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Savant [472]
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Letter to Tiger Fans from Mark Herzlich's Father
Sep 22, 2009, 4:44 PM
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Sept. 22, 2009
Dear Clemson Fans:
First - My son is Mark Herzlich, the BC linebacker recovering from Cancer. The entire Tiger Nation should be proud of the complete class your entire program carries itself with. I wear a copy of Mark's jersey to games and I lost track of the number of Clemson fans who approached me to wish him well and to say that they were praying for him. These are people who don't know me, don't know Mark and have little reason to even be aware of his situation yet were both aware and involved enough to say some kind words. Thank you.
Second, for those who missed it, prior to the game Coach Swinney presented Mark with a Clemson jersey signed by the whole team with Mark's #94 on it. I've never seen such an outstanding and unsolicited display of sportsmanship.
Finally, throughout the weekend the major topic of conversation outside football was the graciousness of the Clemson fan base. All of us commented on how welcoming everyone was, both before and after the game. I've been to Clemson before and interacted with Clemson fans in Boston so I wasn't suprised any more but I was glad to see my friends get the message too. There was absolutely no lack of support or fanatacism for Clemson football but it was all wrapped up in an understanding that competing doesn't mean hating, that you need an opponent to play a game and that there's a difference between an opponent and an enemy. My younger son, who's used to the whole us versus them attitude in a lot of fan bases turned to me at one point and said, "you just can't hate these guys!"
Clemson continues to be my favorite road trip. I always root for Boston College to go undefeated and win the ACC, but in the years that it can't be us, I hope it's you.
If you're going to be a bear - be a grizzly!
-Sandon Herzlich
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CU Guru [1169]
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that man is full of class...just like the Tiger fans***
Sep 22, 2009, 4:46 PM
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Savant [472]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Joined: 2/26/08
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I am so proud to be a Tiger fan.***
Sep 22, 2009, 4:46 PM
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CU Guru [1753]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 1671
Joined: 12/8/98
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wise words....
Sep 22, 2009, 4:51 PM
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competing doesn't mean hating, you need an opponent to play a game and there's a difference between an opponent and an enemy
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Orange Blooded [2506]
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Joined: 8/23/02
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BC is an opponent. gamecocks are enemies...****
Sep 22, 2009, 4:57 PM
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Orange Blooded [2506]
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Joined: 8/23/02
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Somebody forward this to Barker*****
Sep 22, 2009, 4:52 PM
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Rock Defender [52]
TigerPulse: 90%
Posts: 35
Joined: 11/30/98
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As a Clemson fan who lost a father to cancer and whose wife
Sep 22, 2009, 4:52 PM
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is - right now - a cancer survivor, my hat is off to Dabo Swinney, our team, and all our fans who expressed their graciousness and character to this family. God bless all of you.
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Virtuoso [486]
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Joined: 5/30/03
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That is awesome....I have gotten alot of praise from the
Sep 22, 2009, 4:53 PM
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people up here that know I went to Clemson...which is everyone since I am now going on my 23rd day in a row wearing a Clemson shirt or orange polo shirt
They just watched the game and had great things to say about what they did for Mark....and they only saw the game on TV. I cannot imagine how great it must have been to be there in person.
It gave me reason #1,000,000,000,001 for being a die-hard Clemson fan.
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Legend [19402]
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Joined: 8/18/05
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"If you're going to be a bear-be a grizzly"
Sep 22, 2009, 4:59 PM
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Should be the motto of the defense!
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Legend [15710]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Joined: 2/1/99
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High praise. Thanks for posting. ******
Sep 22, 2009, 5:01 PM
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Standout [339]
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Joined: 11/17/02
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It's things like this
Sep 22, 2009, 5:07 PM
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And so many more, that make me stand tall, wear my ring every day, wear orange as much as possible, and tell everyone I know where I went to college.
There truly is something special about the school, the town, the students, the faculty and staff, and the thousands of Tiger faithful. You can feel it as soon as you step foot on campus.
I felt it ten years ago when I was a junior in High School, and decided to drive down the mountain from my NC home to see what that small-town school in South Carolina was all about. I had visited about five other schools, and was still very iffy. After I had been there about 30 minutes, there was nowhere else in the world I wanted to go to school.
I never looked back.
I continue to marvel at the special people that make Clemson such a special place.
GO TIGERS
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All-TigerNet [12264]
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makes me proud to be a tiger!***
Sep 22, 2009, 5:13 PM
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110%er [5475]
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Joined: 8/10/09
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Re: Letter to Tiger Fans from Mark Herzlich's Father
Sep 22, 2009, 5:22 PM
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Outstanding! Like Father, Like Son!
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Orange Blooded [3794]
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That is why I love being a Tiger!!***
Sep 22, 2009, 5:33 PM
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Starter [363]
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Joined: 8/11/04
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Love being a Tiger. Stay Classy Clemson ;)***
Sep 22, 2009, 5:52 PM
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Replies: 14
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