Michael Cheatham This is Me

Education

 Web References

1. 1. The UFFP Forums

   www.theuffp.com/forum/News.asp - [Cached]

   Published on: 10/20/2005   Last Visited: 12/4/2005

   Michael Cheatham grew up across the road from Furman's downtown campus. His destiny sat a couple hundred yards away.
   
   "I would ride my tricycle in my driveway and look at the large bell tower in the background," said Cheatham. "I hoped to end up there one day." Although he attended Furman's new campus just a few miles up the road, Cheatham's wish was granted. He started at Furman in 1969 and graduated in 1973 with a degree in philosophy. The freight transportation consultant has had purple and white running through his veins ever since.
   
   These days Cheatham has become an icon at Furman football games. His purple flag with the "Diamond F" in the center suspended from a nine foot pole waves every time there is a Furman touchdown or a great defensive play.
   
   The number 73 on his Paladin jersey corresponds to the year he graduated from the university. And the name on the back of his jersey identifies him with his proper title: Flagman.
   
   Cheatham bought the flag in the bookstore for $25 in 1985 not knowing just how important its presence would become.
   
   "I started waving at games and became popular with the fans," said Cheatham. "One time I forgot the flag, my wife drove all the way back to Taylors to get it."
   
   Cheatham met his wife Jennifer at Furman. Jennifer also happens to be a Furman football fanatic. The two have missed only seven games (home and away) since 1980.
   
   "I'm blessed to have a spouse that is as much into [Furman football] as me."
   
   Michael and Jennifer's years as fans started in the midst of an epic rivalry between the Paladins and the Citadel Bulldogs. In Michael's freshmen year, Citadel students staged one of the infamous raids on the Furman campus. Graffiti and profanities were painted on the door of Judson, the bell tower and the doughboy statue.
   
   "They really wreaked some havoc on the campus," said Cheatham. "But the thing that upset me the most was that they were caught and only had to walk tours. The Citadel didn't have to pay for the damages." Needless to say, Cheatham has a special place in his heart for the Citadel.
   
   "I'd still rather beat the Bellhops than any other team," said Cheatham, referring to the Citadel military uniforms.
   
   Cheatham may wave his flag more furiously when the Paladins score on the Bulldogs but fans look to him bring some magic to the team in every game. Despite his large fan base, Cheatham was told in 2000 that he could no longer bring the flag to games, as it was a safety hazard.
   
   Cheatham and other donors wrote countless letters to Public Safety and Dr. Shi, who graduated with Cheatham, to allow flags into Paladin Stadium. Cheatham and other donors wrote countless letters to Public Safety and Dr. Shi, who graduated with Cheatham, to allow flags into Paladin Stadium.
   ...
   Cheatham abided by Public Safety's wishes until there was a change in policy. However, even when, after Sept. 11, 2001, Public Safety consented to allow flags for the next home game. Cheatham did not bring his flag. "I wrote Public Safety to say that a policy isn't valid unless it is valid all the time," said Cheatham, who assumed the temporary change was so that fans could bring American flags to the stadium.
   
   Later in the year, the ban on flags was lifted and Cheatham was again able wave the Paladins to victory. Cheatham does not consider himself Furman's number one fan but does think he is the most visible. "Along with others, I am a true fan," said Cheatham. "A true fan is one that supports their team in body, spirit and resources."
   
   As a Paladin Club member, Cheatham donates yearly to Furman's athletic programs. The money from the organization is put towards athletic scholarships. "Without the Paladin Club the football team may not exist," said Cheatham. "I understand that students don't have the resources. But alumni need to help support the program."
   
   Cheatham has certainly fulfilled his duty as a fan. So what lies ahead for Cheatham?