” Dalton said. “It was awesome to see the Panthers went 10-0 — the school’s only unde- community slowly get excited. Even as a kid, feated regular season — while also winning its you could tell the difference in the communifirst ever region title. ty, at the grocery store and around the school. “That was a special group,” Ben Freeman It was a completely different atmosphere.”
It was an atmosphere that turned Dalton on to football. Though he was already a fan, it was the first time in his life where the game really got in his blood. The raw emotion of the sport and the sense of togetherness really sparked his enthusiasm for the game. “I knew then, I wanted to be a part of this,” Dalton said. Becoming a football player was really never in question for Dalton. His father played college football at Wake Forest, starting at center for much of his career, like Dalton has at Clemson. “When I was five years old, we went 5-5,” Dalton said. “It is one of the first memories I have about being around the (football) program. It was the first time in a long, long time that we did not have a losing season. “I remember some of the players crying after the game because they were so happy that they did not have a losing record.” Ben had taken a Pelion program that was 0-10 the year before he took over in 1990, and by the end of the decade he had built a perennial playoff team. By that time Dalton was already a star tight end for his little league teams as he tried to emulate his brother and friends. “Growing up around it, I never really thought I had another choice because football is in my blood,” Dalton said.
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here was nothing special about the afternoon other than the fact he was watching Justin Stepp play. Now at september 2012
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Furman University, Stepp, who later coached us back with the family. She would tell us we at Clemson as a graduate assistant in 2010 had to separate business from pleasure. and 2011, was an All-Southern Conference “But we talked about football constantly. wide receiver and punt returner for the Pala- We were always consumed with it because dins. “I remember sitting by my dad, and we talked during the whole game, I was probably in the seventh grade then and I can remember looking at him and saying, ‘I can do this,’” Dalton said. “He looked at me and said, ‘You can do this, but you can do this on a lot higher stage.’” Dalton was taken back a little bit by what his father said. “I thought he was crazy,” Dalton said. “But that’s dad. He has always believed in me and he always gave me the feeling that I should never have any doubt or fear. I should never At top: Freeman and question myself. the starting linemen, He kept pushing pictured with position me and then three coach Robbie Caldwell, or four years later, I played all but one snap was being recruited of the Tigers’ 26-19 win by these big-time over Auburn to open the college football proseason. grams…he was right At right: Freeman there by my side the addressed the media at whole time.” the ACC Football Kickoff Dalton was recogthis past summer in nized as one of the Greensboro, NC. top offensive linemen in the country, rated by several services as a four-star recruit. that was both of our lives at the time.” Football does not totally run their lives anySchools such as Colorado, Florida, Florida more. The Freemans also like to play golf toState, Georgia, Penn State, South Carolina and Tennessee were all bidding for his service. gether, a tradition that goes back to Ben, who Football was all Dalton knew. His day re- began playing with his own father in the late volved around it. During a break in school, 1970s. “He always played with my grandfather he would go to Ben’s office to talk and watch film. Then there was practice, and when that (Ted),” Dalton said. “Now that he is gone, my was over they would talk on the way home. dad realizes how important that time was and Even at the dinner table they were talking it has hit me how important that is also, especially with me being so busy. From time to football. “Sometimes my mom would have to jump time, we get to go out there and get away and in and be the referee and stop us from talking clear our heads and let our hair down a little about football,” Dalton said. “She would get bit; it is a little fun.”
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or Dalton’s mother, Gwen, she does not mind that her son plays football, but it’s important to her that education comes first. With a dad that’s a high school coach and a mother who is a teacher, it’s no surprise academics played a big role in Dalton choosing Clemson as the place he wanted to play college football. “My mom is probably my biggest supporter,” he said. “But, at the end of the day, it’s all about academics. She always made sure I was doing my homework. She was constantly emphasizing how important that was. But with dad, it was more, ‘Academics are important, but let’s talk about football.’ So I got pulled from both ends, but it has been an awesome balance.” That balance has allowed Dalton to become a first-team All-ACC center as well as a three-time All-ACC Academic selection.
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here was really nothing he could do. Dalton’s grandfather, a former high school administrator, coach and college football player, was lying there fighting for his life. A month earlier, Ted was diagnosed with lung cancer which had spread all over his body. Dalton did not want to go back to school. His worst fear was getting back to Clemson and hearing that his grandfather passed away. “I told mom my biggest fear was getting the call,” Dalton said. “I got home Sunday evening and then Monday they called me and told me he had passed away.” Fittingly, the Tigers were scheduled to play Wake Forest with the ACC Atlantic Division Championship at stake that following Sat-
Freeman was a Rimington Award semifinalist last season as one of the nation’s top centers.
urday. It was an emotional week for Dalton, because he was playing his father’s alma mater on Saturday and saying goodbye to his grandfather on Sunday. Clemson ended up winning the game thanks on a last second field goal by Chandler
Catanzaro. On Monday, Dalton was named the ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week. “I wish he could have been there,” Dalton said. “I dedicated that game to my granddad. We also clinched the division, so it was real bittersweet. We were doing so well. I just wish
he could have been there to see it.” What was even harder for Dalton was watching his father struggle with the realization that his father — a man he was extremely close to — passed away. Knowing how close he is with his own father, it made Dalton think. “It makes you sit back and realize that life is a lot more than a sport,” he said. “You can’t define yourself by what you do between the lines. You can’t let that consume you. You can’t let football become your God. “That was the biggest thing for us. It humbled both of us. Although we are very focused on what our job is, there is a lot more to life than just football. It made me treasure the time we have together and reconsider any complaining or pouting. Life is way too short. Take every chance you have and just run with it. You don’t know how many chances you are going to get.”
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Cherishing the Moment by Will Vandervort
photos by Rex Brown
In Sticking To A Promise He Made To His Friend, Daniel Rodriguez Is Fulfilling A Clemson Legacy.
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hen he came running onto the Georgia Dome field with his teammates for the first time earlier this month, Daniel Rodriguez heard the roar of the crowd and the sweet sound of “Tiger Rag” coming from Tiger Band. It was quite the emotional moment for the Stafford, VA native. A week later, in Clemson’s home opener against Ball State, Rodriguez again experienced emotions he never imagined were possible three years ago as he touched Howard’s Rock for the first time and charged down the Hill with 78,000 screaming along in Memorial Stadium, and later caught a pass in his first action from scrimmage. “It’s a pretty emotional moment,” the walk-on wide receiver said. Among those cheering in the stands were veterans from several wars — World War II, Korea and Vietnam. They aren’t your normal veterans either. They are combat veterans, men that have seen things the rest of us could not imagine. But on this day, when the Tigers took the field in a stadium that is named in honor of some of their fallen brothers of combat, they stood prouder than they have in many, many years. For on this day, they looked down and saw someone who was like them. Not only was he playing a game on the same field that they once played, but like them, he is a veteran of war, a veteran of combat. He is a solider. And now like them, he is a Clemson Tiger. “It’s one of those moments I’m going to cherish,” Rodriguez said. “Not only am I sharing this with my teammates, but I’m sharing it with my other teammates, the team that I served prior to this. “It’s an honor to have been on their team because I’m literally filling the cleats that they have filled. We filled the boots together. We all put on those boots in foreign soil for this country’s need. They came back from War World II, the Korean War or Vietnam and played football.”
C Rodriguez signs a Tiger helmet decorated with camouflage for an admirer.
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oming out of high school six years ago, Rodriguez wasn’t sure what he wanted to do, much less play college football. Sure, he played high school football, and he was pretty good, but he never seriously thought about playing at the collegiate level, though he loved the game. He was living life in the moment, having a good time and hanging out with friends, like young people do. The celebration of finishing high school was still going on when Rodriguez suffered the first real setback of his young life. His father, Ray, suddenly passed away four days after graduation. Rodriguez was in shock. He did not know where to turn or what to do.
Daniel Rodriguez, a veteran of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, stands at Clemson’s Scroll of Honor Memorial, a tribute to Clemson military members who have sacrificed their lives defending the United States.
“I left two or three weeks later,” Rodriguez said. “I enlisted in the military after he died. I didn’t know what was going on, so I just went to the recruiter and said, ‘Get me out of here.’” Military life was obviously not a planned career by Rodriguez. It was just one of those things where a change of events happened and circumstances come. “I was thinking, ‘What do I do next?’ I did not want to have that label or that thought that I blamed my father’s death on what I became as an individual,” he said. “I didn’t want to be like, ‘Oh, my dad died that’s why I’m doing a deadend job and didn’t become anything.’ “That was not going to be me. I had to get out of my environment, and get out of that surrounding and be thrown into the mix.” What he was thrown into was the mix of infantry and war. But Rodriguez did not have the time to think about that. Though he was upset that his father died, his new life in the military took over. He did not have time to vent.
“It developed me as a man,” he said. “And that’s what I needed. That was kind of like the kick in the butt factor. It got me out of what was happening. It showed me what I wasn’t doing in high school, as far as getting good grades and those things. “It was now time to grow up. That time of your life needs to be abolished, immediately. But remember it. Remember what you were and remember where you came from, but go pursue greater things. That’s what I used the military for.’” Four days later, Rodriguez was on his way to boot camp, headed to train in the infantry division at Fort Benning, GA. “I try not to think about what I might have become had I not joined the military,” he said. “I think I would probably be mediocre or average. I don’t think I would have done anything significant. I don’t know if what I’m doing now is significant, but it is to me. “If I had stayed in my hometown and made
excuses, I may have gotten a degree and I may have done something. There are a lot of strands and tangibles on what I might have been, but I don’t like to think about it because this is where I am now.”
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t is amazing Rodriguez is even in Clemson, or alive at all. This time three years ago, he was in the hospital recovering from a gunshot wound suffered in the battle of Kamdesh. On October 3, 2009, more than 300 Taliban forces assaulted Rodriguez and the American Combat Outpost Keating, near the town of Kamdesh in eastern Afghanistan. The attack was one of the bloodiest battles for U.S. forces in Afghanistan, resulting in the death of eight American soldiers and 22 wounded. It was also one of the driving forces as to why Rodriguez is now running down the Hill as a Tiger. “His story is amazing,” Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney said. “Here is a young man (24 september 2012
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years old) that has been through so much. He has seen things and lived through things none of us can even imagine.” Keeping a promise he made to himself and his friend Kevin Thompson, one of the eight soldiers who gave his life in the battle of Kamdesh, Rodriguez is playing college football. “When I got out of the military, I made a promise to him that I was going to play college football,” he said. “I did not want my life to amount to just military. I went in with the idea that it was just going to be a (stepping stone) for my future. “What I did not do out of high school was follow my heart and play football. I made that pact with my friend that I was going to play when I got out, and then he was killed during that battle.” Once Rodriguez was discharged from the Army, he quickly started fulfilling his promise. He started attending college classes near his hometown and got his grades up. He also got back into football, working out several hours a day to get back into playing shape. “I got back in the swing of things and started training about six hours a day,” he said. Soon, with the encouragement of friends, Rodriguez produced a workout video that he sent to college coaches around the country in hopes of getting a tryout or two. With the request of college recruiters to put the workout on YouTube, Rodriguez went viral and so did his life story. His tape got the attention of many schools, including Virginia and Virginia Tech in his home state. But it also caught Swinney’s eye, who sent Rodriguez this message. “I saw your video and would love to talk with you about an opportunity to come to Clemson.” At Virginia, Rodriguez was told his high school grades were not good enough, though his college GPA was high. Virginia Tech, the school he always wanted to play for, told him he needed an associates degree to attend, and that he could come back and talk to them once that was completed. Clemson used a waiver called the 24-transfer waiver, which waives the associates degree and allows an athlete to come in and play who
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“He has overcome a lot of things. He has been through a lot of adversity and it has made him a better young man,” Swinney said. “It’s made him the man he has become. His desire, his determination and his willingness to work for what he wants is something you love to see in young people. “His attitude is only going to help our football team going forward. And by the way, he is a pretty good football player, too.”
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s Rodriguez sat atop the Hill prior to the Ball State game, his thoughts went back to the many conversations he and his good friend, Kevin Thompson, had. “He was one of my soldiers and we Rodriguez, shown above lived together,” Rodriguez said. “We shared in the win over Ball State, is a member of the kickoff a bunk for eight months. We saw each other coverage team. day-in and day-out, plus the year we trained back home. At left: Rodriguez’s “When you are in that environment and inspirational journey has you have that brotherhood of soldiers and spread throughout the media you go out and hang out, he is one of your at Clemson and beyond. boys. When he was killed, it hurt. That’s is not a qualifier out of high why I do it. I’m doing it for my fallen brothschool. Rodriguez was only er and the promise I made to him. As long as one credit shy, so Clemson put I’m breathing, I’m still going to keep pursuing in a request to the NCAA to it until my time expires.” see what would happen. On October 20, Clemson will continue one When learning Clemson of its grandest traditions as it honors its heritage was able to go the extra mile to get him into with Military Appreciation Day. It will be a speschool, Rodriguez agreed to take a visit to Clem- cial day for many reasons for Rodriguez. First son during his spring break earlier this year. of all, it will be his father’s birthday. Secondly, “I wanted to see what (Clemson) was all Clemson will be playing his favorite team from about,” he said. “When I came down, that his youth – Virginia Tech. And finally, he will sealed the deal. I didn’t care how long it took me lead the Tigers down the Hill while carrying the to come here. I knew I was going to play here. American flag. “(Clemson going to bat for me) was the ulBut, Rodriguez will also be thinking of Kevin timate factor because Coach Dabo wanted to Thompson, his friend – the man who gave his take that risk. He wanted to take that leap.” life for our freedom. He will also be thinking of That leap of faith was rewarded in August all those that have come before him, who also when the NCAA and the ACC officially approved Rodriguez’s waiver, allowing him to be gave their lives in combat. He will also think of those war veterans that a full-time student-athlete on the football team. will be sitting in the stands saluting him as he “You always dream of that second chance to leads his new teammates onto the field in a play football again,” he said. “I’m in that poplace called Memorial Stadium. sition. I have that second opportunity that so “It’s a great honor to represent veterans on many people have said, ‘I wish I could get one the football field on Military Appreciation more shot.’ “Well, now it is my shot. I have that opportu- Day,” Rodriguez said. “I think it’s the greatest nity. That helmet is on my head. I have a school privilege I’m going to have as far as I’m conthat I’m proud to be a part of, and now I’m go- cerned. It will be an honor. That solidifies us as veterans. That’s why we do what we do. Our ing to let it all loose.” Rodriguez has let it all loose. Despite a shoul- pride is holding up those colors – the red, white der injury in fall camp, he bounced back in the and blue. “People in the stands that can relate to me as last two weeks before camp closed and earned a combat vet, it makes me proud. That is going a roster spot, while starting on special teams when Clemson took the field against Auburn in to be one of those moments that I’m going to cherish forever.” the Chick-fil-A Kickoff game.
A Well Executed Play That Racks Up A Win. That’s Logistics. The coach makes the call. Every player is in the right place at the right time. The score is made. And the huge crowd roars its approval. That’s logistics. The coordination of personnel and equipment designed to achieve the best possible results. At UPS, we understand logistics. We live logistics. We love logistics.
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Sandra Adeleye’s
Most Memorable Clemson Volleyball Moments
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by Carrie Truax | photos by Rex Brown
andra Adeleye recently sat down with Orange: The Experience and highlighted her top five moments as a Clemson Tiger. In three seasons as a middle hitter for the Tiger volleyball team, Adeleye has racked up over 1,200 kills and nearly 400 blocks, an average of over three kills and one block per set. In over 100 matches, the AllAmerican from Katy, TX has scored in nearly every one of them. Here, she provides a breakdown of the five moments from her career so far that have stood out the most.
Moment 1 In October of 2009, the Tigers went to south Florida to face a very tough Miami Hurricanes team. Adeleye recollects the game, “We were down 0-2. We came back to win the last three sets, and I blocked Lane Carico (who had 36 kills on the night) for the winning point.” The senior failed to mention that she had 18 kills to go along with six blocks in a match early in her Clemson career. The Tigers moved to 19-11 on the season, a win that ultimately proved to be a solid one for an NCAA Tournament bound team.
Adeleye was sixth in the ACC in kills and points per set as a junior in 2011.
Moment 2 Last season, the Hurricanes rolled into town ranked as the No. 22 ranked team in the country. “Winning that match, and all of us dog-piling in the middle of the court afterward is something I will definitely never forget,” she said. However, Adeleye did forget to mention her career-high 27 kills, which translated into a .426 hitting percentage, propelling the Tigers to a win. The All-American’s efforts landed the team at 11-4 heading into the bulk of their ACC schedule. september 2012
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Moment 3 In her first match as a Clemson Tiger, Adeleye and her teammates took on our sisters to the south, the South Carolina Gamecocks. “The place was packed,” she said. “They didn’t have enough seats. It was kind of overwhelming, but very exciting.” Although the Tigers did not win the match, the atmosphere at Jervey Gym on a Friday evening will forever be etched in the senior’s mind. During her freshman campaign, Adeleye posted double-digit kills in each of her final 12 matches. She was named to the 2009 ACC All-Freshman Team, and was the 2009 AVCA East Region Rookie of the Year. Moment 4 In the 2011 season, the Tigers took on divisional conference foe Florida State. Recollecting on the match, there is one specific play that stands out in Adeleye’s mind. “I think there was an overpass onto our side, and Hannah (Brenner) came out of nowhere and just stuffed the attacker at the net.” Somehow, though, her 11 kills and two blocks escaped the senior’s memory. The three-time All-ACC performer finished the 2011 season with 404 kills and a .353 hitting percentage. Moment 5 In the 2009 season, the Tigers faced Boston College in a midseason matchup in Jervey Gym. “I was hitting off of Kelsey (Murphy), and I think it was the most amount of kills I’ve ever
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had in a match. I think it was 19 or something. I felt like finally I could do this. It was a confidence booster.” Adeleye actually had 23 kills, and a .564 hitting percentage on the night to boot. She accounted for 26 of the team’s 80 points. The Tiger volleyball team won the match, and improved to 20-7 on the season, but more importantly, 10-5 in league play. Clemson went on to finish 23-10 in 2009, giving Head Coach Jolene Hoover her eighth and most recent NCAA Tournament appearance. OUTTAKES The 2011 All-ACC Academic Team member also told Orange: The Experience about some funny moments that have happened during her tenure. “This preseason, we were doing a drill where you are supposed to run under the net and Abby (Gortsema), who is 6’3”, did not duck enough and completely close lined herself. Also, Kristin Faust and Alexa Rand headbutted during a drill this summer. Those were definitely some of the funniest moments in my time here at Clemson.” The senior said her teammates have a true understanding of the term “Clemson family,” and moments like these allow her to realize the special benefits of being a Tiger.
Above: Adeleye is one of the most decorated hitters in the history of the Clemson volleyball program. Above left: Adeleye is the 2012 team captain and an emotional leader for a talented Tiger team.
Sandra Adeleye has had an outstanding tenure on the Clemson Volleyball team, but there are a few things left that she would like to tend to. The 2012 team captain and three-time AVCA All-East Region member is in the midst of her final season with specific goals in mind. “At the end of the season, I want to be able to say it was my best season and that I improved in every category,” she said. As the Tigers head into ACC play, Adeleye remains focused on one particular goal. Even though she has accomplished a great deal at Clemson, there is one thing Adeleye would like to check off her wish list. “I want to win an ACC Championship,” she said. The Tigers, stocked full of veteran players and an energetic freshman class, look to capture their second conference championship in five years. With Sandra Adeleye leading the charge, you can count on Clemson to make a run this season.
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Setting the Example After taking advantage of his opportunities, Bo Godwin leads on and off the soccer field by Schuyler Easterling | photos by Rex Brown
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n 1967, a Clemson University chemistry professor, Dr. I.M. Ibrahim, was assigned the unique task of constructing a Clemson Tiger men’s soccer program from the ground up. Fast-forward 45 years and any outside observer can see that Ibrahim’s dedication, knowledge, and hard work turned Clemson soccer into a perennial national power. The walls of Historic Riggs Field are adorned with championship banners proudly proclaiming 13 ACC Championships, 26 NCAA Tournament appearances, 22 NCAA Sweet 16 appearances, 12 Final Eights, seven Final Fours, and two National Championships. In the fall of 2008, a few months after the passing of Coach Ibrahim, a young man arrived in Tigertown whose actions on and off the field would undoubtedly have made Ibrahim proud. This young man’s name was Bo Godwin, and now five years older, the 5-foot-6 defender is an integral component of the 2012 Clemson soccer team. Through his steely defense and hard work in the classroom, Godwin continues to represent the Tigers with the high-level of play that has come to epitomize Clemson soccer. The story of Bo Godwin and his soccer career begins in the heart of the Tennessee River Valley in the city of Decatur, AL. “I grew up where football has always been king,” Godwin said. “Soccer was something I got started on early though. I began playing the sport when I was four. I was just a little kid wanting to run around and play. As I got older and continued to get better, I began to play on traveling teams. I loved it, and the Godwin is a senior defender for Mike Noonan’s soccer team. september 2012
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game became my passion. “My parents had never known anything about soccer before so the process of being involved in competitive soccer was new for them as well. We tried different clubs and I wound up playing for the Tennessee Futbol Club based in Nashville, TN. I played with them for six years before I made the decision to play on the collegiate level.” Godwin’s decision to focus on playing soccer at the club level in Nashville proved to be a life-changing one. Playing for a five-time state champion and two-time Region III Premiere League Central Champion, the Tennessee Futbol Club put Godwin’s defensive play on full display and it caught the attention of college recruiters around the country. During his high school years, Godwin would be named to the all-area and all-state teams in soccer. He would also receive the honor of being selected as a member of the Alabama Olympic Development Program. Godwin was also a four-year starter and two-time MVP point guard for the Decatur Heritage Christian Academy basketball team. However, it was the combination of speed, agility, and toughness Godwin displayed in soccer that caught the eye of the Clemson coaches. “Being involved with soccer from an early age, I always knew about Clemson,” Godwin said. “Clemson has so much tradition in soccer and has always been such a great program. I didn’t know a whole lot about the university until my recruiting process got going my sophomore year of high school. Clemson being in the ACC is what really first caught my attention. The ACC has the reputation of being the best soccer conference in the country, and I wanted to play the best teams all the time. I fell in love with Clemson when I visited the first time and knew it was the school for me.” Godwin made the journey east to the Blue Ridge foothills in the fall of 2008. Red-shirting his freshman year, Godwin made an impact for the Tigers during the 2009 campaign when he started 14 matches. In 2010, he picked up where he left off the previous year, starting 15 matches. In 2011, Godwin started 13 matches. Quietly epitomizing the formidable defensive play that has long been a hallmark of Clemson soccer, Godwin’s consistency has made him one of the Tigers’ most valuable players. “When thinking about what I’ve most loved while playing for Clemson, I think of how much I love that the whole team is a family,” Godwin said. “We work hard, but we have a ton of fun, too. We know when it’s ok to goof
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Godwin is a four-year starter who has played over 50 matches in his career.
off and when it’s time to buckle down and get work done. When it comes to Coach Noonan, I love that as much as he is all about coaching soccer and bettering us in the sport, he also focuses on making us better men off the field. It’s not just a soccer-based relationship. “He’s big into making sure we’re doing well in the classroom and living a good life. I’ve learned just as much about life, if not more, than soccer from Coach Noonan.” Godwin graduated from Clemson this past
August with a degree in health science. He is a member of the All-ACC Academic Team, and has served on the Student-Athlete Advisory committee. “One of the best things about being a student-athlete at Clemson is how much they stress helping you succeed in academics so you can earn your degree,” he said. “I’m proud to have a Clemson degree. I know how special it is. Soccer is important to my life and I’ve loved it, but a college degree is going to get me where I want to go. There are not many places like Clemson that combine such great athletics with such great academics. I’m very thankful to have had this opportunity.” Upon conclusion of this season, Godwin will no longer be playing soccer, but instead focusing on another dream. “I plan on going to med school,” he said. “I’ve been applying to different universities all over the place. I’m not quite sure what kind of medicine I’d like to specialize in yet. My father is an ear, nose, and throat doctor, so I’ve entertained the thought of going into that field. Upon someday completing med school, my dream would be to go overseas and do medical missions and work in a place like the Dominican Republic. I’ve been to the Dominican a few times with my church on mission trips, and just really enjoyed it. I’d love nothing more than be able to use my knowledge to help out people in an area of need.” In his last hurrah, Bo Godwin dreams of helping lead the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in his career and earning a shot to win the coveted College Cup. “Regardless of my goals, I’ve been given great opportunities at Clemson and never want to take that for granted,” he said. “My family has supported me unfailingly during my time here. They come to almost every game, and I’m so thankful they have been willing to do that. My teammates and coaches at Clemson, as well as the fans here, have also been a blessing in my life. It’s been a true honor to be a part of the rich tradition that is Clemson soccer. I owe it all to God and I’m forever grateful He opened the doors that lead me to Clemson.” Clemson fans are grateful those doors were opened as well. Bo Godwin’s career as a Tiger may end in a few short months, but his legacy on and off the field will continue to help set the example for student-athletes at Clemson. And from somewhere up above, Coach Ibrahim is undoubtedly smiling.
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Keeping the Faith Maddy Elder Shows Growth as a Senior Leader by Hannah Burleson photos by Rex Brown
Elder had six assists as a midfielder through Clemson’s first eight matches this season.
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lemson senior soccer player Maddy Elder is no stranger to leadership. Her grandfather, Thomas J. O’Connor, was a student and teacher at the U.S. Naval Academy. Two of her cousins attended the prestigious college. Her brother currently plays on the golf team for the Naval Academy. Her father, Alan, is a former marine. Though Elder doesn’t lead through military service, her leadership on the soccer field is impressive in its own right. Through six matches in the 2012 season, Elder had 20 career goals and 16 career assists
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(six assists of which came through the first eight matches of her first season in a new role as a midfielder after switching from forward). She is four goals and two assists away from moving into the top 10 in Clemson history in those respective categories. She has led the team in total goals and total points each of her first three seasons. She is also impressive in the classroom, as she has made the All-ACC Academic women’s soccer team all three years at Clemson. Though she could have easily followed in her family’s footsteps and taken the military route, Elder knew Clemson was the place she was meant to be.
“I knew the first time I stepped on campus,” she said. “I felt something here. I could have played soccer at other schools, but I couldn’t have gotten the college experience I have gotten at Clemson anywhere else. I would not change my decision for anything.” She credits Clemson’s soccer camp the summer before her senior year of high school as what won her over. “I didn’t see much of the campus, but I got to play on Riggs Field,” she said. “My heart just stopped. By the end of the week, I had an offer from the coach and we went from there. I went to other camps that summer, but my
heart just wasn’t there. I already knew just from being here four days, that this was the place for me. I was all smiles from then on out. “ It didn’t take long for her to make a decision to commit to the Tigers. “The ACC is the best conference for soccer and the fact that I had this offer, it was too good to pass up.” Though captain is no new role to Elder (she was a captain on last year’s team as well), she is embracing her new role as one of only two seniors on the Tiger team. Elder and fellow senior Heather Marik are in their fourth season with the Clemson program, and have played under two head coaches.
for the challenge and willing to help in any way. “It’s not about me putting goals in the back of the net. If I can make an impact on the field to make the score higher in our favor, then I am up for it. Whether it is playing on the back line or playing up top, either one is fine with me. I’m happy with the W at the end of the day. I want to feel when I leave that I have accomplished something… and I do. Going into this year, I just want to win. Helping this team move forward is more important than anything else.” This year’s team has the talent and coaching to do great things, and Elder knows it’s going to come down to closing the deal in a lot of tight matches.
this year, that can get through all that turmoil and find success in the little things. We haven’t had a winning season yet, but I still believe we can do it. I have faith.” Clemson University has faith as well, as the school has included Riggs Field as one of the benefactors in the school’s capital campaign to improve athletic facilities. Armed with a new state-of-the-art video board, the team is embracing the support from IPTAY, the athletic department, and the university. “It’s awesome to see IPTAY putting money and resources towards our program. It’s really fun and exciting. We feel like everyone, including the fans, are investing in us this year. It’s more to play for.” Elder is confident in the young talent the
“We lost three in overtime last year, so it shows that we are close. We played Duke in the spring last year and tied, and they ended up making it to the Final Four, so that shows how close the margin is getting. We are that close to being there. If we just finish our chances and keep rolling with some wins, we can definitely do it.“ She thinks that because of the adversity the team faced last season, the Tigers will emerge more focused and determined than ever. “It’s awesome to see a team, especially ours
program has, and is hopeful that the program will be better off when she leaves than when she arrived at Clemson. “I definitely want to be remembered as someone who helped make this program funnel into something that little girls want to be a part of when they come to camp or when they see a billboard or a Tiger paw. I believe we are going in the right direction of making this a winning program again. Just the fact that I’m a part of that tradition is a legacy for me, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Above: Elder has led the women’s soccer team in scoring each of her first three seasons. At right: Elder is one of only two seniors on Eddie Radwanski’s young team.
“I think Heather and I know what it has been, and what we don’t want it to be anymore. I think that helps what we are trying to do. I like the idea of being a senior and being looked up to, and I think I can handle it (the pressure).” The midfielder from Roanoke, VA knows that this is her last chance to help the Clemson program before graduating, and she is determined to make this a special season. Regardless of the role the team and coach Eddie Radwanski need her to play, she is up
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The 70th Anniversary of Memorial Stadium by Sam Blackman
Memorial Stadium is celebrating its 70th anniversary this fall. Photo by Dr. Mark McInnis
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lemson continues to have one of the most complete and modern football stadiums in the country, and with the completion of the WestZone complex it is considered one on the nation’s finest facilities. September 19, 2012 marked teh 70-year anniversary of Memorial Stadium and the stadium has definitely been good to the Tigers who call it home, but the stadium was constructed against the advice of at least one Clemson coach. Just before Head Coach Jess Neely left for Rice University after the 1939 season, he gave Clemson a message. “Don’t ever let them talk you into building a big stadium,” he said. “Put about 10,000 seats behind the YMCA (Historic Riggs Field). That’s all you’ll ever need.” Instead of following Neely’s advice, however, Clemson officials decided to build a new stadium in a valley on the western part of campus. The momentum from the 1940 Cotton Bowl victory was one of the main reasons behind the construction of the new stadium. It was probably discussed before Neely’s departure as a way Clemson first used upper decks on both the north and south stands in 1983. Photo courtesy of Clemson Sports Information
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At top left: Memorial Stadium stands were first used on September 19, 1942 in a game against Presbyterian College. At bottom left: An overhead shot of Memorial Stadium in 1968.
Photos courtesy of Clemson Sports Information
to get him to stay at Clemson. Also, it was needed for the convenience of the fans so they could exit the college easier when the game was over. Consequently, it may have been the motivation of going against Neely’s advice as well. The place selected would take some clearing, though; there were many trees and brush. It was a natural valley and just perfect for a new stadium. It was announced on September 17, 1941 that the $104,000 stadium construction would soon begin. Clemson civil engineering stu-
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dents surveyed the land and drew up plans for the grandstands, which were built in concrete along the red clay walls of the natural bowl. Credit for the design of the stadium goes to Carl Lee of Charlotte, NC, a Clemson graduate of 1908, and Professor H.E Glenn of the engineering faculty. Actual construction began on October 6, 1941. Scholarship athletes, including many football players, did much of the hard work. Two members of the football team, A.N. Cameron and Hugh Webb, did the first staking out
of the stadium. Webb returned to Clemson years later to be an architecture professor, and Cameron went on to become a civil engineer in Louisiana. The crews went to work: clearing, cutting, pouring, and forming. Finally, on September 19, 1942, Memorial Stadium opened with the Tiger football team thrashing Presbyterian College, 32-13. Those 20,000 seats installed for opening day would soon grow and grow. The building of the stadium did not proceed without a few problems. One day during the clearing of the land, one young football player proudly announced that he was not allergic to poison oak. He then commenced to attack the poison oak with a swing blade, throwing the plants to and fro. The next day, however, the boy was swollen twice his size and had to be put in the hospital. There are many other stories about the stadium, including one stating that Frank Howard put a chew of tobacco in each corner of the stadium as the concrete was poured for “good luck.” Howard said that laying the sod caused a few problems. “About 40 people and I laid sod on the field,” he said. “After three weeks, on July 15, we had only gotten only halfway through. “I told them that it had taken us three weeks to get that far and we still had a long way to go. To motivate them, I told them that I would give them three more weeks of pay for however long it took. I also told them we would have 50 gallons of ice cream when we got through. After that, it took them three days to sod the rest of the field. Then we sat down in the middle of the field and ate up that whole 50 gallons. I guess you could call me an ‘efficiency expert.’” Howard said that on the first day of the first game in the stadium, “the gates were hung at 1:00 PM and we played at 2:00 PM.” But that would be all of the construction for quite some time. In 1958, Clemson added 18,000 sideline seats and, in 1960, a total of 5,658 West end zone seats were added in response to increasing attendance. With the large end zone, “Green Grass” section, this expansion increased capacity to about 53,000. This was also done in preparation for the University of South Carolina coming to town for the first time ever. Prior to 1960, the annual Clemson-South Carolina football game was played in Columbia every year during the week of the State Fair.
Clemson officials, tiring of the annual trek to Columbia, added the west stands, worked to make the annual clash a home-and-home series. This helped not only Clemson, but also the local roadways. It has been told that many politicians who came to Clemson in 1960 were caught in traffic, and many of them agreed that the roads had to be improved in the area. U.S. highway 123 was built as a way to relieve traffic, while other roads were widened and improved to accommodate the overflow crowds and get the traffic flow going faster towards Greenville, Anderson and Columbia. The addition of stands in the west end zone in 1960 gave Memorial Stadium a capacity of 53,000. Photo courtesy of Clemson Sports Information
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An iconic symbol of Memorial Stadium is the Howard’s Rock. The famous symbol, a rock from Death Valley, CA, was a gift from S.C. Jones to Coach Howard. The rock was mounted on a pedestal at the top of the Hill on the east side of the stadium. It was unveiled on September 24, 1966 when Clemson played Virginia. The Tigers were down 18 points with 17 minutes left and came back to win 40-35 on a 75-yard pass to Jacky Jackson in the fourth quarter. What a debut for the Rock. The team members started rubbing the Rock prior to running down the hill on September 23, 1967, a day when Clemson defeated Wake Forest by a score of 23-6. Prior to running down the Hill that day, Howard told his players, ‘If you’re going to give me 110 percent, you could rub that Rock. If you’re not, keep your filthy hands off it.” And just like that, another nationally known tradition was born at Clemson. Later, upper decks were added to each side of the stadium as crowds swelled - the first one in 1978 and the second in 1983. This increased
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Memorial Stadium is home to some of the most renowned pageantry in college football, including the famous running down the Hill (top) prior to each game. Photo by Patrick Wright, Photo at top by Dr. Mark McInnis
capacity to over 81,500 that made it one of the largest on-campus stadiums in the country. Through the years, Memorial Stadium has become known as “Death Valley.” It was tagged by the late Presbyterian coach, Lonnie McMillan. After bringing his Presbyterian teams to Clemson for years and getting whipped, McMillan said the place was like Death Valley.
McMillan said that it was so hot, and it was hard to win in Clemson. A few years later, the name stuck after Howard started using the phrase. The legend of Death Valley continued in 1995 as 16 football games were played on its surface. Clemson played its normal six regular season contests, while the Carolina Panthers played in the facility 10 times - two preseason contests and eight regular season games. What did the NFL’s presence mean in 1995? If the stadium was good enough for the Carolina Panthers, it must be quite a facility. In fact, minimal changes were made to make it ready for the Panthers and the National Football League. It was also the largest stadium in the NFL that season. This outstanding stadium’s field, that has kept pace with the changing world of college football and has seen the Tigers win 72 percent of their games played on its storied surface, was appropriately named after legendary Head Coach Frank Howard. Luckily, Clemson didn’t put the 10,000 seats behind the YMCA.
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2012 SEASON OUTLOOK | DIVING by William Qualkinbush
seen it all in her time at Clemson and gets the chance to build on her 2011-12 campaign, in which she qualified for the NCAA Zone Diving Championships in the three-meter. Hasselbach Adams will also return arguably her top performer from last season in junior Emily Howard. Howard is currently ranked third in school history in the three-meter and fourth in the onemeter and was one of only two Clemson divers to qualify for NCAA Zones in both the one- and the three-meter. Fellow junior Heather Britt also returns to give the Tigers a strong base of upperclassmen to usher in the program. Prior to last season, Hasselbach Adams was able to bring several freshmen aboard in an attempt to prepare for this season of full-time, stand alone varsity competition. The group is now comprised of sophomores with lofty goals after getting off to a strong start in their respective Clemson careers. Chelsea Uranaka had the strongest debut of the bunch. She returns after posting an NCAA Zone-qualifying score in the three-meter. Uranaka is also currently ranked fifth in school history in the event. Elsewhere, Jessica Doolittle and Emily Yoder are two of the three returning Tigers to score in the one-meter, the three-meter, and the platform last season. Overall, Hasselbach Adams has seen a great deal of progress from her returners heading into competition due to the work Name Hgt. Class Hometown ethic they displayed Tabitha Banks 5-4 Fr. Lilburn, GA while at home over the Katie Barolak 5-9 Fr. The Woodlands, TX summer. Heather Britt 5-2 Jr. Hackettstown, NJ “All of my returning Jessica Doolittle 5-4 So. Matthews, NC Megan Helwagen 5-9 Fr. Mason, OH athletes went home and Emily Howard 5-4 Jr. Newtown, PA trained over the summer,” Juliana Melchionda 5-0 Fr. Braintree, MA she said. “They stayed Jessica Resler 5-4 Fr. Regina, Saskatchewan on their nutritional plans Elizabeth Tatum 5-7 Sr. Ft. Lauderdale, FL that we gave to them Chelsea Uranaka 5-7 So. Windermere, FL before they left for the Bailey Warren 5-5 Jr. Shelby Township, MI summer. They did a treEmily Yoder 5-6 So. Seneca, SC mendous job coming in ahead of where they were Head Coach: Leslie Hasselbach Adams Assistant Coach: Ryan Moehnke last year, which is a great thing to see as a coach.”
For the first time in the school’s athletic history, Clemson University will field a varsity women’s diving team in 2012-13. With a newly remodeled facility that is among the most technologically advanced and versatile in the country and a plethora of additional scholarships available to add competitive student-athletes into the program, excitement is high heading into the inaugural campaign. Leslie Hasselbach Adams, who is entering her 13th season leading the Tiger divers, can now call herself a head coach for the first time in her Clemson tenure. She will be tasked with molding a roster that is currently carrying a load of newcomers to team with a core group of returners that has seen the program’s development into its current form over the past couple of years. Their leadership will be vital in directing the Clemson program in year one. “They’re so excited for this program,” Hasselbach Adams said. “They believe in what we’re doing here. They love the fact that they get to pioneer a new program. This is a huge opportunity for the sport of diving in general, and they understand that. “They’re leading. I have an easy job as a coach right now because they know the ropes. They know what I expect. They are very good working with the freshmen and pulling them along.” Lone senior Elizabeth Tatum will lead the team. The Fort Lauderdale, FL native has
diving roster
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Elizabeth Tatum is the only senior on Clemson’s 2012-13 diving roster. Photo courtesy of Atlantic Coast Conference
Due to an immediate influx in available scholarships for divers, Hasselbach Adams was charged with bringing in a large crew of freshmen to help round out the Tigers’ roster this season. She reached far and wide to collect a group with a lengthy list of accolades. “For this 2012-13 season, I had to bring in six recruits,” Hasselbach Adams said. “I signed five freshmen, and I have one walk-on who’s a junior here on campus. It was a pretty big recruiting class.”
“(Tiger divers) believe in what we’re doing here. They love the fact that they get to pioneer a new program. This is a huge opportunity for the sport of diving in general, and they understand that.” — Head Coach Leslie Hasselbach Adams
Photo by Mark Crammer
Texan Katie Barolak is one of the headliners of the class as a high school All-American. She has qualified for the United States Junior National Diving Championships since 2009 and has reached the finals in the synchronized three-meter. Braintree, MA native Juliana Melchionda has also found success at the national level. She finished in second place in the one-meter at the 2011 AAU National Championships, and in more than five years with the Boston Area Diving Club, Melchionda became a mainstay at prominent AAU meets. Megan Helwagen is another standout newcomer for the Tigers. She was a fourtime finalist at the Ohio High School State Championships and has competed all over the country at a variety of levels. Canadian Jessica Resler is the lone international repre-
diving Schedule
Leslie Hasselbach Adams is in her 13th season at Clemson, her first in charge of the reshaped Tiger diving program.
sentative in the group. She and Pennsylvanian Courtney Shepler come from gymnastics backgrounds to the Clemson diving program. Tabitha Banks of Lilburn, GA has also qualified for multiple national events during her prep career. The Tigers will face a challenging schedule this season. Hasselbach Adams designed the schedule to be tough and maximize national exposure for the program. Included is the first-ever regular season home diving meet against Davidson on Saturday, Jan. 26. There is also an array of prestigious invitational meets scattered throughout the schedule. The Tigers will travel to the Cougar Invitational in Houston and the University of Missouri Invitational in Columbia, MO in November. The Georgia Tech Invitational, at which the Tigers frequently participate, overlaps somewhat with the Missouri meet. In the first week of 2013, Clemson will travel to Knoxville for the Tennessee Diving Invita-
tional, an event they participated in back in 2010. Expectations are a puzzle for the Tigers, given the sense of newness that surrounds the program. However, with an infusion of life and talent, Hasselbach Adams believes her team can accomplish much if it focuses on improving day-to-day instead of getting bogged down in the big picture. “I just want to complete a successful first season,” she said. “I don’t have any true expectations. Right now, we’re just building the foundation and looking to improve in some capacity every single week. The results will speak for themselves, in the end.” For Clemson diving, the motto this season is “Leading a Lifestyle of Excellence,” which Hasselbach Adams hopes will result in her student-athletes being well-rounded citizens. If that happens, she knows that sooner or later, accolades will come.
Date Opponent/Event
Location
Oct. 13 Oct. 19 Nov. 15-17 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Nov. 30-Dec. 2 Dec. 15-21 Jan. 3-5 Jan. 25 Jan. 26 Feb. 20-23 Mar. 11-13 Mar. 21-23
Atlanta, GA Clemson, SC Houston, TX Columbia, MO Atlanta, GA Greensboro, NC Knoxville, TN Columbia, SC Clemson, SC Greensboro, NC Knoxville, TN Indianapolis, IN
College of Charleston & Georgia Tech Clemson Diving Exhibition Cougar Invitational Missouri Invitational Georgia Tech Invitational Duke, North Carolina & NC State Tennessee Invitational College of Charleston, South Carolina & Wingate Davidson ACC Championships NCAA Zone B Championships Women’s NCAA Championships
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2012 SEASON OUTLOOK | MEN’S GOLF by Tim Bourret
There is a fresh approach to the Clemson men’s golf program. That is the way Larry Penley sees it as he begins his 30th year as the program’s head coach. His roster includes five freshmen, two sophomores, a junior and
“Don’t get me wrong, we have outstanding leadership in veterans Crawford Reeves and Thomas Bradshaw. But, we have some talented young players who are here to win championships.” The Tigers are coming off a 2011-12 season that saw Clemson win consecutive tournaments for the first time since 2004. Second-place finishes at the Jerry Pate in the fall and the Puerto Rico Classic in the spring also highlighted a season that saw Clemson finish 25th in the final Golf World coaches’ poll. But, the season ended prematurely with an 11th place finish at the NCAA regional at Old Stone Club in Kentucky. “We need to right the ship. We haven’t been to the NCAA national tournament the last two years. Thomas Bradshaw is We need to get back to two seniors. This is only the second capable of shooting low the national tournament,” time in the last 17 years that Pen- rounds and is coming off Penley said. “I am pleased with the ley’s roster has been 70 percent his best summer to date. Photo by Rex Brown talent level and the attifreshman and sophomores. tude of this team. We are “There is a new attitude on this team, and it comes from the freshmen,” Pen- headed in the right direction.” In reality, Penley could have a balance in ley said. “There is a renewed spirit around here because we have youthful enthusiasm in his starting lineup. He could start five players from five different signing classes. But, there our young players. has been fierce competition for the starting lineup. The Tigers have three returning starters in Bradshaw, Reeves and Billy Name Hgt. Class Hometown Kennerly. Other returning lettermen Stephen Behr 5-10 *Fr. Florence, SC include sophomore Hayden Garrett Thomas Bradshaw 5-9 Jr. Columbia, SC and senior Mike Muscatell. Red-shirt Miller Capps 5-9 Fr. Denver, NC freshman Stephen Behr had a strong Hayden Garrett 6-3 So. Easley, SC summer. True freshmen Cody ProveBlake Kennedy 5-11 Fr. Spartanburg, SC aux, Blake Kennedy, Miller Capps and Billy Kennerly 5-11 So. Alpharetta, GA Parker Mills will all compete for playParker Mills 6-3 Fr. Easley, SC ing time early in the season. Michael Muscatell 6-3 *Sr. Lake Wylie, SC Reeves ranked second on the Cody Proveaux 5-11 Fr. Leesville, SC Crawford Reeves 5-9 Sr. Greenville, SC 2011-12 team in stroke average with a 71.62 figure, just above the 71.30 Head Coach: Larry Penley average of Corbin Mills, a first-team Assistant Coach: Jordan Byrd All-ACC selection who decided to *Red-shirted one season turn professional after his junior year. Reeves only played in the spring last
Golf Roster
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year due to a fall season back injury, and had 13 of his 21 rounds at par or better. The Academic All-America candidate from Greenville, SC had consecutive top-five finishes last year and finished 14th at the NCAA Regional, best among the Tigers. He has been Clemson’s top golfer in the NCAA Tournament each of his first three years. Reeves has a 73.42 career stroke average entering his senior year for 28 tournaments, more than any other active Tiger. He had an active summer that included a top-25 finish at the Palmetto Amateur and the Monroe, and a third-place finish at the South Carolina Amateur which included two rounds of 64. “Crawford is one of the top student-athletes at Clemson regardless of sport,” Penley said. “He would have made All-ACC had he played in the fall. He had a really good season for us with eight rounds at 70 or better. He is our leader and we expect an outstanding senior year from him.” Clemson’s third best golfer in terms of stroke average (72.73) and second best among returning players is sophomore Kennerly. That average was also fifth-best by a Clemson freshman in the program’s decorated history. The top four freshman averages in school history belong to former Tigers who went on to play on the PGA Tour. The former AJGA All-American had a consistent rookie season, as he had 27 of his 33 rounds at 75 or better. He had a team-best 16 rounds at par or better and his score counted in 29 of 33 rounds, more than any other Tiger. One of just two Tigers to play in every round of 2011-12, Kennerly finished in the top 25 in nine consecutive tournaments at one point, the only Clemson golfer who could make that claim last year. “Billy had one of the best seasons for a freshman in Clemson history,” Penley said. “He was so consistent, and he is getting stronger. He goes about his business and is very focused. He is going to be a solid player in our top five this year.” Bradshaw is a junior who is coming off his best amateur season, arguably the best by any of the players on the 2012-13 roster. The native of Columbia, SC finished 12th at the Jones Cup, second in the match play at the North-South Amateur, and won the Rice Planters with an incredible score of 20-underpar 268. He shot 68 or better in all four rounds of that event.
Garrett is a fourth returning letterwinner from the 2011-12 team. As a true freshman, he made solid contributions at the U.S. Collegiate, the Furman Invitational and the Woodlands. He had his best round of the year (70) at the Woodlands in Texas when Mills was away playing in The Masters. His score counted in nine of 12 rounds last year. Behr is a red-shirt freshman who will have a chance to jump in the starting lineup early. He had a solid summer with a 14th-place finish at the Rice Planters and a 13th-place effort at the South Carolina Amateur. He was Clemson’s top player in the first tournament this year with a fourth place at the Carpet Classic. Proveaux was one of the most highly recruited players in the nation last year. The native of Leesville, SC was the AJGA National Player of the Year in 2011 when he won the Junior PGA. He is a two-time South Carolina State Champion and finished in the top 10 at
the 2012 Players Amateur. A clutch performer, he sank a putt on the last hole to allow the East team to retain the Wyndham Cup this past summer. He then finished off the summer by winning the South Carolina Amateur with a 13-under par score of 267. Only Lucas Glover’s 266 score in 1999 is better at that event. “We are expecting Cody to play for us early. It is only a matter of how quickly he can adjust to the col-
of birdies.” Kennedy is another true freshman who had an outstanding junior career. The former Dorman High School player from Spartanburg, SC competed in many national amateur events this summer and was ranked among the top 50 AGJA players in the nation in 2012. He tied a state of South Carolina golf record by being named allstate six straight years. Capps and Mills are two more freshmen who have a chance to play early in their Clemson careers. Capps was one of the top AJGA players in North Carolina the last two years. This past summer he finished 11th at the North Carolina Amateur, 23rd at the Carolinas Amateur and Above: Billy Kennerly was reached the quarterfinals of the Caroone of Clemson’s most linas Match Play. Mills, the brother of consistent golfers as a former Tiger great Corbin Mills, won freshman last season. the Festival of Flowers this past sumAt left: Head Coach Larry mer. Muscatell, who rounds out ClemPenley will rely heavily on senior Crawford Reeves in son’s roster, is coming off a strong summer in which he was the only 2012-13. Photos by Rex Brown Clemson golfer to qualify for the U.S. Amateur. He qualified after a second lege game. He comes to compete and has round 66 at Colleton River Plantation. He a great demeanor for the game. He has an then missed the match play championship infectious personality and embraces the by just one shot after firing rounds of 74-70 competition. Physically, he is an outstanding in Denver, CO. Muscatell is a veteran of three ball striker who is not afraid to make a string tournaments over his Clemson career.
Golf Schedule
As a sophomore in 2011-12, Bradshaw had a 73.33 stroke average and had seven rounds in the 60s, second on the team behind Mills. Despite having the fourth best stroke average on the team last year, Bradshaw led the team in birdies with 111 and had the best score of the day eight times. “Thomas is our best putter, and in fact he is one of the best putters in the nation (third in putts per round last year with 28.52). He is coming off a great summer and we certainly hope he can continue it this fall. He is an outstanding team player. He just needs to keep his off days in check and be a little more consistent.”
Date Event
Location
Course
Sept. 7-9 Sept. 30-Oct. 2 Oct. 15-16 Oct. 19-21 Feb. 24-26 Mar. 11-12 Mar. 24-26 Apr. 6-7 Apr. 20-21 Apr. 26-28 May 16-18 May 28-Jun. 2
Dalton, GA Olympia Fields, IL Birmingham, AL Atlanta, GA Rio Mar, Puerto Rico Aiken, SC Awendaw, SC Augusta, GA Raleigh, NC Uwharrie Point, NC TBA Alpharetta, GA
The Farm Olympia Fields Old Overton Club Golf Club of Georgia Rio Mar Country Club Palmetto Golf Club Bulls Bay Forest Hills Lonnie Poole Course Old North State Club TBA Capital City Club
Carpet Capital Classic Fighting Illini Invitational Jerry Pate Invitational U.S. Collegiate Westin Rio Mar Classic USCA Cleveland Classic Hootie at Bulls Bay Augusta State Invitational Wolfpack Spring Open ACC Tournament NCAA Regional NCAA National
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IPTAY Rep Day
Celebrating our volunteers that help to grow IPTAY
O
Photos by Dawson Powers
n Saturday, August 18th, nearly 300 IPTAY Representatives made the trek to Clemson to participate in the annual IPTAY Rep Day. This event gives our staff a chance to educate our volunteers about IPTAY and thank them for all that they do throughout the year to grow the funds available for Clemson Athletics to be successful. IPTAY Rep Day began by watching the football team scrimmage in Memorial Stadium. This was followed by brief information sessions about IPTAY on the this year by signing 10 people. The concourse of Littlejohn Coliseum. tie breaker to determine our Top The day ended with lunch as Reps IPTAY Rep was the cash donated heard messages from Terry Don from these new donors. Scott RuPhillips, Charles Dalton, Coach nyon led the way, with his group Venables and Coach Morris. of 10 new donors giving $6,660. IPTAY 2012 was a tremendous The fourth award winner was Scott success in every category. The total Sampson of Clemson. Scott is an cash donated increased to just over IPTAY Rep that is a recent gradu$19.2 million. The number of new ate participating through the IPTAY donors was just under 1,800 pushing the total number of IPTAY At top: IPTAY Reps enjoy an afternoon watching the Tigers Young Alumni program. Scott was recognized for encouraging donamembers to 14,675; largest list of scrimmage. Above: Lindsey Leonard and Julia Stump presenting IPTAY informational session. tions from eight new donors for the donors in four years. IPTAY Rep2012 IPTAY year. resentatives can be proud Not only do IPTAY of this success because of Reps encourage new dotheir role as volunteers nors, but they also reach that help it grow. out to a list of donors in Of the new donors their area and encourage that contributed close to them to continue or posover $700,000 new dolsibly increase their anlars; 721 indicated that nual support of IPTAY. an IPTAY Rep encourRepresentatives are curaged their contribution. rent IPTAY donors that While every IPTAY Replive all throughout South resentative (close to 700 Ronnie O’Kelley (at left) signed up 10 new donors and selected the Verizon Galaxy tablet computer as his reward. Scott Runyon (at right) signed up 10 Carolina, North Carolina, active Reps) is committed new donors and took home 2 WestZone tickets for Ball State. Georgia, and all regions to signing up at least one throughout the country. new donor, many of our Reps go above the minimum and encourage donations from several IPTAY is always looking for new Reps that are willing to engage Tiger Tiger fans. Fifty-four IPTAY Reps signed up two or more new do- fans in their community to support Clemson Athletics through an annors for IPTAY 2012, with 17 having success with five or more new nual donation at a priority level ($140 and above). Specifically, IPTAY donors. Four IPTAY Representatives in particular did an outstand- is in need of donors that live west of the Mississippi that would be ing job and were recognized at Rep Day as our top award winners. willing to serve in this capacity. If you are interested in becoming an Three of them, Scott Runyon from Charleston, Ronnie O’Kelley from IPTAY Representative please email Jason Wilson at wilson@clemson. Seneca and Fred Faircloth from Rock Hill, had the most new donors edu for more information.
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Based on 2012 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index®. Hyundai is a registered trademark of Hyundai Motor Company. All rights reserved. ©2012 Hyundai Motor America.
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september 2012
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NCAA Compliance
Can I Provide Prospects With Extra Benefits?
A
s football has kicked off another exciting year, compliance services is receiving numerous request and questions specifically toward providing student-athletes and prospective studentathletes with tickets, transportation, and inviting them to your tailgate. NCAA rules prohibit student-athletes and prospective student-athletes from receiving a benefit that is not generally available to the entire student body or general public. This benefit is also known as an extra benefit. An extra benefit is any preferential treatment, benefits or services provided to a student-athlete or the student-athlete’s relatives or friends because of the student-athlete’s reputation, skill, or professional future from someone other than a family member or legal guardian. Even if a benefit may be viewed as little to no value (i.e., use of a jetski, tailgating meal after a game), NCAA rules still prohibit a prospective student-athlete’s or student-athlete’s receipt of the benefit. Examples of extra benefits to student-athletes which would jeopardize a student-athlete’s eligibility at Clemson University include, but are not limited to: • Inviting current student-athletes to tailgating parties after football games (or any other athletics event); • Allowing a student-athlete the use of your automobile or providing any form of transportation;
• Paying a student-athlete compensation for work not actually performed; • Paying for a student-athlete’s complimentary tickets or athletic awards; • Providing free or reduced-cost services, rentals, or purchases of any type; • Providing free or reduced-cost entertainment or tickets; • Providing free or reduced-cost housing; • Providing increased employment salary based on the student-athlete’s athletics ability, reputation, or fame; • Providing free or reduced-cost storage of personal belongings; • Providing financial arrangements (e.g. signing or co-signing a loan); • Providing a loan of money, gift, or use of credit card; Receipt of an extra benefit by a student-athlete would render the student-athlete and prospective student-athlete ineligible. Receipt of an extra benefit by a prospective student-athlete could cost the institution from recruiting or signing a National Letter of Intent. In addition, the student-athlete and prospective student-athlete would have to repay the value of the benefit and request the NCAA to reinstate their eligibility. The NCAA has reinstated student-athletes that receive extra benefits BUT the penalty of withholding them from competitions is just not worth it.
Go Tigers!
ASK BEFORE YOU ACT!
While a previous established relationship may exist and benefits were provided prior to the student becoming a recruited prospective studentathlete, please consult with call Compliance Services at (864) 656-1580 or email at compliance-L@clemson.edu.
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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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IPTAY Members ... Save on Official Clemson Gear Do you need your official Clemson gear to wear to football games this season? Do you want an easy way to purchase your new gear and save money at the same time? As a thank you for your support of Clemson Athletics and IPTAY by purchasing season football tickets, IPTAY would like to remind you that on your football parking pass sheet you can find a 10% off code to the Official Clemson Tigers online store, shop.clemsontigers.com. Fifty lucky IPTAY donors will receive a $50 gift card to the online store. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to purchase all your Clemson gear while saving money. Thank you for your support of Clemson Football!
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Orange: The Experience
shop.clemsontigers.com
2012 FORD
FUSION
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— Dabo Swinney Clemson University Football Head Coach
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Free delivery to IPTAY members. 888-3600 | Hwy. 123 | www.LeaderFord.com s e pa tu em gu be st r 2 0 1 2 27 59 ❘
Dwayne Allen salutes Clemson ROTC members after scoring a touchdown against Virginia on Military Appreciation Day in 2009. Inset: Clemson graduates Lt. Col. Andrew Thorne (’94, left) and Maj. Rick Noble (’95, right), along with Tiger fan Tech. Sgt. Jason Bass, flew this flag on approximately 35 combat missions in Afghanistan.
Military Appreciation Day to be Celebrated at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 20
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Orange: The Experience
ue to strengthen opportunities
ng despite major
om $30.
ed parking spot
40%.
.
ion among the to implement a program.
kets, Clemson all attendance annual giving ave at or above ng in Memorial
hletes at they needed to acilities costs.
per seat rial Stadium is entering ents have been ctors and the a $50 per seat djusting the
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
IPTAY
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.
2.
The payment or reimbursement of the operating expenses of IPTAY.
Will the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan be required beyond 2013?
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.
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. How will I be notified of the specific IPTAY Seat Equity Plan for the renewal of my football season tickets? You will receive a statement in September 2012 that will indicate
your required IPTAY donation based on the 2013 IPTAY Seat Jeffrey Peter Ken Lowery Equity Plan. In order to maintain your current seat location, 50% of this donation needs to be completed by February 15, 2013 to passed away December 1, 2011. passed away August ensure 16. your preferred season-ticket renewal. Each subsequent year, IPTAY will send renewal solicitations in early fall with a deadline of He wasWhat an IPTAY member for 3 years. He was an IPTAY Rep and is the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan designed to accomplish? February of the following year for 50% of total IPTAY contribution. member for 36Doyears. The modification of the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan is a common system I have to participate in the annual IPTAY Seat utilized in intercollegiate athletics to enhance the annual support Equity Plan to keep my season-ticket location? Selene Graham When the initial IPTAY Seat Equity Plan provided to student-athletes. was announced and implemented in 2008, one component of the plan Yes. The IPTAY Seat Equity Plan is a requirement for renewal of passeda away Julyreview 25. of the values of each section of seatingWylie Hamrick permitted marketplace season tickets in these identified priority locations. in Memorial Stadium following the fifth year of the implementation. She was an IPTAY member for 43 years. passed away August 21.this affect my parking assignment? How will Does this plan mean that everyone in your section He was an IPTAY member foris60reassigned years.on an annual basis using each donor’s annual pays the same amount of money? Parking giving level and priority point total. As donors make a decision to James Rhodes A misconception when we use the term “equity” is that each IPTAY increase their giving to retain seats or to request seat improvements, Donor sitting next to another IPTAY Donor is paying the same parking assignments will be affected. amount as the other.July This 26. is true in some cases, but there are many Beverly Grant passed away factors that contribute to this not being exact. Obviously, the quantity He was an IPTAY member for 36 years. passed away August 25. She was an IPTAY member for 34 years. Robert Guptill passed away July 26. Dr. Barney Austin, Sr. He was an IPTAY member for 22 years. passed away August 29. He was an IPTAY member for 49 years. Major Stansell, Jr. passed away July 31. Dr. James Turner, Jr. passed away September 2. He was an IPTAY member for 24 years. He was an IPTAY member for 40 years. Raymond Powell passed away August 2. He was an IPTAY member for 39 years.
FBItickets2011.indd 5
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IPTAY R DONotOos ph
Lydia Hohlowski, daughter of Sean Hohlowski (‘91) showing her Clem son pride on Sergio in Mooresville, NC.
daughter Loren Richard Hyatt (‘71) and eest migration deb Wil of ws vie enjoying ya. Ken ra, Ma sai on Ma
Clemson grads celebrate the marriage of Shannon Carroll (‘07, ‘09 M.Ed) and Joshua Ogulewicz (‘04, ‘11 MBA) at the TPC Sugarloaf Country Club, Duluth, GA.
Blake (‘06) and Carla (‘03 ) Fulton, Stonehenge Jun e 2012.
at Dabo Swinney’s IPTAY Board members ge, Mary Anne Hod ie Jan ic; Clin Ladies Hunter. hy Kat and Bigger
Tiger Cruisers at the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik, Iceland. (L to R) Irene Lewis, Dan Wilson, Tess Wilson, Skip Lewis, Tom Ramsay, Judy Ramsay, Ken Pittman, Charlotte Pittman, Linda Long and Dennis Long.
) and Danielle Jason Bedenbaugh (‘02 their rehearsal Roder with The Tiger at ty included par g din wed The . dinner athers , We lly Wa ds gra fellow CU Weathers William Weathers, Woody and Eric Watson.
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Greg Blaser (‘82) overloo king the Parliament buildin g in Budapest, Hungry July 2012.
Troy Austin Lamb born June 11, 2012. Parents are Charles and Ashley Lamb from Florence, SC.
Matt Money (’01) and Katie Vogel (’10) were married on May 5, 2012 in Asheville, NC.
ry on Ken, Alan and Brian Ber the R & A the first tee in front of ient Golf building (Royal and Anc s. rew And St. at Building)
Four-year-old triplets Kah ri, Marlee and Trace Frye show off the ir backpacks from The Tiger Cub Clu b. The triplets are the children of IPTAY me mbers Chad and Robin Frye of Lexing ton, SC.
(L-R) Bob Riggins, Travis Furbee, Jim Blackwood, Bert Henderson and Lee Froneberger at the Textile Cup, Clemson vs. NC State.
Blake (‘06) and Carla (‘03 ) Fulton at Stonehenge June 2012. n Sept. 23, Isabelle Reese Smith, bor ith (‘07) and Sm h Bet of er ght 2011, dau by proud ted mit Sub ). Elsen Smith (‘06 Ann Ginn and grandparents Joe and ). Aunt Jennifer Ginn (‘10
Zach Shuba (‘12) Jean Easterling Shuba (‘12) married July 27, 2012 in Spartanburg, SC. Jean is the daughter of Bill (‘83) and Tracie Easterling.
Pearse Tormey (‘92), me mber of the 1987 NCAA National Champ ionship Soccer team, and two-time AllAmerican, and son, freshman Keith Tor mey (‘16) in Nassau, Bahamas.
(‘85) and William Byrd (Bill) Grant were married Beth Ann Viering (‘87) Pruit Adams (‘88) June 2, 2012, with Ellen hie, Scotland on llac ige Cra in ng attendi er Spey. Riv the of ks the ban
itwell, Dana (L-R) Kathy and Ted Wh Pat and Goz Anderson and Joe Culin, phanie Scott at Ste and Tom ), (’66 ars Seg ndup, Montana. Rou ch, Ran w High Meado
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
september 2012
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The Impact of Terry Don Phillips’ Tenure by Tim Bourret
C
lemson won the NCAA Championship in men’s golf in May of 2003, and I made the trip to Stillwater, OK, the home of the Oklahoma State Cowboys. They had built a beautiful golf facility and course that was second to none, Karsten Creek. I quickly realized how current PGA players like Hunter Mahan, Charles Howell and Rickie Fowler had decided to attend this rural campus in the middle of Oklahoma. During my trip, I also wanted to meet Eddie Sutton, the school’s famed basketball coach who had been a close friend of former Clemson coach Bill Foster. They had taken summer trips together to as far away places as China to give clinics for Nike. My close friends Al Adams and Sanford Rogers accompanied me to Coach Sutton’s office and he welcomed us with a big smile. He told us some great Coach Foster stories, but he also started talking about our new athletic director, Terry Don Phillips. Phillips had been at Oklahoma State from 1994-02 and had just finished his first year at Clemson. I could tell Sutton had great respect for Phillips. He told us of the improvements to Gallagher-Iba Arena and the way Phillips devised a concept for the unique luxury boxes that were constructed - one end faced the endzone of the football stadium and the other faced midcourt of the basketball arena. It had become a great revenue source and contributed to the atmosphere at both venues. Obviously, the subject of the terrible airplane tragedy of January 27, 2001 came up and Coach Sutton spoke at length how Phillips handled an impossible situation. Coach Sutton told us of the behind-the-scenes decisions that Phillips had made to benefit the families who had been impacted by the tragedy. Sutton also exclaimed that Phillips was a
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master at designing ways to improve facilities. I saw them for myself. The golf and basketball facilities were stunning, and the football stadium was under considerable construction. That infrastructure, planned by Phillips 12 years ago, was a big reason Oklahoma State finished a program-best third in the nation in the final poll last year. Ten years later, it is safe to say that Coach Sutton gave me a good scouting report on my boss that day. A look to the Clemson athletic landscape shows his impact on the program as he heads into his final year running this department. In August, Phillips announced that he was retiring effective with the hiring of his replacement. When it comes to facilities, you have to start with the WestZone at Memorial Stadium. It not only served the football program well, but it allowed all the Olympic sports to move into larger offices and meeting rooms. The WestZone is one of the top all-around football facilities in the nation with offices for all coaches, a player lounge, locker room, strength training facility, athletic training room and dining area. Let’s see, that facility opened for occupancy by the players and coaches in 2009 and two years later Clemson won its first ACC Championship in 20 years. Coincidence? I don’t think so. Phillips’ plan for the facility started during his first year when he decided to construct the luxury seating area in the WestZone. It opened in 2006 and provided a revenue stream to help with the financing of the facility. You can examine all of Clemson’s athletic
facilities and see significant enhancements. The Penley Golf Building resembles the clubhouse at Augusta National. The rowing facility at Lake Hartwell is among the best in the nation. There are ongoing improvements at the soccer and tennis stadiums. Doug Kingsmore Stadium has continued to rank among the best in the Southeast, and construction will soon begin on a new player lounge and locker room. Littlejohn Coliseum will soon have a new, improved practice facility. Overall, over $140 million in facility improvements have been accomplished in Phillips’ tenure. The balance sheet currently shows the athletic department is over $50 million the plus side, so he has to rank among the most fiscally sound athletic directors nationally. On the field of competition, the program has had 57 top25 seasons, 13 ACC titles, and 77 winning seasons in all sports. A reason for that success is his ability to hire coaches, especially in the major sports of football and basketball. He hired current football coach Dabo Swinney, who took Clemson to the ACC title in just his third year. He hired basketball coaches Oliver Purnell and Brad Brownell, who combined to take Clemson to a record four straight NCAA Tournaments from 2008-11. During the Phillips decade, Clemson has been nationally recognized for its academic progress rates and had a record 2.99 overall grade-point-average (GPA) by student-athletes for the spring semester of 2012. On average, 53 percent of Clemson student-athletes have had at least a 3.0 GPA over the last 10 years. Finally, he has accomplished this without any of the programs faced with severe NCAA compliance issues or penalties. Clemson has not received one official letter of inquiry during his tenure. Terry Don Phillips is leaving the Clemson Athletic Department in great shape in all areas. The true positive impact of his work and foresight, especially in terms of facilities, might not be seen for a few years. Trust me, I saw the future of Clemson Athletics when I went to Stillwater, OK nine years ago.
Just 10 Minute FroM s CleMso n
y o j n e e g m n i Co t i a w ! it’s y t i C r u o on you! WHile You’re Here .... Visit
DoWntoWn seneCA JAzz on tHe AlleY
Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a night of music under the stars!
DoWntoWn go ‘rounD
tHe lunneY House MuseuM
Live Music, Gallery Openings, Fun for the Family
Sept. 21-Nov. 16, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Downtown Seneca
Visit the New South Architecture-Style of Living Open to the Public Thurs. - Sat. 1-5 p.m.
HoWl-o-Ween on tHe green
Other hours by appointment, admission by donation. 211 W. South 1st Street, Seneca 864.882.4811 or visit: LunneyHouseMuseum.org
Every Thursday 6:30-9 p.m. Ram Cat Alley Featuring America’s Touring Jazz Musicians
Cruzin’ on MAin
Presented by Four Paws Only
First Saturday of Every Month Through October 3 p.m., Norton-Thompson Park Cruise on down and enjoy the fun with the Big Show’s Donnie White! Win great door prizes!
FAll For seneCA October 13, 5 p.m.
Featuring an outdoor movie, Ice Age: Continental Drift WHILE YOU’RE HERE, VISIT OUR PARTNERS...
October 27 Strutt Your Mutt and 3K Featuring K9 dogs demo, car show, food venders and pontoon boat raffle. Contests in several categories, Proceeds to Oconee County Humane Society.
HAlloWeen on tHe green October 31, Downtown Seneca
sAntA’s WorksHop December 8, 5-7 p.m.
3rD AnnuAl HAlF MArAtHon & 5k Come join us this spring!
Free candy, hot dogs and pumpkin painting.
City of Seneca
www.seneca.sc.us / 864.885.2700 sponsored by
HAT
september 2012
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Selling and leaSing!
located Behind the World Famous eSSO Club! • Indoor & outdoor restrooms • Sports lounge with TBV & bar area • Covered pavilion with fireplaces & TV • 1 block from Death Valley & Littejohn 66
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Orange: t The e Experience
0% dOWn OWneR FinanCing Purchase price starts at $24,900 Leasing price $850 for the football season Sales: 864.303.8070 • Leasing: 864.654.3333
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