Tiger Board Logo

Donor's Den General Leaderboards TNET coins™ POTD Hall of Fame Map FAQ
GIVE AN AWARD
Use your TNET coins™ to grant this post a special award!

W
50
Big Brain
90
Love it!
100
Cheers
100
Helpful
100
Made Me Smile
100
Great Idea!
150
Mind Blown
150
Caring
200
Flammable
200
Hear ye, hear ye
200
Bravo
250
Nom Nom Nom
250
Take My Coins
500
Ooo, Shiny!
700
Treasured Post!
1000

YOUR BALANCE
THE Clemson Tiger: A Tribute to my father
storage This topic has been archived - replies are not allowed.
Archives - Tiger Boards Archive
add New Topic
Replies: 29
| visibility 1

THE Clemson Tiger: A Tribute to my father

3

Jun 19, 2005, 12:01 AM

Randolph Dunbar Jones Jackson: THE Clemson Tiger

Father’s day is one time of the year you have the opportunity to tell your dad you love him and how much he means to you. I don’t have that opportunity. My father lost his fight with cancer in 1994, when I was 14.

This is my gift to honor and remember my dad this Father’s day.

My father, Randolph Dunbar Jones Jackson, earned his bachelors degree from Clemson in ’73, masters in ’75, and also was the Clemson Tiger for his sophomore and junior years (1970-71) and the head cheerleader for his senior year in 1972.

Here are a few stories about his life as the Tiger and head cheerleader…

Randy entered Clemson in the fall of 1969 as all freshmen did… a rat. Some of you older Tigernetters will remember but others won’t. The Clemson freshmen were required to wear beanie hats over a shaved head and pretty much memorize the “rat pact” as seen here Rat Pact
(the video is just a skim through. If you want to read it in detail try “pausing” it). Randy went through the usual motions and made it through his first year without incident.

After Randy’s freshman year, he knew he wanted to be a real part of Clemson. He wasn’t satisfied with being just part of the crowd and wanted to do something special. He was already hooked on Clemson football and being a player wasn’t an option, so he did the next best thing. He became the Tiger.



I’m assuming most of you have never worn the Tiger suit... if you have, you can attest that it was not made for hot weather. In 1970, the Tiger suit was even hotter than it is now. When Randy was the Tiger he wore the older version of the Clemson Tiger suit seen in the picture to the left and Here. It wasn’t until the year after he was the Tiger that they switched to a new more modern looking suit.

During Jackson’s years, the Tiger wasn’t always required to do pushups after touchdowns. Instead, on occasion he would climb the goal posts and release balloons. In 100 degree weather this can be as daunting a task as the pushups. To alleviate some of the heat, I was told, on occasion an ice cold 5th of whiskey was taped just below the neck hole on the inside of the Tiger suit. Randy never got drunk and rarely buzzed because of the intense heat and sweat, but the alcohol was enough to take his mind off the heat during some games.


A funny story my granny likes to tell happened in 1971 when Clemson traveled to Auburn to play. During the pre-game coin flip, head coach for Auburn Ralph “Shug” Jordan said to my father “Hello Randolph, glad to see you again” while Randy was in full Tiger uniform. Baffled and confused, Randy was speechless and just nodded. As it turns out, Coach “Shug” was a good friend of Randy’s uncle and had been informed that Randy was the Tiger. Needless to say, being on the road in a hostile environment, Jackson wasn’t expecting someone to call him by his name while fully-dressed out.

Randy also had the privilege of traveling to many away games as the Tiger and head cheerleader, including trips to Oklahoma, Rice, and all conference opponents. On many of these road trips, the Tiger was constantly ridiculed and taunted by opposing fans. This seems to come with the territory as the visiting team, but when someone “forgets” to pack the head of the Tiger suit on a trip… you are just asking for trouble.

As the story goes, when it came time to dress for the game… there was something missing. The cheerleaders thought about taking the field without the Tiger for a game, but everyone agreed that wasn’t a good idea. Instead, Jackson suffered through the game without the head of the tiger suit!! Thankfully the Tigers won and insults were kept to a minimum. See a picture of him without the head on Here.

After the “headless” incident, Randy would remove the head more often to celebrate during games. Here’s a great example at the USC Clemson game Clemson TD vs. USC.

Jackson was respected as the Tiger and remained a relative unknown during his years.

After his 2 years as the Tiger were through, he was offered the opportunity to be Clemson’s head cheerleader and leadership position. This was an honor that only seniors were offered. Randy agreed graciously.

To say the least, my dad was a character. Family members tell me I got my sense of humor from him and I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who could entertain as well. This was his greatest gift. He also possessed the gift of sarcasm. This was not as well received during my father’s time as the head cheerleader. He received a lot of compliments; however, he also received a lot of criticism.

In only one year as head cheerleader, Randy’s antics provoked a lot of controversy.

From the beginning, when Randy took the helm of head cheerleading duties, he was surrounded by controversy. In his first game, vs. The Citadel, he entertained the home crowd and students with his humorous and sarcastic remarks. Many were not amused with his actions and there were many critics.

As the story goes, the Citadel came into Clemson poking fun of Clemson, the town, its students, and its fans. In retaliation Jackson made comments in return. Some of these comments weren’t as well received as others. Here are a few letters to the editor, positive and negative, that I rounded up regarding this event. Negative 1 Pawsitive 1 Negative 2 Pawsitive 2

Another incident that Jackson was criticized for was when, during a pep rally, the band walked off stage in the middle of their performance. The crowd had been throwing rolls of toilet paper to cover the over-hanging trees (an old Clemson tradition) but the rolls turned into weapons when they were aimed at the band and stage instead. A few rolls hit some band members and it caused them to quit playing and walk off stage in a strike like manner.

Randy jokingly made remarks for the band to return to the stage. He started a chant of “d@mn sorry band” in an attempt to lighten the mood. His attempts at humor were not appreciated by the band and it became increasingly difficult to regain control of the situation, even though he continued to hum “Tiger Rag” after the band quit.

The outcry was enormous and Jackson was blamed heavily for his role in the situation. It was not pretty. Here’s an article about the situation. Randy always said he never meant any harm and that people didn’t need to get so upset.

Another incident happened a few days later when the new Tiger was attacked in Atlanta at the Georgia Tech game. GT students stormed the field and proceeded to attack the Tiger and rip off his tail. The cheerleaders, with help from coaches, players and security, eventually fended off the attack. Jackson also took some blame for this attack on the Tiger as a result of “his actions as head cheerleader.”

Being bias to the matter, I feel the way my father handled himself in these situations was admirable. He didn’t put blame on others and also didn’t back down from his actions.

There were many games in which no incident or complaints took place and Randy was called “great!” or “Outstanding.”

George Bennett, former Clemson Cheerleader and Executive Director of IPTAY, told me when I was a child “Your father, Randy, really shook things up. He was probably the best we had ever had.”

I’ll never forget that. Nor will I forget the hundreds of other people I’ve bumped into who knew, or knew of, my dad from his Clemson day and had something nice to say. Article

All in all Randy Jackson changed the way the head cheerleader acted. He wasn’t afraid to say or do something that might be risqué. He did what he did and stood up for Clemson and HIS team first. All the comments he made were in defense of his team and attempts to prevent incident not for self-image.

I think he said it best…

“As a cheerleader, I’m at the game to do a job…
to some people I may be obnoxious, but it’s not intentional.
I just get excited and say the things I think will be right at an exact moment.
That’s all there is to it.”


In his 3 years as the Tiger and head cheerleader, my dad didn’t see the best of Clemson football. He didn’t experience the 80,000+ crowds and ear shattering screams. My dad wasn’t an all-American QB or multi-million dollar coach, but what my dad did might have been more important, he entertained and encouraged when times were tough.

Through all the criticism and praise, my father stood up for what he believed in and he believed in Clemson!

After graduating my father became a professor of English at Brevard College in Brevard, NC. He was originally diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma-an Aden carcinoma in December 1981 over Christmas break and was told he had very little time to live.

At the time, there was no successful form of cancer treatment. Randy had uncontrollable stomach pains and, after diagnosis, they performed exploratory surgery on him.

They cut him open from his neck to his groin and instead of taking out any cancer; they just sewed him back up told him he had less than six weeks to live. He was diagnosed T4N4M1, basically that’s the worst they can say and you have very little chance.

There was, however, an experimental treatment at Emory that had a small chance of eliminating his cancer. When you have cancer, any chance is a glimmer of hope.

Lance Armstrong overcame some similar challenges but my father's battle was longer and more severe (in my opinion) with a low chance of survival and no surgical intervention, in a time when money was tight and treatments were experimental at best.

Almost 14 years later after hundreds of tumors and countless chemo sessions, lymphoma finally beat my father, Randolph Dunbar Jones Jackson.

There is no bigger hero in my life than my father and every minute of everyday I know that my father was a hero to many others.

He changed lives with his humor, in his teachings at Brevard, he inspired others with his writing, and he encouraged others with his cheers at Clemson.

My father left us too early. He probably would have fit in nicely on Tigernet too.

Any man can get cancer, but not just “any man” will fight it!

Any man can get called names and put down, but not just any man will stand firm for people they love!

Any man can be funny and make others laugh, but not just any man can change your life.

Any man can have a child, but it takes more than just any man to be a daddy.

Not just any man will carry on when they are faced with defeat or trying times.

Not just any man will stand up for what they believe in, and by no means can just any man be a Clemson Man.

It takes a big man to do what’s right and even a bigger one to be a true Clemson Tiger.

Randy Jackson was THE Clemson Tiger and, in my eyes, will always be.

I love you and miss you daddy

Randolph Dunbar Jones Jackson
November 15, 1951 - September 12, 1994


Click this picture for a Video Tribute of Randy Jackson
and yes, “young Shoeless” is in the video along with my sister

approx 20mb



Special Thanks to Kneubra® for hosting all the files for me


badge-donor-10yr.jpgbadge-ringofhonor-shoelesscu.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: THE Clemson Tiger: A Tribute to my father

1

Jun 19, 2005, 12:32 AM

i feel more of a tiger fan for reading about this clemson history. great job.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: THE Clemson Tiger: A Tribute to my father

1

Jun 19, 2005, 12:40 AM

It made me have tears. Your dad was born three years after me. I know that I saw him cheer and didn't realize who he was. Great tribute.

2024 white level memberbadge-donor-15yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Absolutely Outstanding...thank you so much for sharing this***

1

Jun 19, 2005, 12:47 AM



badge-donor-15yr.jpg2012_pickem_champ.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: THE Clemson Tiger: A Tribute to my father

1

Jun 19, 2005, 12:56 AM

As a father I can only hope that one day my children will view me in the same light that you view your father. Thank you so very much for sharing that with us all. He has a big grin on his face watching that tribute sitting there with. JP,Coach Howard,Banks, and Bob Bradley.


WOW best thing ever posted on this site.

badge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

*******DISCLAIMER********* My intent of this post was not to upset the manginas who frequent some of the boards.


Bravo!! Hall of Fame***

1

Jun 19, 2005, 1:14 AM



flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: THE Clemson Tiger: A Tribute to my father

1

Jun 19, 2005, 1:19 AM

Never went to Clemson, Been a Clemson fan since 1977. One of the most touching things I've ever seen. God bless you!

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Simply the best thing I have read here on Tigernet.

1

Jun 19, 2005, 1:30 AM

I cannot imagine a more fiiting tribute to a father. The best anyone can do is raise fine children, and your father accomplished that with you. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I have to admit it brought back a lot of memories of going to Clemson games with my father. As a side note we were there for the Clemson-Georgia Tech game and my father had to be held from going on the field to help out the Tiger when the Jacket students went after him. Thank you again for stirring such great memories.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

All-Time Best Tigernet Post - Beyond HOF

1

Jun 19, 2005, 3:12 AM

This is the best post I've ever read. Your father is certainly proud of you on this very special day.

2024 orange level memberbadge-donor-15yr.jpgringofhonor-tiggity-110.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


That's really saying something...


Jun 19, 2005, 12:40 PM

There are some great ones in the HOF.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

That was very emotional, Thank You for sharing it!

1

Jun 19, 2005, 3:20 AM

A very moving tribute indeed. I'm speechless.........

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Image hosted by Photobucket.com

Flaps? We don't need no stinkin' flaps, let it roll in hard and fast!


Wow***


Jun 19, 2005, 5:53 AM



badge-donor-15yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Spectacular stuff my good man.***

1

Jun 19, 2005, 5:58 AM



badge-donor-10yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

There's no such thing as a stupid question, just stupid people who ask questions.


Tremendous story! Thanks for sharing.***


Jun 19, 2005, 6:14 AM



badge-donor-20yr.jpgbadge-ringofhonor-revdodd.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


Re: THE Clemson Tiger: A Tribute to my father

1

Jun 19, 2005, 6:51 AM

Awesome. Your dad would be proud.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Great Story..Thanks for sharing it.***

1

Jun 19, 2005, 8:13 AM



badge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

2016 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS


Wonderful story. Thank you for sharing.

1

Jun 19, 2005, 8:15 AM

Your Dad brought up a good one. I'm sure he's proud of you.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Thanks for sharing***

1

Jun 19, 2005, 9:59 AM



badge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

I knew your Dad......................

1

Jun 19, 2005, 10:19 AM

through my roommate, Gordon Metsky, who was the head cheerleader, I believe, in 1971 and Danny Gregg.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: as usuall, outstanding.***

1

Jun 19, 2005, 11:47 AM



flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Wow, great post.***

1

Jun 19, 2005, 11:11 AM



badge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


Great tribute...the video is superb!***

1

Jun 19, 2005, 12:46 PM



badge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Absolutely wonderful, the BEST post ever on this board

1

Jun 19, 2005, 1:29 PM

I attended several Clemson games during the time your Dad was cheering as my older brother and sister were attending Clemson. I enjoyed seeing the old pictures and what a wonderful tribute to your Dad.

I guaranteee you he is proud of his son today. I'm also proud to say this is why Clemson is so great. We're all in the Clemson family and it's a great place to be.

badge-donor-10yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: THE Clemson Tiger: A Tribute to my father

1

Jun 19, 2005, 3:35 PM

I was at Clemson during those years. I agree that there has never been been a head cheerleader that can hold a candle to Randy Jackson. He is a legacy. He had a way of really exciting the students like I've not seen since.

I am sorry to hear about his illness and passing. I'm sure many, many other Clemson students from our the early and mid-seventies share in your loss.

May God be with you all.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Shoeless, your dad was the head cheerleader my freshman year

1

Jun 19, 2005, 4:03 PM

Even though there were three others during my time at Clemson, my buddies and I always measured them against Randy Jackson. He was simply the best. Randy was funny, passionate, animated, controversial, and unpredictable, and he made my first football season as a Clemson student unforgettable.

For that, I thank your dad. And for your tribute, I thank you. You see, this past Christmas, I lost my father, a 1938 Clemson graduate. Your tribute made my day.

I miss you, Dad.

Shoeless, God bless you and your family. Go Tigers!

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

You did you Father well and continue his love.***

1

Jun 19, 2005, 8:51 PM



flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Need a minute, wiping tears. HOF post if ever there was one!***


Jun 20, 2005, 11:04 AM



2024 white level memberbadge-donor-05yr.jpg2016_nascar_champ.gif flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


incredible post***


Jun 20, 2005, 3:51 PM



flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

"Duty is the sublimest word in the English language."- Robert E. Lee
"Strike the tent." - Robert E. Lee's final words
"Better to remain silent and thought an idiot then to speak out and confirm that thought for everyone." - Mark Twain

Clemson Day at the State House:


Best Post ever!!! Your father will be proud. He was a great


Jun 21, 2005, 12:00 AM

Tiger!!! I was a freshman in 1971 and I remember him very well. He was a great guy and I am sure he would be very proud of you. I am sorry to hear what has happened to him. I am glad he has a son to be so proud of.

badge-donor-15yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


This was really beautiful, you did a wonderful job with this

1

Jun 21, 2005, 9:20 AM

and I know your dad couldn't be more proud. Thanks for sharing this with the Clemson family. This is just another reminder of how lucky I am to have my father here today.

badge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Replies: 29
| visibility 1
Archives - Tiger Boards Archive
add New Topic