Published exclusively for donors to the Clemson University IPTAY scholarship fund.
IPTAY | 2024-25 | Issue 4 -1-
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IPTAY | 2024-25 | Issue 4 -1-
CONTENT
26 30 34
16
20
22
WHY NOT US?
GREATER HEIGHTS
GYMNASTICS NAMES CO-HEAD COACHES
Clemson Softball’s journey to its first ACC Championship.
After a season of firsts for Clemson Lacrosse, the program earned a place in their firstever NCAA Tournament.
Justin and Liz Howell have been hired to lead Clemson Gymnastics.
CO-EDITORS
CONTRIBUTORS
Ashby Burton Kelsey Tibbs Ben Winterrowd
Trent Alley Davis Babb Tim Bourret Ashby Burton Andrew Fostvelt Jonathan Franchi
ART DIRECTOR
THE CLEMSON GENTLEMAN
FORMER TIGER INVESTS IN CLEMSON’S FUTURE
Bob Mahony retires after 36 years with IPTAY, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be unmatched.
Tracing back Former to her roots, Clemson Football player Amanda Gray Shaq Lawson’s Richardson is now a leader generous gift fuels leadership in Clemson and education Athletics. initiatives.
Autumn Froitland Ashley Galloway Brian Hennessy Nik Johnson Valerie Johnson Jeff Kallin
Kelsey Tibbs
ORANGE: The Experience -2-
Billy Milam Carson Riley Chandler Simpson Gabe Smith Kelsey Tibbs Ben Winterrowd
ALL ROADS LEAD TO HOME
38
42 44 46 50 54
A RISING STAR JOINS THE CLEMSON FAMILY
“ALL IN” BEFORE DAY ONE
Clemson Women’s Soccer adds Maryanne Kilgore as a new assistant coach for the 2025 season.
A story of a Clemson student manager, Tyler Pepicelli, and his goal to attend Clemson.
THE ADRIENNE MARTELLI ERA
INTERNATIONAL HALL OF ROOTS, FAME CLASS HOMEGROWN ANNOUNCED REVIVAL
SCHOEN FOUNDATION SUPPORTS ATHLETICS
Martelli’s debut season pushed Clemson Rowing to contend again.
Clemson Women’s Tennis returns to form in 50th season.
Jay and Karen Sutton have made significant contributions to support key programs at Clemson University.
Clemson Athletics and the Block C Club announced the 2025 Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame Class.
Orange: The Experience is published four times annually exclusively for donors to the IPTAY Scholarship Fund. A minimum priority contribution is $60, but contributions of all amounts are welcome. To join IPTAY, call 864-656-2115 or log on to ClemsonTigers.com/IPTAY. To advertise in this publication, contact Mike Money by email at mmoney@clemson.edu If you have recently changed an address or phone number, please call the IPTAY office at 864-656-2115 or visit ClemsonTigers.com and click on the IPTAY tab. You may also send your name, IPTAY number, new mailing address, email address or phone number to: IPTAY, P.O. Box 1529, Clemson, SC 29633.
IPTAY | 2024-25 | Issue 4 -3-
I
t’s hard to believe another academic and athletic year has come and gone, but what a year it has been. There is much to celebrate across all areas of Clemson Athletics. In the classroom, our student-athletes earned a record 3.5 cumulative GPA, marking the 14th consecutive semester above 3.0. At May commencement, 86 student-athletes earned Clemson degrees. I encourage you to read more about their academic accomplishments later in this issue. In athletic competition, 2024–25 was full of highlights. Our spring programs shined, with strong performances in golf, track & field, and both tennis teams, including postseason appearances and marking recent highs. Baseball hosted its thirdstraight NCAA Regional. Lacrosse made its first NCAA Tournament appearance and advanced to the Sweet 16. Softball earned its first ACC Championship, won an NCAA Regional, and nearly reached the Women’s College World Series, falling just short to eventual national champion Texas. Another major moment was the official opening of the Watt Family Performance and Wellness Center, a space dedicated to further enhancing the success of Clemson’s studentathletes and the resources provided to them. More information on this state-ofthe-art facility, one that would not have been possible without the generosity of Steven & Pam and Michael & Kimberly
Watt, is shared later here in this publication. Simply put: There’s never been a better time to be a Tiger. Your support through IPTAY this year has been extraordinary. While we’ll share final IPTAY 2025 numbers and highlights soon, I can confidently say it’s been one of our strongest years yet. That success is only possible because of you. IPTAY members continue to demonstrate unwavering commitment to Clemson student-athletes, reflecting the very best of who we are. As college athletics evolves, IPTAY has remained both adaptive and mission-driven, meeting the moment while never losing sight of its purpose. College athletics looks very different today than even a year ago. In early June, the House Settlement reshaped the landscape, introducing scholarship deregulation in favor of roster limits and permitting schools to share revenue from sponsorship and media rights. It’s a significant shift, one we anticipated and have prepared for. Through it all, Clemson remains focused on doing things the right way, the Clemson way, with student-athlete success at the center. So, what does this mean for IPTAY? It means continuing the mission we’ve upheld for 91 years: to support the academic, athletic, and personal development of Clemson studentathletes and to fuel the competitive success of Clemson Athletics. That
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includes funding scholarships, providing essential academic support, and equipping every student-athlete with the tools to succeed on and off the field. As scholarship costs grow, IPTAY remains committed to making that investment. I also encourage you to review the updated IPTAY Annual Fund giving levels outlined in the following pages. These adjustments for IPTAY 2026 are a proactive step to address the changing scholarship model and position Clemson for continued success. As we enter this new era of college athletics, IPTAY’s mission remains our guiding force. Your continued commitment will shape the future of Clemson Athletics, and we could not do it without you. As we look ahead to the 2025-26 year, I am excited for another year of highlights for Clemson Athletics and each student-athlete we support. Before you know it, there will be soccer games at Historic Riggs Field, volleyball matches in Jervey Gym, and gathering in Death Valley for IPTAY Day vs. LSU on August 30th. I look forward to seeing each of you on campus here soon. Thank you for all you’ve done and all that you will continue to do. Go Tigers!
DAVIS BABB IPTAY CEO
M O R E
S.C. GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATES LOTTERY FUNDS EACH YEAR. IPTAY | 2024-25 | Issue 4 -5-
T H A N
IPTAY GIVING LEVEL CHANGES FOR FY 2026 Since 1934, IPTAY members have made an incredible impact in the lives of Clemson studentathletes. In the classroom, in athletic competition and beyond, the success of our Tigers starts with those on the IPTAY team! You have helped IPTAY evolve into one of the strongest and most generous organizations for philanthropic giving nationally and serve as a bedrock of our 21-sport program. Every gift at every level directly supports the success of the hundreds of Tiger student-athletes. With new legislation and the climate of intercollegiate athletics unfolding, IPTAY remains committed to its mission of providing resources to support the academic, athletic, and personal development of Clemson University studentathletes and the competitive success of Clemson Athletics. One piece of legislation specific to IPTAY is the change from scholarship limits to roster limits. In 2025, the current scholarship model is changing significantly due to the House Settlement, which received approval on June 6, 2025. With this recent approval, roster limits will be put in place for all NCAA-sponsored sports. In addition to roster limits, there will now be no cap on student-athlete scholarships up to the roster limit. With student-athlete scholarships at the core of the organization’s mission, IPTAY will continue to prioritize this growing expense. To meet this need and others, IPTAY’s Annual Fund giving levels are being adjusted for IPTAY 2026. These adjustments will allow Clemson Athletics to approach scholarship deregulation aggressively and fully support the continued recent growth of women’s athletics at Clemson. We are grateful for the Clemson Family and its unrivaled student-athlete support. That unwavering support will continue to be a difference maker for our young men and women who proudly wear the Paw today and into the future.
GIFTS TO IPTAY FUEL CLEMSON TIGER SUCCESS
IN THE LAST THREE YEARS, TEAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS INCLUDE: 2022
1 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
8 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
22 NCAA APPEARANCES
2023 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS: Men’s Soccer 2023 COLLEGE CUP: Women’s Soccer 2023 SUPER REGIONAL: Softball 2024 ELITE EIGHT: Men’s Basketball 2024 SUPER REGIONAL: Baseball 2024 NCAA MATCH PLAY: Women’s Golf 2024 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF: Football 2025 SUPER REGIONAL: Softball TEAMS TO WIN AN ACC CHAMPIONSHIP
Baseball, Men’s Track & Field, Women’s Golf, Men’s Soccer, Football, Women’s Track & Field, and Softball
TEAMS TO MAKE AN NCAA TOURNAMENT APPEARANCE
Baseball, Men’s Baskteball, Men’ & Women’s Golf, Men’s & Women’s Soccer, Men’s & Women’s Tennis, Gymnastics, Lacrosse, and Softball ORANGE: The Experience -6-
2025
GROWTH IN STUDENT-ATHLETE SCHOLARSHIPS At its core, IPTAY’s mission is to provide resources to support the academic, athletic, and personal development of Clemson University student-athletes and the competitive success of Clemson Athletics. Of that mission, perhaps the most significant throughout the organization’s more than 90-year history has been to provide scholarships to Clemson student-athletes. With the incredible support from members, IPTAY has and continues to fund the maximum number of scholarships permitted in each varsity sport allowed by the NCAA. By doing so, Clemson holds a competitive advantage in athletic competition and the opportunity to transform the greatest number of lives through a world-class student-athlete experience. Beginning July 1, 2025, with the implementation of the recently passed legislation from the House Settlement, the scholarship model is changing from scholarship limits to roster limits with no cap on student-athlete scholarships up to the roster limit. Each institution can decide how many scholarships to award up to the total number of roster spots for each sport. With this change, IPTAY and Clemson Athletics plan to be very aggressive in providing scholarships to our student-athletes. IPTAY plans to invest in 150 new full scholarship opportunities through a phased approach, which will come at an approximate additional cost of $6 million. These 150 new scholarships are in addition to the 270 scholarships already provided to student-athletes. These additional scholarships constitute a significant investment in our student-athletes and athletic programs, and IPTAY is committed to providing more student-athletes with scholarships. Below is a breakdown of Clemson Athletics’ annual scholarship expense funded by IPTAY, as well as an expected growth in the total number of scholarships awarded to Clemson student-athletes.
INCREASED STUDENT-ATHLETE SCHOLARSHIP EXPENSE 2008 $6.3M
2018 $11.3M
2009 $6.4M
2019 $12M
2010 $6.8M
2020 $12.2M
2011 $6.9M
FY 2008-2017 2012 2013 $7.2M $7.5M
2014 $8.6M
2015 $8.8M
2016 $10.7M
2021 $12.9M
FY 2018-2027 2022 2023 $12.9M $15.3M
2024 $17.5M
2025 $18.9M
2026 2027 $22.4M* $23.2M*
2017 $11.2M
GROWTH IN SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR CLEMSON STUDENT-ATHLETES FY 2025-2028 2025 270
2026 420*
2027 430*
2028 434*
With this aggressive approach comes a significant expense and a greater need to support the success of Clemson student-athletes. IPTAY remains the engine that drives Clemson Athletics’ educational mission in the form of scholarships, in addition to providing resources for facility improvements, student-athlete health and wellness, and much more. These new roster limits and the addition of 150 new scholarship opportunities across our various programs means there is now more need than ever to fund scholarships for our deserving student-athletes. Your continued support of IPTAY is an investment in the young people across our 21 varsity sports and Clemson’s continued competitive success. *Projections IPTAY | 2024-25 | Issue 4 -7-
NEW GIVING LEVELS The increases below are the first adjustments to the IPTAY Annual Fund levels since FY 2020 and went into effect July 1, 2025. These new membership donation amounts will be reflected in all membership materials and communications for the IPTAY 2026 year. Please note that these level increases have been approved and endorsed by the IPTAY Board of Directors, the IPTAY CEO, and the Director of Athletics.
NEW GIVING LEVELS TO BEGIN JULY 1, 2025
GIVING LEVEL Riggs Heisman Fike McFadden Jervey IPTAY Howard Tiger Champion Orange Purple Paw
IPTAY 2025 $25,000 $12,000 $8,000 $6,500 $5,000 $3,500 $2,600 $1,700 $900 $450 $200 $60
IPTAY 2026 $27,500 $13,500 $9,000 $7,250 $5,500 $4,000 $2,900 $1,900 $1,000 $500 $250 $75
IPTAY donors across the state of South Carolina and across the country continue to be the backbone of our program. During a time of major growth within the University and intercollegiate athletics, private support is the key to continued success at the highest level. On behalf of our hundreds of studentathletes, THANK YOU for your commitment to the Clemson athletic program. IPTAY truly is the power behind the Paw!
MEMBERSHIP TIMELINE IPTAY 2026
2025
1
7.1.2025
2.15.2026
2
1 2
3
3.15.2026
4
6.1.2026
5
6.30.2026
JULY 1, 2025: IPTAY 2026 BEGINS
FEBRUARY 15, 2026: 50% OF IPTAY 2026 PLEDGE IS DUE
All eligible donors who meet this deadline will receive a football season ticket & parking application.
3
MARCH 15, 2026: FOOTBALL SEASON TICKET & PARKING APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE 4
JUNE 1, 2026: ALL PLEDGES FOR THE IPTAY 2026 YEAR ARE DUE 5
JUNE 30, 2026: IPTAY 2026 ENDS
All applications received after this date will be applied to the IPTAY 2027 year. ORANGE: The Experience -8-
2026
IPTAY | 2024-25 | Issue 4 -9-
MOMENT IN CLEMSON HISTORY On July 25, 2011, Clemson announces the innaugural women’s golf team for the 2013-2014 season.
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IPTAY | 2024-25 | Issue 4 - 11 -
TIGER LETTERWINNERS BY: TIM BOURRET
SPOTLIGHT
S
ix former Clemson golfers who won Korn Ferry Tour tournaments used the victories to catapult their careers to full-time status on the PGA Tour. The list includes Jonathan Byrd, Charles Warren, Lucas Glover, D.J. Trahan, Ben Martin, and most recently, Carson Young. Bryson Nimmer hopes his victory at that tour’s Tullum Championship at PGA Riviera in Maya, Mexico, will do the same. Based on what I have seen from the 2019 Clemson graduate, I firmly believe Nimmer will soon join that list of former Clemson greats on the big tour. Nimmer lettered for Clemson Golf from 2015-19 and is still fourth in school history in career stroke average (71.07). He is first in top-10 finishes with 28, second in career rounds in the 60s (46), and rounds under par (73). He won four tournaments in 2018-19 to set a Clemson season record and had ten top-10 finishes. Nimmer was a three-time AllAmerican at Clemson, including firstteam honors as a senior when he was the MVP of the ACC. He is the only golfer in Clemson history to earn All-ACC on the course and named Academic All-ACC for four consecutive years. The native of Bluffton, S.C., is a second-generation Clemson golfer. His father, Tony, was an All-ACC player from
1979-82. They are the only father-son combination in Clemson Golf history to earn All-ACC honors. It has not been an easy path for Bryson, who turned professional in the summer of 2019. “My timing for turning professional was not great because my first full year was the COVID year,” said Nimmer. “I played well and won four or five tournaments on mini-tours, but there just weren’t many opportunities to gain status.” Nimmer earned enough status for the Korn Ferry Tour in 2023, played in 22 tournaments, then played in 19 in 2024, but he had just one top-10 finish over those two years. He also played in 11 PGA Tour events and showed his potential by making six cuts. But it was a constant grind to keep some kind of limited opportunities. That all changed in early May of this year when he dramatically won his 50th career tournament. Nimmer was tied for fifth place, four shots behind leader Davis Chatfield, a former Notre Dame star, entering Sunday’s final round. But Nimmer made four birdies in a row on holes two through five, then made bogey on three of his last four on the front nine. He righted the ship and shot a three-underpar 33 on the back, including birdies on the 16th and 18th holes to finish at
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nine-under-par 279. Stuart Macdonald, a 30-year-old golfer also looking for his first Korn Ferry win, played in a group behind Nimmer. Macdonald needed a birdie on the 18th hole to force a playoff. “I went into the area to sign my scorecard, knowing Macdonald had to make a birdie on the last hole to tie me. I had just stepped out of the scoring area and heard a roar. No one was on the green, so it was apparent someone had made a shot from the fairway. It was, in fact, Macdonald, but it was his third shot, not his second. So it was a birdie for Macdonald, meaning Nimmer would be in a playoff with the former Purdue All-American. “What a range of emotions I had in a very short period of time. I made a birdie thinking I was in the lead, then thought he had made an eagle to beat me, then realized it was just a birdie, and we were on to a playoff.” Both players made par on the first playoff hole, then Nimmer made par, and Macdonald made a bogey, giving Nimmer the championship and $180,000 first prize. More importantly, it moved Nimmer from 163rd to 16th on the Korn Ferry Tour money list. It gave him exempt status on the tour through 2026, meaning he did not have to grind weekly looking for a place to play. “I played well the entire week, especially when it came to driving the ball. The course had a lot of trouble outside the fairways. It was a wild finish but a happy finish. My parents were there and followed me on Saturday and Sunday, so it was very special.” “I have had a lot going on recently,” said Nimmer, who got married last fall. He and his wife are expecting their first child this summer. Now he hopes that streak of momentous events continues with a top-20 finish on the Korn Ferry Tour in the fall. A top-20 finish will allow him to join other former Tigers who have won Korn Ferry Tour events on the way to the PGA Tour.
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IPTAY | 2024-25 | Issue 4 - 13 -
BEYOND THE GAME BY: KELSEY TIBBS
NIA CHRISTIE
TRACK & FIELD | SENIOR | TRUMBELL, CONN.
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WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES WHILE ON THE CLEMSON TRACK & FIELD TEAM? NC: I always smile whenever I get asked this question. I truly don’t have one specific time over the others… Well, it might be when we won the ACC (Indoor) Championship title this past season! But honestly, every day on the team was a great day. All the personalities around each other truly brought the best out of everyone. It felt like I gained a whole new family I know I will have for a lifetime. The endless laughs, cheers, and inside jokes I will carry with me forever. BESIDES TRACK & FIELD, WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT? NC: I love to travel! I think that one of the best perks of track & field is that you can travel all around the world. I believe that it has brought me to new states and countries that I don’t think I would have experienced without track. Getting to know other cultures and
seeing life from new perspectives is thrilling to me. I think life is so much bigger than staying in one state/place your whole life. ARE YOU INVOLVED IN OTHER CLUBS OR ACTIVITIES ON CAMPUS? NC: During my time at Clemson, I became a part of the best sorority known to mankind, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is one of the largest and most well-known African American Greek-lettered sororities. It was founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 college-educated women at Howard University in Washington, D.C. These women were committed to scholarship, service, sisterhood, and social action. Being a part of this sorority has truly made me into the impeccable woman that I am today. I held many leadership roles in this position, such as chaplain and internal audit. I was also a part of BSU, the Black Student Union at
IPTAY | 2024-25 | Issue 4 - 15 -
Clemson. I did all of this while enrolled in the UPIC program, which was an oncampus internship during the year. WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST ROLE MODEL OR SUPPORTER? NC: Without a doubt, I think my biggest supporter is my mother. When I was younger, she never missed a track meet. [She was] always in my corner, kept my head held high, and encouraged me most when I felt like giving up. A real angel walking on earth in my eyes! As for my biggest role model, I don’t know who I look up to most. I like to take my favorite people and combine the best part of each of them into myself. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER CLEMSON? NC: My plans for the future include going to graduate school, where I would like to be an assistant coach for track & field. I plan to get a dual masters degree with my MBA and MS.
WHY NOT US? Clemson Softball’s journey to its first ACC Championship. BY: VALERIE JOHNSON
ORANGE: The Experience - 16 -
I
t didn’t start with a speech. It started as a whisper – in fall weight room sessions, Saturday scrimmages throughout January, and conversations between returners who’d come up just short in past seasons. ‘Why Not Us?’ became more than a slogan. It became a challenge. Everyone talks about the blue bloods of the softball world. The programs that have been around much longer than the still ‘infant’ Clemson program in only its sixth season. Originally picked to finish seventh in the conference by league head coaches in the 2025 preseason poll, Clemson Softball decided to storm through the ACC Championship without asking for permission. Head Coach John Rittman never needed to sell the message – the entire 22-player roster took it and ran. By the time Saturday’s championship game started, it was the heartbeat of a team that refused to be counted out. The 2025 season and ACC Championship run wasn’t one that cruised. It twisted. It tested. It took everyone’s buy-in to reach that moment. In a year that started with a 3-6 overall record and ended on a 38-6 stretch, the Tigers continued to reach new heights.
Each challenge peeled back a layer of who they were – not just a talented team that had to rebuild after losing 11 seniors after the 2024 season, but a family consisting of a well-balanced mix of returners with experience and newcomers that brought a revitalized spark to the program. The veterans, led by Maddie Moore, Aby Vieira, Brooke McCubbin, and Alex Brown, took on mentorship roles. The newcomers to the roster, powered by Macey Cintron, Marian Collins, Taylor Pipkins, and Reese Basinger, stepped into big moments. The bench continued providing the energy necessary for the team to thrive. Week by week, game by game, the Tigers evolved. Their culture wasn’t built on comfort – it was built on trust. Becoming the first team to not only win a game but take a series at Stanford in 2025, battling back for an extra-inning comeback against South Carolina at McWhorter Stadium in mid-April, earning the road win against top-ranked Tennessee and securing four ACC series sweeps felt like a prelude to something bigger. They didn’t dominate. They responded. More than that, they set the stage for what came next.
IPTAY | 2024-25 | Issue 4 - 17 -
After securing their spot in the ACC Championship Tournament in the middle of April, the Tigers locked up the No. 2 seed following a series sweep at Georgia Tech to end the regular season. This meant Clemson was staring down three opponents the Tigers hadn’t crossed paths with during the regular season should they continue to advance. With a first-round bye, Clemson geared up for its first test in the tournament with a rematch of the 2024 ACC Quarterfinal game against Virginia. The story of the three-game weekend proved that anyone on the 22-player roster could win a game for the Tigers. When the first game against Virginia came around on Thursday evening, Clemson looked for any spark to mount the first of three comebacks. After trading runs in the fourth and fifth innings, Virginia took the lead in the top of the sixth with a two-run homer. With no hesitation and a ‘Why Not Us?’ mindset in the batter’s box, the Clemson freshman class came up with three of the four most crucial at-bats in the sixth for the come-from-behind win. Cintron and Collins joined Vieira on base to load them for Pipkins to step to
“
It wasn’t about proving others wrong.
It was about proving what each player and coach knew
the plate. In a 2-2 count, the freshman belted one well over the left field wall for a grand slam that gave the Tigers a 7-4 advantage with three outs to go. McCubbin put up a quick 1-2-3 inning in the top of the seventh to secure the quarterfinal win and advance the Tigers to Friday’s action. In the same fashion as Clemson’s other victories throughout the regular season, there was an unwavering belief amongst both the players and the coaching staff that anyone could step into the big moments without an ounce of hesitation and deliver – and like Pipkins on Thursday, that’s exactly how
the Tigers rolled through the rest of the weekend. The Tigers took that belief into Friday’s semifinal matchup against Virginia Tech. The forecast turned bleak at best, with a call for rain to start roughly an hour into the originally scheduled game time. Unknowing at the time, the Tigers would be grateful for the downpour that would eventually hit and for the poise that came from believing in their training. Around the second inning, the sky opened into a downpour. After both coaches and umpires discussed it, all sides agreed that the game would
ORANGE: The Experience - 18 -
“
was within reach the entire season.
continue. With the Tigers staring down what started as a four-run deficit and grew to seven runs in the top of the sixth after errors riddled the defense, Clemson had its work cut out offensively for a statement to be made. Even with the scoreboard not leaning in Clemson’s favor, the dugout never stopped believing. Clemson’s largest comeback victory in program history began in the bottom of the sixth when seniors Brown and Moore sparked the Tigers’ ‘Why Not Us?’ mentality in the pouring rain. Clemson’s patience and poise took over after a VT error allowed the first two runs to score. Collins plated two off a double, and then the remaining runs – which tied the game but ultimately brought in the game-winning run – were due to walks and a hit by pitch. Clemson responded
IPTAY | 2024-25 | Issue 4 - 19 -
from a 9-2 deficit to hold a 10-9 lead following a gritty sixth inning. It wasn’t flashy, but it was disciplined. After battling through the rain offensively, the Tigers needed a shutdown inning defensively to secure their second comeback of the weekend. The rain was no match for McCubbin in the circle, who notched a scoreless top of the seventh to push Clemson to its third ACC Championship game in program history and first since 2022. Staring down a situation two other teams in program history had faced before, Team 6 believed that any person on the 22-player roster could win that game for Clemson because ‘Why Not Us?’ The Tigers once again needed a comeback after Florida State hit a solo home run in the third for the 1-0 lead. Despite it all, Clemson continued to embrace the chaos. Down to their final two outs with the tying run on first, another Tiger rose to the occasion and embraced their moment as sophomore Kylee Johnson drove a 2-2 pitch to center field for a two-run homer that would prove to be the hit heard around the ACC as Clemson claimed its first ACC Championship in program history. This championship was more than a win – it was a statement. A program still building its legacy took a giant step forward not only in the league but on a national level. A very young team got their first taste of glory. The seniors left a mark that will live on long even after their cleats have been hung up. It wasn’t about proving others wrong. It was about proving what each player and coach knew was within reach the entire season. The Clemson Softball program didn’t see itself as a Cinderella. They saw themselves as contenders – forged in comebacks, bonded by belief. The names of the members of Team 6 will be etched across Clemson’s record book for eternity as the first team to bring an ACC Championship back from the conference tournament. They will be remembered for the hardware. The true legacy of Team 6 will be the heart they brought to the field. Because Why Not Us? It wasn’t about hoping for a miracle. It was about creating one. When the final out of a three-game historic stretch dropped into Jamison Brockenbrough’s glove in center field, the Tigers no longer asked, ‘Why Not Us?’ They knew – it was always them.
GREATER HEIGHTS THE ASCENSION OF CLEMSON LACROSSE After a season of firsts for Clemson Lacrosse, the program earned a place in their first-ever NCAA Tournament. BY: ANDREW FOSTVELT
W
hen the Clemson Lacrosse team met in August for its first team meeting to discuss the goals for the year, one word came to mind unanimously: postseason. The Tigers had been on the precipice of dancing during the program’s first two years and had come close after 12- and 11win seasons, but they had yet to hear Clemson’s name be announced during each of those year’s Selection Sundays. Weeks before the season started on the She Will Triumph podcast,
third-year Head Coach Allison Kwolek publicly proclaimed the program’s goal for the upcoming season: “We’re hyperfocused on [getting to the] postseason and the NCAA Tournament.” Four months later, on the evening of May 4, it was announced that Clemson Lacrosse would play in May for the first time in the program’s three-year history after a rollercoaster of a season. Clemson wasted no time in exerting its will. In the first three games of the season, the Tigers won by eight, twice, and exploded for a team-record 26 goals in the first home game of the young season over Stetson. The fourth game would be the team’s first real test of the season against ACC foe Notre Dame,
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a top-10 team at the time. The Tigers and Fighting Irish’s first three meetings had been epic in nature, with six goals separating the two programs over three games, including a double overtime in primetime during the 2024 season, all of which ended in the Fighting Irish’s favor. Despite the historical bias against them, Clemson pulled out a thrilling one-goal victory that came down to the last second and marked the team’s first win over a ranked foe and top-10 opponent since the 2023 season. A week later, Clemson found themselves in a similar situation, this time against the Syracuse Orange for a second consecutive game against a top-10 opponent, this time one ranked
in the top five. The Orange and Regalia won the barn burner and low-scoring affair to secure a last-second victory over Syracuse and won consecutive ranked games for the first time in its young history. Another offensive showcase against Queens a few days after led Clemson to its longest-ever winning streak and best-ever start to a season. After securing the longest winning streak in program history, adversity struck quickly and harshly. A heartbreaking loss on Military Appreciation Day against the Duke Blue Devils by a goal led to one of the most surprising results in the team’s short history with a loss to Mercer by a goal. The Tigers would then fall to North Carolina in Chapel Hill and Florida in back-to-back top-10 contests to push the skid to four straight games. With the Tiger’s backs against the wall, reeling, and the season threatening to enter freefall, Clemson chose to fight back. A 14-2 defensive masterclass over Louisville and a 21-8 offensive showcase against UAlbany began a five-game stretch where the Tigers outscored their opponents 8723. Clemson won five of their last six
to enter the ACC Tournament as the fifth-seed, where they would be set for a revenge game against Duke in what would essentially be a play-in game for the Tigers. Clemson would jump out to an early 7-2 lead and pulled away late to finish the retribution with a final score of 15-7 to solidify their playoff resume with a third top-10 victory. “I think it shows our resilience. We had really high highs in the beginning of the year being able to beat Notre Dame and Syracuse on the road and then coming home and having a tough one-goal loss to Duke. Then the Mercer game, and it kind of carried on from there,” Kwolek told Inside Lacrosse. “I think our ability to respond, for them to get those wins and get the win over Duke in the ACC Tournament was huge.” All the efforts made by Kwolek and the Tigers since the program’s inception culminated on May 4. Early in the selection show, at their world-class facility, Clemson was finally chosen as cheers erupted from the team and staff. The program-record 13 wins and three top-10 victories begot the Orange and Regalia their first-ever NCAA Tournament berth as they drew the
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Annapolis-based Navy Midshipmen and would compete in Chapel Hill. Although their biggest preseason goal was achieved, the job was not done yet for the Tigers – the Midshipmen were in the way of a third match-up against North Carolina. After the Tigers jumped out to a 5-2 lead, Navy would retake the advantage and lead 7-5 thanks to five straight goals. With the season on the line, Clemson punched back. The Tigers scored six of the next seven goals and secured the program’s first NCAA Tournament victory on the evening of May 9. Despite the season ending a couple of days later against the eventual national champions, the Clemson Lacrosse program is just getting started. The Tigers established themselves as a tournament-caliber team that could create noise in the postseason and win against anyone. With the nation’s number one-ranked incoming recruiting class, along with a duo of impressive transfers and another year of experience for the team’s young core, the future of one of Clemson’s newest programs is bright as they set new goals to even greater heights.
GYMNASTICS NAMES CO-HEAD COACHES Justin and Liz Howell have been hired to lead Clemson Gymnastics. BY: CHANDLER SIMPSON AND JEFF KALLIN
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ELISABETH CRANDALL-HOWELL Co-Head Coach of Clemson Gymnastics
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n May 12, Clemson Director of Athletics Graham Neff announced the hiring of new leaders for the Clemson Gymnastics program. The announcement quickly caught the attention of the collegiate gymnastics community and excited the Clemson Family. The new head coaching duo are excited to begin their work and bring their successful resumé to Tigertown. Clemson’s new co-head gymnastics coaches, Justin Howell and Elisabeth Crandall-Howell, Former WCGA National Coaches of the Year and reigning ACC Coaches of the Year, begin their tenure with the young program with the 202526 season. The husband-and-wife duo have spent the last 13 seasons building Cal (new Atlantic Coast Conference opponent) into a national contender, serving the past seven seasons as cohead coaches.
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“We’ve gotten to see the program that Justin and Liz built up close during their first season in the ACC, and the consistent excellence they have achieved speaks for itself,” said Neff. “In addition to many competitive accomplishments, their reputation has been praised time and again in our research. We emphasized finding a coaching staff with experience in some of the biggest moments, and who could continue the trajectory of our program – we feel we have that in Justin and Liz. We are impressed with their technical ability, approach to operations, plan for development, incorporation of health, wellness and recovery, and attention to detail. We are excited to see them get to work.” In their time at Cal, they coached the Golden Bears to 12 consecutive NCAA appearances, finishing as NCAA
runners-up in 2024. Cal has earned top-20 finishes every year since 2013 and seven top-10 final rankings since 2016, including the three most recent seasons (2023-25). This season, they were named the Co-ACC Head Coaches of the Year in Cal’s first season in the league after leading the program to a perfect conference record and regularseason title. The pair are the only two coaches in Cal history to reach 100 career wins, and in 2023, they were named the WCGA National Co-Head Coaches of the Year. They also have coached 11 perfect 10.0 performances. Clemson’s new leaders are excited for the opportunity to begin work in Clemson. “I’d like to thank President Clements and Athletics Director Graham Neff for this unbelievable opportunity to lead the Clemson Gymnastics program,” said Howell. “The world-class resources and support for Clemson student-athletes to succeed in the classroom and on the competition floor are incredible. Liz and I are excited to bring our passion, energy, and pursuit of excellence to Tigertown. Clemson is truly a special place.” “I cannot express how excited we are to come to Tigertown,” said CrandallHowell. “The passion and commitment to excellence that runs through Clemson was clear from the moment we arrived on campus. The abundance of resources has been carefully and meticulously
curated to support the student-athletes in every pursuit – sport, academics, career and leadership development – and to utilize those skills to go out into the world as leaders. It was, however, the people that we met in Clemson that confirmed that this is the place we need to be. Justin and I believe that Clemson Gymnastics can become one of the top programs in the nation, and we cannot wait to get out there and get to work!” Justin Howell became the head coach at Cal in 2012 and made an immediate impact on the program, earning Pac12 Coach of the Year and NACGC West Region Coach of the Year honors in his first season. He went on to earn three more NACGC West Region Coach of the Year honors, one more Pac-12 Coach of the Year title (2016) and was named the NACGC National Coach of the Year in 2016 before taking on the role of Co-Head Coach with his wife, Elisabeth Crandall-Howell in 2018. Since then, Howell has earned 2024 WCGA West Region Coach of the Year honors, two more NACGC West Region Coach of the Year honors and two more Pac-12 Coach of the Year nods (2021, 2024). Crandall-Howell came to Cal as an assistant coach in 2012, was named the associate head coach in 2014 and later assumed the role of Co-Head Coach in 2018. Crandall-Howell was named the NACGC West Region Assistant Coach of the Year award in 2015 and was named the National Assistant Coach of the Year the following season. As a co-head
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coach, Crandall-Howell has earned two Pac-12 Coach of the Year honors (2021, 2024) and two WCGA Region 6 Coach of the Year honors (2020, 2021). During his time at Cal, Justin Howell served as the head coach for Team Jamaica at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. As a collegiate gymnast at BYU, Elisabeth Crandall-Howell was a twotime first-team All-American and threetime NCAA Regional Champion on bars. Crandall-Howell was also a seven-time US National Team member from 198792, winning a gold medal at the US Championships on bars in 1991 and a team silver medal at the 1991 World Championships. Howell and Crandall-Howell have been married since 2011 and have three children. Entering its third year as a program in 2025-26, Clemson Gymnastics aims to build upon its status in the ACC and the collegiate gymnastics landscape. Be on the lookout in the coming months for more information surrounding the Clemson Gymnastics program, including schedule, ticket information, and more. For the latest on all things Clemson Gymnastics, be sure to follow the program on social media: Clemson Gymnastics on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
JUSTIN HOWELL Co-Head Coach of Clemson Gymnastics
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THE CLEMSON GENTLEMAN Bob Mahony retires after 36 years with IPTAY, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be unmatched. BY: NIK JOHNSON
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ob Mahony retired at the end of the fiscal year after 36 years with IPTAY, leaving behind an indelible legacy that will forever be unmatched amongst the Clemson Family. While there have been many influential figures to have made their mark on Clemson Athletics over the years, no individual has exuded a greater level of devotion, loyalty, and love for the Tigers as Bob. Since he first joined the IPTAY staff in 1989, Bob has worn many hats both
within the organization and throughout the Clemson Athletic Department. At IPTAY, he has assumed the roles of Associate Director of IPTAY, coordinator of the IPTAY REP program, Major Gift Officer, and most recently, Director of Block C Club since 2014. He has also served as the Clemson Baseball colorcommentator throughout the entirety of his time at IPTAY, first appearing on the radio during the 1989 season and remaining in the booth ever since.
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Fortunately for baseball fans, Bob will continue calling games after his retirement from IPTAY. Bob’s Clemson story first began 53 years ago when he enrolled as an undergraduate student in 1972. After a year on campus, he earned a walk-on spot on Coach Wilhelm’s baseball team - setting the foundation for a lifetime of service and dedication to the Paw. He quickly earned a full scholarship and co-captain status as a starting pitcher,
helping lead the Tigers to three ACC regular-season championships over his career and both an ACC Tournament title and a College World Series appearance in his senior season in 1976. It was also here at Clemson that Bob met his wife of 47 years, Robin. After spending the first decade of his career working in the construction business in Columbia, S.C., he and Robin relocated their young family back to Clemson with the intention of being closer to the place that meant so much to them. Knowing that construction was not his life’s passion, Bob immediately began to develop relationships with Clemson Athletics administrators and staff members in hopes of one day securing his dream job with his alma mater. Fortunately for him, around that same time, IPTAY was growing rapidly and looking to add another member to their staff. After several interviews and an invite to travel with Clemson Athletics administrators to an away football game at Wake Forest, Allison Dalton offered Bob a position with IPTAY in February of 1989. Although his only prior work experience had been in the construction field, Bob knew this was the perfect fit for him. “I had never raised money before, but I knew that I could represent Clemson pretty well,” said Bob, reflecting on his early days in the organization. And that he has. Bob has since become one of Clemson’s greatest ambassadors, using his kind-hearted spirit to serve this University and establish longlasting relationships with generations of Clemson fans, IPTAY donors, staff members, coaches, and Tiger studentathletes. He has been a foundational figure within the Clemson Athletic Department for decades, serving as a trusted voice of reason during some of the most influential periods in its storied history. His Clemson journey was everything he had ever dreamed of, and something that he has never once taken for granted. “Once I started at Clemson it was a dream job,” said Bob. “I had no ambition ever of going anywhere else. This is all I ever wanted to do. I’ve been blessed to be a part of it all.” The IPTAY enterprise has undergone an immense amount of growth over the course of Bob’s thirty-six year career. When he first started in 1989, the
“ Throughout my time here, I would
always think to myself, ‘I am so thankful to work at Clemson.’
organization consisted of a staff of less than ten. Now, celebrating its 90th anniversary, IPTAY has a team of over 35 individuals representing various departments. Bob has been here for it all, playing a key role in IPTAY’s expansion and increase of reach in support of Clemson student-athletes. Bob’s time at Clemson has always been centered around two central pillars. “It all goes back to the relationships and experiences that have made this such a special job, and made me realize it’s all a gift from God who just put me in the right place and put these special opportunities and people in my life,” Bob said. While the National Championships, College World Series appearances, and iconic games will always hold a special place in his heart, it is the little memories that will stick with him forever. Things like reconnecting with Clemson Baseball, traveling with
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”
the football and basketball teams on away trips, attending events with colleagues and IPTAY board members, traveling cross-country to work with the IPTAY REPs, going to Clemson events with his family, and over 20 years of running the Memorial Stadium steps at lunchtime are only just a few of the unique experiences Bob will always cherish. “The things that I have been able to experience are pretty special,” Bob said. “Throughout my time here, I would always think to myself, ‘I am so thankful to work at Clemson. I wouldn’t have it any other way.’” When you hear the term, “Clemson Family,” there is no better representation of the ideals and values behind that phrase than the Mahony Family. Both Bob and Robin are Clemson graduates, along with both of their daughters, Bob’s father, both of Bob’s brothers, Robin’s father, and multiple members of his extended family. The Mahony’s
are as diehard Clemson fans as one can be, and it all started with Bob back in 1972. Not only do the Mahony’s bleed orange and purple, but they represent all that it means to be a part of the Clemson Family - selflessness, kindness, humility, and passion. “This has always been a family thing for us, and I am just so grateful,” said Bob. “Clemson has been really good to make sure I had the opportunity to take care of my family and allow them to experience this journey along with me.” Bob Mahony has left a legacy that few will ever be able to replicate here at Clemson, as his impact on the University and its athletic department will forever be felt by future generations of Tigers. He has undoubtedly influenced IPTAY, Clemson Athletics, and the entire enterprise during his 36 year tenure. “I remember when I first started here, everybody thought the excitement would wear off and it would become old after a while,” Bob said. “No. It has never worn off. It still gives me goosebumps to be on the field when the team runs down the hill. I never took that for granted.” His dedication to Clemson provides an example to all that are a part of the Clemson Family today, showing us just how special this place really is and how to properly represent this great University with pride. Many describe Bob as “the perfect representation of the Clemson Gentleman,” such a quality that we should all strive to emulate as we continue to write our own Clemson stories.
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FORMER TIGER INVESTS IN CLEMSON’S FUTURE Former Clemson Football player Shaq Lawson’s generous gift fuels leadership and education initiatives. BY: GABE SMITH
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haq Lawson, a former Clemson Football player and Central, S.C. native, has made a significant donation to support both P.A.W. Journey and Call Me MiSTER®. This gift will provide necessary resources for these initiatives, which will put a primary focus on developing studentathletes and educators, respectively, and contribute to Clemson’s mission of fostering leadership and educational excellence. Lawson, who played for the Tigers from 2013 to 2015, expressed his gratitude for the University’s role in his success. “It is truly an honor for me to give back to Clemson, a place that helped me achieve a childhood dream to play in the NFL,” he said. “Clemson is a special place and is important for me to make sure that the next generation of Tigers receives that same opportunity.” His donation will directly support programs that prepare young men for leadership roles in their careers and communities. During his time at Clemson, Lawson established himself as a standout
defensive end. In his final season, he earned consensus All-American honors, showcasing his talent and dedication on the field. The performance led him to be selected 19th overall by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Despite a shoulder injury that limited him to ten games in his rookie season, Lawson went on to build a successful nine-year NFL career. He played a total of 109 games across the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, New York Jets, and Carolina Panthers, recording 207 tackles, 26 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and one interception between 2016 and 2024. The P.A.W. Journey program, one of the programs that was a recipient of Lawson’s gift, is a leadership initiative designed to holistically develop Clemson Football student-athletes. P.A.W., an acronym for “Passion About Winning,” emphasizes a competitive approach to all aspects of life. The program is structured around four core pillars: Striped, C.U. In Life, The 5th Quarter, and Overtime, which is focused on personal growth, life
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skills, civic engagement, and career preparation. These pillars aim to equip student-athletes with the tools to succeed beyond the game of football, fostering the development of first-class men and world-class leaders. Lawson’s donation will provide critical funding to sustain these efforts, ensuring that current and future players benefit from comprehensive support. Jeff Davis, assistant A.D. of Football Player Relations at Clemson, highlighted the significance of Lawson’s contribution. “The leadership Shaq has shown in giving back to Clemson is the embodiment of a first-class man and world-class leader,” Davis said. “His gift to P.A.W. Journey and Call Me MiSTER® will ensure the continuation of transformative leadership and development opportunities, and the difference that will be made for current and future Clemson students will be immeasurable. On behalf of Clemson University and Clemson Athletics, we thank Shaq for his continued commitment to excellence.” This donation will enable P.A.W. Journey
to continue offering workshops, mentorships, and resources that prepare student-athletes for their future careers and community roles. Call Me MiSTER®, the other beneficiary of Lawson’s gift, is a nationally recognized initiative focused on recruiting and retaining teachers for underserved communities in South Carolina. The program, which stands for “Mentors Instructing Students Towards Effective Role-Models,” has a 25-year history and a successful track record. Participants commit to teaching at hard-to-staff schools for as many years as they receive financial and programmatic support. The program has produced significant outcomes, with over 20% of its eligible graduates earning Teacher of the Year honors, including five at the district level. Its alumni include 14 individuals with educational doctorates, nine professors of teacher education, and 46 school administrators, such as Marquis Clark, Ed.D., the current South Carolina Elementary Principal of the Year. Lawson’s donation will help sustain the program’s effort to address South Carolina’s teacher shortage and improve educational outcomes in underserved areas. Lawson’s support for Call Me MiSTER® is rooted in his personal experience. “Well, growing up in Clemson and Central, Call Me MiSTER® and Mr. Holton were instrumental in shaping me into the person I am today,” he said. “I am committed to paying it forward by ensuring the program has the necessary resources to support underserved youth and young adults in the future.” His gift will provide funding to train and support future educators, enabling them to make a lasting impact in their communities. Lawson’s donation underscores his commitment to Clemson University and its mission to develop leaders and educators. The P.A.W. Journey program will continue to prepare football studentathletes for success and all facets of life, while the Call Me MiSTER® will train teachers to serve communities in need. Both programs reflect Clemson’s dedication to fostering excellence and opportunity. For more information on P.A.W. Journey, visit ClemsonTigers. com/paw-journey. For details on Call Me MiSTER®, see clemson.edu/education/callme-mister. Lawson’s gifts will support the ongoing success and longevity of these initiatives, ensuring that Clemson continues to produce leaders who make a difference.
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PHOTO OF THE ISSUE Clemson Lacrosse earns first-ever NCAA Tournament bid, draws Navy in the First Round.
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The Clemson Tigers, in their third year of competition, secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history.
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ALL ROADS LEAD TO HOME Tracing back to her roots, Amanda Gray Richardson is now a leader in Clemson Athletics.
BY: JONATHAN FRANCHI
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orn and raised in Greenville, S.C., Amanda Gray Richardson was part of a Clemson family, frequently attending Clemson Football games and enjoying the lively atmosphere of Tigertown. Growing up, she played basketball, softball, and was a cheerleader, always loving sports. While attending the College of Charleston as a business student, Richardson was unaware of any careers in the sports industry outside of coaching until one
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event changed her perspective and career trajectory. “When I was at College of Charleston, there was a Senior PGA Tour event that you could take as a summer class, which was my first taste of working events in an athletic space.” The Greenville native originally saw herself working in a general business field following her college degree. After volunteering for this Senior PGA Tour event, Richardson was motivated to
learn more about the sports industry and the potential career opportunities she could explore. This led her to attend the University of Alabama for a master’s degree in Sport Management. At Alabama, Richardson earned a graduate assistant position in the athletic compliance office and got hired full-time in an entry-level position. While studying at Alabama, Richardson had the unique opportunity to spend a summer in San Diego as an intern for the United States Olympic Committee. After working full-time at Alabama for two years, Richardson applied for an open position at Clemson to further her career. “I got hired here as a director of compliance, and I’ve just been really fortunate to continue to work my way up through the rankings here, just taking advantage of opportunities that I had at Clemson to be able to grow to where I am now.” Richardson was promoted from a director of compliance to an assistant athletic director position and then to Associate Athletic Director of Football Compliance for about three years. In this position supporting the football program, Richardson was responsible for educating the coaches and players on NCAA rules and regulations. In a male-dominated environment around the football program, this role provided Richardson with different challenges. “It was a challenge and intimidating at the same time. I don’t think there were any females that sat in the staff meetings at the time. So, truly being the only female standing up in front of a group of 50 high-profile coaches and individuals was intimidating, but it also provided me the opportunity to really grow in my confidence as an administrator.” While working alongside the football program, Richardson met her husband, Kyle Richardson, a guidance coach at the time and now a Co-Offensive Coordinator and Tight Ends Coach. After her role supporting the football program, Richardson was promoted to her current position as Senior Associate Athletic Director of Compliance. She oversees the compliance office and helps interpret ACC and NCAA rules from a leadership perspective. With the ever-changing landscape of college athletics, the recent House Case (pertaining to NIL and revenue sharing
in college athletics) will greatly impact Richardson’s duties. With the House Case Settlement, Richardson will play a large role in implementing these new rulings throughout Clemson Athletics. Having worked at Clemson since 2011, Richardson has fully immersed herself in the Clemson community. From going to games as a kid from Greenville to now working every day to improve Clemson Athletics, the Greenville native has experienced the family atmosphere from a firsthand perspective. From seeing staff members’ kids play around the office to having every member buy into the betterment of Clemson Athletics, the family environment is truly different at Clemson. “Clemson has such a family atmosphere, and you really don’t understand it until you’re in it. It’s very open to families, and I think we all understand the pressures that come along with working in athletics,
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especially at a Power Five school that’s really successful. So, it’s just fun to see how we all support each other, regardless of where you fall within the athletic department.” From growing up in a Clemson family herself to now being a part of the Clemson Family, Amanda Gray Richardson’s journey has come full circle. She has grown and developed into an important senior member of the athletic department after serving in other compliance roles. Through her dedication and professionalism, Richardson became a trusted leader and saw herself climb the ranks in the Clemson Athletic Department. While growing professionally, she also grew in her personal life, meeting her husband, Kyle Richardson, in the process. In many ways, her story is a testament to the idea that no matter where life takes you, all roads lead to home—and for Richardson, that home has always been Clemson.
THE WATT FAMILY PERFORMANCE AND WELLNESS CENTER Clemson officially opens the newest facility in the athletics district. BY: JEFF KALLIN AND NIK JOHNSON
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n April 4, 2025, IPTAY and Clemson Athletics celebrated the official opening of the Watt Family Performance & Wellness Center. Named in honor of the Cornerstone Gift made by the families of Steven & Pam and Michael & Kimberly Watt, this state-ofthe-art 55,000 square-foot facility will have an immediate impact on hundreds of Clemson student-athletes and their respective programs. After the ribbon cutting took place in early April, student-athletes began use of the space with the new weightroom & training area and sports medicine
clinic. Additional services will continue to transition operations with full functionality of the renowned space beginning with the fall 2025 academic semester. The Watt Family Performance & Wellness Center continues to reinforce Clemson’s intentional commitment to offering an elite student-athlete experience, providing the young men and women who wear the Paw with cutting-edge resources and technology unmatched anywhere else in the country. Thanks to the unwavering generosity of the Watt Family, this new
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addition will revolutionize the training and wellness experience for studentathletes and is poised to set a new standard in collegiate sports facilities. The centerpiece of this initiative is the remarkable strength & conditioning center, equipped with transformative amenities designed to propel athletes to their peak performance. This center will include a 40-yard dash area, providing a space for speed and agility training that is crucial across various sports disciplines. In alignment with its commitment to comprehensive athlete well-being,
Clemson’s new facility will house an innovative wellness & recovery space. This space will offer a range of advanced features such as cryo therapy, sensory deprivation, theralight, and hydromassage, all aimed at aiding athletes in their physical recovery and mental rejuvenation. The hydrotherapy & recovery pools, complete with hot/ cold plunge pools, an underwater treadmill, and a custom lap pool, further exemplify the university’s dedication to providing state-of-the-art resources for athletes’ recuperation and rehabilitation. The new facility will also house a state-of-the-art sports medicine clinic, boasting dedicated exam and procedure rooms to ensure swift and comprehensive medical care for athletes. A Gatorade fuel bar and sports nutrition services will cater to athletes’ dietary needs, while the bistro & outdoor patio, featuring a full-service kitchen, will offer a relaxing and nourishing environment for post-training relaxation and socialization. Furthermore, Clemson’s focus on sustainable and modern design is evident throughout the facility. Elements like electrochromatic glass, circadian lighting, and UV sterilization highlight the university’s commitment to creating an environmentally conscious and health-promoting space. The innovative repurposing of reclaimed white oak trees from Lot 5 for furniture and wall treatments adds a touch of authenticity and sustainability to the design. The facility has earned three Green Globes from the Green Building Initiative. After over a year of construction and renovations, the Watt Family Performance & Wellness Center stands as a testament to Clemson University Athletics’ dedication to nurturing both athletic prowess and overall well-being among its student-athletes. In addition to performance and wellness, nutrition, and sports medicine, the new facility serves as a home to a new and expanded equipment room that services Clemson’s Olympic sports teams and includes the renovations of Jervey Gym and its attached spaces. A new, dedicated volleyball entrance featuring concession stands and bathrooms will help enhance the gameday experience for Clemson Volleyball fans.
To see more of the Watt Family Performance and Wellness Center, scan the following QR code to see more of the building with a 360 degree virtual tour, read more about each space within the building, and learn more about Clemson’s commitment to performance and wellness. Members of the Watt Family have been long-standing supporters of a wide variety of Clemson University initiatives, both through service and philanthropy. Their dedicated support of their alma mater continues to have a lasting impact on both Clemson students and student-athletes alike. The Tiger Pride of the Watt Family runs deep. Steven (’81) and his wife Pam (’83) both graduated from Clemson, along with their two children Brandon (’08, ’10) and Brittany (’13). Michael (’84) and his wife Kimberly (’85) also earned Clemson degrees, as well as their three kids Wesley (’13), Austin (’16), and Mary-Katherine (’21). The family’s patriarch, Dr. Charles Watt (’59) is a Clemson graduate and
former founding executive director of the Watt Family Innovation Center and former Dean of the College of Business. His wife, Linda, earned honorary alumni status in 2021. Over the years, members of the Watt Family have served Clemson University across many boards, committees, and councils, while also receiving several distinguished awards and honors. The Watt Family continues to pass down their love, support, and service to Clemson to the new generations of Watt grandchildren who are waiting their turn to step on campus. IPTAY and Clemson Athletics thank the Watt Family for their enduring support of Clemson University, and all that they have done and continue to do to make Clemson a special place. Their loyal generosity to the University, most recently shown through the Watt Family Performance & Wellness Center, will have a transformational impact on Tiger student-athletes and further propel Clemson into a future of sustained championship excellence.
Scan the QR Code to view a 360 degree virtual tour of the Watt Family Performance and Wellness Center.
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A RISING STAR JOINS THE CLEMSON FAMILY Clemson Women’s Soccer adds Maryanne Kilgore as a new assistant coach for the 2025 season. BY: AUTUMN FROITLAND
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hen Maryanne Kilgore first stepped onto the soccer field as a young kid, she never imagined the sport would take her to one of the most competitive programs in the ACC. In the summer of 2025, Kilgore is taking the next step in her coaching journey as the newly named assistant coach for the Clemson Women’s Soccer program. For Kilgore, soccer has always been more than just a game. It’s been a classroom, a proving ground, and a community. Her path to Clemson is a story of leadership, grit, and a quiet determination that has made her one of the brightest up-and-coming coaches in collegiate soccer. “We are excited to welcome Maryanne to Clemson Women’s Soccer and the Clemson Family,” said Head Women’s Soccer Coach Eddie Radwanski. “Maryanne’s experience as a collegiate player and as an assistant coach will bring great value to our staff and program. She was a part of a great coaching staff at Liberty, where they won the Conference USA Championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 2023. Maryanne is one of the upand-coming young coaches in the country, and we are excited to have her join our team.” From the Backline to the Sideline Kilgore’s journey began at Western Carolina University, where she spent five seasons as a rock-solid center back for the Catamounts. Between 2017 and 2021, she started 75 of 83 games, earning a reputation as a tough, intelligent defender who led by example. In her freshman year, Kilgore made an immediate impact, earning SoCon All-Freshman Team honors and quickly became a key player of the Catamounts’ backline. Her leadership extended far beyond the pitch. She was a four-year StudentAthlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) member and served as its president for two years. In 2020, she was crowned Miss WCU Student-Athlete, an award recognizing her athletic ability and embodiment of the university’s spirit. Perhaps her most iconic on-field
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moment came in 2021, when she scored a golden goal against UNC, earning her the WCU Biggest Victory Award. Balancing her athletic responsibilities with her studies, Kilgore consistently excelled in the classroom. She made the SoCon Honor Roll every semester and earned her bachelor’s degree in Education with a focus on Biology in 2021. But even then, she wasn’t finished. She pursued and completed her master’s degree in Sport Management in 2023, setting the stage for a seamless transition from player to coach. Building a Championship Pedigree Kilgore’s coaching career took off almost immediately after her playing days ended. She returned to Western Carolina as an assistant coach in 2022, helping guide her alma mater to a Southern Conference Tournament appearance. In 2023, Kilgore took a leap, joining the coaching staff at Liberty University, a move that would catapult her onto the national stage. At Liberty, she became an integral part of a program that made history. In her first season, the Flames posted a remarkable 16-31 record, claimed the Conference USA Championship, and made their firstever NCAA Tournament appearance as a CUSA member. That season, the team earned a signature upset win over the defending Big 12 champions, West Virginia, a victory that sent a message across the college soccer landscape. Kilgore’s influence extended into the 2024 season, where Liberty built on its success with a 15-2-4 record, a regular season CUSA title, and a top-25 national ranking, peaking at No. 24. The Flames again reached the conference championship game, firmly establishing themselves as a rising powerhouse. Behind the scenes, Kilgore was sharpening her craft by scouting, recruiting, developing defenders, and fostering a competitive, positive culture. Her success at Liberty wasn’t a fluke. It was the result of preparation, attention to detail, and an unrelenting
Maryanne is one of the up-and-coming “young coaches in the country, and we are excited to have her join our team.
desire to improve every day. Along the way, she earned coaching certifications, including a USSF D License and an NSCAA National Diploma, further equipping her to lead at the highest level. A New Chapter at Clemson When the opportunity at Clemson arose, Kilgore saw a chance to bring her passion for player development and her championship mindset to a program with a proud tradition and big ambitions. Clemson Women’s Soccer, a perennial contender in the ACC, offers the perfect environment for Kilgore to continue growing as a coach while making an immediate impact on one of the nation’s premier stages. Joining forces with Head Coach Eddie Radwanski and the Tigers’ coaching staff, Kilgore brings tactical knowledge and a personal touch. Her journey from standout student-athlete to respected coach has given her unique insight into today’s student-athletes pressures and challenges. She understands what it takes to build a winning team and how to help players find their best selves, both on and off the field. Her presence on the sidelines will undoubtedly boost Clemson’s defensive unit, but Kilgore’s influence will stretch far beyond tactics and matchdays. She’s someone who invests in people, builds relationships, and leads with integrity. For Kilgore, success isn’t just about lifting trophies, it’s about building something lasting. As she steps into this new role at Clemson, Kilgore is driven by the same values that have guided her since her days at Western Carolina: hard work, resilience, and a love for the game. While her resume is already impressive, her story is still being written. If the past is any indication, Maryanne Kilgore won’t just be a name on the roster, she’ll be a difference-maker.
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NEWTONSCOTT & ASSOCIATES IPTAY | 2024-25 | Issue 4 - 41 -
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BY: BEN WINTERROWD
“ALL IN” BEFORE DAY ONE A story of a Clemson student manager, Tyler Pepicelli, and his goal to attend Clemson.
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ne of the most special things about Clemson is the sense of family that people feel at every turn. Stories of family connections and legacies are plentiful in this great place and are heard from every corner of campus. Student managers for collegiate athletic teams are some of the most underappreciated on campus and they endure a wide-ranging number of tasks and hold tremendous responsibilities to teams, head coaches and staffs. A native upstate New Yorker, Tyler Pepicelli may have officially started his Clemson career in 2021, but his ties to the University go back a decade and a half. “Leaving things better than you found them” is a principle that encourages individuals
to go above and beyond, and “Pep,” as he is affectionately known to his friends and family, continues to set a higher standard for that mantra. Pep began his career at Clemson as a freshman in the fall of 2021. Tigertown, however, was not unfamiliar territory for him as he had visited Death Valley as a kid even though he grew up in Schenectady, N.Y. His uncle, Dan Pepicelli, served as then-Head Baseball Coach Jack Leggett’s pitching coach and associate head coach in different periods from 2010-15. Pep made many trips to the Palmetto State to experience baseball, football, and basketball, beginning as a first grader. “I remember coming down and touring the baseball facilities back in ORANGE: The Experience - 42 -
2010, so I was seven years old. We came down for opening weekend. We walked around, met players and met coaches.” And later, “I remember one time my brother and I played 2-on2 against my dad and my uncle in Littlejohn.” Pep became hooked on Clemson after a special night in Death Valley in 2014 – a Tiger Football victory against Louisville. “In 2014 I went to my first football game, and we played Louisville. Adam Humphries had a punt return touchdown – it was pretty elite. I remember after that game I started following the football team a lot, and it just kind of blossomed into every sport.”
He knew after only visiting a few times exactly where he wanted to go to college – and he was only in middle school. “My stepmom had asked me [about college] when I was in eighth grade, and I told her I only really wanted to go to Clemson. She printed out the Clemson application for incoming students, and it was on my desk in my room from eighth grade until senior year.” That’s pretty good motivation and part of a work ethic that has been on display his entire life. His one goal when it came to college was acceptance to Clemson. Even though baseball was a part of his childhood, Pep ultimately gravitated toward basketball. He played four sports in high school. He was a soccer, basketball, golf, and tennis player at Schalmont High School, playing soccer and basketball throughout and golf and tennis as a senior. Upon his arrival in 2021, he knew he wanted to be involved with Clemson sports. “I felt like I would enjoy being around the basketball team the most. I knew my uncle knew Coach [Brad] Brownell a little bit, and I just thought basketball would be the best experience overall.” He met with then-Director of Operations Matt Bucklin and through an interview process was offered a spot as a student manager. It was a role that he took seriously, and he was promoted to head manager in 2024. Managers are some of the most valuable people in a sports program. Since Pep has been at Clemson, the Tigers have won 91 games and been to two NCAA Tournaments, including an Elite Eight in 2024. Those are his favorite memories. “All the winning. I like being a part of something every day and committing my time to something and then feeling rewarded when I get to watch them play and travel with the team. Just all the big games and tournament games.” Pep graduated this past spring with a degree in sports communication. He is now pursuing his master’s degree in athletic leadership and staying a valuable member of the basketball program. He will serve as a graduate manager from 2025-27. “The people here are great people, and I wanted to continue building those relationships. I wanted to keep working with them and keep helping the program.” Over his time serving the program as head manager, Pep certainly raised the bar, as have his predecessors, encouraging those who follow to do the same, leaving the program better than they found it. IPTAY | 2024-25 | Issue 4 - 43 -
THE ADRIENNE MARTELLI ERA Martelli’s debut season pushed Clemson Rowing to contend again. BY: ANDREW FOSTVELT
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n June 2024, Clemson University announced the appointment of Adrienne Martelli as the head coach of its rowing program. A decorated Olympian and seasoned coach, Martelli brought a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the Tigers. Little did she or the Clemson community know the successes that lay ahead of the program for her first year at the helm. Originally born in Glendale, Calif., and raised in University Place, Wash., Martelli’s journey into collegiate rowing began at the University of Washington. Initially a walk-on for the Huskies, she quickly ascended to become a First Team All-American and a national champion in 2008 as part of the V4 boat. Her leadership abilities were evident as she served as team captain in her senior year and earned silver at the 2009 U23 World Championships
alongside Clemson Hall of Fame inductee Jessica Leidecker. Martelli’s prowess on the water translated to international success. She secured a bronze medal in the quadruple sculls at the 2012 London Olympics and returned to the Olympics in 2016, finishing fifth in the same event. Additionally, she is a four-time medalist at the World Rowing Championships, including a gold in the Women’s Straight Four in 2015. In 2023, she served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Rowing Team at the World Championships and led the Women’s Eight to a silver medal and the Women’s Four to a fifth-place finish. Her Olympic experience culminated in being named to the coaching staff for the United States 2024 Paris Olympic Team. After her competitive career, Martelli transitioned into coaching, beginning with the Princeton National Rowing
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Association in 2014. She then joined Northeastern University in 2016, where she played a pivotal role in leading the Huskies to three consecutive Colonial Athletic Association championships and three NCAA Championship appearances. In 2020, Martelli transitioned to an assistant coach at the University of California-Berkeley. Her impact was immediate, helping the Golden Bears finish in the top ten nationally in all four NCAA Championship events they competed in while she was there, including the 2V8 boat notching a third-place finish at the 2023 NCAA Championships. Her excellence in coaching was recognized when she was named Assistant Coach of the Year by the Cal Athletics community. After her appointment at Clemson, the first-time head coach wasted no time in building a staff. Martelli
grabbed a trio of coaches and a director of operations from the Big 10, Big 12 and Atlantic 10 conferences. Afterward, the quintuplet started building out the schedule. In the fall, the Tigers would compete in the prestigious Head of the Charles and Princeton Chase while rowing at the Head of the Black Warrior River in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The Tigers would show off the fruits of their labor quickly, posting a top-10 finish in the Head of the Charles and another top-10 as well as a top-20 finish in the Princeton Chase, the first time Clemson had done so since 2015. The Clemson Rowing team performed remarkably at the 2025 Carolina Cup, clinching the coveted trophy for the first time since 2016. Held at Lake Wheeler in Raleigh, N.C., the event saw Clemson outpace several formidable opponents, including North Carolina, Miami, Louisville, and Boston College. The Tigers amassed 67 points, securing fourth place overall in the Lake Wheeler Invitational out of an 18-team field. “For our first round of racing on Friday morning, all boats did awesome, but it was highlighted by the victory in the 1V8, which meant we won the Carolina Cup,” said Martelli on the achievement. “It was a super tough, hard-fought race and exciting to see us come out on top there. For the afternoon, we had a clean sweep in all the races. It was a great moment for the team and a testament to all the work everyone has put in this year.” With Martelli at the helm, Clemson Rowing is poised for a new golden era at Lake Hartwell. In just her first year as head coach, Adrienne Martelli sparked a transformation within the program that reignited belief and ambition throughout the team, University, and Clemson Rowing community. Her Olympic pedigree, coaching experience at elite programs, and laser-focused leadership have injected the Tigers with a fresh competitive edge—and the results are already turning heads nationally. For the first time in more than a decade, Clemson Rowing has cracked the national rankings. This milestone isn’t just a statistical achievement; it’s a testament to the culture shift Martelli and her staff have implemented. The Tigers are no longer just participants— they’re contenders.
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INTERNATIONAL ROOTS, HOMEGROWN REVIVAL Clemson Women’s Tennis returns to form in 50th season. BY: CARSON RILEY
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s Clemson University celebrates the 50th anniversary of its women’s tennis program, the 2024–25 season marks a significant milestone: the Tigers returned to the NCAA postseason for the first time since 2018. This resurgence is fueled by a dynamic freshman class whose international backgrounds reflect the program’s rich history of global talent. The 2025 roster boasts standout freshmen from Spain, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Greece, alongside a seasoned junior from Slovakia and two graduates at the helm. This international infusion echoes Clemson’s legacy of recruiting top players worldwide, reminiscent of past stars like France’s Julie Coin and Croatia’s Ani Mijacika. Leading the charge is the freshman doubles duo of Gaia Parravicini (Italy) and Amelie Smejkalova (Czech Republic), who earned All-ACC Third Team honors in their debut season. Their synergy on the court has been instrumental in Clemson’s 14-12 overall record. The duo earned their highest doubles ranking as Tigers at No. 30. Candela Yecora from Spain has also made a significant impact, clinching a pivotal three-set win against Syracuse in the first round of the ACC Championship on April 16, tying the match at 3-3 and showcasing her resilience under pressure. Her performance exemplifies the determination fueling the team’s revival. Freshman Artemis Aslanisvili of Greece demonstrated her strength by leading the Tigers in singles victories at 15 overall and contributing to the team’s strong start to the season. Meanwhile,
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junior Romana Cisovska from Slovakia provided veteran leadership, partnering with Yecora in doubles to help secure multiple doubles points for the Tigers. This duo received their highest ranking at 43 during the year. Under the guidance of Head Coach Boomer Saia, the Tigers have embraced their international composition, fostering a culture of unity and shared purpose. Saia’s emphasis on collaboration and adaptability has been pivotal in integrating diverse playing styles into a cohesive team strategy. The season’s highlights include victories over South Carolina, Liberty, Kansas, and SMU, reflecting the team’s commitment to playing good tennis at the highest levels. Despite a narrow 4-3 loss to Wisconsin in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, the Tigers’ postseason appearance signals a promising trajectory. “Clemson Tennis is recognized globally. There is such a deep-rooted history with our program that brings great pride in playing for the Paw,” said Saia. “Our team plays with great passion and meaning as we work to bring Clemson tennis to the top of the college tennis world. The vision and energy that our group brings every day make it a really exciting time and bright future for our program.” As Clemson honors its half-century legacy, the 2024–25 women’s tennis team is a testament to the program’s enduring commitment to excellence and global engagement. With a foundation built on international talent and a renewed competitive spirit, the Tigers are poised to continue their ascent in collegiate tennis.
BY: JEFF KALLIN
ATHLETICS RECORD GPA Clemson student-athletes compile record 3.35 GPA in the spring 2025 semester.
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eeping the main thing the main thing. Clemson’s commitment to success in the classroom continues to set Clemson apart. With academic services being a pillar of IPTAY’s support, Tiger student-athletes continue to excel in the classroom. Clemson University student-athletes improved their overall GPA for the ninth consecutive semester, earning a record 3.35 cumulative GPA in the Spring 2025 semester. It marked the 14th semester in a row greater than 3.0, dating to the Fall of 2018. Every Clemson team recorded a 3.0 or higher for each of the past four semesters. Three programs set or tied semester GPA records, with Women’s Basketball (3.56), Rowing (3.51) and Men’s Golf (3.46) setting program records. NCAA Tournament participants Men’s Tennis (3.59) and Women’s Tennis (3.63) led all men’s and women’s programs, respectively. The Nieri Family Student-Athlete Enrichment Center has maintained Clemson as one of the national leaders in academic success, which saw Clemson post a 95 percent Graduation Success Rate in the most recent cohort, tops among all public Power Five institutions for the second straight year. Clemson also had a department mark of 996 out of 1000 in the most recent Academic Progress Rate data. Overall Academic Notes:
· Clemson’s 467 undergraduate student-athletes earned a 3.31, and 62 graduate students earned a 3.77. · A total of 420 student-athletes earned a 3.0 or better (79.4% of all student-athletes), and 109 individuals earned a 4.0. · 47 student-athletes currently carry a cumulative GPA of 4.0. · 13 programs recorded a 3.30 or better, and 11 were above a 3.40. Team Academic Notes: · The Women’s Soccer program (3.64) upped its streak to 49 straight semesters (dating to the Fall of 2000) at 3.0 or better and has been above a cumulative 3.55 for the past 11 semesters. · Women’s Tennis posted a 3.65 in the Fall and a 3.63 in the spring, its two highest GPAs on record. · The Football program recorded a 3.18, just 0.01 off its best mark, set in the Fall. A total of 80 football student-athletes earned a 3.0 or better, including 20 who earned a 4.0. · In setting a program mark at 3.57, Volleyball has been at 3.42 or better in five of the past six semesters and has 13 straight semesters at 3.0 or higher. · The Men’s Basketball program has been at 3.0 or better in six of the past seven semesters. · Baseball’s five best semesters in team history have come in the past six semesters.
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· Women’s Golf (3.53) has been at 3.0 or better in all 24 semesters since joining in the Fall of 2013, and surpassed its previous record of 3.50, set in Spring 2019. · Women’s Basketball (3.56) surpassed its previous record of a 3.51 in Shawn Poppie’s first full semester as Head Coach and has been above a 3.0 in ten of the past 11 semesters. · Rowing has been above a 3.0 in 31 straight semesters and recorded its 53rd 3.0 or better in 54 total semesters since joining in the Fall of 1998. · Gymnastics recorded a 3.55, and has been at 3.50 or better in all five semesters in which they’ve participated. GPA Breakdown by Sport: Overall – 3.35* (Including Graduate Students) Baseball – 3.19 Basketball (M) – 3.18 Basketball (W) – 3.56* Football – 3.18 Golf (M) – 3.46* Golf (W) – 3.53 Gymnastics (W) – 3.55 Lacrosse (W) – 3.49 Rowing – 3.51* Soccer (M) – 3.32 Soccer (W) – 3.64 Softball – 3.50 Tennis (M) – 3.59 Tennis (W) – 3.63 Track & Field (M) – 3.13 Track & Field (W) – 3.34 Volleyball (W) – 3.41 *Program Record
2025 SPRING GRADUATION Eighty-six student-athletes graduate at May 2025 Commencement. BY: JEFF KALLIN
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lemson University’s Commencement ceremonies held May 8-9, 2025, in Littlejohn Coliseum, saw 86 student-athletes, 27 spirit squad members, and 17 support staff student assistants earn degrees. Of those, 111 earned undergraduate degrees, nineteen earned Master’s degrees, and seven earned advanced certificates in 43 areas of study. Among the graduates are members of Men’s Soccer, Men’s Track & Field, Women’s Golf, Women’s Track & Field, Football, and Baseball teams that won ACC Titles during their careers, as well
as members of NCAA “Elite Eight” teams in Men’s Basketball, Men’s & Women’s Soccer, and Women’s Golf. It also includes members of Clemson’s inaugural Lacrosse and Gymnastics teams. In the most recent release, Clemson Athletics earned a 96 percent Graduation Success Rate (GSR) for the 2014-17 cohort in data released by the NCAA, tied for the highest among all public Power Five programs. It was the eleventh consecutive cohort in which Clemson’s department-wide GSR was at 91 percent or higher, and fourth
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in a row at 95 percent, one of three public Power Five schools nationally to make that claim. Clemson athletes also compiled a 996 Academic Progress Rate, its second-highest mark on record. To see the full list of studentathletes who earned degrees, scan the adjacent QR code.
HALL OF FAME CLASS ANNOUNCED Clemson Athletics and the Block C Club announced the 2025 Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame Class.
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lemson Athletics and the Block C Club announced today the 2025 class for the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame, recognizing a decorated group of former student-athletes, coaches, and administrators for their profound impact on the University and their respective sports. The distinguished 2025 class features All-Americans, national champions, professional standouts, and pioneers who have left a lasting legacy at Clemson and beyond. The Class of 2025 includes DeAndre Hopkins (Football), Chester McGlockton (Football), Dov Kremer (Cross Country), Oswald Drawdy (Men’s Golf), Donnie Heckel (Wrestling), Stewart Ralph (Men’s Track & Field), Sophie Woorons (Women’s Tennis), Jennifer Mihalik (Women’s Swimming), Natoya Goule (Women’s Track & Field), and longtime administrator and broadcaster Tim Bourret. The class will be honored and inducted in conjunction with Clemson Football’s Nov. 8 contest against Florida State. Class of 2025 Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame:
Oswald Drawdy, Men’s Golf (1986-90) · Three-time Academic Scholar recipient from College Golf Foundation, one of just two three-time selections in Clemson history · All-ACC in 1988 and 1990 · Starter on three top-20 Clemson teams, including the1989 team that finished third in the nation. · Honorable mention All-American in 1988 and 1989, he was a third-team selection in 1990. · One of four golfers in Clemson history to be an honorable mention AllAmerican and an Academic Scholar from the College Golf Foundation · 12th in Clemson history in career top 10 finishes with 18 · Had 97 rounds at 75 or better – 15th in program history Natoya Goule, Women’s Track & Field (2013-15) · Competed one season at Clemson, becoming the National Champion in the 800 meters at the 2015 NCAA Indoor Championship meet with a time of 2:01.64, then an all-time NCAA Indoor meet record and ACC record. ORANGE: The Experience - 50 -
· It was her third career national championship, she had won two at LSU before transferring to Clemson to follow current Clemson coach Mark Elliott. · Helped Clemson to a sweep of the ACC Outdoor and Indoor Championships in 2015. · Two-time individual ACC Champion (2015 4x400m Indoors & 2015 800m Outdoors) · Led Clemson to a 12th-place finish at the NCAA Indoor meet of 2015. · ACC Indoor Track Athlete of the Year in 2015. · Competed for Jamaica in the Olympics in 2016, 2020, and 2024. Donnie Heckel, Wrestling (1987-91) · ACC Wrestler of The Year in 1991 · Two-Time All-America, 1989 and 1991 · ACC Champion in 1988 and 1991 at the 118-pound weight class · Four-Time Participant in the NCAA Tournament · Three-time team MVP · ACC Runner-up in 1989 and 1990 in the 118-pound class.
· Reached the Final eight at the NCAA Tournament in 1989 · Finished his career with 101 wins, the fourth most by a Tiger wrestler DeAndre Hopkins, Football (2010-12) · Finished his 39-game Clemson career with 206 receptions (fourth in Clemson history) for 3,020 yards (second in Clemson history) and 27 touchdowns (tied for most in Clemson history). · Had 82 receptions for 1,405 yards and an ACC-record 18 touchdown receptions in 2012, earning him First Team All-ACC honors, a secondteam All-America nod by Athlon, CBS Sports, Lindy’s, Phil Steele, and Scout.com, and a third-team AllAmerica selection by the Associated Press. · One of 10 semifinalists for the Biletnikoff Award in 2012. · Had 12 career 100-yard receiving games, still second in Clemson history. · In 2011, helped lead Clemson to its first ACC Championship since 1991 · First-round selection of the Houston Texans in 2013, he was named to the NFL All-Rookie team in 2014. · Five-time Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection; leads the NFL in receptions since he entered the NFL in 2013. · Ranked among the top 100 players in the NFL seven times, including No. 8 rankings in 2020 and 2021.
· Led the NFL in touchdown receptions in 2017 with 13. · Ranks 16th in NFL history in receptions with 984. Has 12,965 yards to rank 21st and his 83 receiving touchdowns rank 26th. Dov Kremer, Cross Country (1987-89) · 1988 ACC Cross Country Champion · All-ACC Cross Country 1987, 1988, 1989 · All-District Cross Country 1987, 1988 · All-American Cross Country 1987, 1988 · Helped Clemson to two ACC Championships in Cross Country · Ranks third on the Clemson all-time list in the 5000m indoors · 1988 ACC Champion – 1500m outdoors Chester McGlockton, Football (1988-91) · Inducted into the State of South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011, South Carolina Football Hall of Fame in 2021, and North Carolina Football Hall of Fame in 2025. · Led the ACC in sacks as a freshman with seven, even though he was not a starter. · Had a sack, caused fumble, and recovery for a touchdown to clinch the Gator Bowl win over West Virginia in 1989. · Finished his career with 151 tackles, 39 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks, eight
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caused fumbles, and three recovered fumbles. · His eight caused fumbles are third in Clemson history. · First-team All-ACC in 1991 when he had 62 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and seven sacks. · First-round draft choice of the Los Angeles Raiders in 1992, the No. 15 pick of the draft. · Went on to become a four-time ProBowler and two-time All-Pro selection Jennifer Mihalik, Women’s Swimming (1996-98) · Honorable Mention All-American in 200 back in 1998 · ACC Champion in 100 back (1999) and 200 back (1998 and 1999) · Member of Clemson Academic Hall of Fame (1999) · Graduated with a degree in Microbiology in only three years, registering a 3.89 GPA · Member of ACC 50th Anniversary Team · CoSIDA Academic All-American (1999) · Olympic Trial Qualifier in 100 free, 100 back, and 200 back. · Still ranks in Clemson’s All-time top ten in six events (50 free – 7th; 100 free – 6th; 200 free – 9th; 100 back – 3rd; 200 back – 2nd; 400 free relay – 3rd)
· Winner of Weaver-James-Corrigan Postgraduate Scholarship and NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship · Helped Tigers to fourth ACC Title in 1997, placing second in the 200 bk, second in the 100 bk, 9th in the 50 free, and a member of 200, 400, and 800 free relays and 200 medley relay Stewart Ralph, Men’s Track and Field (1975-78) · Was a three-time All-American in javelin and became the first AfricanAmerican track athlete in Clemson history to earn All-America honors in 1976. · Three-time ACC Champion – he won in 1975 as a freshman, 1976, and 1978. · His throw of 81.2 meter in winning the ACC Championship of 1976 was a career best and the second best in Clemson history at that weight category. · Only Clemson track athlete to compete in the javelin at four different NCAA Championship meets (1975-78). · Was the second Clemson track athlete in any event to be a three-time AllAmerican. · Three-time All-American in the javelin, one of two Clemson Track athletes to do that in the javelin (Roger Collins). · Finished third at NCAA meet in 1976 with a 73.6-meter throw. · Finished third again in 1977 with a throw of 78.33 meters. The champion that year was just 0.38 meters longer. · Finished career-best second place in 1978 at NCAA Championships with a throw of 80.26 meters. · Also an AAU All-American in 1978
· First football Sports Information Director nationally to be inducted the same academic year his team won the National Championship since 1968. · Received Bobby Richardson Award from the state of South Carolina Hall of Fame in 2018. · Received Lifetime Achievement Award from College Sports Information Directors Association in 2019 · Clemson won “Super 11” Award from the Football Writers Association as one of the top 11 football SID offices in the nation five times under his leadership, and Clemson was one of three schools to be honored in five of the first nine years of the award. · Edited over 100 Clemson Awardwinning publications, including 37 that covered Clemson football. · Served on the ACC 50-Year Anniversary Committee in 2002.
Sophie Woorons, Women’s Tennis (1996) · Played one season for the Tigers, earning ACC Player-of-the-Year honors. · 1996 Singles and Doubles AllAmerican · 1996 ACC #1 Singles Flight Champion · Finished the year ranked eighth in singles and doubles. · Became the second Tiger to advance to the NCAA Singles Tournament Final Four. Tim Bourret, Sports Information Department, (1978-2018) · Worked in the Clemson Sports Information office for 40 years, from 1978-1989 as assistant director under Bob Bradley, and from 1989 to July 2018 as director. · Inducted into the College Sports Information Directors Hall of Fame in 2017.
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· A regional Chairman of the College Football Hall of Fame voting process. · Served on ESPN Committee in conjunction with 150-year anniversary of college football. · Has broadcast Clemson Men’s Basketball games for the last 45 seasons and has broadcast over 1200 Clemson games. He is the dean of broadcasters in any sport in the ACC. · Also broadcast Clemson Football games for 10 years. · Named Honorary Alumnus of Clemson University in 2007. · Author of four books about Clemson Football, including “The Vault” and “2016 National Champions.” · Chairman of the Clemson Ring of Honor Committee since 1994.
DeANDRE HOPKINS FOOTBALL 2010-2012
OSWALD DRAWDY
STEWART RALPH
MEN’S GOLF 1986-1990
MEN’S TRACK & FIELD 1975-1978
DOV KREMER CROSS COUNTRY 1987-1989
NATOYA GOULE
SOPHIE WOORONS
WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD 2013-2015
WOMEN’S TENNIS 1996
CHESTER McGLOCKTON FOOTBALL 1988-1991
DONNIE HECKEL
TIM BOURRET
WRESTLING 1987-1991
SPORTS INFORMATION DEPARTMENT 1978-2018
JENNIFER MIHALIK WOMEN’S SWIMMING 1996-1998
SCHOEN FOUNDATION SUPPORTS ATHLETIC AND ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Jay and Karen Sutton have made significant contributions to support key programs at Clemson University. BY: ASHLEY GALLOWAY AND ASHBY BURTON
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ith strong family ties to both Clemson University and the United States military, The Schoen Foundation has given $2.5M to elevate two important programs at Clemson. The Schoen Foundation was founded by Sharon Schoen and the late William “Bill” Schoen. It is now guided by their daughter, Karen Schoen Sutton, and the family. Karen, although a University of Florida graduate, became a part of the Clemson family through marriage to Jack “Jay” Sutton Jr., BSME ’84. The Schoen Foundation is a multigenerational, family-led foundation
committed to making a difference in education and veterans’ causes. The family felt connected to two areas on campus: Student-Athlete Development (specifically POWER: Women’s Leadership Academy) and Military and Veteran Engagement. $1.25M of their commitment will provide financial support to the Office of Military & Veteran Engagement, focusing on efforts to increase career readiness and mental health programming for Clemson’s veteran and military-connected students. An additional $1.25M will support studentathlete development, concentrating on
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enhancing leadership skills, networking opportunities, and empowering confidence for Clemson female studentathletes. “The Schoen Foundation is honored to be a part of advancing the incredible support Clemson provides to veteran and military-connected students. My father was a dedicated Marine Corps veteran who fought in the Korean War. After his service, he went on to get his college education with the assistance of the GI Bill and an individual benefactor. This changed the trajectory of his life and that of his family. He felt a true calling to pay it forward.
“
As the father of three daughters and three
granddaughters, [Karen’s father] also saw the importance of supporting leadership opportunities for women.
As the father of three daughters and three granddaughters, he also saw the importance of supporting leadership opportunities for women. He would be very proud to see the Foundation supporting the POWER program at Clemson.” Schoen Foundation Supports POWER In line with the Schoen Foundation’s impact mission, education and opportunity are at the forefront of their gift that will be a game-changer for a key program in Clemson Athletics’ StudentAthlete Development program: POWER Women’s Leadership Academy. During the 50th Year of Women’s Athletics at Clemson, The Schoen Foundation’s support will make a transformational impact on female student-athletes. POWER is a one-of-a-kind program for Clemson female student-athletes and is believed to be one of few in the nation focusing on this area. A new cohort of female student-athletes is chosen each year to join POWER after a rigorous interview and selection process. During the year, cohort members learn and practice leadership throughout a curriculum that culminates in an annual trip where student-athletes exercise their leadership praxis in professional settings. Now in its fourth year, POWER has seen more than 65 female studentathletes enhance their Clemson experience with this program. With the support of the Schoen Foundation, the program will continue to offer its workshops and sessions and the annual trip where each woman can put their skills to practice in the field. The generosity of the Schoen Foundation will ensure the success of female student-athletes at Clemson for many years to come. The future of women’s athletics at Clemson University is bright, and the Schoen Family has helped lay the foundation for success in the next 50 years for female studentathletes.
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Schoen Foundation’s Support Of The Office Of Military & Veteran Engagement Clemson serves more than 1,400 student veterans and militaryconnected students, and the support of these unique students has grown tremendously since the inception of the Office of Military & Veteran Engagement in 2019. M&VE now operates two resource centers — its original space in Vickery Hall along with a 2024 addition on the third floor of Hendrix Student Center — providing a strong sense of community for veterans and militaryconnected students. The Schoen Foundation is passionate about assisting veterans and militaryconnected students in their transition to Clemson. With a desire to create a holistic student experience, they are investing in M&VE to expand career readiness, well-being programs and VA benefits assistance among these students. Clemson has received acclaim for its wrap-around support of militaryconnected students in recent years. Last spring, Clemson was ranked No. 7 nationally among Tier 1 research institutions as both a Military Friendly and Military Spouse
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Friendly School. Clemson has been named to the “Best Colleges for Vets” list by Military Times magazine the past two years and earned Military Friendly Employer status each of the last five years. Sutton Family Involvement Karen and Jay Sutton continue finding ways to make an impact and serve Clemson. They are committed to assisting with connections for Clemson’s Student-Athlete Development program, helping make new connections between their industry contacts and Clemson while also supporting other areas of campus with meaning to them. Beginning in July 2025, Jay Sutton will join the IPTAY Board of Directors representing District IX, North Carolina. More information on his IPTAY Board of Directors appointment will be available in the coming weeks. The continued support of people like Karen & Jay Sutton, and the Schoen Foundation, is what sets Clemson apart with student-athlete support and alignment between the University and athletics. IPTAY and Clemson thank the Suttons for their continued commitment.
ISAB IGNITES ENGAGEMENT Two new events were introduced as a benefit of IPTAY Collegiate Club membership.
BY: ASHBY BURTON
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ach year, the IPTAY Student Advisory Board (ISAB) hosts events that are exclusively available for its membership. This year, the IPTAY Collegiate Club was just short of 10,000 members, the largest of its kind in the country. The challenge for this year’s group became focused on engagement: how do you provide a benefit so there is something for everyone? Two events are considered staple events for IPTAY Collegiate Club (IPTAYCC) members: the annual Punt, Pass, & Kick Competition held at the Poe Indoor Football Facility and the Collegiate Club Classic, a basketball
skills challenge held on the floor of Littlejohn Coliseum. This year, two new events were added in the spring: Derby at the Doug and the IPTAY Collegiate Club Road Show. Each of these new events focused on offering a benefit unique to a new subset of Collegiate Club membership while also showcasing different facilities, programs, and avenues of IPTAY support. Derby At The Doug Derby At The Doug is a baseballthemed event hosted at Clemson’s Doug Kingsmore Stadium. This event allowed IPTAYCC members to take
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the field and play on the same dirt as one of the best baseball programs in the country. Hit to be measured by distance and exit velocity while having your name announced by the Doug Kingsmore Stadium PA announcer, test your pitch speed and accuracy, and run the bases at the best speed and have the opportunity to win prizes for your skill. The passion for Clemson Baseball around Clemson’s campus has been infectious in recent years. The ability to provide opportunity and behind-thescenes access to see the program up close brings excitement to campus.
This event proved to be fun for all, even if baseball or softball was not in your background. With nearly 200 participants in the first year of the derby, this event will surely become a marquee event for IPTAY Collegiate Club members for years to come. IPTAY Collegiate Club Road Show Like the Clemson Road Show makes its stops around North and South Carolina, the IPTAY Collegiate Club version, debuting this past April, was another stop on the journey. Collegiate Club members could take advantage of an evening in McWhorter Stadium, hearing from and taking pictures with head coaches, learning more about IPTAY, and how their membership impacts each of Clemson’s studentathletes. In the inaugural event, Collegiate Club members had pictures professionally taken with Dabo Swinney, Brad Brownell, and Shawn Poppie on the field of McWhorter Stadium. After taking pictures, students filled the stands for a program hosted by William Qualkinbush. In the program, each head coach gave a review of their past season and shared a look ahead of what to expect in the next season. Students had the opportunity to submit questions to be answered by each head coach. With many of the attendees being graduating seniors, IPTAY’s Davis Babb spoke about the IPTAY Young Alumni program and the importance of remaining involved with IPTAY and Clemson Athletics after graduation. The Young Alumni program, a tiered discount four years after completing a degree at Clemson, has grown exponentially over the last few years. ISAB’s Goals Moving Forward Just before the spring semester ended, ISAB welcomed nine new members to the Board after eleven graduated. Be on the lookout for more information on new members in the coming months. As for how the group will look to ignite engagement in the upcoming year, an emphasis on the growth of the number of students in the IPTAY Collegiate Club and how each member is engaged while they’re at Clemson will remain a top priority. If you know a Clemson student, encourage them to join the IPTAY Collegiate Club today at ClemsonTigers. com/IPTAY!
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FROM THE IPTAY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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ou’re receiving this edition of Orange: The Experience just days after I completed my two-year term as President of the IPTAY Board of Directors, and only weeks after the House vs. NCAA settlement was affirmed by a judge in California. My term coincided with a period of unprecedented transformation in collegiate athletics. I consider myself truly fortunate to have served IPTAY during such a dynamic and unpredictable time. That landmark ruling brought an end to the NCAA’s traditional amateurism model, ushering in revenue-sharing from media rights and sponsorships, NIL clearinghouse deal oversight, and roster caps replacing scholarship limits. That counts as seismic change! Through it all, IPTAY, our proud and mighty 90-year-old organization, rose to the moment. We became more agile, more progressive, and moved with urgency to uphold our support for Clemson Athletics and our studentathletes. Amid the uncertainty, we remained anchored in the same mission set forth in 1934, a little club created by Rupert Fike and his friends. Our mission remains: “IPTAY provides resources to support the academic, athletic, and personal development of Clemson University student-athletes and the competitive
success of Clemson Athletics.” Even in the fog of rapid change, that mission guided every decision we made. This mission may as well be carved in stone. And it will continue to be our foundation in the evolving world of collegiate athletic fundraising. History tells us that organizations rooted in purpose survive and thrive amidst rampant and uncertain change. Those without purpose flounder, lose direction, and forfeit the trust of those they serve. That commitment to our core mission is what I’m most proud of as I conclude my term. We honored the legacy that Rupert Fike created now almost 91 years ago while embracing innovation and progress. We stayed true to our purpose: supporting student-athletes and driving the success of Clemson Athletics. But we were also progressive and agile in the way we shifted our focus when NIL and revenue sharing started to reshape the rules of the game. We adapted with clarity and purpose. We also developed a new strategic plan to carry IPTAY confidently into the future, providing direction and stability for our 22,321 donors. This plan centers around three key pillars: Power of the Paw: Fund a transformational, uniquely Clemson student-athlete experience. ORANGE: The Experience - 58 -
IPTAY Leads the Way: Deliver the #1 donor experience in collegiate athletics. Fund Our Future: Generate resources to ensure a strong financial future for Clemson Athletics. Our incoming President, Rett Rutland, will share more in the months ahead on how this plan will guide IPTAY forward. This plan will continue to power IPTAY as an organization that you will be proud of. As our CEO Davis Babb has said, this past year may have been our best yet. We served IPTAY donors in ways unimaginable two years ago, supported nearly 600 student-athletes in new and meaningful ways, and stayed in lockstep with the University’s Clemson Elevate strategic plan. Most importantly, we remained true to the uniquely Clemson spirit that makes this place so special. I’ll close with a somewhat selfish comment from me. Like many of you, Clemson is deeply woven into my family’s story. My grandfather marched these hills before leaving to serve in war, returning to graduate in 1949. I followed in 1994, my brother in 2000, and soon my daughter will walk across the stage to shake President Clements’ hand. Like many of you, Clemson is part of who I am. So, serving IPTAY has never been just about showing up to meetings. It has been about giving back to a place that’s shaped generations of my family. I carry a coin in my pocket given to me by Deb Conklin, Board Chair of the Clemson Alumni Association. One side asks a simple question: “How will you serve?” I hope to continue serving Clemson as long as I’m able. But if I walked away today, I’d do so immensely proud of what we, all 22,321 of you, have accomplished. And going forward, I hope you’ll ask yourself that same, simple question. Go Tigers!
BILLY MILAM PRESIDENT, IPTAY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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IPTAY 2026 SCHEDULED PAYMENT PLAN Maximize your IPTAY donation in 2026 by spreading it out across the year!
P
ay your IPTAY pledge effortlessly with monthly deductions from your credit or debit card—no checks or stamps needed. The IPTAY fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30, with drafts starting in July and continuing monthly through June to meet the June 1 deadline. Review the chart below to see how you can spread your donation across the year. To learn more and enroll in the IPTAY scheduled payment plan this year, visit the IPTAY website at www.ClemsonTigers. com/IPTAY and select “Scheduled Payment Plan” under the “Ways to Give” header or scan the adjacent QR code. For specific questions, please contact Robin Lay at the McCarter Family IPTAY Center by email at ROBINL@clemson.edu. Go Tigers!
Giving Level
Amount
Monthly
Quarterly
Semi-Annually
Riggs
$27,500.00
$2,291.67
$6,875.00
$13,750.00
Heisman
$13,500.00
$1,125.00
$3,375.00
$6,750.00
Fike
$9,000.00
$750.00
$2,550.00
$4,500.00
McFadden
$7,250.00
$604.17
$1,812.50
$3,625.00
Jervey
$5,500.00
$458.33
$1,375.00
$2,750.00
IPTAY
$4,000.00
$333.33
$1,000.00
$2,000.00
Howard
$2,900.00
$241.67
$725.00
$1,450.00
Tiger
$1,900.00
$158.33
$475.00
$950.00
Champion
$1,000.00
$83.33
$250.00
$500.00
Orange
$500.00
$41.67
$125.00
$250.00
Purple
$250.00
$20.83
$62.50
$125.00
Paw
$75.00
$6.25
$18.75
$37.50
Scan the QR code to set up your IPTAY 2026 Scheduled Payment Plan today!
ORANGE: The Experience - 60 -
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IPTAY | 2024-25 | Issue 4 - 61 -
DONOR PHOTOS Email Photo, Caption, & IPTAY Number to: Kelsey Tibbs | KTibbs@ Clemson.edu
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1. Will Hardy (‘18) & Trice Moore (‘17) repping the Tiger Paw at the Duomo di Milano in Italy. 2. Michell & Corey LaCross and Dawn & Wilmer Arnette in St. Thomas.
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3. Justin Melton with friends Steve Tanaka and Jackson Davis representing with the Tiger Rag in Oslo, Norway at Oslo Central Station. 4. Kathy and John Wells (‘76) enjoy time in Cologne, Germany. 5. Brad McFall (‘89) and his wife Leslie on Lake Como Italy near Bellagio, June 2024. 6. The Jones’s: Brad (‘79), Steve (‘81), Randy (‘80), and Tim ‘84 in The Holy City!
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7. Levi Noel-Baba (‘21), Jack LaRue (‘21), Ben Gartland, and Cameron Coan (‘21) taking in the sites, celebrating Jack’s bachelor party weekend in Boston, October 2024.
8. Steve and Debbie Miles represent Clemson Tigers in Maui, Hawaii. 9. From the left, Nancy Spitler (Former Editor of Clemson World), Cyndi Ross Davis (‘79), Donna McCubbin (MBA ‘11), and LeAnne Black Greene (‘79) visited the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica. 10. Roy Copelan (‘72) and wife Ann at Star Fish Point in The Cayman Islands in April 2025. 11. Tommy Davis (‘77), Martha Ann Buzhardt Davis (‘75), Debra Buzhardt Leeke (‘72), and Terrell Leeke (‘72) enjoying time in Monte Carlo wile on a cruise. 12. Drew Early (‘18), Trice Moore (‘17) and Matt Reed ‘18 in Florence, Italy for Matt’s wedding!
To access this issue of ORANGE: The Experience digitally, visit ClemsonPlus. com. Log in or activate your free account today!
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CLEMSON VS. NOTRE DAME
LAST WORD
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hen it was announced in May that Clemson and Notre Dame would begin a yearly home-andhome football series that would run between 2027-38, the first person I thought of was Frank Howard. In the 1960s, Howard, Clemson’s head football coach and athletic director, would attend the NCAA convention and (intentionally) run into Notre Dame Athletic Director Moose Krause. It was Howard’s goal to play Notre Dame, who had a run of seven consecutive top-10 finishes, including six top-fives in the final AP poll between 1964-70. Howard always played a difficult non-conference schedule. For instance, in 1966, the Tigers played ninthranked Georgia Tech, fourth-ranked Alabama, and fifth-ranked Southern California as its three non-conference games. All three were on the road. It was Howard’s desire to make it a homeand-home agreement with Notre Dame. He wanted to see those gold helmets in Death Valley. For six consecutive years, he talked to Krause at the convention, but his pleas were met with deaf ears. During his tenure, Howard struck up a relationship with Krause’s top assistant, fiery but diminutive Colonel Jack Stephens. True to his personality, Howard referred to Stephens as Krause’s “little brother.” They enjoyed ribbing each other. Before the 1970 convention, Stephens went to Krause and said, “Why don’t you look at the future
BY: TIM BOURRET
schedules and see if you can give Frank Howard a couple of dates.” Howard had just retired as football coach, but was still the athletic director. Krause did just that, and at the 1970 convention, Krause handed Howard a handwritten piece of paper with the dates November 12, 1977, and November 17, 1979. He told Howard if he could make it work Notre Dame would come to Clemson in 1977 and Clemson would come to South Bend in 1979. At first, Howard wondered if he could make that work because those were the weekends that Clemson traditionally played Maryland. When he returned to Clemson, Howard called Maryland athletic director Jim Kehoe and asked if he could play Clemson in September 1977 and 1979 instead of November. Kehoe agreed, and a few months later, Howard and Krause had a signed contract. Both the 1977 and 1979 games were epic. Notre Dame came to Clemson in 1977 as the fifth-ranked team in the nation and defeated 15th-ranked Clemson 21-17 behind a fourth-quarter comeback engineered by Joe Montana. The game featured future Super Bowlwinning quarterbacks Montana and Clemson’s Steve Fuller and 26 future NFL players. Notre Dame went on to win the National Championship that year. Two years later, Clemson won at Notre Dame on Senior Day, 16-10. It was just the third time in 40 years
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Notre Dame lost its Senior Day game. Clemson coach Danny Ford, at age 31, became the second youngest coach to beat Notre Dame in Notre Dame Stadium, a distinction he still holds. There have been six games since 2015, with Clemson holding the upper hand, 4-2. All six have impacted the national championship race, including 2018, when Clemson defeated the Irish in the Cotton Bowl in the College Football Playoff, and 2020, when they met for the ACC Championship in the COVID season. Notre Dame defeated a ranked Clemson team in South Bend in 2020 in double overtime and a fifthranked Clemson team in 2022, also in South Bend. This is an agreement that is good for both schools. For Clemson, it guarantees playing a game with a high television rating, which is now important in the ACC’s new agreement regarding receiving additional revenue. It also guarantees Clemson will have a strong Power 4 non-conference opponent. The SEC is likely to go to a nine-game conference schedule, thus decreasing the chances of Clemson meeting a second SEC team in the future. For Notre Dame, it guarantees they will face a strong team each year among its five ACC foes. It is also in danger of losing its traditional game with Southern California as the Trojan’s future non-conference schedules as a Big Ten member are up in the air. For both schools, this game will enhance their respective brands. Both have been among the winningest schools in the country on the field and in the classroom. Notre Dame and Clemson were two of the seven schools that won the AFCA Academic Achievement Award this year. It was the 11th time Notre Dame has been the recipient and the fourth time for Clemson. Dabo Swinney’s program has won the AFCA Academic Achievement award four times since 2018, the most in the nation for that period. This scheduling deal will be a fun back-and-forth between these two storied programs.
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IPTAY | 2024-25 | Issue 4 - 65 -
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