Growing up in upstate South Carolina as a child, I learned from an early age I had to make a decision. Clemson or South Carolina. No in between or fencing riding allowed, you’re either one or the other.
Despite having a family divided, it didn’t take long for me to make my choice. Of course, it helped that my childhood home in Seneca,S.C., was just a few miles away from Clemson University and (the real) Death Valley.
My uncle, Hollis Hall, was a big name in the Seneca area in the late 1970’s with his talents on the gridiron as a running back and would eventually go on to attend Clemson University as a walk-on.
Throughout his time in high school he was consistently told that he was too small for big time college football and was denied a scholarship to play when he first arrived on campus. But with faith, hard work and dedication he flipped over to defense and emerged as a significant component of Clemson’s defense.
The same guy who was told he didn’t have the size ended up as a starter his final two seasons in Tiger town, including contributing to the Tiger’s journey to a National Championship under then head coach Danny Ford in 1981. I regret that I wasn’t around to see him play then, but enjoyed watching old tapes and film of his glory days.
I recall my very first trip to Death Valley as if it were yesterday. It was a chilly Thursday night in late October 2002 as Phillip Rivers and the undefeated 12th ranked North Carolina State Wolfpack came calling.
It was not an enjoyable night for the home team but despite a blowout 38-6 loss, I fell in love with the team and atmosphere of Death Valley that night and at that moment, knew then I was officially a fan of the Tigers.
Well, I’m not a kid anymore, but just as I have grown so has my passion for Clemson athletics, especially football. I’ve been to countless games in Death Valley and seen the some of the best (and worst) of this program’s history both at home and on the road.
During my high school years I joined IPTAY (Clemson’s Athletic Department Scholarship Fund) and became a season ticket holder from 2004-2009. Even as I went off to school at Presbyterian College, about two hours away from my hometown, I would often find myself returning home on the weekends for games.
I’ve been as far north as Raleigh, N.C., to as far south as Tallahassee, Fla., to watch my Tigers play. I can honestly say that some of my fondest memories in life to this point have come while attending or traveling to Clemson athletic games.
Many times I wouldn’t even go into the stadium but rather just enjoy catching up with friends, tailgating and simply being in Tiger town on gameday. As an avid college football enthusiast, I believe there isn’t much better when it comes to sports than a Saturday in the fall.
Now that I’ve moved away from Tiger country and into Volunteer territory, I’ve quickly noticed that while I still see plenty of orange—it’s not the same orange that I’m accustomed to.
While you can probably guess how I feel about Tennessee orange, I think both Volunteer and Tiger fans can consent it is much better than any variation of the colors Red, Black and Gold.
I’m eager for football season to return and to visit Neyland Stadium for the first time and mark another venue off my bucket list. Lucky for me, it looks like the perfect timing too considering the current state of Tennessee’s program and the young talent Butch Jones is bringing together in what will be his third year in Knoxville.
Both my Tigers and the Vols have the potential to make 2015 a memorable year and with the 4th and 5th ranked recruiting classes, according to ESPN, there will be some impressive young talent wearing orange and white this year.
Unlike some sports fans, I’m a Clemson fan through and through. I don’t pull for Clemson football and another school when it comes to a different sport. From the football team down to the Varsity Chess Club team, I’m a true Tiger and Clemson will always be my team of choice.
However, it looks like I’ll have to learn the ropes and begin pulling for a new home team now also. It will take a while to adjust but before long I’m sure I’ll bring myself to learning the words to Rocky Top. Who knows, I might even begin saying “Go Vols!” every now and then.
While I don’t foresee me changing my wardrobe to match true Tennessee colors or becoming a diehard Volunteer fan, I can undeniably continue my dislike for South Carolina, Georgia and other SEC foes.
This past season I attended the South Carolina vs. Tennessee game in Columbia with some of my friends who are recent alumni and students at Carolina. I don’t think I have to remind fans how that game transpired but it was quite the spectacle to see how the Vols managed to complete an unbelievable comeback en route to an overtime victory.
Talking to Tennessee fans throughout that rainy and cold day, it was nice to share something in common with another team in orange — our hatred for the Gamecocks.
So this fall, if you see me around town sporting a Tiger paw, don’t be too offended. The color scheme might be a little different but hey, at least it’s orange.
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