Meet Matthew Patrick, local veterinarian and Tiger Tell Guy legend

Clemson University prides itself on many things, such as having one of the best football teams in the country and being ranked in the top twenty public universities in the nation. But above all, one of the the greatest things about Clemson is the extremely dedicated fan base.

At every home game, you’re guaranteed two things – the most exciting 25 seconds of college football and hearing a voice calling out, “play Tiger Tell!” The man nicknamed Tiger Tell Guy sits near the Tiger Band, and at some point during every game, he jumps to his feet and calls for the rally song.

The Tab spoke to Tiger Tell Guy to find out more about the man behind the legend.

Photo credit: Nick Barry

What made you first request ‘Tiger Tell?’

I started sitting in the K section next to the band in 2008. The drum section used to sit on the aisle back then and I was mesmerized. My wife, for Christmas that year, gave me a CD of Tiger Band music. I remember it like it was yesterday – flipping through the tunes and cheers I had heard many times. And then….track 15, ‘Tiger Tell’.

I was absolutely hooked. I played it for everyone I saw that day. A bunch of Clemson fans and nobody knew of it. So the next year I asked one of the quad drummers about Tiger Tell. “How come y’all never play that?” He said he didn’t know why it wasn’t played and would ask. No dice though for the rest of the year.

If the timeline is right, the first game of 2010 is when it was first played after my request. My family and I were leaving the game, and I was walking up the stadium stairs when I heard the trumpets. Without a thought – facing the wrong way and probably with little kids around – I shouted, “holy shit, that’s my jam!”

When it was over, I didn’t know what else to do but scream out, “That was beautiful! Oh my God!” The quad drummer who took my request pointed his stick at me and said, “That was for you!” And the story goes on and on, but that’s the beginning. That’s how it got played.

How did you come to be a Clemson fan?

I am not a tiger by graduation. My father went to Clemson. My brothers and I were raised as Clemson fans. None of us graduated from a school with a football team, so there was no reason to change allegiances. Clemson itself, as it does for most fans I think, holds many fond memories for me and became deep rooted into my DNA.

Tiger Band sees you as a symbol of the Clemson spirit. How do you feel about that?

I’m not sure I can put into words how flattered I am by this question. I am typically a rather humble person and I don’t like for people to make a fuss over what I do or accomplishments I’ve had. But I see a magic in the fabric of Tiger Band and I enjoy trying to bring that magic to life.

Its importance is debatable, so I’ll put it this way: if Tiger Tell Guy died tonight and I lived on, my love for Clemson will not have changed, but there would be a noticeable, uncomfortable hole in my favorite Saturdays.

Who are you when you’re not Tiger Tell Guy?

My real name is Matthew Patrick. I am a veterinarian. I partner with my father at our practice in Charleston. My bride, Jill, and I have two daughters, two and five years old. Everyday is dropping my older child at school and then doing veterinary things to dogs and cats. I love my job and the challenges it brings. In my free time I like golf, jogging, boating and yard work.

Photo credit: Matthew Patrick

What made you such a strong supporter for Tiger Band?

You guys rock, that’s why. Tiger Band is known as the Guardians of the Clemson Spirit. But it is more than that. It is the promoter, the flag bearer of the Clemson spirit. It is a huge part of the Clemson experience and Clemson’s tradition. Game day would not be the same without the band, and I believe it’s influence on the game itself is more than people realize.

Tiger Tell Guy can always be counted on to boost the spirits of Tiger Band and all of the fans. And legends like Matthew give Clemson the success it has been able to boast about over the years.