Saturday, February 4, 2012

Auburn…Would you like fries with that?


Today’s youth just don’t appreciate a higher education the way I did. I recall being faced with a particular conflict. I met with recruiters from Kyoto University in Japan, Cornell University, and Sinclair Community College. Surprisingly I attended Sinclair; I chose them because of their Tartan Athletics Program and most importantly its proximity to Cheeks Gentlemen’s Club in Miamisburg, Ohio. It was a decision I will never regret; without this Tartan alumnus, one would never be able to set the clock on their microwave or assembly your kids playset. (If sarcasm eludes you, please note that Kyoto University and Cornell were not options for me. However, I did attend a community college, and yes, I am a technical writer.)

Student-athletes are weighing more than just academic prowess when it comes to enrolling in college. Cassanova McKinzy, a linebacker from Birmingham, Alabama is currently doing the same. He has visited Clemson and Auburn trying to figure out where he wants to play. Coaches, Professors, and academics are all factors, but what about fast food? Cassanova chose to sign with Auburn because they have better fast food and it is closer to campus. When USA Today asked him why he turned down Clemson:

“Kind of the environment and plus they had no Chick-Fil-A on campus, You had to go like, probably like 15 minutes off campus to go to like a real restaurant. Their café was kind of small.”



I have family who are Clemson alumni and Tiger fans (Clemson, not Auburn Tigers); it was brought to my attention that Clemson plays Auburn in Week 1….in the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game at the Georgia Dome.

Other notable Auburn players: Pat Sullivan, Bo Jackson, and Cam Newton. All three are Heisman Trophy recipients.

John Heisman coached at Auburn from 1895 until 1899.

Auburn is the only school in which Mr. Heisman coached and produced Heisman trophy winners.

John Heisman coached at Clemson for a brief time.

Clemson University fans spend two dollar bills on road games to show how much they contribute to the local economy. The bills are often stamped with a Tiger paw. I have never seen one in circulation.

John Heisman replaced Walter Riggs at Auburn. Walter Riggs came to Clemson in 1896 to coach football at what was then called Clemson Agricultural College of South Carolina.

Riggs loved the Princeton Tigers so much; he named Clemson after their mascot.

The Clemson Tigers paw logo was made from a mold of a Bengal tiger at the St. Louis Zoo in 1970.

Prior to a home game, Clemson players rub what is known as “Howard’s Rock”, and then run down a hill and onto the field. With over 80,000 screaming fans assisting, it is said to be the most exciting 25 seconds in college football….I have never witnessed proof of this.

 

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