Friendly Rivalry

Wait Until Next Year!

By Tommy Gee

Aspiring students in South Carolina are blessed with choices from the best of both worlds—the University of South Carolina in Columbia offers an abundance of courses related to business, journalism, and public health programs, while Clemson University located in Pickens County, near Greenville, is known for its focus on agriculture, engineering, and business programs. The fun-loving camaraderie and competitive spirit between the University of South Carolina and Clemson University has stood the test of time, with the annual Gamecock-Tiger football game being a huge aspect of focus across the state each season.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING:

In a state with history dating back to the original 13 colonies and folklore to match, South Carolinians have claimed everything from Lizard Man in Lee County to Gray Man at Pawleys

Island. However, only two of these creatures reign supreme. Those creatures would be none other than the fighting Gamecocks of the University of South Carolina and the mighty Tigers of Clemson University.

Although there are 88 years between the establishment of the schools, it was only a matter of time before a rather healthy rivalry was born, including legends, mascots, and traditions. It was a cool Thursday morning on November 12, 1896, when these two titans first met on the gridiron and kicked off the State Fair. The game was an instant classic with the Gamecocks claiming the first victory, 12 to 6. This solidified Big Thursday for future games dates until 1902. (Just for reference, USC was founded in 1801. California didn’t become a state until 1850. Can I just say “Will the real USC please stand up! Please stand up!”)?

Now, everyone knows that a classic cannot exist without tragedy, and that tragedy struck after a game in 1902: an image of a victorious crowing Gamecock standing over a defeated Tiger began to circulate. One could say it was the original meme declaring, Wait until next year! This single item prompted armed players and fans of Clemson to march onto the campus of South Carolina, only to be met with armed players and fans alike. This led to a well-deserved suspension of play between the two schools spanning from 1903-1909. After moving the games to Saturdays at alternating schools, they began looking for growth and both universities became founding members of the ACC from 1953. However in 1971 USC desired more flexibility and became independent until 1991 when they became members of the SEC, officially placing the instate rivals in separate conferences. Although this change is significant to their regular schedules, and gratefully we have mellowed over the years, it did nothing to diminish the competition between the two teams who continue to seek victory on the field.

To say it plainly…It’s not just the two major universities in the state running the plays and making the touchdowns; it’s not just the rivalry of the mighty Tigers and the fighting Gamecocks, no sir! It’s a distinct rooster’s crow or a tiger’s roar, and equally shared anticipation on both sides for everything the other represents. It’s the bragging rights you score and a year of pride until you meet again on the battlefield. So, until the next whistle blows, whether it’s a rally in the valley or a sandstorm at Willie B’s, I’ll just say go team go and keep my fandom to myself!