Clemson coach's visit benefits ranch

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
Saying he traveled farther than anyone else to attend Thursday night's fundraiser for the Quinn's Ranch boys' home, Clemson University head football coach Dabo Swinney captivated an audience with his testimony and helped the ranch raise funding for its Red Bay home.
Swinney, a former walk-on at the University of Alabama who went on to serve as an assistant coach for the Crimson Tide, was hired as Clemson's interim coach last October when Tommy Bowden was fired midseason. Swinney, a Pelham native, was hired as the full time head coach after turning the Tigers' season around in 2008 and finishing with a New Year's Day bowl.
"The biggest thing about this job now is the circle of influence I have," he said to the group, which included many students and the boys currently living at Quinn's Ranch.
Swinney talked about his life and how his father was an alcoholic and all of the other obstacles he overcame to make his dream come true.
"Dream big and have some hope that better days are coming," he said. "Prepare for life's opportunities.
"I know what it's like to be scared, worried, in need. I know what it's like to hurt. None of you know what the future holds, but you need to know this, you can be successful."
Thursday night's banquet at Calvary Baptist Church attracted several former University of Alabama players, including Tyler Watts, Gary Hollingsworth and Roger Schultz, who many know from the NBC hit show "Biggest Loser."