Tigerburn

Within the first week of arriving in Columbia I was taught that I must hate Clemson, USC’s rival University. Although hate is a strong word, when they rep the nasty combination of orange and purple as their school colours it’s easy to see why they’re disliked!

Every year the USC Football team go up against Clemson in what’s arguably the biggest game of the season. Prior to the game it is tradition for the students at South Carolina to burn a tiger, which represents the Clemson team. This ritual is called the ‘Tigerburn’ and dates back to 1902 when the Gamecock mascot first made its appearance. Tonight with the temperature dropping below a brisk ten degrees, it was a chance to wrap up and watch the display. Similar to the Brits Bonfire night where we remember Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot, there were fireworks and of course a massive bonfire – but this time it was in the shape of a tiger!

At the 1902 game Carolina defeated Clemson and a full-blown riot broke out. Apparently, (according to the website at least) during that first Gamecock game, Carolina fans were flaunting a poster which had an image of the Gamecock mascot standing on top of a tiger, holding its tail as if he was ‘steering’ or directing it. Obviously, the Clemson fans weren’t very happy with this poster and told the Carolina students that ‘if you bring this poster, which is insulting to us, to the big parade on Friday, you’re going to be in trouble.’ Naturally, the USC students brought the poster to the parade.

Rumour has it that a fight broke out between the two teams so in order to calm the situation both sides agreed to burn the poster. Every year Carolina plays Clemson, and each time the two Universities burn an object that represents the other. The annual Carolina-Clemson football game alternates between both teams' home stadiums, and this year we’re playing on home turf, so I’ll get to witness the rivalry in its full glory! Go Cocks!

Go Cocks!

Thursday last week marked the beginning of American football season with the battle of the Carolinas! South Carolina vs North Carolina – only the best would win! But playing on home turf with thousands of screaming fans UNC didn’t really stand a chance. One thing I’ve noticed since arriving here is that the school spirit is incredible! At Kent the Swimming team struggle to get supporters down to watch our biggest meet of the year, but at USC there is never a lack of support for any sports team. Especially when it comes to football!

After dressing up in school colours, garnet and black, I had the opportunity to experience possibly one of the most ‘American’ traditions when it comes to football; tailgating. The ‘tailgate’ is basically the pre-party to the game; hundreds of fans park up their huge 4x4’s and set up gazebos in car parks surrounding the stadium. Hordes of garnet clad supporters and girls wearing black dresses and cowboy boots enjoy cookouts’ (bbq) and games of beer pong. Although, with the temperature reaching highs of 37 degrees Celsius the drinks were somewhat simmering in the heat.

The match itself was insane! The Williams-Brice Stadium in South Carolina holds 80,250 people (bigger than the London 2012 Olympic Stadium) and once inside the atmosphere blows you away. From one side to the other fans shouting ‘GAME’ ‘COCKS’ in an almost deafening tone. Being in a stadium that big reminded me of the Olympic games last summer when my family and I were lucky enough to get tickets to watch the Athletics on the ‘Super Saturday’ and cheer on Brits Jessica Ennis, Mo Farah and Greg Rutherford to win Gold. Exhilarating! Although I’m not sure I quite understand the rules of American football yet, it’s all very stop and start, apparently USC won so everything is dandy here in the land of the cocks!