Regarding spirit squads, Clemson University and the University of South Carolina bring unmatched energy to sidelines and competition stages. From marching bands to dance teams, cheerleading and baton twirling, each school showcases traditions and talents that rally fans and elevate their athletic programs. This rivalry extends beyond the football field, thriving in the performances that define school pride.
In the spirit of rivalry week, we’re diving into the strengths and unique features of Clemson’s Tiger Band and South Carolina’s Carolina Band, comparing cheerleading squads and competitive rankings and exploring the distinct styles of Clemson’s Rally Cats and South Carolina’s dance program. From halftime shows to national competitions, these programs exemplify excellence.
The bands
Clemson’s Tiger Band, famously dubbed The Band that Shakes the Southland, is pivotal in creating the Tigers’ legendary “most exciting 25 seconds of college football.” Known for inspiring the crowd and aspiring musicians, the Tiger Band frequently partners with local high schools to share their passion for performance. Their many sections, including the Tiger Dancers, drumline, twirlers — renowned for their fiery routines — and color guard, contribute to the game day experience.
“You have to stay on your toes,” John Jenkins, a sophomore drumline member, said. “They can just call something out, and you get two seconds to know what it is — it’s all hand signals.”
This quick adaptability underscores the precision and dedication required to keep the Tiger Band’s energy high throughout every moment of the game.
Meanwhile, South Carolina’s Carolina Band, also known as The Mighty Sound of the Southeast, carries its legacy of excellence. The Carolina Band embodies Gamecock spirit with standout elements like its drumline, the Coquettes — a counterpart to Clemson’s Tiger Dancers — and twirlers and color guard.
One of its most notable milestones this year is the band’s debut performance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, highlighting the skill and experience of its 375 members.
Baton twirling and color guard
Clemson’s baton twirlers add a fiery edge to their performances — literally — with fire twirling routines that captivate audiences during halftime shows. By contrast, South Carolina’s feature twirlers emphasize precision and elegance, showcasing their skills nationally.
Both universities’ color guards add visually stunning elements to their bands’ performances, enhancing the overall spectacle of halftime shows. Whether it’s Clemson’s dramatic flair or South Carolina’s polished choreography, these performances are a cornerstone of each school’s game day tradition.
From the field to the national stage, the battle between Clemson and South Carolina’s spirit squads reflects their deep-rooted pride and commitment to excellence. While their styles may differ, their shared passion for performance unites them.
The cheer teams
At first glance, Clemson and South Carolina’s cheer teams may seem quite similar. Both teams perform at various athletic games and events and wrap up their year by competing in the prestigious NCA Collegiate National Championships. Both schools field two squads, an all-girl squad and a large coed squad.
However, despite the similarities, there is one key difference: Clemson emphasizes spirit, while Carolina prioritizes stunts.
Clemson’s lack of emphasis on the competitive side of its team has not stopped the athletes from excelling year after year at the NCA Collegiate Nationals. In fact, since 2022, Clemson has placed higher than South Carolina in both Division 1A All Girl and Large Coed in three of their five face-offs.
On the spirit side, there is one more notable difference. Clemson cheers for volleyball, football and basketball, while Carolina performs only at the latter two.
Carolina Dance Team and the Rally Cats
Similar to the South Carolina and Clemson cheer squads, the South Carolina dance team and the Clemson dance team, known as the Rally Cats, compete at the NDA Collegiate National Championship each year and perform at numerous athletic games and campus events.
In recent years, the Gamecocks have outperformed Clemson in the NDA Collegiate Championships. In the past three years, the Carolina Dance Team has won three NDA College National titles in Division 1A Team Performance, including numerous other podium finishes in different events. The Rally Cats’ highest finish in recent years has been 5th place.
Outside of competition, the Carolina Dance Team and the Rally Cats play a massive role in supporting their respective athletic teams. The Gamecock and Tiger dancers perform at home football and basketball games, energizing the crowd. In addition, the Rally Cats also dance at select soccer and volleyball games, highlighting their steadfast commitment to amplifying the Clemson spirit.
While the Carolina Dance Team has outperformed the Rally Cats in competition, both play an integral role in boosting their school’s spirit and supporting athletic programs. Both teams exemplify dedication and pride for their university, from energizing crowds at games to excelling at national competitions.
