Over the years, the line between “gathering at the paw” and “rushing the field” has been blurred, but they are not the same thing. Rushing the field is something that can happen at any school after a big win, while gathering at the paw is special to Clemson. Noting that difference is important.
Clemson Athletics strives to give players and coaches a chance to shake hands at the conclusion of a game before people start coming on the field. This is why there is a countdown following the end of the fourth-quarter. That is only fair to the players who have just spent three or more hours battling with the team across the field.
In recent history, “gathering at the paw” has morphed into a desire for fans to “rush the field” after each game, therefore making life more difficult for players and coaches on the field.
Gathering at the paw is a tradition that began in the early 2000s at the conclusion of Clemson home football games. Students and fans were encouraged to enter the field to meet with players, coaches, friends and family and join in the singing of the Alma Mater. This newfound tradition was quickly adopted by the Clemson fanbase and became a highlight to the end of a long day.
This beloved tradition was placed on hold during the 2020 football season due to COVID-19 and has yet to occur during the 2021 season. “Out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our coaching staff, student-athletes and visiting teams, we have appealed to our students and fans to refrain from entering the field so far this season,” says Jeff Kallin, associate athletic director at Clemson. “We continue to have regular dialogue with Student Government on the issue and have heard the feedback from our students and fans. We hope to be able to bring the tradition back in a safe manner in the near future,” said Kallin.
The reintroduction of the gathering at the paw tradition will need to be coupled with a new understanding of what that means. Its purpose is to give fans a chance to bump into their favorite players or shake hands with a coach and snag some pictures, but only after Clemson football has had the opportunity to speak with the visiting team.
As conditions relating to COVID-19 continue to improve, Kallin says, “We will continue to monitor the latest developments from a health and safety perspective and set safety protocols accordingly and in conjunction with Clemson University.”
Clemson to still not allow gathering at the paw
Dawson Baker, Asst. News Editor
November 4, 2021
0
Donate to The Tiger
Your donation will support the student journalists of Clemson University. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.
More to Discover