This is the time of the year I start getting excited about college football. To me, nothing is better.
Legends
I grew up in Seneca, SC, about 7 miles from Clemson. I worked at my cousin’s service station for a couple of years when I was 17-18 years old. The legends of Clemson football frequented this gas station/repair shop…I’m talking about the legendary Clemson coach, Frank Howard, Banks McFadden, and more.
I Don’t Know Nothin’ Bout No Football
I would always laugh when I would ask Coach Howard how the team was gonna be this year and in his thick Barlow Bend, Alabama accent, and a chew of tobacco in his mouth, he’d say, “Boy, I don’t know nothin’ bout no football.” He did, of course, but I figure people asked him that so much he got tired of it.
Coach would always stop and speak to fans. After he retired, he still came in most days to his office at the Jervey Athletic Center and the name and title on his door was simply……
Frank Howard
Legend
BTW, his son, Jimmy Howard owns a small dive bar in downtown Clemson. It’s called Sloan Street Taproom. A great pre-game place to hang out!
Only 3 More Saturdays
So, Clemson has been in my blood as far back as I can remember, like before the upper deck was built and before Clemson was a national powerhouse football team. Many great memories there.
I even get excited about Georgia and Carolina because I have a lot of friends who are fans.
Now, there are only three more Saturdays til the first college football games, so get ready for the wings, cold ones iced down, TV’s on and if we’re lucky enough, we’ll be tailgating a few times this year.
May your team have a great year!
