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Carolina sinks the commodores joust with knights on tap after bye

September 18, 2013 • Volume 35 • Issue 25

2 • Spurs & Feathers

September 18, 2013

photos by allen sharpe

Left: Bruce Ellington had a career day in the victory over the Commodores. Right: Jimmy Legree’s interception in the fourth quarter allowed the Gamecocks to run out the clock.

Strong start leads Gamecocks to first SEC win of 2013 season by brian hand bhand@spursandfeathers.com COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina rushed out to a 28-0 advantage and then never looked back again in a 35-25 victory over Vanderbilt before a sellout crowd of 81,371 on Saturday evening at Williams-Brice Stadium.

The victory was South Carolina’s 13th straight win at Williams-Brice Stadium. The 13 straight home wins tie for the second-longest home winning streak in school history.

The Gamecocks at 13 consecutive home wins are tied with Georgia for the secondlongest streak in Division I football behind Michigan’s 16 consecutive home wins.

The 13th-ranked Gamecocks dominated the game statistically. In fact, South Carolina (2-1, 1-1 SEC) more than doubled up the Commodores in total yards in the game at 579-268.

The Gamecocks also more than doubled up Vanderbilt in first downs at 31-14. The Gamecocks were 11-of-17 on their third down conversions, while the Commodores were just 2-of-12 on their third down conversions.

“Well, that was a good win for the Gamecocks and we’re happy to get a good win,” South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier said. “Obviously it was a game that we looked like we were dominating. We scored on maybe the first four possessions then stuff started happening, we quit making third downs I guess. We scored on five of our first seven possessions and then ran out the clock there at the end …. it was a good win for us. Happy to get another win at home, a win in the conference, a win in the Eastern Division and against a good Vanderbilt team.”

After South Carolina won the coin toss and deferred to the second half, Vanderbilt commenced the game with the football. The Gamecock defense forced a three and out

on the Commodores’ first possession of the game with Chaz Sutton emphatically sacking Vanderbilt (1-2, 0-2 SEC) quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels on third down to force a punt.

After the Commodore punt, the Gamecocks would take advantage of good field position on their opening drive by marching 42 yards in 2:37 to take a 7-0 lead. The opening drive for the Gamecocks ended with starting quarterback Connor Shaw throwing a 12-yard strike to the back of the end zone to Nick Jones.

After once again forcing Vanderbilt to punt on their next offensive possession, South Carolina promptly marched 93 yards in 11 plays to make the score 14-0 in their favor.

Mike Davis was the star of the drive as he put the Gamecocks in scoring position by taking a Shaw pass 38 yards to the Vanderbilt 24. Shortly thereafter, Davis punched it into the end zone from four yards out.

When Vanderbilt’s third offensive possession resulted in a punt, South Carolina’s offense once again made it look easy by going 76 yards in eight plays for their third touchdown of the game. In his first offensive series of the game, Dylan Thompson completed all five of his passes for 67 yards. It was his legs though that garnered the Gamecocks the 21-0 lead with 32 seconds left to play in the first quarter with Thompson scoring on a quarterback keeper from three yards out.

The touchdown run by Thompson marked the final Gamecock points of a first quarter that saw the Gamecocks pick up 13 first downs to Vanderbilt’s one. The Gamecocks closed out the first quarter with 211 total yards. Vanderbilt had just 29 total yards in the first stanza.

The quarter break did not deter the Gamecocks with South Carolina returning to its scoring ways on their first offensive possession of the second quarter. Bruce Ellington was the catalyst for the Gamecocks on the scoring drive. He picked up South

Carolina’s fourth touchdown of the game when he caught a 26-yard touchdown pass from Shaw. Ellington was blanketed by the Vanderbilt defense on the touchdown catch, but he nevertheless was able to bring in the pass from Shaw.

South Carolina looked to be marching towards its fifth touchdown of the game on its next offensive possession, but Thompson was intercepted by Vanderbilt’s Steven Clarke, who then returned the ball to the one-yard line. Vanderbilt running back Jerron Seymour then scored off a direct snap on the next play to set the score at 28-7 in the Gamecocks’ favor with 3:38 to play in the first half.

Vanderbilt would then tack on three more points in the final seconds of the first half when Carey Spear connected on a 54-yard field goal. The field goal sent the two teams into intermission with South Carolina owning a 28-10 lead.

The first half concluded with South Carolina holding a dominating advantage in total yards at 381-95. The Gamecocks, who had the football for 19:43 in the first half, picked up a total of 21 first downs in the opening half. Vanderbilt had just four.

The Gamecocks took advantage of receiving the ball to start the second half as they picked up another touchdown when Brandon Wilds scored from 33 yards out off a pass from Shaw. Wilds’ touchdown was the culmination of a 10-play, 75-yard drive that encompassed just over four and a half minutes.

Neither team would score again in the third quarter, but the fourth quarter began with Vanderbilt scoring 15 points in the first 1:01 of the quarter to pull within 10 points at 3525.

A few minutes later a Gamecock miscue on a Vanderbilt punt that was touched by a South Carolina player gave the Commodores the football at the Gamecocks’ 37-yard line.

The Commodores looked as if they were going to score, but Gamecock cornerback

Jimmy Legree intercepted a Carta-Samuels pass in the end zone to give the ball back to South Carolina with 8:41 left in the game.

South Carolina’s offense from there would then run the clock all the way down to under a minute before Vanderbilt took over at its own 35-yard line with 55 seconds remaining.

The Commodores would not be able to score in the final seconds, leaving South Carolina with the 10-point win.

Now 12-0 at Williams-Brice Stadium as the Gamecock starting quarterback, Shaw finished the South Carolina victory 21-for-29 with 284 yards passing and three touchdowns. He also rushed the ball 19 times for 84 yards. His 368 all-purpose yards in the game were the second-most of his career.

“I thought he (Shaw) had a heck of a game.

He’s a really good passer. We gave him a game ball; we thought he was deserving of a game ball,” Spurrier noted.

Ellington was the top target on the day for the Gamecocks. He had a career-best eight catches for 111 yards. Ellington also had the one touchdown catch.

Davis finished the Gamecock win with 144 all-purpose yards in the game on 77 yards rushing and 67 yards receiving.

Marcquis Roberts and Legree led the Gamecocks in the game with seven tackles each. Jadeveon Clowney collected his ninth forced fumble of his career in the third quarter. Clowney also had four tackles in the game.

Carta-Samuels ended the Vanderbilt loss with 147 yards passing. He was 12-for-22 with an interception and a touchdown.

Vanderbilt preseason All-SEC wide receiver Jordan Matthews finished with 106 yards on eight catches.

After having a bye next Saturday, South Carolina will next head to Orlando, Fla. to take on Central Florida on Satusrday, Sept.

28. Central Florida (3-0) also has a bye next Saturday. The Knights picked up a 34-31 road win over Penn State on Saturday.

Spurs & Feathers • 3

September 18, 2013

photo by Allen sharpe

Connor Shaw ended the win over Vanderbilt 21-for-29 with 284 yards passing and three touchdowns. He also rushed the ball 19 times for 84 yards in the Gamecock victory.

Confidence and belief can wash over everything else The schedule says, like it or not, it’s time for a week off.

It doesn’t always happen this way, but this time the schedule hits the Gamecocks at what seems like just the right moment.

Let’s be honest about it and state the obvious, that, after three games, the season hasn’t opened the way Carolina’s coaching staff and football players had anticipated.

Those pre-season expectations – the ones held by the team, not by the media or the fans – are due for a thorough review starting this week and after a victory over Vanderbilt that was more complete than the final score indicated, the relevance of a week off is simple to understand.

The Gamecocks are not in need of a major overhaul by any stretch of the imagination, but they are surely due for, let’s call it a frontend to back-end tune-up.

Steve Spurrier talked after the Vanderbilt

game about not moping around, about, essentially, taking the 2-1 start and finding ways to make it better.

There were a lot of areas visible on the tapes from the first three games where improvements could be made, but that’s always the case for every team at every level. The point with Carolina is the big stuff is Bart Wright headed in the right direction and it has been from Contributing Writer the start of the season.

It’s the little things that will trip you up and we have seen examples of that in all three games. Against Vandy, it was a bobbled kickoff, a Carolina punt that hit a Gamecock player unaware of the location of the football;

never a good thing when you’re on the field in special teams play.

Little things get in the way, but don’t lose sight of the big picture. After three weeks, the Southeastern Conference leads all conferences in rushing attempts (1,598), net rushing yards (8,331) and rushing touchdowns (91), and for most people, those are not surprising numbers.

The SEC built its stellar reputation on being able to run the ball and run it some more, but consider that while SEC teams have compiled what figures out to 595 net rushing yards per team, the Gamecocks have compiled 672, or 224 per game.

This is a team in the upper half of rushing in the best rushing conference in the country with a defense that is getting better.

And never discount the belief Spurrier has in quarterback Connor Shaw.

He seems to have implicit trust in this se-

nior leader who, from a mental and emotional standpoint, is everything a football coach wants in his quarterback.

With the game a little too close in the final minutes, Carolina had the ball inside its own 1-yard line with a first down and Spurrier had Shaw throwing from his own end zone.

Not just any throw, but a sideline pass that, if not thrown on target, would be interception bait for the defense.

Spurrier had Shaw pitching the ball deep in his own territory to get some running room, he gave him the freedom to run in short yardage situations.

Let’s sum it up by saying the Head Ball Coach and the senior leader are on the same page, pulling the load with them. When you have that confidence and belief, it can wash over everything else.

Right down to the little things that need to be tied up tight on an off week.

4 • Spurs & Feathers

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September 18, 2013

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Eight new members inducted to South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame................6

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Football Schedule & SEC Standings..........................9

Executive Editor bhand@spursandfeathers.com (803) 335-1399 Ext. 506

Association of Lettermen hosts golf tournament for members.................................10

Mike Kucharski

BJ McKie profile.............................................................12

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Hand Writing..................................................................13

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Reliving that championship feeling with Dave Lucas............................................................14

Gamecocks getting their ‘sand legs’ .....................20

Carolina baseball opens fall practice....................16

Gamecock Club’s Chip Comer profile....................21

Advertising Director (803) 644-2349

Gamecock Cruisers RV Club......................................17

Dawn Staley eager to show what it takes............22

Kathy Boyette

Charlotte Gamecock Club.........................................18

Troutman and family are loyal Gamecocks.........23

On the tee with Puggy Blackmon..........................19

Cocky in the nation’s capital.....................................24

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In Memoriam.................................................................25 “Inside the Chart” with Andy Demetra.................26 Gamecocks help Curing Kids Cancer....................27 Upcoming events: Gamecock Club.......................28 Gamecock football promotions..............................30 Lots of football still ahead

by Ed Girardeau.............................................................31

September 18, 2013

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September 18, 2013

Eight inducted into South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com

it was just so awesome being here and I can’t believe that I’m back and I’m the one being honored … I just say ‘wow.’”

It was a night to remember as the 2013 Boyle was the next honoree for his time on class was inducted into the South Carolina the diamond for the Gamecocks from 1981Athletic Hall of Fame Thursday, Sept. 12 in 84. He helped to lead the team to the College The Zone at Williams-Brice Stadium.

World Series twice, and he is still tied for There were eight members enshrined in second all-time in the South Carolina record this year’s class in an evening that was debooks with 198 career RBIs. scribed as surreal by the inductees. Each “Joining this prestigious group is such an claimed separately it was a tremendous honor and for me to be honored here with honor and that they were extremely proud to these great athletes is mind boggling. I am join such a prestigious group. very, very humbled,” Boyle said. “My best The ceremony was sponsored by the Asmemories are when we made the two trips sociation of Lettermen and the event was to Omaha. My freshmen class, we were attended by 17 other current Hall of Fame actually the first team to go back-to-back members and many other lettermen as well. to Omaha, so that’s probably my greatest Lou Sossamon, Sheila Foster, Gary Gregor, memory.”

Alex Hawkins, John Saunders, Jeff Grantz, Runager was next to the podium to be Harold White, Willie Scott, Fred Ziegler, recognized for his time serving as the Mike McCabe, Ed Pitts, King Dixon, Kent Gamecocks’ punter in 1974 and ‘76-78. He DeMars, Johnny LeHeup, Emily White, was chosen as the punter for Carolina’s allHenry Martin and Jeff Kefalos were all Hall time team in 1992 and holds the Gamecock of Famers in attendance for the event. record for net putting average for a single The night’s honorees were Dr. Megan Mat- honors were two All-SEC selections, one has been a good six months.” game. Runager also played in the NFL for thews Buning of softball; Charmaine Howell All-America selection, SEC Tournament Howell was next honored for her time at 11 years and punted in two Super Bowls. from track and field; Chris Boyle and Drew MVP and top-10 placing in the SEC career Carolina from 1997-99. She was named “It was unexpected, but a dream come Meyer from baseball; Max Runager, Dave statistics in multiple categories. Buning also All-American four times in her Gamecock true. I love this place and love the University DeCamilla and Jake Bodkin from football; recently received her Ph.D. in higher educa- career, along with winning a silver medal of South Carolina and it gives me chills just and women’s tennis coach Arlo Elkins. Bod- tion at Ole Miss. at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, thinking about it,” Runager said. “From bekin and Elkins were honored posthumously “It is surreal, and honestly I’m a bit in the 4x400 relay for her home country of ginning as a walk-on, to lettering my walkand had awards accepted on their behalf by speechless, honored and very humbled …

Jamaica. on freshman year, to becoming a captain my Jerry Frye for Bodkin and Elkins’ brother it’s just an amazing recognition,” Buning “It’s amazing. It’s just like a dream come senior year and the experiences with teamDrew and his family. said. “It’s never something I thought about true because never in my wildest dreams did mates and fans were all great.”

Buning was the first to be honored for or even crossed my mind … my degree was I think this would happen,” Howell said. “A Meyer was next to be honored for his time her time pitching for the Gamecock softconferred in May and I got this call right af- couple years ago I was here for one of my Please see Hall, Page 8 ball team from 1998-2002. Among her ter pretty much. It was boom, boom. It really fellow teammates Aleen Bailey’s induction;

PHOTOS BY ALLEN SHARPE AND JENNY DILWORTH Dave DeCamilla poses with his picture prior to the start of the Hall of Fame induction ceremony (left). Jerry Frye accepted on behalf of former teammate Jake Bodkin (right).

September 18, 2013

Spurs & Feathers • 7

PHOTOS BY ALLEN SHARPE AND JENNY DILWORTH Left: Gamecock baseball great Drew Meyer prior to the start of the induction ceremony. Right: Olympic silver medalist and former Gamecock Charmaine Howell prior to induction.

8 • Spurs & Feathers

hall, continued from page 6

DeCamilla came next to be recognized for his play on Paul Dietzel’s football team on the diamond with the Gamecocks from from 1968-70. He was named first-team 2000-02. He was a part of a team that won All-ACC offensive tackle in 1969 and 1970 162 games during his three years in uniform while helping to lead the Gamecocks to for South Carolina. their only ACC Championship in 1969. DeMeyer still holds the all-time SEC record Camilla never lost to Clemson in his career for hits in a season at 120. He was drafted and won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy for by the Texas Rangers in the first round of the state of South Carolina in 1969. the Major League Baseball draft.

“I’m floored and speechless almost … I “It’s pretty special, to have my family never really bought in to individual honors here and to be recognized like this is a tre- in a team sport, but it is nice to have them,” mendous honor. It’s not something you ex- DeCamillia said. “I am just very grateful pect, but it’s something that you would love and very lucky to have played with the to have,” Meyer said. “It’s not something group that I did. To be able to win an ACC you try to think about too much. I’m honchampionship was absolutely great.” ored today, and I’m glad to be here tonight.” Bodkin was then honored posthumously

September 18, 2013

for his time as a Gamecock football player from 1958-60. Bodkin earned All-ACC accolades in 1959 as a second-team selection and 1960 on the first-team. He won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy for the state of South Carolina in 1960 and was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1961.

“It’s a great honor to stand in for him … our careers kind of paralleled each other.

We were both drafted by the Buffalo Bills, played in all-star games together, both made all-state together and we both just had such a good time together all the way through,” Frye said. “We just had a good time all the way through and he was such a good person to be with, not to mention a heck of a football player, too.”

The final honoree was tennis coach Arlo Elkins, also inducted posthumously in recognition for his 28 years coaching the women’s team at South Carolina. The Gamecocks made the NCAA Tournament 19 times under Elkins, including each of his final 17 years. The team advanced to at least the second round 15 times and to the Sweet Sixteen on four occasions.

“He loved the University of South Carolina so much, so I think it is really neat. Arlo loved this place that’s for sure,” Drew Elkins said. “I am extremely excited to accept this award for him, as is the whole family.

We just think it is great to have this recognition for all the time he spent at a place he loved so much.”

PHOTOS BY ALLEN SHARPE AND JENNY DILWORTH Left: Gamecock softball legend Dr. Megan Matthews Buning prior to the ceremony. Right: Two-time World Series team member Chris Boyle just before the start of the induction.

PHOTOS BY ALLEN SHARPE AND JENNY DILWORTH Left: Drew Elkins accepted the honor on behalf of his brother, former women’s tennis coach, Arlo. Right: Former NFL punter Max Runager before the start of the ceremony.

Spurs & Feathers • 9

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South Carolina Gamecocks

2013

football Schedule

Standings Team

08/29/13..... vs. North Carolina ............Columbia, S.C. ............W, 27-10

Eastern

09/07/13 .... at #11 Georgia..................Athens, Ga. ..................L, 41-30

Georgia

SEC

Pct. Overall

Pct. Home Away Neutral Streak

1 - 0

1.000

1 - 1

.500

1-0

0-1

0-0

W1

South Carolina 1 - 1

.500

2 - 1

.667

2-0

0-1

0-0

W1

Missouri

0 - 0

.000

2 - 0

1.000

2-0

0-0

0-0

W2

09/28/13 .... at UCF..............................Orlando, Fla. ....................... TBA

Tennessee

0 - 0

.000

2 - 1

.667

2-0

0-1

0-0

L1

10/05/13 .... vs. Kentucky.....................Columbia, S.C. ................... TBA

Florida

0 - 0

.000

1 - 1

.500

1-0

0-1

0-0

L1

Kentucky

0 - 0

.000

1 - 2

.333

1-1

0-0

0-1

L1

Vanderbilt

0 - 2

.000

1 - 2

.333

1-1

0-1

0-0

L1

09/14/13 .... vs. Vanderbilt....................Columbia, S.C. ............W, 35-25

10/12/13 .... at Arkansas.......................Fayetteville, Ark. ................. TBA 10/19/13 .... at Tennessee....................Knoxville, Tenn. .................. TBA

Western

10/26/13 .... at Missouri........................Columbia, Mo. .................... TBA

Alabama

1 - 0

1.000

2 - 0

1.000

0-0

1-0

1-0

W2

Auburn

1 - 0

1.000

3 - 0

1.000

3-0

0-0

0-0

W3

Ole Miss

1 - 0

1.000

3 - 0

1.000

1-0

2-0

0-0

W3

11/16/13 ..... vs. Florida.........................Columbia, S.C. ................... TBA

Arkansas

0 - 0

.000

2 - 0

1.000

2-0

0-0

0-0

W2

11/23/13 ..... vs. Coastal Carolina..........Columbia, S.C. ................... TBA

LSU

0 - 0

.000

3 - 0

1.000

2-0

0-0

1-0

W3

Texas A&M

0 - 1

.000

2 - 1

.667

2-1

0-0

0-0

L1

Mississippi St.

0 - 1

.000

1 - 2

.333

1-0

0-1

0-1

L1

11/02/13 ..... vs. Mississippi State.........Columbia, S.C. ................... TBA

11/30/13 ..... vs. Clemson......................Columbia, S.C. ................... TBA

10 • Spurs & Feathers

September 18, 2013

photos by Brian hand

Left: Former Gamecock baseball teammates Ward Fisher (left) and Pete Stokes. Right: Former Gamecock football lettermen Moe Brown and Mike Rathe talk before start of tournament.

Association of Lettermen hosts fun and successful golf tournament by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com

Leavitt said it is great for everyone to get together before and during the tournament to share stories, memories and revisit the The University of South Carolina Assocamaraderie they had before to realize that ciation of Lettermen hosted a golf tournathey are a brotherhood and a fellowship. He ment for its members at Cobblestone Park said his highlight will be at the end of the on Friday, Sept. 13. day if everyone who participated comes to The tournament was coordinated by fortell him it was the best tournament that they mer kicker Courtney Leavitt (1996-99, foot- have had so far. ball) and the golf committee and it saw the The Association of Lettermen is hoping largest attendance ever for the event with to create a directory of members in order 120 golfers. to create a network and help each other in Leavitt is in his second year coordinating their current endeavors. Leavitt said this the event with Ryan Brewer (1999-2002, will be a great resource for them to help one football) and others after Tyler Hellams another and to help the Association grow.

(1968, 70-71, football) and Bill Boyte “As the Lettermen’s Association, we want (1969-71, football) did it for 12 to 15 years. to help other lettermen out with their own Leavitt said they have been trying to grow private and personal businesses and servicthe event and incorporate youth back to the es that they offer. So we reach out to them organization. to help with networking opportunities,” “We have a good solid golf committee of Leavitt explained.

Ryan Brewer, John Strickland (2001-04, This year many of the lettermen helped to football) and others. You have to start about sponsor the event, including the first ever five months in advance to lock the location, title sponsor, Taylor’s Quality Landscape find your caterers and on top of that start Supply and Nursery, owned by Gerrick soliciting for your sponsorships,” Leavitt Taylor (1994-97, football). said. “It is a tremendous amount of work as Gamecock sponsors for the event were you can see … this is the largest turnout for Vertex Energy, NBSC and Gamecock Stop. the golf tournament we’ve ever had, so it Varsity sponsors were Alliance Consulting should turn out to be a good day.”

Engineers, Inc. and Essex Homes.

There were multiple hole sponsors for the tournament as well. Ryan Brewer Enterprises, Merrill Lynch - Mike McCabe, Boyd Management - Ken Wheat, The Mousetrap, Fellow Teammates of Jim Nash and Ricky Brown, Golden Gate Mortgage, Leslie and Associates and the South Carolina Shop all served as hole sponsors for the event.

Many of the attendees separately stated that the event was great fun and they enjoyed being able to see old friends and be a part of the fraternity with the other lettermen. The lettermen attending covered many generations of Gamecocks.

Ward Fisher (1956-57, baseball) said that he was one of the old guys and it was great to see some of the players from his time.

“We don’t always get out, so it is great to get together with some of my former teammates. The highlight is getting together to see some of the old guys and having some fun with everyone,” Fisher said.

Bobby Bryant (1963-67), a two-sport letterman in baseball and football, agreed that the highlight was the people at the event.

“You get to see all these friends and rekindle the old relationships. Its is just great.

As for the golf, you go out there and try to hit a few good shots here and there, but it is

a fun day all about the people,” Bryant said.

Travis Whitfield (1994-97, football) said that it is great to catch up with some of the old teammates.

“It’s all about the guys that you played with; seeing who has gained weight and who has lost hair,” Whitfield said. “Unfortunately, I’ve got both of those, but it is a great day. I try to come every year.”

Phil Petty (1998-2001, football) said that he has been coming for four years since he got out of coaching because it is a great event.

“It’s great to get all of the guys back together. It’s great to see some of the names and faces that you don’t see that much, to get these guys back out here and have some fun,” Petty said.

Moe Brown (2006-09, football) has been on the board for two years to help with the tournament and notes it is a fun event.

“The kinship that you have even over decades … you automatically feel like there is a brotherhood or sisterhood there. It’s great to hear all the different stories and just to get back together,” Brown said. “This is not a four-year of five-year thing that we do, it’s a lifetime that we are all Gamecocks.

So anytime that we can get together it’s special.”

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Where are they now? – BJ McKie

by Brian hand bhand@spursandfeathers.com

those higher level teams because they won’t play us,” McKie said.

Those experiences are part of a master plan BJ McKie is and will always be proud to be a

by McKie to one day be a head coach at a UniGamecock. versity.

“Just for the simple fact that I am a home“It’s all about steps. I am going to be patient. town kid, grew up there and had a great time.

In this industry you want to make the right My family, friends and former coaches were decisions … take one step at a time. I feel that there to see me play. I would not change my if you just take care of what’s at hand at the experience for the world. I am just proud to be a present, the future will take care of itself. I just Gamecock,” McKie noted. feel my heart is with Charleston Southern right One of the best players to ever don the Garnet now, where we are going with this program. I and Black, McKie realizes that he was a part will just let the chips fall where they are right of something special during his time at South now and worry about that after the season.

Carolina and that he and the rest of his GameRight now, I am just worried about winning cock teammates were able to make a differchampionships at Charleston Southern,” McKie ence, bring joy to the University and the state of said.

South Carolina.

One of only five South Carolina men’s basketThat joy McKie feels is equaled by the love ball players to have their jersey retired, McKie that most Gamecock fans have for the way he is now giving way to his son, Justin, who will played in each and every game for the Gamebe a freshman this year under second-year cocks.

South Carolina head men’s basketball coach McKie began his Gamecock career by being Frank Martin. Justin McKie was named the chosen as the Southeastern Conference Fresh2013 Gatorade South Carolina Boys’ Basketball man of the Year in 1996. The honor was just a Player of the Year. He was also tabbed as South small sign of things to come as the next year Carolina Mr. Basketball after leading Irmo to a as part of one of the best backcourts in college 29-0 record and a state championship. basketball he helped lead the Gamecocks to As one would expect, BJ McKie takes a great their first regular-season SEC title on the back deal of pride in his son being part of the Gameof a 15-1 mark in league play. cock basketball program.

A first-team All-SEC selection in South Caro“I am just happy that he chose where he lina’s championship season, McKie averaged wanted to go,” McKie commented. “Like I tell 17.4 points per game over the course of the year. people all the time, I did not push Justin to go South Carolina Athletics Media Relations here or there. It was ultimately his decision.

The Gamecocks made the NCAA Tournament South Carolina’s all-time leading scorer, McKie is in his third year as an assistant at CSU. Coach Martin and his staff did a good job of and ended the year with 24 victories. They were ranked sixth in the final Associated Press recruiting Justin and telling them what they rankings in 1997. wanted and what they expected.

The next year in the 1997-98 campaign, His playing days now behind him, McKie title in the 2012-13 season and claimed an NIT “Justin fell in love with the staff and the McKie and the Gamecocks put together a trehas continued to remain in the game he loves berth. The NIT appearance for the Buccaneers University all over again. He always loved the mendous year with the Gamecocks claiming by working as an assistant coach under former was their first postseason appearance since the University, but I told him to go in there with 23 wins en route to making the NCAA Tourna- South Carolina assistant coach and current same year McKie led the Gamecocks to the an open mind because what was good for me ment. McKie was chosen first-team All-SEC as Charleston Southern head coach Barclay Rade- SEC regular-season crown in 1997. might not necessarily be good for you. I am just the Gamecocks concluded the year ranked 14th baugh.

“I feel like we can be the best team in the glad he chose where he wanted to go, where I in the final AP poll.

“I’ve wanted to get into coaching since I conference this year,” McKie remarked on the think he can really help that team elevate their McKie’s storybook Gamecock career conwas in college. I felt after playing basketball I state of Charleston Southern men’s basketball play. I think good things are going to happen cluded in the 1998-99 season with him becom- wanted to do something around some type of entering the 2013-14 season. “I felt that we were for their program.” ing South Carolina’s all-time leading scorer. sport and when I was in college I really knew the best team last year. Of course, we came up With two McKies now a part of Gamecock McKie ended his illustrious playing career with that I wanted to coach at the college level,” a little short in the conference tournament to basketball history, McKie is also pleased that 2,119 points. He was once again chosen firstMcKie said. go to the NCAAs. We pretty much have every- Martin has made it one of his missions to really team All-SEC in his senior season.

Going into his third year with the Buccaneers, body back. Guys that are eager to get back to bring former Gamecock basketball lettermen The 1999 SEC Postgraduate Community McKie is thrilled at his coaching experiences being the best in the conference. I think the sky into the current South Carolina basketball famService Award winner would depart South and where the Charleston Southern program is is the limit for this team as long as we continue ily.

Carolina to begin a long career in the profesat this point in time. to work hard and play together.”

“A lot of guys that played at South Carolina sional ranks. He played for BCM Gravelines in “It’s been a real good experience,” McKie Having helped turn Charleston Southern all they want to do is feel like they are respected France, Keravnos in Cyprus and Avitos Geisnoted. “A lot of guys find it hard transitioning into a mid-major power and having played at and that they are a part of something. I think sen and TBB Trier in Germany. McKie also from playing to getting what they like to call a the highest level of college basketball, McKie that is what coach (Martin) is bringing back. spent time with Pepsi Caserta and Nuova Pal‘real job.’ It has been everything that I thought knows that his experiences are unique and in “Coach has done a great job of reaching out, lacanestro Pavia in Italy; Maccabi Haifa Heat and more, especially coming on with coach the end will make him a better coach. done a great job of calling guys whether it is and Hapoel Afula in Israel. In 2004, McKie Radebaugh who was an assistant coach at “I think everything happens for a reason as holding big banquets or going out to eat with was named a Basketball Budesliga (Player of South Carolina when I was there my junior and far as coming to coach at a lower level. I reseveral guys … bringing guys back and showthe Year) while competing in Germany. He was senior years.” ally don’t even look at it like that (lower level ing that the University cares. I think that is also a 2001 CBA All-Star while playing for the Since McKie’s arrival at Charleston Southern, basketball) because our team is so talented that really huge with recruiting. It is really huge just Connecticut Pride of the Continental Basketball the Buccaneers have posted back-to-back 19I think we can beat some of those higher level with the simple fact of trying to keep the hisAssociation. win seasons. CSU earned the South Division teams. We’ve had trouble scheduling some of tory there,” McKie concluded.

September 18, 2013

Hand Writing

By Brian Hand bhand@spursandfeathers.com

This past week I had the absolute pleasure of meeting numerous former Gamecock lettermen. I even had the opportunity to sit with a grouping of players from the 1969 ACC Championship team at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

I have always embraced history. Gamecock history in particular is something that I cherish.

Growing up it took me until my later teens to realize that everyone did not embrace the past like I did. Nevertheless, I was always trying to learn as much as I could about historical tidbits from sporting events that happened many years before I was even born.

Really I am the same way about music and movies. I am probably one of the only 32-year-olds you will meet that thinks “The Godfather” is the best movie ever made and who also thinks that nobody will ever be able to touch the musical genius of The Beatles.

To learn more about things before my time I did everything I could growing up to read about the Gamecocks and sports in general.

I would watch recorded VHS tapes of games and various highlight films over and over. Living in Dallas as a child, I had numerous videos about Nolan Ryan and the Rangers, the Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas Mavericks.

My next door neighbor, who was a grandfather-like figure to me since both of mine lived in Greenville at the time, always had me over to watch videos as well. He loved basketball and he introduced me to the slam dunk compilation videos that if they were on NBA TV right now, I would still put down the clicker. In fact, I did just that on numerous occasions this summer.

He also showed me the beauty of horse racing and why the Kentucky Derby is something that is right to be beloved. I was a kid in a candy store this past March when as part of my previous job we were at an event on Millionaires Row at Churchill Downs.

I was a child when ESPN was just coming into its prime and when we moved to Dallas from Greenville, S.C. when I was six all I did was watch the channel. If it was up to me, SportsCenter would just run on a loop over and over until the games came on in

the evening.

I am told that I would even fight coming back to the Palmetto State for holidays at the time. Not because I did not miss my grandparents and relatives or hated being back in the area we considered home, but rather because nobody we knew in the Upstate had ESPN yet.

When ESPN Classic came along, I was always watching old games. I probably would have been in heaven had YouTube been around when I was a child. I would have watched highlights from past Gamecock games over and over. I do enough of that during my little bit of free time now to make up for it though.

Obviously this love of history and sports has stayed with me up until this point in time as I hope you can see with our “Where are they now” and other historical pieces in the last few issues of Spurs & Feathers.

I have always embraced that the past is what brings you to the present and beyond and our editorial vision here with Spurs & Feathers is to continue to show you all aspects of Gamecock Nation.

One of the things that I have absolutely loved since deciding to join the Spurs & Feathers team this past June is all the great stories that we have been told from former Gamecock players, coaches, administrators and fans.

We receive calls daily from people telling us their ideas, while also relaying their Gamecock experiences. We embrace these calls. We want to hear your Gamecock experiences.

The old adage is that everyone has a story.

I firmly believe in that and we would love to hear them all. Obviously, our space in the publication and time in general is limited, but please do not hesitate to let us know whatever ideas you may have.

Whether you know it or not, some of these ideas have already even been implemented.

We are working on more daily.

Spurs & Feathers to us is always open to change and ideas. Some may work. Others may not, but we hope you like our general idea to give you an insider look into the past, present and future of Gamecock athletics.

Thank you Gamecocks for embracing Spurs & Feathers. We continue to appreciate your kind words.

Spurs & Feathers • 13

New York City watching party

Members of the New York Chapter at their watch party for the Georgia game.

14 • Spurs & Feathers

September 18, 2013

Reliving that championship feeling

BY BRIAN HAND bhand@spursandfeathers.com

Former Gamecock David Lucas has led an interesting life, but he knows that many of the opportunities that he has been given in life may not have happened if not for having played football at the University of South Carolina.

That is why years after being a part of South Carolina’s 1969 Atlantic Coast Conference championship team, Lucas decided to write a book about that championship season entitled “The Championship – the story of the 1969 University of South Carolina football team.”

“I talk about it a little bit in the book,” Lucas said. “I grew up in a farming community and the only jobs I got around here were picking cotton, cropping tobacco and baling hay. Playing football opened up a lot of doors and without it who knows what would have been, that is only speculation.

Football – and playing football at Carolina – certainly opened up some doors and gave me an opportunity to do things that I would have never been able to do.”

After attending Bishopville High School where he went 9-1-1 in his senior year with the football team, Lucas took what he dubbed “basically the only offer he had” to play college football, which was to attend the University of South Carolina.

“The Championship” book starts when he arrived at South Carolina and the book is basically a memoir of his experiences with the football program and the amazing time in our nation in the mid-to-late 1960s.

After entering South Carolina and playing with the freshmen squad in 1965, Lucas was a part of the coaching change that saw Paul Dietzel take the reins of the Gamecock football program in 1966.

“It was kind of like the ‘60s itself. You know there was a lot of change and a lot of things going on at the same time. Not only did we have the coaching change, but personally from being a biddie on the freshmen team trying to make the varsity team we also had all the stuff going in the ‘60s … it was just quite an interesting time,” Lucas noted.

Lucas and the Gamecocks nevertheless would be able to not pay too much attention to the outside distractions surrounding the program during the time. Lucas, who redshirted in Dietzel’s first year in 1966, would help lead the Gamecocks to 16 wins from 1967 to 1969 as a defensive end with the culmination of the run obviously coming in his final year with the Gamecocks claiming a spotless 6-0 mark in league action en route to the 1969 ACC Championship.

Lucas left and graduated from South Carolina shortly thereafter, feeling as if the monumental year was a sign of things to come for the Gamecocks, particularly since both

the Gamecock football and men’s basketball teams were undefeated in the ACC during the 1969-70 athletic year.

“It is one of the things that I mention in the book. McGuire had the basketball team rolling and Dietzel had the football team rolling.

We thought this was the beginning of something that was going to be really great for the University. I don’t know what happened after I left as we still had great talent, but the next year they went 4-6-1. I was stunned and dumbfounded by it. They just never seemed to be able to get back in and get going again.”

Lucas’ book on the beginnings and endings of that championship season are not just about football as he also details his entire time as a student-athlete at South Carolina, including his fraternity and summer experiences. In fact, one of the unique opportunities he took was going to Alaska during the summers as part of his time at Carolina.

“A buddy of mine and I went out to Alaska and became summer temporary game wardens, guarding the salmon streams up in southeastern Alaska. This (book) includes those stories,” Lucas said.

These stories coupled with his fondness for his teammates, coaches and the University of South Carolina are the reason Lucas decided to begin work on “The Championship.”

“There are just so many good stories that happened to me during all those times. I had some friends that were just hilarious.

Plus, coach Spurrier has always been really instrumental in trying to get the lettermen involved. He is the only one who has attempted to do that. So, I figured, well, maybe I can help them out here and try to add a little bit to the tradition. It was pretty neat writing this thing.”

Lucas even points out that since fellow team member and 1969 championship team

Spurs & Feathers • 15

September 18, 2013

quarterback Tommy Suggs is on the radio broadcast team for Gamecock games everybody gets to hear the offensive side of things from that time period, “but I was a defensive guy so I wanted to put in some defense too.”

The 1970 graduate of South Carolina with a degree in International Relations has gone on to do many things since departing South Carolina. The Turkey Creek, S.C. native left South Carolina feeling that he would be a lifelong Marine, but a shoulder injury that he originally injured against Virginia Tech in 1969 was aggravated once again when he was going through Officer’s Candidate School (OCS) so the plan for his life was ultimately changed.

Lucas was then advised by former South Carolina Board of Trustees member Michael Mungo to take a job as a loan officer. It was at this time he got to know local builders in the area and shortly thereafter he and former teammate and fraternity brother Pete Unsworth formed a company called Lucas and Unsworth. The

company built single-family houses and the company eventually launched him into his life’s work of real estate development.

A few years later when Raymon Finch was running for governor of South Carolina, Lucas and his bluegrass band offered to play shows for rallies for the gubernatorial candidate. Finch and Lucas became friends and this led to a building partnership between the two with Lucas building some properties at the Beach and Racquet club in Isle of Palms, S.C. “Five years later he (Finch) gave me an opportunity to buy it,” Lucas remarked.

“That is kind of in a nutshell how my career took off.”

From there, Lucas continued his real estate development and entrepreneurship and even went on to get into the movie business through contact with former Gamecock running back turned actor Robert (Bobby) Guy Miranda.

The movie, “Virginia’s Run,” was about a teenage girl, who trying to come to grips with the death of her mother in a horseriding accident, nurtures the foal of her

mother’s horse. The movie starred Gabriel Byrne and Joanne Whalley.

Miranda played Blake Raines in the movie that won the Crystal Heart Award at the Heartland Film Festival held to honor independent films every year in Indianapolis, Ind. Both Miranda and Lucas served as co-producers on the 2002 film directed by Peter Markle.

“Virginia’s Run” is representative of one of the Lucas’ lifetime passions, which is breeding horses, particularly Egyptian Arabian horses. In fact, Lucas’ wife, Martha, is a former president and current Trustee of The Pyramid Society, which is a society dedicated to the art of breeding Egyptian Arabian horses. The Lucas’ horse passion has led to them being able to travel and have friends around the world.

Lucas has lived and embraced his life the same way he approached football.

He even successfully pursued a property rights lawsuit (Lucas vs. South Carolina Coastal Council) to the United States Supreme Court. “The Championship” is his

photo by brian hand

Above: Lucas, on the right, talks with a group of former Gamecock lettermen at the Association of Lettermen golf tournament on Friday, Sept. 13, 2013. Right: “The Championship” is available on the book’s official website at www.CreateSpace.com/4385210.

second book as he detailed the entire experience of the supreme court decision in “Lucas vs. the Green Machine.” He took the experience even further by founding the National Council on Property Rights.

In the foreword to “The Championship” former The State sports editor and South Carolina journalism graduate Ernie Trubiano starts his thoughts on Lucas by utilizing a Teddy Roosevelt quote that says, “in life, as in a football game, the principle to follow is: hit the line hard.”

Those words are indicative of the zest in which Lucas has defined not only his playing days, but his life and now he is going about promoting “The Championship” with the same type of vigor.

Lucas notes that he is available for any function to promote “The Championship.”

A veritable treasure trove of information, Lucas has a plethora of stories to tell and they are all worth a listen.

Gamecock fans can purchase “The Championship” by visiting the book’s official website at www.CreateSpace. com/4385210.

16 • Spurs & Feathers

September 18, 2013

Gamecocks take to diamond for fall practice by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com The Gamecock baseball team opened their fall practices this weekend at Carolina Stadium in preparation for the 2014 season.

The practices were kicked off with a press conference on Friday, Sept. 13 featuring head coach Chad Holbrook in the media room at Carolina Stadium.

The 2013 fall practices Monday through Friday will be closed to the public due to construction in the left field area of the stadium, but scrimmages on Saturdays and Sundays will be open to the public. The Gamecocks will hold scrimmages Saturdays with flexible times around football kickoffs and Sundays at 1:30 p.m.

Holbrook opened his first press conference of the fall by talking about the excitement levels of the coaches and players to get out on the field for the first time as a team. He said it is a group that the coaching staff is excited about and who have worked very hard over the summer and in individual sessions thus far.

“All the workouts have been really encouraging, from the position players to the pitchers. We have some really, really good young players we think. We have some veteran guys that have been around the block and played in the College World Series,” Holbrook said. “So it’s a group that we’re excited about. I’m anxious to see them perform and play against each other today. All we’ve really seen up to this point is some individual work.

“Today we get to see them participate, compete against each other and play. So it’s something that we’re looking forward to as coaches,” Holbrook said. “It’s a great time to be a baseball coach, to get our team ready for the fall and put them on the field to see what they can do.”

Holbrook said that the fall period is very important, but it is not the be-all and end-all.

It is just a starting point for the team going forward. He said that some of the returners will not be overused during the fall period to limit fatigue and possible injuries. He also said this is easier because these returners are known quantities and can take a limited role this fall.

An objective of the fall practices for Holbrook is to see some of the young pitchers in action because of the need to replace the big contributors on the mound who are no longer on the team, specifically Nolan Belcher, Adam Westmoreland and Tyler Webb. He said that these young pitchers competing against college hitters for the first time will create a knowledge base for the pitching staff.

“We have some holes to fill on the mound.

Those young guys are chomping at the bit to show us what they can do and our coaches are anxious to watch them,” Holbrook explained.

The returners and newcomers both come in with high expectations that cause the excitement among the coaching staff. Holbrook said that the recruiting class should be ranked in the top five or 10 recruiting classes in the country.

Holbrook also said that the juniors of Jordan Montgomery, Grayson Greiner, Joey Pankake and Tanner English, who were a part of the number one recruiting class in the country, have become leaders in the locker room. He said that those players along with Max Schrock have stepped up to take leadership roles with the departure of the seniors photo by allen sharpe and drafted players, and he is very comfortChad Holbrook kicked off the fall by holding a press conference on Friday, Sept. 13. able with the leadership in the locker room at this point.

Hot topics for the team over the summer and heading into practice have been filling out the lineup with the loss of some players in the outfield and the possible position changes for Pankake.

Holbrook is confident in English’s ability to play centerfield, saying that he may be one of the best in the country and will anchor the outfield defensively. He said there are many players who can fill the corner outfield spots, including returner Connor Bright who saw time in right field last season.

Pankake will play multiple positions this fall starting with third base in the first scrimmage of the fall last Friday, but also left field and first base. Holbrook said he needs to find a place for Pankake that will protect his arm the most because there are certainly plans for him to pitch. Pankake’s versatility will be an asset since they will photo by allen sharpe continue to have his bat in the middle of the Junior catcher Grayson Greiner takes time to talk with the media on Friday, Sept. 13. lineup as well according to Holbrook.

There are a few injuries that will limit some players’ participation in fall practices according to Holbrook.

Schrok had a stress fracture in his back so they have been taking it slow with him, but he recently started taking ground balls. He cannot swing a bat yet on orders from the training staff.

Freshman Jay Roberts had Tommy John surgery and is still “a ways away” from being able to play.

Freshman Taylor Widener has a lower back issues that should hold him out only the first week.

Montgomery will be limited because of his history, the many innings he has pitched and what he has done for the team. photo by allen sharpe Curt Britt is coming off thumb surgery and will probably be out the majority of the fall. Junior Joey Pankake talks to the media about what is in store for him in the coming year.

Spurs & Feathers • 17

September 18, 2013

Gamecock Cruisers provide fellowship and fun

by Mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com

of the things that we’re going to do to accommodate that is that we’re not just going to have the FMCA group, we’re going to open it up to anybody. So the FMCA group will be just a sub-chapter of the bigger group as a whole.”

“We really are trying to grow the group and that is why we want to open up to all kinds of RVs. We think this is a great group and want to get as many Gamecocks involved as possible,” secretary Steve Eason said.

There was a great turnout for the Vanderbilt game as the Cruisers provided a pre-game meal and other football games on their televisions. The group comes in on Friday night and coordinates either a dinner or a night out, then fills the whole Saturday full with food, fun, fellowship and football.

In a Gamecock celebrity sighting, Dr. Megan Matthews Buning attended the Gamecock Cruisers tailgate before the Vanderbilt game.

Buning is one of the newest inductees into the University South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame and she was honored on the field between the first and second quarters of the football game.

The Gamecock Cruisers have plans to travel to most away games this season and they generally have large crowds when they are at away games because out-of-town fans and Gamecock Club members will come meet up with the group. The group also comes out to support other South Carolina Athletics programs as well.

To get information about the club or where to park RVs for the road games, you can email Thompson at gamecocktommy@gmail.com or Eason at season@sc.rr.com. You can also visit the group’s website at www.gamecockcruisers.com, like them on Facebook at Gamecock Cruisers or follow them on Twitter @gcockcruisers.

Membership information will be provided upon request.

The Gamecock Cruisers RV Club is a group of Gamecock fans who take their recreational vehicles to South Carolina sporting events both near and far. The Gamecock Cruisers are a chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA), and they come to all the Carolina home football games and many away games.

The group has even made trips following the baseball team to Hoover, Ala. and to Omaha, Neb. Their mission statement explains the chapter exists to promote social, recreational and information exchange activities which are centered around all athletics of the University of South Carolina. The idea for the chapter started a few years ago after the current president Mike McManus and vice president Tommy Thompson met at a South Carolina-LSU game.

“I was driving around looking for a place to park down there until I found a safe flag,” McManus said.

“I got in the night before and put my flag up, he drives in and parks right beside me. I was on a guys’ trip and when I got up the next morning, I said ‘fellas, we’ve got company,’” Thompson said. “He was living in Dallas and I was still living in Greenville, so we became buddies. Next thing you know it leads to this and here we are.”

The flags are a point of pride for the Gamecock Cruisers and Nat Hardee said that they have the three highest-flying Gamecock flags in any tailgate area. He adds that it is a good way to find their way to a friendly spot. Hardee noted this is especially true when using a lighted beacon on the flagpoles at away venues, where the flags will help lead them back home.

There were two years of prep work from the members to become a chapter of the FMCA. The Gamecock Cruisers officially became chartered in 2010. As a chapter of the FMCA they have a voting member, Hardee, who attends all of the association’s yearly conferences to represent the Gamecock Cruisers.

“I was extremely surprised when I got our motorhome to find out that South Carolina never had a chapter … I was like ‘ok, we’ve got to get this thing together,’” McManus said. “We had to have 18 members to get started, we have to maintain 12, but we had about 20 members when we signed the paperwork. We are still at about the same membership level today.”

The Gamecock Cruisers are interested in expanding their membership to people who have all kinds of RVs, whether they are fifth-wheels, pull-behind trailers or Class A motor coaches like the kind required by the FMCA. “When the economy went down, people quit buying motor homes, or a lot of people sold all photos by Mike Kucharski their motor homes and downsized to trailers The Gamecock Cruisers RV club has a great time before the start of South Carolina’s 10-point home victory over Vanderbilt. and things like that,” McManus said. “So one

18 • Spurs & Feathers

September 18, 2013

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Left: Wolf, front left kneeling, and other Gamecocks at the summer SEC Bash in Charlotte. Right: Charlotte Gamecock desserts provided at the Charlotte Scholarship Golf Tournament.

Charlotte Gamecock Club offers diverse opportunities

by Mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com

The social media is not only effective for communicating with the alumni, but also in the chapter’s work in recruiting students to A 90-minute drive from Columbia, S.C., the university. There were over 500 students is home to a versatile chapter of the Game- from the region to go to South Carolina as cock Club. The Charlotte Gamecock Club freshmen this year alone, which comprises draws from a base of 8,000 alumni to offer a little more than 10 percent of this year’s more than just getting together to watch a freshmen class. Wolf said the chapter puts game. on a Freshmen Send-Off Celebration that Chapter president James Wolf said the is so popular that it has to be capped at 200 club provides social events, charity events people. and even helps people find jobs through netThe annual golf tournament the Charlotte working opportunities. chapter hosts donates the proceeds from the The Charlotte chapter has a great online event to its scholarship fund. The university and social media activity, with a presence makes the decisions on who will receive on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and even the scholarship, but the chapter is happy to using email blasts to keep in contact with raise funds and provide an opportunity for current and potential members. Wolf said students in the area. that these online avenues help to promote The Charlotte chapter also reaches out to all the club’s events, whether social, charity the families of those with children heading or job and networking events. to South Carolina to get them involved with “Whether you’re 22 years old, 52 years the university as well. Wolf said that this old, or 82 years old, we want to be able offers another way to grow the fan base and to provide something for you throughout get them participating in what is going on. the year,” Wolf explained. “Not everyone “You can have 8,000 alumni - who cares drinks and not everyone wants to network, if it is 8 million - if you don’t bring those so it’s a combination of everything to offer people together (they will not get involved). something for everyone.”

We need to offer these kids internships and

jobs,” Wolf said. “When the parents ask how they can thank us, we tell them to join the Gamecock Club and stay involved. It creates a snowball effect.”

Wolf said one of the advantages to the location, other than the short ride to Columbia and large alumni base, is that Charlotte is the fastest growing city in US according to the Census Bureau. The USC Career Center and the Darla Moore School of Business both are establishing presences in the city.

“We’re the same distance from Columbia to Charlotte as it is to Charleston, so it’s really close,” Wolf said. “The school is starting to view us as Charlotte, South Carolina rather than Charlotte, North Carolina.”

The social events still are a huge draw for the Charlotte chapter, as 400 people came to the local Gamecock bar to watch the Georgia game. Wolf noted that is about a typical amount for away games, and when the Gamecocks play at home there are still about 100 people who get together there to watch the games with other Carolina fans. The chapter also sponsored a joint happy hour event with other SEC schools fan bases to make for a fun and interactive experience.

“When you have an event, you want people to be there. Separate from that, if they weren’t there, you want them to feel like, ‘man, I kind of missed out,’” Wolf explained. “So we document every event and put some of those photos online … if you look throughout the year, we have whatever kind of event you are into.

“After your social events, your charity events, the job and networking aspects, recruiting to the university or a scholarship, there’s got to be something you like out of all those things if you’re a Gamecock here,” Wolf said.

To learn more about the Charlotte Gamecock Club, you can visit their web page at www.mycarolina.org/charlotte. You can also follow them on Twitter at @CLTGamecocks or like them on Facebook at USC Charlotte Club. The chapter can also be found on LinkedIn as USC Charlotte Club, or you can email the chapter president at james_wolf@ml.com.

No matter how you want to contact the Charlotte Gamecock Club, they will provide a variety of different options to allow you to become involved in Gamecock Nation.

Spurs & Feathers • 19

September 18, 2013

Puggy Blackmon serves multiple roles for Gamecock golf programs by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com

South Carolina Director of Golf Puggy Blackmon is in an uncommon position to oversee the men’s and women’s golf programs while also serving as the assistant coach for the women’s golf team. Golfweek featured a profile in February about the relationship between Blackmon and women’s head coach Kalen Harris describing them as the “odd couple” of college golf.

This dichotomous situation began for Blackmon after serving as the head coach for the men’s program for 12 seasons. The Gamecocks made the trip to the NCAA postseason in each campaign under his direction.

Blackmon then moved to the position of Director of Golf and he was available to both teams when needed. After helping with the women’s team as an assistant for one semester, Blackmon enjoyed it so much that he decided to keep the role.

“If it makes any sense, as Director of Golf, I oversee both programs with facilities and whatever they need, so Kalen Harris works for me,” Blackmon explained.

“Then as assistant women’s golf coach, I work for Kalen, so we have a very unique relationship.

“It’s a very unique structure, but it’s been pretty enjoyable to me, having worked with guys for 25 years, to kind of change gears and work with the girls,” Blackmon expanded.

Blackmon said that he missed the coaching side of the job and he enjoys the ability to have a more direct influence with the women’s team. He said the response from the team raised his excitement level and made him realize that he missed the handson work with the student-athletes.

“I’m probably working as hard as an assistant coach as I ever did as a head coach, which is good. It’s fun,” Blackmon said.

“I’ve enjoyed it and I hope to do it as long as I enjoy it and I’m able.”

The job description for Blackmon is not all interactive and teaching based, as he must also work on providing the facilities for both programs. He described the facility-centric duties as trying to stay ahead of the game to provide the teams with what they need to compete at a high level.

This process can be involved and it is not something that cannot be accomplished

SOUTH CAROLINA ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS in a short time frame because of the requirements for those facilities, especially land. The responsibility for acquiring the courses and facilities the teams utilize has been part of the work that Blackmon has achieved over his 18 years at South Carolina by providing the access to Cobblestone Park in Blythewood, S.C. “The bottom line is, for 18 years I’ve basically went out and gotten the land out at Cobblestone. We secured the land out there, then raised the money and built the clubhouse and teaching facility. It’s pretty state-of-the-art and very good,” Blackmon said. “We just recently put together and completed an eight-acre scoring game facility down at Par Tee where we worked very closely with Lexington county.”

Blackmon is always working to keep the facilities for the golf programs at the top-of-the-line, with other projects in the works as well. One of the points of pride for all of the facilities for the Gamecock golf programs is that Blackmon has spearheaded much of the funding for all the projects. This has minimized the cost for the Athletics Department and still given

the Gamecocks great places to practice and complete.

“I like to be involved and moving. I’m not a person that likes to sit around,” Blackmon said. “I like to be very active and creative. One of these days, when I do ride into the sunset, I want to make sure that we’ve got everything we need to win a National Championship.

“When I came here 18 years ago from Georgia Tech, it was with the commitment that we would win a National Championship, or championships, in golf, and I’m not going to rest easy until we get that done,” Blackmon added.

His goal is to provide the coaches with everything that they need to be successful and he says that it is great to have the full support of Athletics Director Ray Tanner and from the administration.

Blackmon said the teams are both very talented and have the chance to contend for the SEC Championships and from there anything can happen. He noted there is great depth on each team and South Carolina has two of the best, most energetic coaches in the business.

“We’ve got a lot of great things going on … now we’ve got the perfect situation because the new AD is energetic, and he also has a coaching perspective. There is a lot of excitement right now, and it’s a great time to be a Gamecock,” Blackmon concluded.

20 • Spurs & Feathers

September 18, 2013

south carolina athletics media relations

Progress is being made every day on the sand volleyball facility in the Athletics Village. Work has been done on preparing for sod, leveling ground and getting fencing ready.

Gamecocks getting their ‘sand legs’ by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com The South Carolina sand volleyball team is continuing a period of individual and small group training in order to help the studentathletes get acclimated to playing together and in the sand.

“The phase we’re in right now, the best way to give it a name or a moniker of some sort is to say we’re in a period where we’re getting our ‘sand legs’ back,” head coach Moritz Moritz explained. “We’re really getting acclimated to movement in the sand and communication as pairs.

“It’s neat because we are starting to see better movement, better eyes and reading skills.

They’re getting their ‘sand legs,’ even in three and four days of abbreviated practice. The growth is really good,” Moritz said.

One of the most important aspects of the sport is the relationship between partners and their ability to communicate with one another, but Moritz said that he has been changing pairs each day at practice to make the players become more versatile. He said that this will help

the players to adapt to different playing styles and help them feed off one another.

“I think what it boils down to is any coach is always going to say to a group of potential players, ‘you need to compete in a way that you’re going to be the one that everybody wants to play with.’ How do you create that scenario for yourself? How are you going to be the best partner for any partner that you possibly get when that combination does happen?” Moritz commented.

As the players’ comfort level in the sand begins to rise, the progress on the new sand volleyball facility in the Athletics Village continues as well. There has been work on leveling ground, preparing for sod and the fencing that will go around the facility. Moritz also said that he has been brushing up on different types of sand for when the contractors start going through samples to be used for the playing surface.

“I don’t know much about it yet, but I am in the process of learning as much as I can about sand, shape of sand, size of sand. I never thought that would fall into my realm of, not expertise by any means, but that it would be a

huge part of this whole process,” Moritz noted.

“It’s kind of neat, but it’s also kind of different.

“It’s good because the FIVB, the governing body of volleyball on the international scale, has these specs. ‘Make sure there is no organic material, or as little organic material as possible. It shouldn’t be dusty. If it rains, it shouldn’t compact too much, so it doesn’t solidify like concrete.’ So they have it down to a science, but it’s still so different everywhere you go,” Moritz expanded.

Moritz again pointed to the versatility and adaptability that is needed for the sand volleyball athlete and the difference between this sport and other sports with the same specifications for every facility. He noted that this spring the team will compete in two events in Jacksonville, but they will be completely different because one will be played on the beach and the other on man-made courts. He added that some courts have deeper sand, while others have a different quality of sand that makes for a “jumper’s sand.”

The team is trying to build gradually and take the proper time to get ready for its fall competition date which will provide a measuring stick

for the program as they face top teams. Moritz said this will serve as a learning experience to gauge where the team is and where they need to go. He also commented that it is a fantastic experience to be jumping into the sport in its infancy with the NCAA, but also with the support being given from the Athletics Department.

“It’s unbelievable … not only that we’re getting into it when we are, but that we’re doing it the way we are too, along the scale of a Florida State,” Moritz said. “We’re building a facility, we have the scholarships, so we’re creating the environment for us to be successful. We’re creating the environment for us to recruit and really develop this program over time to compete for championships.

“Every little thing we do, the girls are excited about at this point. Every day is something new for them and it’s a new little nugget that they can place into the legacy that we’re creating in year one for South Carolina sand volleyball,” Moritz concluded. **Editor’s Note: Spurs & Feathers will be following sand volleyball each week as they prepare for their first season**

Spurs & Feathers • 21

September 18, 2013

With Comer as board chair, Gamecock Club influence powers Gamecock Nation

by Larry Di Giovanni USC Development Communications

So knowing what’s happening in advance within Gamecock Athletics, and being part of the positive changes from start to finish, For more than 10 years, Chip Comer, ’83, of makes it all worthwhile.”

Rock Hill, has served as Chair of the GameComer referenced football’s seat donation cock Club Board of Directors and President program in acknowledging that not all deciof the York County Gamecock Club. sions he has been a part of were popular—at He continues in both roles and the results least not at first—offering, “If you don’t speak amazingly well for the Carolina busichange in this conference, you’re a sitting ness administration graduate and Vice Presi- duck. You won’t be competitive. You have to dent of Comer Distributing Co. in Rock Hill, be constantly looking to change and improve, a family-owned wholesale beer distributor. and that means generating revenue. Even the Supported in his passion for all things Game- addition of locker rooms in any sport affects cock by his wife, Judy, and sons Creighton a student-athlete’s decision to choose Caroand Lee, Comer’s friendly, focused profeslina.” sionalism places him in one of Athletics’ From Gamecock baseball’s Carolina Stadimost important leadership roles. um completed in 2006—to the new Farmers Comer has been on the forefront of deciMarket that opened last fall to boost football sion-making that led to Athletics Master Plan fans’ pre-game experiences—Comer is initiation in 2006, the results of which are pleased that the Garnet Way capital campaign new facilities raising Gamecock SEC and continues to produce state-of-the-art facilities national championship aspirations in nearly well on its way toward a $200 million goal.

20 intercollegiate sports. He has backed up The “Dodie,” as athletics’ academic enrichhis years of Gamecock Club service with ment center is fondly referred, “shows parents a Comer Family commitment to Athletics’ of student-athletes that they are going to be Garnet Way capital campaign, part of the taken care of when they come here,” he said.

University’s $1 billion Carolina’s Promise Comer is proud of loyal Gamecock alumni campaign. and friends, who are the reason the GameAsked what he enjoys most about being cock Club has reached more than 16,000 Gamecock Club chair, Comer said, “I love members for the first time in school histhis University and being part of its success. tory. There are currently 47 local chapters

throughout South Carolina and an additional 16 out-of-state chapters that span from Houston, Texas, to New York, N.Y. All Gamecock Club chapters help raise funds for Athletics by sponsoring local events in their areas, such as the York County Gamecock Club’s August cookout. Attended by 225 people, it raised more than $5,000 in a few hours. Each chapter is assigned a sport to fund raise for, with York County’s being soccer. “This gives each of our clubs a little bit of ownership over their sport’s success,” he said.

Comer said it was an honor to have Athletics Director Ray Tanner attend the cookout on short notice. Added Judy Comer, “He really is such a peoples’ Athletics Director, which makes him a popular guy. Ray is at home when spending time with Gamecock fans.”

Where popularity goes, Comer is always working to extend the reach of his family’s wholesale beer operations founded in 1971 by his father, 86-year-old company President H. Leon Comer Sr. Chip has worked at Comer Distributing since the age of 11. Just last year,

he drove a refrigerated truck into Gamecock country to signify business expansion into Richland and Lexington counties through sale of popular craft brews. “I get to meet some neat personalities in the territories we cover,” he said.

Son Creighton worked for the family business over the summer and will attend USC in the fall. Older son Lee served in the Marines and now works for Comer Distributing.

Judy, who earned an MBA at Winthrop, also possesses business savvy. Organizing an away-game trip each football season, she’s equally responsible for York County Gamecock Club enthusiasm. This season’s excursion involves renting a 57-passenger bus for a trek to Athens, Ga., and the Georgia game.

Included will be a “tailgate meal” in Greenville. One year, she chartered three planes to New Orleans, and then four buses for an away game at LSU. “It’s worth every bit of the effort when our Gamecocks take the opponents’ field to the cheers of our York County faithful,” she said.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Left: Chip and Judy Comer relax just outside Champions Club North as the Gamecocks play to a season-opening victory over North Carolina. Right: Chip Comer, with Judy, enjoys time in Columbia not just on gamedays but also during meetings of the South Carolina Beer Wholesalers Association.

22 • Spurs & Feathers

September 18, 2013

Staley eager to show what it takes by brian hand bhand@spursandfeathers.com

pearance in 2012, the goal for South Carolina women’s basketball remains the same – win a national championship.

Dawn Staley garnered the highest honor a A Hall of Famer for the rest of her coaching player could receive when she was enshrined career, Staley knows that her enshrinement into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall can only help as she continues to spread her of Fame. message of what it takes to be a great player to To Staley though it was not just about her her current and future crop of players. obtaining the highest honor in her sport, but “It (Hall of Fame enshrinement) adds inrather about all the people in her life that stant credibility … I hope this honor protects have helped her along the way from the past the game,” Staley said. “I hope little girls to the present. will be able to approach the game like I ap“Any time that you are able to share someproached the game. I didn’t cut corners. It was thing like this with the people that have supa process for me in which I was just living ported you and are currently supporting you out my passion. I think if you live out your it’s always a great thing,” Staley noted in a passion, if you love something, whatever it press conference shortly after returning from is, you’re going to find your way to successes her enshrinement. “I’m certainly one that rethat you wouldn’t ever imagine or believe,” ally appreciates all the people that have been Staley remarked. in my life, that have supported me throughStaley went on point out that “hopefully out my career. I think any successful person our recruits saw the (Hall of Fame) speech really credits the people that helped them because it came from the heart. It came from along the way and I’m no different. I think a place in which I hope they play basketball.

I’ve been pretty successful playing the game, I’ve got to hit the ground running to maybe photo by allen sharpe get some commitments and get some people but I’ve had people in my life that’s added, Dawn Staley was honored for her Hall of Fame enshrinement during halftime of the Vandy game. here ... maybe some future Hall of Famers to that’s molded me into who I am today.”

One of only 27 women to be among the coach.”

337 inductees into the Hall of Fame, Staley is weekend. ment.

Those hopefully future Hall of Famers will just the 15th female to be admitted to the Hall “Just having my family, my friends, former Staley has led the Gamecocks to back-to-back be greeted upon their arrival to the South Caroof Fame due to their efforts on the basketball players, staff members all there made me feel 25-win seasons and has amassed a 92-66 relina campus by a Hall of Fame trophy emblacourt. really comfortable because it was all of us celcord in her five years at the helm of Gamecock zoned with Dawn Staley’s name.

The whole experience of being enshrined ebrating this moment,” Staley said. women’s basketball.

Where will the trophy reside? In her office, of into the Hall of Fame was surreal for Staley, but Staley is hoping that one day she can lead the Despite the tremendous record, which includ- course. That way recruits can see what it takes she admits that overall it was just an incredible Gamecocks to a similar type of euphoric moed a 25-8 mark last season and a Sweet 16 apto be a champion.

Gamecocks launch ‘Drive for 5’ SOUTH CAROLINA ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

South Carolina Athletics is launching its “Drive for 5” women’s basketball season ticket campaign this season. Inspired by head coach Dawn Staley’s jersey number during her Hall of Fame playing career, the program looks to bring at least 5,000 fans to Gamecock women’s basketball every game.

In the last two seasons, South Carolina has gone from 43rd to 26th in the nation in average attendance, bringing in nearly 4,000 fans per game in 2012-13. Staley is committed to continuing that momentum this season, issuing the challenge to Gamecock Nation to support her consistently improving program.

Season tickets for 2013-14 are $50 for a reserved seat or $100 for four general admission tickets. Visit www.GamecocksOnline. com/tickets or call 1-800-4SC-FANS to purchase season tickets.

PHOTO BY ALLEN SHARPE

Spurs & Feathers • 23

September 18, 2013

Troutman and family are a group of amazingly loyal Gamecocks

By Larry Di Giovanni USC Development Communications

John C. Troutman, Sr., ’63, of Aiken, and his wife, Lynda, ’64, are longtime Gamecock Club members who represent an enthusiastic family of Carolina graduates.

At least six family members often attend home football games together. Active in philanthropy, Troutman has given substantial gifts to Carolina through the years including Athletics.

When possible, all three children join John and Lynda for a game at WilliamsBrice Stadium. They are: daughter Courtney Kennaday, ’84, and her husband Tom, ‘99; son John, Jr., ’93, and wife Danielle; and daughter Kendall, ’96. John and Danielle have four sons ages 1 to 8 that also enjoy attending sssssgames when tickets are available.

The senior Troutman, who received his degree in business administration, led a distinguished 42-year career in banking that included a long tenure with Citizens and Southern National Bank in Georgia, South Carolina and Florida. He was president and CEO of Palmetto Federal before retiring in 2006 as chairman, president, and CEO of Regions Bank of South Carolina and central Georgia, Palmetto Federal’s successor.

“I’ve been fortunate to have some financial success,” said Troutman, a proud graduate of the Darla Moore School of Business. “The reason I’m doing this (story) is to encourage people to get off dead center and make a contribution to the University. I have supported Carolina wholeheartedly since my student days. I greatly enjoy my association with the University and credit Carolina, in large part, for my success.”

His many contributions over the years— to Athletics, the Moore School, and the USC Aiken campus—have been substantial and frequent. An insurance fund he created benefits Athletics with four different types of initiatives supported. Troutman has also recently given a sizeable cash gift to the Moore School for the new building targeted for completion in the spring of 2014, for a named group study room. He also established a trust naming the school as beneficiary, as well as a bequest for the school in his will.

Troutman emphasized that his confidence in the direction current Athletics Director Ray Tanner and his predecessor, Eric Hyman, have taken the program makes it easy to invest in facilities benefiting Gamecock

student-athletes. A solid foundation has already been established resulting in SEC and national championships in Gamecock County, with what he believes are many more to follow.

In addition, he has recently given a generous contribution to the USC Aiken Convocation Center used for athletic purposes—because “what’s good for USC Aiken is good for Aiken County, the city, and the entire area.” He served two eight-year terms on the USC Aiken Foundation Board.

Troutman’s father, John Troutman, was an accomplished two-sport athlete at Clemson during the 1930s, and it is “a thrill” to be asked about it by folks that knew about his dad, he said. But Troutman paid his own way in higher education, which he says is his greatest personal accomplishment, and decided to attend Carolina.

Troutman’s children carry forth the family tradition of professional success. Son John works with Merrill Lynch and lives with his family in Beaufort, S.C. Daughter Courtney and her husband Tom are both lawyers who reside in Columbia. Youngest daughter Kendall is a graphic designer located in Albuquerque, N.M. The “family affair” that comes from a great Carolina education, balanced by activities including enjoyment of Gamecock Athletics, provides reason for every person with University ties to consider their philanthropic potential, he said. “We have so many people who have the ability give but haven’t John C. Troutman, Sr., second from right, enjoys a Clemson game victory in 2011 in the yet, which is amazing to me. There’s no time company of (l-r) son John C. Troutman, Jr., grandson “Jack,” daughter-in-law Danielle and daughter Kendall. like now.”

Visit Spurs & Feathers online at www.spursandfeathers.com

24 • Spurs & Feathers

September 18, 2013

Cocky in the nation’s capitol

by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com

There is a strong presence of Gamecocks in the area around our nation’s capitol and that is one reason the Washington, D.C. chapter of the My Carolina Alumni Association and the National Capital Regional Gamecock Club have been able to grow their membership.

The DC Gamecocks through their work with the My Carolina Alumni Association are the flagship entity of the area. They work with the National Capital Regional Gamecock Club to promote sports events.

“It’s absolutely a collaborative effort. We’ve had a longstanding tradition of cooperation between the two clubs,” National Capital Regional Gamecock Club president Neil Baumgardner said.

The DC Gamecocks have been able to draw from the estimated 6,500 alumni that reside in the area from Richmond, Va. to Baltimore, Md. According to the DC Gamecocks it is an area that sees almost as many South Carolina license plates as there are Virginia, Maryland or District of Columbia plates.

The DC Gamecocks have been able to benefit Gamecocks, whether alumni, students or other friends of Carolina in the area. The DC Gamecocks offer traditional game-watching events, networking opportunities or community service involvement. They also even do wine tours, host a Gamecock Gala event each year and hold receptions with University administra-

tion and deans when they are in the area.

“We really have increased our Gamecock Club membership by advertising the benefits you get from becoming members and we have had some really big events over the years that have raised the profile for members and nationally,” Baumgardner said. “In 2010 when Ray Tanner and the baseball team went to the White House to be recognized as National Champions, we were lucky enough to be able to meet them as they were leaving. We got the opportunity to take pictures with them with the White House in the background.”

This is a picture that many South Carolina fans have seen and it was a great opportunity for the chapter. Baumgardner also added that Mrs. Pastides, wife of the President of the University of South Carolina, was in the area in 2011 and she was able to watch the Gamecock baseball team win its second title with the local Gamecock Club.

The DC Gamecocks give opportunities for more than just watching games to Gamecocks in the area. They have partnered with the Big Brother and Big Sister organizations in the area to give support through multiple events and take them under their wings. The groups have even taken children involved in these organizations to games at Nationals Park. They also plan reading events with alumni reading to the children and later this year another highlight will be a Christmas Concert in December.

Jim Forbes, the service chair for the chapter of the alumni association and director of com-

munications at the US House of Representatives for the Congressional office of Rep. David B. McKinley, has helped to coordinate getting the children to the Christmas Concert. The Congressional Chorus, made up of 100 staff members on Capitol Hill and in the White House including Forbes, will put on the concert. The DC Gamecocks will bring children from the Big Brother and Big Sister programs to spend the afternoon watching the concert as part of a celebration that will include gifts for the children.

“The whole event will surround the holidays, Santa and giving the kids gifts. We will also bring students and alumni for this big celebration with the toys to give out, the music and the whole atmosphere that goes along with the holidays,” said Andrew Gaeckle, president of the DC Gamecocks.

In the spring, the National Capital Regional Gamecock Club holds their annual spring meeting event, giving people in the area the chance to hear from assistant coaches and former Gamecock student-athletes. This past May the event had its largest attendance ever, with more than 60 Gamecock fans in attendance.

The National Capital Regional Gamecock Club hopes to even have more in the future as the group approaches its 10-year anniversary in the near future.

The DC Gamecocks have worked hard to recognize some of the interesting alumni in the area. Recently South Carolina graduate Captain Brian Connon became the Superintendent at

the US Naval Observatory and he even ran a Gamecock flag up one of the flagpoles. Also Fran Person, a former Gamecock offensive lineman, works as the executive assistant for Vice President Joe Biden and former Gamecock football player Anton Gunn works for the Department of Health and Human Services external communications.

“There are a number of interesting South Carolina alumni in influential positions around here and that is really something to be proud of,” Baugardner said.

Baumgardner, Gaeckle and Forbes all agreed that even though they are about an eight-hour ride from Columbia, S.C. the people are still able to support and love the Gamecocks in the area.

“People come to the area because you can live here and still love the Gamecocks. We’re all away from our school, but there’s something about when you’re away and you’re with fans of your school,” Forbes said. “You’re more passionate because you don’t see Columbia and signs of campus every day. We just click when we’re here and it is awesome.”

You can stay in the touch with the DC Gamecocks by visiting their website at http:// www.gamecocksdc.com. You can also like their Facebook page at DCGamecocks. You can follow them on Twitter @DCGamecocks.

The DC Gamecocks are also on Linkedin at DC-Gamecocks. You can also like the National Capital Regional Gamecock Club page on Facebook.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS The National Capital Regional Gamecock Club had its best attendance ever at a spring event in May (left). The Gamecock flag proudly waving at the US Naval Observatory (right).

Spurs & Feathers • 25

September 18, 2013

In Memoriam

Former Gamecock head football coach Warren Giese passes away Staff reports

compiled a record of 28-21-1 during his time at the helm of the Gamecocks.

Former University of South Carolina The 28 wins are the eighth-most head football coach Warren Giese among Gamecock head coaches. He has passed away. He passed away on is tied for 10th in most games coached Thursday, Sept. 12 at his home in Cowith 50. lumbia.

The youngest coach in the nation at Former player and coach Ted Githe time of his hire by Rex Enright, the rardeau (1957-58) noted that Giese was former Maryland ends coach guided “a highly intelligent man. He was a dis- the 1956 Gamecocks to a 7-3 overall ciplinarian and (he) did not put up with record. The Gamecocks would finish any foolishness from his players.

5-5 in 1957.

“During the four years that I was Behind ACC Player of the Year Alex there, he was very successful. We had Hawkins, South Carolina under Giese’s two 7-3 seasons and a 5-5. He won tutelage closed out the 1958 season more games than he lost. In 1958, he with a 7-3 record. Giese garnered a 6-4 coached us to a win over Clemson (26- record in 1959 before South Carolina 6 Gamecocks on Thursday, Oct. 23, had a 3-6-1 mark in his final season as 1958), who was ranked 10th that year,” head football coach in 1960.

Girardeau said.

During his time as head coach, Giese Giese served as the head coach at championed the two-point conversion.

South Carolina from 1956-60. He In fact, in 1959 Giese and the Game-

The Gamecock Club remembers the following member of Gamecock Nation who recently passed away.

Major Jesse L. Helms Jr - Born in Greenville, he was the son of the late mayor of Greenville, Jesse Lee Helms and Louise Hunnicutt Helms.He received a BA from the University of South Carolina in business administration. Following his graduation he joined the U.S. Army and retired after 25 years of distinguished service as a Major. During his career, he proudly served as a Recon platoon leader in Vietnam and later worked with the Ranger Department at Fort Benning, Ga. Major Helms was a longtime Gamecock fan and had been a part of the Gamecock Club for over 30 years.

cocks recorded a school-record 13 twopoint conversions.

After Marvin Bass became head coach in 1961, Giese transitioned over to Director of Athletics at South Carolina for one year. In 1962, Giese became chairman of the Department of Physical Education at the University of South Carolina.

Born July 14, 1924, Giese was a member of the football team at Oklahoma and Central Michigan. After serving in the Navy in World War II, Giese returned to Oklahoma in 1946 and was named first-team All-Big Six. After graduating from Oklahoma in 1947, Giese played his final season of college football at Central Michigan.

Giese would later serve in the South Carolina state senate from 1984-2004.

He retired in 2004 as the second oldest serving South Carolina senator.

26 • Spurs & Feathers

For the first three years, it seemed like his full name was “Nick Jones, Marcus Lattimore’s High School Teammate.”

True, the Gamecocks’ junior wide receiver has a close relationship with Lattimore, South Carolina’s record-breaking running back and current San Francisco 49er. Their Andy Demetra friendship dates Contributing Writer back to their days as 7-year-olds, playing for the Giants in the Duncan, S.C., District 5 youth league.

But even Jones admits the “Lattimore’s teammate” label wore on him.

“It was kind of frustrating. Me and Marcus have been together forever. That’s my teammate, that’s my brother. But I always wanted to make a name for myself,” he said.

Jones has begun to do just that. In a 41-30 loss to Georgia, he caught two touchdown passes, each time breaking free from his defender near the pylon. In his last five games, the Moore, S.C., native has caught 18 passes for 253 yards and three touchdowns. With each play, he continues to shed the notion that, as he puts it, “he’s only here because Marcus was here.”

His improved play has not gone unnoticed by his head coach. “He’s a really good routerunner with good hands. There’s a chance he may get featured a little bit more as we go,” Steve Spurrier said.

At 5-foot-7 and 174 pounds, Jones knows he won’t jump over defenders or win mid-air

September 18, 2013

wrestling matches for balls. He prides himself on precise routes and an ability to get in and out of cuts.

He also says he’s added more explosiveness this year.

“From watching film from last year and two years ago, I’ve just been watching my ‘ball get-offs.’ It’s a lot faster. Talking to my teammates at practice, they’re telling me I

look a lot faster than I have over the years,” Jones said.

His choice of roommate last year may have also sped his development. Jones lived with former Gamecock Ace Sanders, another short, slippery wideout who’s beginning his rookie season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Together, they turned their apartment into a virtual think tank on the art of pass-

catching. Jones soaked up the wisdom of his fellow “Z,” or slot, receiver.

“Every day, watching him and doing the things that he did, it helped me a lot,” he said.

Had it not been for a dislocated shoulder suffered during his freshman year of high school, Jones might have taken a different route athletically.

His Dad, Troy, played two seasons in the Braves farm system after starring at Spartanburg Methodist College. He passed the baseball bug to his youngest son, who admits it was his better sport growing up.

Jones traveled to AAU tournaments every weekend, and his speed made him a standout centerfielder.

“But I had surgery my sophomore year, and I never had the arm strength to throw from centerfield like I used to,” he said. “I never really got back into it.”

Football became his full-time sport instead. Like his father, Jones blossomed into a top wideout at Byrnes High School, helping the Rebels win a pair of state championships.

Despite a senior year that was limited by injury, he caught four touchdown passes and was rated a three-star prospect by Rivals. com. After taking official visits to Cincinnati, Penn State and South Carolina, Jones decided to join Lattimore in Columbia.

Even though he’s come into his own, Jones still hasn’t forgotten his old friend. After his two-touchdown performance against Georgia, Jones returned to find 125 unread texts on his cell phone. sssAmong them was a message from Lattimore.

He smiled when asked to paraphrase it.

“He told me he’d been watching me since Little League, so he knew what I could do,” Jones said.

“Now just show the world.”

Spurs & Feathers • 27

September 18, 2013

Gamecocks help Curing Kids Cancer raise awareness, funds by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com

work because it is a fantastic way to reach people. Almost everybody is interested in some sport or other,” founder Grainne The University of South Carolina partOwen said. “When you have someone in nered with nonprofit organization Curing the public eye like coach Spurrier and his Kids Cancer to help raise awareness about football team who are willing to particiNational Childhood Cancer Awareness pate, it’s just great. The whole University of Month in September. The Gamecocks’ efSouth Carolina Athletics Department has forts were highlighted on Sept. 14 as South been amazing and really supported what Carolina and Vanderbilt both wore special we’re trying to do.” helmet stickers and wristbands. The coachAthletics Director Ray Tanner and Unies were outfitted with whistles and lanyards versity of South Carolina President Dr. from the organization as well in support of Harris Pastides also wore the wristbands, “Blowing the Whistle on Kids Cancer.” stickers and whistles to support the cause.

The program has evolved after beginOwen made special mention of the help of ning as Coaches Curing Kids Cancer to Steve and Jerri Spurrier and South Carolina now include Players Curing Kids Cancer.

Deputy Athletics Director Charles Waddell ESPN’s Lee Corso is the honorary chairas well. man of Coaches Curing Kids Cancer and The equestrian team also contributed by Players Curing Kids Cancer is chaired by hosting families and children affected by Atlanta Braves closer Craig Kimbrell. CBS the childhood cancer at their facility, One Sports’ Tony Barnhart is also a member of Wood Farm. The children were allowed the Executive Advisory Board for the orga- to interact with the student-athletes, who nization.

Owen spoke highly of. The children also “A lot of our campaign is based around got to meet, wash and ride the horses at the sports just through the evolution of our facility.

Owen said that she has big plans and high hopes for the organization, including becoming involved with the SEC and other teams in the conference. She would like to see this cause promoted the way that breast cancer awareness is promoted in October.

She added that if awareness is raised, support should follow because it is an issue that is close to many people’s hearts.

“It’s all for the children. They can’t do it themselves, so we’re battling on their behalf. Anybody who is willing to help us raise awareness is going to end up helping the kids because people will get involved once they realize the situation,” Owen said.

The organization was founded in 2005, but it was inspired after Owen and her husband, Clay, lost one of their twin boys, Killian, to leukemia in 2003. Owen said she started raising money the year after he passed away and she wanted to funnel the proceeds to research on cancer and drugs to fight childhood cancer.

She noted that there was an experimental drug that possibly could have helped her son, but there was no money to get it from

the experimental stage into treatment.

“So that is really what we tried to do, get new types of treatments that are out there already and just try to get them to the children,” Owen explained. “It became quickly apparent that other organizations weren’t getting the money where it needed to be. So even though I never intended to, I ended up founding the charity to make sure that the money would get where it need to go.”

Owen said that raising awareness about the issue is great, but she also stressed that their should be a call to action behind it.

The stickers, wristbands, whistles and lanyards are all available to purchase online with all of the proceeds going to help with the research to curing children’s cancer.

You can find these items and learn more about the organization at http://www.curingkidscancer.org/blowthewhistle.html.

“With childhood cancer, a relatively small amount of money could make the difference between a child surviving or not. Every dollar that people are willing to donate will make a difference. We will make sure that it does,” Owen concluded.

28 • Spurs & Feathers

Florence County Gamecock Club Fall Rally

September 18, 2013

Spartanburg County Gamecock Club – October Meeting

Wednesday, September 18 6-8 p.m.at the Floyd Conference Center at Carolina’s Hos- Thursday, October 17th 7 p.m. at Spartanburg Downtown Marriott Convention Center pital System; 805 Pamplico Hwy., Florence, SC 29505.

“Catching up with Yolanda and Vern” Dinner begins at 6 p.m. with Roger’s BBQ House furGuest Speakers: Yolanda & Vern Smith, parents of nishing your meal and the program starts at 7 p.m.

Marcus Lattimore.

Come hear it from the parents’ viewpoint ... his years at AD Ray Tanner along with head baseball coach Chad Carolina, the injuries, the NFL Draft, his faith and his Holbrook and head men’s basketball coach Frank Martin life with the 49ers. will be attending along with other special guests.

Admission is FREE and open to all Gamecock fans.

Contact Club President Scat Scaturro at (843) 621-8008, or Rocky Rietkovich, Florence County Gamecock Club Board of Directors, Public Relations Officer (843) 495Spartanburg County Gamecock Club 0288.

“Leave the driving to us!”

First come, first serve so don’t wait; seats will fill up fast!

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at Roger’s BBQ House, Jernigan Law Firm, Mickey Finn’s, Crawford Law Firm or from a mem- ss2013 Away Football Game Bus Trips ber of the Board of Directors.

Oct. 19 - Tennessee (Knoxville, Tenn.)

COST: Spartanburg County Gamecock Club – Early Bird (Before Sept. 15th) $50/seat After Sept. 15th $55/seat) September Meeting Departure Time & Place: Thursday, September 19th 7 p.m. at Spartanburg Jason Deli’s Parking Lot ( W.O. Ezell Blvd. Spartanburg) Downtown Marriott Convention Center Departure Time: TBA (once gametime is confirmed) Admission is FREE and the meeting is open to all Gamecock fans.

Please make Check payable to : Guest Speaker will be Phil Kornblut, host of the Spartanburg County Gamecock Club syndicated radio show SportsTalk.

Mail to: Phil will give us his insights and thoughts on summer P.O. Box 5146, Spartanburg, SC 29304 practices and the 2013 football season.

Please remember reserved bus seats DO NOT include Come early & listen to Phil as he broadcasts his statewide game tickets. Please contact Glenn Cox, (864) 597-8380, radio program LIVE from Spartanburg, 6-7 p.m.! with questions.

Darlington County Gamecock Club Board meeting Monday, October 7, 2013, at 6:00 p.m.

Heritage Community Bank 206 South Fifth Street in Hartsville, S.C. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served.

All Gamecock fans are invited to attend!

Darlington County Gamecock Club Election Monday, November 4, 2013, at 6:00 p.m.

Heritage Community Bank 206 South Fifth Street in Hartsville, S.C. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served.

All Gamecock fans are invited to attend!

Don’t forget to check the calendar on spursandfeathers.com for all upcoming Gamecock Club and South Carolina Athletics events.

Upcoming South Carolina Athletics Events zz Sept. 20-22 Women’s Golf Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championship zz Sept. 22-24 Men’s Golf Rees Jones Invitational zz September 20 Equestrian vs. Kansas State......................................10 a.m.

Volleyball vs. Western Carolina........................... 4:30 p.m.

Women’s Soccer at Georgia.......................................................7 p.m.

Men’s Soccer vs. South Florida...................................7 p.m. zz September 21 Volleyball vs. Robert Morris.........................................1 p.m.

Volleyball vs. Presbyterian College............................7 p.m. zz September 22 Men’s Soccer vs. Dartmouth................................. 2:30 p.m.

Home events are............................................................................... Bold

September 18, 2013

Spurs & Feathers • 29

30 • Spurs & Feathers

September 18, 2013

Spurs & Feathers • 31

September 18, 2013

Lots of football still ahead

During the course of the football season, there are 12 games and if you play well and win enough games, there will be the reward of another one. If the team plays really well and wins a few more in conference then there is the possibility of playing in the SEC championship, thus, the chance of two additional games (and next year, there will be still another, but that can wait until next year).

For the 2013 season, of those potential 14 games, only seven are played in Columbia (four against SEC Ed Girardeau foes). Three of those home games come Contributing against Eastern diviEditor sion schools. Thus, this past Saturday’s game was a big one! Yes, it was Vanderbilt and historically, South Carolina has had their way (with Saturday’s win, 19-4 all time). However, this Vandy team is much better than the past and if the Gamecocks were going to get to that 14th game, this was a must win.

It was a beautiful evening as finally summer was beat back and it actually felt like football weather. After a disappointing loss to Georgia, I had to wonder how many people would arrive as empty seats. Coach Spurrier had emphasized during the week prior the importance of a big crowd, creating noise and making it difficult on the visitors. It was great to see the faithful respond with a sellout crowd and with empty seats few and far between.

And the boys responded by jumping on the Commodores for four touchdowns and a 280 lead; 21 of which came in the first quarter.

Best of all, it was not Vandy turnovers or unforced errors which led to the lead. Gone was the leaky defense from the week before.

Defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward in the postgame said that they had gone back to the basics and made sure that the 11 men on the field knew their assignments. After answering one question as to what they had done different, another question of “what exactly did you do differently,” he alluded back to the original answer. The team needed to play as a team and just play basic football. Nothing flashy. Just get the athletes in the right position, particularly the young linebackers and let them use their superior abilities.

Throw in an offense that converted their first eight third down plays and USC was well on their way. An interception by Vanderbilt with a nice return, set up a Commodore lone touchdown in the first half and they tacked on a field goal to make the score at the half, 28-10.

The Gamecocks came out and scored the first touchdown in the second half and with a score of 35-10, we could all slap each other on the back and think, “this one’s in the win column.”

In fact, many of the fans decided this was the case - particularly the students - and decided it was time for the postgame party to start. And besides, it was a very nice evening! No time to be wasted. So the student section by the end of the third quarter was half full (I’m being generous). A fact which did not go unnoticed in the postgame by the players. Mike Davis made light of it briefly and Connor Shaw went so far as to say that “there was no excuse.”

You cannot blame them. They are students, too, but they have worked extremely hard and want their fellow students around at the end to celebrate with them.

The problem with all this is somebody forgot to tell Vanderbilt that the game was over. The stadium lost its energy and a couple of costly errors by special teams which resulted in turnovers, set the Commodores up for late scores and before you knew it, Vandy had the ball, first and goal, trailing 35-25, with nine minutes left in the game. You could feel this one slipping away.

On a night were there were a host of good plays, the play of the night was made at this point. Jimmy Legree stepped in front of a pass at the goal line and returned the ball over to the Gamecocks at the one yard line. Crisis adverted. In the postgame press conference, it was great to listen to Legree explain the events that led to the interception. Vanderbilt, on film, had consistently run fade routes to the back of the end zone, which was expected. Legree noticed that the wide receiver lined up wider than normal and made the judgement, on his own, that the Commodores were not going to run the fade from that position, but a slant was forthcoming, so Legree played it inside and had himself in position to make, for all intent and purposes, the game-saving play. A play made by a senior leader on the defense.

There was also the pesky problem of still having over eight minutes on the clock and being backed up as far as you could possibly be.

After an illegal substitution penalty, they rolled the ball over and the rear nose of the football was on the Vandy goal line. The ball could not have been any further away from the Gamecock goal line, unless the officials placed the ball in the end zone.

Shaw made a wise decision to run it out of the pocket while standing in the end zone and pick up enough yards to put USC a yard away from a first down. The Gamecocks then methodically drove the ball down the field, causing the Commodores to use their three time outs. The Gamecocks then gave the ball over on downs with roughly a minute to play and a

10-point lead. We could exhale as Vanderbilt without the aid of timeouts quickly used the final minute and the Gamecocks were victorious.

Coach Spurrier in the postgame, rather than focus on the mistakes and disappointments of the second half, was upbeat. A win over an SEC East opponent was great, no matter how you got there. Sure there were some “crappy” plays and the special teams needed some work, but a win is a win and that is what South Carolina needed.

It is interesting to read the “experts” opinions through the week, post Georgia, with what the Gamecocks needed to do. This is very simple in my humble, perhaps simple, estimation. First step was get to practice, correct the mistakes from the Georgia game, particularly the assignments of the defense and beat Vanderbilt. Simple and now that has been accomplished. Now an open date and two weeks to continue to get better on defense, allow the nicked up to heal, particularly JD Clowney who said that his foot was “really hurting.” We need to get the big guy as close to 100 percent as possible, though, this will probably nag him throughout the course of the season, a la Con-

ner Shaw from last year, but it was good to see Sutton, Quarles, Legree, et al, step in, make plays and lest we forget, Clowney’s sack and caused fumble in the third quarter. Even less than 100 percent, the guy just makes plays.

Thus, the next step is to go to Central Florida and pick up a win on the road. This is easier to say than to do. The Knights are 3-0 and defeated Penn State at (not so) Happy Valley. The defense will have to continue to get better and the offense needs to continue their good play, which the coaches and players well know, to get this win.

Then it will be a return visit to Columbia against another SEC East Division foe. Kentucky gave Louisville all they wanted on this past Saturday night and it will be all the more important to pack the Willy B, create the noise and make it hard for the Wildcats. And the parties can wait. Win and a good time will be had by all. Stay until the end and make it impossible on our opponents to get out of Columbia.

The three-game road trip will then ensue against the SEC. We have a lot to be excited about.

We will take a breather and get after it again in two weeks!

32 • Spurs & Feathers

September 18, 2013