Orange the Experience Nov 2013 by EDWARDS PUBLICATIONS

NOVEMBER 2013

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ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

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ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

NOVEMBER 11, 2013

Volume 5, Issue 3

DEPARTMENTS 6 Bert Henderson

Being a leader requires vision and the determination to see that vision through

SOMETHING IN THESE HILLS 8 Pawsitive Press

Radakovich Honored to be Part of Playoff Panel

10 Coaches Corner

Audra Smith

12 Beyond the Game

Jack Metcalf

14 IPTAY Donor Spotlight

Alan Wilkes

16 IPTAY Representative Spotlight

Roy Mathis

18 IPTAY New Donor Spotlight

Wesley Goodwin

19 IPTAY Announces New Donor Level

IPTAY Quick Facts

20 Annual Rock the ’John Event has Plenty of Wow Factor

Building for the Future: Clemson lays out comprehensive roadmap for its athletic facilities

INSIDE

60 Memorials 62 IPTAY Donor Photos 64 The Last Word

It was good to see ‘The Fridge’

26 Men’s Basketball Outlook

48 New Kid in Town

Editor: Philip Sikes

Brad Brownell sees no seniors on his roster as a “new generation of Clemson basketball.”

Clemson’s prolific scorer Tommy McNamara has been an instant fan favorite.

30 Learning to Fly

50 Bill McLellan Remembered

Assistant Editors Tim Bourret Steven Bradley Lindsey Leonard

K.J. McDaniels is working hard to become known for more than highlight-reel plays.

Although best known for facility innovations, Bill McLellan was successful athletic director.

36 Women’s Basketball Outlook

53 Steve Bond’s Lasting Legacy

Audra Smith aims to put an early stamp on her women’s program.

Former Tiger golfer instrumental in dedication of inaugural Clemson Distinguished Athletes Award.

40 New Sheriff in Town Discipline, hard work and chemistry are the key under Audra Smith.

Graphics Coordinator: Melissa Bradley Contributing Writers Matt Castello Jeff Kallin Gavin Oliver Chief Photographer Rex Brown

56 Fike Donor List

46 No-Names No More

58 Mayberry Endowment to Benefit Unsung Heroes

Swinney on Clemson’s defensive resurgence: ‘It all starts up front.’

59 NCAA Compliance

IN THE NEXT ISSUE ... A look ahead to Clemson’s bowl matchup.

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.

NOVEMBER 2013

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ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

NOVEMBER 2013

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BEING A LEADER REQUIRES VISION AND THE DETERMINATION TO SEE THAT VISION THROUGH Bert Henderson

director of planned giving, iptay/major gifts

ometimes you just get lucky. As I was walking on campus the Sunday before Fall Break, I was thinking, “Boy, have I been blessed to be here at Clemson for the last 35 years!” When I began my career in 1978 as an athletic trainer under Fred Hoover’s tutelage, I never dreamed I would have the opportunity to know so many donors who could make a difference and provide for Clemson’s future. I wish I could do more, and many of our donors say the same thing: “I wish I could do more.” As I walked by the Calhoun Mansion, I thought of the magnitude that Thomas Green and Anna Calhoun Clemson were able to have by being leaders with a vision. The couple believed that education would build a better life for the people of South Carolina. They were Clemson University’s original donors. With Anna’s wish and a resolve to leave a legacy, Thomas Green Clemson penned his Last Will and Testament with the provision that the 814-acre Fort Hill plantation and $80,000 in cash and securities be used to establish a high seminary of learning. Stepping out is not always easy. And the steps that Thomas Green and Anna Calhoun Clemson made required a vision and the determination to see that vision through. As I walked a little bit further past the Calhoun Mansion, I came to Cemetery Hill. Just more than a week earlier, I had been a part of the graveside services for Bill McLellan, who served Clemson for more than 30 years, including 14 as athletic director. I went by Bill’s plot on Cemetery Hill, and you see a lot of other great names up there as well, but Bill McLellan had a great vision in preparing for the future. Where would we be without our north and south upper decks? Where would we be without Jervey Athletic Center? Where would

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ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

we be without our 100-plus executive suites? Through his vision, Bill was responsible for those. Sometimes we just get lucky, and I believe Clemson has been lucky because we have had some great leaders over the years. To borrow a phrase from President Jim Barker, I changed majors about a year and a half ago, and am now director of planned giving for IPTAY and Clemson Athletics. Planned giving can work in many ways — through an estate, through a bequest or through a life insurance policy, to name a few. We have had many friends who’ve given through bequests, which are gifts through their wills or living trusts back to Clemson Athletics. You can choose to make a gift that often reserves a lifetime tax benefit to you. Tax laws and tax opportunities are always changing, and that’s what we’re here for — to give people the resources they need to ensure their financial security and also provide for Clemson’s future. I believe that through planned giving, we’re going to be working with many donors. Obviously, we need cash for our capital projects and the capital gifts team, and I’m a part of that, too. I’m a part of all the initiatives here at IPTAY because I believe, when we talk with a donor, we want to make sure we’re looking at a complete gift. Travis Furbee and his associates do a great job with our annual fund. Bobby Couch heads up our major gifts division with the help of all his associates. When you say, “I wish I could do more,” you can. We at IPTAY are here to ensure you find the way to do more that suits your needs. A simple gift through your estate allows us to build a legacy for you and your family. And

just think of how many young peoples’ lives you are changing. That is what being a leader with a vision is all about. Many may not see their gifts being utilized until later in life, but what they will see is opportunities to establish their family’s legacy now. And that will be very special — that is the same vision Thomas Green and Anna Calhoun Clemson had. Our new Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich and IPTAY CEO Davis Babb are doing a superior job. We haven’t hit the lottery yet, but we’ve got some great plans. And we’re going to need some great people to help us. Obviously, we need our annual gifts, we need our capital gifts, and we need our future gifts. I think we’ve got the full program here at IPTAY. We are able to help our donors give to Clemson in whatever manner fits their vision. As I said, I never dreamed I would be able to work with so many donors who are helping Clemson in so many ways. Sometimes you just get lucky, and I was lucky that Clemson loved me. Please call or email me if I can help in any way with helping you give. I want to say thank you to the many people who have already joined IPTAY. All our generous donors are the reason we’ve got an opportunity to compete for championships and all our sports need your help. Everything we are doing is for our student-athletes and for our donors. How will you lead for the future? I hope you will make us proud. Because we have great products on the field and on the court, we’re going to need to make sure we have great vision and the determination to see that vision through.

STACK UP THE SAVINGS WITH

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ONLY AT WORKS AT THE PUMP.

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20 Gallons of Gas NOVEMBER 2013

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SOMETHING IN THESE HILLS PAWSITIVE PRESS Highlighting Clemson’s top performers in athletics Vic Beasley Football • Adairsville, GA Clemson’s sack leader won the Leather Helmet Award, given annually to the best player in the game against Boston College. Beasley had two tackles for loss, a sack, a pass breakup and returned a fumble for a touchdown against the Eagles on Oct. 12.

Roland Hakes Men’s Cross Country • Irmo, SC Hakes led Clemson individually in three of Clemson’s first five meets this season, including the Pre-Nationals on Oct. 19. He finished sixth at the prestigious competition held annually at the site of the NCAA Cross Country Championships.

Leah Perri Volleyball • Richland, MI The Tigers’ middle blocker was named ACC Freshman of the Week on Oct. 14 after compiling 20 kills with no errors as Clemson swept Georgia Tech and Notre Dame both by 3-0 scores.

Ashlan Ramsey Women’s Golf • Milledgeville, GA Ramsey won individual medalist honors at two of her first three tournaments as a collegiate golfer, including the Ruth’s Chris Tar Heel Invitational where she shot nine-under par.

Kailen Sheridan Women’s Soccer • Whitby, Ontario The freshman goalkeeper ranked among the ACC’s leaders in shutouts and save percentage. She helped Clemson improve to a 0.90 goals against average in 2013.

Alex Stockinger Men’s Soccer • London, England The senior midfielder scored his first goal of the season at an opportune time. He scored on a penalty kick to help the Tigers to a 2-0 ACC victory over Pittsburgh at Riggs Field on Oct. 18.

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ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

RADAKOVICH HONORED TO BE PART OF PLAYOFF PANEL Dan Radakovich calls it “a great honor” to be part of the College Football Playoff selection committee. He also knows it will also be a tough task. “It’s going to be a lot of work, but anything worthwhile - whether it’s on your campus or in your personal life - tends to be a lot of work,” the Clemson director of athletics said. “I’m really looking forward to the challenge and representing college football in bringing forward those four best teams to be able to compete for a national championship.” The four-team College Football Playoff will begin for the 2014-15 season, with the first semifinals set for Jan. 1, 2015 at the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl. The national championship game will be Jan. 12, 2015 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Radakovich was announced as a member of the selection committee, whose members have roughly 230 combined years of experience in college football. The group includes 10 people who played college football, two former top-level university administrators, five current athletic directors, three members of the College Football Hall of Fame, three former college head coaches, a former member of Congress, a retired three-star general and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. “It’s a very prestigious committee,” Radakovich said. “There are great representatives throughout the country with the singular focus of putting the best four teams out there for a college football playoff. I know that fans around the country will be eagerly awaiting the 2014 season and the selection of those four teams.” The current BCS formula for deciding the teams that play for the national title relies on statistical data that combines computer polls and human rankings. The new method will allow the committee to use any criteria they see fit to inform their decisions for which teams are selected. Some of those factors would include win-loss record, strength of schedule, head-to-head results and the existing polls. The committee will meet informally in early November in Washington, D.C., so the members can begin to get to know each other and discuss how the committee will operate. Radakovich was nominated to the committee and then selected by the management group, which sought to comprise the committee of people with experience as coaches, student-athletes, administrators, journalists and also sitting athletic directors. “All the members of the search committee were selected by the management group: the conference commissioners. Those recommendations were forwarded to the group of presidents,” Radakovich said. “So, it is a great honor, and I’m looking forward to serving on it.” — by Steven Bradley/IPTAY Media photo by Rex Brown/IPTAY Media

NOVEMBER 2013

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CORNER

Q&A with Women’s Basketball Head Coach Audra Smith In our latest installment of Coaches Corner, “Orange: The Experience” Editor Philip Sikes sat down with Head Coach Audra Smith, who is in her first season in charge of Clemson’s women’s basketball program. In the question and answer session, Smith discussed the perception of Lady Tiger basketball, the energy she brings to the program, the makeup of the team, and recruiting. Q: You had a unique perception of this program, because you played at Clemson last season when you were the head coach at UAB. What did you see with this job? Smith: “I knew there was a lot of talent here. When we were preparing the scouting report to play Clemson, we were very concerned. We had a talented team, but we knew Clemson had athletic, ACC-caliber players. We were down early, and came back to win by about 15. Even when I was being considered for the job, I knew there was talent here. I knew some changes needed to be made with work ethic, belief in themselves, and confidence. I always say the game is 90 percent mental. They have all the tools to get it done. You can talk yourself into anything, and out of anything. I knew some major changes had to be made with the discipline and structure of the program. So far, it’s been a challenge, but the players are buying in. I tell them all the time, ‘If you want to be up there with the Dukes and Carolinas and Marylands, you have to put in the work.’ I knew what I was getting into, this wasn’t a surprise. I knew some major changes had to be made, so I was ready for that.” Q: Energy and enthusiasm seem to be some of the ingredients that fans crave. Are you the person that can bring that to the program?

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ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

Smith: “As an assistant coach, I was a little more laid back. My husband is a collegiate official, and after my first season as a head coach, he said ‘Honey, your sideline demeanor is deplorable. You have to calm it down. You’re a fanatic out there.’ But I can’t help it! My mother is a true Southern belle, she’s from Georgia. She has said to me, ‘Do you have to do all that yelling and waving your arms? You don’t squat in a dress, baby. That’s not what women do.’ I would tell my mom I was just coaching. That is one thing fans will see. They will see energy and enthusiasm on the sidelines. They will see a passion and love for the game. I believe I have to be in the game with players. They need to look to the sideline and know that I am working just as hard as they are, and that I believe in what they’re doing. For the most part, that has been successful for me. It’s permeated to the team. They see me on the sidelines, jumping up and down with my arms waving and my jacket off. It gives them energy and momentum. That’s one thing we will definitely bring this season as a whole.”

Q: From a recruiting standpoint, how has Lady Tiger basketball been received?

Q: Some pieces are in place for you to be successful, when looking over the roster. What do you make of the group you have inherited?

Smith: “What we have right now in terms of players, we have players that can create their own shot. Nikki Dixon can create her own shot. Chelsea Lindsey can create her own shot. We can run some things to isolate Quinyotta Pettaway in the post. We have a couple of our freshmen that can create their own shot. So, offensively, I’m not really worried because we’ll have some things in place where we’ll be able to get some shots. Now, making them is another thing. But we’ll be able to get plenty of shots. The key is making the shots.”

Smith: “The players have stepped up and said, ‘We like this, it’s different.’ There’s a lot of running involved, I’m very demanding. But they’re starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel. They’re starting to see that we have to do these things to compete with the teams on our schedule, and win. They’ve been like sponges; they have absorbed some of the things we’ve been talking about. They’re very receptive to coaching. They’re willing and wanting to work, and that’s half the battle.”

Smith: “Phenomenally. There is power in the Paw. We’re instantly recognized. With the football team doing really well, that’s really stuck out to people. They’re excited about the change and the goals I have to get this program back to national prominence. They’re believing in that. Players from the 2014 class up through the 2016 class have been very receptive. We’ve had a ton of kids on campus for unofficial visits. We had a lot of kids on campus at Rock the ‘John. We’ve been received very well. Kids want to play at the highest level. They understand that based on my history, they believe they can come in and help us build.” Q: You’ve built a reputation as a defensive head coach. Your teams at UAB finished in the top 50 in the nation in scoring defense each of the last three years. But what about the other end of the court? What is the outlook like on offense this season?

NOVEMBER 2013

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�� Beyond the Game with ...

Jack Metcalf

As someone who came to Clemson from Liverpool, England, what’s been the biggest adjustment as far as the culture is concerned? “It was tough. I left school at 16, and it was hard going back into school. But it has been the best three and half years of my life. I look forward to being here every day and practicing.”

What is your best memory from your career here at Clemson? “Beating Maryland sophomore year, they were No. 1 in the country and we won in overtime. It was just a special, special moment and helped put a dent in our program. This year a great memory was beating North Carolina. To beat them at their place was pretty amazing.”

A lot of people don’t realize the time commitment it takes to handle a full academic load along with being an athlete. How difficult has it been juggling the two, and how much have the resources available at Vickery Hall helped in that regard? “Vickery helped me adjust to school in the U.S. and pick my major (PRTM). Overall, it has helped me balance my time and ultimately got me to my senior year.”

Outside of soccer, what do you think you’ll remember most about Clemson once you’re done? “All of my teammates, we have had some really good characters on the team and they always will support our program. The team spirit we have and seeing how drastically our program has changed from what it was four or five years ago has been fun.”

You played for Liverpool Football Club and Wolverhampton Football Club growing up. What were those experiences like? Is it very different from college soccer? “The games were always important games, but being at Liverpool, which is a big club in Europe, definitely helped me to adjust to life over here. I can’t speak highly enough about Clemson and the soccer program here. It’s unbelievable.” Two of your teammates, Alex Stockinger and Paul Clowes, are also English. Has it been nice having other players from England on the team here with you? “Alex Stockinger is from London and when he came over we were both freshmen. It was a little overwhelming at first, but when you have someone who understands your situation it is always helpful.” I’m guessing you follow the Premier League back home pretty closely. Do you and the other English players on the team have some good rivalries with your favorite teams? “Stockinger is a big Manchester United fan, which I’m not very fond of because I am a big Liverpool fan. I was born in Liverpool, and that is my team.” Are there any other soccer players, professional or otherwise, you really enjoy watching or try to model your game after? “My hero is (Liverpool midfielder) Steven Gerrard. He is one of the reasons why I started playing the game. He is a lot of people’s hero back home and someone to look up to.” What was it about Clemson that appealed to you when you were making a decision on where to attend college? “Back home it is becoming more popular for kids from England to come over to the U.S. I was one of the first people from my area to do it, so there was an appeal of trying something new. I wanted to follow my soccer career, and this is the road I decided to take. I felt that I needed four solid years of becoming better, faster and stronger. That was a big factor for me, as well as the coaches here at Clemson.”

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� Senior Midfielder, Men’s Soccer

ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

— by Victoria Reid photos by Rex Brown

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NOVEMBER 2013

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DO N O R SPOTLI G H T

When did you become a Clemson fan? “I grew up in Charleston and my brother went to Clemson before me, so I’ve been going to Clemson games since the early ’70s.” Why did you get involved with IPTAY? “When I left Clemson, I knew I wanted to stay connected to the university in some way. IPTAY is a great way of doing that. I’ve also been fortunate to be involved in some alumni and academic support programs as well.”

Alan Wilkes

What is your favorite gameday tradition? “Tailgating. There’s nothing like being with family and friends on gameday. I love the family atmosphere that surrounds Clemson. We’ve been tailgating in Shotgun Alley for over 30 years, and friends we haven’t seen in years will stop by.” Who is your favorite all-time student-athlete? “Hard to choose just one, but generally I like the athletes who give back to Clemson and are great ambassadors for the school — too many to mention, but my favorites would be Jeff Davis, Tanner Smith and C.J. Spiller. And I’ll add two former baseball players: Bob Mahony and Jeff Morris.” Who is your favorite Clemson coach? “Probably Bill Wilhelm. He did something very few coaches have done in any sport — he coached 36 years and never had a losing season. More importantly, he built a great program and turned out a lot of great people as well as great athletes.” Alan Wilkes

What is one thing you always do when you come to Clemson? “Walk the campus. It brings back so many great memories being on campus again.”

Current Hometown:

Washington, D.C.

Why should someone who is not an IPTAY member join? “By far, it’s the best way to support the student-athletes and all the great things they are doing on and off the field.” — compiled by Victoria Reid

“There’s nothing like being with family and friends on game day.

Years of Membership:

36 Years

I love the family atmosphere that surrounds Clemson.”

John Waddell, Kin and Cynthia Hill, Mary and Fred Hanna, and Alan Wilkes tailgating in Shotgun Alley.

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ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

Dotting the “I” on Sept. 8, 2012 for John Waddell.

NOVEMBER 2013

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REPRESEN TATI V E SPOTLI G H T

When did you become a Clemson fan? “I’ve been a Clemson fan from the time I was 10 years old. I knew I wanted to attend Clemson for my college education and started pulling for the Tigers as a kid.”

Chaplain (Colonel)

Why did you get involved with IPTAY? “IPTAY seemed the best way to have the inside track to season tickets, and I certainly wanted to continue attending all the home games, as well as some of the away games. Therefore, I joined IPTAY immediately upon graduation in 1957 and have been a continuous member for 56 years. When I became a “Golden Tiger” in 2007, I decided to give a Tiger Scholarship and became a “Life Member of IPTAY.”

Roy Mathis

US Army, Retired

What is your favorite gameday tradition? “My favorite gameday tradition is meeting the family, including grandchildren, at the games and then all of us rooting the Tigers to victory.” Who is your favorite all-time student athlete? “My favorite all-time player is my good friend, Jeff Davis. Being retired military, Daniel Rodriguez is also one of my heroes.” Who is your favorite Clemson coach? “Right now, Dabo Swinney is my favorite coach, although Danny Ford and I go back a long way.” What is one thing you always do when you come to Clemson? “One thing I always do when I come to Clemson is ride by Bowman Field. I attended Clemson while we still had a Cadet Corps, and I have many great memories about my days in the Corps, Pershing Rifles and the Senior Platoon. My son attended Clemson on an ROTC scholarship and was a cheerleader. One of my favorite memories dates back to the ’81 National Championship game at the Orange Bowl in Miami. I was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, at the time, and I caught a military hop to the states, then rode by van with some friends to Miami for the game, then caught a hop back to Germany.” Why should someone who is not an IPTAY member join? “Any Clemson fan who is not a member of IPTAY should consider that he or she would get first priority on tickets (before the general public), be a member of the local IPTAY club for the latest word on sports, support scholarships for players and have their own personal IPTAY Representative who could help them with any questions concerning tickets, meetings, et cetera.” — compiled by Victoria Reid

“I joined IPTAY immediately upon graduation in 1957 ... When I became a “Golden Tiger” in 2007,

I decided to give a Tiger Scholarship and became a “Life Member of IPTAY.”

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ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

Chaplain Mathis saying the Pledge of Allegiance at the pre-game ceremony in 1991 after he gave the Invocation.

Current Hometown:

Gaffney, SC

Years of Membership:

56 Years

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NOVEMBER 2013

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N E W DO N O R SPOTLI G H T

When did you become a Clemson fan? “Growing up in the Southeast, I have always had great respect and admiration for Clemson University. It has always had a sense of being a special place. The first Clemson experience I had was in 2006 at the Clemson baseball regional when I came as a part of the Mississippi State baseball program. Then when I had the chance to join Coach (Dabo) Swinney’s staff in 2009, I fell in love with this university and area and the great people who make it special.” Why did you get involved with IPTAY? “I got involved with IPTAY as a way to give back and to help this athletic department continue to give our student-athletes great resources to be successful on and off the field. Clemson University has blessed me, and I wanted to reinvest into the lives of our current and future student-athletes.” What is your favorite gameday tradition? “Clemson has many unique gameday traditions that make it unique and special. I’ll have to say running down The Hill for me personally. I got to be a part of it during the Georgia game, and that was one of the most thrilling moments in my lifetime. The energy and adrenaline rush you get from running down The Hill is unbelievable. That truly was the most exciting 25 seconds of my life and is just one example of how special gameday at Clemson is.” What has it been like working for Coach Swinney? “I am thankful that Coach Swinney has given me the opportunity to be a part of his staff at Clemson. Coming to work each and every day is a joy and a blessing. Not only do I have the opportunity to be around some of the brightest and smartest football coaches in the business, but great men, teachers, fathers and husbands who are great examples and leaders for our student-athletes.” Why should someone who is not an IPTAY member join? “IPTAY is a first-class organization with a great purpose and mission. It has been and will continue to be an integral part of making Clemson’s athletic experience special for our student-athletes and fans. If you truly believe in Clemson and want to see it continue to be the special place that it is and you’re not a member, then you need to get involved in some way and become an IPTAY member.” — compiled by Victoria Reid

“Clemson University

has blessed me,

and I wanted to reinvest into the lives of our current and future student-athletes.” 18

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Wesley Goodwin

ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

Wesley with mom and dad, Jay and Tammy Brasell, brothe r Wil, and sister, Whitney Brase ll.

Current Hometown:

Clemson, SC

Years of Membership:

1 Year

�� IPTAY Announces New Donor Level,

Riggs Level

Exciting things are happening in IPTAY, as we recently announced our newest annual level, the Riggs Level. The Riggs Level honors Walter Riggs, the first football coach at Clemson University. The Riggs Level will be a $25,000 annual commitment that will fund a full athletic scholarship. IPTAY has always prided ourselves as being the “father of athletic fundraising” but when we looked at other schools; our highest annual donation level was one of the lowest in the ACC. With the ever changing and competitive landscape of college athletics, we knew it was time to step up and be a leader in fundraising again. We hope that with this new level, IPTAY and Clemson Athletics will be able to achieve even greater heights. The Riggs Level will not only fully support one of our student-athletes with a scholarship to Clemson University, but donors will also receive unique benefits. Those benefits include a private golf outing with Clemson coaches, an invitation to football signing day, the opportunity to attend closed practices of many of our sports, and a premium unique gift. These benefits will only be available to those who support IPTAY in the highest level. Additionally, Riggs Level donors will be the first donor group assigned tickets and parking when annual assignments are made for home athletic events. With the increased support of the Riggs Level and its founding members, IPTAY will be able to provide more resources towards academic support and capital projects. The horizon is very exciting for Clemson Athletics and IPTAY, as we move forward to change the landscape through new facility projects. To find out more information on how to become one of the founding members of the Riggs Level, please call IPTAY at 864-656-2115 or email us at iptay@clemson.edu. The future of IPTAY and Clemson Athletics is very bright and we hope that you will join us as we strive to be the best fundraising organization in the nation. Thank you for your support of IPTAY!

DID YOU KNOW? The year (1970) that Hootie Ingram arrived as the new football coach at Clemson, IPTAY raised $379,834.56. This did not cover the expenses of our student-athlete scholarships that year. He challenged the IPTAY Board of Directors, saying if you think you are the organization you say you are you need to cover our scholarships. A goal of $500,000.00 was set and IPTAY raised $534,086.90 the next year. Carroll Atkinson, President of IPTAY(1972), was the first person to mention that IPTAY should be raising one million a year.

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Brownell gets into the spirit; UV lighting wows crowd at Rock the ’John Brad Brownell isn’t much of a song-and-dance guy, so it’s been a challenge for Mike Money and his marketing staff to convince the Clemson men’s basketball coach to really cut loose for the crowd at Rock the ’John prior to each season.

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ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

That would have been tough to guess by seeing Brownell boogie out of the tunnel to “Welcome to the Jungle”on Oct. 18, dressed as Axl Rose, replete with blonde wig, orange bandana and backwards ball cap, strumming a guitar and swinging it wildly around his head.

“I try to be involved as little as possible,” Brownell had said earlier in the week. “It should be about the players, not about the coach.” And that was the plan in the weeks leading up to this year’s event, Clemson’s version of midnight madness. Brownell was set to come out to “Born in the USA” and strut around for a few brief seconds before the music turned down, the lights came up, and he could talk to the crowd about basketball — something he’s plenty comfortable with. Instead, Brownell approached Money, the assistant athletic director for marketing and game management, on the morning of the event. He had an idea for the message he wanted to deliver and how to deliver it. And even better for Money and his team, Brownell already had the costume put together. “He said ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ applied a little bit more to the arena here, and I loved his quote coming out that he wants the jungle to be alive for all of our basketball games,” Money said. While Brownell took some convincing to get into the act, there was no such issue for new women’s coach Audra Smith, who came out in a bejeweled black outfit with a sparkling fedora and did a dance for the crowd. She then introduced Brownell, with a standin body double appearing behind the curtain, dancing to the start of a couple of other tunes

before the real Brownell appeared to the Guns N’ Roses classic. “It’s a fun time for players, certainly more than coaches,” Brownell said. “The guys enjoy performing in front of the crowd, whether it’s in contests or playing a little bit. It’s probably good from a standpoint of taking a little bit of a break, lightening the mood and just letting them enjoy an event. It also tells them that the games are fast approaching, so I think it provides some positive momentum for us in terms of practices shortly thereafter.” Brownell’s last-minute change to the script left Money and his staff scrambling a bit, but it was far from the only scrambling they were doing. This year’s event was the sixth-annual iteration, and each year, the marketing staff looks to bring something new and special to the event. There was little doubt that the wow factor this year was provided by a setup of ultraviolet lights combined with having the lines on the Littlejohn Coliseum court taped off with a special tape that reflected the UV lighting. The dazzling final effect was that the court glowed

in the dark when the lights went down. “It was a huge production,” Money said. “We had a whole production crew from Myrtle Beach that does Vegas-type shows come in and help us with that, and they’ve been working around the clock getting this done. And you’ve got to keep in mind, they’re working around practices, too, so it’s not always that you have access to the court nonstop. This tape went down in less than two hours after practice before the gates opened. They were literally putting the last piece of tape on when they opened the gates.” Of course, the real point of the event is to introduce Clemson’s basketball fans to the players, and that was another highlight of this year’s event. After their introductions, women’s junior wing Kelly Gramlich and her partner won the shooting contest against Devin Coleman from the men’s team and his partner. Each of the teams then held an intrasquad scrimmage before the night closed with a dunk contest, which high-flying guard Jordan Roper won with ease after putting the ball between his legs in the air and

throwing it down. “I think it’s pretty exciting. I love it,” Roper said. “The whole time leading up to Rock the ’John, you’re thinking about what song you’re going to come out to and who’s going to dance and things like that. It’s a great event that’s held for us just to get the season started and let fans know who’s on the team.” — by Steven Bradley/IPTAY Media photo by Rex Brown/IPTAY Media

NOVEMBER 2013

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BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Clemson lays out comprehensive roadmap for its athletic facilities by Steven Bradley IPTAY Media

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t’s not so much what recruits have said about Littlejohn Coliseum that’s been an issue for Brad Brownell. It’s what they haven’t said. “They may say positive comments about our crowd and atmosphere, but that place is only full for basketball 16 or 17 times a year, and there’s a lot of other days where we have recruits in there,” the Clemson head men’s basketball coach said. “That’s where it not being as modern and up-to-date, it doesn’t show as well. When we’re tracking recruits and following what they say about visits to certain schools, there are some ‘wow’ comments that come out of

ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

their mouths about facilities at other places. We just want to get on a level playing field with that.” Clemson took a giant leap in that direction on Oct. 18, when the university’s Board of Trustees approved a facilities initiative including final approval on two capital projects and pre-concept approval on six more, including a rebuilt basketball arena. The rebuilt basketball arena will keep Clemson’s home court at the site of Littlejohn Coliseum in the heart of the school’s athletic district. The pre-concept plans include a rebuilt playing arena and seating bowl, as well as housing the men’s and women’s program operations in the most-connected on-campus facility in the nation.

[FOOTBALL]

FACILITIES PLAN OVERVIEW FINAL APPROVAL Doug Kingsmore Stadium upgrades • Three-level facility addition with player amenities located adjacent to the current locker room area on the stadium’s north side directly behind the first base dugout • Included in the facility will be locker rooms, lobby, team areas, training room, a players’ dining area and lounge, meeting space, a gallery, catering kitchen, laundry and coaches’ offices WestZone third phase • Addition includes a new pedestrian area that will create a safe and inviting way to navigate the mid-level of the WestZone • Included in the construction will be an Oculus that will be the signature vertical element of the stadium • Bridge will make a direct connection from the north to south stands, alleviating gameday congestion PRE-CONCEPT APPROVAL Memorial Stadium suites renovation • Expansive renovations of the suites and concourses, including open-air window installation, which will improve the fan experience and assist in revenue generation Letterwinner Lounge • Construction of an approximately 10,000-square-foot gathering space, which can host many unique events • Will be adjacent to newly renovated President’s Suite and will provide improved access to the second level concourse Rebuilt basketball arena • Total transformation of Littlejohn Coliseum to an energetic, highperformance environment that will add significant value to the University and provide a competitive venue for the programs • New interior layout and systems design that will include the latest technology to enhance fan connectivity and event engagement • Facility will incorporate all aspects of program operations, including coaches’ offices, weight rooms, locker rooms, teaching theaters and practice areas • Significant upgrade to the quality of the public areas of the building

The plans call for a significant upgrade to the exterior of the arena, as well as giving the interior a modern, open feel, to result in a total transformation. “The goal is, if you stood at mid-court in the current coliseum and looked around, and you stood at midcourt in the new basketball arena, you would think you’re in two different places,” Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich said. Radakovich oversaw a similar overhaul at Georgia Tech by transforming Alexander Memorial Coliseum into McCamish Pavilion, and Brownell said he is hoping for the same effect at Clemson. “That’s what you see down at Georgia Tech now — you see a brand-new facility,” Brownell said. “It’s in the same location as the old one, but it doesn’t look anything like it. It’s much more modern, and from the designs we’ve seen, I would expect this to be very modern and fan friendly. It’s really an exciting time for us.”

Football Operations Facility • Construction of a new 60,000- to 80,000-square-foot football operations building in the vicinity of the Indoor Practice Facility and create a critical mass of activity to centralize practice and operations functions • Functional space to include new locker rooms, coaches’ offices, weight room, training room, equipment room, team meeting spaces, and student-athlete lounge areas Core Campus Project • Mixed-use facility that will include student-athlete academic services, student housing and dining facilities • Project will require approximately 260,000 combined square feet for the entire facility Tennis Complex • Inadequate space currently to host multi-team competitions or provide enough practice area for both programs • Expansion and reorientation of the indoor facility, along with general renovations to the complex, will provide a first-class facility NOVEMBER 2013

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The planned schedule is for the rebuilt arena to be ready for occupancy in fall 2016, meaning the 2015-16 season for the men’s and women’s programs would be played away from campus. The hope is to play that season in Greenville. “This is a great place and we have a lot of great things to sell, and I think we appeal to the right kind of kids,” Brownell said. “An upgraded facility situation will open the eyes of even more people, and I think it will be a sign to recruits, their parents and coaches that basketball is important at Clemson and it’s not just a football school — it’s a school that wants to be good in everything, and they’re willing to put forth the resources necessary to be competitive.” The ACC has already been the nation’s premier basketball conference, and with the additions of Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Notre Dame and Louisville — four top-20-caliber programs — over the next year, the competition is only getting tougher. “We’re going to have more top-25 teams playing games in our gym than we’ve seen in a

[BASKETBALL]

[BASEBALL] long time,” Brownell said. “So, those are opportunities for great wins, but we’re going to need help from our fans to be in the seats in Littlejohn this year and next year and really be loud and help us upset some teams and get some big wins and build some momentum and continue to attract top-level recruits.” The pre-concept approval stage of a project refers to continuing to vet the idea and develop the plans until it reaches the stage where it can go back to the Board of Trustees for further approval. The two projects that received final approval from the trustees are upgrades to Doug Kingsmore Stadium and the third-phase addition to the WestZone Complex at Memorial Stadium, which includes the completion of the Oculus that will be the venue’s signature vertical element. Kingsmore has already undergone a field renovation, and the new project will be an addition to the stadium. Its primary focus is expanding the players’ facility, along with moving all the team’s workspace, including the coaches’ offices, under one roof. “One of the things that had been foremost in Coach (Jack) Leggett’s mind is to do something for the players,” Radakovich said. “Down the first-base line, we will have a large building that will house offices, meeting space and the locker room. So that will be the major improvement we’re talking about. Also, there will be some new seats very close to the field. Those will be added on as field-level boxes for the fans, and they will be a tremendous vantage point to watch Tiger baseball.”

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ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

[TENNIS]

The hope is to begin the baseball project after the 2014 season is complete. The completion of the WestZone represents the football upgrades marked for final approval, but it is not the only part of the facilities initiative planned for the school’s bellwether program. Three of the six projects that received pre-concept approval also directly benefit the football program: suite renovations at Memorial Stadium, the construction of a new Letterwinner Lounge and the addition of a football operations building near the recently opened Indoor Football Practice Facility. Head Coach Dabo Swinney said the operations building will be a game-changer for his program. “I think it would be a great thing for us because we wouldn’t have to be displaced while it’s being built,” Swinney said. “We can continue to have a great facility to recruit to, and it would allow us to really have a football operations center where it all happens — the practice, the indoor facility, everything, you name it. Total operations, right there, so you’re with them all the time and interacting with them all the time. Then on gameday, when you walk in that locker room, it’s special. It’s special. Seven days a year.” The estimated costs of the three new football-related projects — combined with the construction costs of the recently opened indoor practice facility — put the scope of the investment into the football program nearly identical with the investment into the school’s basketball programs the rebuilt arena will require.

[ACADEMICS]

“I can’t say enough about how important football is to everything we do here at Clemson,” Radakovich said. “It is really the flagship athletic program that we currently have. So we really need to look to not just today or tomorrow, but we need to look three or four years down the road and what is the next step that our football program needs to continue to stay competitive within the Atlantic Coast Conference and nationally.” Two more projects also received pre-concept approval: a core campus project that will relocate Clemson’s student-athlete academic services to a new spot, and expansion and renovation of the school’s tennis complex that will include a six-court indoor facility. “There is great potential here for the other

sports, the administration, IPTAY, the development and so forth, there are a lot of things that we can do in making this the front door for Clemson Athletics as a whole,” Swinney said. “I’m really excited about our basketball opportunity, as well. We’ve got to improve there — because we’ve got a great coach, and we need to help him. So, I’m excited about what their plans are to improve the facilities. “We’ve got great things going on with baseball and tennis, so I think it’s a good time for Clemson Athletics right now. We’re in good financial shape, and hopefully we can all continue to be very competitive and win at a high level. It’s forward thinking in trying to compete and be the best of the best.” In order to do that, of course, these facility projects must be funded. Over its history of nearly eight decades, IPTAY has become recognized as the father of athletic fundraising. While much of its reputation has been built on annual fundraising, the organization is now built around a “One IPTAY” philosophy that also incorporates major gifts and planned giving. “Going forward we’ll be challenged, and it’s a great opportunity to seek true philanthropic support from our closest friends,” IPTAY Chief Executive Officer Davis Babb said. “We are going to really be asking folks to think big with us as we try to take on these exciting projects, and so the philanthropy component will be extremely important.” Those interested in helping Clemson build for its athletic future should contact the IPTAY office at 864-6562115. NOVEMBER 2013

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2013-14 SEASON OUTLOOK | MEN’S BASKETBALL Head Coach Brad Brownell has said this particular edition of Tigers feels like a “new generation of Clemson basketball.” Sure, he could have been referencing the fact that all 14 players on the 2013-14 men’s basketball roster were recruited by Brownell and his staff. As much as anything, though, he was referring to the makeup of a roster comprised of no seniors.

Jordan Roper led the Tigers in steals and threepoint goals as a freshman in 2012-13. Photo by Dawson Powers

“You have a group of guys that are going to bond together, stay together for at least a couple of years,” he said. “There is a sense of youthful exuberance, much more enthusiasm, and I believe they’re excited about playing together.” For the first time since 1995-96, Clemson will not have a senior on the roster. But that does not mean the Tigers will lack experience in 2013-14. Eight players return who earned significant minutes last season, including juniors Rod Hall, Damarcus Harrison and K.J. McDaniels. Clemson’s strength will shift from the post to the perimeter, not only due to the fact that veteran big men Devin Booker and Milton Jennings have moved on to professional careers, but also because of the sheer numbers Brownell’s team returns at the one through three positions in the backcourt. The fact Clemson does return so many

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players at the guard and wing positions has not been lost on Brownell, whose emphasis this offseason was to try and devise easier ways for the Tigers to score. “If you asked me if I would rather be inexperienced on the perimeter or in the post, I’d say in the post,” Brownell said. “Our perimeter play will be better this year because of their experience and how much they’ve improved after another full offseason. Every day in practice, guys are going to compete to earn playing time, and that will help keep us sharp.” Brownell’s offense should return to more pure motion in 2013-14, with less emphasis on running set plays. Last season, with the team’s inexperience in the backcourt, Clemson relied heavily on sets to get the ball inside to Booker, a third-team All-ACC power forward. With more scoring options this season, Clemson should increase its pace of play on offense. On the other side of the ball, Clemson has been known for its stingy scoring defense under Brownell. Last season, the Tigers yielded just 60.1 points per game to the opposition – Clemson’s lowest figure since 1950. One development that could surface for the Tigers in 2013-14 is more ball pressure – a staple of Brownell’s 2011 NCAA Tournament team in his first season at Clemson. “We have some versatility that will allow us to use certain guys for different things, which I like,” he said. “With our guards being a year older and better, hopefully we’ll be more ready to make adjustments within games.” BACKCOURT Clemson returns three point guards off its 2012-13 team – Adonis Filer, Hall and Jordan Roper. Each of the three has a different skill set, providing Brownell and his staff with intriguing options both offensively and defensively. Hall is the incumbent starter at the one position. Last year as a sophomore, the Georgia native averaged 5.7 points per game and

[ by Philip Sikes ]

led Clemson with 110 assists. A dogged defender, Hall worked hard in the offseason to improve the consistency on his jump shot. “He has a steadiness that will be important for a young team,” Brownell said. “He’s been a tenacious defender and good decisionmaker, but he will be a much bigger threat shooting the ball this season.”

ATHLETES TO WATCH ROD HALL

Jr. • Augusta, GA • Returning starter at the point guard position for the Tigers • Led Clemson with 110 assists last season and was seventh in the ACC in assist-to-turnover ratio

LANDRY NNOKO

So. • Yaounde, Cameroon • Will start at center due to the graduation of Devin Booker • Averaged 7.8 points and 11.5 rebounds in four exhibition games during NCAA tour of Italy

JORDAN ROPER

So. • Columbia, SC • Led 2012-13 team in both threepointers (41) and steals (35) • Shot over 40 percent from threepoint range as a freshman

The 2013-14 men’s basketball team Photo by Rex Brown, IPTAY Media

Roper played off the ball and was one of the Tigers’ primary scoring options late last season, but the sophomore will play the point position with greater regularity in year two of Brownell’s system. He shot 41 percent from three last season – tops on the team – and also led Clemson with 35 steals defensively. “His speed in the open court is something we want to take advantage of,” Brownell said. “He worked hard in the offseason on decision-making, and being more comfortable finding other guys within our offense.” Filer and Roper played the most minutes out of Clemson’s freshmen in 2012-13, and both are expected to again log significant action for the Tigers. Filer is cut from the mold of the other two Tiger point guards, possessing Hall’s defensive prowess while also showing a knack for scoring the ball like Roper. He averaged 6.3 points in just under 20 minutes per game as a freshman. “He’s another guy with strength and versatility that will help our team,” Brownell said. The starting two-guard position will likely come down to a battle in camp between Devin Coleman, a red-shirt sophomore, and Harrison. After transferring from BYU and playing in all 31 games a season ago, Harrison has worked himself into much better condition heading into his junior campaign. He averaged 5.2 points per game and shot only 22 percent from three in his first year at Clemson. Harrison played with better consistency in the Tigers’ 10-day foreign tour of Italy this past August, averaging 11 points per game while knocking in threes at a 46

and Duke’s Seth) to the NBA. Manning the starting small forward position for Clemson will be McDaniels, the high flyer and leading returning scorer for the Tigers at 10.9 points per game. He improved his scoring average by over seven points per game as a sophomore, a trend Brownell and staff certainly hope to see continue. McDaniels will also be one of the team’s top rebounders, and possesses the versatility to play as an undersized power forward in certain lineups. McDaniels made a percent clip. name for himself as one “Damarcus is shootof the most electrifying ing the ball much more players in the ACC last consistently,” Brownell season. He had 37 dunks said. “He’s a talented and led the conference guy, and I think he will with 2.0 blocked shots show himself this seaper game. son.” “He’s put some good Coleman was one of work in the gym this the Clemson’s scoring summer and gotten betoptions during the latter in all aspects of his ter part of his freshman game,” Brownell said. season in 2011-12. In “He is so athletic and fact, he led the Tigers such a quick jumper, with 15 points against plus he’s stronger than Virginia Tech in the you think. We think he’s 2012 ACC Tournament going to have a really game. Coleman tore good season for us.” his Achilles last sumHe will be pushed at mer in a conditioning the position by Austin drill, and missed the Ajukwa, a lanky 6-foot-5 entire 2012-13 season. freshman from ColumHe returned to combia, SC. The No. 2 rated petitive action in Italy, senior prospect in the where he averaged 9.8 Damarcus Harrison returns at the state of South Carolina points per game. shooting guard spot after opting not by ESPNU, Ajukwa has “Devin brings an to take a Mormon mission. long arms and is active offensive swagger Photo by Rex Brown, IPTAY Media defensively by getting and confidence our in the passing lanes and team lacked last year,” Brownell said. “He’s pretty crafty with the deflecting balls. He should earn playing time ball and has a quick release on his shot. He behind McDaniels at small forward this seaseems healthy and in good spirits right now.” son. “He was an underrated recruit who we Patrick Rooks would likely have been in the mix for playing time at the two position, watched develop from the time he was a but the incoming freshman from Charlotte, freshman,” Brownell said. “He handles the NC had surgery in October to repair an in- ball really well, and has a quick first step. He jured hip. Rooks is a tremendous three-point has a quiet confidence and is pretty tough. shooter who attended the same school that He wants to be really good, and I believe he sent the Curry brothers (Davidson’s Stephen has a bright future for us.” NOVEMBER 2013

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FRONTCOURT He averaged 17.7 points and 9.2 rebounds per Clemson’s lack of bodies inside is one of game last season at Three Rivers Community Brownell’s primary concerns heading into the College in Missouri. 2013-14 season. Due to the graduation of “He’s more mature than a high school kid Booker and Jennings, the Tigers return play- coming into your program,” Brownell said. “He ers who accounted for just 302 minutes at the wants to work and be good.” power forward and center positions. One of the hardest workers on the team is Landry Nnoko is the primary option in the red-shirt freshman Jaron Blossomgame, who post for Clemson. The sophomore from Cam- was recruited as a small forward but has gained eroon added 15 pounds of muscle in the off- over 25 pounds of muscle since he enrolled in season, and is coming off a productive trip to the summer of 2012. Blossomgame has not Italy in which he averaged 7.8 points and 11.5 played in a competitive game since suffering rebounds per game. Nnoko must take the next a compound fracture in his leg as a senior at step as a player for Clemson’s inside game to Chattahoochee High School in Alpharetta, GA. be a factor. He has returned to practice following a second “Landry is a very good athlete who runs the surgical procedure this past June, and will batfloor, can move his feet and guard ball screens,” tle Djambo for minutes at the four spot. Brownell said. “The big thing with him is, he “It’s great to have his energy and enthusiasm has to be a consistently good rebounder.” out on the court,” Brownell said. “He brings a He will be backed up at the center spot by toughness and work ethic that all good teams classmate Josh Smith, who yields three inch- have. We have to be a little careful to underes but possesses more girth for the position. stand what he’s gone through and know that Smith played just 96 minutes last season, but it’s been a while since he’s been in a game. But, showed an ability to track down rebounds with I am very excited about having him on the a team-high 52 over four exhibition games court this season.” during the summer trip to Italy. “He’s got good lower leg strength, which helps him keep guys off of post positions,” Brownell said. Date Day Opponent Time “He can provide some Nov. 8 Fri. Stetson 7:00 PM good depth, but he Nov. 13 Wed. Delaware State 7:00 PM needs some experience.” Nov. 17 Sun. South Carolina 5:00 PM Sidy Djitte is an inNov. 21 Thu. # vs. Temple 8:00 PM coming freshman who Nov. 22 Fri. # vs. Davidson or Georgia TBA will come off the bench Nov. 24 Sun. # vs. TBA TBA at the center position in Nov. 29 Fri. Coastal Carolina 7:00 PM 2013-14. Formerly a socDec. 3 Tues. SC State 7:00 PM Dec. 7 Sat. at Arkansas 2:00 PM cer goalkeeper in his naDec. 14 Sat. Furman 7:00 PM tive country of Senegal, Dec. 19 Thu. at Auburn 8:00 PM Djitte spent the past two Dec. 30 Mon. VMI 7:00 PM seasons at Northwood Jan. 4 Sat. * at Boston College 4:00 PM Temple Academy in FayJan. 9 Thu. * Florida State 7:00 PM etteville, NC, where he Jan. 11 Sat. * Duke 2:00 PM was the Cape Fear ReJan. 15 Wed. * at Virginia Tech 7:00 PM gion Player of the Year as Jan. 18 Sat. * Wake Forest 4:00 PM a senior. Jan. 21 Tue. * at Pittsburgh 8:00 PM The power forward Jan. 26 Sun. * at North Carolina 6:00 PM position will hinge on Feb. 1 Sat. * at Florida State 4:00 PM competition between Feb. 4 Tue. * Georgia Tech 8:00 PM two players who are new Feb. 9 Sun. * at Syracuse 6:00 PM faces to Tiger fans, but Feb. 11 Tue. * at Notre Dame 7:00 PM older than traditional Feb. 15 Sat. * Virginia 12:00 PM newcomers. Junior colFeb. 18 Tue. * NC State 7:00 PM lege transfer Ibrahim Feb. 22 Sat. * at Georgia Tech 12:00 PM Djambo will get a strong Feb. 25 Tue. * at Wake Forest 7:00 PM look at the position. The Mar. 2 Sun. * Maryland 1:00 PM 6-foot-10 native of Mali Mar. 4 Tue. * Miami 8:00 PM possesses quick feet and Mar. 8 Sat. * Pittsburgh 4:00 PM range out to the threeMar. 12-16 Wed-Sun. ACC Tournament (Greensboro, NC) TBA point line, but is wiry inNote: All times are Eastern; * - ACC regular season game; # - Charleston (SC) Classic side at just 215 pounds.

MEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

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ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:

Devin Coleman

No player is more eager to pick up where he left off on Clemson’s men’s basketball team than Devin Coleman. After leading the Tigers in scoring in the 2012 ACC Tournament as a freshman, the Philadelphia, PA native tore his Achilles last summer during conditioning. He spent the entire 2012-13 season rehabbing the injury while using a red-shirt to preserve his eligibility. “It feels great to be back,” he said. “I am a lot more comfortable with defensive rotations and what we’re trying to do on offense. Sitting and observing for a whole year helped me pick up on things I wasn’t too good at as a freshman.” Coleman experienced his share of ups and downs as a first-year performer in 2011-12, but ended on a high note. He posted 15 points in the Tigers’ conference tournament game with Virginia Tech. If the summer foreign trip to Italy was any indication, Coleman has picked up right where he left off. He averaged nearly 10 points per game and shot the ball well from long range in preseason practices. “I’m here to do whatever I can to help – whether that’s making shots, grabbing rebounds, playing defense,” Coleman said. Finding playing time on a roster heavy with guards and wings may be a bit of a challenge, but Coleman said it’s something he and his teammates have not only grown accustomed to, but also embraced through the spirit of healthy competition. “We’re deeper this year and more comfortable with each other,” he said. “Even though we’re young, we can surprise some teams and do a few things this season.” Coleman is likely to have a big role in the Tigers’ quest for improvement. — by Philip Sikes

NOVEMBER 2013

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LEARNING TO FLY McDaniels working hard to become known for more than highlight-reel plays by Steven Bradley , IPTAY Media .J. McDaniels knew early on that his athletic calling was on the basketball court. His father, Kevin McDaniels Sr., was an allconference pick during his days at South Alabama, and Kevin Jr. grew up playing ball on the streets of Mobile, AL, with his dad and older cousins. McDaniels tried football for a while, but that didn’t last long. He also tried his hand at soccer, but that was even shorter lived — a total of one day in P.E. class. “I didn’t realize how big the field was,” he said. “There’s a lot of running involved. The field is just humongous. I was like, ‘Wow.’” Anyone who has seen McDaniels play during his two years at Clemson can see why he chose basketball. His 6-foot-6 listed height doesn’t begin to measure how big he plays — with long arms, bouncy athleticism and ability to hang in the air that make him one of the best dunkers and shot-blockers to don a Tiger uniform. “He’s a highlight reel,” Head Coach Brad Brownell said. “We’ve all seen that, where he comes in and makes these flying blocks and dunks and impacts the game and changes momentum.” McDaniels has a laundry list of memorable dunks already in his Clemson career and has been a regular visitor to the SportsCenter Top 10 on ESPN. He’s also earned the nickname “The Dunk Man” from his teammates. “I love the name,” McDaniels said. “I watch (L.A. Clippers star) Blake Griffin a lot, too. He’s 32, and I’m 32. Me dunking, I believe it brings more excitement to the game.” Asked to name his favorite dunks, McDaniels is quickly able to list off his top three: 1. Against Virginia Tech last season, Mc-

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Daniels missed a three-point shot from the wing, and teammate Devin Booker missed a put-back under the basket. McDaniels stormed down the lane, leapt, threw it down (above right) with both hands and appeared to do a pull-up on the rim — although he doesn’t necessarily agree with that description. “They call it a pull-up, but I believe I was high enough,” he said with a smile. 2. Against Wake Forest, Booker missed a reverse layup underneath. McDaniels took one step from outside the paint, went up, slammed it home over 6-foot-9 Tyler Cavanaugh (above left) and hung on the rim with one hand while still spinning around to avoid coming down on

Small forward K.J. McDaniels said his two favorite dunks as a Clemson Tiger were both from last season, above versus Wake Forest and Virginia Tech. Photos by Rex Brown, IPTAY Media and Vern Verna

the Demon Deacon big man. 3. At Virginia, McDaniels drove baseline and jammed it over 6-foot-6 Joe Harris and 6-foot-6 Justin Anderson. The game finished lopsidedly in the Cavs’ favor, the only reason the acrobatic slam doesn’t rank higher in his mind. CONTINUED ON PAGE 35 ��

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But while McDaniels has done plenty of throwing it down in games, his teammates say the public has never seen some of his best dunks — they came in the Tigers’ practices. “You’ve got to box out K.J.,” sophomore guard Jordan Roper said. “If you don’t box out K.J., it’ll be a highlight reel. It’s unbelievable some of the dunks he has. Even in games, but just in practice too, catching put-back dunks, it’s like, ‘Where did you come from?’ It’s unbelievable.” McDaniels has been just as effective, if not more, in putting his bouncy athleticism to use on the defensive end of the court. He has 78 blocked shots in just two seasons at Clemson — already the best in school history for a player 6-foot-6 or shorter — and had seven in one game against Wake last season, the same game he threw down the memorable dunk over Cavanaugh. McDaniels has built a reputation as a player able to change momentum with a single, spectacular play for his first two seasons, playing alongside senior stalwarts Tanner Smith and Andre Young as a freshman, and Milton Jennings and Booker last year. Even in that complimentary role, McDaniels has made serious strides over his two seasons. He improved his scoring average by 7.0 points per game from his freshman to sophomore seasons — the biggest single-season gain by a Tiger since 1999-2000 — and he was second on the Tiger team at 10.9 points per game last year. This season, however, there’s little doubt McDaniels will be Clemson’s go-to guy. “I don’t see any pressure,” McDaniels said. “By going out there and being the main scorer, I don’t take that role as being cocky or anything, but I think I’ll be able to do that. But I also believe I’m going to need my teammates to do anything. We have a goal that we’re trying to accomplish by getting to the NCAA Tournament and putting another banner up at Clemson and just being one of those elite teams.” At ACC Operation Basketball in October, Brownell was asked what made his star player tick, and the head coach gave an answer that made McDaniels sound very much like the Clemson football team’s star player, quarterback Tajh Boyd. “He’s a very warm, personable kid,” Brownell said. “He’s genuinely in a good mood every day. He walks up to you and says hello, no matter the day. He does it to whoever he sees; it’s not just a coach or a player. If it’s a stranger, he’s going to go up and say hello and introduce himself. He’s just a very kind-hearted soul.” Clemson is coming off its first losing season since 2003-04, as it finished 13-18 and saw its season end with a first-round loss to Florida

McDaniels has lived up to his reputation as one of the ACC’s most electrifying players. Photos by Dawson Powers

State in the ACC Tournament. After losing two of its top three scorers — and top two rebounders — to graduation in Booker and Jennings, the Tigers enter this season without a senior on the squad. “They did their best to keep the team together and pull the team together and let the younger players know how things would go,” McDaniels said. “They tried their best, but we lost a lot of close games because of inexperience and a little bit of immaturity.” As for potential candidates to emerge as leaders, McDaniels and classmate Rod Hall are the only two scholarship players who have played two seasons at Clemson. “Those are two guys that certainly have to be leaders in our program and be talking to our guys about it,” Brownell said. “But I don’t think that is their mentality right this second, either. This is still the beginning of their junior years, and they’re still trying to establish themselves as really good players. K.J. needs to establish himself as our best player.” McDaniels is the team’s leading returning scorer (10.9 points per game), rebounder (5.0) and shot-blocker (58), and knows he needs to take his game to another level this season. “I’ve been working on a lot of dribbling, shooting off the dribble and learning how to read the defense, being more of a facilitator,” McDaniels said. In the offseason, McDaniels attended both

the Kevin Durant and LeBron James skills academies, reserved for the top players in the country. Asked if he was star-struck to meet two of the biggest basketball stars on the planet, McDaniels seemed as though he had taken the experience in stride, in his typically even-keeled manner. “I appreciate all the people at Nike that helped me get into it, and especially LeBron and Kevin Durant for spending that time with us and taking the time to teach us certain things,” McDaniels said. “It was a blessing. We didn’t hang out with them off of the court, but to be able to be on the court with them and to take advice from them, it was enough for me.” McDaniels said he grew even further as a player, and as a person, during the team’s 10-day tour of Italy in the offseason. He averaged 15.0 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.0 blocks over the four contests the Tigers played in Italy. He produced 20 points and nine boards against the Vicenza All-Stars, the best team Clemson played on its trip. “It was a great step because Italy brought us together closer as a team,” McDaniels said. “I believe it helped us out a lot with developing chemistry. “It’s very different in Europe. Their culture is just a lot different from ours. The food was different, but it was good, too. It took us a little bit of time to adjust, but it was a real fun experience. It was a marvelous experience for me, and I expect to go back.” While he has built his reputation on highflying dunks and blocked shots, McDaniels has worked hard at developing a complete game, the kind of game he’ll need to lead the Tigers back to postseason play this season. “I’m proud of him for how hard he’s worked the last two years,” Brownell said. “He’s really improved a lot. He came in as a great athlete, but his basketball skills needed a lot of work. I think he’s done a lot in the last two years to improve his shooting, his ball-handling, learning the game, and as he’s had some success here recently and gotten to participate in some camps and challenge himself with other really good players. I think that’s been really good for him, and he is beginning to see himself as a really talented player as well.” Anyone who’s seen McDaniels soar down the lane for a dunk or reject an opponent’s shot into the stands has quickly realized they are seeing a talented player. Now, McDaniels is hoping they’ll notice he’s a well-rounded player, too. NOVEMBER 2013

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2013-14 SEASON OUTLOOK | WOMEN’S BASKETBALL If the cliché holds true that a team takes on the persona of its coach, the women’s basketball program at Clemson is in for a crazy ride. Audra Smith arrived at Clemson from UAB in April with a fresh attitude and big personality that has already started to infect her team, on and off the court. Smith enjoyed a successful playing career at Virginia from 1988-92, where she played alongside Hall of Famer Dawn Staley, who is now the head coach at South Carolina. The two played in two NCAA Championships games, and reached the Final Four three times. The two actually roomed together, but according to Smith: “Only for a semester. She watched too many scary movies and stayed up late.” Staley has built a nationally ranked program down the street in Columbia, and Smith hopes to accomplish the same feat with her focus on defense. Some coaches can fall victim to trying to do everything by themselves, but Smith has surrounded herself with a staff that she fully trusts to make calls on the fly in the best interest of the program, as they all share the same goals. This allows her to devote her full energy to the team at all times. “All I ask for is 100 percent on the court,” she said.“Come to practice ready to practice and absorb as much as you

can. I’m the type of coach that realizes that mistakes will happen. I’m concerned with working on correcting that mistake.” This season, expect to see a team dead-set on defending for 40 minutes. But, also be on the lookout for Smith and her demonstrative behavior on the sideline, which can be entertaining in and of itself. “High-energy might be an understatement,” Smith said. “I am a little bit over the top, which I can’t help. I’m a players’ coach, and when I’m on the sideline, I relive the playing days. I believe it’s important for my players to be able to look over and see that I am working for them and in the game with them. And literally sometimes I am, and I have been warned numerous occasions.” And while she knows what to expect of herself on the sidelines, it’s what goes on between those lines that ultimately define a team. For the 201314 season, she has a strong mix of returners that have started a combined 205 games. Included in that group are leading scorer Nikki Dixon and leading rebounder and shot-blocker, Quinyotta Pettaway.

[ by Jeff Kallin ]

Dixon was thrust into a tough situation early in her career, and has started all but one game in her first two seasons. She has re-

ATHLETES TO WATCH NIKKI DIXON

Jr. • Alpharetta, GA • Fastest Lady Tiger to reach 500 career points since Chrissy Floyd in 2001, she did it last season vs. North Carolina • Averaged team-high 12.7 points per game as a sophomore

CHANCIE DUNN

Sr. • Decatur, GA • Played in 25 games last season, averaging 4.0 points per game • Earned undergraduate degree in parks, recreation & tourism management in August

QUINYOTTA PETTAWAY

Chancie Dunn graduated in August and will be one of the team’s veteran leaders in 2013-14. Photos by Rex Brown, IPTAY Media

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Sr. • Hertford, NC • Ranked third in rebounds (8.9) and fifth in blocks per game (1.3) in the ACC in 2012-13 • Rebound average was highest by a Clemson player since Jackie Farmer averaged 11.0 per game in 1990-91

sponded, however, leading the Lady Tigers in scoring in both seasons, including a 12.7 points per game average last season. She also saw her shooting percentage jump from .366 to .402, and her free throw percentage leap to .742 from .593 as a freshman. She also ranks in the top 10 in school history at 2.2 steals per game throughout her career, and has set a goal to be named to the All-ACC Defensive Team as a junior. Smith’s defensive philosophy is right in line with what Dixon hopes to accomplish, among other things. “She [Smith] is a crazy defensive coach,” Dixon said. “That is what has always stopped us. We’ve had a good offensive team, but fell short defensively. I don’t think we fully bought in and left our hearts out on the court. This year is going to be different. Coach Smith has been a blessing. She is committed to making us better players, better people. The thing that has been holding us back has been us.” Another key to that will be Pettaway’s post defense. The senior ranks seventh in school history at 1.1 blocks per game for her career, and had 39 rejections a season ago. Smith

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Leading returning scorer Nikki Dixon said Clemson players have a renewed focus on and off the court under Audra Smith’s leadership. Photo by Rex Brown, IPTAY Media

wants that number to make a big leap. Pettaway also finished 2012-13 as one of the league’s top rebounders, finishing third behind 2013 ACC Player of the Year Alyssa Thomas of Maryland, and Tianna Hawkins of Maryland. Pettaway’s 8.9 per game average was the best on record for a Lady Tiger since 1991. Pettaway did so playing more than 33

minutes per game, a huge toll on a post player in the ACC. But Pettaway, previously unaware that her 510 career rebounds already rank 22nd in school history, now has a new goal to enter the top 10. If she averages the same as last season, she figures to crack that elite group easily. However, Smith is looking for her to take an even bigger jump from her eight double-doubles of a season ago. In addition to those two, they’ll also likely get a big offensive boost from junior Kelly Gramlich, who is known for her shooting prowess that has her with 63 three-pointers made in her first two seasons. Gramlich has been described as “lights-out” in the preseason, and her ability to hit shots in transition and to spread the floor will be key to the Lady Tigers on the other end. Chelsea Lindsay, a guard who started throughout her freshman season, is back after stepping away from the program for

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Quinyotta Pettaway was one of the leading rebounders and shotblockers in the ACC in 2012-13. Photo by Rex Brown, IPTAY Media

The Lady Tigers will also get help from Charmaine Tay, now a full year removed from a torn Achilles injury that slowed her for much of last season. Senior Chancie Dunn is back for her fourth season after graduating in August. Freshmen Paige Mosley and Abrea Harris will also add depth on both ends. Clemson will man the post in the form of Nyilah the second half of the 2012-13 season due to Jamison-Myers and Aneesah Daniels, a transfer personal reasons. She will be able to push in from Alabama. Additionally, Sade Chatman, a transition and build continuity in the paces of freshman from Minnesota, will give the Lady play, and is arguably Clemson’s best on-ball de- Tigers an athletic presence down low. fender. The sooner all of the players are able to buy in to Smith and her philosophy, the sooner the program can begin rebuilding to previously Nov. 8 Fri. Davidson 4:00 PM great heights. Nov. 10 Sun. Wofford 2:00 PM Smith’s total well-beNov. 17 Sun. Cal State Northridge 1:00 PM ing approach will be key Nov. 20 Wed. South Carolina 7:00 PM in the efforts, as she foNov. 24 Sun. at South Florida 2:00 PM cuses on all of the areas Nov. 27 Wed. Radford 7:00 PM not only on the floor, but Dec. 1 Sun. North Florida 2:00 PM also in the classroom and Dec. 5 Thu. at UNC Greensboro 7:00 PM community. Dec. 14 Sat. SC State 2:00 PM “I love what I do, I have Dec. 19 Thu. # at UNLV 5:00 PM Dec. 20 Fri. # vs. Creighton 7:30 PM a strong passion for the Dec. 21 Sat. # vs. Oregon State 5:00 PM game, and I am thrilled to Dec. 29 Sun. Middle Tennessee 2:00 PM be a part of these young Jan. 2 Thu. at NJIT 7:00 PM women’s lives,” Smith Jan. 5 Sun. * at Notre Dame 2:00 PM said. “I want to help make Jan. 8 Wed. * Georgia Tech 7:00 PM them not only the best Jan. 12 Sun. * Pittsburgh 2:00 PM basketball players they Jan. 16 Thu. * at North Carolina 6:00 PM can be, but also the best Jan. 20 Mon. * Wake Forest 7:00 PM people they can be. So Jan. 23 Thu. * at Syracuse 7:00 PM when they leave here in Jan. 26 Sun. * Miami 2:00 PM four years, they can go Jan. 30 Thu. * at Georgia Tech 7:00 PM out into the community Feb. 2 Sun. * at Virginia 2:00 PM and the workforce and be Feb. 6 Thu. * Duke 7:00 PM successful.” Feb. 9 Sun. * at Maryland 2:00 PM That’s a personality and Feb. 13 Thu. * NC State 6:30 PM Feb. 16 Sun. * at Pittsburgh 2:00 PM outlook worthy of attenFeb. 20 Thu. * Boston College 7:00 PM tion from those both inFeb. 23 Sun. * Florida State 2:00 PM side and outside the proFeb. 27 Thu. * at Virginia Tech 7:00 PM gram, and Smith aims to Mar. 5-8 Wed-Sun. ACC Tournament (Greensboro, NC) TBA change the way the Lady Tigers operate in that orNote: All times are Eastern; * - ACC regular season game; # - Duel in the Desert (Las Vegas, NV) der.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT:

Kelly Gramlich

This is going to be a big season for me, because it’s going to be a big season for the team. We have a new coaching staff, a new philosophy and mentality. It’s the hardest that I have worked, and this team has worked harder than I’ve seen. From my own standpoint, I’ve worked really hard this summer on my shot, and with the staff on my ball-handling and defense. Last summer, I specifically counted how many shots I put up. This summer, I didn’t count, but I’d say it was at least 20,000 makes. This year, we have so much experience. We have two seniors that have played a lot, and three juniors that have played so much in myself, Nikki Dixon, and Chelsea Lindsay. We’ve been through the ACC multiple times, and we know what to expect. I’m feeling more confident. This staff is so discipline-oriented and so tough on you, but they give everyone a chance, and that’s what I love about them. As long as you can prove yourself on the court and come to work every day in practice, you will succeed. I’ve always liked the term student-athlete because I enjoy both aspects of it. I really enjoy the school and being in the community as well. I take being a student-athlete very seriously in that athletics is not the whole part. Some would argue athletics is the most important part, but I don’t think so. I think it’s important to be well-rounded and have a social life and be involved in the community. This season will be a success for me if I consistently contribute to the team every day, and do what I do. I want to shoot 40 percent or better from three and score in double figures, but I also want to be solid on defense and fill the stat sheet. — by Kelly Gramlich

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NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN

Discipline, hard work and chemistry key under Audra Smith

by Gavin Oliver | photos by Rex Brown , IPTAY Media

here’s a new sheriff in town, and her name is Audra Smith. Smith now patrols Littlejohn Coliseum as the first-year head coach of the Clemson women’s basketball team after being hired to take the reins of the program in April. Smith played and was an assistant coach at Virginia from 1989-92 and 1994-2003, respectively, before successfully embarking on a nine-year head-coaching mission to transform a slumping University of AlabamaBirmingham program. Despite compiling a 138-138 overall record at UAB, Smith’s last four seasons with the university were winning ones after taking over a program with a winning percentage of .349 in three years prior to her arrival. Now the sixth head coach in Clemson history, Smith will bring her knowledge of the Atlantic Coast Conference and 113-18 record as a player in it in hopes of another transformation with a program that finished 25-63 the previous three seasons. “Having played and coached in the ACC … this is, I believe, by far the best conference for women’s basketball in the country,” Smith said. “When you’ve been in a situation where you’ve been down — and this program obviously has been down for six years, the past three with

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these young ladies that have been here — they want to win.” Nobody wants to win more than the excelling combo of junior wing Nikki Dixon and senior forward Quinyotta Pettaway, who were the top two players during the 2012-13 season in minutes played and points per game, while ranking among the top three in a slew of other categories. Nevertheless, their elite play has yet to translate into overall team success, as neither ath-

lete has enjoyed a winning season in college basketball. However, the two feel the school has plucked the right leader in Smith and planted her in a position to hoist the team from the valleys to the peak of the ACC.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 42 ��

NOVEMBER 2013

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“I think it’s a great change,” Pettaway said. “I think this coaching staff is a little more disciplined, so we’re learning how to abide by rules and really work hard on the court. I think it’s a great change overall.” The program appeared to have acquired talented recruits ahead of last season and bolstered itself for a resurgence, but attrition and injury left the Lady Tigers with eight or fewer players on most nights during the latter stages of 2012-13. Now restocked and reloaded with 13 players, Smith has integrated discipline into the formula of a team aiming to again meet the standard of a proud program that has seen its share of success over the years. “Now that everyone has come together and really made a conscious effort to change our ways and change the program, we really want to put Clemson back where it is,” Dixon said. “We’re lucky to have this staff. They push us past our limits.” Smith’s arrival has brought a restored confidence in the chances for team success and has them hard at work to achieve it. The amount of time left to win is ticking down for Clemson’s three upperclassmen in Pettaway, Dixon and Chancie Dunn, and the three have worked collectively with their teammates and Smith to formulate goals for the upcoming campaign. A couple of notable aspirations for the squad are to finish in the ACC’s top five on the way to a postseason berth. Those exploits will be easier said than done, as the Lady Tigers haven’t staked a spot in the NCAA Tournament since 2002 while only finishing in the conference’s top five twice during that span. “It will take a lot of pride, a lot of hard work, a lot of belief and a change in mentality going into this year,” Dixon said. To account for the facet of work ethic, Smith has instituted competition and a team consensus that no job on the team is safe. If freshmen or sophomores outperform the upperclassmen, they will be able to replace them in the starting lineup. “I’m not afraid to give freshmen significant playing time,” Smith said. “All five spots are up for grabs right now. No one has anything solidified, and that will be great for us in practice because everybody wants to play and everybody wants to start.” While most students at Clemson kicked their feet up and enjoyed a relaxing fall break, Smith’s team continued to battle and sweat bullets amid two-a-day practices. So far, Smith’s grueling technique hasn’t failed her. “Coach Smith requires a lot from me and

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ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

Smith, pictured below with guard Chancie Dunn, has brought an infectious personality to the program.

the rest of the team,” Pettaway said. “She doesn’t just let you take a play off. Every play requires 110 percent.” That mentality has resonated within the team and embodies the approach the Lady Tigers employed when they took the floor for the regular-season opener versus Davidson on Nov. 8. This year, Clemson looks to secure its spot as an upper-crust defense by hanging its hats on that side of the ball, while hoping it ef-

fectively transitions into a more fluid offensive style of play. Under Smith’s system, shooting under duress should no longer be an issue for Clemson. Often, it will come down to the shooter simply putting the ball in the bucket. “What we have right now in terms of players, we have players that can create their own shot,” Smith said. “So, offensively, I’m not really worried because we’ll have some things in place where we’ll be able to get some shots. Now, making them is another thing. But we’ll be able to get plenty of shots.” Both phases of the game can be fueled by a school’s home environment, and with no deficiency in passion from Clemson fans, the team knows it must profit from its 16 dates in Littlejohn after a 5-10 home record a year ago. “We have developed a mindset where nobody comes in this gym and beats us on our floor,” Pettaway said. “It’s a mindset we’re going to fight for this year.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 44 ��

Coverage that keeps you

CONNECTED TO THE TIGERS.

From Death Valley and beyond, keep up with Clemson football in more places with real-time scores, stats, highlights, news and more. On America’s Largest 4G LTE Network. Knowing every move your Tigers make. That’s Powerful.

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Balancing out the team’s cutthroat attitude on the court is an ever-growing sense of togetherness that will be equally critical during a long season. With road trips to Nevada, New Jersey, Indiana, New York and Pennsylvania on the slate for the Tigers this season, being tightknit on the bus and plane rides will only bode well for them. “As far as on the other side of basketball, we’re doing team events to get closer and help build team chemistry,” Pettaway said. “We’re just trying to focus on all aspects of how to become a better team.” Right now, the team unity is trending in a positive direction from some oft-scattered teams of the past. “I like the team bond this year,” Pettaway said. “I hope it carries onto the court, and I hope our fans see how hard we work.” All the hard work, hustle and bustle can take its toll on a team over the course of a season, which is why Smith and her coaching staff are putting an emphasis on team togetherness and other aspects of life off the court. “We’re structured to be disciplined women now,” Dixon said. “That’s on and off the court. That’s just not being on the court; that’s off the court presenting yourselves as women

and representing Clemson. I think that’s more enforced now. That’s a big difference that we have because it contributes on the court.” The team knows that reaching its set of goals will require a combination of team discipline, a scratch-and-claw work ethic and a firm team bond to boot. How Clemson treads on the stepping-stones put in place by Smith to guide the team from a dormant to desirable state will determine how special the team can be in the near future. “It all depends on how hard they’re willing to work,” Smith said, “and how they adapt to my coaching style and my coaching philosophy.” And Smith sees a change unfolding before her eyes. “It’s been a process of changing the culture, changing their mentality and making them understand how we can get that done,” Smith said. “And we’re going to get that done. They’re

tired of losing. They’re tired of being cellardwellers, and we’ve all been very encouraging as a staff to let them know that we can win. “They want to win. And we have to show them how.”

Smith’s enthusiasm was on full display as she entertained the crowd on Oct. 18 at Rock the ‘John.

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45 ®

NO-NAMES NO MORE

SWINNEY ON CLEMSON’S DEFENSIVE RESURGENCE:

‘IT ALL STARTS UP FRONT’

by Steven Bradley , IPTAY Media | photos by Rex Brown , IPTAY Media

ver the summer, Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George paid a visit to Clemson’s campus to preview its upcoming season on his radio show. George and Dabo Swinney sat in the WestZone talking about the Tigers, their high-powered offense, All-American quarterback Tajh Boyd, star wide receiver Sammy Watkins and the gamut of usual preseason topics. Then the Clemson head coach turned the tables and asked George a simple question: Could he name any of the team’s defensive linemen? “He couldn’t. Not one guy,” Swinney recalled. “And I used that with our team. Although I believed, ‘We’ve got some good players, and these guys have got the right stuff,’ nobody even knows who they are.” They know now. Through its first nine games, the Clemson defense led the nation in sacks (30) and tackles for loss (85) and ranked in the top five nationally in third-down defense. At one point, the Tigers held five straight foes to 14 points or fewer — the first time they had done that in a season since the final five games of Danny Ford’s tenure as head coach in 1989. Perhaps most impressively, the defense is beginning to deflect some of the limelight from its own offense. And the key to all that, according to Swinney, lies in the trenches. “We’ve got the right combination for the first time since I’ve been the head coach from a depth, talent and experience standpoint, and they are good players,” he said. “They’re playing hard, putting pressure on the quarterback and creating turnovers. Our defense is doing a good job in all those areas, but it all starts up front.”

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ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

n the first quarter against Syracuse, middle linebacker Stephone Anthony tackled Orange quarterback Terrel Hunt after a threeyard run to force a Syracuse punt, the first of nine on the day. Watching the film a day later, Swinney stopped the tape and asked his coaching staff to keep their eyes on defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. He was cut-blocked at the line of scrimmage, but got up from the pile, sprinted downfield and flung his 6-foot-1, 295-pound body through the air to get in on the tackle. “I’m always hustling to the ball because you never know what can happen, and effort is al-

even in practice. “That’s Grady Jarrett. The best way to describe him is a picture,” Swinney said of the aforementioned play. “You can watch one play, and that’s Grady Jarrett.” Jarrett was named the team’s co-defensive MVP by the coaching staff last season, but perhaps no player symbolized the lack of recognition surrounding the defensive line coming into this season more than Jarrett. When he was asked about the junior the week after the game at Syracuse, Swinney said it was the first time he could recall Jarrett’s name coming up in a news conference. Five days later, after the Tigers’ defense had held the nation’s leading rusher, Boston College’s Andre Williams, to 70 yards and a 2.9 yard per carry average and limited the Eagles to 286 yards of offense as a team, Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables stood in the tunnel outside the Clemson locker room discussing the effort. “Our guys are very genuine and humble and tough,” Venables said, “and they’ve got great leadership — like that guy right there.” He made a gesture with his thumb over to Jarrett, standing just a few feet away. “He’s special. He’s the heart and soul,” Junior tackle Venables said. ways a great equalizer,” Jarrett For his part, Jarrett admitted the lack of Grady Jarrett is said. “The ball might pop out, the heart and recognition he and his defensive line mates or (the runner) might still stay soul of Clemson’s garnered coming into the season only much improved served to stoke their fire. up and I’ve got to get him defensive line. down. I just believe if he’s in “It did serve as motivation and makes reasonable distance from me, I us work even harder because we felt we want to go get a little piece of that action.” were worthy of that, and I think we’re doing a Jarrett’s effort was probably a moot point on great job across the whole defensive line by getthe play, as Anthony already had the runner ting better and getting more recognition,” Jarcorralled, but Swinney pointed out that Jarrett rett said. “But everybody still doesn’t know our brings that relentlessness every single down — names, so we’ve still got more work to do.”

“He’s tough to handle on that edge when he ally had qualified, it was almost November and he best part of coaching, according to Swinney, is that moment when “the knows it’s pass time,” Venables said. he’d been waking up at the crack of dawn for light comes on” for a player, the culmiWith that, Beasley said he’s finally starting to months for marching and PT. nation of dedicating themselves, buying into get recognized around campus. “The first couple weeks, I had a tough time,” the system, putting in the work and finally real“I feel like I’m becoming Tajh (Boyd) and Lawson said. “I never thought I’d be in a miliizing their potential. Sammy (Watkins) now,” he joked. tary lifestyle before. But it was probably the best He points to Vic Beasley as Exhibit A of that thing for me because I was a phenomenon. little immature, and it made “If you’d have told me two At right: Vic Beasley propelled the me more of a leader and more Tigers to a 24-14 victory over Boston years ago that Vic Beasley of a man and more focused on College last month. He earned the would be emerging as a leader what I needed to do.” for us up front, that would Leather Helmet Award, presented to the It has clearly paid off. Clemgame’s most valuable player. have been hard to believe at son has signed some talented that time,” Swinney said. defensive ends in recent years, After redshirting as a freshincluding Da’Quan Bowers, man tight end in 2010, Beawho was ranked the No. 1 sley played just 16 snaps and overall high school prospect had two tackles as a linebacker by ESPN.com in 2008, but in 2011 and came into last Swinney said Lawson is a cut season as a reserve defensive above them all. end who seemed unlikely to “The best since I’ve been see significant playing time. at Clemson, in my opinion, But despite playing just 288 as a freshman,” Swinney said. snaps in 2012, Beasley led the “He’s got a long way to go, At left: Corey Tigers with eight sacks, and but just where he is right now — mentally, Crawford has his upward trajectory continphysically, effort, understanding the bigger consistently ued this spring, when he was pressured opposing picture — I haven’t seen a freshman like almost unblockable during him.” quarterbacks all practices and finished with season and helped a pair of sacks in the Spring show the way for orey Crawford has been a mainstay Game. young standouts at the end spot opposite Beasley. “Now he’s the best player on Clemson’s The junior had key sacks in the wins we’ve got,” Swinney said. defensive line. over Georgia and Boston College, as well He might be the best player as a crucial interception just before halftime anybody’s got. against the Bulldogs. s good as Beasley has been this season, it Through nine games, Beasley was tied for “As a sophomore last year Corey was a good wasn’t even a sure thing he’d be a starter the national lead with 10 sacks and was fourth player, but he wasn’t a great player,” Swinney leading up to the season. in tackles for loss with 15.0. He also scored a said. “We needed to get him to take another As the Tigers got set for their opener against touchdown on a fumble return in the victory step. He needed to be more productive — tackGeorgia, Defensive Ends Coach Marion Hobby over Boston College that clinched a 24-14 vicles for loss, sacks, those type things. So far this came to Swinney with a problem. tory and his third ACC Defensive Lineman of year he’s done that.” “He said, ‘Hey, I’ve got three starters,’ and he the Week accolade this season. DeShawn Williams, Josh Watson and Carlos A player who was largely off the radar about was struggling between Vic and Shaq Lawson,’” Watkins have all started games at the defensive Swinney said. “And I said, ‘Hey, if it’s a tie, tie a year ago and seemed unable to find a position, tackle spots, and D.J. Reader has been a signifigoes to the veteran. End of discussion.’” the 6-foot-2, 235-pound Beasley was suddenly cant contributor as well. But while Beasley emerged as the starter, it rated No. 6 by ESPN expert Mel Kiper, Jr. for Through nine games, 13 defensive linemen has been clear why Hobby struggled to decide the 2014 NFL Draft in October. But perhaps more important than the quanti- between he and the 6-foot-3, 270-pound fresh- had played at least 40 snaps this season, and 10 had played at least 90. ty of his sacks has been their timeliness. Beasley man Lawson. “We’ve got a good situation on the defensive Through nine games, Lawson had 23 tackles, has made many of his sacks on passing downs, particularly late in games, to help the Tigers get 8.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and nine quarter- line,” Swinney said. “We don’t have any seniors in that group. They’re all battling hard and comback pressures to his credit. stops when they need them most. A product of nearby Daniel High School, peting, and they all want to play, they’re very For all his physical talent, Beasley pointed to his mental game as his biggest area of improve- Lawson has made the adjustment to the college unselfish and, man, they tap in and out of there, game look easy. He credits much of that to the and they all go play. Marion and Dan (Brooks) ment. “It’s about being aware of the down and dis- year he spent at Hargrave Military Academy have done a great job with that group.” They’ve done such a great job, Clemson’s detance,” he said. “If it’s third-and-5, you’ve got to — a year that shouldn’t have been necessary, as fensive linemen are even starting to get recogit turned out. be aware of the run or the pass.” Lawson enrolled at Hargrave in fall of 2012 nized now. But third-and-long is where Beasley truly ex“Probably the biggest improvement in our cels, and he is a big reason Clemson has been because he hadn’t been cleared by the NCAA the best defense in the nation on third downs Eligibility Center in time to enroll at Clemson. defensive line is that people know some of their By the time Lawson learned that he actu- names,” Swinney said. this season.

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F NEW KID

IN TOWN Clemson’s prolific scorer Thomas McNamara has been an instant fan favorite by Matt Castello

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ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

ive years ago, Mike Noonan recruited a promising midfielder from West Nyack, New York to play for him at Brown University. Fast forward to this season and you’ll find Tommy McNamara racing around the pitch suited up in Clemson Tiger orange. Look further and see that the Tigers are 10-4-2 on the season and consistently ranked in the top 20 nationally, and it’s no coincidence that the two match up just right. At the time, Noonan was in the midst of a 15-year stint at Brown that saw him lead the Bears to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances and eight Ivy League Championships, as well as to the school’s highest national ranking ever (third) during the 1995 season. Noonan saw McNamara as an elite talent and

McNamara has led Clemson’s resurgence in men’s soccer by leading the Tigers in both goals and assists. Photo by Rex Brown, IPTAY Media

McNamara, who has arguably the most impressive ball skills of anyone on the roster, is beloved by teammates and fans alike. Photos by Dawson Powers

couldn’t believe when he was able to pull him away from other top-level schools, such as those in the ACC. “It’s been great,” McNamara said. “When I first made the decision to go to Brown a great reason for that was Coach Noonan, so to see him go was kind of disappointing. But to come in and be with him again has been great.” Setting aside the fact that he’s one of the older guys on the team (“The guys like to bust my chops about that”), meshing hasn’t been a problem for McNamara and he’s even used that to his advantage in helping younger players develop. “I and a few of these other guys have had a lot of experience at the collegiate level. We’ve been student-athletes, for some of us, five years now. We understand what those younger guys might be going through at the time. Plus, I was here in the spring so I’m not completely new to the program.” As a graduate student majoring in applied economics, McNamara did indeed arrive to Clemson in the spring and has been working with the team since. That extra time has obviously helped, as he leads the team with 20 points. He has started every match but one, due to a red card in a previous game, for Noonan’s club in this 2013 campaign and leads the team in both goals (7) and assists (7) and has become one of the go-to-guys on free kicks. Not to mention the fact that with his de-facto mullet in-tail every game, a certain star factor has resulted this season. “I’m not sure how long I’ve been growing it to be honest,” he says of the throwback ‘do. “I

just decided a while back that when I decided to cut it, to grow it, I’d grow a mullet and then just see how long it would go on.” He doesn’t claim being superstitious with the flow, but the phrase “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” does come to mind. McNamara scored the first goal of the season for the Tigers and assisted on the second in his Clemson regular season debut. He scored the first goal in this year’s matchup against staterival South Carolina and tallied points in both of the next two home games against Virginia (goal) and Gardner-Webb (goal and assist). For that week, McNamara was named both the Top Drawer Soccer National Player of the Week and ACC Co-Player of the Week. He also got the scoring going against North Carolina in the Tigers’ upset victory in Chapel Hill on Oct. 8. For his efforts in that game and the following game against Wake Forest, McNamara was again named ACC Co-Player of the Week. The man has been a force on a team looking to build off last year’s success. “It’s been awesome. A lot of credit is to the team. We’re a team and thankfully are playing well. We’re getting some goals and some assists and at the end of the day that’s leading to some good results. I’m happy that both the team and I have been having a successful season as we go; we just have to keep that up.” McNamara led Brown and the Ivy League in game-winners (5) his freshman year and was a second-team All-Ivy midfielder his sophomore season before an injury ended his junior season prematurely. He returned to the pitch with a vengeance his senior season, tying for the team

lead in scoring with 12 points – four goals and four assists – numbers he has already topped this season for the Tigers. He was a first-team All-Ivy League selection in 2012. “Everybody else on the team has grown up with the program, and it is a little different coming into the program late. Coming here not entirely knowing what the program has been through throughout the course of history and most recently with what these guys have been through, they’ve been able to explain to me about their experiences and I feed off that.” As a big game loomed a few weekends back for the Tiger football team, McNamara talked about different sports teams supporting each other and made a note that he would be in attendance for the big matchup against Florida State on the gridiron. McNamara has loved becoming a part of that “Clemson family” and claims it as one of the main reasons for his decision to come to the school. “The support here at Clemson is absolutely amazing. I want to make sure I say thanks to everybody who has come out to support the team. The support for all athletics is amazing. It really is like one big family here in that fans don’t strictly support just one team. They go to as many sporting events as they can – volleyball, soccer, football, everything. To play in front of 4,000 fans, that’s pretty special. Hopefully we’ve been able to entertain a little bit.” Entertain, yes. Excite, yes. Tommy McNamara has been a big boost in this 2013 season for the Clemson men’s soccer team and proven that by scoring goals on the field, he’s steadily been scoring fans off of it.

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BILL MCLELLAN I

by Tim Bourret

t might have been the first recorded example in college football history that a coach told an athletic director not to build him something at his facility. But that was the case after the 1981 season when Bill McLellan told Danny Ford he wanted to build the upper deck on the north side of Memorial Stadium. “I told him he was crazy,” Ford said. “The interest rates were around 18 percent at the time. How in the world was he going to finance building the upper deck on the north side? But, he had a plan and he got it done. Considering the financial climate at the time, it was an amazing accomplishment.” Amazing accomplishments were all over

The north upper deck gate at Memorial Stadium was dedicated this past spring in honor of Bill McLellan, Clemson athletic director from 1971-85. He passed away in September. Photo by Dawson Powers

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ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

McLellan’s final bio as athletic director at Clemson from 1971-85. He is probably best known for the facility innovations, so we will start there. McLellan took over for Frank Howard as athletic director in 1971 and one of his first projects was overseeing the building of the Jervey Athletic Center, which was finished in 1973. It was stateof-the-art in its time, as it housed the offices for all Clemson sports with the exception of the basketball program, which moved to Jervey in 1975. I have been at Clemson for 36 years and there has always been a family atmosphere in this department. One of the main reasons was the Jervey Athletic Center, because we were all together. It was easy to develop a relationship with all the coaches (head coaches and assistants) and

REMEMBERED administrators. The coaches always supported each other, and it was easy to reinforce this because you saw everyone in the hall just about every day. In 1978, McLellan’s vision built the south side upper deck at Death Valley. I saw Memorial Stadium in 1977 when I came to Clemson with Notre Dame as a graduate assistant in the sports information office. When I returned to Clemson as a full-time employee nine months later, the south stands were a construction site. What an undertaking! I couldn’t believe the transformation I was witnessing from that stadium I had seen the previous November. Not only was an upper deck being built that would add 15,000 seats to the stadium capacity, there was a new press box and many luxury boxes being constructed. At the time, no college stadium had luxury boxes. McLellan had gone to Dallas to see the Cowboys Stadium, and thought Clemson was ready for luxury boxes. In addition to creating an intimidating stadium atmosphere, McLellan knew if he could fill those luxury boxes he could provide the capital to cover the investment during economic times that featured all-time high interest rates. Many schools copied the idea after Clemson’s success. His vision brought Memorial Stadium to a capacity of over 80,000 when he went against his head coach’s advice and built the north upper deck. Well, it turned out pretty well. Of course, Ford helped out quite a bit by leading Clemson to a 30-2-2 record between 1981-83. Clemson Nation grew exponentially. But McLellan was more than just brick and mortar and innovative fund raising. He had a sixth sense when it came to picking coaches, perhaps the most important duty of any athletic director. When Charlie Pell left for the University of Florida after the 1978 season, McLellan acted quickly and turned to Ford, then the offensive line coach, as his replacement. Ford was just 30 years old at the time, but McLellan saw something in the Bear Bryant disciple. A call

South Bend. The only coach younger was a former Knute Rockne player who led the University of Texas to victory in 1934 at age 28. It is a fact that further documents McLellan’s sixth sense when it came to hiring coaches. In many ways, McLellan was also the “Father of Women’s Athletics” at Clemson. Between 1975 and 1977, he added eight women’s programs to the school’s athletic landscape. By 1980, six of the eight programs had finished in the top 20 nationally at some point. McLellan passed away in Greenville Memorial Hospital on September 30. The following Saturday, in the game at Syracuse, each Clemson football player wore a ‘BMc’ decal on his helmet. Earlier in the week, Head Coach Dabo Swinney told the team why they were wearing the sticker. “I doubt any of you know who Bill McLellan was,” Swinney told his team after practice the Wednesday of the Syracuse game. “Guys, when you look at our stadium with the upper decks and private boxes, and the tradition we have for winning championships, Bill McLellan had everything to do with that strong foundation.” McLellan received many honors during his career at Clemson, including induction into the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame. He was also honored this past May with his induction into the South Carolina McLellan pictured with Athletic Hall of Fame. national all-sports poll four times between 1978-83, a pair of former football But, the honor that probably coaches, Hootie Ingram including an all-time best meant the most to him and his (second from left) and third in the nation for the family was bestowed last spring legendary figure Frank 1979-80 academic year. Howard (right). when the upper deck on the north That year, Clemson went to Photos courtesy Clemson end of Memorial Stadium was the Elite Eight of the NCAA Athletic Communications named in his honor. Tournament under Bill FosMcLellan came to Clemson as ter, another young future Clemson Hall of a freshman in 1951 when Memorial Stadium Fame coach hired by McLellan in 1975. The held just 40,000 fans. He saw it double in size Tigers also advanced to the College World over his lifetime and personally had everything Series on the baseball diamond, and won at to do with that growth. Notre Dame on the gridiron on the way to a Even though he was suffering from Alzheimer’s at the time, seeing his name on that side of bowl game. I did some research recently and discov- the stadium had to resonate and allow him to ered that Ford, then age 31, is still the second experience one of the most rewarding days of youngest coach ever to beat Notre Dame in his life. to the Bear for his recommendation clinched the hire. Ford was one of seven coaches McLellan hired who are now in the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame (there will be an eighth some day when Larry Penley retires). Thanks to these great hires and McLellan’s vision when it came to facilities and the department’s overall infrastructure, Clemson won 34 ACC Championships during his tenure between 1971-85. The program ranked in the top five of the

NOVEMBER 2013

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ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

CONRAD, CREEL TO BE HONORED WITH INAUGURAL CLEMSON DISTINGUISHED ATHLETES AWARD

FORMER TIGER GOLFER BOND LEAVES A LASTING LEGACY by Steven Bradley , IPTAY Media | photos by Rex Brown , IPTAY Media

efore Steve Bond died in August after a battle with lung cancer, his wife, Margaret, promised him she would carry on the traditions and leadership at Clemson University that had been such a big part of their lives together. “He was passionate about it, I’m passionate about it, and I gain a lot of joy from it,” Margaret Bond said. “I want to continue our involvement with Clemson because that’s what he would have wanted me to do.” A significant piece of their involvement at Clemson will come to fruition Nov. 14, when Margaret presents the inaugural Clemson Distinguished Athletes Award to two recipients: former basketball star Bobby Conrad and Carolyn Creel, the first coed to receive an athletic scholarship at the university. The ceremony will take place on the field at Memorial Stadium during the Clemson football team’s game against Georgia Tech. Steve Bond played golf at Clemson under Bobby Robinson and graduated in 1980, and had since loyally supported the university, Clemson Athletics and the Tiger golf program. Margaret is a legacy and a lifelong Tiger fan. Her father, Ray Segars Jr., went to Clemson, and she is a 1983 graduate. “My blood has always been orange,” she said. In recent years, the Bonds decided to do something innovative that would have real value for Clemson Athletics and began brainstorming ideas to leave

a lasting legacy. They settled on the idea of a perpetual award to honor Clemson’s greatest athletes who had become great citizens after their collegiate career ended. The award would come in the form of a gold ring that will presented every year at a football game and also by having the recipients’ names on a permanent display on campus. The Bonds met with a committee at Clemson about their idea and then exchanged a se-

Former Clemson golfer Steve Bond and wife Margaret dot the “I” prior to the 2012 football game against N.C. State at Memorial Stadium.

ries of emails with Associate Athletic Director Bill D’Andrea. Recently, as the idea came closer to fruition, Margaret looked back through a folder that contained the emails they had exchanged regarding the award and found one Steve had written to sum up the award’s purpose. It read: “We are thankful for all you did for Clemson and Clemson Athletics, but we are even more thankful for the type of person, steward and role model you have become in your life after Clemson.” “I read that, and I thought, ‘Wow, that’s so beautiful,’” Margaret said. “I remember him writing all this and us talking about it, but those were his words.” But the award was never meant to be about the Bonds, it was meant to be about the distinguished athletes that it recognizes. Certainly, the first two recipients embody the character Steve and Margaret sought to honor. At Clemson, Conrad was the starting point guard for the 1980 NCAA Elite Eight team and is seventh all-time in Clemson history with 402 assists. These days, he runs the show on a different kind of court — as a federal judge on the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. “I was honored to get the award from Clemson and also to have (Steve Bond’s) name associated with it because he’s been a man of action and has really expressed his affection for Clemson University, and that’s certainly something that I share,” Conrad said. “My memories of NOVEMBER 2013

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Clemson are all wonderful, and I’ve had the good fortune of having two children graduate, as well, and to be honored by Clemson with an award sponsored by Steve and Margaret is something that I cherish.” After this year’s inaugural award, the award will only be handed out to one recipient each year. But this year, the Bonds and the committee felt it was important to have both male and female recipients — not least because there would then be a design for both male and female versions of the ring. Certainly, there was no more appropriate place to start in terms of female Clemson athletes than the first one ever to receive an athletic scholarship: Carolyn Willis Creel. And it is fitting that Creel will be honored with the award on the field at Death Valley because her scholarship was technically a football scholarship, given by then-coach Frank Howard. And firsts at Clemson are nothing new to Creel. As a majorette, she was Clemson’s first feature twirler. As a graduate, she became the first female to receive the Clemson Distinguished Service Award (1996). “I was speechless to the point of being so humbled,” Creel said of learning she was being honored with the Clemson Distinguished Athletes Award. “Knowing that there are so many wonderful Clemson people that deserve this honor. It has shaken me to my core roots and made me say, ‘Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Clemson.’ I have been very blessed by being a part of Clemson University.” Along with her husband, James, the Creels have embodied exactly the type of long-term leaders since they left Clemson that the Bonds sought to recognize, which is why they made it a prerequisite that honorees be at least 10 years removed from graduation. “It takes a while to see what your part will be as far as being a role model and being a steward and that type of thing as far as your life after Clemson,” Margaret Bond said.

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ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

At left: Bond was a member of the Tiger golf team under Bobby Robinson and earned a degree from Clemson in 1980. Photo courtesy of Clemson Athletic Communications Below: Steve and Margaret Bond with Clemson Assistant Men’s Golf Coach Jordan Byrd, second from right, and Head Women’s Golf Coach J. T. Horton. Steve Bond was instrumental in the creation of Clemson Golf Paws, which was formed to provide an unrestricted fund for Clemson Golf.

While the Bonds never wanted the award to be about their own recognition, Director of IPTAY Major Gifts Bobby Couch said Steve and Margaret represent the type of leadership after leaving Clemson that they have sought to honor. “That’s really what it’s all about: getting

people reconnected and knowing that Clemson was such a part of their lives,” Couch said. “Steve would tell you, if Bobby Robinson hadn’t given him a scholarship, he wouldn’t have had an opportunity to come to Clemson.” As a former Tiger golfer, Bond had been one of the program’s supporters for some time and was instrumental in the creation of Clemson Golf Paws, which was formed to provide an unrestricted fund for the program. Shortly after he helped start Golf Paws, Bond developed lung cancer, and he passed away on Aug. 15, 2013, at Tidelands Community Hospice in Georgetown, SC. But through his leadership, Bond has ensured Clemson’s golf programs will continue to thrive now that he is gone. “His generosity to Clemson golf was displayed in his commitment to support it,” D’Andrea said. Margaret said that was something that was very important to Steve. “He always thought Clemson gave so much to him because of those scholarships and the people he met and people that became mentors to him,” she said. “He always wanted to give back because he they gave so much to him and they created opportunities for him later in life.” And that is exactly what Steve and Margaret are doing for a whole new generation of Clemson student-athletes moving forward.

Rain or shine. Hot or cold. Win or lose.

That’s loyalty.

#1 in cusTomeR loyalTy

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ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

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Name Dillon Tractor and Implement Company Anne Dobson Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Dobson James F. Douglas Dr. & Mrs. William E. Dukes Sr. Robert M. Dumit DWNST, LLC Keith M. Eades Mr. & Mrs. D. Kim Easterling Edwards Publications Rick Elliott Timothy C. Elrod Walter N. Entrekin Rick and Ingrid Erwin C Edward Evans, Jr Frederick W. Faircloth III Fairey Chevrolet Olds Cadillac Fairway Ford #2 Fairway Ford of Greenville #3 Fairway Outdoor Advertising Co. Charles P. Ferguson Jeanne G. Fowler Ned D. Freeman Brett Freeze In memory of Martin H. Geiger George W. Ballentine George Ballentine Ford Lincoln George Coleman Motors #2 Susan Gerrald Gene and Carol Glifillin Frederick Gilmer, III Capt. & Mrs. Wilbur N. Ginn Jr. James R. Glenn Grant & Sonya Goodman Ronald and Janet Goodson Franklin Hartford Green Dr Jack L. Green Jr. Amos G. Green, Jr. Max & Rita Gregory Joe Griffin Gear & Machine Co. Growsouth Inc. Millie and Lloyd Gurley Mrs Eldon V. Haigler Jr. & Sons Frank S. Hanckel Jr. Kevin Harpe Robert Joe Harris, Jr. Hemingway Motors #2 James P. Hentz MD Marie Herbert James O. Herbert, Jr. Richard C. Hoffmann Hank and Susan Ford Hofford Hood Construction Mr. and Mrs. John D. Hopkins, Jr. David Melton Hough William E. Howiler Jr.

City, State Dillon, SC Greer, SC Seneca, SC Central, SC Clemson, SC Greenville, SC Simpsonville, SC Charlotte, NC Hartsville, SC Seneca, SC North Myrtle Beach, SC Townville, SC Chattanooga, TN Greenville, SC Salem, SC Rock Hill, SC Orangeburg, SC Greenville, SC Greenville, SC Anderson, SC Auburn, AL Belton, SC Greenville, SC Clemson, SC New Hope, AL Greenwood, SC Greenwood, SC Travelers Rest, SC Brentwood, TN Pawleys Island, SC Greenville, SC Greenville, SC Spartanburg, SC Seneca, SC Darlington, SC Allison Park, PA Myrtle Beach, SC Myrtle Beach, SC Duncan, SC Spartanburg, SC Mt. Pleasant, SC Durham, NC Cameron, SC Charleston, SC Bennettsville, SC Fort Mill, SC Andrews, SC Pawleys Island, SC Anderson, SC Anderson, SC Rome, GA Charleston, SC Ridgeway, SC Simpsonville, SC High Point, NC Westminster, SC

Name W. A. Hudson Calvert W. Huffines, Jr. Bill and Sherry Hunt Walter L. Hunter, Jr. Wilson and Ann Hunter Infinity Marketing Solutions Jack Jackson Joey & Jan’s Fireworks Robin A. Johnson Thelma B. Jones Donna Merck Jones Mrs. William P. Kay, Jr. and Melinda Kay Allen King Dr. Sidney and Dr. Anne Kirkley Charles J. Kreidler Mrs. W. A. Lawton Leader Ford Leader Ford #2 Terrell & Debra Leeke Rhett Leonard Frank F. Limehouse, III Kenley and Margaret Loftis William & Marybeth Lyles Elizabeth ”Lib” Lynch Michael L. and Amanda Lyon Joseph G. Mahaffey Mahaffey Brothers Lisa Martin McCall Alan Mason Albert Dial McAlister James T. McCabe Curtis S. McCall Jr. John N. McCarter Jr. Mary Earle McCraw Will McDaniel S C McMeekin Memorial McMeekin Farms Steve and Judy McNeely Stuart C. McWhorter Dr. Vernon Merchant Jr. Bill and Suzanne Misiaveg Danny Mizell Gene & Rita Moore Anthony Morgan Morton & Morton Mr. and Mrs. William A. Mullikin Linda Mungo William R. Muth Delores Norris Morgan & Rebecca Norris Oconee Savings & Loan Samuel & Saranne O’Neal Mr. and Mrs. Steven H. Owings Palmetto Ford #2 Chris Estes Mary Jane Patterson Bill Peeler & Bob Peeler (Lexington SC) Performance Chevrolet, Buick, GMC Pickens Construction Inc. R. B. Pond, Jr. Wilbur O. Powers In memory of Jack R. Miller by Philip Prince Pringle Paint Sundries Procom - Jim Leshock Dr. and Mrs. R. Pruette Roy L. Pryor, Jr. Lloyd W. Purser

City, State Spartanburg, SC Walterboro, SC Landrum, SC Columbia, SC Greenwood, SC Greenville, SC Seneca, SC Greenville, SC Piedmont, SC Greenville, SC Taylors, SC Belton, SC Mt. Pleasant, SC Hendersonville, NC Greenville, SC Estill, SC Seneca, SC Seneca, SC Greenville, SC Pickens, SC Birmingham, AL West Columbia, SC Spartanburg, SC Clemson, SC Moore, SC Greenville, SC Jefferson, GA Central, SC Raleigh, NC Laurens, SC Clemson, SC Mt. Pleasant, SC Columbia, SC Charleston, SC Lake City, SC Columbia, SC Monticello, SC Easley, SC Brentwood, TN Anderson, SC Greer, SC Midlothian, VA Salem, SC Easley, SC Clemson, SC Piedmont, SC Lancaster, SC Clemson, SC Surfside Beach, SC Anderson, SC Seneca, SC Barnwell, SC Greer, SC Charleston, SC Rock Hill, SC Clemson, SC Gaffney, SC Seneca, SC Anderson, SC Myrtle Beach, SC Florence, SC Clemson, SC Greenville, SC Charlotte, NC Anderson, SC Ridgeland, SC Johns Creek, GA

Name Ralph Hayes Toyota #3 Ralph Hayes Toyota #2 Thomas A. Ramsay Robert Randall Regions Bank Edward L. Reynolds Steven Riddle Jim Roberts Cindy Barron Rywak, Jessica Barron Martin Tracy Salak Fritz & Nora Sargent Donald J. & Karen C. Saucier Michael and Rosanne Schenck Steve Scheppmann John L Seabrook, III Wendell R Sease John Harold Sease George W Sharpton Jack E Shaw Robert and Sandra S. Shealy Thomas A Sherard, Jr Dr. and Mrs. K. C. Shuler George and Joann Singleton Bryan L. Smith Herman Long Smith Dr. Randolph R. Smith Smith, Jordan, Lavery & Lee, PA Lance and Tara Snyder Samuel Robert Spann Jr Mr & Mrs Thomas A Sparacino Stephen A and Kathleen G Spencer Dr. David K. Stokes, Jr. D. Harding Stowe & Richmond H. Stowe Mr. and Mrs. Richard Struthers SunTrust Bank Superior Engineering Inc. Joseph D. Swann Harper Corporation Dr. & Mrs. A. J. Thompson Jr. Tom Thompson Thrift Development Corp. Mr. and Mrs. Tracy E. Tindal George and Mary Jane Toole Toyota of Easley #1 Toyota of Easley Inc. Jeffrey Travis James A. Turner Jr., Annie Alexander Turner, Megan Ashley Turner Twin City Motor Co. Inc. Richard C. Vaughan Fennell Container Co. Walker & Whiteside Inc. James L. Warner II Jonathan and Lisa Weitz Dr. T. G. Westmoreland Chris G. White Alton and Mary Ann Whitley J. Michael Williams R. Nelson Wills Jr. Jason D. Wilson Robin Wilson Frank W. Wingate Charlotte Wood Allen K. Wood, Jr. William Lindsay Wylie Jr. James H. Wyman Mark A. Yarborough MD

City, State Anderson, SC Anderson, SC Gray Court, SC Greenville, SC Greenville, SC Aiken, SC Davidson, NC Anderson, SC Hickory, NC Anderson, SC La Jolla, CA Clemson, SC Brentwood, TN Alpharetta, GA Charlotte, NC Clemson, SC Prosperity, SC Greenville, SC Greenville, SC White Rock, SC Huntersville, NC Mount Pleasant, SC Winnsboro, SC Naples, FL Newton, NC Augusta, GA Easley, SC Charleston, SC Conway, SC Clemson, SC Potomac, MD Inman, SC Belmont, NC Greenville, DE Greenville, SC Belton, SC Greenville, SC Greenville, SC Sunset, SC Anderson, SC Seneca, SC Seabrook Island, SC Irmo, SC Easley, SC Easley, SC Lexington, SC Clemson, SC Leesville, SC Sunset, SC Simpsonville, SC Taylors, SC Alpharetta, GA Folly Beach, SC Shelby, NC Greensboro, NC Clemson, SC Greenville, SC Cramerton, NC Greenville, SC Greenville, SC Greenville, SC Highlands, NC Clemson, SC Greenville, SC Greenville, SC Asheville, NC NOVEMBER 2013

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MAYBERRY ENDOWMENT TO BENEFIT UNSUNG HEROES Memorial Grant-in-Aid will award scholarships to football trainers, managers

inemen are typically the unsung heroes of a football team, toiling in obscurity and doing the dirty work while the skill position players get the glory. As an offensive guard and tackle for Clemson from 1979 to 1982, Bob Mayberry Jr. did the dirty work for some of the greatest moments in the program’s history. He started on the 1981 National Championship team and was awarded the South Carolina Jacobs Blocking Trophy in 1982. But Mayberry realized there were those who played a key role for the team whose work got far less recognition — the managers and trainers. “Bob always talked about the little people,” said Bobby Couch, director of IPTAY’s Major Gifts division. “He was an offensive lineman, so some of his best friends were managers and trainers, and he talked about how they never got much respect. He said, ‘It’s like they are the offensive linemen of the staff.’” Mayberry died in July 2012 from pancreatic cancer, but his friends and family members have established an endowment to honor his memory and values. The Robert P. “Bob” Mayberry, Jr. ’83 Endowed Memorial Grantin-Aid will award partial scholarships to individuals who serve as Clemson football trainers and/or managers. In addition to his exploits on the gridiron, Mayberry met his wife, Sheryl, who was a cheerleader, while at Clemson. Following graduation in 1983, Mayberry joined his father, Bob Sr., in the automobile business, married and raised a family, and seized every opportunity to demonstrate his passions for Clemson and for helping others. “It was such a tragic situation,” Couch said. “It seems like everybody is impacted by cancer, but Bob Mayberry Jr. was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which really just goes quickly. He

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ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

by Steven Bradley , IPTAY Media was such a healthy individual, just in the prime of his life.” Soon thereafter, Bob Mayberry Jr.’s close friend and teammate on the ’81 title team, Kendall Alley, reached out to Couch and Director of Development & Alumni Affairs Brian O’Rourke and said he wanted to introduce them to Bob’s father. What initially began as a goal to raise $500,000 for the endowment soon turned into a goal to raise $1 million, and at the Boston College game on Oct. 12, Mayberry’s parents, widow and children, Caroline, Sloane and Miles, attended and learned that $1,000,074 had been raised to date. Ironically, No. 74 was Mayberry’s number at Clemson.

Family members of the late Bob Mayberry Jr. present Bill D’Andrea of the Tiger Letterwinners Association with a check for more than $1 million that was raised for an endowment that was created in his name. Photo at top courtesy of Clemson Athletic Communications Photo above by Craig Mahaffey

“Bob’s considerable football achievements were far exceeded by what he did for others,” said Alley, a member of the Robert P. Mayberry Endowment Fund committee. “Just as important as his service, was how Bob served — quietly and without the need for recognition.”

The fundraising committee also includes Jubal Early, Steve Horvath, Steve Luquire, Robert P. Mayberry Sr. and Mark Richardson, who was also a teammate of Mayberry’s on the 1981 championship team. “We are confident it would have been Bob’s dream to honor those who work hard day in and day out with no expectation of recognition beyond that which accrues to the whole team,” Richardson said. “These scholarships personify Bob perfectly.” Couch estimates that 90 to 95 percent of the initial $1 million have come through charitable donations by people with no direct connection to Clemson, rather by their connection to Mayberry Jr. Mayberry Jr.’s friends and family felt it was important to show their commitment to the initiative first before asking others to make a commitment to it. Now, IPTAY is hoping Clemson fans will get involved to carry on Mayberry’s legacy. Pledges and gifts in support of the Robert P. “Bob” Mayberry, Jr. ’83 Endowed Memorial Grant-in-Aid may be addressed to the Clemson University Foundation and mailed to Connie Sexton, IPTAY Major Gifts, PO Box 1529, Clemson, SC 29633. “IPTAY has traditionally supported scholarships for studentathletes, and they benefitted greatly from those scholarships, just as Bob Mayberry himself benefitted greatly from an IPTAY scholarship and played four years of football, meeting his wife, starting his family, and he was so grateful for that scholarship,” Couch said. “But through his legacy, they want to provide scholarship support for those people that provide support around the sports. “There are 500 student-athletes that benefit from the hard work and dedication of managers and trainers. That’s really what this is about. We’re asking the IPTAY family to help that support staff that makes it possible for our athletes to perform their best. It’s helping the unsung heroes of the football program.”

NCAA Compliance

HELP COMPLIANCE SERVICES BY “ASKING BEFORE YOU ACT”

lemson University athletic teams are having a great year and receiving national attention on how well the teams are performing both on and off the field. With this national attention often times bring out the negative side of intercollegiate sports, secondary and major violations. Please help compliance services by “asking before you act.” Compliance services is committed to maintaining institutional control by assisting coaches and staff, students, IPTAY members, and fans understand and abide by the rules and regulations of the NCAA, ACC and Clemson University. As a reminder, it is impermissible for a representative of athletics interest (IPTAY member) to directly or indirectly, makes arrangements for giving or offering to give any benefits to a prospective student-athlete or the prospective student-athletes relatives or friends and current student-athletes or the current student-athlete’s relatives or friends. The following list expressly prohibits these types of benefits and arrangements (not all inclusive): • Ticket(s) for any kind of entertainment including Clemson athletic events; • Free or reduced merchandise from a merchant (unless it is available to the general public); • Free or reduced meals at a restaurant; • An employment arrangement for a prospective studentathlete’s relatives; • Gift of clothing or equipment; • Any use of a car or other transportation; • Arrange financial assistance for a prospect, their family or friends;

• Money, gift cards, loan(s), a guarantee of bond or signing/ co-signing of a note to arrange a loan; • Any tangible items; • Free or reduced-cost services, rentals or purchases of any type; • Free or reduced-cost housing; • Use of an athletic equipment (e.g. for a high school all-star game); • Sponsorship of or arrangement for an awards banquet for high school, preparatory school or two-year-college athletes by an institution, representative of its athletics interests or its alumni groups or booster clubs; and • Expenses for academic services (e.g., tutoring, test preparation) to assist in the completion of initialeligibility or transfer-eligibility requirements or improvement of the prospective student-athlete’s academic profile in conjunction with a waiver request. If you become aware of a violation, please report it directly to compliance services. Clemson University is held responsible for any actions taken by a representative of athletics interest relating to prospects or current student-athletes. The penalties for breaking these rules, whether by accident or intentional, may be severe. Any violation may jeopardize a student-athlete’s opportunity to attend and/or compete for Clemson University, no matter how minor it may seem. In addition, Clemson University will be exposed to NCAA sanctions including vacating championships and the representative of athletics interest could be disassociated from our program. Your compliance with NCAA rules and regulations is a critical part of Clemson University maintaining institutional control. GO TIGERS!

ASK BEFORE YOU ACT! Please contact Compliance Services at (864) 656-1580 or email at compliance-L@clemson.edu if you have any questions on NCAA rules. Thanks for your continued cooperation to ensure compliance with ACC and NCAA rules.

NOVEMBER 2013

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IPTAY Mr. Patrick Hopkins passed away on September 13. He was an IPTAY Member for 53 years. Mr. Thomas Everett, Sr. passed away September 15. He was an IPTAY Member for 32 years. Mr. George Hutto, Jr. passed away on September 18. He was an IPTAY Member for 56 years. Mr. Thomas Warwick passed away on September 29. He was an IPTAY Member for 56 years.

Dr. Benson Bagwell passed away on October 1. He was an IPTAY Member for 33 years. Mr. Joseph Vines, Jr. passed away on October 6. He was an IPTAY Member for 5 years. Mr. John Terry passed away on October 7. He was an IPTAY Member for 59 years.

Mr. HC “Bill” McLellan passed away on September 30. He was an IPTAY Member for 58 years.

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ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

NOVEMBER 2013

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IPTAY R DONotOos ph

tts nk (‘81), and Tammy Wa Brett, Sydney (‘17), Fra aii. Haw ai, Kau in e Prid er showing Tig

ms, parents of Avery and Charley Tim ms before the Brooke and Charles Tim Go Tigers! Clemson vs. UGA game,

Ben Bryson, son of Jenni Tindal Brys on( ‘85) and Jody Bryson (‘87) welcomes ET host Nancy Humphries O’Dell (‘87) back to campus.

William Mason Goodner was born to Mike (‘01) and Shelly Goodner on June 22, 2013. He is the nephew of Matt (‘04) and Mimi (‘04) Goodner.

Herb (‘61) and Kathie Rowland in Curacao during their 50th wedding anniversary Caribbean cruise.

Nonie Hudnall (‘72) participated at the Sen ior Olympics in Cleveland , Ohio, in July, 2013. She received a silver medal in Track and Field four by one hundred relay.

Class of 2011 couple Will and Kimberly Jackson at rehearsal dinner party at Calhoun Corners.

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Gavin Boulier (2 years old), is the grandson of Dr. Robert (Bob) L. Grigsb y,III, (‘74), and the great grandson of Robert (Bu ck) L. Grigsby, Jr. (‘47).

ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

Warren & Stacy Hurt of Chambersburg, PA.

Jim (‘70) and Susan Fos ter on vacation in Tibidabo Spa in.

ing Croft (‘06) Riley (‘05) and Katie Dem nada, Spain Gra in the Alhambra palace on July 26, 2013.

The home of Scott and Renee Bowie on Cousins Island, Maine on Aug.31, 2013, the day of the big win over Georgia.

rry (center) with Gary and Toni Faulkenbe at Catherine’s Palace ey Lan an Sus and n Joh in August. in St. Petersburg, Russia

Noah Austin was born on July 30, 2013 to Lindsay Austin. Noah’s grandparents are Keith and Jane Austin.

Porter Longworth Buc ciero - born July 16, 201 3. Son of Paul (‘97) and Sar ah Bucciero.

Rick (‘80) and Tami Ruc zko celebrated their 30t h wedding anniversary Aug . 6, 2013 at Sandals Emerald Bay in the Gre at Exuma, Bahamas.

Henry Parker Goodner was born to Mimi ( ‘04) and Matt (‘ 04) Goodner on April 3, 2013. He is the grandson of Drew Wise (‘69), the nephew of Mike Goodner (‘01), the great, great nephew of Jack Slattery (‘53), and the great, great grandson of Lawrence Slattery (1904).

back to community. Former Lady Tiger gives Gray Suggs (‘82), Randy Reeves (‘81), Warren Hammond (M Ed ‘99), and Mark Hoyle (‘84) after succes sfully completing the Assault on Mount Mit chell.

ts Glacier National The Hendricks family visi rg, Lori Ellenburg (‘09), nbu Park: (L-R) is Brent Elle ), Tommye Hendricks, and Charles Hendricks (‘76 ). (‘13 ks dric Andrew Hen

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

NOVEMBER 2013

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It was good to see ‘The Fridge’ by Tim Bourret

here was quite a crowd of former Clemson football players at the Florida State Game last month. Terry Allen, Mike Eppley and Michael Dean Perry served as honorary captains, a new initiative by Bill D’Andrea that has been met with great appreciation by Tiger lettermen.

stadium for the biggest game in the 72-year history of venerable Memorial Stadium. But, the former Tiger that I was especially glad to see was William Perry. And by the looks of the former players and coaches who were in his presence, I was not alone in enjoying a firm handshake and that wide grin from “The Fridge.” The sold out crowd also had the opportunity to see him, as he was driven onto the field in a golf cart at the first timeout of the game by his brother Michael Dean, former Clemson All-American and ACC Player of the Year. If I compiled a list of the most legendary figures in Clemson athletic history, William Perry would certainly be in the top 10. As far as fame from coast to coast, he might be at the top. When Perry came to Tigertown from Aiken, SC as a freshman in 1981, he was the first 300-pound high school All-American (they didn’t have five-star players in those days) in Clemson history. Three-hundred pounders are a dime a dozen today, but in 1981, that was not the case. The average weight of Clemson’s starting offensive line that year was just 240 pounds. Clemson had five All-Americans on its 1981 team, but Perry, a true freshman, became the most well known. His incredible athletic ability at that size was just a marvel. He also turned out to be one of the most Photo by Rex Brown, IPTAY Media quotable players on the team. Sports Illustrated quoted him that year as Homer Jordan was back along with many saying, “Even when I was little, I was big.” other members of the 1981 National Cham- He had an innocent Yogi Berra quality about pionship team, a group that stays in close him when it came to dealing with the media. contact thanks to the presence of College He also had a penchant for making great Football Hall of Famer Jeff Davis, who has an plays. Had ESPN’s SportsCenter had a top important place in Dabo Swinney’s adminis- 10 in the early 1980s, he would have been tration. featured just about every game. In only his third college game against deOverall, over 100 former Tigers were in the

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ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE

fending National Champion Georgia, he forced a fumble by Herschel Walker, pushed Walker aside like he was a bag of potato chips, and recovered the fumble. In Clemson’s win over an eighth-ranked North Carolina team, he had a timely sack in the fourth quarter that stopped a Tar Heel drive in a game the Tigers won by two points. In the Orange Bowl against Nebraska, he went toe-to-toe with Outland Trophy winner Dave Rimington, the top center in college football in 1981 and perhaps all-time. Today, the award for the best center in college football is the Rimington Award. The great plays continued the rest of Perry’s career. The Tigers were 30-2-2 his first three years, the best winning percentage in college football from 1981-83. He earned All-America honors his final three years and is still one of just two players in Clemson history to earn All-America honors in three different seasons (Sammy Watkins could join Perry and Anthony Simmons with that distinction this year). His senior year, 1984, Perry was a finalist for the Lombardi Award. He led the nation in tackles for loss with 27, breaking the previous ACC record of 24 that had been held by Maryland and Dallas Cowboys great Randy White. Perry also became the league’s career sack leader and was named ACC Player of the Year, just the fourth defensive player to win the honor. During his senior year, we printed a lifesize William Perry poster. There were different NCAA rules in those days, and we sent the poster to recruits and the media all over the country. It was the forerunner of the C.J. Spiller poster we did in 2009. I will always remember the day we took him to the photo lab on campus for the shoot. He was in full uniform, and he sat in the front seat with one of my student assistants at the time, Jill Mixon. It was like there were three people in the front seat. That poster of 1984 was a fun project. When Perry came back to campus the day of the Florida State game, I broke out one of those posters and showed it to him. It brought a great smile, and we exchanged some old memories. It was one of many smiles we saw on Perry’s face that day. It was good to see, because his larger than life persona brought a lot of smiles to Clemson fans when he played for the Tigers.

Mayor Dan Alexander and Mayor Pro Tem Ronnie O’Kelley invite you to be ALL IN.

Santa’s Workshop

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