[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 11 (Friday, January 26, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S399-S400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE LATE COACH FRANK HOWARD

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, one of the most famous institutions of 
the South is college football. For decades, southern colleges and 
universities have produced powerhouse teams that dominate bowl games 
and yield some of the most talented players that are to be found among 
professional football clubs. Without question, the Clemson University 
Tigers is one of the grand old teams of southern football, and Frank 
Howard was the man who became synonymous not only with Clemson 
football, but with Clemson athletics. It is with great sadness that I 
rise today to mark his passing, and to pay tribute to him as a coach, a 
role model, a man, and a friend.
  Frank Howard dedicated his life to Clemson University and its 
football program. He loved that school so much, that after he retired 
from coaching, he remained in South Carolina and continued to be an 
important part of Clemson University campus life. Not only did Frank 
attend virtually every Tiger home game, he maintained an office in the 
Jervey Athletic Center and was affectionately, and appropriately, given 
the title of ``Legend.'' During his career, Frank amassed one of the 
most impressive victory records in college football, fielding winning 
teams year after year, and capturing several Atlantic Coast Conference 
championships. In addition to his skills as a coach, Frank was a gifted 
recruiter, and that combination ensured that Clemson always had a team 
of enthusiastic, talented, and well coached players. Countless 
individual and team records were set by Clemson players during Frank's 
three-decade tenure at the University, and many of his players went on 
to become some of the most respected individuals to take to the 
gridiron in the National Football League.
  Frank was the first to admit that there was no secret to how he won 
football games: he believed in playing aggressive football. As he said 
time and time again, ``Blocking and tackling wins games.'' While Frank 
stood for little nonsense as a coach, as some thought him gruff, he was 
a man who truly loved his players and set an example for them to be 
individuals who not only truly loved his players and set an example for 
them to be individuals who not only had a commitment to winning, but to 
good sportsmanship as well. As any coach would be, Frank was proud of 
his players who went on to play professional football, and believe me 
Mr. President, there was no shortage of such individuals. Through the 
years, Tigers have played on probably every team in both the American 
and National Football Conferences. What separated Frank from many other 
coaches is that he was equally proud of his players who never made the 
roster of a pro team, but who contributed to the growth and success of 
South Carolina. Frank was always quick and pleased to note that many of 
his former players went on to become influential and respected leaders 
in professions as diverse as the law, medicine, business, academics, 
and religion. No doubt, their accomplishments are in large part 
attributable to the influence that Frank Howard had on them while they 
were young men.
  Mr. President, Frank Howard was once quoted as saying,

       When I die I want to be buried up there on that hill near 
     the stadium. I want to be there 

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     so I can hear all them people cheering my Tigers on Saturday and where 
     I can smell that chewing tobacco in ever corner of the 
     stadium. Then I won't have to go to heaven. I'll already be 
     there.

  I am pleased to note that as Frank desired, he will be buried on 
Cemetery Hill, where he will be able to watch over his beloved Tigers. 
While Frank is going to be buried in his version of heaven, I have no 
doubt that St. Peter ushered him past the Pearly Gates, and at this 
moment he is gathered around a chalkboard with the other greats of 
coaching, going over games and plays, and enjoying the praises of his 
peers for his career of accomplishments. Needless to say, Coach Frank 
Howard will be missed by his large circle of friends, tens of thousands 
of football fans, and a grateful State. We all send our heartfelt 
condolences to his widow, Ruth, and to the rest of Frank's family.

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