NICE-GUY NICK
Defensive lineman Nick Eason's stable of off-field awards for community
service grew by one Saturday. This one, however, probably has more meaning
than any of the others.
Eason was presented the Idaho Sports Medicine Humanitarian Award during the
Commercial Tire Mayor's Luncheon at Boise Center on the Grove. He and head
coach Tommy Bowden left Saturday's practice early in order to attend the
ceremony.
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The blue turf at the H-Bowl.
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The award comes just days after the passing of Eason's grandfather, who died
last Monday. Eason was raised by his grandparents.
"I was surprised by this award. It's definitely a great accomplishment," he
told the crowd at the luncheon. "I lost my grandfather on Monday. It was hard
to have him pass on Monday, then leave to come out here on Wednesday. Maybe
this award was because of that. This award is for him.
"It also shows there's more to athletics than what you do on the field. There
is academics, and there should also be community service."
Bowden was impressed.
"That's kind of a reflection of what he's done the last three years at
Clemson," he said. "He's involved in those type things back in Clemson, so
the award is very consistent with his behavior. We didn't have to find a guy
and make up something as far as his involvement with things other than
football."
BRING 'EM ALL
The controversy created by South Carolina coach Lou Holtz's decision not to
take injured linebacker Kalimba Edwards to the Outback Bowl reached Boise
Saturday.
Holtz's policy is to leave injured players at home. Bowden's isn't.
"They're part of the team. We bring all of ours. Kevin Youngblood, Altroy
Bodrick..." he said. "Marcus Houskin could have come but chose not to. But we
bring all our injured. They're part of the team and the team likes them
around.
"Most of these guys have invested summers and two-a-days. They're there in
Jan. working hard, and they don't get injured on purpose. We try to include
them as much as possible."
HERE THEY COME
The first real smattering of Clemson fans began arriving in Boise late Friday
night and early Saturday. Among those in attendance at Saturday's practice
was Kathy Young, mother of senior center Kyle Young.
The Clemson band and cheerleaders also made it into town Friday night. The
majority of Tiger fans - estimated at between 2,500-3,000 - are due in today
or just prior to Monday's kickoff.
THERE THEY GO
While Eason and Bowden were at the Mayor's Luncheon, most of the team headed
an hour out of town to go snowmobiling in Idaho City.
Bowden approved of this activity, which was set up by the Humanitarian Bowl
committee.
He didn't approve of his players skiing, however. The only problem was he
failed to mention that until Thursday, a day after approximately 20 players
hit the slopes at Bogus Basin Ski/Snowboard Resort.
Fortunately no players were injured, and none have been on skis since.
WEATHER UPDATE
After a relatively mild day Friday, Saturday's weather turned cold again. The
Tigers worked out in temperatures which never peaked above the lower 20s.
Forecasts for Monday's kickoff are calling for temperatures in the
mid-to-upper 30s, with the possibility of rain or snow showers.
UP NEXT
Clemson won't take part in its scheduled walk-through at Broncos Stadium
today, choosing instead to follow its regular season pattern and stay
sequestered in its hotel the day before the game.
A Clemson Pep Rally will take place at 6 p.m. local time at Basque Block,
sponsored by the Humanitarian Bowl.
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