A Sea Of Red

You guys might get tired of hearing about the flame idea, but if you do, get over it. This morning I had another idea for beginning a new tradition ie. similar to what FSU does with the horse and the lance, or what Clemson does with rubbing the rock on the way to the field.
IF the eternal (or qwasi eternal) flame idea becomes a reality, I would love to see right before the game, a team captain, the player of the game from the week before, a celebrity, etc. take a small torch and go to the eternal flame, light the torch and then lead the team onto the field. I have also considered how this idea could be expanded to other sports and venues.
I think the symbolism is quite good, your thoughts? Remember to be gentle.

Shaw,

I agree with your points. I definitely like the flame idea, and the idea of having someone light it would be awesome as well!

I read an article in the Richmond Times Dispatch yesterday, about Coach Rocco, and he said that after every home football win he would salute the press box to where Jerry sat. He said he would continue that tradition. That will be special.

I've alway supported an eternal flame, but it seems 100 times more appropriate now. And carrying a flame that was "born" of that particular one for each game is a very cool idea. Just don't drop it on that brand new turf!

jcmanson wrote:Shaw,

I agree with your points. I definitely like the flame idea, and the idea of having someone light it would be awesome as well!

I read an article in the Richmond Times Dispatch yesterday, about Coach Rocco, and he said that after every home football win he would salute the press box to where Jerry sat. He said he would continue that tradition. That will be special.

i never noticed rocco doing this, but no doubt this will be something very special. i'm not really sure how, but i can picture the crowd becoming invovled in this tradtion. i.e. saluting with him or something like that.

What you are suggesting is sort of a reverse of what the Olympics does in their opening ceremonies where the torch is carried into the stadium and the big flame is lit. I could see where it would be a very moving tradition, and being the "Flame Bearer" would be an unforgettable honor. I like the idea Flameshaw.

I was looking for a "thumbs up" icon, but this will do.

JC/All, Thanks for your response, I probably didn't make myself clear, but I was thinking that a team captain, ect would take a smaller unlit torch to a larger eternal flame, light the smaller torch from the eternal; flame and lead the team onto the field with the smaller one. I personally think it has great symbolism and would/could be a very spirit stirring/building event. Again, thanks for your thoughts.

ok, we always spout off our ideas on this board for stuff, but how could we get that done? I guess we'd have to let the right people know.

I like the "Flame Bearer" or maybe "Flame Keeper" designation. Additionally, if we called the big flame the "Falwell Flame" or maybe "The Champions Cauldren" (sp), would make it real nice. I am getting fired up, just thinking about it.

Does anyone see any saftey problems that could not be resolved?

LUconn wrote:ok, we always spout off our ideas on this board for stuff, but how could we get that done? I guess we'd have to let the right people know.

There are many on here who can get the idea to the right people. I am trying to gauge the response to the idea before we run it up the flag pole. I can get it to the right people, but there are others here who have a more direct line.

Thanks again for the ideas, keep em coming.

flameshaw wrote:JC/All, Thanks for your response, I probably didn't make myself clear, but I was thinking that a team captain, ect would take a smaller unlit torch to a larger eternal flame, light the smaller torch from the eternal; flame and lead the team onto the field with the smaller one. I personally think it has great symbolism and would/could be a very spirit stirring/building event. Again, thanks for your thoughts.

I like that idea. I like that idea a lot. It mixes a few of my favorite things, namely football, symbolism, raw emotion and an open flame. I think the who the actual "torchbearer" person was would be open to discussion but if we do install an "eternal flame", this should be the next step.

before anybody suggests it, whoever the "flamebearer" is probably shouldn't be sparky. I think this would be a bit more on the serious side, where as sparky is kinda goofy.

LUconn wrote:before anybody suggests it, whoever the "flamebearer" is probably shouldn't be sparky. I think this would be a bit more on the serious side, where as sparky is kinda goofy.

Absolutely. I think it would have to be a student that is deserving of the honor -- reasons TBD -- and who would understand its significance.

I have nothing to add to the discussion other then that I think this is a great idea....I would love to see something like this start this coming season, but I guess things like this take time.....

great idea though

great ideas flameshaw. you know the right people, pitch that idea. maybe we shoudl get the alumni office invoved. raising money for this idea shoudl nto be a problem. maybe this shoudl be a flamefans.com deal. maybe proto could help with the marketing of it so we could make a formal presentation??

LUconn wrote:before anybody suggests it, whoever the "flamebearer" is probably shouldn't be sparky. I think this would be a bit more on the serious side, where as sparky is kinda goofy.

I agree, it should be a high honor to actually be the torch bearer, it gives the sports department an opportunity to recognize people/athletes etc. that have had a positive impact on the program. This would only happen 6 times a year at the most, if it is limited to football games.

concerns that could come up: does fire endanger the field or players? I suppose a player could get burned, although it's unlikely. I guess the field is a substantial amount of sand and rubber, but does the grass burn/melt easily if this was dropped by mistake?

Whoever carried it would probably have to wear some type of glove.

thepostman wrote:I have nothing to add to the discussion other then that I think this is a great idea....I would love to see something like this start this coming season, but I guess things like this take time.....

great idea though

Postman,

Oh ye of little faith, this can happen this coming football season. It will take some work, but certainly can be done. Smoothie, I like the idea of getting proto involved, maybe you can make that contact, since i do not know him.

maybe jerry jr., jonathan or dr. towns should be the lighters. flameshaw, i will get in touch with proto.

If you form a list of ideas...I think it would be great to pass them along to Coach Rocco...Coach is all about bringing tradition back to this place Look at what he did last year...i.e bringing back the fight song and etc...and then cc...Jeff Barber to the e-mail and that would be a great way to get the ball rolling...

At the end of the third quarter, fans should hold up a cross, an American flag, or just their hand.

Wake Forest fans and players held up an open hand for the fallen sibling of their star player. It was a solemn moment right before being geared up for the final stretch.

This beats the pregame and halftime because most people are in their seats at this time.

Yea, that was good for those schools. It's not us. I know you want it to be, but it's not.

I see it as a tradition that could be started similar to dotting the "i" with the Ohio State band. Should be a tremendous honor.

HenryGale wrote:I see it as a tradition that could be started similar to dotting the "i" with the Ohio State band. Should be a tremendous honor.

Good analogy HG. I was trying to think of something like this before, but couldn't do it at the time, yes similar honor.

I was the one who brought up the torch-lighting before a game back on the old Firehouse and I still love the idea. It will require a significant donation to cover the expenses but I'd love to find out what type of money would be needed to make it happen.

I'd still love to see a Rock Royer rock of some kind at the stadium as well. But a Falwell Flame would be outstanding and really add a tremendous amount to game atmosphere. If we are going to be the flames, what better way to illustrate our nickname than through actual burning flames.