Howard’s Rock Vandalized: Investigation Begins At Clemson University
Howard’s Rock has become a traditional symbol for Clemson University as the school’s football team rubs the iconic rock before every home game. The university announced on Wednesday night that it was vandalized earlier this month and that a police investigation is now underway.
According to a news release from the popular South Carolina school, “The Rock” was broken off of its pedestal after its casing was broken by the vandals. The release goes on to explain that there was no damage to the actual pedestal from the incident, which occurred some time June 2 or June 3 according to local police.
“We take vandalism, especially of such an important part of our history, very seriously, ” said Clemson’s Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich. “Police are investigating.”
According to WLTX-TV in Columbia, the artifact was brought to Clemson in 1919 from Death Valley, California from an alumnus. It’s remained at the school ever since after quickly becoming a treasured piece among students and faculty.
Howard’s Rock was given it’s permanent spot atop the hill in Memorial Stadium, also known as “Death Valley,” in 1967. It was named after Clemson’s head football coach Frank Howard, who held the clipboard for 30 years at the school and is widely considered one of the greatest of all-time in college football.
The university didn’t get into further detail about the incident, but “The Rock” has become a symbol for the school and they’re surely going to clear up the mess as soon as possible.
No matter how or when the investigation leads to answers, the football team won’t stop the tradition that brings the crowd in “Death Valley” to its feet as they take the field on Saturdays. Last season, the Tigers posted a 6-1 record at home where they rubbed the artifact before each game, only losing to their rival, the South Carolina Gamecocks, in their final regular season game.
Do you believe the iconic Howard’s Rock was vandalized by one of Clemson’s own students or possibly a student from a rival school?
[Image via Fuzzy510]
