Clemson SID announces his retirement

CU Athletic Communications by

Clemson, S.C.— Longtime Clemson Football Communications Director Tim Bourret announced Friday that he will retire from the position on July 1, 2018. Bourret began his Clemson career as an assistant sports information director under Bob Bradley on September 1, 1978.

“It seems like yesterday that I was given the opportunity to travel with the Notre Dame football team for the 1977 game at Clemson,” said Bourret. “It was a free trip to experience the pageantry of a Clemson football game. Little did I know that I would start a 40-year career here the following year.

“Obviously this has been a special place, but more importantly it has consistently been an institution with special people. That list for me starts with Bob Bradley, who taught me so much about Clemson, its history and its people. I have worked with six football coaches and six basketball coaches very closely and have great respect for all of them today.

“For the last 10 years I couldn’t have had a better head coach to work with than Dabo Swinney. His strength of character carries to everyone else on his staff and the student-athletes.

“The same goes for head Golf coach Larry Penley and the 35 years I have worked with him. He has always had a program that is close to my heart.”

A native of West Hartford, Conn, Bourret was inducted into the CoSIDA Hall of Fame last summer. Under his direction the Clemson Sports Information Department has been honored with a “Super Eleven” Award by the Football Writers Association of America four times in the last eight years.

Bourret, who will continue to live in the area, will be involved with the athletic department in a part time capacity in terms of writing and broadcast assignments, and other special projects.

QUOTES

Dabo Swinney, Head Football Coach

“I’ve been at Clemson for 15 years, and started in college football in 1993, and there has truly been nobody better at what he does than Tim Bourret.

“I’m sad he’s going to be leaving full time, so he won’t be putting in 70 or so hours a week, but if anybody has earned the ability to pull back and have some time of their own, it’s Tim. While he’s not going to be around every day, I’m glad he’ll still be around Clemson and will still be a resource to me and the athletic department.

“I have such a deep appreciation for his brilliance, how he’s handled himself, the way he’s represented our program and this university and passion for what he does.

Thank you, Tim!”

Dan Radakovich, Director of Athletics

“Tim Bourret is a legend. He’s belongs on the Mount Rushmore of sports information professionals. His dedication and impact on Clemson Athletics can’t be overstated, and while he’s retiring from full-time service I’m happy he’ll continue to be a part of our department for years to come. Thank you, Tim!”

Tim Bourret...simply the best.

We all wish him well in his retirement!! #ThankYouTim pic.twitter.com/cDXKqUfKd8 — Dan Radakovich (@ClemsonDRad) January 26, 2018

Legendary Clemson football Sports Information Director Tim Bourett will retire on July 1 after 40 years with the university. Tim has seen it all. He'll be missed in college football. — Offseason mode: Activated (@PaulMyerberg) January 26, 2018

The way a few generations before who covered Clemson were grateful for the professionalism and kindness of Bob Bradley _ my generation and the ones around it appreciate the amazing job @TimBourret did and the wonderful human being he is. https://t.co/1GTLqESRFv — Jeffrey Collins (@JSCollinsAP) January 26, 2018

Legend, one of the best in the biz. https://t.co/TsfwPq8JDw — Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) January 26, 2018

I knew this day would come, but I wasn't prepared for it. Congratulations @TimBourret https://t.co/JCRgeHNOCd — Nikki Hood (@CUnik08) January 26, 2018

Congrats on your retirement @TimBourret. We all know about your exceptional writing, SID & broadcast abilities but what I will remember is how you treated people. You were always supportive & helpful. We will miss you greatly! — Kelly Gramlich (@kellygramlich) January 26, 2018

Happy for @TimBourret, sad for us. One of the great SIDs is all-time https://t.co/JoEPlxrOKS — Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) January 26, 2018

On a lighter note from everything happening today in college athletics, Clemson's @TimBourret announces he's retiring July 1. Bourret is believed to be the longest-tenured SID at one school. (And, as anyone who's met him can attest to, is a helluva guy.) — Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) January 26, 2018

I’m not sure how many schools have named a field after a sports information director, but Clemson should consider it. Can’t imagine anyone giving more to a program than @TimBourret. Congrats on a wonderful career, and thanks for all you’ve done for all us schlubs in the media. — Crooked Halery (@DavidHaleESPN) January 26, 2018

How many SIDs stick around until the wee hours after prime-time games to drive reporters back to media lot in his own rig? The gold standard, indeed! So glad Tim remaining part of Clemson community. Cheers, my friend. https://t.co/zVCBBIguGi — David Teel (@DavidTeelatDP) January 26, 2018

Someone much wiser than me could speak to the scope of @TimBourret's impact at Clemson over a 40-yr stretch but I'll just simply say I'm genuinely glad I get to work alongside him and will always appreciate his insight and kindness. #ThankYouTimBourret https://t.co/SMw6bfZGuO — Jonathan Gantt (@Jonathan_Gantt) January 26, 2018

Word comes today that Clemson's @TimBourret , one of the very best sports information directors in the history of college athletics, is retiring. Tim, thanks for everything you did for me. Proud to call you a friend. https://t.co/enG9l9IO26 — Tony Barnhart (@MrCFB) January 26, 2018

People say it’s hard to fill the shoes of a big time player but in this case a big time person in the best SID in the nation @TimBourret. Thank you TB for you genuine love for our sports programs and making a major difference for our school. On behalf of all of clemson nation we — Cj Spiller (@CJSPILLER) January 26, 2018

That's @TimBourret down there in the next row, wearing the sweater. His last football game as SID, as it turns out. Going to miss him so much. pic.twitter.com/IOXNkaAMKU — Larry Williams (@LarryWilliamsTI) January 26, 2018

Congratulations to @TimBourret for a remarkable career at Clemson University. The best in the business...a true pro and an even better person. — Mark Packer (@MarkPacker) January 26, 2018

I write for a living but I’m not sure I can adequately express my respect and admiration for Tim and everything he does. Can’t imagine Clemson without him!!! https://t.co/Y2rrJnQk9J — Andrea Adelson (@aadelsonESPN) January 26, 2018

Congratulations to the amazing @TimBourret on his upcoming retirement. He is the best of the best. #ThankYouTim for everything you have done for @ClemsonTigers & @ClemsonUniv pic.twitter.com/OWgW2tjyyh — Jim Clements (@ClemsonPrez) January 26, 2018