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long after their student days have passed. Clemson University knows such traditions. Steeped in its
history as a military college and now as a major research university, Clemson has a unique essence
that pervades its campus and the surrounding community. From the stories of old military days
to campus buildings to the people who have made Clemson special, the traditions at Clemson
University unite people forever.
UNDERSTANDING CLEMSON TRADITIONS
Solid Orange
Every Friday, students, faculty, staff and alumni everywhere can be found wearing Clemson
orange in a show of unity and pride.
Tiger Rag
In 1942, student band director Dean Ross found the sheet music for “Tiger Rag” in an Atlanta
music store and brought it back to campus to play at football games. “Tiger Fanfare” by band
director Mark Spede was added in 2003; today, the band has more than 15 ways to play what’s
known as “the song that shakes the Southland.”
Howard’s Rock
Named for legendary Coach Frank Howard, the rock was brought to Clemson from Death Valley,
Calif., by 1919 alumnus S.C. Jones. The rock was first placed on a pedestal at the top of “The Hill”
on Sept. 24, 1966. Before a game against Wake Forest on Sept. 23, 1967, Howard told his players if
they would give 110 percent, they could have the privilege of rubbing the rock. The Tigers won that
game with a 23–6 victory. The white flint rock still sits at the top of “The Hill,” and Tiger football
players rub it for good luck before each home game.
Running Down “The Hill”
Running down “The Hill” originally started out of practicality. Before the west stands were built,
the football team dressed at Fike Field House and ran to the gate and down the hill onto the field.
Today, with the sound of “YOUR CLEMSON TIGERS,” a cannon fires, the band plays “Tiger Rag,”
and thousands of orange-clad fans cheer the moment when the Tiger Football team runs down the
grassy hill onto the field. This tradition has been dubbed “the most exciting 25 seconds in college
football.”
First Friday Parade
Since 1974, the First Friday Parade has been held the Friday afternoon before the first home football
game to celebrate the new football season. Student floats move through campus down Highway 93
to Williamson Road, before ending at Riggs Field for a pep rally.
Orange, Purple and the Tiger
The use of orange and purple began when Walter Merritt Riggs formed Clemson’s first football
team in 1896. Because Riggs came from Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama (later
renamed Auburn), he borrowed ideas from their team colors and their mascot, the Tiger. Although