I'm a complicated mess. My dad, granddad and uncles all went to Clemson. As a child I only knew Clemson.

But, I decided to get married instead of going to college when I should have. So I ended up in my 30s, divorced and going to college at night. My only option was that Columbia School. But I proudly wore my orange and found several others doing the same. Of course we endured the catcalls, etc. But we shut them quickly when we mentioned our dominance through the years.

When I was a child (1960s) Dad and I would go to see Clemson football. This was before the upper decks were added. I saw the newspaper reporters walk to the elevator beneath the South stands and always begged to see if Dad would ask them just to let us ride up to the top and look out. I wanted to see what it looked like from up there. I promised not to leave the elevator, but he always said no.

Fast forward to my journalist years. One day, my dream came true: I was sent to cover a Clemson football game! Another reporter friend and rode up together and when he headed for the walkway to go around to the press box, I stopped and pointed. I said, "I'm taking the elevator!" So I finally got to ride up in it. Of course by then the upper decks were higher than the press box. But it was one thing I checked off of my bucket list.

I was a journalist for about 20 years or so and then this job opened up to be the public information officer for the Sumter County Sheriff's Office. I am a sworn deputy.

I also write in my spare time. I have written three books (none self-published) and my fourth book is being edited now. But football is my passion.

So yes, I'm quite a mess. But it's usually fun being me! Go Tigers!