As I wrote so many weeks ago, I really felt as if our 1981 team was handing off the baton to our 2011 team. Well, that has happened not entirely the way I had dreamed but in a way that still brings me chills.
It's 30 years later, the Orange Bowl officials were greatly anticipating a return of Clemson Nation to revitalize the Orange Bowl festivities and the game. On Saturday, December 3, Clemson put together the near perfect game for the second time against a 3rd ranked Virginia Tech team in beautiful Bank of America stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Paulling Entorage that seems to be growing every game, made our way to Charlotte to take in the pre game ACCCG festivities. One of the highlights of the night for our guys was to be able to stand a few feet from the Rally Cats and Clemson Cheerleaders as they performed right outside of the stadium. ;-). My highlight was the concert by Dierst Bentley where my niece Lisa and I got on our dancing shoes to show our stuff and embarrass the kids. Lol. All in all, it was a fun night that got better as the game started.
My brother Gene, had some connections with the pre game tailgate, so we got to rub elbows with some very nice people from the Charlotte area and some Chevron executives. It makes me want to use Chevron lubricants in my cars from now on...how about you? (You are welcome, Gene.)
Right before kickoff we made our way behind the glass up above club level and sat down at a table where we had the most fantastic view of the field and Clemson sideline. We all decided we would stay here and enjoy the game, in suite style, a great decision by the majority. Thank you.....Chevron!
I won't bore you again with the details from the game, but can I just say, the Tigers showed up, did their thing, and gave us a 4th quarter to go ahead and start the party! I immediately tried to make my way onto the field, which is impossible, to unload my frustration to any player that would hear me, about the nonexistence of passion the prior 2 weeks. I had my words scripted out, knew the exact standing position I would take (right hand to the face mask, pulling downward to make perfect eye contact) and the script would have been something like, "do you have any idea what you put me through the last 2 weeks...."$&@&$&@.
But at that very moment, I looked around at the confetti, the high rise building in the background radiating orange, my nephew ,Freddie, hanging over the railing by his "feet" to touch the trophy that was hoisted above the head of Dwayne Allen and I had an epiphany....it didn't matter about the last 2 weeks....ahhhhh, relief. That knot in my stomach finally disappeared and all was well in myself and Tiger Nation. We are the Atlantic Coast Conference Champions, this team did it, heck we all did it! The baton passing was genuine and authentic ! It's time to Celebrate, and celebrate we did, until 2:30 am that morning!
The ride back home with the Clemson family consisted of horn honking, high fives all around, and even a 1234...in cadence count! I sat quietly and gave God praise for keeping our teams safe and for blessing this team with the successful journey.
The Paulling Entorage's reservations are made for Miami. In the coming weeks join me on a ride back to 1981, the greatest football feat that has ever been accomplished for Clemson University. But also join me in traveling or watching from home the next chapter....to be continued!
