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110%er [3730]
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When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 11:52 AM
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My great grandfather, grandfather, father, mother, uncles, brother, sister, and myself all went to Clemson for some or all of our undergrad classes.
I was born in 1985, and went to my first game in Death Valley in 1986. The farthest back I can remember watching and following the game was during the Tommy West years. I loved Clemson then as much as I did during our 2 most recent National championships and as much as I do now.
All this to say, if I became a huge fan and worshipped a college football program that struggled to win 3 games a year under Tommy West you would think that this season would be easier to stomach.
It hasn’t been. I will admit that I got slightly spoiled during the DW4 through TL16 years and I’m ready to get back to that. All that to say, no matter what happens this season or offseason; I hope we beat the chickens by 50 in cootlumbia.
That is all. Happy Friday, Go Tigers.
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Valley Legend [12915]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 11:55 AM
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1981 I was a freshman. What a year!
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110%er [3730]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 3:07 PM
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That’s awesome. The best thing my freshman year at Clemson was 63-17!
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Heisman Winner [83914]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 6:34 PM
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I was at that game. As a Carolina fan was leaving he gave me 2 beers he had smuggled in. It was still the first half!!!
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All-In [10123]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 7:26 PM
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Dec. 29 1978 when Charlie Baumann took one for the team..I had never heard of Clemson until they played OSU that night and being 11 years old I fell in love with the Team, Uniforms , & of course Tiger Rag
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Varsity [143]
TigerPulse: 68%
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 17, 2025, 4:49 PM
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I remember this... came to Clemson in 1980. went to Natty game in Miami... graduated in 1983...
loved the occasional night in the shoeboxes....
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Offensive Star [303]
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Freshman [6]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 15, 2025, 9:53 AM
[ in reply to Re: When did you become a Clemson fan? ] |
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My grandfather, a 1910 graduate, played football for Clemson. He took me for games starting around 1960 when it cost 15 cents to sit on the hill. I was on the team in the early 70s.
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Head Coach [934]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 12:02 PM
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I was born in 1969. My father got his masters from Clemson in 1953. He watched them anytime they were on TV, and that wasn't often in the early seventies. I learned the game lying on the floor in front of the TV with my dad answering any questions I had. Took me to my first game against UVa in Charlottesville when I was 7 or 8. My freshman year at Clemson was fall of '87. No matter the record, I love Clemson. GO TIGERS!!!
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CU Medallion [19053]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 12:05 PM
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First game as a child at DV was SC game in 1976. Parents squeezed me in the between their seats. I was looking and interesting schedule that year - Only 5 ACC games (4 NC schools and Maryland) UGA, GT, Tennessee, Florida State, SC and The Citadel (GT and FSU were independent in 76)
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Athletic Dir [1146]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 12:06 PM
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My granddad took me to a game around 90-91...cant exactly recall but I was hooked. Loved the drive seeing the stadium and all the surrounding festivities. By the time I was a student alot had already changed but I still loved it. My freshman year was the last game he attended at Family Day against Maryland. I sure do miss him.
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Orange Immortal [67932]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Early 1960s.
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Nov 14, 2025, 12:07 PM
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Started attending football games as a baby, became an IPTAY member in 1968 at the age of 8. First football memories are of Jimmy "The Needle" Addison, then Buddy Gore and Ray Yauger, and of course, coach Frank Howard.
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Tiger Spirit [9418]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 12:08 PM
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As a kid I pulled for Clemson & usc, but when I enrolled in the fall of 1977 is when I became a die hard fan. First home game we lost to Maryland, but I was hooked. How things have changed, I lived off campus and road my bike parked at Fike and walked across the street to the stadium. That was back when all our games started at 1pm.
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Hall of Famer [8218]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 1:21 PM
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Same game as me, see below.
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Heisman Winner [83104]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 12:11 PM
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when I moved to SC my jr year in HS. Had we stayed in Va I'd likely have been a Hokie but we werent going to deal w the out of state thing after moving
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Paw Master [16849]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Birth
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Nov 14, 2025, 12:15 PM
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When I was 3 I begged my parents to paint my bedroom orange. My mom lived with it until about 5 and she finally had enough and walpapered over it.
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Tiger Titan [48294]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Birth
Nov 17, 2025, 5:44 PM
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A spare room that I was going to put my office in is orange. Love it!
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Hall of Famer [8272]
TigerPulse: 100%
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I was born a Clemson fan
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Nov 14, 2025, 12:20 PM
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My dad was a ME graduate ('64) starting grad school when I was born. My parents lived in the little brick duplexes which were married student housing at the time. When I was born my address was Clemson, SC.
I don't care who you are. You ain't more Clemson than me.
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Orange Beast [6559]
TigerPulse: 74%
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1981 - Became a convert
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Nov 14, 2025, 12:20 PM
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I grew up an UGA fan in Dalton, GA & used to tease one of my teammates about being a Clemson fan... I had early acceptance into Clemson, Auburn, Ga. Tech and NC State because I wanted to go into Architecture & play baseball. Coach Wilhelm came to one of our State Playoff games in Toccoa (to scout one of my teammates), but left impressed enough with me to eventually offer me a Preferred Walk-on and that was my deciding vote! Ironically, I ended up in Engineering and working within the Basketball program as an Academic Advisor under Coach Ellis.
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Valley Protector [1424]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 12:24 PM
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5 years old. Met Tree Rollins in Pendleton while with family eating, started following the basketball program and it grew from there. Went to my 1st football game the next year to see a Textile bowl matchup with the Wolfpack and I was hooked!
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Heisman Winner [83914]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 6:43 PM
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Funny… I met Tree at Airport High School along with the rest of the Clemson team when I was about 11 or 12 years old. They were playing an exhibition against teachers and players from Airport. I swear I felt like I came up to his ankle.
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Valley Protector [1424]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 17, 2025, 5:30 PM
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No kidding. I couldn't get over he had to bend to get out of the door of the store. He is a giant literally and figuratively among Clemson folk.
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Campus Hero [13542]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 12:24 PM
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I was at Clemson from 1972-1976. These were the Hootie Ingram/Red Parker years. Not good. They did improve tremendously right after I graduated and have not looked back. Well, not until the mid-late '90s. Generally, the Tiger teams have been very good for the last 45+ years, with three Natties. To which I say.....GooooooooooooTigers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Ultimate Tiger [35173]
TigerPulse: 100%
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March 1991 when I got my acceptance letter.***
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Nov 14, 2025, 12:25 PM
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Clemson Icon [25427]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 12:25 PM
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As a young kid in 1960’s. First game was when Clemson tied Duke 18-18. I believe it was 1975 or 1976 Cincinnati was playing in the World Series.
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Hall of Famer [8218]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 1:19 PM
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October 16th 1976.
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Varsity [102]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 12:29 PM
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ALWAYS BEEN A DIE HARD CLEMSON FAN.
BORN WITH ORANGE HAIR & GOT RAT CUT IN FRESHMAN YR IN 1970.
I GREW UP LOCALLY & HAD TO COMMUTE BUT FINALLY GRADUATED.
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Valley Legend [12192]
TigerPulse: 64%
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 12:39 PM
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Got you by 33 years youngster. My earliest memory of going to Clemson was about 1960 or so and I was born in 1952.
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Top TigerNet [30994]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 12:47 PM
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My freshman year at Clemson. I am from California originally and didn't know much about Clemson until I decided to go. What I did know is that my neighbors in California were originally from South Carolina and we're huge fans, so I just listened to them and went. I was on the waiting list for Clemson and so I was going to Bama, but then 2 weeks before classes Clemson let me in. I had never been to Clemson before, but winged it. Glad I did.
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Top TigerNet [30994]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 1:22 PM
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were
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Game Changer [1679]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 12:57 PM
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Freshman year 1970...
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Paw Warrior [4838]
TigerPulse: 74%
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 1:37 PM
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Wood
Me too
1970
and I now have ORANGE blood
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Top TigerNet [29048]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Joined: 2011
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1965.....freshman year.***
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Nov 14, 2025, 1:04 PM
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Tiger Cub [14]
TigerPulse: 95%
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 1:10 PM
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I have to admit. I was an NFL fan first. Loved the 49er's, with Montana, Rice and those guys. When Dwight Clark made the catch to beat the Cowboys. I was then hooked and begin following Clemson. So I've been a fan ever since. Nothing like gameday in Clemson on a fall Saturday. It's amazing how small Clemson is, until gameday. Which is the reason Clemson is so special.
Go Tigers
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Hall of Famer [8218]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 1:16 PM
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Sept 10th 1977. a 21-14 loss at home to Maryland. First game I ever attended.
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Clemson Icon [25427]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 2:25 PM
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Maryland seemed to be a pain in Danny’s butt throughout late 70 into the mid 80’s. I think in one season there was trouble between DF, the Officials and Maryland’s Coaches and some players.
The next year when Clemson played Maryland the HC’s had to sit up in the coaches box.
But I really enjoyed the 80’s, the early and late 90’s and from 2000 to the present. I kept up with Clemson in the 60’s and 70’s but did not attend that many games.
But I have always had a passion for Clemson Sports and am proud my daughter graduated in 2015. She earned it and I am so proud of her.
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Hall of Famer [8218]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 8:01 PM
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That was the last time Maryland had a decent head coach- the Fridge.
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Tiger Titan [48294]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
Nov 17, 2025, 5:49 PM
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I believe Bobby Ross was the coach when the coaches ended up in the box the next year.
Maryland had good teams in the 80’s.
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Orange Phenom [14961]
TigerPulse: 100%
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1966 when I was born, Dad played for Frank Howard 1948-52***
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Nov 14, 2025, 1:32 PM
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Trainer [40]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 1:34 PM
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I don't remember ever not being a Clemson fan. I went to some games in the late 1970's, but I don't remember them. First game I remember going to was the season opener in 1981 against Wofford. Been going to games ever since. I was a student at Clemson during the Tommy West years - you missed some good stuff in the 1980's.
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Hall of Famer [8736]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 1:37 PM
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My first memory was watching the 2000 Clemson vs South Carolina game, but not really caring.
Then I remember watching UNC blast us in 2001 while at a barber shop with my dad and two brothers.
Something happened later that year. Because I cried when we lost to South Carolina. I was in 5th grade. I had an orange cast on my broken thumb. Most of my classmates were South Carolina fans. But that was when I became a fan for life.
2002 is when I started watching every game.
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All-TigerNet [5885]
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My Dad took me to my first game when I was 6. I was hooked for life.***
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Nov 14, 2025, 1:39 PM
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All-TigerNet [5982]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 1:45 PM
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Late 70's, dad was a bartender. Would bring home chicken wings from the bar Friday when he got off work and on Saturday we would watch college football together and eat wings.
Saw a Clemson game loved the uniforms and fell in love with the team. It became my team as we didn't have any college teams close by. Them winning the first natty solidified them as my team, cmon every kid loves a winner!
Loved it so much that it drove my decision to go to college at CU and when I was accepted in the late 80's I said yes and have been all in ever since.
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Head Coach [928]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 1:54 PM
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Sitting on the floor of my babysitter’s house at 7 years old watching the 82 Orange Bowl hoping to get a glimpse of my parents in the stands. Never saw them on tv, of course, but that’s when it started for me
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Ultimate Tiger [38456]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 1:59 PM
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1955, and attended my first game in 1959.
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Orange Beast [6545]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 2:18 PM
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Born in 1984, but remember my first games around 90-91 season. The high school days with Woody at QB were fun.
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Campus Hero [13152]
TigerPulse: 97%
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April 1998 when I got my acceptance letter to grad school at Clemson.
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Nov 14, 2025, 3:09 PM
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I was a student at Mercer....love that university and the Bears but it's not much of a college sports environment. My choice was down to going to Florida or Clemson for grad school and much preferred Clemson.
1998 was a rough year to become a Clemson fan, but in 1999 I became hooked....Bowden's first year.
Extended family are Ohio St fans and older brother went to UGA, so I had loosely rooted for them prior to that. Now?...Screw those awful fanbases.
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Ring of Honor [23074]
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1979 Freshman Year
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Nov 14, 2025, 5:32 PM
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Turned 18 in late Sept that year. Great memories. What a special place and time!
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Rival Killer [2867]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 6:15 PM
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I first went to a Clemson game in 1969 with my father and I guess that is when I started becoming a Clemson fan and a couple years after that I was a Clemson student and I definitely was a fan then and have been ever since.
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Hall of Famer [8323]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 6:28 PM
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Clemson 74-78. My dad graduated in 1941. Many uncles, aunts and cousins also graduated. Born at OSU but my blood reunite orange always.
Go Tigers!
Beat the cards!
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Heisman Winner [83914]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 6:32 PM
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Started being a true fan in 1980-81, my freshman year at Clemson. I literally had zero Clemson gear until my parents paid that first tuition/room and board bill. I jumped on board real fast.
Go Tigers!!!
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Valley Protector [1427]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 6:34 PM
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Born a fan but 1958 my first actual memory
CU played LSU in 59 Sugar bowl.
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Game Changer [2057]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 6:34 PM
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Ever since I can remember. My entires dad side went to Clemson and my great aunt is the first woman to graduate from Clemson
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CU Guru [1567]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 6:43 PM
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1977😊. Enrolled in 78. All 3 children and their spouses also graduated from Clemson. We are fortunate to have had a place up there for the last 15 years. Something special in those hills. Go Tigers!
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MVP [543]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 6:45 PM
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Last Thursday
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Letterman [194]
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How I became a Clemson fan.
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Nov 14, 2025, 6:59 PM
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My father and two aunts went to South Carolina, where my father was on the track team. He pole vaulted and was on the swim team. My uncle went to Clemson and pole vaulted also. In 1974 I went to Carolina and most of my friends went to Clemson. I was at Carolina for the one semester and changed my mind! I enjoyed Clemson much more, being a local from Walhalla, that makes sense.
I went to Clemson from 1975 to 1979. I was working and going to school. Duke Power hired me and my plan was to finish, but working swing shift in operations made that impossible. That is the one thing I appreciated about USC was that they would work with you for night shift or even classes for any type of schedule. However Clemson had my heart.
I loved Clemson football and the atmosphere. I loved Danny Ford and was disappointed when he left. I know many fans do not like Bowden, but he was a nice guy and took time to talk whenever I saw him. Bowden is the reason we have Dabo. Not only did he hire Dabo, but went to bat for him to take over his job.
The hiring of Dabo took us from a so-so team to the top. He kept us there for a long run while graduating players and running a clean program. We have had a few down years, but I trust him to right the boat and keep steaming ahead.
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Varsity [134]
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Re: How I became a Clemson fan.
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Nov 14, 2025, 7:04 PM
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I received my early acceptance letter to Clemson in October of 1988! I have 2 degrees from Clemson. I'm a Tiger!
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CU Medallion [19111]
TigerPulse: 95%
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at birth***
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Nov 14, 2025, 7:17 PM
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Athletic Dir [1154]
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January 1981***
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Nov 14, 2025, 7:18 PM
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Freshman [4]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 14, 2025, 7:26 PM
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I became a Tiger fan in 1973 when I was 11. First game was Clemson vs Notre Dame with Joe Montana. My brother was attending Clemson at the time. He called our father and asked if it was ok for me to sit in the student section with him. He came back to Sumter to get me that Friday. At the game my brother handed me the ticket and said follow him ; don't stop. The gate keeper looked at me real strange when I handed him my ticket. That was a #### of a first game to experience!!!! My blood has been ORANGE ever since.
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Game Changer [2036]
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
2
Nov 14, 2025, 7:28 PM
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1981 game vs Nebraska. We had just moved from Norman Oklahoma to Powdersville. Watched Clemson beat an OU nemesis and have been hooked since that night.
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110%er [3732]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
2
Nov 14, 2025, 7:29 PM
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1974
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Valley Protector [1452]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
3
Nov 14, 2025, 7:33 PM
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When I was about four. My Dad said, “Son, in South Carolina you can pull for two teams. One of them you’ve gotta yell go Cox. I love Cox. The other one you say go Tigers.”
Even at the young age of 4 I knew Cox were never going to be in my future. GO TIGERS!
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1st Rounder [609]
TigerPulse: 100%
21
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
2
Nov 14, 2025, 7:49 PM
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1987
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Letterman [199]
TigerPulse: 45%
12
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Long ago I when there were only 2 genders***
2
Nov 14, 2025, 7:53 PM
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Offensive Star [303]
TigerPulse: 86%
15
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
2
Nov 14, 2025, 7:55 PM
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Grew up just down the road in Liberty. It was destiny.
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Rival Killer [2846]
TigerPulse: 77%
33
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
2
Nov 14, 2025, 7:57 PM
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Well, I was in elementary school with John Locke, so I've been conscious of the need to pull for the Tigers since 1972 or thereabouts.
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Team Captain [462]
TigerPulse: 100%
18
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
2
Nov 14, 2025, 8:02 PM
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Moved to SC as a 9 yr old in ‘76. Had been to a soccer match on fields across from Fike and a football game in DV (on hill) went no
More than one upper deck (south?) was up. Had moved from Baton Rouge, so those Tigers first on which I was aware. Lots of guys in my Rock Hill neighborhood fans of CU and USC and I was not yet loyal and somewhat pulled for both. In ‘77, as Fuller and Tigers beat Ga tween hedges and smoked victory cigars on bus drive home and began beating up on ACC, young instinct was to at least be pleased if underdogs gave the orange “bullies” a game
Rivalry game in Cola and the orange bullies dominant ##### for a half. Mostly outside playing own pickup games most of second half since game seemed over. ##### unbelievably rally to take lead and “cocky” Gamecocks strip pads to reveal “No Cigars this time” (or equivalent) and even at 10 I knew this was ###### move with absolute proof being deserved
Fully onboard for Clemson rally thereafter and most glorious of the many magical moments to come thereafter sealed w “The Catch”
Have kept the clipped black and white photo of airborn/extended Butler CU had in pre-season program the following year in every room or office since
There has definitely been “something in those hills” for me attending just about every home game since
Go Tigers!!!!
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Freshman [9]
TigerPulse: 71%
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
2
Nov 14, 2025, 8:03 PM
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I've been a Clemson fan since I was old enough to understand football. My dad went there, grew up there, love clemson
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Team Captain [481]
TigerPulse: 98%
18
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
2
Nov 14, 2025, 8:03 PM
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When I started school there (and for me it was just an accomplishment to get accepted ).Had no family history or any real ties with Clemson - it was all new to me.
Fell in love with the TOWN of Clemson and the school, made friends for life. Lived there during the summer (which was awesome) and became friends with a lot of old locals. One year I only went home 3 times - Easter, Thanksgiving, and Clemson.
This was around the time Tom Winkopp started developing and the landscape of downtown Clemson started changing.
It's still a special place but has changed tremendously.
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Legend [6980]
TigerPulse: 99%
41
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1947, Dad home from WW2 (Marine in Okinawa & Japan)
2
Nov 14, 2025, 11:22 PM
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GI Bill Dad 49 Me 1966 Brother Johnny 1968 MS GO Tigers
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110%er [3743]
TigerPulse: 100%
35
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
2
Nov 14, 2025, 11:23 PM
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Born into it. First memory was watching the 81 game with all the family.
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110%er [3743]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
1
Nov 15, 2025, 9:55 AM
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Mind you one of the hardest decisions I made was between going to Clemson or the College of Charleston. I figured I could always go up for the games and had friends at Clemson to stay with.
Ended up choosing C of C as the size was better for me and it had the beach. Not to mention made a ton of money serving in Charleston.
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All-TigerNet [5930]
TigerPulse: 100%
39
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
2
Nov 14, 2025, 11:24 PM
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Wow, this is still going? I was reborn in 1983 and have loved all things Clemson since.
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Freshman [1]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
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Nov 15, 2025, 7:13 AM
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I have always been a Clemson fan, but it was memorilized in 1961 at the Carolina game in Columbia when they pulled the fake Clemson team coming on the field before the game. Clemson lost that game, my freshman year, but I was hooked for sure. LH
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National Champion [7808]
TigerPulse: 100%
42
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When I attended my first football game here, never looked back.***
2
Nov 15, 2025, 7:20 AM
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TigerNet Elite [72603]
TigerPulse: 100%
61
Posts: 42328
Joined: 2001
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When I was given a Clemson Tiger beach towel
2
Nov 15, 2025, 7:24 AM
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for Christmas in 1972. My grandparents gave it to me. My older brother got a coot beach towel. He had already declared his allegiance previously.
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Oculus Spirit [39663]
TigerPulse: 100%
57
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Joined: 2000
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
1
Nov 15, 2025, 7:27 AM
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I bet last night there's some that you could say was with :03 left in the game.
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Ultimate Clemson Legend [104989]
TigerPulse: 100%
64
Posts: 99769
Joined: 2009
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1st semester at Clemson in 1985.
2
Nov 15, 2025, 7:34 AM
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I was a UT Vols fan during my teen years, born and jerked up by the hair of my head. God blessed me to live in Pickens County, blessed me with a desire to get an education and He blessed me with Clemson being Clemson and just 10 miles from where I lived. He also blessed me to fulfill a desperate need in my life for Him. 40 years later He is still blessing me.
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Asst Coach [831]
TigerPulse: 100%
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1998
2
Nov 15, 2025, 8:09 AM
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My family moved here from Eugene, OR. My parents are originally from Graniteville, SC and I was born at Eisenhower, but after my Dad retired from the USAF, he became a pastor and was called to open a church in Eugene.
We lived in the heart of the U of O. The Ducks were terrible and i think they even pulled a usuck and went 1-10 one season. No, seriously. They were awful. We had been in Eugene for a couple of years when we got word my Papa had bone cancer. We packed up and moved back in the early part of the '98 season.
My yourh pastor, Mr. Tony and his son-in-laws were going to go the the Maryland game and had an extra ticket. I was 13, impressionable and around 3 die hards who never relented and for good reason. My parents are usuck fans and my Dad graduated from Texas.
The game and atmosphere was awesome. The campus was beautiful. I had never seen tailgating like what I saw that day. I was hooked. As a kid, seeing the balloons being let go while the Tigers ran down the hill was so cool. There was and is something special in those hills.
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TigerNet Eternal Icon [186527]
TigerPulse: 100%
70
Posts: 30123
Joined: 2012
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When I was about six or seven. Orange became my favorite color around that time
1
Nov 15, 2025, 8:23 AM
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Plus my dad was a Clemson fan! Fell in love with them ever since!
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All-Pro [723]
TigerPulse: 100%
22
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
2
Nov 15, 2025, 11:18 AM
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As a pre-teen in the early 60s watching every
Sunday morning "The Frank Howard Show". The Baron
of Barlow Bend, what a Character.
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Valley Legend [12413]
TigerPulse: 100%
47
Posts: 13376
Joined: 1999
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Well, I was conceived in Clemson - so, I guess it was right then.
2
Nov 15, 2025, 11:33 AM
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The folks lived in some housing that was about where Littlejohn is now...
They both graduated and moved out of Clemson - so I was actually born elsewhere. 
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Head Coach [977]
TigerPulse: 100%
24
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
2
Nov 15, 2025, 11:38 AM
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The year after I graduated from Clemson in Chemistry. Never had time to go to a game during undergrad years.
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Game Changer [1764]
TigerPulse: 100%
31
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
1
Nov 16, 2025, 6:17 AM
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I became a fan in the early '70's and attended Clemson 74-77, but I had a hiatus during the West years when I was on faculty at Duke.
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Rival Killer [2621]
TigerPulse: 83%
33
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
1
Nov 17, 2025, 11:03 AM
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Grandfather was an alum. Mom and dad met there. Never had a choice in the matter from the moment i was born!
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Orange Blooded [2319]
TigerPulse: 100%
32
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
1
Nov 17, 2025, 11:14 AM
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My father was a sports writer for the Anderson Independent in the late 50's. He struck up such a genuine relationship with Coach Howard and Mr. Bradley that he instantly became a fan. BTW, he was a transplant from Ohio (Miami of Ohio grad). After leaving the writing world, he was always a Clemson fan and IPTAY member from the 60's until he could no longer go to the games in the late 90's early 00's.
I was born into it. First game was probably late 60's early 70's. Myself and several family members are Clemson grads. I've been "all in" long before "all in" was a thing.
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Redshirt [91]
TigerPulse: 100%
10
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
1
Nov 17, 2025, 2:45 PM
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1981
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Solid Orange [1343]
TigerPulse: 93%
28
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
Nov 17, 2025, 4:56 PM
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Been a fan since I can remember. Freshman in '76. I'll have to say though. Things are as bad in the sport as I've ever seen them right now.
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CU Medallion [19088]
TigerPulse: 100%
52
Posts: 12595
Joined: 2007
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Thats a question for a slim minority of this board
Nov 17, 2025, 4:58 PM
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nm
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Orange Blooded [2447]
TigerPulse: 100%
32
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
1
Nov 17, 2025, 5:22 PM
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I guess 1986. I grew up a UNC fan but they don't have an engineering program and there was no way in He!! that I was going to NC State. I applied to Clemson and have been a fan ever since. I fell in love with the area and have lived here most of the years since. I have left a couple of times for short stints (10 years and 4 years) but I always seem to end up back in the shadows of Death Valley.
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Tiger Titan [48294]
TigerPulse: 100%
58
Posts: 12178
Joined: 2015
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Re: When did you become a Clemson fan?
Nov 17, 2025, 5:39 PM
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Never remember not being a Clemson fan. All my relatives are Gamecocks but dad loved Ford and that option play so of course I followed in his footsteps. No regrets! GO TIGERS!
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