Tigers Take Etiquette Training

By Jonathan Gantt || Clemson Athletic Communications

Begin from the outside and work your way in.

It’s an important rule in proper fine dining etiquette. But it also describes how Clemson student athletes arrived at Etiquette Training outside their comfort zone and left in the know.

As part of Clemson Athletics student athlete programming, student athletes from all sports took part in Etiquette Training inside the WestZone in early September. Coaches wives, including Kathleen Swinney, helped show the freshmen the way around the dinner table with the goal of preparing them for dates, business meetings and other formal settings.

“As part of our four-year career development program, it’s important for our freshmen to go through a fine dining etiquette training,” said Assistant Director of Athletic Development Kyra Lobbins. “We want them to be able to act in a professional manner.”

“I’m not sure if my date would care,” said a grinning Chris Register, football linebacker. “But if I was on a business-type deal, then it would definitely be good.”

Swinney takes her role seriously but also made training fun.

“Our boys need to learn some etiquette,” she said with a smile. “After all, they’re growing up, they’re going to get a job, need to have a date, and they can’t be sloppy at the table!”

“Drinks go on the right hand side and use your utensils from the outside in,” Register said.

Begin from the outside and work your way in. Sounds like they passed with flying colors.