Several years ago during a southern alumni tour, I was contacted by Steve N, the alumni director, and offered to coordinate a tailgate and group hockey game for the Carolina Hurricanes vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets. With spouses, friend and children, there were about 45 folks at the tailgate, which included Steve, Tony Collins and his wife. We had a real southern barbecue tailgate with ‘all the fixings’. We actually got double the desserts as when the caterer delivered the food, just as he opened the tailgate on his SUV, the cherry cobbler fell on the back inside of the tailgate door then onto the parking lot. Fortunately their restaurant was across the street from the arena allowing him time to replace the cobbler as well as bring the typical barbecue dessert, banana pudding. Tony was in awe of the amount of total tailgates going on, and if I recall correctly, enjoying pork barbecue for the first time along with a delicious craft beer brought by an alumni from Greensboro who opened a brewery. Obviously excelled in both Chem 101 and weekend off campus studies. After the game, Erik Cole from the Canes and Grant Clitsome from the Blue Jackets, both Clarkson alum, were supposed to join us for an after game dessert in a private room. At the last minute Cole had a family obligation but Clitsome joined and obliged anyone for an autograph or pic. Tony was absolutely amazed how well everything went and according to Steve we accomplished something rarely done: left Tony speechless. His leadership at Clarkson was excellent, his support for sports, all sports at Clarkson was off the charts. When fellow ‘72 alum Dick ‘Raccoon’ Cianciotto mentioned the soccer locker room needed upgrading, Tony was not only 100% behind it, personally supported it. We all wish him well in retirement. Personally speaking, it’s awesome
Bob Fennel ’72