Tuesday June 23, 2009

Now It's Our Turn To Do Our Small Part

Now It’s Our Turn To Do Our Small Part

Lucas Glover gave us so much yesterday.

He gave his beloved Clemson Nation a day to rejoice and show its pride. I saw a couple of Clemson car flags yesterday afternoon.

He gave Greenville and the upstate of South Carolina a day to celebrate as he brought so much national attention and recognition to our part of the nation.

He also gave the Palmetto State a lot to cheer for as he had his home state extremely proud on a special day.

To much of the country, Lucas was not the popular choice. He was not the story that Mickelson had due to his popularity and his wife’s battle with cancer. He was not David Duval who had fought back from being the number 882 ranked player in the world. But for us, here, this was the most compelling story.

Lucas did not have to draw attention to him by wearing a painter’s hat and a Dr. Spock shirt like Ricky Barnes. He did not have to create attention with his engineer pants like Mickelson. Just a white shirt and khakis did just fine. That played well here as well.

He handled the golf course for four days and the trophy presentation with class.

So Lucas did his part and gave us all a high like we have not had in a while. Now it is our turn.

So here are a few ideas:
Ticker Tape Parades-Lucas has lived his entire life in Greenville, SC. He could live anywhere in the world and yet he has decided to stay close to his family and his roots. We don’t have ticker tape anymore but I my head I keep seeing Lucas and his wife Jennifer on the back of a convertible riding down Main Street in Greenville with well wishers holding signs of support. I think Clemson needs to have the same kind of event right down College Avenue. At least make him the grand marshall in the First Friday Parade if he is available.

Block Party-This is not Lucas’ style but neither is Regis and Kelly or The David Letterman Show. Greenville and Clemson could block off their downtowns and have the Mayors give Jennifer and Lucas the Key to the City. Make it “Lucas Glover Day” etc. Bring out Tiger Band to rip out a couple of rounds of Tiger Rag.

Ring of Honor-I spoke with Larry Penley yesterday and Clemson golf does not have anyone in the Ring of Honor yet. Let’s not wait another moment to make Lucas the first member with that honor. Lucas is already in the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame so this is the next step.

Dotting the “I”-This seems like a no-brainer. Lucas is a huge Clemson football fan and I think he and his family would be honored to take place in the pre-game tradition on the same field his grandfather played.

Name Part of the Golf Facility-Former Clemson golf coach Bobby Robinson’s name is already on the current golf practice facility. I would think Clemson should honor current Clemson coach Larry Penley with the new facility. But since Lucas has been so involved in helping raise money for the new facility and his accomplishments have brought so much positive attention to the program, Clemson should put his name on part of the facility so it can be remembered forever.

Signage-I can see three signs in my head- “Welcome to South Carolina Home of 2009 US Open Golf Champion Lucas Glover”, “Welcome to Greenville, SC Home of 2009 US Open Champion Lucas Glover” and ‘Welcome to Clemson, SC Home of the 2009 US Open Champion Lucas Glover.”

Billboards-When Shawn Crawford won the Olympic Gold Medal in Athens, Greece in 2004 I was driving by Indian Land High School and the surrounding areas and noticed great signs saying congrats. I think Clemson University or the City of Greenville could invest in some really cool billboards honor its native son.

Tiger Net E-Card-I know this is way down the list but I spoke briefly to Tommy Crumpton yesterday about the idea of letting the readers of Tigernet sign an e-card for Lucas. You guys have been so gracious in sending these e-cards in the past and I think this is a good chance for the masses to say thanks. I am not sure if he visits as often as he used to but Lucas used to be a frequent visitor to Tigernet and I know a lot of folks would like to express their appreciation with a message.

Some of these ideas will hopefully happen. We have to be respectful of Lucas and the demand on his time. We also have to be respectful of his privacy as well but if I know Lucas I think these things would mean an awful lot to him and his family.

What happened yesterday has to be considered one of the greatest athletic accomplishments in Clemson history and the state of South Carolina history. Let’s not let this type of accomplishment go by with us giving it the proper respect and recognition.

I would welcome any feedback on these ideas or any other ideas you may have on how we can honor Lucas and this incredible feat.

Lucas gave us a lot yesterday and now it is our turn to do our small part.

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency

Prayer List
We have started a prayer list on the blog. Here are the guidelines:
*If you are offended by prayer or prayer lists then I apologize in advance. The blog is free and the prayer list will be on the bottom of the page so you don’t have to read it.
*If you would like to add someone to the list please e-mail me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com
*If you want the reason for the prayer to be added to the name please specify in your e-mails.
*Please let me know when it is appropriate to take the person off of the prayer list

Those who need our prayers include:
Finn Brookover, Mrs. Kathleen Bowers, Larry in Naples, FL, RTG-Pawsitive Tiger, Mary-Louise Pawlowski (John's daughter), Jo Ann Bachman, Frank Taylor, Kenneth Bryant, Pruitt Martin, Got igers and his family, David Rowland, Leonard Gillespie and his family, Jim S, Christine Hepfer, Daniel Rosborough, Amy Murphey, Jack Huffman, Nancy Winkler, Dr. Nancy Strom Morgan, John Reeve, Eileen Woodrum, Ethel Southard, Vinnie Brock, Jean-Pierre Bailey, Kaitlyn L, William Perry, Delores Weaver, Eric Boessneck, John Bowers, Jimmy Ness, Susan Miller, Joyce Harley, Steve Proveaux.