CLEMSON, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – Ahead of Clemson football hosting The Citadel for the Tigers’ Military Appreciation Day and Senior Day, both head coaches spoke about a special connection they share forged by family.
Fifteen years ago, The Citadel Head Coach Maurice Drayton was an assistant at Coastal Carolina who was invited to a coaching clinic at Clemson, and he brought his son Montrel after he’d undergone open heart surgeries.
Drayton still feels the impact of the Tigers welcoming his son ahead of the matchup with them.
“Coach Swinney and his staff just took Montrel in and loved on him. It was one of the best experiences of his life. So much so that he broke their team down at the end of practice,” Drayton said. “From that point forward, I wasn’t Coach Drayton to Coach Swinney. It was like, ‘hey Montrell’s dad.’ That’s a really cool moment. When I think of coach and what he’s done and his program, better not say anything bad around me.”
Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney has a similar respect for Drayton stemming from that moment with his son.
“It’s a blessing that we were able to help him smile, help him have a great experience and for them to have that moment together. Just happy to be part of that,” Swinney said. “Montrell is, I think he’s a Clemson fan. He probably can’t be this weekend but hopefully he can be after that.”
Swinney said he’s a fan of The Citadel’s ‘culture of excellence.’ He said he learned a lot himself after speaking to hundreds of their cadets about a winning mentality last year.
“When I left there, I walked away with just an immense amount of respect for everyone there and for how they do things, their mission as a university,” Swinney said. “It’ll make it an even more special day to have a university like The Citadel here on this day. It’s kind of unique and I’m sure they’ll have a great appreciation for it as well.”
The Citadel presented Swinney with a football and a sword that day, which he still keeps in his office. From his visit to Clemson 15 years ago, Coach Drayton’s son Montrel has autographed memorabilia from his favorite Clemson player; running back CJ Spiller who is now the Tigers running back’s coach.
The two schools with such rich military history have shown incredible respect for one another leading up to their matchup at 3:30 p.m. Saturday on Military Appreciation Day and Senior Day in Tiger Town.
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