January 17

January 17 in Clemson History

Events on January 17 in Clemson's History

• 1931: Jess Neely is named new head football coach, the second consecutive Vanderbilt graduate to hold the position. Josh Cody was class of 1917, Neely, class of 1923. In fact, eight of nine Clemson head coaches between 1931 and 1998 are graduates of current SEC schools.
• 1941: The Clemson Dairy Department begins the experimental manufacture of blue cheese.
• 1978: Fat Cat's Disco located on the 123 By-Pass is arsoned at 4:30 p.m. and is completely gutted. A five-gallon kerosene can is found at the site. Also, former state Senator Richard Riley makes campaign appearance on the Clemson campus one day after announcing his candidacy for governor.
• 2007: Men's basketball team hosts North Carolina in Littlejohn Coliseum at 7 p.m., televised nationally on ESPN, losing 55-77 for second loss of season.
• 2009: The 10th-ranked Tigers lose in Littlejohn Coliseum to the undefeated number 2-ranked Wake Forest Demon Deacons (16-0), 68-78 , for Clemson's first season loss (16-1). ABC commentator Brent Musburger features spot about the Esso Club during the game's second half, and gives shout-outs to Pixie & Bill's and the Pot Belly Deli. The Clemson Wiki Main Page tallies hit 67,000.
• 2010: Gaines Adams, the former Clemson defensive lineman and member of the Chicago Bears, passed away Sunday morning, leaving everyone affiliated with Clemson in total shock.

Clemson lost a beloved friend in the soft-spoken Adams, who was 26, and according to Greenwood County coroner Jim Coursey, appeared to be in good health. An autopsy will be performed on Sunday by a forensic pathologist in Anderson County.

Coursey said Adams was dead upon arrival at Self Regional Memorial Hospital. He was pronounced dead at 8:21 AM.

Adams was the fourth overall selection in the 2007 draft by the Tampa Bay Bucs. Tampa traded him to the Bears in October for a second-round draft pick in April.

“This is a sad day for Clemson Nation,” said Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, who was wide receiver coach of the Tigers during Adams’s playing career. “Gaines was not only a great player at Clemson; he was an outstanding young man.

“He was a great example of how you could progress through hard work. He played eight-man football in high school, and then became a top five pick. How many people have done that. I was an offensive assistant coach during his career, and we all took notice of his considerable skills. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

Former Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden, who was Adams’ head coach during his college career, also released a statement

“I was shocked and saddened to hear this news,” Bowden said. “When I heard the news I thought it was his father because he has the same name. I just couldn’t believe it was Gaines. I will always remember the smile he had on his face and I will always remember his patience. To go from eight-man football, to prep school, then to red-shirt, he waited his time, but proved it was worth the wait. Then he showed his patience when he came back for his senior year and could have gone pro after the 2005 season. This is a great loss and our prayers to out to his family.”

-By David Hood, Senior Writer, Tiger Net.com

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