february 2013
â?˜
1
IPTAY, P.O. Box 1529, Clemson, SC 29633
Non-profit Org Us Postage Paid Greenville Sc Permit 336
Home. Town. Classic.
Stay Connected, on Your Front Porch. Behind the traditional façades and gracious interiors at Patrick Square lies a network of advanced technologies delivering fast, reliable communications and services that save time and money. Come, experience this skillful blend of engineering and elegance — for today and tomorrow. New homes from the $230s to the $400s Now Building in Phase III PatrickSquare.com PatrickSquare.com
578 Issaqueena Trail • Clemson, SC 29631 • 864-654-1500 • Models Open Daily 2
❘
Orange: The Experience
BEEF THIS GOOD HAS TIGER FANS READY TO POUNCE. The best fans want the best beef. That’s why we only serve Certified Angus Beef.® It’s juicy. It’s delicious. And, it’s the perfect way to satisfy your tiger-sized appetite. FATZ is a proud sponsor of the Clemson Tigers.
FATZ.com february 2013 72680 FATZ Orange Magazine.indd 1
❘
1
1/22/13 5:29 PM
Remotely Secure, Monitor and Control Your Home from Anywhere Coaches Dabo Swinney and Brad Brownell joke around a lot, especially on the golf course! But serious security for your home is no laughing matter. Consider the security and peace of mind that comes with knowing your home and family are safe, 24-7, even when you are away. With the TotalControl app and your cell phone or mobile device you can: • arm /disarm your Blue Ridge Security System • turn lights on or off in your home • set your thermostat • open and close your garage door • view up to 6 video cameras, 24-7, watch streaming video, record video clips • get real time alerts via email
Call Blue Ridge Security today at 1-888-407-7233 to learn how TotalControl can be a real convenience to you!
www.blueridgesecuritysystems.com
2
❘
A subsidiary of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative
Orange: The Experience
Serious Security
FEBRUARY 11, 2013
Volume 4, Issue 5
DEPARTMENTS 6 Bill D’Andrea
The past, present and future of IPTAY
SOMETHING IN THESE HILLS 8 Pawsitive Press
Boyd Has Unfinished Business to Settle
10 Coaches Corner
Jack Leggett
12 Where Are They Now?
Annie Tribble
14 Clemson Unveils Indoor Practice Facility 16 IPTAY Representative Spotlight
Kapra Lott
18 IPTAY Donor Spotlight
Karen Walden
20 IPTAY New Donor Spotlight
Daphne Honoré
22 IPTAY’s 50% Pledge Deadline
INSIDE
24
61 Memorials
Game Changer: How Clemson turned fourth-and-16 into proof it belongs among the nation’s elite
30 Man with a Plan
50 Driven to Succeed
Dan Radakovich: “We have the ability to be excellent in each one of our sports.”
Quinyotta Pettaway is determined to be her best to help Lady Tigers prove doubters wrong.
38 The Defense Never Rests
52 A Perfect Fit
Brad Brownell has built a solid foundation for Clemson program on the defensive end.
Mike Reed’s coaching journey leads to a place where football is community.
42 Baseball Outlook
56 180-Degree Turn
Clemson baseball program heads into 2013 season with its youngest lineup in years, experienced pitching staff.
All-American Spencer Adams matures into the face of the men’s track & field program.
46 Leading from the Background
NCAA rules regarding prospects who have signed a National Letter of Intent.
Senior co-captain Marcus Curry plays critical role in helping Tigers thrive on the diamond — without ever setting foot on it.
Income Tax Information for IPTAY Donations Available
58 NCAA Compliance
59 Making Your IPTAY Donation Fast and Easy ... Donate Online
62 IPTAY Donor Photos 64 The Last Word
Sizing up the importance of Clemson’s bowl victory over LSU
Editor: Philip Sikes Assistant Editors Tim Bourret Steven Bradley Lindsey Leonard Graphics Coordinator: Melissa Bradley Contributing Writers Schuyler Easterling Brian Hennessy William Qualkinbush Victoria Reid Chief Photographer Rex Brown
IN THE NEXT ISSUE ... Tigers address their needs on dramatic National Signing Day.
Orange: The Experience is published eight times a year by IPTAY Media 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 e-mail to jerry@myiptay.com, 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.
february 2013
❘
3
4
â?˜
Orange: The Experience
february 2013
â?˜
5
The past, present and future of IPTAY Bill D’Andrea
executive senior associate athletic director for iptay external affairs
W
ith new Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich taking over the reins of Clemson Athletics in recent months and IPTAY’s 50 percent pledge deadline approaching, Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director for IPTAY External Affairs Bill D’Andrea sat down with “Orange: The Experience” Senior Writer and Editor of IPTAY Media Steven Bradley to reflect on the accomplishments of IPTAY in the 11 years since he moved from being the first director of Vickery Hall into his current role supervising the athletic department’s scholarship fundraising arm, the present state of the organization and the changes ahead as it moves forward, among other topics. OTE: Billy D, obviously the 50 percent pledge deadline for IPTAY donors on Feb. 15 is right around the corner. What makes that date and deadline important? D’Andrea: With our IPTAY calendar, we are preparing for a Feb. 15 deadline where our donors need to pay 50 percent of their pledge, and this will generate a ticket application to each donor. This is an important date for our donors, and we certainly hope our donors will continue to support this personal investment, as each contribution makes a significant difference for our student-athletes. And of course, as it’s the sixth season after implementing the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan, we have made an incremental adjustment per seat that will impact their donation this year. In answering this question, I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank each and every one of our donors for their dedicated support each and every year for Clemson Athletics. OTE: With Dan Radakovich taking over as the athletic director, I understand there are some changes in IPTAY on the horizon. One of those changes is to hire a Chief Executive Officer to take charge of IPTAY. What can you tell me about that? D’Andrea: A couple of years ago, we established an advisory committee that consisted of primarily CEOs of successful business organizations that worked in conjunction with the IPTAY Board. All were Clemson graduates, and all invested in some form or fashion in our program. We wanted to establish this group to get an outside perspective on various areas of our department — such as
6
❘
Orange: The Experience
marketing, communications, donor services, etc. One of the recommendations was to hire a CEO that would bring together IPTAY and Major Gifts so both would be more coordinated with a focus on comprehensive fundraising. I think this CEO will benefit IPTAY moving forward, simply because we have set up the infrastructure for that person to capitalize on supervising a comprehensive fundraising organization. OTE: You have been at Clemson for 30 years now between your time as a football coach, as the director of student-athlete academic services in Vickery Hall and now your current role. Can you share some of the changes you have seen in IPTAY since you took charge of Clemson’s fundraising activities 11 years ago? D’Andrea: The most profound thing I have learned is that individuals have great passion for our university. There have been some long-term members and season ticket holders, and I have learned that it is a privilege to provide service to our donors. However, looking back at being in IPTAY for 11 years, our staff has accomplished a great deal when it comes to changes with regard to the organization. Just to mention a few: We implemented parking by IPTAY level; we established the first seat equity program in 2008; we changed the “Orange & White” to the “Orange: The Experience” magazine, which is a coffee-table magazine that is published eight times a year; we enhanced our collaboration with marketing and advertising, and engaged IPTAY at a higher level; and we have collaborated with the development office on various other fundraising initiatives. The two most prominent changes have been to establish IPTAY as a comprehensive fundraising organization with planned giving, major gifts and annual gifts, as opposed to just the annual fund. Some of the changes that have been made to the structure of IPTAY and the governance will benefit Clemson Athletics going forward. We also have increased our Collegiate Club numbers and our feeder programs like the Tiger Cub and Cats Club. Finally, with the establishment of Major Gifts and the assistance of IPTAY, the WestZone facility was started, the Indoor Practice Facility was built, along with improvements to various Olympic sports venues and the completion of the Larry B. Penley Golf Facility.
OTE: What do you remember about being asked to move over from Vickery Hall and take charge of IPTAY to begin with? I know you were initially a bit hesitant to do so. D’Andrea: When Terry Don (Phillips) came, he immediately moved me over to the athletic department for about six months. When George Bennett retired, he and the IPTAY Board came to talk to me about overseeing External Affairs, which Terry Don wanted to create. Although I was a little reluctant at first because I didn’t cut my teeth on fundraising, I felt that if Terry Don wanted me to do that, I would go ahead and engage in this opportunity. It’s been a very rewarding 11 years, and it really has been at the intersection of hearing feedback from all components of our athletic department. We hear about coaches. We hear about bad decisions. We hear about losses. We hear about parking issues and all that. So, there is a customer service element that sometimes drains you because you can’t solve everything. But, as we began to put in place the component of external affairs through Terry Don’s vision, I’d be remiss if I did not thank our entire staff for working together to accomplish all the things that were done in that 11-year period. Our staff really worked together and communicated, and I thought we made changes that were essential for the IPTAY organization. OTE: What does the future hold for you personally and also for IPTAY moving forward? D’Andrea: Being in this job for 11 years has given me great pleasure to understand the passion and dedication people have for this institution. We’re very fortunate to have a dynamic annual fund, and as we move forward, my plans are to help in the transition with the new CEO and to help Dan Radakovich on special projects, including letterwinners and former athletes. I think this CEO will bring more structure and focus to Major Gifts and IPTAY, whereas myself, I was often a little more preoccupied with the oversight of a wide variety of responsibilities. By streamlining IPTAY and Major Gifts, our organization will benefit going forward. And when IPTAY benefits, out entire department will reap the rewards.
+ good for
= office prior to game day
HE VOUC VO URCHER
to get
Thank you for
shopping at
the Clemso cher can be red n ticket office prior to gam e day to get eemed while ticket supplie s last.
: ��������������� ������������� Email: ���������� ��������������� ������������� Phone#: ����� ��������������� ��������������� �
Customer Name
your tickets. Vou
2 FREE CLEM ������������ SON TIGERS �������� Customer Name: �������� SIN ������ 20for 11shopp GLE �������� - 20ing at Thank you GA�������� Email: �������� M E �������� BA ���� �������� SK �������� ETBALL TICKE 12 Phone#: ���������������� TS Bring this vou cher to
ies last. this voucher Bring Thi med while ticket suppl s vou che good er forcan be redee your ticket s.r Vouch
to the Clemson ticket
This voucher ERS 2011 - 2012 2 FREE CLEMSON TIG BALL TICKETS SINGLE GAME BASKET
RECEIVE A VOUCHER FOR 2
FREE CLEMSON BASKETBALL TICKETS TO ANY 2012-2013
REGULAR SEASON HOME GAME*
Simply purchase any 6 participating items in one transaction with your BONUSCARD® at participating BI-LO stores.
Collect your voucher at check out and exchange it at the Clemson ticket office for your game tickets.
Tickets to each participating game available only while supplies last. Promotion ends 3/1/13.
*Promotion excludes game on 2/28 vs. UNC. For more information, visit bi-lo.com/promotions. february 2013 ❘
7
VOUCHER VOUCHER
something in these hills PAWSITIVE PRESS Highlighting Clemson’s top performers in athletics Nikki Dixon Women’s Basketball • Alpharetta, GA Dixon scored her 500th career point in Clemson’s Dec. 30 game against North Carolina. She is the fastest Lady Tiger to reach the 500-point plateau since Chrissy Floyd did it in 2001.
Yana Koroleva Women’s Tennis • Moscow, Russia Rated the No. 32 singles player to start the 2013 spring season, Koroleva began her collegiate career by knocking off three top-50 opponents in the fall and the ITA’s 12th-ranked player, Mary Anne McFarlane of Alabama, on Jan. 27.
Yannick Maden Men’s Tennis • Stuttgart, Germany Ranked among the top 75 singles players in the country by the ITA to start the 2013 spring season. Maden advanced to the Final 16 in singles and Final Eight in doubles of the main draw at the All-American Tournament last fall.
K.J. McDaniels Men’s Basketball • Birmingham, AL The sophomore small forward recorded seven blocked shots in the Tigers’ win over Wake Forest on Jan. 15. He now holds Clemson records for blocks in a game, season, and career by a player 6-foot-6 or shorter.
Brianna Rollins Track & Field • Miami, FL Rollins broke the NCAA record in the 60-meter hurdles on Friday, Jan. 11 at the Tiger Challenge. She crossed the finish line with a time of 7.78 – breaking the existing mark of 7.84 set in 2006 by Southern Cal hurdler Ginnie Powell.
Torian Ware Track & Field • Crawfordville, GA The sophomore broke Clemson’s record in the indoor high jump with a 7’5” clearance at the Tiger Challenge on Jan. 11. Ware broke the existing mark of 7’3.75” which was shared by Victor Smalls (1986) and Adam Linkenauger (2006).
Boyd Has Unfinished
��� Business to Settle
When it came down to it, Tajh Boyd just felt like his team needed him. Coming off its biggest bowl win in years, Clemson got an even bigger shot in the arm in terms of momentum for the 2013 season when the first-team All-American quarterback announced he will return for his senior season. “I’ve got some younger guys on the team that still need advice and guidance,” Boyd said. “I believe I should be here to support those guys.” With that, the Tigers return a player who already holds 39 school records and has led them to a 21-6 record as their starting quarterback, as well as the 2011 ACC Championship — the program’s first league title in 20 years — and a 2524 victory over No. 7 LSU in the 2012 Chick-fil-A Bowl, the highest-ranked team Clemson has defeated in a bowl game since the 2003 season. “When Coach (Dabo) Swinney came here, he had a vision for the program. I had the same kind of deal,” Boyd said. “We have an opportunity to experience something special here.” Boyd said he was given a “late second to fourth” round grade by the NFL Draft Advisory Committee, but admitted he was leaning toward leaving after his performance in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. After compiling a checklist of goals he wanted to accomplish prior to the clash with the SEC Tigers and their top-10 defense, Boyd told himself he would turn pro if he accomplished every goal on the list. Boyd was 36-for-50 for 346 yards and two touchdowns in that game, and engineered three scoring drives in the fourth quarter to rally the Tigers from 11 points down to win on a field goal as time expired. Suffice it to say, Boyd marked all the boxes on his checklist. But as the day drew near to announce his decision, he couldn’t help but feel the desire to return to college. Boyd consulted a number of sources for advice, including former Tiger and current Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen, who left Clemson a year early to enter the draft, and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mike Vick, a native of the same area of Virginia as Boyd’s hometown of Hampton. Allen, who was present for Boyd’s announcement, said he told his friend and former teammate he needed to determine whether there was enough of a challenge left at the college level to warrant him returning. The answer, clearly, was yes. “He wants to have the opportunity to compete for a national championship and to further what he’s done at Clemson as far as bringing an ACC Championship back, and he wants to take that to the next level,” Allen said. Boyd set ACC single-season records for touchdown passes with 36 and touchdown responsibility with 46. Only Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M accounted for more touchdowns nationally with 47. “He made the best decision for himself and for Clemson,” Swinney said. “This is great for our program because I believe he is the best quarterback in the country. He is not only the leader of the offense; he is the leader of this team. This is an exciting announcement for our team, coaches and our fans.” — by Steven Bradley, IPTAY Media
8
❘
Orange: The Experience
uPStAte MeDICAL ASSoCIAteS PreSentS
city of seneca
r u o y get 3 1 0 2 n run o SAturDAy MArCH 16, 2013
SeneCA, SoutH CAroLInA Register today at Active.com
visit us at
ALSO
www.seneca.sc.us the lunney house museum
Visit the new south architecture-style of liVing open to the public thurs. - sat. 1-5 p.m.
Other hours by appointment. Admission by donation. 211 W. South 1st Street, Seneca • 864.882.4811 or email: LunneyHouseMuseum.org
WHILe you’re Here, VISIt our PArtnerS...
City of Seneca
www.seneca.sc.us / 864.885.2700
sponsored by
HAT
february 2013
❘
9
CORNER
Q&A with Baseball’s Jack Leggett
In our first installment of a new series titled Coaches Corner, “Orange: The Experience” Editor Philip Sikes sat down with Head Coach Jack Leggett as he heads into his 20th season at the helm of Tiger baseball. In the question and answer session, Leggett gives insight on some of the biggest issues and changes facing college baseball, his consistent run of success at Clemson, development of a large coaching tree, and the future of the program through the improvement of facilities. Q: You’ve been around the game of college baseball for 33 years now as a head coach at the highest level. How has the game evolved over that time? Leggett: I’ll start with the one thing that has remained constant. The players still work hard and still have the same passion for Clemson baseball. They continually try to learn. That part of it has stayed constant. We’re able to attract quality athletes who have good attitudes and want to perform at the highest level in front of a great arena like the ACC. What has changed the most are the financial aid aspects and scholarship limitations. We have to have at least 27 kids on a minimum of 25 percent scholarship money. The transfer rule, where kids cannot come in or out without sitting out a year, has affected the game. The maximum roster rule of 35 players. Those are the things that have changed the most. They make you think about your scholarship money every day. The pro vs. college issue becomes that much more highlighted when you try to figure out how to get to 27. Kids can transfer and compete right away, in sports other than baseball, basketball and football. The scholarship worries for us are different than they are for any other sport. That’s the biggest issue in college baseball to me, that and the changing of the bats a couple of years ago. The game has changed. There is less power and excitement in the game. We’re trying to affect a little bit of a change in that area. We’re trying to get people on board with a different baseball, because it’s important. Q: The new bats are one of the hot-button issues in college baseball. You’re one of the coaches that has spearheaded the movement toward a livelier ball – what was the thinking behind that, and how has the response been from fellow coaches? Leggett: The response has been very positive from everyone that has written back to me. When you try to get all the baseball coaches in the country together, everyone has such a variety of issues. It’s tough to get everyone to buy into it. If everyone would just sit back and understand this could be a great thing for college baseball, then we’d have a much better chance to have greater buy-in. The offensive numbers and excitement of the game was taken away a little bit because of the bats. But the bats aren’t going to change. The only way to affect it is to move your fences in, or change the direction of your field so you’re using the wind to your advantage. Or, you can change the ball. That’s the most economically feasible idea. 10
❘
Orange: The Experience
The minor leagues don’t use anything earth shattering. There’s a little bit more life in their ball, and the core is harder than what we use now. We use a third-tier ball, which is not what we want to do at our level. Q: You’ve only missed the NCAA Tournament once in 19 seasons at Clemson. Is there one thing you can pinpoint as a reason behind this consistent run of success? Leggett: What I’m most proud of is that we are consistent. We don’t go away for two or three years and then come back. We’ve been consistent in our recruiting efforts. We’ve had some really good players come through here. We’ve had good assistant coaches. We’ve run the program the same way from the beginning. There is a lot of competition out there for players. Baseball is different than a head count sport. A lot of other schools have advantages, whether it be common market, where you get kids from another state for lesser tuition, or a neighboring state. There is a lot of creativity that we don’t have. What we have is a great tradition, good facilities and past success. We have that going for us – which is the most important thing you can have. But at the same time, there’s a lot of parity in college baseball because of some of these avenues that can be utilized for financial aid. It has made it a more even playing field. Q: You’ve developed a large coaching tree. Does it give you a sense of pride knowing many former players and assistants have gone on to major Division I coaching jobs? Leggett: It’s a great source of pride. You try to work hard and do things the right way. Along the way, you hope to influence people in a positive manner. You hope they learn something at Clemson, whether as a player or as an assistant coach. The fact that there are a lot of other people out there spreading the message and influencing other kids – I watch a lot of other programs now to see how they’re doing. I have more teams to follow. Q: Fans and IPTAY members have taken notice of some of the changes to Doug Kingsmore Stadium in recent years. How exciting is it to see improvements made for the future of Clemson baseball? Leggett: We have the support of a great committee and alumni of our baseball program. Administration has been behind our capital campaign. We’re on the move to try and improve our facilities in order to keep up with everyone. It’s an important part of our commitment to the players that have come here to Clemson. There’s a lot to be done. There’s an arms race with facilities, and we have to keep up. But, I’m excited for what the future holds for us, and the commitment from our administration. I have every bit of confidence that we’re going to get this thing done. I’m excited with what we have ahead of us.
ON A GREAT
2012 FOOTBALL SEASON
®
FROM YOUR
BIGGEST
FANS AT COURTYARD
february 2013
❘
11
Where Are They Now?
annie tribble
raw. She had to develop, and she did. Barbara became better and Even though she is fighting ovarian cancer, Annie Tribble is better each year, which was very unusual for a person to be such nothing less than a superwoman. Tribble has proven she was a an automatic scorer.” strong woman, both on the court as Clemson’s second women’s Kennedy led the NCAA with 29 points per game and scored basketball coach, as well as off the court as she faces this tough over 3,000 points in her career, one of the top marks of all-time. disease. “She was a coach’s dream. She was the first one to practice and Tribble had a late start when it came to her coaching career, the last one to leave,” Tribble said. but it didn’t stop her success. Tribble graduated high school With players willing to work, Tribble was able to take the and attended Winthrop University, but left shortly after starting. program to its first national ranking on Jan. 23, 1979. The Lady After an 11-year break, she decided to start college again and Tigers were No. 20 in the Associated Press poll, a stepping-stone was offered a scholarship to help with physical education at in the right direction for the program. Anderson Junior College. “I coached for 11 years, and we had a successful run at it,” she “I was just a born PE teacher and coach,” she said. said. “I coached 20 years Completing two years at at the college level, and I Anderson, Tribble, already decided to hang it up.” married with children, In 1987, Tribble officially started her journey as a retired from her head Clemson Tiger. coaching position and “I started taking some began doing all of the afternoon classes at things she loved. Clemson,” she recalled. “I like to fish, attend “Anderson called me to sporting events, and I love come back and teach football,” she said. PE and get the women’s Tribble even took basketball team going.” up golf at age 60. The Not only did Tribble competitive streak in her start a women’s team hasn’t gone away since while completing her being retired. undergraduate degree, “An activity like fishing but she also led the school is a competition when to three Junior College you’re a player and a National Championships. Photo by Earle Martin coach all of your life. I Her run with the Anderson played basketball on program brought a competitive teams until I phone call from Clemson was about 35. Fishing is just you against the fish.” Athletics, asking if she would be interested in building the With her coaching days in the past, Tribble hasn’t stopped women’s basketball program. supporting Clemson Athletics. She went to every home football Tribble took the job in 1976 and luckily “there was a good game this season and even attended the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff nucleus of junior college players that had excellent careers.” game against Auburn in Atlanta, GA. Clemson presented the challenge of transitioning from “I loved my time at Clemson, and I feel younger than my 80 coaching a junior college to a four-year university, but odds were years,” she said. in Tribble’s favor because the Anderson program had played Despite the adversity Tribble is now facing, she defines the mostly four-year teams. meaning of a Clemson Tiger. The superwoman in her built the Perhaps the best part of her coaching career was having the women’s program and also keeps her supporting Clemson privilege to coach Clemson Ring of Honor member, Barbara Athletics even when the going gets tough. Kennedy. “I’ve been an IPTAY member for I don’t know how long,” she “It was a joy coaching Barbara,” she said. “I came in ’76, and said. “It’s just because my blood’s orange, and I love it.” I recruited her in ‘78. She turned out to be a great player, even though when she first came in she was a little bit rugged and — by Victoria Reid
12
❘
Orange: The Experience
Oconee Physician Practices
Mountain Lakes ENT and Allergy Center Comprehensive care for better hearing.
If you suffer from hearing loss, you know what it’s like to miss out on the conversation. To nod in agreement even though you didn’t understand what was said. To laugh at the joke even though you couldn’t hear the punchline. That’s what often brings people to our office. Our comprehensive team approach to hearing evaluation and treatment means that our patients get individualized treatment with outstanding results. Experience you can trust. Individualized evaluation, treatment, and hearing aids matched to your unique needs. Results that get you back in the conversation. Let us help you hear the world in a whole new way. We are accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call (864) 482-3122.
I DG E R
I DR
BL U
OMN
LV E B D
LI
Oconee Medic al Cent er EP
SHE DIF
ER
LE DR
D
BLV
ON ST AT I
KE OW EE VI LLAG E
N.
RA D
IO
APPL EW OOD SHOPPING
WY S H ST O
RK
Y WA
Kim Ostrowski, DO
Daniel Boxwell, DO
Diane Koglin, AuD
Mountain Lakes EN T and Al le rgy Cent er 105 Ca rter Park Drive, Suite B
HI TE C RD
N EL
OCONEE SQU AR E
SEN EC A
LL WE
DOGW OOD PLAZ A
DOY
RD
D M R FA R
SA N
LA
S ON GI L LE S CA
PIE
RT E
R
PA R
K
RD
DR
Mountain Lakes ENT and Allergy Center is part of Oconee Physician Practices, a comprehensive network of primary care physicians and specialists. When it comes to finding the right physician to meet your healthcare needs, Oconee Physician Practices offers you a network of outstanding doctors to choose from.
Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fri. 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. 105 Carter Park Drive • Suite B Seneca, SC 29678 • (864) 482-3122 Fax (864) 482-3152 www.oconeemed.org february 2013
❘
13
a perfect storm
��� Clemson unveils indoor practice facility in fitting conditions
I
n the winter of 2010, Dabo Swinney stood under an umbrella he was sharing with then-Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox and watched soon-to-be-top-10pick C.J. Spiller and a number of other former Clemson players work out for NFL general manages, coaches and scouts in weather he describes as “a typhoon.” The Clemson head coach thought to himself, “It sure would be nice if we could have provided a better opportunity for our players to perform at their peak level.” Less than three years later, Swinney stood not far from the spot where he and Fox hunkered together under that umbrella, and once again the weather was miserable — with temperatures hovering in the upper 20s, and hail and sleet coming down in buckets. This time, however, the hail and sleet were pelting down on the roof of the Clemson Football Indoor Practice Facility, the 80,000-square-foot, $10-million structure the Tigers moved into just ahead of their victory over LSU in the Chick-fil-A Bowl to close the 2012 season. Given the weather Jan. 25, it would have been difficult for Clemson to pick a better day to demonstrate exactly why it needed an indoor facility for football. It was fitting, then, that the university hosted a dedication ceremony for its new facility that afternoon and welcomed fans to come inside for a look around the football team’s new practice digs. Swinney pointed out simply by virtue of the five practices that his team held in the facility prior to winning the bowl game, the highest-rated non-BCS game ESPN has ever televised, it had already begun to pay dividends for the program. “Whatever the final price tag on the building was, it’s not even close to what it would have cost to have a threeand-a-half-hour infomercial for Clemson University in front of millions and millions of people who get to watch it,” Swinney said. Swinney was the last of five speakers at the ceremony.
14
❘
Orange: The Experience
Despite the wintry weather, Tiger fans turned out in droves to tour the new facility. Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich, who has been on the job for more than two months, said the hundreds who attended the ceremony demonstrated the passion that was the very reason he wanted to come to Clemson in the first place. “That’s why it was important to have this day open for the Clemson family,” he said. “And how appropriate that we’re in an indoor facility on a lousy day outside. We didn’t plan that. But we’re going to plan a lot of other things. We have a lot of things to do here within the athletic program to keep pace with the people with whom we compete.” The first speaker of the day was senior place kicker Chandler Catanzaro, whose 37-yard field goal as time expired lifted the Tigers to their 25-24 win over the then-No. 7 Bayou Bengals in the bowl game. “I cannot express how excited the rest of the players and I, as well as the staff, are to have this beautiful facility,” he said. “As Coach Swinney is always reminding us, the best is the standard here. This building clearly represents what the best is all about … and I believe this day brings us one step closer toward our goal of bringing another national championship to where the Blue Ridge yawns its greatness.”
In addition to the full-length football field housed within, the facility features state-of-the-art video and audio capabilities, a weight room that overlooks the practice field, a training room and doctors’ area, and storage areas, among other bells and whistles. There are also plans to add a “pro player” locker room on the upper level with NFL logos and televisions for former players to have their own space when they return to campus. Swinney said the team missed an average of “about 14 days a year” due to inclement weather, but that was only one of the benefits of the new facility. Additionally, it will allow the team to practice indoors during the dog days of August and keep their legs fresh ahead of the season opener each year, as well as provide a top-notch venue for clinics, camps, Pro Days and recruiting visits, among others uses.
President of the IPTAY Board of Directors Charles Dalton said the project was one of which his organization, the athletic department’s fundraising arm, was very proud. “IPTAY always likes big, bold, highly visible projects; we have talked to Terry Don (Phillips) from time to time about bringing us those big, bold projects — the kind of projects that directly affect our athletic program and make our athletic program more competitive, that improve us on the field and on the court, projects that people can see and put their passionate feelings behind — and I don’t know how you can get much bigger and bolder than this,” Dalton said. Phillips, who retired as athletic director in November when Radakovich was named his successor, oversaw the completion of the project as one of his final acts of
business at the reins of the athletic department. “I want to thank our IPTAY donors, our Major Gift donors, our IPTAY Board, our Board of Trustees,” Phillips said. “This is an opportunity to say thank you to you. Your support for our athletic programs is tremendous.” Radakovich declined to take much credit for the facility, as it was largely built and funded prior to his
arrival, though he did reiterate the need for Clemson to “go faster” in terms of facility upgrades for all its athletic programs. In his previous job, however, Radakovich left an impressive legacy at Georgia Tech in terms of new facilities and upgrades to existing ones. “We have to make sure that we’re keeping up with our competition,” Radakovich said. “And as wonderful as this facility is, and it’s really great for football, we have to make sure that we’re taking care of some of the other sports that we have within our program. So, we don’t need to think about things a long time, we need to act on them. That’s where the IPTAY Board, our Board of Trustees, all of the supporters of Clemson, we just need to run a little faster to make sure that these things get done.” — by Steven Bradley, IPTAY Media, photos by Dawson Powers
february 2013
❘
15
REPRESEN TATI V E SPOTLI G HT
When did you become a Clemson fan? “My husband’s family hails from Barnwell County, and their love for everything Clemson runs deep. His parents, Harold and Anne, joined IPTAY around 1960 and they soon after began supporting the Tigers on a regular basis. Rick attended Clemson in the late ’70s and began taking me to football games while we were still dating. At that time, I was attending USC in Columbia on an academic scholarship, but frankly loved everything about Tigertown and my blood ran orange! In fact, we attended several Gamecock games each fall just to root for their opponents. Now that I think about it, that probably wasn’t a great idea, but lots of fun nevertheless!”
Kapra Lott
Why did you get involved with IPTAY? “Once we recognized that our three kids loved Clemson as much as us, it was a natural thing to start our own IPTAY membership. Living south of Atlanta for about 17 years, getting over to Clemson 10-15 times a year wasn’t easy. But it was always worth the effort, and football Saturdays became the best time of the year. It took around 20 years to finally obtain enough seating and parking to keep us all together on Saturdays! But IPTAY made that happen. We are so blessed that our oldest son, Chad, and our daughter, Kristy, have already graduated from Clemson. Our daughter-in-law, Grace, is also a Clemson alum. Alex, our youngest son, is a freshman here now.” What is your favorite gameday tradition? “We have an awesome tailgating experience each home game thanks to the efforts of Jason Wilson and his staff. Our two parking spaces on Cemetery Hill surround a nice grassy corner where 30 to 40 of our closest friends gather under three tents and have wonderful times together every fall. Watching young couples date, marry and later seeing their kids playing among us is what makes the Clemson experience so great!” Who is your favorite all-time student-athlete? “There are so many favorites, it’s hard to choose just one. But I guess mine would be C.J. Spiller for all the excitement and love he brought to the program. My husband says it’s a tie between William Perry and Tajh Boyd — the Fridge being the greatest defensive lineman to ever play for the Tigers, and Tajh of course being the most productive quarterback to ever wear orange.” Who is your favorite Clemson coach? “Danny Ford, hands down.” What is one thing you always do when you come to Clemson? “We live only three miles from campus. So we enjoy all the different Clemson sports and activities year-round!” Why should someone who is not an IPTAY member join? “The purpose of IPTAY has always been to provide academic scholarships for our student-athletes. And of course the university has also benefitted from IPTAY’s financial support in other areas such as Vickery Hall and facilities upgrades. The easiest way for a Clemson fan to make a positive difference in the lives of young people is to consistently make an annual donation to IPTAY.”
— compiled by Victoria Reid
“The easiest way for a Clemson fan to make a positive difference ...
make an annual donation to IPTAY.”
16
❘
Orange: The Experience
Current Hometown:
Clemson, SC
Years of Membership
28 Years
Official Wireless Provider of the Clemson Tigers
TRACK YOUR FAVORITE TEAM FASTER THAN EVER BEFORE
Stream Clemson video highlights, team news, stats and more. All at blazing fast speeds with Verizon 4G LTE. America’s Fastest 4G Network. See verizonwireless.com/bestnetwork for details. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. © 2012 Verizon Wireless.
february 2013
❘
17
DO N O R SPOTLI G HT
When did you become a Clemson fan? “I was born into a Clemson family with my dad, Dr. William P. Kay, Jr., being a 1957 graduate and my grandfather, Bill Kay, Sr., a 1932 graduate of Clemson. I can also remember my mom’s younger brother, John A. Horton, was attending Clemson in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and would come stay at our home in Belton, S.C. on weekends and holidays because it was close by. He slept in our guest room where my crib was. He always called me his “College Roomie.” I grew up attending both home and away Clemson football and basketball games. I remember going to the Gator Bowl in 1977 and 1978, the Peach Bowl in 1979 and the National Championship Orange Bowl game in 1981 with my family. We attended several more in the following years. My dad also took me to several ACC Basketball Tournaments, which became a favorite family tradition for many years. Every year growing up we had something Clemson in our stockings at Christmas from Clemson Coke bottles to Tiger Paw stamped $2 bills.”
Karen Walden
Why did you get involved with IPTAY? “My dad joined IPTAY in 1957. When I was growing up, he was an IPTAY Representative for our area. When I attended Clemson in late 1980s I was already an IPTAY member and also became involved with the ISAB (IPTAY’s Student Advisory Board).” What is your favorite gameday tradition? “Watching the Tigers run down The Hill before the game!” Who is your favorite all-time student athlete? “David Treadwell. He played while I was a student at Clemson, and he helped us defeat Georgia in consecutive games by kicking last second field goals.” Who is your favorite Clemson coach? “Dabo Swinney. He shows a passion for Clemson football.” What is one thing you always do when you come to Clemson? “Eat Clemson ice cream.” Why should someone who is not an IPTAY member join? “It will give them a feeling of truly being a part of the Clemson family. It will also help them see how their contributions can help the young student-athletes, which in turn reflects on Clemson’s winning tradition.”
— compiled by Victoria Reid
“(Joining IPTAY will give) a feeling of
truly being a part of the Clemson family.”
18
❘
Orange: The Experience
Current Hometown:
Seneca, SC
Years of Membership
37 Years
february 2013
â?˜
19
N E W DO N O R SPOTLI G HT
When did you become a Clemson fan? “I became a fan after I became a student at Clemson. The atmosphere emanates the Clemson spirit of having pride in yourself, the school and its teams no matter where you are. Whenever my family and I are traveling, we wear our Clemson shirts or something with Clemson on it.”
Daphne Honoré
Why did you get involved with IPTAY? “I joined IPTAY because I graduated from Clemson, love cheering for Clemson’s athletic teams and wanted to stay involved.” What is your favorite gameday tradition? “I have two that I could not decide between. My favorite tradition is watching the players run down The Hill. There is no better pregame entrance. I also like spelling out Clemson after scoring. My husband and I have taught our daughter how to do it, and she is only one.” Who is your favorite all-time studentathlete? “C.J. Spiller is my favorite athlete. I remember attending games where the punter would intentionally try not to put the ball near him. I think he exudes what it means to be an athlete because he is not arrogant about his abilities and talents. He is a hardworking, gracious individual.”
Daphne, Sadie, and Arm ond Honoré (Sadie’s first Clemson game).
Who is your favorite Clemson coach? “Dabo Swinney is my favorite coach; I think he has great character. Although I have never met him personally he seems to be a genuine person who really enjoys what he does and cares about his student-athletes. He doesn’t seem to be the type of coach that would intentionally risk his players’ health for the sake of a game.” What is one thing you always do when you come to Clemson? “I love getting peach ice cream from the 55 Exchange whenever we are in town, yum!”
Current Hometown:
Alpharetta, Ga Years of Membership
2 Years
Why should someone who is not an IPTAY member join? “I think they should join because Clemson Athletics are great. By joining you are helping student-athletes not only participate in their sport(s), but you are helping them to achieve their academic goals and prepare for their future through the scholarship fund. Not every athlete may want to turn pro or even will. Education is very important and so is earning a degree.” — compiled by Victoria Reid
“Whenever my family and I are traveling,
we wear our Clemson shirts or something with Clemson on it.”
20
❘
Sadie Honoré is excited Sadie is relaxed about attending her and happy now that first Clemson game. Clemson won its game.
Orange: The Experience
Daphne and Armond at the ACC Championship vs Virginia Tech.
The Honoré’s at Clemson’s Family Day 2012 game.
Restaurant
Campus
Hotel
Golf
The
University’s Own Make your reservations today! James F. Martin Inn: 888-654-9020 or 864-654-9020
Walker Course Pro Shop: 864-656-0236 Seasons by the Lake: 864-656-7444 cuconferencecenter.com
Get your fill of solid orange hospitality by staying, dining and playing right on the Clemson University campus! Just a mile from Memorial Stadium, the University’s Conference Center and Inn is home to the James F. Martin Inn, Walker Course and Seasons by the Lake restaurant, right on Hartwell Lake. Come and enjoy the University’s special
Watch our video to learn more about the Conference Center & Inn.
brand of Tiger fun, comfort and culinary delight!
f ea bu ru ga ur st y 2 0 1 23
❘
21 11
IPTAY Seat Value x Number of Seats = Required IPTAY Donation
ue to strengthen opportunities
ng despite major
om $30.
ed parking spot
0%.
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.
kets, Clemson all attendance annual giving ve at or above g in Memorial
1.
The payment of the annual cost of athletic scholarships.
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.
IPTAY’s 50% Pledge Deadline February 15, 2013 Faculty/Staff
ion among the o implement a program.
throughout Memorial Stadium for a five-year period. After reviewing the marketplace and comparing many factors, we felt it was critical to make the appropriate modifications for the 2013 football season.
A faculty/staff member will have the same opportunity to maintain current seats as an IPTAY Donor. Continuing from the 2008 IPTAY Seat Equity Plan, a current Clemson faculty/staff member who purchases tickets will receive $140 credit toward an IPTAY membership which may be applied to the modification of the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan. If the faculty/staff member already maintains an IPTAY Donor level, $140 will be credited/added to his/her current IPTAY level. What is the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan designed to accomplish?
The modification of the IPTAY Seat Equity Plan is a common system utilized in intercollegiate athletics to enhance the annual support provided to student-athletes. When the initial IPTAY Seat Equity Plan was announced and implemented in 2008, one component of the plan permitted a marketplace review of the values of each section of seating in Memorial Stadium following the fifth year of the implementation.
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 Equity Plan. In order to maintain your current seat location, 50% of this donation needs to be completed by February 15, 2013 to ensure your preferred season-ticket renewal. Each subsequent year, IPTAY will send renewal solicitations in early fall with a deadline of February of the following year for 50% of total IPTAY contribution. Do I have to participate in the annual IPTAY Seat Equity Plan to keep my season-ticket location?
The 50% IPTAY pledge deadline is coming up on Friday, February 15th. IPTAY wants to remind you about Yes. The IPTAY Seat Equity Plan is a requirement for renewal of seasonticket tickets inapplication these identified priority locations.There are this important deadline so that you will receive your priority football in March. How will this affect my parking assignment? several easy ways to donate by February 15th. per seat Does this plan mean that everyone in your section rial Stadium pays the same amount of money? Parking is reassigned on an annual basis using each donor’s annual is entering giving level priorityinformation point total. As donors make how a decision • Visit www.clemsontigers.com/iptay to make your donation online. Forandmore about to to ents have been A misconception when we use the term “equity” is that each IPTAY increase their giving to retain seats or to request seat improvements, ctors and the donate online, Donorplease sitting next to another IPTAY Donor is paying59 theof same parking assignments will be affected. see the article on page this issue of Orange: The Experience. a $50 per seat amount as the other. This is true in some cases, but there are many justing the factors that contribute to this not being exact. Obviously, the quantity • Call 864-656-2115 or 1-800-CLEMSON to make your donation over the phone using a credit card. • You can also visit us at the IPTAY office; our hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM. • You can mail a check with your IPTAY donation to PO Box 1529, Clemson, SC 29633. Be sure to include your IPTAY number and donation level on your check. If you haven’t made your 2013 donation to IPTAY yet, you should have received your hard copy solicitation in the mail around the first week of February. You can use this to mail in your donation prior to the deadline. This year to make it more convenient for IPTAY donors, IPTAY staff members will be accepting donations at the men’s basketball game on Sunday, February 17 at Guest Services in Littlejohn. Donations will be accepted when doors open an hour before tip-off through the end of the game. For more information or questions about the February 15th deadline, please contact the IPTAY office at 864-656-2115 or iptay@clemson.edu. We truly appreciate your generous support of the IPTAY Scholarship Fund.
hletes at they needed to acilities costs.
22 FBItickets2011.indd ❘ O r a n g e5: T h e E x p e r i e n c e
Tax Information Available for 2012 IPTAY Donations If you made a donation of $250 or more to IPTAY during the 2012 calendar year you should have received an email with information that can be used when preparing your income tax deductions. You can print the email for your records or select the link at the bottom of the email and fill out the form to have a hard copy of your tax letter mailed to you. 7/25/12 2:56 PM
If you didn’t receive an email with this information be sure to check all folders in your email account (junk, deleted, etc.), then contact 1-800-CLEMSON and one of our customer service representatives will be able to get you the information you need.
6/27/2011 9:06:26 AM
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.
Rain or shine. Hot or cold. Win or lose.
That’s loyalty.
#1 in cusTomeR loyalTy
Hyundai is a Proud automotive sponsor of
february 2013
❘
23
Game Changer by Steven Bradley ,
24
â?˜
Orange: The Experience
IPTAY Media
How Clemson Turned Fourth-and-16 Into Proof it Belongs Among the Nation’s Elite programs Clemson lined up across from one of the nation’s most physical teams in LSU on New Year’s Eve. In the end, the ACC Tigers were the ones celebrating on stage after earning the Chick-fil-A Bowl trophy in a comefrom-behind 25-24 win in the Georgia Dome. Opposite page: Photo by Dawson Powers; Below: Photo by Rex Brown, IPTAY Media
F
ourth-and-16. That down and distance is usually significant for nothing more than being good reason to punt, but after New Year’s Eve 2012, it has a permanent place in the lore of the Clemson football program and the hearts and minds of its fans. If the Tigers have their way, it might just be looked back upon as the moment Clemson proved it belonged not only on the same field with the nation’s elite programs, but also in the same breath. Head Coach Dabo Swinney often acknowledged in the week leading up to his team’s Chick-fil-Bowl game against LSU that his Tigers were not yet of the same ilk as the Bayou Bengals — who had played in two of the past five BCS Championship Games, winning in 2007 — but Swinney also admitted to having exactly such aspirations.
“This is a team that represents the best of the best. LSU is a great team. We’re not a great team — not yet,” Swinney said the week of the game. “We think we’re on our way from a program standpoint, but LSU is a great football team. They represent where we want to go from a program standpoint.” Certainly then, beating them would have represented a major step in that direction.
I
n their locker room at the Georgia Dome prior to kickoff, Swinney and his coaching staff warned the team to be ready to face adversity — something they knew was in store against the physically imposing SEC Tigers. But even the Clemson coaches couldn’t have expected it to strike quite so quickly. On just the second play from scrimmage, star wide receiver Sammy Watkins took an inside handoff and looked
february 2013
❘
25
to turn upfield. But before he could do that, LSU defensive end Barkevious Mingo had beaten his man on an inside move off the edge and blew up the play in the backfield, forcing Watkins to fumble, and in the process, rolling the sophomore over on top of his own ankle. LSU recovered the fumble at the Tiger 23, and two carries by bruising back Jeremy Hill later, had rumbled into the end zone for the game’s first touchdown. While the Bayou Bengals were scoring, Watkins was being taken off the field for X-rays, and it was announced soon thereafter he would not return.
versity hit us in the face; we just didn’t know it was going to be the second play of the game,” Morris said afterward. “We had a huge game plan built around Sammy, too, so we had to do a lot of cutting and pasting and adjusting. But what a great job our guys did of stepping up against an unbelievable defense.”
U
ndeterred, the Tigers of the ACC responded to their early setback by marching the ball 75 yards on 11 plays and tying the game at 7-7 on an 11-yard run by All-American quarterback Tajh Boyd. Clemson
however, and it began to look like the ACC Tigers might have missed their chance. As badly as the first half started for Clemson, the second half followed suit. LSU returned the secondhalf kick 43 yards, and on the next play Hill dashed 57 yards to pay dirt for a touchdown and a 21-13 lead just 17 seconds after halftime. By then, LSU’s pass rush had begun to assert its dominance against an offensive line that had lost one of its starting tackles, Gifford Timothy, to a knee injury in the first half. Clemson was held to just 28 total yards in the third quarter, while LSU had 112, and the Bayou Bengals took a 24-13 lead into the final stanza. “Coach Swinney told us in the locker room before the game, ‘Adversity is going to hit. This game is going to be decided on how you respond,’” Boyd said. In the fourth quarter, Swinney’s team proved him exactly right.
T
Above: DeAndre ‘Nuk’ Hopkins established a Chick-fil-A Bowl record with 191 receiving yards. He was the recipient of two touchdown passes and the now famous fourth-and-16 completion from Tajh Boyd in the final minutes. Photo by Carl Ackerman At right: Defensive end Malliciah Goodman saved the best effort of his career for his final game. He had three of Clemson’s six sacks and batted down a third-down pass on LSU’s final drive to set up the dramatic ending. Photo by Dawson Powers
Four plays into the game, the Tigers had turned the ball over, given up a touchdown and lost a key player. Not only did Clemson lose one of the nation’s most dangerous offensive players, but Offensive Coordinator Chad Morris admitted afterward he had basically designed his entire game plan around getting the ball in Watkins’ hands. “We knew we were going to have some ad-
26
❘
Orange: The Experience
largely dominated the first half from a statistical standpoint, outgaining LSU 248-106 while moving the chains 18 times to only six for the Bayou Bengals, but went into halftime trailing 14-13 — the first time it had trailed at the midway point all season — after Chandler Catanzaro’s extra point was blocked late in the second quarter. The third quarter was a much different story,
he Tigers trimmed the deficit to 24-16 with 9:26 to go in the game, and after their defense forced a three-and-out on the ensuing possession, Boyd led an 11-play, 77-yard march that culminated in a 12-yard bullet to DeAndre Hopkins in the back of the end zone to pull Clemson within two with 2:47 to go. The catch was the 10th of Hopkins’ 13 in the game, and set the stage for an even more important one to come. “When I saw Sammy was down, Nuk just looked at me and said, ‘Man, it’s time to go ball out,’” Boyd said. “He knew that I was going to put it in his hands, and he went out there and made some terrific catches.” But Boyd came under heavy pressure on the two-point conversion attempt to tie the game, and his pass to the end zone came up short and left his team trailing 24-22. Once LSU took over the ball, most everyone in the stadium assumed it would run the ball repeatedly in hopes of running out the rest of the clock and surviving with the win. But having already forced seven three-and-outs, the Clemson defense had other ideas. “Everybody just played as one,” senior linebacker Jonathan “Tig” Willard said. “Everybody knew what to do and when to do it.” LSU threw an out route on first down for eight yards and needed only two more for a first down that would have ended the game, for all intents and purposes. But a second-down pass fell incomplete, and when Zach Mettenberger tried to deliver a pass into the flats on third down, Clemson end Malliciah Goodman leapt into the air and batted the ball down with his big mitts — the senior’s biggest play in a game where he recorded a career-high three sacks. “I just had to sell out,” Goodman said. “I knew it was my last game. I had to be that senior leader.”
Clemson took back over with just 99 seconds to go in the game, but after two quick incompletions and a third-down sack, it was faced with fourth-and-16 from its own 14-yard-line. At that point, the program’s hopes for its first 11-win season since 1981 and its first top-10 final ranking since 1990 appeared all but over. That all changed after fourth-and-16.
B
oyd took a deep drop, but like it had for much of the second half, the pressure came fast off the edges and he was forced to step up in the pocket. Just as the pass rushers had rerouted themselves and were closing in from behind, Boyd fired a laser into a microscopic pocket over the top of one LSU defender and just in front of another, the only possible spot to find a sliding Hopkins — all but invisible behind the zone from Boyd’s vantage point in the pocket — 26 yards downfield for a first down and new life for the Tigers. “It was unbelievable the way we executed it,” Morris said. “It had to come down to fourthand-16, and that’s just a great example of it’s never over till it’s over. You have to play that last down out. We told them, ‘Hey, they still have to play this down out now. We’ve still got a shot here.’ And what a great job by Tajh and Nuk stepping up and connecting.” Boyd hit Hopkins for seven yards on the next play, and drew a pass interference call on another pass to Hopkins after that. Boyd then hit Brandon Ford for three, Hopkins again for 13 more and then finally Adam Humphries for nine. After Boyd was tackled for a loss of three on the ensuing play, Catanzaro came on to attempt a 37-yard field goal on what would be the last play of the game. Having spent most of the evening standing on the sideline, Catanzaro knew exactly what to do when his number was called. “The same thing I did against Wake Forest (last season),” he said. “I got directly behind the
ball, looked at my target, zoomed focus on that, took a couple dry swings, deep breaths, and was just ready to deliver.”
O
n the sideline, senior defensive backs Rashard Hall and Xavier Brewer sat together and could only watch, knowing they’d played their last downs as Clemson At left: Tight end Brandon Ford capped an outstanding season with nine catches in the bowl game. Below: Chandler Catanzaro, who missed just one field goal all season, drilled the game-winning 37-yarder as time expired to lift Clemson to victory over No. 8 LSU. Photos by
Dawson Powers
Tigers — whether Catanzaro made or missed his kick. With such a crucial game hanging in the balance and the endings to their collegiate careers about to be written, one might think the defensive back duo would feel a bit helpless. But Brewer said it was actually quite the opposite — they believed they’d already won. “You would feel helpless if you didn’t have a kicker like Catman,” he said. “Catman is just clutch. We were all on the sideline saying, ‘I be-
lieve. I believe,’ and, ‘I need to hear you say it. I need to hear you say it.’ It was one of the most comfortable feelings I’ve ever felt, just knowing he was out there being our kicker.” Of course, Catanzaro drilled the kick right down the middle, and the celebration was on. After a week of answering questions about whether they were tough enough to hold up against a team like LSU that played its football in the mighty SEC, the Tigers collectively admitted the victory felt like a flood of vindication. “Probably the most joyous that I’ve felt in a long time,” Boyd said. Clemson ran exactly 100 plays in the contest and left the Bayou Bengals regularly needing stoppages in play down the stretch as they recovered from fatigue and cramps. “I think it kind of showed who the more physical team was,” Boyd said.
T
he victory over the nation’s No. 7 team is the highest-ranked SEC team defeated by an ACC team since Clemson beat sixth-ranked Tennessee in the 2004 (2003 season) Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl 27-14, and also made the 2012 Tigers just the fourth team in Clemson history with at least 11 wins, joining the 1948 (11-0), 1978 (11-1) and 1981 (12-0) teams. “This is a landmark win,” Swinney said afterward. “An 11th win for the first time in 31 years and only the fourth time ever. The 2012 team now hitches their saddle up with those three elite teams in our program’s history. Not only did they win 11, but they did it in fine fashion. This is a football team that got better all year long. Tonight we kind of grew up from some of the challenge we’ve had earlier in the year. I’m just so proud of them.” Perhaps the most notable area the Tigers grew up in the Chick-filA Bowl was on the defensive side of the ball. Against LSU’s smash-mouth offense, Clemson held its first opponent all season to a singledigit total of first downs (9), while also holding the SEC Tigers to just 99 yards rushing and 219 yards of offense, and forcing eight threeand-outs, including two in a row in the fourth quarter to fuel the rally. In the aftermath of the game, Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables called it a “program-changing win.” february 2013
❘
27
A Landmark Victory ��� Clemson 25, LSU 24
• With the victory, Clemson became the first ACC team to defeat LSU since 1955. Maryland, ranked No. 1 in the nation at the time, defeated LSU in College Park on November 5, 1955 by a 13-0 score. LSU had won 19 straight over ACC teams (in the league at the time of the game) entering the 2012 Chick-fil-A Bowl. • LSU was 9-1 in the Georgia Dome entering the Clemson game, including 5-0 in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. • LSU was 36-1 in non-conference games under Les Miles (coach since 2005) entering the game with Clemson. The only defeat was a 19-17 loss to Penn State in the 2010 Capital One Bowl. Thirty of the 36 LSU wins were by double digits. They had won 29 straight against teams ranked 12th in the AP poll or worse (or unranked). • Since the start of the 2009 season, LSU was 39-2 when scoring 20 points or more. The only losses were to Mississippi (25-23 in 2009) and Arkansas (31-23 in 2010). • LSU was 31-3 when a running back reached at least 100 yards under Les Miles. Jeremy Hill gained 124 yards on 12 carries against Clemson, but the Tigers still won the game. • LSU had a 44-5 record under Les Miles when winning the turnover margin. LSU won the turnover margin against Clemson 2-1, but the Tigers won the game 25-24. • LSU had won 29 straight games when leading heading into the fourth quarter and was 101-8 when leading entering the fourth in the last 11 years. But, Clemson outscored LSU 12-0 over the final 15 minutes of the game. • LSU was 50-3 under Les Miles, including 36-0 the last six years, when holding the opposition under 100 yards rushing. Clemson had 99 against LSU, yet won the game. • LSU had a 29-10 record in games decided by seven points or less under Les Miles, including 12-3 over the last three years. But, Clemson won the game by a point. It was LSU’s first loss by one point since a 31-30 loss at Arkansas in 2008. • LSU had the second longest streak of consecutive weeks in the AP poll entering the Chick-fil-A Bowl with 63 in a row. Only Alabama had a longer streak with 79 straight. • Clemson defeated the winningest program in the SEC over the last 10 years when Dabo Swinney’s team downed LSU in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. LSU was 107-24 over the last 10 seasons, with a leaguebest eight top-25 seasons and three SEC titles during that stretch. • Clemson trailed by a 24-13 score entering the fourth quarter of the 2012 Chick-fil-A Bowl, but came back to win 25-24. It was the first time Clemson won a bowl game that the Tigers trailed entering the fourth quarter since the 1959 Bluebonnet Bowl. Clemson trailed TCU, 7-3, entering the fourth quarter of that game, but scored 20 straight points to win 23-7. Like LSU, TCU was ranked seventh in the nation entering the game. • Clemson’s victory over seventh-ranked (USA Today) LSU was the highest ranked SEC team (either poll) an ACC team has defeated since the 2003 season when Clemson defeated sixth-ranked Tennessee in the Peach Bowl, 27-14. • Clemson’s defense held LSU to eight three-and-outs in 15 possessions, the most against LSU in the 2012 season and the highest percentage of three-and-outs (53.3 percent) by an opposing defense. Clemson’s defense also had six sacks, the most against LSU’s offense this year. • Clemson’s offense had 32 first downs and 36 completions, the most against the LSU defense in each category in the 2012 season. DeAndre Hopkins’ 191 receiving yards and 13 receptions were season-highs against the LSU defense. • Clemson defeated two SEC teams in 2012, the first time it has done that since the 2003 season when the Tigers knocked off South Carolina and Tennessee. Over the last two years, the ACC has four wins against the SEC, and Clemson has three of the four. • Clemson overcame an 11-point deficit entering the fourth quarter to win by one point, 25-24. It is the largest fourth quarter deficit overcome to gain victory since the 2006 Wake Forest game when Clemson trailed by 14 points (17-3), then won the game 27-17. • But, this was the first game in Clemson history in which Clemson scored twice within the last three minutes to win a game by seven points or less. The closest occurrence was the 1980 Virginia game when Clemson scored a touchdown and a field goal with less than four minutes left to win 27-24. — by Tim Bourret
28
❘
Orange: The Experience
“On the stage that we did it — New Year’s Eve, an 11th win against that type of team,” Venables said. “For me, there’s nothing worse than somebody bludgeoning you to death running the football, pounding you and then opening up the play-action. And there’s nothing more pleasing on the other side than when you can hold point and stone people physically and match their toughness. For me personally, that’s as good as it gets.”
A
s the clock struck midnight and the calendar turned to 2013, the Tigers were still in their locker room in the Georgia Dome celebrating their victory. Nine days later, they officially turned their calendars to the 2013 season as well. “We had a team meeting (on Jan. 10), and we just kind of turned the page,” Swinney said during a season wrap-up news conference the following day. “We enjoyed this last game for a few days, but now it’s all about 2013. It’s a new football team. And that first meeting is always interesting because you get so used to being with a group of guys and seeing this guy sit here and this guy sit here, and now all of a sudden those guys are gone — and it’s a new group of seniors and juniors and sophomores. It’s a new football team.” But there’s little doubting the impact the old football team made on the trajectory of Clemson’s program. Even with a loss in the bowl, the Tigers would have produced their second consecutive season of at least 10 wins for the first time since the 1987-90 era, but the victory over LSU gave Clemson its first top-10 ranking in a final poll since the 1990 season, as it finished No. 9 in the USA Today poll. “This team has earned the right to at least be respected as a very good football team, and I’m proud of what they’ve done,” Swinney said. “Listen, LSU is the winningest program in the SEC the last 10 years. They’ve won more games than anybody. It’s unbelievable the type of talent they have there. So, I believe it does a lot for our football team in knowing that, ‘Hey, we don’t take a backseat to anybody. We can play and compete with anybody in the country.’” If the win provided proof to those within the program of what they had believed so strongly all along — they could not only compete with nation’s best programs, but also be one of them — there’s certainly evidence to back up that claim. With its ranking in the final poll, Clemson has now been ranked for 29 consecutive weeks in which polls have been released. Only five other programs in the entire nation — Alabama, LSU, Oregon, South Carolina and Stanford — can make that claim. The Tigers certainly appear poised to continue that trend for quite some time. “You’ve got to look at the makeup of our team,” Swinney said. “We’ve only got 10 scholarship seniors for next year. So we’re a huge junior and sophomore team right now, but all those guys have won 21 games in two years. And with that comes an expectation. With that comes a belief. They understand the commitment that it takes. That’s the kind of culture that you want your players to have. They’re not hoping to win; they’re expecting to win. They weren’t hoping to beat LSU; they were expecting to beat LSU. And they paid the price and they prepared well, and they made those few plays that made the difference in that game.” None of those plays made a bigger difference than fourthand-16, when the Clemson program stopped being one play away.
february 2013
â?˜
29
Dan Radakovich was introduced as Clemson’s 13th director of athletics last October.
Photo by Rex Brown, IPTAY Media
Man
With a
Plan
Radakovich: “We Have the Ability to be Excellent in Each one of our Sports” by Steven Bradley ,
ust before Thanksgiving, Dan Radakovich was cleaning out his office in Atlanta in preparation to make the move to his new office, sifting through boxes of assorted materials he had collected during his tenure as Georgia Tech’s director of athletics, when he came across a document marked “2002 Clemson Strategic Plan.”
30
❘
Orange: The Experience
IPTAY Media
Being the very campus he was in the process of moving his things to, Radakovich couldn’t help but take a few minutes to thumb through the document, thinking to himself how much time and effort must have gone into preparing it. But after studying the plan more closely, he had a very clear realization: “It wasn’t the same Clemson that I was walking into.” With that, Radakovich officially walked
into Clemson University for his first day of work Nov. 28 after being introduced Oct. 29, when he was named to replace the retiring Terry Don Phillips as the school’s 13th director of athletics. He did so with the belief that while planning for the future of his new school was an integral part of his job, long-range planning often proved to be a futile pursuit. CONTINUED ON PAGE 35
AVAILABLE: Office Space fOr YOur BuSineSS at the BeSt Office cOmplex in OcOnee cOuntY Single Offices
Starts At
250
$
Includes Utilities!
/mo
Executive Offices Starting At Just
850
$
per month!
From Single Offices To Deluxe Suites And All Sizes In Between, You Can Afford
The Best Office Complexes In Oconee County. We can show you how!
Office Park
Contact Steve Edwards at 864-882-3272 or steve@edwgroupinc.com for more information february 2013
â?˜
31
32
â?˜
Orange: The Experience
february 2013
â?˜
33
Count on The Journal to be your information source. In print or online, our publications cover life in the Upstate and all you need to know for your busy lifestyle. The Journal is the Upstate’s source for the latest news and features on Clemson football, basketball, baseball and all sports, including up to the minute recruiting news.
We’re here, 24/7, for you!
34
❘
210 W. N. 1st Street | Seneca, SC 29678 | phone: 864.882.2375 | fax: 864. 882.2381
Orange: The Experience
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30
“A generation in an athletic program is five years,” Radakovich said. “And it’s five years because anyone who had entered in year one is more than likely graduated and moved on, and in those intervening years you’ve got another group of individuals. We need to look no longer than five years for what we need to be able to do. And after year one, we’re going to go out five more years. So, you kind of keep that focus — because our business changes so much. Our business in 2013 isn’t the same as it was in 2008. There was no BCS playoff on the horizon. There was no Big Ten Network. There weren’t as many coaches making the kind of money as they do today. There were no mega television deals with the big networks as there are today.” At his introductory news conference in October, Radakovich said he planned to spend some time upon coming to Clemson to get the lay of the land and understand the current inner workings of the athletic department before he could assess how to optimize them. The Christmas holidays slowed that process during his first month on the job, as did the football team’s preparations to play in the Chick-fil-A Bowl on New Year’s Eve. He views the current six-month period from January through June as the time to put the “square pegs in the square holes” and have the transitional phase finished by the end of June in order to hit the ground running for the start of the new fiscal year in July. “We want to have the processes in place, be it with IPTAY or inside the department, that starting on July 1 we’ll be on a path that will always be adjusted because good organizations can adjust, but I hope to have less adjustment after July 1,” he said. As for his own transitional phase, Radakovich said that is still a work in progress, as well. “Before I finally feel at home here, the real estate market in Atlanta must cooperate,” he joked. The Radakovich family owns property in the state of
South Carolina and has for “about 8 or 9 years” on Fripp Island. “That’s been a great vacation spot for Marcie and the boys (Christian and Grant) and I for a number of years. We’ll be looking for a nice little empty nest house here in the Clemson area because it’ll just be
Marcie and I.” The Clemson area is one of the primary reasons Radakovich was intrigued by the job to begin with when he learned his longtime friend and colleague, Phillips, was retiring. Radakovich had served as Georgia Tech’s AD since 2006, following a five-year tenure as senior associate athletics director at Louisiana State University — a period when LSU won a national championship in football — and he previously served as athletics director at American University and associate athletics director at the University of South Carolina. After six years in Atlanta, Radakovich couldn’t shake the draw of a place, such as Clemson, where the university’s athletics were the only game in town, both literally and figuratively. “The passion that the Clemson people have for their athletic programs was really important,” he said. “Having been here on a football gameday was really a sight. And it took me back to some of the other places that I had worked where they had those large, passionate fan bases. So, getting back to that at this point in my career, where it is the biggest thing in the town on that particular day, I really enjoy the fact that people care about what you do. I enjoy talking about Clemson athletics, and I enjoy spreading the good news about our student-athletes and our coaches — and I think this place has a lot to sell.” Of course, selling has become an increasingly larger part of the business in college athletics — and business is certainly an area of the game where Radakovich is well versed. He got his start in athletic At top: Radakovich came to Clemson after serving as Georgia Tech’s director of athletics since 2006. Photo by Dawson Powers
At left: Radakovich shares a moment with Head Coach Dabo Swinney prior to Clemson’s win over No. 7 LSU in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Photo by Rex Brown, IPTAY Media
february 2013
❘
35
administration at the University of Miami, where he had attained his master’s degree. He kept connected with the school even after taking a job with a national accounting firm, however, and when a position came open in the department for a business director in 1983, Radakovich jumped at the opportunity. When he was hired at Clemson after a three-month national search that drew more than 30 candidates, Radakovich’s experience with fundraising and facilities was cited by President Jim Barker as a primary reason he was selected. During his time at Georgia Tech, Radakovich left an impressive legacy in terms of new facilities and upgrades to existing ones. The school opened a new football practice facility and basketball arena during his tenure, as well as a home for its softball program and a new practice facility for its basketball programs. With such an impressive background, Radakovich has a perhaps surprising viewpoint on what many view as the “arms race” in college athletics: “There is no arms race in college athletics,” he said. “The amount of money spent on athletics facilities is dwarfed by the amount of money spent by universities on classrooms, dormitories and other pieces of their physical plant,” he said. “A lot of folks look at what happened at Georgia Tech and say, ‘Look at all the money that was spent on athletic facilities.’ Well, it was one-third of the amount of money that was spent on campus for other types of buildings. The media has created this ‘arms race’ type of thing because Radakovich sportswriters don’t go presents the into dormitories or Chick-fil-A Bowl classrooms or student Most Outstanding assembly spaces or Player award things of that nature. for defense They just look around to Clemson and see that there are quarterback Tajh Boyd during the other athletic facilities, so there must be first half of a Tiger basketball game. an arms race. It’s an Photo by Rex Brown, investment by each IPTAY Media campus.” Other upgrades at Georgia Tech under Radakovich included the transformation of the former football locker room on the ground floor of the Edge Athletic Center into a new Technology Center, which benefits academic support services for student-athletes. He also directed an overhaul of the annual giving and donation structure for Tech athletics, anchored by the TECH Fund, which established minimum giving levels tied to season tickets in various seating areas of Bobby Dodd Stadium and Alexander Memorial Coliseum. And while Radakovich takes the helm just
36
❘
Orange: The Experience
as Clemson and IPTAY have launched a campaign to build a facility at Littlejohn Coliseum designed as a “front door” for Clemson basketball, much like the WestZone is for the football program, he believes it’s important to consider the ramifications of such a project before proceeding. “What we need to do here is understand where our next best investment is going to be,” he said. “Is it in a basketball practice facility? Is it in looking at Littlejohn Coliseum and seeing if that is the right venue for our basketball programs to perform for the next 15 to 20 years? We have drawings out there and campaigns in place for upgrades to our
brought in three new schools as full members, Louisville, Pittsburgh and Syracuse, as well as one partial member in Notre Dame — means that while it’s important he make decisions in the “best long-term interest of Clemson Athletics,” he knows it’s just as crucial to be prepared to act quickly based on those changes. “We have to move,” he said. “It’s an incredibly favorable environment right now as it relates to construction and debt. We don’t have much debt right now. One could look at Clemson’s circumstance and say they are overleveraged out of balance because they are underleveraged as it relates to cash and debt. We need to create the right balance for our ath-
tennis facility, to our baseball facility. We have a brand-new football indoor practice area. There are a lot of different projects that we have moving ahead, and it’s all part of that transition that we’re going through now in evaluation. Transition is not just people and processes, it’s setting up your priorities as well.” That brings us back to the realization Radakovich had when cleaning out his office in Atlanta. The ever-changing landscape of college athletics — he points to the realignment of the Atlantic Coast Conference that has
letic program as we move forward. You have to make sure that you have the right balance as it relates to your finances in the cash that you have on hand, the debt that you have, and what you can support as an organization.” Of course, that is where IPTAY comes in. As the athletic department’s fundraising arm — in fact, the original fundraising organization for a collegiate athletic program, which Radakovich described as “a unique calling card” — he said the cash balances he referenced wouldn’t be possible without the generosity and philanthropy of those associated
with IPTAY, and his priority is making certain those investments are put to the optimal use in order for Clemson Athletics to be as competitive as possible. “I’ve heard from several hundred IPTAY members over the last month or so, and there’s a common theme — they want to be excellent,” he said. “They want Clemson Athletics to be excellent. Not just with our marquee revenue sports of football and basketball and baseball, but all of our sports. There are pockets of very passionate fans for each one of our head coaches and each one of our sports. We have the ability here to be excellent in each one of our sports that we offer.”
history. Thirteen ACC championships were celebrated, in addition to nine regular season conference or division titles, during his tenure. “We understand that football is what really drives the train, not only economically, but also from a publicity standpoint. And that is the way it is, and that’s a positive here,” Radakovich said. “We need to continue to keep that as a positive, but as you look around, you see a lot of really good athletic programs. Baseball, golf and soccer have a tremendous history here. Our track program has been phenomenal. Other pieces of our athletic program deserve recognition, and we have to make sure that we’re getting that message out to other
Radakovich has a resume that demonstrates he knows what he’s talking about. Georgia Tech had consistent success across its athletic programs under his guidance. The school had 51 teams advance to postseason play, including six sports (football, baseball, women’s basketball, softball, women’s tennis and golf ) that made the postseason every year he was in Atlanta. Eleven different sports finished in the final top 25 of at least one major poll in those six years. That includes a national championship women’s tennis program in 2007, just the second NCAA team title in Georgia Tech
folks as well to help grow our base of support.” Radakovich said a great advantage toward doing that at Clemson is what he called the “great infantry that IPTAY has,” of which he said he looks forward to getting to know many of its members during upcoming Prowl & Growl dates this spring. Those events are just one of the many ways Radakovich is hoping to continue to grow the Clemson brand, a venture he indicated was helped a great deal by the Tigers’ win over No. 7 LSU in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, the most-watched non-BCS bowl game ever on ESPN from a ratings standpoint.
“How do we continue to keep the Paw in front of peoples’ eyes? Because that is such a powerful symbol of the Clemson athletic enterprise,” Radakovich said. “When you hear me say ‘athletics enterprise,’ it’s the day-to-day operation of the Clemson Athletic Department and the great philanthropic work and fundraising and revenue generation of IPTAY — the two pieces together. I emphasize the word together because IPTAY, with Charles Dalton as its president, has been phenomenal to me during this transition. These two pieces together create an athletic enterprise for Clemson University. I’m really looking forward to creating brand awareness for all pieces of our athletic enterprise.” As someone with a background and reputation for business acumen, one of the top priorities Radakovich noted when he was hired at Clemson is the desire for “transparency” in terms of the inner working of the athletic department, particularly when it comes to those who give their hard-earned money to support it. After all, Radakovich pointed out, no reasonable business person would continue to invest money in an operation that consistently failed to produce a profit — not that tremendous strides cannot be made by athletic departments and programs in years where that is not the case. “What we do is not that difficult from a financial perspective,” Radakovich said. “We take money in, we spend money and at the end of the year you either have some left or you have to go into your reserves. How we utilize our monies during the course of a year should be able to be explained on one 8.5” by 11” sheet of paper. We Radakovich with have ticket money come IPTAY President in. We have contributions Charles to IPTAY. We have money Dalton at the from the Atlantic Coast organization’s Conference. We have Member money from our student Appreciation fees and sponsorships. Day last fall. “We spend money Photo by Tyler Smith — for salaries, sponsorships, facilities, administration of the program, and for travel. There’s a few more on both sides of that ledger, but that’s about it. People need to be able to see, whether they’re buying a ticket or giving a donation, that all of it takes care of expenses associated with the athletics enterprise. And we need to be able to show our investors how these dollars are spent. It’s not a big secret.” With that, Radakovich is clearly a man with a plan when it comes to the future of Clemson Athletics. Even if he knows that plan is almost certain to require some improvising along the way. february 2013
❘
37
The Defense Never Rests Brownell has Built Solid Foundation for Clemson Program on Defensive End by Steven Bradley | photos by Rex Brown IPTAY Media
I
n his former life, Brad Brownell was a defensive coordinator. As a basketball coach, that wasn’t actually his job title, of course, but for the last five years he worked as an assistant under Jerry Wainwright at UNC Wilmington prior to being named his successor in 2002, Brownell was charged with the game preparation and scouting for each and every opponent the Seahawks faced. “When you’re the guy who is responsible for the scout, you’re constantly thinking of ways defensively that you can stop teams,” he said. Brownell has certainly come up with plenty of those since he took over the reins of Clemson’s basketball program in 2010. Through his first 85 games at the helm, the Tigers had held their opponent to 50 points or fewer 20 times, and they had gone 19-1 in those games. The Tigers ranked second in the Atlantic Coast Conference and 13th in the nation in scoring defense (57.2 points per game) through their first 20 games this season, and became the first team in school history to hold consecutive ACC opponents under 45 points when they beat Virginia 59-44 and Wake Forest 60-44 across a four-day stretch in mid-January. “It’s the personality of our team, and it’s the personality I want for our program — toughness and tough-mindedness and attention to detail and not being happy when teams score,” Brownell said. “We obviously pay a lot of attention to that, and we recruit to that some. Milton Jennings has made major strides defensively. He helped limit NC State star C.J. Leslie 10 points below his season average in the Jan. 20 meeting in Raleigh.
38
❘
Orange: The Experience
Our players know that that’s where our bread is buttered, and when we do that we have chances to beat good teams. And when we don’t, we’re going to struggle.” Perhaps the Tigers’ best defensive effort of the season came in the aforementioned win over Wake Forest, which shot just 24.6 percent from the field (15-of-61), the best field goal percentage defense by the Tigers in an ACC game since 1964 and their second-best field goal percentage defense ever in an ACC game.
A primary reason the Deacons struggled so mightily to make shots: Clemson made it extremely difficult to even get them off. The Tigers blocked 11 shots on the night, including seven by K.J. McDaniels, the most by an ACC player this season. “They owned the rim,” Deacs coach Jeff Bzdelik said afterward. “We had opportunities around the rim, but they erased those opportunities by blocking shots. I thought that shook our players, and consequently we missed some good looks.”
While senior center Devin Booker is the de facto defender of the paint for the Tigers, the 6-foot-6 McDaniels has been their top protector of the rim. He led the team and ranked second in the conference with 2.1 blocks per game as of Jan. 29. “I’m always hungry for blocks, and I think it rubs off on the team,” said McDaniels, who is on pace to become just the third player in school history to record 40 blocks and 40 steals in the same season, joining all-time greats Elden Campbell and Trevor Booker. But while Brownell has built his coaching philosophy around defense and McDaniels has been a veritable force on that end of the court, Brownell backs away from taking much credit — saying the sophomore has plenty of room to improve fundamentally as a defender, but makes up for it with sheer athleticism and instincts. For his part, Booker is easily the Tigers’ most imposing presence at 6-foot-8 and 250 pounds, and also blocks an average of about one shot per game — a stat Brownell expects to only improve as the season goes along. “Book is getting better,” Brownell said. “His instincts aren’t quite as good as some guys his size. There are times he does it well; there are others he doesn’t see it coming and doesn’t get over to help. K.J. has the natural instincts for it all the time and is always trying to do that. Every once in a while we wish he’d just come over and put his chest on somebody and guard them that way…but he’s got great instincts for it.” Clemson has done more than its fair share of altering shots in and around the paint, but its biggest key to defensive success starts far before that can happen — with a “jammer” responsible for guard the ball as soon as the ball as inbounded by the opposition. “That’s everything, pretty much,” senior forward Milton Jennings said. “By the time they get down the court, 10 seconds have gone off the shot clock. And then from there, we get in position and start playing sound man-to-man defense.” Brownell points to the play of a pair of guards, sophomore Rod Hall and freshman Adonis Filer, as a key to the Tigers’ defensive success this season — a big reason the team is allowing better than four points per game fewer than it did a year ago, even if it has missed the offensive prowess of leading scorer Andre Young at the point guard spot from that team. “It’s been very good,” Brownell said. “Our jamming at times is better than others, but Adonis Filer (at top) and Rod Hall (at left) have both done well pressuring the basketball, a major staple in Brad Brownell’s defensive philosophy. february 2013
❘
39
(Hall and Filer’s) strength at the position and ability to guard the initial dribbler is important to do it well. That’s one of the things with Adonis that is overlooked for a freshman is how well he guards. He can guard very well, especially on the ball, for a freshman. There aren’t a lot of freshmen coming in and defending at the level he defends. And then Rod has gotten to where he can guard both on-ball and off-ball very well.” As Brownell alluded to, most freshmen don’t arrive on campus as advanced on the defensive end as Filer. One player who admits he falls into that category is Jordan Roper, who has carved out a niche for the Tigers this season thanks to his ability as a scorer and shooter, but said he faced a steep learning curve defensively on the college level after playing almost exclusively in a zone scheme at Irmo High School. “It’s definitely something you have to buy into,” Roper said. “You have to buy into the schemes and the methods, and you just have to learn to trust your teammates. Sometimes it’s just a one-on-one situation where you keep your guy in front of you to stop them, Devin Booker, who has improved as a shot-blocker as a senior, is one of the ACC’s best post defenders.
40
❘
Orange: The Experience
but most of the time you have to trust your teammates that they’ll be there to help you and you’ll be there to help them.” The Tigers began the year as the youngest team in school history, with 12 of the 14 players on the roster being underclassmen. But in contrast to the offensive end of the court, where Brownell admits to having to run more sets and less of his preferred motion offense due to that inexperience, the biggest obstacle in getting the younger players to perform defensively isn’t understanding the scheme, it’s getting them to understand the effort required to be successful. “It’s a big change because none of us played defense in high school,” Jennings said. “I know for myself, we played four around one. And I just sat in the lane and erased shots at the rim, and everybody else played hard. So, when I came here and had to get into the defense and start trapping and guarding my man, it took me a whole lot longer to get used to that.” Along with Booker, Jennings is one of only two remaining players from the previous regime — one that also hung its hat on the defensive end. But while Oliver Purnell’s Clemson teams were also known for defense, it was a completely different kind of defense than the one Brownell teaches his players to play.
“I remember my freshman year, we had probably 10 defensive sets, so many different scenarios where we might be turning a guy at half-court or we might be coming up to try to steal the ball. This is completely different,” Jennings said. “We play hardcore man-toman, and we have people in positions. You’re not really just guarding your man; you’re looking at the ball and you’re in gaps. We call it guarding your gap. So, it’s a completely different style. With Coach Purnell, we would be trapping, trapping, where it’s two on one the whole time. Whereas, Coach (Brownell) says, ‘Don’t go for those risky steals.’ You play real hard; you stay in front of your man. It’s just two different styles with the same motive: defense first.” Most of the players believe Brownell’s philosophy is more reliant on intensity and effort than anything else, and they also almost universally agree their head coach doesn’t have much tolerance for shortcomings in that department. “Everybody is told to guard your man, and if you can’t do that, then sometimes you might go sit beside Coach,” Jennings said with a smile. Of course, when it comes to defense, sitting beside Coach is nothing if not a great place to learn.
february 2013
â?˜
41
2013 SEASON OUTLOOK | baseball by Brian Hennessy
Youth will be served on the 2013 Tiger baseball team, at least among position players. Jack Leggett, in his 20th season as head coach at Clemson, will direct a team that features nearly half of its players in their first year in the program. Most of the new faces Tiger fans will see in 2013 will be in the field, as Clemson should feature its youngest lineup in years. “We have some players who have played really well all fall,” said Leggett, whose 847 wins in 19 seasons as head coach at Clemson are seventh-most in the nation during that time span. “The freshmen have gotten better and better as time has gone on and some are going to contribute and be good players. “We have some work to figure out who the best players are going to be, but we saw a lot of them emerge in the last three or four weeks of the fall. We are starting to see some of these players take a big jump.” Many of those players who made a big jump are part of a recruiting class that was ranked as high as No. 5 in the nation by Collegiate Baseball. Assistant Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Bradley LeCroy, along with the rest of the coaching staff, were instrumental in Clemson signing a top-five class. With the losses of First-Team All-ACC players Phil Pohl and Richie Shaffer, Clemson returns players who have combined for only nine career home runs. Therefore, the Tigers will rely on other aspects of the offensive game in 2013. “I like our team speed,” stated Leggett. “Speed is one asset that carries with you from both offense to defense. We have a chance to be good in both areas.” Although Clemson returns just four position starters, the Tiger pitching staff, led by fourth-year Associate Head Coach Dan Pepicelli, returns 10 of the 13 pitchers who saw action from a 2012 team that had a solid 3.90 ERA. “We have some good upperclassmen on the pitching staff,” said Leggett. “Our freshmen and sophomores are hungry and they have a good measure of leadership among themselves as well.” Catchers Behind the plate, Clemson must replace
42
❘
Orange: The Experience
Spencer Kieboom, who received the Gold Glove Award as the nation’s best defensive catcher in 2012. The only returning Tiger who has experience at the position is sophomore Garrett Boulware. He made just one start at catcher as a freshman, and saw No. Name most of his action in left field, as he batted 1 Maleeke Gibson .214 in 28 games (17 3 Tyler Krieger 4 Thomas Brittle starts) in 2012. 5 Joe Costigan Freshman Matt 6 Andrew Cox Reed will also vie for 8 Kyle Whitman the starting spot be9 Steven Duggar hind the plate. He 10 Mike Dunster won the Omaha Chal11 Shane Kennedy lenge competition 12 Jon McGibbon among position play13 Jay Baum ers in the fall, a sign 15 Mike Kent 16 John Mulkey of his athleticism and 17 Steve Wilkerson strength. 18 Tyler Slaton Although he is un19 Brody Koerner able to play in a game, 20 Scott Firth senior bullpen catch21 Kevin Pohle er Marcus Curry was 22 Wales Toney voted as a co-captain 23 Daniel Gossett by his teammates for 25 Matt Reed his hard work and 27 Kyle Bailey 28 Jonathan Meyer dedication with the 29 Jackson Campana pitching staff.
Clemson’s top returning power hitter. He started 55 games at first base and had a 24game streak of reaching base in 2012. His highlight of the 2012 season came in the
baseball ROSTER
Infielders The right side of Clemson’s infield returns intact in 2013. Junior second baseman Steve Wilkerson was Clemson’s leadoff batter during most of the 2012 season and earned Second-Team All-ACC honors. The switch-hitter is a preseason third-team All-American by Collegiate Baseball after hitting .295 with a team-tying-high 49 runs. Junior first baseman and co-captain Jon McGibbon is
Pos.
OF INF OF OF OF/1B INF/RHP OF INF INF 1B INF/OF RHP OF INF OF RHP RHP RHP RHP RHP C LHP RHP INF/RHP 30 Garrett Boulware C 32 Clate Schmidt RHP 33 Zack Erwin LHP 35 Mike Triller OF 36 Matt Campbell RHP 37 Kevin Bradley INF/C 39 Jake Long^ RHP 40 Kyle Schnell RHP 42 Clay Bates RHP 43 Patrick Andrews RHP 44 Matthew Crownover LHP 45 Daniel Chewning RHP 48 Garrett Lovorn RHP 50 D.J. Reader RHP/INF 51 Joseph Moorefield LHP
Hgt.
Wgt. Class Hometown
5-9 6-0 5-8 5-11 5-11 6-2 6-1 5-10 6-2 6-1 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-1 5-7 6-1 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-5 6-0 6-6 6-1 6-1 6-4 6-2 5-11 6-1 5-10 6-0 5-11 6-3 5-11 6-8 6-2 6-3 6-1
165 160 175 200 205 215 185 185 190 220 190 195 170 190 200 200 175 195 200 170 195 230 190 220 210 175 180 190 195 190 180 160 180 215 195 220 190 335 195
Head Coach: Jack Leggett Associate Head Coach: Dan Pepicelli Assistant Head Coach: Bradley LeCroy Volunteer Assistant Coach: Michael Johnson Student Assistant Coaches: Brad Chalk, Stephen Faris Director of Baseball Operations: Brad Owens Note: * spent one season as a red-shirt player; ^ ineligible in 2013 due to NCAA transfer rules
Fr. Fr. *Sr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. *Jr. Fr. Jr. So. Fr. Sr. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. So. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. *Fr. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. *So. So. Fr. *So. Fr. Fr. *Sr.
Sumter, SC Johns Creek, GA Cross, SC Naples, FL Belton, SC Fort Mill, SC Moore, SC Greenwich, CT Orlando, FL Lindenhurst, NY Alpharetta, GA Springfield, VA Greenwood, SC Roswell, GA Cumming, GA Concord, NC Buffalo Grove, IL Saint Louis, MO Anderson, SC Lyman, SC Purcellville, VA Southlake, TX San Diego, CA Charlotte, NC Anderson, SC Acworth, GA Duluth, GA Rutland, VT Alpharetta, GA Pennington, NJ Anderson, SC Alpharetta, GA Rock Hill, SC Hilton Head Island, SC Ringgold, GA Seneca, SC Pendleton, SC Greensboro, NC Woodruff, SC
ACC Tournament with Clemson trailing No. 1 Florida State 7-6 in the bottom of the ninth inning. He lined a three-run walkoff homer to beat the top-ranked Seminoles. Clemson will replace the left side of the infield with the losses of Shaffer, a first-team All-American, at third base and Jason Stolz, who had a remarkable .985 fielding percentage, at shortstop. A leading candidate to move into one of those two starting spots is sophomore Jay Baum. He batted just .220 as a freshman who primarily played in the outfield, but had a .354 on-base percentage and 28 walks against only 19 strikeouts. The Tigers have five newcomers in the infield that will all compete for spots in 2013. Shane Kennedy, a leading candidate to start
Above: Thomas Brittle returns for his senior season as one of the most exciting centerfielders in college baseball. At right: Senior pitcher Scott Firth has one of the best earned run averages in Clemson history. Photos by Rex Brown, IPTAY Media
at third base, was a junior college All-American and an all-state selection at Santa Fe College in 2012. As a freshman at North Florida in 2011, he hit .324 in 43 games. Freshman Tyler Krieger is a strong candidate to start at shortstop. He was drafted in the 35th round by the Seattle Mariners last spring. Kevin Bradley is a freshman who has the versatility to not only play in the infield, but also behind the plate. He was a 36th-round
draft pick of the Colorado Rockies last year. With his 6-foot-6 frame, freshman Jackson Campana showed his power potential in the fall after being rated as the No. 13 player in North Carolina by Perfect Game. Kyle Whitman is another freshman infielder who will look to make an impact in 2013. He was rated as the No. 1 first baseman in South Carolina by Diamond Prospects. Outfielders The unquestioned leader of the Tiger outfield is senior centerfielder and co-captain Thomas Brittle. In his first active season as a Tiger in 2012, he showed why he is one of the best defensive outfielders in Clemson history by making countless highlight-reel catches and totaling nine outfield assists.
Brittle was a Second-Team All-ACC selection who hit .298 with eight triples, two homers, 36 RBIs and a team-high 15 steals. Junior Joe Costigan was the team’s best pinch-hitter in 2012, as he was 7-for-18 (.389) in that situation. He came on late in the season with several key hits, including a pinch-hit single late in Clemson’s comeback win over No. 1 Florida State in the ACC Tournament. Sophomore Tyler Slaton is the last returning outfielder with collegiate experience. The speedster had a solid .353 on-base percentage in 2012. Several freshmen, all from the state of South Carolina, will compete for the starting corner outfield positions. Steven Duggar was rated as the top position player in South Carolina by Perfect Game and was a two-time all-
state selection at James F. Byrnes High School. Maleeke Gibson had a stellar fall after a standout career at Thomas Sumter Academy. He was rated as the No. 7 high school prospect in South Carolina by Baseball America. Andrew Cox was rated as the No. 2 outfielder in South Carolina by Diamond Prospects and also will vie for playing time at first base. Cox’s father, Jimmy, was a member of the 1979 and 1980 Clemson football teams, while his brother, Jay, was an outfielder on the 2011 Tiger baseball squad. Pitchers The Tiger pitching staff returns over 66 percent of its innings and two of its three weekend starters from the second half of the 2012 season.
The leader of the staff is senior righthander and co-captain Scott Firth. He has seen action as both a starter and reliever and has an 11-2 record and a 2.81 ERA in 134.1 innings pitched in his career. His 2.09 ERA was best on the team in 2012, and was the best mark by a Tiger (given a minimum of 40 innings pitched) since 1998. Another hard-throwing righty who will play a prominent role in the success of the Tigers is sophomore Daniel Gossett. He was Clemson’s best pitcher as a starter during the latter stages of 2012. Gossett had a 6-3 record and a .221 opponents’ batting average with a team-high 87 strikeouts in 77.0 innings pitched. Junior righthander Kevin Pohle was Clemson’s top freshman pitcher in 2011, a weekend starter during most of the 2012 season, february 2013
❘
43
baseball Schedule
and looks to do the same in 2013. He has a 12-6 record and 3.14 ERA in 33 appearances (17 starts) in his career. Like Pohle, senior righty Jonathan Meyer relies on movement and location for his success. He has pitched more innings (160.2) than any other Tiger on the 2013 team as both a starter and long reliever. Meyer has a career 2.76 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Junior righthander Matt Campbell was having an outstanding 2012 season as one of the team’s best end-of-game pitchers before suffering a season-ending injury on April 27. He had a 2.49 ERA and a team-best .211 opponents’ batting average in 25.1 innings pitched. Mike Kent is another junior righty who emerged as a go-to reliever in 2012. With his outstanding breaking ball, he had a 3.76 ERA in 21 appearances. Senior Joseph Moorefield is Clemson’s lone returning lefthander who has seen significant action on the mound as a Tiger. Sophomore Patrick Andrews showed flashes of dominance as a freshman in 2012, including against No. 1 Florida State in the ACC Tournament when he retired all four batters he faced to earn the win. A big reason for Clemson’s high recruiting ranking was the addition of freshman righthander Clate Schmidt out of talent-rich Georgia. He was drafted in the 36th round by the Detroit Tigers and was rated as the No. 10 righthander in the nation by Perfect Game. Another highly-touted prospect is freshman lefty Matthew Crownover. He was rated as the No. 87 high school prospect in the nation by Baseball America after being a three-time all-state selection in Georgia. Local product and freshman righthander Wales Toney will compete for innings as a freshman in 2013. He was rated as the No. 5 player in South Carolina by Perfect Game at T.L. Hanna High School in nearby Anderson. Freshman righthander Brody Koerner was a twoJon McGibbon time all-state selection and was rated as the No. 5 was a mainstay high school prospect in North Carolina by Baseball at first base for the Tigers America. last season, Freshman D.J. Reader, who also has the versatility and provides to play in the infield, is a 6-foot-3, 335-pound rightplenty of pop in hander. He is already known to Tiger fans as a backClemson’s lineup. up defensive tackle who had 40 stops in 236 snaps Photo by Rex Brown, on Clemson’s 11-win football team in 2012. IPTAY Media
Date
Day Opponent
2-15 Fri. 2-16 Sat. 2-17 Sun. 2-22 Fri. 2-23 Sat. 2-24 Sun. 2-26 Tue. 3-1 Fri. 3-2 Sat. 3-3 Sun. 3-6 Wed. 3-8 Fri. 3-9 Sat. 3-10 Sun. 3-13 Wed. 3-15 Fri. 3-16 Sat. 3-17 Sun. 3-19 Tue. 3-20 Wed. 3-22 Fri. 3-23 Sat. 3-24 Sun. 3-26 Tue. 3-27 Wed. 3-30 Sat. 3-31 Sun. 4-1 Mon. 4-3 Wed. 4-5 Fri. 4-6 Sat. 4-7 Sun. 4-9 Tue. 4-10 Wed. 4-12 Fri. 4-13 Sat. 4-14 Sun. 4-17 Wed. 4-19 Fri. 4-20 Sat. 4-21 Sun. 4-24 Wed. 4-26 Fri. 4-27 Sat. 4-28 Sun. 5-4 Sat. 5-5 Sun. 5-6 Mon. 5-8 Wed. 5-10 Fri. 5-11 Sat. 5-12 Sun. 5-14 Tue. 5-16 Thu. 5-17 Fri. 5-18 Sat. 5-22 to 5-26 5-31 to 6-3 6-7 to 6-10 6-15 to 6-26
William & Mary William & Mary William & Mary Wright State Wright State Wright State Winthrop South Carolina South Carolina at South Carolina Wofford *at NC State *at NC State *at NC State Charleston Southern *Virginia *Virginia *Virginia Morehead State Morehead State *Duke *Duke *Duke at Georgia Georgia *at North Carolina *at North Carolina *at North Carolina Gardner-Webb *at Boston College *at Boston College *at Boston College at Western Carolina Presbyterian College *Wake Forest *Wake Forest *Wake Forest Furman *at Miami (FL) *at Miami (FL) *at Miami (FL) Western Carolina *Georgia Tech *Georgia Tech *Georgia Tech *Maryland *Maryland *Maryland Furman Georgia Southern Georgia Southern Georgia Southern USC Upstate *at Florida State *at Florida State *at Florida State ACC Tournament NCAA Regionals NCAA Super Regionals College World Series
Site
Time
Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC ^Greenville, SC Columbia, SC Clemson, SC Raleigh, NC Raleigh, NC Raleigh, NC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Athens, GA Clemson, SC Chapel Hill, NC Chapel Hill, NC Chapel Hill, NC Clemson, SC Chestnut Hill, MA Chestnut Hill, MA Chestnut Hill, MA Cullowhee, NC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Coral Gables, FL Coral Gables, FL Coral Gables, FL Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC ^Greenville, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Clemson, SC Tallahassee, FL Tallahassee, FL Tallahassee, FL Durham, NC TBA TBA Omaha, NE
4:00 PM 2:00 PM 1:00 PM 4:00 PM 2:00 PM 1:00 PM 4:00 PM 6:30 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 1:00 PM 4:00 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 1:00 PM 6:30 PM 4:00 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 1:00 PM 7:00 PM 6:30 PM 6:00 PM 3:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 2:30 PM 1:30 PM 1:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 1:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 1:00 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 1:00 PM 6:30 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 3:00 PM TBA TBA TBA TBA
Note: * ACC regular-season game; ^ Fluor Field; Note: Home games in bold; all times are PM and Eastern.
44
❘
Orange: The Experience
Clemson’s Dealership
500 OFF
$
Any New Vehicle Purchase! Offer expires 3/31/2013 coupon must be presented upon time of arrival.
10815 Clemson Blvd (Hwy 123) Seneca, S.C. Chrysler • Dodge • Jeep • Ram
864-888-1200
I Want My Dodge.com f e baruugaur syt2 20 01 13 2 ❘ ❘4531
Senior bullpen catcher Marcus Curry has been an instrumental team player for the Tiger baseball program behind the scenes.
Leading From the Background by William Qualkinbush | photos by Rex Brown ,
46
â?˜
Orange: The Experience
IPTAY Media
S
uccessful athletic programs are built on the backs of the people nobody sees. They never show up in the boxscore. Their names never appear in the newspaper. They simply go about their business, day after day, doing the little things necessary to make those around them successful. Most would agree “bullpen catcher” probably falls into this category. Being a bullpen catcher is a thankless job. While fans are watching the action, the bullpen catcher lives and works in obscurity. Before the game, while chatter and concessions dominate the stands, the bullpen catcher prepares the starting pitcher to rise up and meet the challenges in the opposing lineup. As the game wears on and attentions turn to the bullpen, the focus is on the man throwing the ball and preparing to enter the game, not the one catching his pitches. It takes a special person to not only take on the role of bullpen catcher, but also thrive in it and own it. Clemson has been blessed with such a person in senior co-captain Marcus Curry. Curry is the consummate selfless leader — committed to team over self, addicted to providing meaningful guidance to younger teammates, always conscious of the dirty work that goes into putting a clean product onto the field. He is a rare mixture of player and coach with a mentality that equally balances steely resolve to achieve and recognition of the fun aspects of the game he plays. Curry is different than most baseball players. The Nichols, SC native was born in Germany, a military brat raised by a Desert Storm veteran and a mother who instilled proper values into his heart at a young age. It was through his father’s military service that
he learned the importance of discipline and going full-throttle each and every day. “If you’re not being the best that you can be, then what are you really doing?’” Curry recalled his father teaching him. “’Whose time are you wasting?’ That’s one of the things I always kicked myself in the butt on when I got here.” Curry played baseball in high school, but he is different than most collegiate baseball players. He cannot reel off a list of Major League ballplayers — something he admits gives his teammates a chance to needle him — and he did not come to Clemson with the idea that baseball was in his future. Instead, Curry first began to interact with Tiger baseball in the weight room as a student assistant to Olympic Sports Strength & Conditioning Coordinator Dennis Love. Curry has always been fascinated by the benefits a strong strength & conditioning program could have on an individual or a team, even in high school. Those initial interactions with the people in the program led Curry to become a part of the Tiger baseball team. His optimistic outlook was tested after a rocky start, which is when he says he temporarily forgot his father’s advice. “That was probably the first time in my entire life that I didn’t actually step up to the challenge because I just watched these guys
on TV last year, and now I’m in the same locker room, on the same field with them,” Curry said of his freshman season. “I felt like I sold myself short because I didn’t put forth the work ethic, I didn’t put forth the time. “I was scared to be great my freshman year here.” Eventually, Curry made a conscious decision not to conform to the perceptions of those who doubted his abilities. Instead, the mentality that attracted him to the weight room became the driving force behind his development as a baseball player. Curry is Suddenly, Curry known as became the first one of the person to arrive first players at the facility and to arrive the last one to for practice leave. He put himand is self through extra always one drills, sometimes of the last until the wee hours to leave. of the morning. He amped up his level of preparedness by studying books on how to pitch and catch, and he began to analyze Pitching Coach Dan Pepicelli’s charts as if he were going to start. In essence, he chose to surpass expectations, as opposed to simply being satisfied with meeting them. “There’s nothing you can put into my mind that I cannot do,” Curry said. “People told me when I got here I’d never catch any of our pitchers outside of 85 miles per hour. I’m training minor league guys coming back that are throwing 93, 94, 96, 97.” Once Curry implemented his new approach, he began to feel more comfortable leading his teammates — particularly the younger ones. The mistakes of his freshman
february 2013
❘
47
season have become motivation for each new class of players that comes through the program. During preseason workouts, it is often Curry that gives pertinent advice that will benefit the team’s mentality. “If you’re tired, don’t show anybody that you’re tired,” Curry tells the freshmen. “If you’re hurting, don’t show anybody that you’re hurting. The only person that should know that you’re not feeling your best is you, and that’s when you go home at night and lay down in your bed and go to sleep.” One of the key ideas Curry espouses is the notion that leadership can come from different people at different times. He works with new players and challenges them to take on a leadership role if the opportunity presents, instead of deferring to others by default. “If you’re going to lead, you can lead,” Curry said. “It doesn’t matter what year. You can lead by example. You can show people what you can do. If you work hard, you work hard. It doesn’t matter who’s looking. It doesn’t matter who’s around.” Curry has settled into his role in an uncommon way. He understands his opportunities to make an impact are happening behind the scenes, and he is comfortable with it. Every single time he goes to the bullpen — whether before a game or when he senses the in-game pitcher struggling a bit — he has a job to do that is, in his mind, as important as anything else going on at the time. “If I don’t do my job down there, it’s really going to hurt us because that’s where it starts,” Curry said. “If the pitcher throws that first pitch and I haven’t done my job, then what am I here for? If I don’t sign in right, if I’m not setting up in the right lane, if I can’t see the mistakes the pitchers are making, if I’m being selfish with myself and not worrying about what everybody else does, it doesn’t work.” When Curry is not preparing a pitcher to take the mound, he recognizes the fun aspects of the game. He likes to sing along with the music being played over the speakers at Doug Kingsmore Stadium, which he says can be entertaining for those within earshot. The
48
❘
Orange: The Experience
At left: Off the field, Curry is a talented musician who plays keyboard at a local church. Below: Curry was voted as one of Clemson’s four captains for 2013, a tremendous honor for a bullpen catcher.
musically-inclined Curry has been a church musician for a decade, including his current role as a keyboard player and drummer at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Seneca, so he likes the chance to blend two different elements of his life to create an enjoyable atmosphere in the clubhouse. “You hear the same songs every game,” he said with a grin. “After a while, I just started singing the songs and making people laugh. I just enjoy seeing people smile.” Curry’s spiritual background also gives him a sense of purpose, something he also picked up from watching his father go about his business in the Army. The senior knows he has the role he has for a reason, and he is both grateful for the chance and eager to utilize his place to impact others. “I believe there’s a greater purpose for me here,” he said. “I didn’t come here on a baseball scholarship, so for me to even be involved and
for me to remember where I was and for Coach Pepicelli and Coach Leggett to even bring me back for my sophomore year, there’s a greater purpose than just getting a starting spot.” It may seem like Curry has settled for being a bullpen catcher over the years. However, since his approach changed after his inaugural campaign, Curry has dedicated himself to be the best he can be in whatever position he happens to hold. This extends to the bullpen catcher’s role, where he strives daily to be the best bullpen catcher he can be. It extends to the leadership realm, where he yearns to set an example for his teammates. It extends to his studies, where he looks forward to receiving his degree and entering the Marines, where he will begin officer training and — hopefully — have a place on the baseball team. For now, though, the Tigers’ bullpen catcher is totally invested in the 2013 Clemson baseball season. He hopes new groundwork will be laid so his team can enjoy one last trip to Omaha for the College World Series before he departs. “There’s going to have to be a group of people within the team that sets a new standard every game,” Curry said. “If we beat somebody by eight today, let’s go beat somebody by 12 tomorrow. If you pitch and have six K’s today, the starting pitcher for tomorrow had better have seven K’s. There has to be an inner-team competition and a new beginning every day. Every day, for us, should be Opening Day.” Curry will get a final shot to see Opening Day in a Clemson uniform, and he will get many more chances to recapture the emotion. But Curry will not rest until his career ends warming up the Tigers’ starter as the team prepares to take the field at TD Ameritrade Park for a chance at true greatness.
is your official weekly e-Newsletter for IPTAY donors. • Primary source for all IPTAY news and information • Behind-the-scenes coverage of coaches and student-athletes • Exclusive stories, video content and much more
www.MyOrangeUpdate.com For more information and how to receive MyOrangeUpdate, contact us at 864-656-2115 • Donornet-L@clemson.edu • P.O. Box 1529, Clemson, SC 29633
february 2013
❘
49
driven to succeed pettaway determined to fulfill potential to help team prove doubters wrong by Schuyler Easterling
I
t’s a chilly Sunday afternoon and gameday in Tigertown. The soft sounds of a basketball dribbling across the hardwood echo through Littlejohn Coliseum. Sneakers squeak, and the smell of concessions drift about the rafters. Tiger Band strikes up a rousing chorus of “Tiger Rag” as the Orange & White faithful rise to their feet in unison. Amidst the noise and atmosphere, junior forward Quinyotta Pettaway hustles about the court with the hungry glint of determination in her eyes. For Pettaway, the crowd and distractions are nothing but a distant roar. When on the court, all else fades away but the will to win, improve and perfect. Striving for these goals, Pettaway’s drive to succeed has transformed her from an awe-struck freshman three years ago to a dominant player and leader on the hardwood for the 2012-13 Lady Tigers. Glimpsing into Pettaway’s past, the tale of her basketball success began at an early age in her hometown of Hertford, NC. “I was about 10 years old, and my mom got me started playing the game,” she said. “I didn’t want to play at first. Mom told me I was tall and that I needed to start being more involved with some extracurricular activities. Basketball was the perfect way to do that. With her pressure, I eventually gave in. Once I started playing, I fell in love with the sport. Basketball came easy to me, and I’ve been playing ever since.” Without a doubt, Pettaway was a natural. The young girl dominated on the courts through elementary and junior high school in dramatic fashion. In high school, Pettaway’s powerful play and presence on the court made her an icon among the 2,000 residents of Hertford. Playing for local Perquimans High School, Pettaway was unQuinyotta Pettaway had six double-doubles through games of Jan. 27. Photo by Rex Brown, IPTAY Media
50
❘
Orange: The Experience
stoppable, amassing more than 1,000 points by the end of her junior year. In her senior season, she helped propel the Lady Pirates to 21 straight wins and into the semifinals of the North Carolina state playoffs, averaging more than 20 points and 10 rebounds per game (notching one triple-double). The dominant play of the 6-foot-3 forward soon caught the eye of the Clemson coaching staff. Although excelling on the hardwood, Pettaway wasn’t expecting a collegiate career in basketball. “When it came time to start thinking about a college selection, I wasn’t really thinking about playing basketball,” she said. “One day I got a call from one of the coaches at Clemson at the time. He made the seven-hour trip to watch me play and gave me an offer to play for Clemson. At the time, I didn’t know much about Clemson other than I was familiar with the school because of the football program. “I talked the decision over with my family a lot, and we agreed Clemson was the place for me. When it came down to it, I couldn’t turn down an offer to play in the ACC. To be the best, you have to play the best.” Pettaway journeyed south from the Tar Heel State and arrived on the Clemson campus in the fall of 2010, determined to make an immediate impact for the Lady Tigers. However, Pettaway’s first year provided a valuable learning curve for the talented hoopster. Playing in 24 games and earning 204 minutes of playing time, Pettaway worked hard to gain experience at the forward and center positions while transitioning from high school to ACC basketball. Although averaging a meager 2.1 rebounds per game and 1.4 points per contest, Pettaway appeared to be a diamond in the rough. Showing flashes, Pettaway was second on the team in pro-rated rebounding (averaging 10.7 rebounds per 40 minutes) and tops on the team with a 3.6 blocks per 40 minutes on average. “When I stepped on campus my freshman year, I was not prepared to play mentally or physically,” Pettaway admitted. “I was athletic, but I wasn’t the developed player I needed to be. I was determined to get better and constantly improve.” Last season as a sophomore, Pettaway did exactly that. Using the offseason to her advantage, her incredible work ethic and determination bolstered her play and led to one of the largest one-year improvements in Clemson basketball history in nearly every statistical category. In an incredible transformation, Pettaway averaged 9.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in 28 games (starting in 24 contests). She was one of the conference’s most improved players, averaging 7.7 points and 5.1
Above: Pettaway is one of the top rebounders in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Photo by Rex Brown, IPTAY Media
At left: Pettaway posted 10 points and 18 rebounds against North Carolina in the Lady Tigers’ ACC opener. Photo by Dawson Powers
rebounds per game more than her freshman year. For the season, Pettaway had double-figure-rebounding games six times and recorded four double-doubles, leading the Lady Tigers in rebounding and field goal percentage. In perhaps the biggest game of her career, Pettaway notched 16 points and 12 rebounds in front of friends and family to help the Lady Tigers upset No. 21 ranked North Carolina in Chapel Hill. “Looking back to last year, I’m very proud of how my coaching staff helped develop me
into the great player I never thought I could be,” she said. “I’ve been really happy with my improvement, but I’m not satisfied. I know I’m not at the level I want to be yet, and I will keep working to improve myself and this team.” As a junior, Pettaway and the Lady Tigers have faced adversity at every turn. Battling injuries and transfers, Clemson has looked for leaders to emerge. Pettaway has answered the call. “I want to be at my best and help this team any way I can,” she said. “I know next year is my last season here. I want to prove to the world we can be the team we’ve always dreamed of. I want to prove the doubters wrong and make it to the tournament. “We have talented players, and we just have to put the pieces into place. We work so hard as a team and we’ll have to keep working hard to get where we want to be. This is my family, and I will always give my all for Coach (Itoro) Coleman and my teammates. One of the things I love most about Clemson is the family atmosphere. I love that I’m not just playing for the Clemson Lady Tigers every time I step on the court … I’m playing for my family. For me, this family makes all the difference.” february 2013
❘
51
A Perfect Fit Reed’s Coaching Journey Leads to a Place Where Football is Community by Steven Bradley ,
A
Defensive Backs Coach Mike Reed settled into his new office just after the turn of the New Year.
Photo by Rex Brown, IPTAY Media
52
❘
IPTAY Media
s a young assistant coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, Mike Reed would stand on their home field at Veterans Stadium and later Lincoln Financial Field or various road venues around the NFL and help star safety Brian Dawkins go through the pregame ritual he used to prepare before every game. When Dawkins finished his drills, Reed would throw him the football, presumably so the perennial Pro Bowler could visualize making an interception that might make the difference on any given Sunday. Trouble was, if Reed didn’t throw a tight spiral befitting the ones Dawkins hoped to pick off during the game, the ball would come right back — returned to sender. “Brian would throw it back and force me, as a coach, to throw a spiral,” Reed recalled. “You appreciate that as a coach, because here was a man that was going to be a Hall of Famer, who seeks perfection in everything he does. And it made you as a coach step your game up to another level. You’re like, ‘Wow, he wants perfection. I’ve got to give him perfection on my end.’ So, it was a great experience.” The experience came full circle for Reed, who was named Clemson’s defensive backs coach Jan. 4, when barely a week after starting his new job, he attended the Tigers’ year-end awards banquet where, fittingly, his former pupil was honored with the inaugural Brian Dawkins Clemson Lifetime Achievement Award. With that, the two old friends from Philly were reunited. “It was great to see him at the banquet, and we hugged. And it wasn’t just a greeting hug, it was a brotherly, hold-you-tight hug, like, ‘I missed you,’” Reed said. “We had some fond memories in Philadelphia — Super Bowls, NFC Championship runs, it was good. I remember, his playbook was called ‘Weapon X.’ So, you always had to label his playbook, ‘Weapon X.’ You talk about a man who truly transformed into a warrior, it was him.” Reed worked for Philadelphia as a defensive backs and special teams coach in 2002 and then a defensive assistant and quality control coach from 2003-06. The Eagles advanced to the NFC Championship game three times and went to the Super Bowl at the end of the 2004 season. Dawkins made
Orange: The Experience
the Pro Bowl four of the five years Reed was on the staff. After his time with the Eagles, Reed was hired in 2007 to coach defensive backs at North Carolina State, where he had been for the past six years prior to coming to Clemson. But when Charlie Harbison informed Tiger Head Coach Dabo Swinney after the regular season he was resigning to accept a position at Auburn, Reed — unbeknownst to him, of course — quickly found his name on the shortlist to be Harbison’s replacement. “He was one of the first three names I wrote down,” Swinney said. “Once I found out Charlie was leaving, just immediately right off the top of my head, ‘Bam, bam, bam,’ and he was one of those three.” The two first met when Swinney was still an assistant coach on Tommy Bowden’s staff
that I enjoyed being around and appreciated how he did his job, even though we’re both competing against each other. And then several other times — every time I was around him over the last six years — it was the same thing: just consistent class, never heard anything bad about him. You just never know, the webs that we weave and the interactions, how some chance meeting or the seed that you sowed a while ago, you never know how it’s going to come back. That’s why it’s important to treat people the right way. And Mike Reed was a guy that immediately jumped out at me. And then you start studying the success that he’s had as a position coach, it was very impressive.” Reed recalled the development of his relationship with Swinney much the same way, but said he actually became interested in the
get here. After his college playing career at Boston College, Reed was the last selection of the 1995 NFL draft by the Carolina Panthers and played two seasons for that team in 1995 and 1996. He then played for the NFL Europe team in Frankfurt, Germany, and was the team captain of the 1999 squad that won the World Bowl Championship. Reed began his coaching career the following year and immediately landed a job in the professional ranks. But the job wasn’t in the NFL — it was coaching defensive backs for the Kiel Hurricanes of the German Professional League. While the sport he was coaching wasn’t even the one people in that area of Europe meant when they talked about football, Reed said the experience was invaluable in his growth. “The playbook was basically like a Dr. Se-
“I love going places where people say, ‘Hey, Coach, how are you doing?’ ... I can see the love each and every day, not only from the inside support staff, but also the community. Football is community here because we’re so in touch with the people of Clemson. And that’s a great feeling.” — MIke Reed, Clemson Defensive Backs Coach
Reed coached defensive backs at NC State from 2007-12. Photo courtesy of NC State Media Relations
six years ago, and their paths crossed on the recruiting trail in Jacksonville, FL. While the two young position coaches only had a brief exchange, Swinney was immediately struck by the way Reed handled himself — a first impression that was only confirmed in future encounters. “You come across different guys in this business — some you might want to go have a cup of coffee with; some guys there’s just no way,” Swinney said. “He was one of those guys
job before it was even available. Reed and his wife, Kimberley, were watching the Tigers’ game against Florida State this season together when something occurred to him very clearly. “Wow, I’d like to coach there one day,” he told Kimberley. “My wife said, ‘Yeah, I can see us there too,’” he said. “And fortunately, God has a plan for everything, and voilà, I’m here.” But whatever divine plan led Reed to Clemson, it was a long and winding road to
uss children’s book — lots of pictures and everything was broken down to, I’d say, a third-grade reading level,” Reed said. “Because you’re dealing with people who English was their second language, maybe their third language…it definitely made me become a teacher of the game. These kids were usually playing soccer — or as they call it, football. It was different. It was challenging, but it was also great, because it made sure that you were teaching the basics of the game.” Now, of course, Reed finds himself in a significantly different environment when it comes to football — a place where the team he is coaching is the toast of the town virtually year-round. And that aspect of living and february 2013
❘
53
working at Clemson is one he has already come to relish. “I love going places where people say, ‘Hey, Coach, how are you doing?’ because that means they are in tune,” Reed said. “That’s one thing that I love about this place now that I’m here. I can see the love each and every day, not only from the inside support staff, but also the community. Football is community here because we’re so in touch with the people of Clemson. And that’s a great feeling. I haven’t been a lot of places where I’ve felt that connection.” Of course, Reed hasn’t gotten to experience that connection nearly as often as he would like just yet. After coming on board just after the Tigers’ Chick-fil-Bowl win over then-No. 7 LSU to close out the 2012 season, Reed said he’s been “running around like a chicken with my head cut off” on the recruiting trail. Swinney indicated Reed’s primary recruiting areas would be the Carolinas and Georgia, which means Reed has been walking into
Reed, pictured with freshman tackle D.J. Reader, helped present awards at the seasonending banquet. Photo by Annemarie Jacques
many of the same schools he has been recruiting for years, only wearing different colors than he had been the last time those coaches and prospects saw him. Because he was hired with just a little more
than a month before National Signing Day, Reed said he’s gotten limited time to actually get to know the players and fellow coaches he will be working with at Clemson. And that, he said, is a part of his new job that he is especially excited about. “I’ve had some brief meetings with them, as far as introductions and one-on-ones to lay the groundwork of what my players can expect from me and what I expect from them,” Reed said. “As far as the social aspect, I think we have some great young men. When I say that, these are young men that you can go to bat with, that I can see them being the leaders of tomorrow.” Coming from a guy who once coached a surefire future Hall of Famer and Clemson legend such as Dawkins, it’s safe to say Reed’s valuation carries significant weight.
ANNOUNCING THE 2013 PROWL AND GROWL TOUR STOPS Plan to join fellow alumni, IPTAY members and Clemson friends in your area for these exciting events. For more information on dates and locations for the Prowl and Growl in your area, go to clemson.edu/alumni.
Greenwood
Columbia
Greenville
Myrtle Beach
Aiken
Nashville
Lexington
Rock Hill
Charleston
Atlanta
Florence
Charlotte
Raleigh
Spartanburg
For ticket information visit clemsontigers.com
864-656-5896 clemson.edu/giving
54
❘
Orange: The Experience
864-656-2345 clemson.edu/alumni
1-800-CLEMSON clemsontigers.com
2013 FORD
FUSION
“If you want a Ford, there’s only one name to remember. Leader Ford.”
CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED
— Dabo Swinney Clemson University Football Head Coach
172-point inspection by factory-trained technicians 7-year/100,000-mile comprehensive warranty coverage Free vehicle history report Factory-backed warranty coverage that delivers peace of mind
Free delivery to IPTAY members. 888-3600 | Hwy. 123 | www.LeaderFord.com f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 3 55 ❘
180-Degree Turn
All-American Spencer Adams Matures Into the Face of the Men’s Track & Field Program by Philip Sikes | photos by Rex Brown ,
T
he run-throughs are complete. The competitors are heading back to the starting blocks. Spencer Adams approaches a hurdle, folds his left arm over his right atop the hurdle, and bows his head. “I run under the wings of you, God,” Adams says in a prerace regimen that he began as a high-schooler. He taps his arms and points his hand to the sky, returning to the blocks to get set for another hurdles competition. “It helps me achieve center before a race,” he said. “It keeps things in perspective and calms me down. I know I’m blessed to be here.” To hear Adams speak, you would think humility and selflessness were traits ingrained in him from the first time he set foot on a track. But according to Clemson’s red-shirt senior hurdler, the journey he has taken from one of an immature
56
❘
Orange: The Experience
talent to leader by example has been a 180-degree turn. He entered Clemson in the fall of 2008 as a sensational athlete who had plans of starring at safety for Tommy Bowden on the gridiron and in the hurdles for the Tiger track team. A tall safety who possessed great range on the football field, Adams’ path to greatness didn’t
IPTAY Media
start as expected. In the final month of his freshman football campaign, as a red-shirted player, he tore his ACL and subsequently missed his entire first season of track & field. A former national champion hurdler, Adams admitted his focus was never in the right place when it came to juggling both sports.
Adams has grown from an immature talent to national championship contender in the men’s hurdles.
“When I tore my ACL, all I was focused on was me,” he said. “When I came out for track, it was all about Spencer. I was a team player, so to speak, but I was always thinking about what was best for me.” Adams ultimately played two seasons as a reserve safety and special teams player before dedicating his athletic talents solely to track & field. With the results that followed, few could argue with his decision. He was all-conference in the indoor and outdoor high hurdles, and a secondteam All-American in both seasons as well. The success carried over into 2011-12, where the rest of the track world saw glimpses of his immense talent. He won his first ACC Championship in the 60 hurdles and followed with a fifth-place finish at the NCAA indoor national meet. He then took bronze in one of the fastest NCAA outdoor finals for the 100-meter hurdles. He took it a step further and competed in last summer’s U.S. Olympic Trials against many of the world’s greatest hurdlers. It was an eye-opening experience, one that left Adams clamoring for more. “The professionals are on a whole different level, but I can visualize myself at that level,” he said. To get to that level, Adams believes his best shot is to take aim at winning the school’s first NCAA title in the men’s hurdles since Duane Ross won the outdoor crown in 1995. Event coach Tim Hall, who has known Adams since he was a sophomore at Butler High School in Charlotte, NC, believes his prized pupil possesses the necessary tools to reach his ultimate goal. “He’s worked extremely hard this offseason, and that showed with his time (7.62 – tied a personal best) in our opening meet,” Hall said. “The hay is in the barn at this point. We need to fine-tune the things he has
perfected. He has a huge target on his back, but he’s prepared for the challenge.” Adams relishes the challenge of being a leader for a men’s team that has been somewhat overshadowed by the enormous success achieved by the Clemson women. Just last month, after sophomore Torian Ware broke
what they should be doing, I’m not afraid to voice my opinion.” Being vocal with teammates and coaches has never been a problem for Adams. The manner with which he voiced his opinion, however, was always the underlying issue. “Sometimes it takes a kid longer than one or two years to mature,” Hall said. “Now that he understands it’s bigger than him, we’re starting to see that maturity by the way he carries himself.” Adams — whose stated personal goals are to win both ACC indoor and outdoor titles, as well as the national championship – maintains that everything started to click for him on the track when he accepted what it meant to become “coachable.” “It’s my job to make a coach look good, and his job to make be better,” he Above: said. “Everything clicked Adams is in easier when I finally startsearch of the ed to realize that. My Clemson men’s program’s first tenure hasn’t always been the smoothest, to say the NCAA hurdles least. I had to get out of championship my own way.” since 1995. He hopes to steer clear of challengers in 2013 as At left: One of Adams’ he pursues both individuproudest al and team goals. Adams moments already checked off one from his time of his biggest goals in life at Clemson when he walked across occurred in the stage in Littlejohn December Coliseum in December when he to accept his sociology earned his degree from President Jim sociology Barker. He was the first degree. child of his mother, Linda, to graduate from college, something he speaks of with great pride. His coaches have taken great pride in Adams as well this season. He has surmounted issues with attitude and behavior, and chanthe school record with a 7-foot-5 inch clear- neled it into a positive for the Clemson track ance in the high jump, Adams was the first & field program and himself. He is reaping teammate to greet Ware with a hug and high- the spoils of his hard work. five as he came off the mat. As the ACC and NCAA Indoor ChamIt was a demonstration of leadership rarely pionships near, it’s almost time for the final seen out of Adams in his first few years with run-through. It’s almost time for one last the program. prayer. “Being successful is infectious,” he said. It’s almost time for Spencer Adams to pur“Once you see somebody be successful, you sue the dream he has worked so hard the last want to follow. If I see someone not doing four years to achieve. february 2013
❘
57
NCAA Compliance
NCAA Rules Regarding Prospects Who Have Signed a NLI
T
he National Letter of Intent signing day is an exciting day for prospective studentathletes, their family & friends, institution coaches & staff, boosters, alumni, fans and the media. However, did you know actions by IPTAY members and representatives of athletics interest may cost a prospect that has signed a National Letter of Intent from attending and competing at Clemson University? How? If a prospect who has already signed an NLI is declared ineligible due to a recruiting violation by an IPTAY member or representative of athletics interest, Clemson University must notify the signee that he or she has an option to have the NLI declared null and void due to the rules violation. It is the prospective student-athlete’s decision to have the NLI remain valid or to have the NLI declared null and void, permitting the prospective student-athlete to be recruited by other institutions and not be subject to NLI penalties. NCAA rules you should know to protect Clemson The NCAA still limits the role IPTAY members and representatives of athletics interest may take with regard to prospects and prospect’s relatives and legal guardians even after a prospect signs a NLI to attend Clemson University. While the NLI is a binding contract between the prospect and institution for one year, NCAA rules continue to apply until the prospect enrolls at Clemson University for the regular semester (fall or spring) or reports for regular season practice. Specifically, IPTAY members and representatives of athletics interest are prohibited from having any in-person contact, telephonic communication, written contact
58
❘
Orange: The Experience
and providing any type of benefit to prospects that sign a NLI and their relatives or legal guardians. Examples of prohibited contacts and benefits include, but are not limited to: • Any recruiting contact sent via email, text, Facebook, Twitter, Skype, etc or contact with the NLI signee’s coach and high school administrators; • Providing any financial assistance or free or discounted benefit (i.e. money, loans, gifts, food, drinks, transportation, lodging including summer housing, vacation rentals, or other tangible items); • Providing any discounts or free professional services; • Promises or arranging employment; or • Using the name or image in any promotions/ advertisements. What can an IPTAY member do to help? Remember, Clemson University coaches and staff members are the only group that may have recruiting contacts with prospects (including those prospects who have signed a NLI to attend Clemson) and the prospect’s relatives or legal guardians. Representatives of athletic interest are permitted and encouraged to provide articles and email our coaches about a prospect and help Clemson University by protecting the prospect’s eligibility. This is an educational article on NCAA rules and regulations for IPTAY members who may have contact with prospects that have signed a National Letter of Intent and the prospect’s relatives or legal guardians. Please consult with Compliance Services at compliance-l@clemson.edu or at (864) 656-1580 with any specific questions. We thank you for your continued cooperation and support.
Making Your IPTAY Donation Fast and Easy ... Donate Online
W
ith this week marking the February 15th deadline, IPTAY wants to remind you about a fast, easy, and convenient way to make your IPTAY donation; by donating online. Donors can join all of IPTAY’s programs online including Priority IPTAY, IPTAY Young Alumni, Collegiate Club, Tiger Cub Club/CATS and even our newly established Brick Program. By making your donation online, you save yourself the hassle of having to mail it in as well as receiving your confirmation email from donating online instantly. The IPTAY staff receives numerous calls around our important deadlines from IPTAY donors asking if we got their donation or not since they have not yet seen it processed and by donating online you know instantly that your contribution was received. How do I donate online? The first step is to go to www.clemsontigers.com/iptay. Once you are on that page look down the right hand side in the orange boxes. Click on “Access My IPTAY Account” and when you get to the next page, you will have to choose from two different options. The first option is if you have donated to IPTAY or purchased tickets online before. Simply enter your IPTAY number/ or your email and password and you will have access to your account to donate to IPTAY.
The second option is for most of our donors that have IPTAY accounts but haven’t made an online donation or purchased tickets online. This is where you link your online account with your donor record in our office. This is a vital step to make sure that you are donating and purchasing tickets on your account and not creating a new one that doesn’t have your giving history and priority points. You will need your PIN number to link your account which can be obtained from the IPTAY Office. If you do not know your PIN number please contact the IPTAY office at 864-6562115 or email iptay@clemson.edu. Why donate and buy tickets online? Donating online or buying tickets is a convenient way for many Tiger fans. The best part about going online is that it is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This makes it very easy to make your donation prior to the February 15th deadline. Additionally, online transactions help reduce operating expenses and help to decrease the time it takes to process your transaction so that you can get the tickets you want and receive the benefits of your IPTAY contribution quickly. For questions about donating online, please contact the IPTAY office at 864-656-2115 or email us at iptay@clemson.edu. Thank you for your support of IPTAY and Go Tigers!
Measure of Success:
Having a financial team ready for your next opportunity
Discover how successful you can be with a personal banking relationship that you can trust. Our bankers work with you to help achieve your personal goals. We offer the sophisticated individual products you need, from *Access Checking, to specialized business banking options like **Business Internet Banking. Start making a difference on your long-term goals today with the team that pairs personal service with banking expertise. bankNBSC.com | 800-708-5687 *Subject to approval. **Fees may apply. NBSC is a division of Synovus Bank. Synovus Bank, Member FDIC, is chartered in the state of Georgia and operates under multiple trade names across the Southeast. Divisions of Synovus Bank are not separately FDIC-insured banks. The FDIC coverage extended to deposit customers is that of one insured bank.
february 2013
❘
59
Leggett by the Numbers: • 1,224 wins in 33 seasons – 14th most in NCAA Division I history, sixth among active coaches • 847 wins in 19 seasons at Clemson, seventh-most in the nation in that span • 18 NCAA Tournament appearances at Clemson • 6 College World Series appearances at Clemson
Congratulations to Head Baseball Coach Jack Leggett, who was announced as part of the 2014 Hall of Fame Class by the American Baseball Coaches Association! Photo by Rex Brown, IPTAY Media
60
❘
Orange: The Experience
IPTAY Mr. John Passafiume passed away April 28, 2012. He was an IPTAY Member for 24 years.
Mrs. Gladys “Mandy” Easterby passed away December 15, 2012. She was an IPTAY Member for 55 years.
Mr. Gary Pye passed away December 24, 2012. He was an IPTAY Member for 14 years.
Dr. Durwood Bach passed away January, 1. He was an IPTAY Member for 16 years.
Mrs. Alice Sanders passed away August 14, 2012. She was an IPTAY Member for 14 years.
Mr. Gary Brown passed away December 16, 2012. He was an IPTAY Member for 40 years.
Mr. Robert Clayton, Sr. passed away December 26, 2012. He was an IPTAY Member for 46 years.
Mr. James “Mac” Lawton passed away January, 13. He was an IPTAY Member for 33 years.
Mr. Harold Lumley, Jr. passed away November27, 2012. He was an IPTAY Member for 62 years.
Mr. James Edwards passed away December 16, 2012. He was an IPTAY Member for 41 years.
Mrs. Dorothy “Dot” Sams passed away December 24, 2012. She was an IPTAY Member for 30 years.
Mr. Richard Herbert passed away January, 20. He was an IPTAY Member for 49 years.
Mr. William “Bill” Burnett passed away December 2, 2012. He was an IPTAY Member for 58 years.
Mrs. Kathleen Mays passed away December 18, 2012. She was an IPTAY Member for 33 years.
Mr. Steven “Pepi” Miesbauer passed away December 28, 2012. He was an IPTAY Member for 12 years.
Mr. Wesley Barr, Sr. passed away January, 23. He was an IPTAY Member for 51 years.
Mrs. Helen Vaughan passed away December 8, 2012. She was an IPTAY Member for 37 years.
Mr. Benjamin Wright, Sr. passed away December 19, 2012. He was an IPTAY Member for 50 years.
Mr. Thomas “Buck” Breazeale, Jr. passed away December 29, 2012. He was an IPTAY Member for 66 years.
february 2013
❘
61
IPTAY R DONotOos ph
Justin Sims (‘08), proudly displaying his Tiger Rag, with his Carolina buddy Stephen Parri sh completing the Jacksonville marathon Dec. 16, 2012.
, Gina with daughters Marisa Michael ValeCruz (‘89) cano in Vol ro Neg ro Cer of and Annamarie on top sion trip July 2012. Nicaragua during a mis
Pure joy from Laura Cobb (‘98) and Eve Lancaster (‘01) as Clemson defeats LSU in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl.
Wedding of Courtney Sim s (‘10) and Patrick Reilly (‘12) Aug. 25, 2012 Col umbia, SC.
Heath Platt at the Linvill e Caverns in November 2012. Stribling and Mandy Boynton, Tigger, Annie Lauren, Annie and rld. Stribling at Disney Wo iors and have been sen on ms Cle all are Mandy lifelong friends.
Dave Weatherwax and his wife Kate Clewell hiking the rainforest in Haleakala National Forest, Maui, Hawaii.
Rob (‘97, ’99) and Allison (‘99) Popelka at Victoria Peak in Hong Kong.
62
❘
Orange: The Experience
Jim, Celeste, and Joel Wilder at the Vienna Christmas Market in Austria. Jim is an IPTAY Rep from Laurens, SC.
born Nov 16, 2012 to Bill Avery Lynn Foster was ter (‘06) of Seneca, SC. Fos a Sar Foster (05’) and Miss South Carolina and Clemson student, Ali Rogers, preparing for an interview with ABC’s 20/20 before she competes in the Miss America Pageant.
), J. Wilson Webb (L-R) Katherine Sarvis (‘04 Hyman on Oct. W. a (‘43-’47), and Melind morial during an Me II WW the at 2 201 24, Beach. Honor Flight from Myrtle
of gett (‘68) on the OASIS Anna and Dr. Jimmy Pad ship for their est larg an’s ribe Car al the Seas, Roy ry. 40th Wedding Anniversa
Jordan W. Laney (‘13) proposed to Katherine E. McMann (‘12) on Dec. 20, 2012 after Katherine graduated from Clemson.
James “Smokes” Thomas from N. Augusta, SC at Lavo in NYC in December 2012. He took the trip with his wife Andrea, and daughters Erica (‘96) and Jennifer (‘03).
Brinnley McMillan Fou lk born Nov. 19, 2012, daughter of Marsha & Benn (‘95 & ‘98) Foulk from Jonesborough , TN.
Grice Taylor (3) at his ver y first Clemson football games. He is the son of Hampton (‘99) and Cassie Taylor of Lexington, SC.
Tiger Cub members Hay es and Mills Wallace enjoy Homeco ming 2012 with mom Nicole Wallac e (‘05).
Lake (7) and Zach (4) are so excited to have received Sammy Watkins’ autograph. They are the grandsons of Jamie and Lynne Zac hrich.
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
february 2013
❘
63
Sizing Up the Importance of Clemson’s Bowl Victory Over LSU by Tim Bourret
I
know the Chick-fil-A Bowl victory over LSU is old news, but in my line of work documentation of such an historic victory is important. Twenty years from now my successor will most likely do a list or review some of Clemson’s greatest victories. The SID might look to “Orange: The Experience” as a source for information about that game. “That guy Tim Bourret was here a long time, I wonder what he had to say about that LSU game?” I actually did a summary of the greatest games I had seen in my then 32 years at Clemson for a football program “Last Word” after the Tigers’ 40-37 overtime victory at Miami in 2009. It is time to update that, or come up with a different list. Perhaps the list could be entitled most important victories. Ok, I am not going to get carried away and call it more important than the 1982 Orange Bowl victory over Nebraska. Winning the national championship is at another level. But there are many factors that put this 25-24 victory right up there among the best. First, the win over the Tigers from Louisiana gave Clemson an 11-win season, the first for the program since 1981. It was just the fourth season of at least 11 wins in school history, joining the 1948, 1978 and 1981 teams. Second, it was achieved against an LSU team that was ranked seventh in the nation by USA Today, eighth in the BCS and ninth by the AP. It was the highest ranked SEC team Clemson has beaten in a bowl game since the 2003 season, when the Tigers defeated a sixthranked Tennessee team in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. Let’s go a little further, it was the highest ranked SEC team any ACC team has beaten in any game since that win over Tennessee. In this era of SEC dominance in college
64
❘
Orange: The Experience
Photo by Dawson Powers
football, it was a big boost to the conference. The entire world knows that the SEC has won seven straight BCS Championships, and LSU was one of those programs (2007). They had played for the national championship the previous year with a 13-0 record. LSU had not lost to an ACC team since 1955, a loss to a Maryland team that was ranked No. 2 in the nation at the time, and had won 19 straight games vs. ACC teams. Les Miles was 36-1 in his last 37 games against all non-conference teams heading into the Chickfil-A Bowl. Third, this victory gave Clemson a top-10 final ranking. With the 11-2 mark, Clemson found itself in the top 10 for the first time since 1990 when Ken Hatfield’s Tigers were 10-2 and finished ninth in both polls. The Tigers finished ninth this season in the USA Today poll and 11th in the AP poll when the final rankings were released Jan. 8. What is the definition of an elite program? A top-10 ranking would be one of the qualifiers. A fourth reason this was among the most significant victories in Clemson history was the way it was achieved. You can’t say a one-
point victory was dominant, but there was domination in terms of some of the statistics. Clemson had 32 first downs to LSU’s nine. The Tigers ran 100 plays to just 48 for LSU, and the 52-play difference was the largest in Clemson history in any game. The 100 snaps were the second-most in school history, trailing only the 102 set against NC State in November. The Tigers outgained LSU 445-219, the largest total offense margin (or total defense margin depending how you look at it) in Clemson history in a bowl game. The manner of the victory was also significant because the Tigers put together a clutch final drive behind Tajh Boyd, DeAndre Hopkins and the rest of the offense. They set up the game-winning field goal by Chandler Catanzaro. The 37-yard field goal on the last play was just the fifth walk-off game-winning field goal in school history. Catman now has two of them, including the game-winner against Wake Forest in 2011, a kick that gave Clemson the ACC Atlantic Division title. A fifth and final reason this was such a significant victory was that it was achieved with a relatively young roster. While Clemson did start 10 seniors in the game, the roster had just 11 scholarship seniors, while just 22 of the 85 on scholarship were juniors or seniors. That means there was great leadership from that small senior class. The class not only had a perfect graduation rate (13-for-13 including walk-ons), but also finished with 36 victories, tied for the sixth-most in Clemson history and most by any senior class since 1991. Their example of how to lead will be carried on. Those freshmen and sophomores have seen the blueprint. But, it also means there are some outstanding young players in the program, which means this program has been built on concrete, not straw. Dabo Swinney’s goal is not to have one great season once in a while, he is building for long-term stability. We have already seen some examples of consistent excellence over time. In three of his four full seasons as head coach Clemson has been in first place (tie or outright) in the Atlantic Division of the ACC. The team has appeared in every BCS ranking the last two years, and has a streak of 29 straight top-25 rankings in the polls, one of six schools nationally that can make that claim. It was truly a win for the ages for the Clemson program. Hope this column helps my successor in his or her research.
o h c E y a M r a o R s ’ . r . . e . t g i h T g i e e h T H t n i a t Tha n u o M e h T r e ’ O
Experience Oconee
y a t S . . . y a l P Visit ... y t n u o C e e n in Oco
Land Beside the Water
A diverse, growing, safe, vibrant community guided by rural traditions and shaped by natural beauty; where employment, education and recreation offer a rich quality of life for all generations, both today and tomorrow. Great Housing Options • Retirement Communities Low Taxes • Great Schools • Job Growth Strong Retail Businesses and Restaurants Four Lakes • Wild & Scenic Chattooga River • 29 Waterfalls 90,000 Acres Of Sumter National Forest
www.oconeeSC.com february 2013
❘
65
ASK US ABOUT THE GREEK VILLAGE
66
❘
Orange: The Experience