College Football: Traditions
College Football
College football has the greatest traditions of any sporting event in America and the World. It's the most rich thing in all of the United States.
There are many traditions throughout the college landscape to pre-game traditions like the "War Chant" and Seminole run at Florida State University to the "White Out" at Pennsylvania State University. Every tradition is special to that school and mean a lot to the school and program. Let's talk about the traditions and how they started.
Howard's Rock
Howard's Rock is a cherished symbol for Clemson University, particularly its football program. It's a large, white, and purplish-blue rock that sits atop a pedestal at the east end zone of Clemson Memorial Stadium, also known as "Death Valley." The rock itself has a storied history, dating back to the early 1960s.The rock was given to Coach Frank Howard by a friend, Samuel Jones, who found it in Death Valley, California. Initially, it served as a doorstop in Howard's office. However, in 1966, it was placed on a pedestal at the stadium's entrance as a motivational symbol for the football team. Before every home football game, Clemson players touch Howard's Rock as they run down the hill onto the field. This tradition is meant to bring them good luck and to inspire them to perform at their best. The tradition has become a deeply ingrained part of Clemson's football culture, symbolizing the unity and pride of the team and its fans.
Iowa Wave
The Iowa Wave is a heartwarming tradition that began in 2017 at the University of Iowa's Kinnick Stadium during Hawkeye football games. The tradition involves fans, players, and coaches turning to wave at patients and families in the nearby University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital at the end of the first quarter. The idea originated from a social media post by a Hawkeye fan suggesting that the fans wave to the children's hospital, which overlooks the stadium, as a gesture of support and encouragement. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and it quickly became a beloved tradition. Now, at the end of the first quarter of every home game, the entire stadium, including players, coaches, and spectators, turns to face the hospital and waves, often accompanied by cheers and applause. The Iowa Wave symbolizes unity, compassion, and community support, making it one of the most heartwarming traditions in college sports.
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