Re: New Story: Like the Phoenix: Out of defeat comes a steely resolve

Orange Blooded [3728]

TigerPulse: 97%

Posts: 4857

Joined: 11/4/03

Perhaps the passion-base for Clemson goes deeper...

Jan 13, 2016, 10:01 AM

...than the football team, and personified in Clemson University itself and those that attended the university. Clemson University itself has always seemed to be disrespected as an academic institution, it's heritage, it's formation by it's founders. Academic department, after academic department often feels like the execute, teach, research, and build with a chip on their shoulder. Yes, I recognize that Clemson is ranked #21 in certain rankings, but there always seems to be some qualification statement that we make to show that Clemson is a great institution and deserving of that ranking and respect.

My own experience exemplifies this. I didn't grow up in a household where I was held to a standard of attending Duke, MIT, or an Ivy League school, but I had a drive academically and Clemson gave me a chance. I was challenged and was educated well enough to compete in industry, but I always felt that my attendance at Clemson meant that I had to prove something more than say engineers from Purdue, MIT, UCLA, or Illinois.

And that same feeling extends for me personally with the Clemson football team. I feel that the excellence, fight, determination, and will to win becomes an extension of my own journey through Clemson University that I want the nation to see. That is why I personally feel so emotionally attached to the success of Clemson football, because it grounds my own journey in life.

Watching Clemson win the National Championship when I was a student there in '81 was something I actually never dreamed of experiencing, but the pride that it gave me as an engineering student at Clemson was priceless. I longed desperately for that on Monday night, because after 34 years, I have grown deeper in my appreciation of my Clemson experience. Dabo has also exemplified that struggle to achieve and never give up, and he has made me an ever-loyal supporter of him as the head coach at Clemson. Another National Championship before the nation would have been another vindication of what Clemson University is all about.

Just the ramblings of one of the "old guys".

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J. Marc Edwards
Cary, NC

I have so thoroughly enjoyed this season. I'm not saying I don't love the Tigers every year, but these guys had heart, leadership, passion and a brotherhood. I feel so for the seniors that have to leave. Taking that jersey off in that locker room ended this part of their journey. They won't ever again suit up, run down the hill and share the brotherhood of these teammates. I hope our seniors as well as the ones leaving early prosper on their next stage of life. They have a great foundation to succeed whatever they chose to do. I'm also thankful for those that chose to stay another year to once again climb that mountain and strive for perfection. This team gave Tiger fans so much and it feels empty to not pull up Tigernet or other sites and be able to read about preparations for the next game this week. No one on this team or staff have any reason to hang their heads. Be proud of what you have accomplished. Stay strong, stay proud and forever be a Tiger. I hope to see these young men come back to campus like Spiller and help mold future generations of players. God bless and thank you from this Tiger fan that enjoyed you so much

New Story: Like the Phoenix: Out of defeat comes a steely resolve

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