It was the biggest themed event I had ever been to. The clothes just mesmerized me. The emotions displayed on all of the faces that I could see, in this vast display of spirit-connected people, was so intense at times you cut hear a pen drop. I have never seen my date so happy and so boisterous with his voice. Our seats were incredible in that I heard everything that was being said to Clemson's quarterbacks that were sitting on a silver bench. Never did I realize that day how special those seats were. Neither did I think it was abnormal to go to a breakfast with all the past players before the game. My 5 year old nephew was with us that day. He had a severe speech impediment, thus he didn't speak. That day, his world changed. He yelled every time any one did. He repeated everything my date said. We won. I looked up and noticed Chandler had his arm out while trying to mimic Ben as he sung the Alma Mater. I couldn't believe this. Chandler was then hoisted over the sidelines, and Ben took him to all of the major players for signatures. Chandler has this displayed in his room along with ten seasons of tickets to the home games. Afterwards,we walked up the hill. It was that day, I was told about how the tradition of "running down the hill started." I still did not know the impact of what was being said to me that day.

.....The above was the first Clemson game I had ever gone to. The year was 2007. It was my third date with Ben Anderson, who only told me at that game that 1) he was Clemson's GC for 32 years, 2) he was a walk on in 1969, yet he started every game for all four years, 3) he was responsible for asking Coach Ingram if, during their last Senior game against Carolina, they could run down the hill before the game started. This event was never stopped and is coined " The most exciting 25 seconds of college football."

.....Now the year is 2017. Ben passed away on May 16th, 2015. Six months to the date of his death, I was diagnosed with a Brain Tumor. Currently, I am under the care of Hospice. My nephew is now 15 years old and is an Eagle Scout. Ben was the best mentor he could use possibly ask for. He would always tell Chandler that whatever he decided to do was fine, but he must do his best in his decisions. That quote is actually on the bench at Ben's graveside at Cemetery Hill. Ben was my soul mate, and I still feel his presence every single day.