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Replies: 26
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Orange Blooded [4718]
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So I'm not even sure I should be here
Nov 21, 2014, 4:59 AM
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I woke up this morning to find out that as a "random fan" I am far down the ladder in regards to my level of importance to Clemson.
It doesn't matter that as a small child, I worshiped the ground at Death Valley while watching Frank Howard prowl the sideline.
Its of no importance that even that young, I appreciated the beauty and loved every minute on THE ENTIRE CAMPUS and still do to this day.
I can't possibly consider myself part of the family even though I:
Pace my walk from parking to LJ or DV to enjoy the atmosphere
Proudly pass on various rankings and ratings showing Clemson academics, standard of living, etc... being tops in the country.
Not only pushed but helped raise money for the Scroll of Honor and many other projects
Religiously followed my Tigers to Jacksonville in 1978, Miami in 1982 and many more since.
Have supported both in attendance and financially nearly every team sport at Clemson
Spent many tens of thousands of dollars supporting those teams
There are other items I could add to the list but I just don't see how I could change the minds of those alumni that feel I haven't done enough to be a member of the Clemson family.
I'm honestly not sure what else to do.
Danny Ford recruited me to play LB at Clemson. While the Tigers were busy winning the National Championship in 1981, I was a senior in HS. I attended nearly every game that year, including the Orange Bowl, and was beyond excited at the possibility I'd play defense on that hallowed ground.
Partly because of family issues, partly family tradition but mainly a lot of confusion, I instead decided to join the military and attend Clemson after.
Best laid plans of mice and men...
I don't regret the time I spent serving our country as a member of the armed forces or as a civilian contractor. But my one regret is never getting the ring I wanted all my life. Not a national or conference championship ring or various bowl games, but the ring that says I am a graduate of Clemson University.
After several years away and not being able to attend games or events in Clemson, I returned in 2005 with a new wife and life. As we walked through campus, something in the air caused my eyes to mist though I have no allergies. When we entered the stadium and I looked upon the field for the first time in many years, my wife, who'd never been there, said "You're home" and full-blown tears rained down.
I honestly don't think that all the money I've spent or the number of games I've attended make me any more of a fan than anyone else. I do, however, being born with Orange blood, feel that all of you are family to me, alumni and "random fan" alike.
Whether you choose to claim me or not, that's on you.
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All-In [25381]
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I posted this previously: my "investment" in Clemson
Nov 21, 2014, 5:04 AM
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goes back nearly 50 years, when I enrolled as a freshman.
You're as much a Clemson brother as any graduate, and I'm d@mn proud to say so!
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Orange Blooded [2680]
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Re: I posted this previously: my "investment" in Clemson
Nov 21, 2014, 6:12 AM
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hartins, I am not trying to "one up" you on your post, my friend, but I graduated 52 years ago and I second your comments to webrep315. Love me some "real" Tiger fan like him who has orange blood flowing thru his body!!!
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All-In [30766]
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Joined: 6/22/03
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I got all of you beat anyway. .I bought a Clemson
Nov 21, 2014, 7:27 AM
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Magnet and put it on my car. .. so there. . Thing was made out of alum so it fell off. . But the point stands.
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All-In [38422]
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Re: I got all of you beat anyway. .I bought a Clemson
Nov 21, 2014, 7:34 AM
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Well we know it wasn't made by an alum. That would fall on SCar alums. They make a lot of things for cars ....particularly the license plate manufacturing sector.
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Orange Blooded [4718]
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Joined: 11/18/05
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Re: I posted this previously: my "investment" in Clemson
Nov 21, 2014, 6:12 AM
[ in reply to I posted this previously: my "investment" in Clemson ] |
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Thanks bud.
Ya know, it never hit me til now because I never had reason to think about it.
My family's long history of agriculture in SC had as much to do with "being Clemson" as the many grads. I'd say some of them had quite a lot to do with the formation of the school.
Never thought about the "why" of my Clemson ties, it just always "was".
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Orange Blooded [3559]
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1st Rounder [622]
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Re: So I'm not even sure I should be here
Nov 21, 2014, 6:54 AM
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Greatest post I have read on here.. just reading those words gives me chills because that's exactly how everyone feels walking in that magical place..
Foolish to think someone has to have a CU diploma to know what your saying..
From the time I was a kid my Dad took me to games, I was in awe. We continued up until he passed at 48 years young a couple of years ago. If someone dared tell me my blood didn't runnith orange, they would be a fool.
That feeling of electricity when the team runs down the hill. The way it ruins your whole week when we loose a game.
He'll really the fact that the color orange gets my blood flowing. I know my ties and traditions with OUR team makes me part of the family, whether some outcast wants me or not.
-RIP Dad
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Starter [375]
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Re: So I'm not even sure I should be here
Nov 21, 2014, 7:36 AM
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I also fall into this category and I know exactly how you feel. Shortly after my birth my father returned to Clemson in 1949 on the VA plan to finish school, which he had left to fight in WW11. I spent my first three years of my life living in Clemson. My blood turned orange during those years and is still orange.
Living in Georgia for 60 years has had no effect on my allegiance to the Tigers, in fact my orange blood was passed on to both my sons and have converted my Bulldog wife also. We have attended scores of games and were season ticket holder for years. I love Clemson and everything about it and I am very excited about the direction our program is headed under Dabo. I have been at the bottom of the mountain and at the top in the 80s, and the air is getting thin again as we climb again toward the top. Just as all mountain climbers, you slip every now and then, but hang on Tiger fans it's going to be a fun climb in the coming years. I'm not an alumnus but Clemson is still my home away from home. Go Tigers.
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Orange Blooded [4718]
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Re: So I'm not even sure I should be here
Nov 21, 2014, 9:36 AM
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I live in Kentucky now and never waver on my allegiance. While I have attended UK games (had two daughters go there) I've never considered being a fan of the Wildcats.
I simply have no room for that
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Orange Blooded [4718]
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Re: So I'm not even sure I should be here
Nov 21, 2014, 8:17 AM
[ in reply to Re: So I'm not even sure I should be here ] |
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My wife likes to catch me doing things that she feels are way out of character for me with the cell cam. That first time back in forever in 2005 she didn't bother. She knew how much it meant.
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All-TigerNet [14451]
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Re: So I'm not even sure I should be here
Nov 21, 2014, 7:16 AM
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quite possibly the best post ever. i also did not attend clemson but have been coming to the games since i was 8 years old in 1963. from 1980 till today you could count on my digits how many home and away games i have missed. missed none until just a few years ago. i will put my fan card up against any snot nose that thinks they have some kind rule over non grads. i will be there tomorrow, next week and next year, good lord willing and dare anyone to question my love for clemson university. what is really sickening is a grad to hold up their ring then talk trash about players and coaches because the think they have that right. sad actually.
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All-In [38422]
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Re: So I'm not even sure I should be here
Nov 21, 2014, 7:21 AM
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Anyone who loves Clemson University , and that includes the grounds it occupies , the history it holds and the future that it promises is welcome here ...in my opinion on this matter.
Couldn't be prouder to be a lifelong supporter of all things CU !
Go Tigers ...get #66 !
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Orange Blooded [4718]
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Joined: 11/18/05
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Re: So I'm not even sure I should be here
Nov 21, 2014, 8:16 AM
[ in reply to Re: So I'm not even sure I should be here ] |
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derob, I've been talking to the wife for several years about moving to Greenville JUST so I can attend all the games. She so far hasn't caved.
the entire family up here avoids me after a loss. In fact, come to think of it, I haven't seen any of them since last Saturday 
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CU Guru [1123]
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I chose the military first too. But after the Marines,
Nov 21, 2014, 7:40 AM
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I was able to return to the upstate, work a few years, then go to Clemson and finally become an engineer.
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Orange Blooded [4718]
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Joined: 11/18/05
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Re: I chose the military first too. But after the Marines,
Nov 21, 2014, 8:14 AM
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wanted very much to do the same. New family meant keeping the paychecks coming so never was quite able to get it done. That is my regret.
Thank you for your service bud.
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Orange Blooded [3512]
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Re: So I'm not even sure I should be here
Nov 21, 2014, 7:51 AM
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GLAD TO HAVE A BROTHER LIKE YOU IN THA" FAMILY !!!!!! I also didn't attend or graduate from Clemson,due to being ""POOR"" and had to go to work in a cotoon mill to eat !!!!!!!__ but that has never stopped my blood from running "ORANGE"" since I was very young !!!!___ Makes me wonder,why this topic,has stayed on the board so long ?????? Need to practice,what you preach about tha' ""CLEMSON FAMILY""___________GO TIGERS !!!!
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Orange Blooded [3512]
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Re: So I'm not even sure I should be here
Nov 21, 2014, 7:54 AM
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meant COTTON MILL --to all not familiar with the term (since they are gone now***)
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All-In [38422]
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Re: So I'm not even sure I should be here
Nov 21, 2014, 7:59 AM
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Lol. My momma worked in the Celanese in Rock Hill for over 15 years ...I know what a mill is my friend.
They aren't gone ...but if you want to work in one you will need to look for housing in Jiang Yiang , China ...which as I understand it is home to a very fine textile mill currently producing 1/3rd of the American Flags that we import.
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All-In [30455]
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Yes. You are worthless and
Nov 21, 2014, 7:58 AM
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may God have mercy on your soul.
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Orange Blooded [4718]
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Joined: 11/18/05
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Re: Yes. You are worthless and
Nov 21, 2014, 8:12 AM
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I KNEW you were my wife in disguise!
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MVP [521]
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Thank you for your service to our country .
Nov 21, 2014, 9:40 AM
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GO TIGERS ! THIS IS YOUR HOME !
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CU Guru [1537]
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Quite honestly, got to be in the top 5 best posts ever!!!
Nov 21, 2014, 10:48 AM
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Dude, you brought tears to my eyes talking about the moment you got "back home".
I have been military for the last 24 years...so I don't get to attend many games. But I go when I get the chance.
I also didn't attend Clemson...but wanted to all my life.
My blood has been running orange all my life. I grew up in a Clemson family and always hated chickens! Still do!
My wife has threatened to give away all my clothes that aren't orange because I don't wear em! LOL!
Like you, whether an alum questions my fandom or not, it doesn't bother me. I will always love my Clemson Tigers and I will always call any Clemson fan a brother or sister of mine...alum or not...til the day I die.
-Forever Clemson,
Greg
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Orange Blooded [4718]
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Re: Quite honestly, got to be in the top 5 best posts ever!!!
Nov 21, 2014, 11:04 AM
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Thank you sir for your comments and especially your service to this country!
I too am from Charleston and have had many issues with the wife over my orange gear.
The issues get bigger when we're talking about HER orange gear
Wife; "I can't wear that orange with anything else"
Me: "Why would you have to?"
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CU Guru [1537]
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LOL! Sounds like my wife and I!
Nov 21, 2014, 11:09 AM
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She is a UGA fan...but I've converted her to half Clemson fan....
I'll take what I can get!
She's always trying to match "this orange gear" shade with "this shade of orange" gear...lol! Especially when we're goin to a game!
Thank you for your service as well brother!
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All-In [27178]
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Your story hits home in a personal way....
Nov 21, 2014, 11:05 AM
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My father, like you, was a military man. But he loved Clemson. Like you, he never had the chance to go due to family pressures (running the family farm), military service, etc.
But one thing he DID do was make sure I went there. Which I did, with pride. There was never any doubt in my mind where I wanted to go. I know today, he's up there smiling knowing that he put his son through college at Clemson. Last season was the first without dad in his seat next to mine, yelling his head off and having the time of his life. That was tough.
When I think of all the memories I shared with him in Death Valley, time out on the lake fishing with him when he came to visit, it does bring some tears from time to time. But happy ones.
Thanks for sharing this, and thanks for your service.
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Orange Blooded [4718]
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Re: Your story hits home in a personal way....
Nov 21, 2014, 11:08 AM
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Thank you for sharing that RB. I lost my father nearly 10 years ago now and it still hurts to not have those good times.
I appreciate the service your dad and mine gave to this country. Thank him for me the next time a memory comes up
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Replies: 26
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