Five Middle Schools Visit Clemson University to Kick Off Tiger Talk!

Sept. 28, 2009

On Tuesday, September 22 and Wednesday, September 23, students from five area middle schools visited Clemson University to kick off the Tiger Talk! Program. Select students from Gettys, Blue Ridge, Pickens, Dacusville and Lakeside Middle Schools will participate in the program. Each student participating in the program is paired with a Clemson student-athlete with whom they will correspond once a week through an online pen pal program discussing the T.I.G.E.R.! traits of teamwork, integrity, gratitude, education and respect.

The morning began with an inspirational speech from Darius Acker, a former Clemson track and field athlete. Solid Orange Squad members then broke up into small groups with the students and discussed the T.I.G.E.R.! traits and the Tiger Talk! program. Following the small group meetings, SOS members led tours of the athletic facilities. Students were able to have an inside look at Death Valley, Littlejohn Coliseum, Jervey Gym and the McFadden team room.

Solid Orange Squad members who participated in the event include Andrew Abeysinghe (swimming and diving), Allison Colberg (rowing), Mike Freeman (baseball), Jessica Gaul (rowing), Ashley Good (track and field), Victoria Graham (swimming and diving), Rachel Hesler (swimming and diving), Michelle Nance (rowing), Katrina Obas (swimming and diving), Deanna Piper (swimming and diving), Liz Robb (rowing), Ashley Vaughn (cross country/track and field) and Bethanie Wachna (track and field.)