Clemsoning [klem-suhn-ing]

Verb.

The act of delivering an inexplicably disappointing performance, usually within the context of a college football season.

Clemson has always been seen as the team that almost made it, but wasn't quite good enough. As soon as the Tigers finally make it to the top, they lose it all. Somewhere along the way, the term "Clemsoning" was coined.

Well let me tell you what "Clemsoning" means to me. In Clemson, South Carolina, a small town packed like sardines of the best students and fans in the nation, the Tigers roar greatness. Everywhere you turn, someone is wearing orange. Hell, I'm convinced that if you cut any of us open, we will bleed orange. Each of us is a part of something greater. Every student, every alumni, every fan, every player becomes one to create the Clemson family.

"What is the Clemson family?" you might ask. It's not something that mere words cannot explain. Being a part of the Clemson family means tailgating on Saturdays in Death Valley and making enough food for any family member, friend, or stranger that walks by. It means still wearing orange after a tragic loss. It means standing by our fellow Tigers when they need our support. It means uplifting the rest of our Clemson family when they are down. You see, to the world, "Clemsoning" means letting everyone down when we were so close. But to me, "Clemsoning" means pulling each other back up when we're down.

For thirty-five years, much longer than my lifetime, we were down. What did we do? We, the fans, stayed true to our Tigers. Through the tears and the heartbreak and the cheering and the excitement, we kept pushing on. The Tigers have been destined for greatness. From always being the underdogs to being on upset alert every game to being National Champions, the Tigers have put their blood, sweat, and tears into becoming better. They said we weren't good enough, so we became great. They said we would never beat Alabama, so we became National Champions. For some, that will never be good enough. Some people will never give Clemson the recognition we deserve, but we will continue to prove them wrong.

During the National Championship, I felt heartbreak, anger, sadness, then finally, hope and euphoria. Four points sealed our fate. I wasn't able to attend the game due to being a broke college student and all, but I watched the game in a living room with some of my closest friends, and it was still the best night of my life. That's what the Clemson family means. I have never been more proud to be a Clemson Tiger. If that means "Clemsoning" for the rest of my days, then go ahead and cut me open and watch me bleed orange.