The Gentleman's Hat
History of the Hat
The Gentleman's Hat is a major tradition at Duke East Term II. It is a straw hat with a red band going around the top with a University of South Carolina logo on it. On the bottom of the hat is a list of names of the gentlemen who have been previous owners of the hat. Although Julian Moresi didn't identify as male at the time, they are still more of a gentleman than most men can hope to be.
Inside the Hat
Inside the hat has the date 11-28-16 written. This is the date that 2017 owner Griffin McCombs' aunt unfortunately passed away, and she meant very much to him and the death of her affected him greatly. He chose to honor her by putting the date of passing in the hat, sealed into the history and future.
The date 5-30-18 is also written inside of the hat. Colin Stenger’s gymnastics coach of 9 years died of a widowmaker heart attack, and he was like a second father to him. He served as a role model and was one of the people who taught Colin to have faith in people and treat them with love.
Owners of The Gentleman's Hat
- '04-'05 - Jim Manning (All that can be read on the hat is "Jim M," but Mel Weyant claims that Manning is right)
- '05-'06 - Billy McCormick
- '06-'07 - Tyler Mefford
- '07-'08 - José Tadeu (JT) Bijos
- '08-'09 - Aaron Shinn
- '09-'10 - Frank James
- '10-'11 - James Hunter Archer
- '11-'12 - Julian Moresi
- '12-'13 - Henry Saussy
- '13-'14 - Tyler Tinari
- '14-'15 - Sebastian Babis
- '15-'16 - Nick Jones
- '16-'17 - Griffin McCombs
- '17-'18 - Colin Stenger
- '18-'19 - Cris Ramirez
- '19-'20 - Ethan Spain