Fan Day Fun

Got a kick out of Tommy Bowden today at Clemson's annual Fan Appreciation Day.

I asked the coach how he enjoyed having a day such as Sunday, a day filled with interviews, photo ops and autograph seekers, as opposed to spending the time on the practice field. His answer was predictable enough.

With eight straight days of practice behind them, Sunday was something different. Besides a chance to connect with the fans, he said, it breaks up the monotony which will haunt this team from now until game week finally arrives.

Seeing new faces, other than the ones lined up across from you practice after practice, is never a bad thing.

My follow-up question was about Bowden himself, and what kind of questions he gets on a day like Sunday as opposed to those he might receive on the spring IPTAY speaking tour.

As it turns out, they're night and day.

While the IPTAY functions might get a little sticky at times for a coach whose team lost four of its final five games - including a defeat by the dreaded Gamecocks. But on a day like Sunday, where fans line up for a chance to have Bowden - sitting at a table - autograph some sort of Clemson doodad.

Or something else.

"You want me to sign where? Okay, turn around," Bowden joked.

"No, seriously, there's not time for many questions because the line is so long I have to keep signing and keep them moving. If I hear anything at all, it's usually "Win that first one (Florida State) and beat South Carolina this year."

His response?

"Okay," he said to much laughter.

After all, what's a coach to say to requests such as those?

Another lighthearted moment from a coach many believe to be under the gun. So far, he has handled himself remarkably well.

Of course, Daddy's boys haven't shown up yet, either. So we will see.