video board a high-tech orchestra
Quieting the critics Road blowout of razorbacks
$1.50
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID COLUMBIA SC PERMIT NO. 389
proves gamecocks’ mettle
October 16, 2013 • Volume 35 • Issue 29
2 • Spurs & Feathers
October 16, 2013
photo by allen sharpe
Byrd finished the resounding Gamecock road victory over Arkansas with two catches for 57 yards. He caught a 45-yard touchdown pass from Shaw in the third quarter.
Gamecocks earn complete team victory over Razorbacks by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
for 43:25, the most in the Spurrier era. The Gamecocks also racked up 32 first downs, tied for the most under Spurrier with the FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. - South Carogame against Kentucky on Oct. 8, 2011. lina got a complete game with big contribu- Gamecock quarterback Connor Shaw led tions from both the offense and defense in the charge accounting for four touchdowns, a 52-7 victory over Arkansas at Donald W. three passing and one rushing. He was 19Reynolds Razorback Stadium. for-28 passing for 219 yards. He also had The Gamecocks were able to score 52 un- 37 rushing yards as well. Shaw has still not answered points in the win. thrown an interception this season. “Obviously our team played the best “Overall I think we played really well up game that we have all year … the defense, front and played smart today,” Shaw said. the offense played well. Connor Shaw had “We knew coming into this stretch it was another outstanding game and the receivgoing to be tough … we wanted to come ers caught just about everything,” head out here and make a statement and I think coach Steve Spurrier said. “We made a lot we did.” of good plays and scored touchdowns, only The offensive line played well for South had to kick that one field goal early in the Carolina, allowing for a season-high 277 game.” yards on the ground. South Carolina’s (5-1, 3-1 SEC) offense Mike Davis led the rushing attack with racked up 537 total yards on the day and 128 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. controlled the clock, possessing the ball Davis has had 100-yard rushing perfor-
mances in five of the Gamecocks’ six games this season. “All we’ve got to do is put a hat on a hat and he’ll find a hole … it’s like a video game on some of the cuts that he makes,” A.J. Cann said of blocking for Davis. Nine Gamecocks caught passes in the game, with Bruce Ellington making six grabs for 96 yards and two touchdowns. Damiere Byrd caught a 45-yard touchdown from Shaw on a ball Shaw said he thought he overthrew, but Byrd “has another gear when the ball is in the air.” Pharoh Cooper was featured more as he had 45 rushing yards on four attempts, 42 punt return yards and completed one pass for three yards. Cooper had a 36-yard punt return in the fourth quarter. The defense played well, giving up only seven points on the opening drive and surrendering 248 total yards, only 30 of those passing. The 30 passing yards were
the third-fewest allowed during Spurrier’s tenure. The defense also forced three turnovers on two fumbles and one interception by Victor Hampton, his second of the season. Arkansas (3-4, 0-3 SEC) only got seven first downs in the game and went 2-for-7 in third down opportunities. South Carolina was able to convert 9-of16 third downs and was 5-for-5 in fourth down opportunities. In other SEC news, Georgia lost to Missouri, putting the Gamecocks, Bulldogs and Gators in a tie for second in the SEC East behind the Tigers. South Carolina travels for their next two games to face Tennessee and Missouri. “We’re back with a chance and we’ll see how we can go from here … the guys played well, now the question is can we continue playing well down the stretch,” Spurrier said.
October 16, 2013
Spurs & Feathers • 3
Athletics department to host All Sports Reunion south carolina athletics media relations The University of South Carolina Athletics Department has announced the dates for the 2013 All Sports Reunion. The reunion will take place during Homecoming Weekend, November 1-2 in Columbia. To kick off the weekend, former studentathletes are encouraged to attend the 2013 All Sports Reunion Reception on Friday, November 1 in the Athletics Village. On Saturday, former student-athletes will join fellow alumni at the My Carolina Alumni Association Homecoming Tailgate in Gamecock Park (former Farmer’s Market) prior to watching the Gamecock football team take on Mississippi State. “The Gamecock All Sports Reunion gives us a chance to honor former studentathletes who have worn the Garnet and Black and represented the University so well,” said Athletics Director Ray Tanner. “We have a long and storied history at USC and by honoring our past we hope to keep this tradition going so that Game-
cocks for years to come will be treasured in the memories of all that support Carolina.” This year’s event will be open to all former student-athletes from all sports and all years. Please visit Reunion Registration (www.gamecocksonline.com/ reunion) to register. Registration deadline has been extended to Oct. 23.
For more information, contact: Jay Brown Gamecock Club Assistant Director 803.777.5723 JayBrown@sc.edu
4 • Spurs & Feathers
Spurs & Feathers Published by Aiken Communications, Inc.
Contact Us: 218 Richland Ave. W. Aiken, SC 29801 (803) 335-1399 To subscribe: Please call 800-559-2311; annual subscription price is $50 Scott B. Hunter Publisher & President Aiken Communications, Inc. Tim O’Briant General Manager tobriant@spursandfeathers.com (803) 335-1400 Ext. 500 Brian Hand Executive Editor bhand@spursandfeathers.com (803) 335-1399 Ext. 506 Mike Kucharski Reporter mike@spursandfeathers.com (803) 335-1399 Ext. 507 Ed Girardeau Contributing Editor ed@spursandfeathers.com (803) 335-1399 Ext. 501 Dee Taylor Advertising Director (803) 644-2371
October 16, 2013
What’s Inside? - Table of Contents Not time for Gamecocks to look ahead...................5 What Arkansas has to say.............................................5 The Tennessee Game.....................................................5 Pat Vella Profile.................................................................6 Starting Five......................................................................6 View from the video board control room........8-11 South Carolina roster..................................................12 Tennessee roster...........................................................13 Recruiting roundup.....................................................14 Chris Matlock profile...................................................15 Postgame notes/quotes.............................................16 Depth charts..................................................................17 Legendary Fan Julian Boland...................................18 Brent Skinner profile...................................................18 Assistant coach profile...............................................19 Jimmy Smith profile....................................................20 Inside the Chart.............................................................22 Men’s golf driving for good season........................23 Unique friendship........................................................24
Kathy Boyette Advertising Sales Manager (803) 644-2349 kboyette@spursandfeathers.com
Women’s basketball sets sights on title................25
Matt Socha Graphic Designer
Radio/Television information...................................26
Postal Information: Postage paid at 2001 Dixiana Rd., West Columbia, SC 29172. Periodical application pending. Spurs & Feathers is published 22 times a year, coming out weekly from Aug. 21 through Dec. 4 and bi-monthly from Jan. 29 through June 25.
Compliance corner......................................................27
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Something to crow about!
Gamecocks diving into new season......................25
Upcoming Gamecock Club events........................28 Tanner visits NYC Gamecocks..................................29 In Memoriam.................................................................29 Ed Girardeau column..................................................30
Under Armour and the University of South Carolina have unveiled the new men’s basketball uniform design, with the team set to wear the new look beginning with the 2013-14 season. According to Under Armour, its goal with the new uniforms was to create a unique visual on the court, and at the same time draw a parallel across various sports on campus. The two stripe story, first introduced in football, has been interpreted for the basketball uniforms as well. The placement for the striping on the men’s uniform is on the front left leg of the short and left shoulder of the jersey, creating an iconic placement and Under Armour’s first asymmetrical look. The numbers on the jerseys feature a unique South Carolina Digi camp pattern, featuring the palmetto tree and crescent moon from the state flag. South Carolina begins its season with a Nov. 3 exhibition contest vs. USC Aiken. Game time is set for 2 p.m. and admission is free. For season ticket information, including the new reduced lower level prices, fans should visit www.GamecocksOnline.com/Tickets, or call 1-800-4SC-FANS. (Story/photo by South Carolina Athletics Media Relations)
Spurs & Feathers • 5
October 16, 2013
Not time for the Gamecocks to look ahead
At some point in their careers, most college football players get to experience the thrill of playing before a packed stadium, bringing fans to their feet in excitement and hearing the deafening roar of victory ring in their ears long into the night. Far fewer players at the major college level get to live through the thrill of the opportunity Gamecocks have in backto-back weekends on the Bart Wright road in the SEC. Here’s hoping they ap- Contributing Writer preciated the sounds of silence in Fayetteville last Saturday because it can be the source of precious memories long into the future. It isn’t unique, but it is a rare and treasured thing for a defense to trot off the field after another three-and-out and look up in the stands to see people getting up out of their seats
and finding their way to aisles that lead to exits that lead to parking lots. When the offense jogs back on the field and notices there aren’t as many hostile fans as there were for the last series and the ones still watching are yelling at their own team, it gives a surge of confidence that distinctly belongs to teams that know how to win on the road. This week will be a challenge in that regard because up in Knoxville, the locals recently rediscovered the joys of Rocky Top, of the big crowd packed in tight, smiles on their faces, cheers in their throats. Taking undefeated Georgia into overtime did it for the Volunteers two weeks ago. The iconic song blasting through the stadium gave it a feel like the old days when Tennessee was always in a scrum for a division title and maybe even a shot at a national championship. That feeling was drained out of the faithful when the program was turned over to Derek Dooley and in less than three years, they had seen enough in Knoxville. The end came before the end last year when Dooley was sent
What Arkansas has to say Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema, though he would like to forget, said he would not. “Today is a day that you have to put in the memory bank, acknowledge and never let it happen again, as a head coach, assistant coach, coordinator, player. Unacceptable. “I want to thank the crowd. They came out wanting a good show and I thought our guys showed up ready to play. Once again, we just couldn’t get over that speed bump. It’s very, very frustrating for the players, coaches, I know for the fans. “ Bielema said it was mistakes that did them in. “There’s a drive, I think South Carolina’s second scoring drive, where defensively we had five different misalignments and executions on an 11-play drive. You can’t play winning football that way. To have a couple big offensive plays negated by ball security is coaching, that’s on me. It is 100 percent a point of emphasis in our program and it is something that needs to cease. We’ll hunker down.” The Arkansas head coach said the opening just couldn’t be sustained. “One of the reasons that first drive was so successful was we had nice rhythm. Keon Hatcher had that nice play, taking it down. We had some runs, some passes. We came back to the same play the second half and had a tremendous run. Everyone gets excited, but then we fumbled it at the end of the play. The exact same play, going the other way. Very, very frustrating. At halftime
I said, ‘I want to see that team that came out of the gate to start the game.’ Everybody was charged up, I know on defense we let that first drive go down the field, but they buckled up in the middle of the first quarter and early second quarter. I thought they did that, forcing the field goal drive. The turnover was huge.” Arkansas Quarterback Brandon Allen said the team just did not handle adversity well. “That is something we are usually good at coming back from and that’s adversity and today we didn’t do that at all. We had a good first drive and then we got a couple of penalties and then I threw the interception and we really didn’t come back from any of that. It’s something that our offense is used to. We are used to coming back from pretty much anything, but today we just didn’t have it. “It was very frustrating,” Allen said. “A lot of things didn’t go right. A lot of things weren’t clicking. Any time that happens, it’s frustrating as an offense and as a whole team.” Defensive End Chris Smith lamented the mistakes, but said that Connor Shaw had something to do with that. “We have to minimize mistakes. Mental errors and things of that nature really showed up and you can’t do that against a top-25 team. Connor Shaw made a lot of big plays and things of that nature so we just have to minimize mistakes.” (compiled by Ed Girardeau based off Arkansas Athletic Communications reports)
away after the Vols’ seventh consecutive SEC defeat – they were 4-19 for him in the conference – which had the added problem of having been administered by Vanderbilt. Butch Jones has revitalized the fan base at Tennessee, even with a 3-3 record and a winless start after two SEC games. That tells you how far down they were, but Vols’ fans see a new level of credibility and competence in the team Jones has been sending out, take away that 59-14 dismemberment by the Ducks in Eugene, Oregon last month. Tennessee has located some playmakers on offense, the defense is gradually gaining the sense that it belongs after having Georgia up against the wall until Aaron Murray threw a game-tying touchdown pass with five seconds left two weeks ago before the eventual Dogs’ win. This is the second of three straight weeks on the road and it’s no time for the Gamecocks to look ahead, though the temptation will be strong. It’s also the second week in a row Steve Spur-
photo by allen sharpe
rier’s team has faced a first-year SEC coach on the road. Most often, those new coaches come away with a whole new appreciation of Spurrier after experiencing what he can do up close and personal.
The Tennessee Game by Ed Girardeau ed@spursandfeathers.com
Tennessee Volunteers (3-3, 0-2 SEC) Oct. 5: Lost to Georgia 34-31 at home in overtime Oct. 17; open date Site: at Knoxville, Tennessee (Neyland Stadium) Time: 12 p.m. TV: ESPN (check local listings) Radio: Gamecock Radio Network (check listings on page 26) Series: Tennessee leads series all-time 22-7-2, including 14-2 at Tennessee; South Carolina has won the last three. Last year (10/27/12): In Columbia, Gamecocks win, 38-35 South Carolina won despite losing Marcus Lattimore on a season-ending injury, which brought players from both teams as well as fans to tears. Lattimore had 65 yards and a touchdown before the injury. Tennessee rallied and they were in the red zone looking to take the lead in the fourth quarter when Jadeveon Clowney sacked Tyler Bray and caused a fumble that the Gamecocks recovered and then went on to the win.
Last time in Knoxville (10/29/11): Gamecocks win, 14-3 The Gamecock defense gave up an early field goal and trailed 3-0 before pitching a shutout against the Vols the rest of the way. A 23-yard touchdown pass by Connor Shaw to Busta Anderson in the second quarter to take the lead. They then added a Shaw five-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter. Spurrier record vs Tennessee at USC: 5-3
6 • Spurs & Feathers
October 16, 2013
For he’s a jolly good Vella by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
Pat Vella has Gamecock roots running back to the 1940s starting as a football player and continuing today as a fan. He and his wife Rose have now run Vella’s Restaurant & Tavern in Cayce, S.C. for 64 years and they support the Gamecock Club as 43-year members. Vella has not missed a home football game since 1946 and he has seen the stadium and program progress and change before his eyes. He said that when he played only 35,000 fans would fill the stadium and seeing the program advance throughout the years has been a joy. “I have never missed a football game in Carolina’s stadium since 1946. I have never missed one and I am 89 years old now, so I have had quite a time,” Vella said. “I love Carolina so much and I’ve loved it since I got here.” Before he came to play football at South Carolina, Vella served in the US Navy from 1942 to 1946 on the USS North Carolina. Vella traveled across the Pacific Ocean from Guadalcanal to Japan while serving on the USS North Carolina, which is now a memorial located in Wilmington, N.C. Of the crew of 2,000 people who served on the ship, he is now one of 17 surviving crew members. This is quite a feat not only because of Vella’s longevity, but also because his ship was torpedoed in the Pacific Ocean. The ship was struck with a torpedo at Guadalcanal that killed 106 people and left Vella stuck in the ocean for four days. He miraculously survived that experience and got out of the Navy in 1946 to go on to college.
SOUTH CAROLINA ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
Pat Vella, pictured with Gamecock Club Executive Director Patrick McFarland (left) and Brent Skinner of B.P. Skinner Clothiers( right), and his wife, Rose, are 43-year members of the Gamecock Club. Vella played for the Gamecocks from 194649 under head coach Rex Enright. Vella and Enright both came from Illinois, with Enright bringing him down to come attend and play football for South Carolina. Some of Vella’s favorite memories surround his time with former teammate and Gamecock legend Steve Wadiak. “Getting Wadiak here, well I got him here to begin with from Chicago. I met him at the train station on Assembly and took him to meet Rex,” Vella said. “One day we were scrimmaging North Carolina, so I said to Rex ‘how about giving this Wadiak a chance?’ “So I gave hime a quickie left and he ran it 60 yards for a touchdown … the next scrimmage
we had was about an hour later and I asked Steve ‘can you do it again?’ He said ‘I believe so’ and took it 75 yards for a touchdown. Then Rex came up to me and said ‘where has he been, Vella?’ I told him that he had been there all along, he just hadn’t noticed him and we kind of got Steve going,” Vella said. Another highlight from Vella’s playing days was the fact that the Gamecocks were able to defeat Clemson three out of the four years they played them, in 1946, ‘47 and ‘49. He also said that being a Gamecock is one of the best things he has done and it has made him devoted to the University for life. The progression of the Athletics Department brings joy to Vella as well and not only on the
gridiron. He said that the Gamecock football team now has the best team, coaches and players they have ever had, but he is also proud of the other sports and the job Athletics Director Ray Tanner is doing. “They cannot make them any better than Ray Tanner. He’s one of the finest people we’ve ever known and the best Athletic Director we’ve ever had. Since 1946, I’ve seen a lot come and go. He may be the best Athletic Director in the country,” Vella said. Vella has been honored as a Legendary Fan by the Gamecock Club and he is a former president of the Lettermen’s Association. He and his wife, Rose, have been very involved in the community and she said Pat received a special commendation from the city of Cayce last fall for his contributions to the community. He has also received a key to the city of Columbia as a pioneer of the Italian-American heritage in the area. “We’re kind of proud of this fellow, the old World War II vet,” Rose Vella laughed. She said that running their restaurant for 64 years and being able to serve the community makes them feel very fortunate. She said that many football players would come to their business after games with family, dates and friends to have some fun together. “It’s been beautiful over the years. Some of these guys have been like children to us and we still stay in touch with some of them,” Rose Vella said. “Another thing that is so much fun is going to the Lettermen’s Lounge before the games, at halftime and after the games and seeing everyone. It’s just great for both of us to be a part of this community.”
Starting Five with Reggie Theus Jr. South Carolina Athletics media relations
at South Carolina. 2. You have been described as a slasher who can play the shooting guard and small 1. You join the South Carolina men’s basforward positions. How do you see your ketball program from the prep ranks in Los game? I see my game like that, as a slasher and Angeles. What is it that interested you the able to play those positions. Playing in college most about coming all the way across the definitely won’t be the same as high school. It nation to join the Gamecocks? For the experi- will be a lot harder getting to the basket and I ence. It is definitely a long way, but I haven’t have always worked on my spot-up shooting, regretted a second about coming to South Caro- and I really plan on bringing that to our team. lina. Everyone is great. It’s nice to be in such 3. Who do you model your game after the a different place, a place I’ve never been and most? I really like Ray Allen. Also Lebron to have the opportunity to play for a coach like James and Rudy Gay. I really like the way they Coach Martin. To meet the staff at such a high play. Ray Allen especially because of how he level you learn a lot. I’m really happy with the gets to open spots and how he moves with and experience and the learning I have done being without the ball.
4. What aspect of your game are you working on the most as you prepare for your freshman season to get underway? Shooting, and listening and keeping a positive attitude to get better in all aspects of the game. I’ve definitely been working on spot shooting and one-dribble pull-ups, because those are aspects I want to bring to the team. 5. You have noted that you love listening to and producing hip-hop music. Do you feel that you are just as creative on the court? I do feel that I’m creative on the court too. Both (music and basketball) are all about listening, learning and getting better. Different types of music and lyrics, you learn a lot about the artist, the different type of music the artist is making
photo by allen sharpe
and it is the same way with coaches. With the different types of coaches and types of players you are around, you learn different ways to play and listen.
Spurs & Feathers • 7
October 16, 2013
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
Missouri
SEC
Pct. Overall
Pct. Home Away Neutral Streak
2 - 0
1.000
6 - 0
1.000
3-0
3-0
0-0
W6
South Carolina 3 - 1
.750
5 - 1
.833
3-0
2-1
0-0
W4
Georgia
3 - 1
.750
4 - 2
.667
3-1
1-1
0-0
L1
09/28/13 .... at UCF..............................Orlando, Fla. ................W, 28-25
Florida
3 - 1
.750
4 - 2
.667
3-0
1-2
0-0
L1
10/05/13 .... vs. Kentucky.....................Columbia, S.C. ............W, 35-28
Kentucky
0 - 3
.000
1 - 5
.167
1-3
0-1
0-1
L4
Tennessee
0 - 2
.000
3 - 3
.500
3-1
0-2
0-0
L1
Vanderbilt
0 - 3
.000
3 - 3
.500
2-2
1-1
0-0
L1
09/14/13 .... vs. Vanderbilt....................Columbia, S.C. ............W, 35-25
10/12/13 .... at Arkansas.......................Fayetteville, Ark. ............W, 52-7 10/19/13 .... at Tennessee....................Knoxville, Tenn. ............. 12 p.m.
Western
10/26/13 .... at Missouri........................Columbia, Mo. .................... TBA
Alabama
3 - 0
1.000
6 - 0
1.000
3-0
2-0
1-0
W6
LSU
3 - 1
.750
6 - 1
.857
4-0
1-1
1-0
W2
Auburn
2 - 1
.667
5 - 1
.833
5-0
0-1
0-0
W2
11/16/13 ..... vs. Florida.........................Columbia, S.C. ................... TBA
Texas A&M
2 - 1
.667
5 - 1
.833
3-1
2-0
0-0
W3
11/23/13 ..... vs. Coastal Carolina..........Columbia, S.C. ................... TBA
Ole Miss
1 - 3
.250
3 - 3
.500
1-1
2-2
0-0
L3
Arkansas
0 - 3
.000
3 - 4
.429
3-2
0-2
0-0
L4
Mississippi St.
0 - 2
.000
3 - 3
.500
3-1
0-1
0-1
W1
11/02/13 ..... vs. Mississippi State.........Columbia, S.C. ................... TBA
11/30/13 ..... vs. Clemson......................Columbia, S.C. ................... TBA
8 • Spurs & Feathers
October 16, 2013
The view from the video board control room on football gameday by brian hand bhand@spursandfeathers.com
These individuals have seven days over the course of the year to get things as perfect as possible behind-the-scenes and they work The video board at Williams-Brice Staextremely hard to make sure that fans do dium is one of the best in the country. not notice when things go wrong within the At 36 feet high and 124 feet wide, the video control room. board affectionately known as the “beast board” gives South Carolina fans the ability 1:30 p.m. The video board prior to the Kentucky to not only be able to be there to witness the game roughly came on around 1:30 p.m. game live, but also to have a top-notch inhome experience inside the friendly confines with the Gamecock “swirl” logo that they utilize so much on the board. Despite being of Williams-Brice Stadium. six hours away from kickoff, this is a necesIn year one of the video board last year, it sity in that a multitude of tests are necessary marked just the beginning with everyone to make sure the board is alive and well early associated with the board realizing its true potential. This year more and more has been in the day. David Cockfield is the maestro for the added to the game atmosphere on the video video board production on gamedays at board and South Carolina fans are reaping Williams-Brice Stadium. the benefits. Cockfield has been working with South This experience would not be possible Carolina since 1983 in a variety of roles, without the efforts of 28 people working hard in the control room inside the bowels of including coaches’ shows. He took over his current video board responsibilities when Williams-Brice Stadium.
the old video board was installed prior to the 1995 season. Cockfield arrived at Williams-Brice Stadium three hours earlier than usual (around 11 a.m.) for the Kentucky game due to an issue out of their hands over the course of the preceding week in that South Carolina Director of Creative Operations Justin Stoll had been sick the two days leading into the game. Cockfield may be the one at the helm on gameday, but he works with many people at South Carolina and with Gamecock IMG Sports Marketing to make sure that everything is in place. A producer at Center One Studios, which is the production house utilized for the video board productions by South Carolina, Cockfield and Stoll work with IMG to get all the graphics they need to put on the board each gameweek. Cockfield likens the process of getting so many things ready on gameweek to a tornado. “Sometimes you are just hanging on,”
Cockfield mused. The process usually begins the Wednesday of the week of the home game. Stoll receives the graphics and the lists they need and he then begins to build the variables for the video board. The variables for the South Carolina video board are a little different in that there are three elements for each graphic that goes on the board. First, there is the smoky garnet background that is easily recognizable to all Gamecock fans due to stellar branding initiatives by the University of South Carolina Athletics Department. On top of the initial background comes the graphic itself in an overlay. Finally, the video component is brought to the forefront. This may seem complicated enough, but those trying to make this all work also have to make sure everything is perfectly sized as believe it or not due to its size the “beast board” is not in high definition.
Spurs & Feathers • 9
October 16, 2013
photo bY BRIAN HAND
The video board crew consists of 28 workers who put in a long day of work so that fans at Williams-Brice Stadium have a top-notch experience over the course of the 2013 home campaign. Instead, the video board runs in ultra wide format. Despite being as tall as it is, the Williams-Brice Stadium video board would have to be 72 feet high to run in high definition. This ultra wide format of the video board really just makes things a little different for the crew involved as they have to resize everything to fit the board.
board control room, which led inevitably to 1984. Quickly, changing the sour subject after telling a great story about how everyone almost froze that day in Navy’s aluminum press box, Cockfield then began to tell stories about former South Carolina head football coach Joe Morrison. While telling the stories, he looked up at one of the screens and noticed that Fox Sports, who was doing the game later, had 1:50 p.m.-2:30 p.m. All-American Jadeveon Clowney’s name With tests in full swing and everything spelled wrong. They had spelled it Jadaveon. going well in preparations, Cockfield and Not necessarily his problem, Cockfield, Stoll had a rare treat around 1:50 p.m. when who knows many of the production compaSergeant First Class David Jones, who would nies that work South Carolina football games be a part of the huge military surprise later very well, still took it upon himself to call that day, came by the control room to see the other production crew doing the game to everything. let them know that the graphic was wrong so Cockfield and Jones had a tremendous con- that they could make the necessary changes. versation and Cockfield was even thanked by The call was indicative of many things Jones for all he did for Gamecock athletics. that happened over the course of the day as Cockfield, of course, thanked him for all he what Cockfield and his crew are doing is did for our country as well. comprised of many small things. Every little During this time frame, South Carolina thing matters. Director of Marketing Josh Waters, who was The every little thing matters idea was guiding Sergeant Jones around, told Cockmade even more true around this time as a field that there was a change to the script and marketing assistant brought in a jump drive to plan accordingly. with a picture of Gamecock swimming and Katie Smith, Partner Services Coordinator diving alums. They did not know they were for Gamecock IMG Sports Marketing, then putting this on the board, but Stoll and Cockcame into the control room to make sure ev- field quickly jumped into action with Stoll erything was copacetic. making the necessary graphic for use later The talk then turned to the Navy-Air Force that evening. game on the television screens in the video Gamecock Productions Director Paul Dan-
given the special treat to pick the “hype” video for the game. The first video featured a “Jaws” theme with the defense, while the second focused on the wide receivers. He chose the wide receivers because Jones noted his stepmother taught Bruce Ellington. At this time with a couple minutes to spare, Cockfield then began explaining the complexities of how the control room really 3 p.m.-3:30 p.m. worked. Sergeant Jones and Waters made their way He told him about the 28 workers and back into the control room shortly thereafter. showed him the nine screens on the wall that Once again, a script change was needed were mounted to show Cockfield and his and it was noted that they were going to need crew what was going on during the game. to have a camera on the section where Dodie He also explained how they were going to Anderson would be sitting since she would utilize eight cameras during the game to debe in attendance that evening. They wanted liver multiple views of action. to make sure that during a special presentaThey would have a wireless camera, sidetion honoring academics during halftime line cameras, ones on the porch of the Floyd that the namesake for the beautiful Dodie building and one on the roof. Anderson Academic Enrichment Center He also told him that there was also a room would be able to be on the video board. devoted to just audio services, particularly The topic of Stoll’s sickness was then the audio board. brought up once again, which brought up Cockfield then explained to Jones how even a bigger point in the grand scheme of much of a huge change the control room is to things in that the show must go on no matter what they used to do on the old video board what. where they used to share a 15x20 room with Stoll may have snuck in a day off durSouth Carolina student video workers for the ing the day before the game, but his illness game. could not affect everyone else as everything Ever humble and willing to do anything to still had to be done and Cockfield and Stoll make the whole experience from the inside worked to make sure that happened. Sergeant Jones during this time was then Please see video, Page 10 na then came into the control room to make sure everything was working well. Danna’s arrival further emphasized the cohesiveness that had to be involved in this with everyone from the University, the production company and many more having to buy into everything that they were doing to make the experience top-notch for Gamecock stakeholders.
10 • Spurs & Feathers
October 16, 2013
video, continued from page 9
tions already ready to go for whenever needed during the course of the game. to the outside successful, Cockfield then jokes During this time frame, video board maker how he wears multiple hats and proceeds to Daktronics also made sure that they had two take out the trash. people on site as they do for every home game for South Carolina football. Daktronics’ Dave 3:30 pm.-4 p.m. Bader and Chris Hagy came to WilliamsA small grouping for the first part of the day, Brice Stadium three hours early to check if around 3:30 p.m. more and more of Cockanything was wrong with the logistics of the field’s crew begins to arrive. board, while also checking the modules. The That includes his own family, with wife duo did in fact find a couple modules messed Wynne Dee and daughters Jessica (Cockfield) up so they replaced the modules and made Hinkle and Tori Cockfield all involved in the sure everything was back working. production. Jessica is the tape producer/fulfill5 p.m.-6 p.m. ment coordinator, while Tori is a grip who The entire 28-person crew was in the buildreally handles anything such as whether wires are right and everything is working well with ing with over a couple hours to spare and the the cameras. Wynne Dee works with IMG to checks continued at this point in time. It was during this time that really all final make sure that all the LED boards have the checks were taking place and Cockfield and right sponsors on the board as those are difphoto by BRIAN HAND his crew working with South Carolina Senior ferent sponsors than the video board. David Cockfield and his tabbed binder that has everything he needs to know on gameday. Associate Athletics Director Charles Bloom Around this time, Cockfield is going made sure everything is spelled right and through all of the headsets making sure they looks right with the graphics that will be are working right since that this is the way they will all communicate for the majority of placed on the video board over the course of the game. the game. During this juncture, Cockfield keeps referWhile getting the headsets ready, Cockfield ring to a tabbed binder that he calls his book mentions that these seven home football that has everything he needs. The book has games are just a small snippet of the 100-110 been looked at by numerous people in the events they do during the year between footroom as they are all trying to make sure that ball, baseball and basketball. each part of the job is done right. Each crew is a little different with the basThose jobs include but are not limited to ketball video board crew utilizing the services video switching, overall direction, putting of 12-13 people, while the baseball video the Twitter messages seen on the video board board crew needs just 10 people. during games into the system, working with South Carolina multimedia coordinator Cory Burkarth enters the control room a little the Daktronics module, putting specialty graphics on the board such as “Get Loud” and while later to pass along his weekly sports wrapup talking about other Gamecock sports instant replay. After these final checks around 5:30 p.m., that go on the video board during the game. Cockfield declares that everyone should go Cockfield and the now five to seven people in the room jump into action to make sure that and eat their pre-game meals. Cockfield proit lines up perfectly and the wrapup is good to vides different food for each game, but for photo by BRIAN HAND the Kentucky game the crew was treated to go three and a half hours before kickoff. Cockfield explains how everything works to Sergeant First Class David Jones prior to game. The long process of getting everything Firehouse Subs. For the most part, Cockfield’s crew has been ready continues next. At about 4 p.m. “2001” working together for a long time. There are alis tested to make sure that the greatest enways new people that have to be brought into trance in all of college football is ready for the fold, but he has many like JK Edwards, Gamecock fans. who began working with him in 1994 when While testing levels and audio and dealing he was a student at South Carolina. with some small issues that came cropping In fact, the crew takes pride in the fact that up, Cockfield after working through an issue most of them are University of South Carolina notes “you have to have thick skin to work graduates. around here.”
4 p.m.-5 p.m.
photo by BRIAN HAND
Cockfield and South Carolina Director of Creative Operations Justin Stoll checking things.
It is now three hours before gametime and Cockfield and his crew are working extremely hard to doublecheck every miniscule detail. In his position as the overseer, Cockfield has to have an extreme sense of calm and trust in that everyone knows how to do their job well. Cockfield is an expert at this as he navigates issues calmly and succinctly with his crew. It is during this time period that the crew is working to make sure they have the videos ready for fan of the game and other promo-
6 p.m.-Kickoff
After everyone was done eating, the entire crew had the unique opportunity to meet Sergeant Jones. Everybody then got into position and Tori came in to hand out “Beat Kentucky” stickers to everyone on the crew. There was a little bit of a time for everyone to catch their breath from 6-6:30 p.m., but when the rooster crowed signaling it was an hour before kickoff, Cockfield simply told the crew, “let’s go.” It was about this time that the lights went
Spurs & Feathers • 11
October 16, 2013
out in the room and everyone settled in for the next what would be four-hour long haul. The first commercial on the video board came with about 48 minutes until kickoff. This is the point where even more variables came into play as everything from the commercials on the video board and everything in the script had to line up with public address announcer Dave Aiken. With the commercials running and really in their minds the game underway, Cockfield strived to make sure the sound levels were working correctly on the cameras in use, while in the background a concerted effort was being undertaken to make sure that the starting lineups were right for the video board. The minutes kept ticking down and it was now time for the military surprise. After weeks of preparation from Waters and marketing and the hard work during gameweek, the surprise goes off fluidly without a hitch. Shortly thereafter, Cockfield yells “hit it” with the venerable “Welcome to WilliamsBrice” video coming on the video board. A few minutes later after Gamecock baseball coaching legend Bobby Richardson gets the crowd into a frenzy, Cockfield yells out “roll Spurrier.” It is now time for Carolina football and “2001” begins.
First Half
The crew figures out who has the ball after the coin flip and they then go into the kickoff “hype” video. Believe it or not, at this point in time after much preparation and a long day with the game kicking off you can see a calm come over the crew as it is now time to make things happen, but have fun while controlling things for the game. In the end, that is why they do what they do and you can see it on their faces and in their cheers for the Gamecocks. The crew despite having multiple televisions, also made sure they listened to the Gamecock Radio Network broadcast as the true Gamecocks they are. A couple minutes later when Connor Shaw connected with a streaking Damiere Byrd for an opening 62-yard Gamecock touchdown, Cockfield made sure to tell his camera operator focused on that particular shot that he did a tremendous job holding the shot. This is about the time that they learn what will really be the only real problem of the night: the instant replay kept locking up. He has been doing it for years and cannot figure out why, but nevertheless Mark Slice kept working hard to try and make the replays work well on the video board. Slice learns that the only way that it is going to be successful is if he kept rebooting the
replay system every so often. It is not the most opportune way to do it, but it is a perfect example of something is going to happen no matter how many checks you make. It is just part of the business. Cockfield said later about the problem with the instant replay that “it is just the way it works sometimes. The good news is that the people on the field did not see we were struggling. They still saw replays.” The small snag is not indicative of everything else as everything worked extremely well for the most part. A tightknit group, Andy Murphy noted when something went according to plan in the first half to another crew member, “you are reading my mind. Now stop.”
course of the game. He also fielded a bevy of questions on the headsets. His ability to work on multiple levels with his crew is uncanny and the success of the production could not happen without him working so hard to have everyone in sync on not just that day, but many days over the course of the year. After a day of so many little things happening, the second half was very easy for the crew. The only thing that really happened was making sure they had all angles for an official review that happened in the half.
End of Game
After a few minutes of showing everything that took place after the game and the alma mater on the video board, Cockfield told the crew Halftime to go to “swirl.” For most people, halftime is a time to sit back The Gamecock logo now on the board the and enjoy the festivities or either take a restgame was over, but not for the crew. room break and get something to eat and drink. They had to make sure that everything was Not for this crew as it is one of their more put back in its right place and Cockfield had hectic times of the evening. everything that he needed that evening. With so many different things happening on Once that was done, the evening was finally the field during halftime, Cockfield and his over. crew had to make sure they had cameras in the It would be almost a month before the crew right place and that they had all the right things returned to the control room for the Mississippi on the board at the right time. State game on Nov. 2. It will then be four straight weeks of GameSecond Half cock football at Williams-Brice Stadium. Cockfield took numerous phone calls over the Cockfield and his crew are ready.
12 • Spurs & Feathers
October 16, 2013
TRAVIS BELL/SIDELINE CAROLINA
South Carolina Gamecocks Football Roster # Name Pos. 1 Damiere Byrd WR 1 Rico McWilliams CB 3 Nick Jones WR 3 Jamari Smith CB 4 Ahmad Christian CB 4 Shaq Roland WR 5 Brendan Nosovitch QB 5 Darius English DE 6 Chris Moody FS 6 Connor Mitch QB 7 Jadeveon Clowney DE 7 Shon Carson TB 8 Kaiwan Lewis LB 8 Shamier Jeffery WR 9 Sharrod Golightly SPR 10 Skai Moore LB 10 Perry Orth QB 11 Pharoh Cooper WR 11 T.J. Holloman LB 12 Brison Williams SS 13 Grant Davitte QB 13 Tyler Hull P 14 Ali Groves CB 14 Connor Shaw QB 15 Austin Hails QB 15 Jimmy Legree CB 16 Kelvin Rainey TE 16 Nick St. Germain PK 17 Chaz Elder SS 17 Dylan Thompson QB 18 Patrick Fish P 18 Cedrick Cooper LB 19 Landon Ard PK 19 Jody Fuller WR 20 T.J. Gurley FS 21 Marcquis Roberts LB 21 Andrew Bunch WR 22 Brandon Wilds TB 23 Bruce Ellington WR 24 Ronnie Martin CB 24 Kendric Salley TB 25 Kadetrix Marcus FS 26 Jasper Sasser S 27 Victor Hampton CB 28 Jonathan Walton LB 28 Mike Davis TB 29 Elliott Fry P/K 30 Sidney Rhodes CB 31 Jordan Diaz FB 31 Mohamed Camara SPR 32 Larenz Bryant LB 33 Gerald Turner DE 33 David Williams TB 34 Mason Harris DE
Hgt. 5-9 5-11 5-7 5-10 5-10 6-1 6-1 6-6 6-1 6-3 6-6 5-8 6-0 6-1 5-10 6-2 6-1 5-11 6-2 5-11 6-3 6-2 5-10 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-3 5-9 6-2 6-3 6-0 6-2 5-9 5-11 5-10 6-1 5-11 6-2 5-9 5-11 5-9 6-1 6-0 5-10 6-0 5-9 6-0 5-10 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-3
Wgt. 166 187 174 183 189 190 220 226 212 227 274 219 221 207 195 205 212 184 228 218 190 206 184 209 214 187 233 175 199 218 195 213 172 217 196 225 185 223 196 179 183 195 192 202 234 215 150 167 233 181 215 256 200 218
Cl. JR RS FR RS JR FR RS SO SO RS FR RS FR RS FR FR JR RS SO SO RS SO RS JR FR RS FR FR RS FR JR FR RS JR FR SR RS SO RS SR RS FR RS FR RS FR RS JR RS JR RS SO SO RS FR SO RS SO RS FR SO JR JR RS FR JR FR RS JR FR SO FR JR RS JR FR FR FR FR RS SO
Hometown/High School/Last College Sicklerville, N.J./Timber Creek Hampton, Ga./Lovejoy Moore, S.C./Byrnes Jacksonville, Fla./Fletcher Jacksonville, Fla./Trinity Christian Lexington, S.C./Lexington Allentown, Pa./Central Catholic Powder Springs, Ga./McEachern McDonough, Ga./Henry County Raleigh, N.C./Wakefield Rock Hill, S.C./South Pointe Scranton, S.C./Lake City Mays Landing, N.J./St. Joseph St. Matthews, S.C./Calhoun County Decatur, Ga./Southwest DeKalb Cooper City, Fla./University Ponde Verda, Fla./Ponte Verda/Fla. State College Havelock, NC./Havelock Stone Mountain, Ga./St. Pius X Warner Robins, Ga./Northside/Fork Union Columbia, S.C./Irmo Mount Airy, N.C./Mount Airy/Guilford College Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson Flowery Branch, Ga./Flowery Branch Collinsville, Ill./Collinsville Beaufort, S.C./Beaufort Yulee, Fla./Yulee Powder Springs, Ga./McEachern Union City, Ga./Banneker Boiling Springs, S.C./Boiling Springs Shelby, N.C./Burns Lithonia, Ga./Lithonia Rock Hill, S.C./South Pointe Charlotte, N.C./Sun Valley Cairo, Ga./Cairo Powder Springs, Ga./McEachern Mt. Pleasant, S.C./Bishop England/Presbyterian Blythewood, S.C./Blythewood Moncks Corner, S.C./Berkeley Spartanburg, S.C./Spartanburg/Georgia Military Williston, S.C./Williston-Elko Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson Jacksonville, Fla./Wolfson Darlington, S.C./Darlington Daphne, Ala./Bayside Academy Lithonia, Ga./Stephenson Frisco, Tx./Prince of Peace Christian Easley, S.C./Wren/Western Carolina Hamilton, N.J./Hamilton West Cumming, Ga./Forsyth Charlotte, NC./Vance Goose Creek, S.C./Goose Creek Philadelphia, Pa./Imhotep Charter Fort Oglethorpe, Ga./Ridgeland
# Name Pos. 35 Jeff Homad TE 36 Kyle Fleetwood SS 39 Max Huggins P/K 40 Andrew Komornik P 41 Kyle Morini LB 41 Connor McLaurin FB 42 Jordan Diggs SPR 43 James King LB 43 Garrison Gist FB 44 Gerald Dixon DE 45 Brandon Sturdivant FB 47 Drew Williams LS 48 Caleb Kelly PK 49 Garrett Shank S 49 Devin Potter TB 50 A.J. Cann OG 51 Cody Waldrop OC 51 Devin Washington DE 52 Phillip Dukes DT 52 Bryce King OG 53 Corey Robinson OT 54 Clayton Stadnik OC 55 Na'Ty Rodgers OT 55 David Johnson LB 57 Cedrick Malone SPR 58 Ryland Culbertson LS 59 Coleman Harley LS 65 Brock Stadnik OG 67 Ronald Patrick OG 69 D.J. Park OT 70 Alan Knott OC 71 Brandon Shell OT 73 J.P. Vonashek OT 74 Mason Zandi OT 75 Will Sport OG 76 Mike Matulis OT 78 Cody Gibson OT 80 K.J. Brent WR 81 Rory Anderson TE 82 Kwinton Smith WR 83 Carlton Heard WR 84 Matthew Harvey WR 85 Kane Whitehurst WR 86 David Wilkins WR 87 Drake Thomason WR 88 Drew Owens TE 89 Jerell Adams TE 90 Chaz Sutton DE 92 Gerald Dixon, Jr. DT 93 Deon Green DT 94 Kelsey Griffin DT 95 Michael Washington DE 97 J.T. Surratt DT 99 Kelcy Quarles DT
Hgt. 6-2 5-11 6-1 6-5 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-0 5-10 6-2 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-0 5-10 6-4 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-8 6-3 6-5 6-1 6-0 6-4 6-1 6-5 6-2 6-4 6-4 6-6 6-6 6-9 6-5 6-5 6-7 6-4 6-5 6-4 6-0 6-8 5-11 6-1 6-1 6-6 6-6 6-5 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-4
Wgt. 220 216 185 225 212 237 214 235 255 268 212 190 184 171 200 314 319 225 315 281 341 281 296 268 201 265 264 286 315 334 272 323 283 293 294 266 286 188 242 212 178 225 179 182 205 244 237 263 318 287 292 243 307 298
Cl. RS JR RS FR FR FR JR RS JR RS FR SO RS SO RS SO RS FR FR RS FR FR FR RS JR RS FR FR RS SO FR RS JR RS FR FR FR RS FR RS JR RS SO RS FR SR FR FR RS SO FR RS FR RS SO JR RS JR RS SO JR RS FR SO SO RS SO SR RS JR RS SO SO SR RS SO RS SO FR SO RS JR JR
Hometown/High School/Last College Hilton Head Island, S.C./Hilton Head/UNCP Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson Myrtle Beach, S.C./Myrtle Beach Fort Mill, S.C./Nations Ford Lexington, S.C./White Knoll/Gray Military Raleigh, N.C./Garner Fort Myers, Fla./Island Coast Goose Creek, S.C./Goose Creek/Benedict Rock Hill, S.C./Northwesterm Rock Hill, S.C./South Pointe Fort Mill, S.C./Nation Ford/York Tech Irmo, S.C/Dutch Fork Cayce, S.C./Brookland-Cayce Marietta, Ga./Lassiter Granite Falls, N.C./South Caldwell Bamberg, S.C./Bamberg-Ehrhardt Seffner, Fla./Armwood Orlando, Fla./Jones Manning, S.C./Manning Dillon, S.C./Dillon Havelock, N.C./Havelock Greensboro, N.C./Western Guilford Waldorf, Md./McDonough Lithonia, Ga./Lithonia Camden, S.C./Camden/Coastal Carolina Laurens, S.C./Laurens Academy Aiken, S.C./South Aiken Greensboro, N.C./Western Guilford Cocoa, Fla./Cocoa Dillon, S.C./Dillon Tyrone, Ga./Sandy Creek Goose Creek, S.C./Goose Creek Saint Marys, Ga./Camden County Irmo, S.C./Chapin Milton, Fla./Pace Boynton Beach, Fla./Park Vista Tallahassee, Fla./Lincoln Waxhaw, N.C./Marvin Ridge Powder Springs, Ga./McEachern Hamer, S.C./Dillon Athens, Ga./Clarke Central/Garner-Webb Rock Hill, S.C./Rock Hill Duluth, Ga./Chattahoochee/Arkansas Cowpens, S.C./Broome Greenville, S.C./Eastside Charlotte, N.C./Ardrey Kell Pinewood, S.C./Scott's Branch Savannah, Ga./Jenkins/Fork Union Military Rock Hill, S.C./Northwestern Windermere, Fla./Olympia Buford, Ga./Mill Creek Allendale, S.C./Allendale-Fairfax/S.C. State Winston-Salem, N.C./Parkland Hodges, S.C./Greenwood/Fork Union
Spurs & Feathers • 13
October 16, 2013
Tennessee Volunteers Football Roster # Name Pos. 1 Michael Palardy PK/P 1 Paul Harris WR 2 Pig Howard WR 2 Michael L. Williams DB 3 Byron Moore DB 3 Tyler Drummer WR/H 4 LaTroy Lewis DL 5 Ryan Jenkins WR 5 George Bullock PK 6 Vincent Dallas WR 6 Tyler Page QB 7 Michael F. Williams DB 7 Drae Bowles WR 8 Marquez North WR 9 Reggie Juin DB 10 Brett Parisi WR 10 Riley Ferguson QB 11 Joshua Dobbs QB 12 Nathan Peterman QB 13 PatrickAshford QB 13 Devaun Swafford DB 14 Justin Worley QB 15 Marlin Lane RB 17 Brent Brewer LB 18 Joe Stocstill LB 18 Jason Croom WR 19 Tyler Coombes DB 19 Devrin Young WR 20 Rajion Neal RB 21 David Priddy DB 21 RiyahdJones DB 22 Malik Foreman DB 23 Cameron Sutton DB 24 Taylor Spivey LB 24 Deanthonie Summerhill 25 Trevor Daniel P 25 Josh Smith WR 26 Jaye Rochelle WR 26 Geraldo Orta DB 27 Justin Coleman DB 28 Lemond Johnson DB 29 Tom Smith RB 29 Gage Beeler DB 30 Alden Hill RB 30 Devin Williams ATH 31 Justus Pickett RB 31 Tino Thomas DB 33 LaDarrell McNeil DB 34 Jalen Reeves-Maybin LB 34 Patrick Toole PK 35 JaRon Toney DB 36 Ryan Ault P/PK 37 Brian Randolph DB 38 Nikolay Timoshchuk LB 38 Justin King LB 39 Michael Cantwell LB 39 Kendal Vickers DL 40 Alex Ellis TE 40 Raiques Crump LB 41 Dontavis Sapp LB 42 Derrick Brodus PK/P
Hgt. 5-11 6-4 5-8 5-9 6-0 6-1 6-4 5-11 6-0 5-11 6-3 5-11 6-0 6-4 5-7 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-0 5-11 6-4 5-11 6-1 6-2 6-5 6-0 5-8 5-11 5-10 6-0 5-10 6-1 6-2 RB 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-0 5-10 6-1 5-11 6-2 6-2 5-7 5-10 6-0 6-1 6-1 5-10 5-10 5-11 6-0 6-1 6-2 5-11 6-3 6-4 6-1 6-2 5-11
Wgt. 185 200 185 176 208 169 245 180 207 187 206 171 207 215 173 184 181 193 221 201 184 222 205 221 232 223 191 171 212 170 179 177 180 205 5-9 221 193 190 176 184 188 220 230 215 180 185 206 199 210 174 184 196 199 218 240 204 240 240 231 227 188
Cl. SR FR SO RS SO RS SR RS SR RS FR FR RS FR JR RS JR RS FR RS FR FR RS SR RS JR FR FR RS FR RSSO FR JR JR SR RS FR RS FR RS JR JR SR FR JR FR FR FR 196 FR FR FR RS SO JR FR RS SO SO RS FR FR JR RS FR SO FR RS SO RS JR RS FR RS SO RS FR SO RS SO FR RS SO SR SR RS JR
Hometown/High School/Last College Coral Springs, Fla./St. Thomas Aquinas Accokeek, Md./Frederick Douglass Orlando, Fla./Edgewater HS Knoxville, Tenn./Bearden Carson, Calif./Narbonne/Los Angeles Harbor Powell, Tenn./Powell/Univ. of Cumberlands Akron, Ohio/Archbishop Hoban Marietta, Ga./Lassiter Knoxville, Tenn./West Ellenwood, Ga./Cedar Grove Candler, N.C./Asheville/Chattanooga Laurel, Md./DeMatha Catholic Jackson, Tenn./Jackson Christian HS Charlotte, N.C./Mallard Creek Conyers, Ga./Heritage/Tusculum Knoxville, Tenn./Bearden Matthews, N.C./Butler Alpharetta, Ga./Alpharetta Fruit Cove, Fla./Bartram Trail Morristown,Tenn./MorristownWest/Carson-Newman Kingsport, Tenn./Dobyns-Bennett Rock Hill, S.C./Northwestern Daytona Beach, Fla./Mainland Tyrone, Ga./Sandy Creek Lewisburg, Tenn./Cornersville Norcross, Ga./Norcross HS Lebanon, Tenn./Wilson Central Knoxville, Tenn./Bearden Fayetteville, Ga./Sandy Creek Hendersonville, Tenn./Hendersonville Columbus,Ga./Carver/GeorgiaSouthern/GardenCity Kingsport, Tenn./Dobyns-Bennett Jonesboro, Ga./Jonesboro Maryville, Tenn./Maryville RS JR Tuscumbia, Ala./Deshler Dickson, Tenn./Dickson County Knoxville, Tenn./Christian Academy of Knoxville Norcross, Ga./Wesleyan School Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes Brunswick, Ga./Brunswick Cooper City, Fla./Cooper City Apopka, Fla./Apopka Knoxville, Tenn./Knoxville Central Alliance, Ohio/Marlington Knoxville, Tenn./Austin-East Charlotte, N.C./Ardrey Kell/Maryland Memphis, Tenn./Melrose Dallas, Texas/Wilmer-Hutchins HS Clarksville, Tenn./Northeast Walkill, N.Y./Walkill H.S./Temple/Erie CC Alcoa, Tenn./Alcoa Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood Marietta, Ga./Kell Chattanooga, Tenn./Chattanooga Central Dunwoody, Ga./Dunwoody HS Morristown, Tenn./West Havelock, N.C./Havelock Del Mar, Del./Del Mar Adamsville, Ala./Minor Valdosta, Ga./Valdosta Maryville, Tenn./Alcoa
# Name Pos. 42 Charles Folger DL 43 Matt Darr P 43 Dakota Summers TE 44 Maurice Couch DL 45 A.J. Johnson LB 45 Austin Bolen RB 46 Max Arnold DB 46 Logan Cavendar LB 47 John Propst LB 48 Greg King LB 50 Corey Vereen DL 51 Kenny Bynum LB 52 Christian Harris LB 53 J.R. Carr LS 53 Justin Thomas LB 54 Danny Finch LS 54 Jordan Williams DL 55 Jacques Smith DL 56 Curt Maggitt LB 57 Andrew Henry LS 57 Mack Crowder OL 58 Marlon Walls DL 59 Gregory Grieco LB 59 MattGiampapa LS 60 Austin Sanders OL 63 Brett Kendrick OL 64 James Stone OL 65 Jacob Gilliam OL 66 Marques Pair OL 67 Alan Posey OL 69 Allan Carson DL 69 Jay Heins OL 70 Ja’Wuan James OL 71 Dylan Wiesman OL 72 Zach Fulton OL 74 Antonio Richardson OL 75 Marcus Jackson OL 76 John Simcox OL 77 Kyler Kerbyson OL 78 Alex Bullard OL 79 Thomas Edwards OL 80 Dylan West WR 80 Corey Miller DL 81 Johnathon Johnson WR 82 Daniel Sola ATH 82 Justin Meredith TE 83 Cody Blanc WR 84 WoodyQuinn TE 85 Brendan Downs TE 86 A.J. Branisel TE 87 Jacob Carter WR 88 Joseph Ayres TE 89 Jaylen Miller DL 89 Greg Tisho TE 90 Malik Brown DL 93 Gregory Clark DL 94 Jason Carr DL 95 Danny O’Brien DL 96 Trevarris Saulsberry DL 97 Daniel Hood DL 98 Daniel McCullers DL
Hgt. 6-4 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-2 5-11 5-11 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-1 6-1 5-10 6-0 6-2 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-2 6-2 5-10 6-0 6-5 6-6 6-3 6-4 6-5 6-5 6-1 6-5 6-6 6-3 6-5 6-6 6-2 6-2 6-4 6-2 6-4 6-1 6-3 5-9 5-8 6-5 6-3 6-6 6-5 6-4 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-2 6-4 6-2 6-5 6-2 6-4 6-4 6-8
Wgt. 251 220 230 304 243 218 188 215 219 247 248 247 240 215 228 200 260 243 239 212 280 272 218 229 310 305 291 287 329 307 326 305 318 308 323 327 307 295 306 302 310 183 265 179 170 240 205 253 248 235 190 254 240 232 251 327 285 287 291 277 351
Cl. RS FR RS JR RS JR RS SR JR RS JR RS SO RS FR SR RS SR FR RS FR RS SO RS SR RS FR FR JR SR JR RS SO RS SO RS SR RS JR RSSO FR FR SR RS JR RS JR RS SO RS SO FR SR FR SR JR JR RS FR RS SO RS SR FR RS JR SR SO SO RS FR SO JR JR FR RS JR RS SR FR FR FR RS JR FR RS FR RS SO RS SR SR
Hometown/High School/Last College Augusta, Ga./Lincoln County Bakersfield, Calif./Frontier Camden, Tenn./Central Orlando, Fla./Orlando Edgewater/Garden City C.C. Gainesville, Ga./Gainesville Knoxville, Tenn./Farragut McKenzie, Tenn./McKenzie Fairview, Tenn./Fairview/Tennessee Tech Hoover, Ala./Hoover Memphis, Tenn./Melrose Winter Garden, Fla./West Orange Jacksonville, Fla./Raines HS Woodstock, Ga./Etowah Lomita, Calif./South Torrance Richmond, Va./Central Virginia Home School Maryville, Tenn./Maryville Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville Ooltewah, Tenn./Ooltewah West Palm Beach, Fla./Dwyer Gallatin, Tenn./Station Camp Bristol, Tenn./Tennessee Olive Branch, Miss./Olive Branch/Hargrave Military Knoxville, Tenn./Farragut Jackson,Tenn./Univ.SchoolofJackson/MichiganState Cleveland, Tenn./Bradley Central Knoxville, Tenn./Christian Academy of Knoxville Nashville, Tenn./Maplewood Knoxville, Tenn./Farragut Sumter, S.C./Sumter Smithonia, Ga./Clarke Central Oxford, Ala./Oxford Nashville, Tenn./Ensworth Suwanee, Ga./North Gwinnett Cincinnati, Ohio/Colerain Homewood, Ill./Homewood-Flossmoor Nashville, Tenn./Pearl-Cohn Vero Beach, Fla./Vero Beach Kingsport, Tenn./Sullivan Central Knoxville, Tenn./Knoxville Catholic Franklin, Tenn./Brentwood Academy/Notre Dame Kingsport, Tenn./Dobyns-Bennett Oneida, Tenn./Oneida Wellford, S.C./Byrnes Friendswood, Texas/Friendswood/Blinn Crossville, Tenn./Cumberland County Anderson, S.C./T.L. Hanna Knoxville, Tenn./Knoxville Central DanaPoint,Calif./St.Margaret’s/Pepperdine/SantaAna Bristol, Tenn./Tennessee South Euclid, Ohio/Notre Dame Cathedral Latin Nashville, Tenn./Ensworth Knoxville, Tenn./Chattanooga McCallie Gaffney, S.C./Gaffney Cherokee, N.C./Swain County Palm Beach, Fla./Dwyer Warner Robins, Ga./Northside Memphis, Tenn./White Station Flint, Mich./Powers Catholic Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville Knoxville, Tenn./Knoxville Catholic Raleigh, N.C./Southeast Raleigh/Georgia Military
RSVP for My Carolina Homecoming presented by Lowe’s All University of South Friday, November 1 Carolina alumni and their - Check out all of these families are invited to come great events! back to campus for My Carolina Alumni Associa• Groundbreaking for tion Homecoming presented the Alumni Cenby Lowe’s on November ter - 10 a.m. Corner 1-2, 2013. Join us for great of Senate Street and events and watch the HomeLincoln Street. coming parade from the site • Homecoming Parade of the new Alumni Center! - Watch from the Alumni Center site My Carolina Homecom3 p.m. Corner of Sening 2013 Presented by ate Street and Lincoln Lowe’s: Street.
Market on Bluff Road next to WilliamsBrice Stadium.)
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Young Alumni Celby the Black Alumni ebration at Tin Roof Council. Capital City in the Vista, 7 - 10:30 Club, 1201 Main p.m. Enjoy live music, Street. food, beverages, giveaways and fun. Saturday, November The Great Game2 - Pre-Game Tailgate cocks, 8:30 p.m. Party at Gamecock Park Alumni Party hosted (formerly the Farmer’s
• The party starts three hours before kick-off with a full tailgate menu, beverages, a live DJ, giveaways and more! • Lowe’s VIP Lounge Pop-up Rig with Direct TV and Viewing Deck • Lowe’s Build & Grow
• • •
Kid’s Clinic Station Lowe’s $10 off $50 “Project Starter” giveaway Interactive Photo Opportunity Appearance by Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers
Find more information, check out events hosted by schools and colleges and RSVP online at MyCarolina.org/homecoming
14 • Spurs & Feathers
October 16, 2013
South Carolina Gamecocks
Recruiting roundup by phil kornblut
USC landed one of the state’s biggest prospects, in terms of size and stature, last Friday when OL Donell Stanley (6-5 330) of Latta announced his commitment at a ceremony at his school. The Shrine Bowl offensive tackle picked the Gamecocks over Clemson after eliminating Alabama and North Carolina. “It’s closer to home, a quality SEC school, one of the top ones in the conference, and I just like what the coaches bring to the table, especially coach (Shawn) Elliott,” Stanley said after his announcement. “I like the way he coaches. He’s an energetic coach and gets his point across. He’s going to push you to be the best you can be.” Stanley said a key moment in his involvement with USC came when he attended the Black Magic Camp last July. “Coach Elliott worked me hard and showed me everything South Carolina has to offer.” Some recruiting analysts consider Stanley to be the state’s #1 prospect in this class. “His lower body is really good,” Phil Kornblut Latta coach Kelly Williamson said. “He has really good foot work (and size 22 shoes) and his lower body is really strong. He Contributing has exceptionally long arms and big hands. He’s the most athWriter letic kid in school.” Stanley also stars on the Vikings’ basketball and baseball teams and said he might attempt to join the Gamecock baseball team. He’s the 13th commitment for USC’s 2014 class. Shrine Bowl WR Braxton Berrios of Raleigh announced a commitment to Miami Saturday afternoon picking the Hurricanes over USC, Tennessee, Oregon and Kentucky. The Gamecocks made a strong push for Berrios and he made several visits to Columbia. Berrios is considered one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country. The last two seasons combined he accounted for 4,200 total yards and 56 touchdowns. Former USC commitments senior DB Wesley Green and junior DE Arden Key of Lithonia, GA were at the Kentucky game. The teammates are still strongly considering the Gamecocks as they look at other options as well. Green was at Georgia for the LSU game and will take an official visit with the Bulldogs. He also will set an official visit with USC. He’s also considering Tennessee, LSU and Ole Miss. OL Chad Mavety (6-6 330) of Nassau JC, NY has taken an official visit to Florida State and will visit Alabama and Ohio State officially. USC is one of several schools under consideration for those two final trips. “Recently coach Mangus called me and said they want me, they need me,” Mavety said. “They think their tackle is going to leave and they are only going to recruit one JUCO offensive tackle and they think I’m that guy. They want me to come in there and step in right away and lead that offensive line at left tackle. They are not coming at me just for fun. They need me. They said they are going to recruit me real hard and are going to come up and see me soon. They think I’m extremely talented.” Mavety said Ohio State, Alabama, Florida State and Tennessee have been recruiting him the hardest in recent months, but he said USC has a decent chance to get one of those visits. “I’m definitely going to consider them. It’s late but I’m not going to hold that against them. I know how the recruiting game works and I’m mature enough to understand that. I definitely have to look into it more and talk with coach Elliott. I’ll figure out if I want to go down there and check it out and see if it is the place for me.” Tennessee and Texas A&M are two other schools he’s considering for those visits. Mavety is a native of Sparta, NJ who did not sign with a school out of high school. He will graduate in December and will have two years to play two.
Juniors:
DB Kaleb Chalmers of Greenwood has been to games at Clemson, USC, Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina. He has offers from Clemson, USC, North Carolina, Duke,
Stanford and Tennessee and is hearing from Wake Forest, NC State and Georgia among others. “Clemson, North Carolina, Duke, Tennessee...Wake Forest is showing me a lot of interest...those are probably the top schools showing me the most interest right now,” Chalmers said. He does not have any favorites. Chalmers could visit Clemson and/or USC again this fall but does not have any definitive plans. DE Chauncey Rivers of Stone Mountain, GA committed to USC in July and said he remains firmly committed. But the offers continue to come in and Clemson, is pushing pretty hard. “They are contacting me real hard and want me to come up there,” said Rivers who is hearing from Marion Hobby. He was at USC Saturday night and plans to be at USC for the Clemson game. “I’m very strong, real firm,” Rivers said of his USC commitment. Rivers has picked up recent offers from Kentucky, Missouri, Vanderbilt and Ohio. He also has offers from Florida and Auburn along with USC and Clemson. OL Brian Chaffin of Charlotte was at USC for the Kentucky game. He has offers from Mississippi State and Charlotte and is also hearing from USC, Clemson, North Carolina, NC State, Wake Forest, Duke and East Carolina among others. His previous game visits were to Duke and East Carolina and he plans to visit Clemson, Vanderbilt, Tennessee and Northwestern among others. One of the most heavily recruited linebackers in the country is Ricky DeBerry (6-2 240) of Richmond, VA. He has 44 offers including Clemson and USC. Some of the others are Florida, Ohio State, Southern Cal, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Iowa. DeBerry visited Clemson for the Georgia game DeBerry was at Tennessee for the Georsgia game. He will go to Penn State for the Nebraska game. He hasn’t visited USC but said, “I’m very interested in them as well.” He plans to visit more schools then narrow his list next spring. He also wants to get to Ohio State, Nebraska, and some southern and western schools. And he’s also going to visit the two in-state schools. DeBerry does not have favorites at this point.
Basketball News:
6-7 Dante Buford of Jacksonville, FL was scheduled to visit Oklahoma last weekend but because his ACT score had not been posted, he didn’t make the trip according to his coach Rex Morgan. He will reschedule that visit. Morgan said the score should be posted this week and Buford will go on his trip to Miami. And he will visit USC November 1st. Morgan said Buford no longer is considering Southern Cal and Oklahoma State and will only take the three visits. USC coach Frank Martin is visiting Buford weekly. “South Carolina certainly, if not in the lead, is right there,” Morgan said. “I think it will go with how the visits go.”
Baseball News:
Catcher Jared Martin of Chattahoochee Valley JC in Phenix City, AL committed to USC. Martin visited USC last weekend. He also visited Georgia last month. The Atlanta native batted .354 with 3 home runs and 45 RBIs last season. Defensively Martin committed just 1 error and threw out 9 of 17 runners attempting to steal. Martin gives the Gamecocks 14 pledges in the 2014 class. SS Grant Bodison (6-2 170), a highly regarded shortstop from Mauldin, committed to USC becoming the Gamecocks’ first commitment for the 2016 class. Bodison visited USC for the Kentucky game and the baseball scrimmages. Some of the other schools on his list were Clemson, Coastal Carolina, College of Charleston, Florida State, NC State, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. PerfectGame ranks Bodison as the 52nd best player in the country in his class and calls him “an extremely high ceiling player.”
Spurs & Feathers • 15
October 16, 2013
Gameday preparation starts behind the scenes by MIKE KUCHARSKI mike@spursandfeathers.com
When you see your favorite Gamecock players taking the field on Saturdays looking sharp and ready to go, there is one group to thank that is key in getting the players everything they need to be successful. The South Carolina equipment staff provides the Gamecocks with everything from the cleats on their feet to the helmets on their heads and everything in between. This group is led by head equipment manager Chris Matlock who has been with the program for 14 years. He said that he and his crew work hard for away games in making sure that they take everything that the team may need to play on the road. “We pack everything that they are going to need for the game and take it with us on the road. We use a tractor trailer to carry stuff with us,” Matlock said. “What we do is we pack trunks with everything that they could need. “It’s like taking a portable equipment room with you on the road. We’ll set up a mini, make-shift equipment room, then if any guys need any adjustments or need to swap something out, we will have backups there
or extras there to do that for them,” Matlock explained. Matlock said that the staff will make sure to have extra cleats and spikes, gloves, pads and all of the uniforms for the players as well. This includes everything from the Under Armour undershirts, pants, jerseys, socks and sweat bands. During the Kentucky game they also had the special pink Under Armour gear in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. For the road trip they begin their packing early in the week to be able to get the trunks there early for the games. “I stay back and work the walk through here, but after practice my assistant and assistant managers and trainers and video will get on a bus and go to the venue,” Matlock explained. “They go to the hotel to get ready and we will do all the helmet adjustments on Friday. “We put everything out from pads and shoes to gloves and jerseys. We’ll unload the truck and get everything out for each players’ individual locker. We’ll set that up for them with everything that they might need,” Matlock continued. Matlock has been working in the equipment field for a long time and said that he still enjoys making sure that the players are ready
to suit up, not just on Saturday but every day they are working to improve. He explained that the job takes a lot of time when describing his a typical day, this one a Wednesday of an away-game week. He said that he is happy to make that commitment to help the program. “Well like today, I arrived here at 5:30 this morning because we had a lifting group that started at 6 a.m. Then we had three different groups come through, then we had a staff meeting to ensure that we are ready for the trip,” Matlock said. “After the staff meeting we come down and get stuff ready to go like for a normal day. We stay all the way through practice and it makes for a long day, but it is worth it.” Prior to coming to South Carolina, Matlock was at Notre Dame and worked in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts. Matlock is also a certified member of the Athletic Equipment Manager Association for 20 years and serves as the secretary of the SEC Equipment Managers Association. He has worked in the field so long because he enjoys his job and not just on Saturdays. “You know, I’m one of those guys that luckphoto by Travis Bell/Sideline Carolina ily has a job that he loves going to. It’s just like Before the Gamecocks enter to “2001,” Matall the facets of it are good for me,” Matlock lock and his staff make sure they look sharp. concluded.
16 • Spurs & Feathers
October 16, 2013
South Carolina-Arkansas postgame notes/quotes SOUTH CAROLINA ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS General Notes • South Carolina defeated Arkansas 527, the largest margin of victory on the road in the Steve Spurrier era and the largest margin of victory on the road for the Gamecocks since a 68-point win at Charleston on October 26, 1912. The 52-point total is the highest point total by a Spurrier team on the road. The previous high in the Spurrier Era was when the Gamecocks scored 45 points in a 45-42 win at Georgia on September 10, 2011. • Saturday’s attendance was 66,302 at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. • Captains for South Carolina were senior quarterback No. 14 Connor Shaw, senior cornerback No. 15 Jimmy Legree, senior offensive guard No. 67 Ronald Patrick and senior defensive end No. 90 Chaz Sutton. • With the win, South Carolina is now 9-13 against Arkansas in the all-time series history. South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier is 7-5 against the Razorbacks as head coach in his career. It is South Carolina’s first victory at Arkansas since November 5, 2005 in a 14-10 win in Fayetteville. The victory also marks the third time in school history that South Carolina recorded backto-back wins vs. the Razorbacks, the last time was 2004-05. South Carolina also had back-to-back wins from 1996-97. • Ten players have started all six games this year: Junior offensive guard A.J. Cann, junior spur Sharrod Golightly, senior cornerback Jimmy Legree, senior offensive guard Ronald Patrick, sophomore linebacker Marcquis Roberts, junior offensive tackle Corey Robinson, senior quarterback Connor Shaw, sophomore offensive tackle Brandon Shell, junior defensive tackle J.T. Surratt and senior defensive end Chaz Sutton. Offensive Notes • South Carolina totaled 537 yards of offense, the second highest of the season and the fourth highest of the Steve Spurrier era. South Carolina has registered over 400 total yards of offense in each game this year. • South Carolina rushed for a season-high 277 yards, besting the previous high of 228 vs. North Carolina on Aug. 29, 2013. • South Carolina’s time of possession of 43:25 was the highest of the season. The previous high was 30:49 in the 28-25 win at UCF on September 28, 2013.
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South Carolina finished with 32 first downs, the most of the season and tying for the highest total in the Steve Spurrier era. The Gamecocks also had 32 first downs vs. Kentucky on October 8, 2011. South Carolina has scored on its opening possession in five of six games this year. Elliott Fry’s 33-yard field goal gave the Gamecocks three points with 7:14 remaining in the first quarter. Senior quarterback Connor Shaw has won 22 games as starting quarterback for South Carolina heading into this weekend. The school record is 24 set by Todd Ellis (1986-89). Shaw tallied three touchdown passes as well. He is fourth in career passing touchdowns at South Carolina with 42 and five shy of Stephen Garcia’s (2008-11) total of 47 that ranks third in school history. For the game, Shaw was 19-for-28 for 219 passing yards. Shaw has totaled 4,773 career passing yards, ninth best in school history. He is 123 yards shy of Bobby Fuller (1990-91) for eighth in South Carolina history and 143 yards shy of Tommy Suggs (1968-70) for seventh on the all-time list for the Gamecocks. Sophomore tailback Mike Davis recorded his fifth 100-yard rushing game of the season carrying 19 times for 129 yards. He tallied his ninth rushing touchdown of the season and moved into the top-10 for a single-season at South Carolina. He has at least one rushing touchdown in each game this year. The school record is 17 set in 2010 by Marcus Lattimore. Davis now has 111 carries for 742 yards on the year. South Carolina junior wide receiver Bruce Ellington caught six passes for 96 yards. Ellington now has 78 career receptions, tied for 21st highest in school history along with Danny Smith (1984-
6-for-6 in field goal attempts on the year for the Gamecocks. Fry connected on a 33-yard field goal attempt with 7:14 remaining in the first quarter. Freshman Pharoh Cooper registered the Gamecocks’ longest punt return of the season with a 36-yard return in the fourth quarter. The previous long was 13 yards by Victor Hampton vs. North Carolina on Aug. 29, 2013.
South Carolina Head Coach Steve Spurrier (on playing against Arkansas) – “They’re not as strong of a team as they were when they were kicking our tails the last three times I’ve been in here, but Bret and his guys need to recruit their way out of it. It’s going to take a little time as we all know. But, our guys 87). Ellington’s 53-yard reception in the played very well. I’m really proud of them. second quarter was his longest reception Now can we play like this, or even close to this of the season. when we go to Knoxville next week? That will • South Carolina sophomore wide receiver be the question.” Shamier Jeffery collected his first career reception in the second quarter. He finSouth Carolina Head Coach Steve Spurished the game with five receptions for rier (on adjusting to Arkansas’ offense) 32 yards. – “We just started calling our ball plays. I told • South Carolina’s third quarter scoring the team at halftime, we’re going to keep calldrive of 15 plays and 79 yards for a time ing our ball plays. We throw interceptions? Get of possession of 9:29 is the second lona sack? That’s too bad. We’re going to play. gest drive by time of possession in the Fortunately we hit the middle on that long one Steve Spurrier era. The only longer scor- from about midfield and our defense stopped ing drive was 11:35 on October 29, 2011 them just about every time there. A couple of at Tennessee. long runs after that, they fumbled. Sometimes • South Carolina sophomore wide receiver this is all a little misleading. We’re not this Kane Whitehurst now has two recepgood and they’re not that bad, but it really tions for two touchdowns. Whitehurst worked out for us today.” tallied a 15-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter. His previous recepSouth Carolina QB Connor Shaw (on playtion was a 29-yard touchdown reception ing at Arkansas) – “We knew going through vs. North Carolina on August 29, 2013. this stretch it was going to be tough, any time • Freshman Pharoh Cooper had four car- you go three weeks in SEC. We had to start ries for a career-high 45 yards. He also off strong with Arkansas. We knew we had to tallied his longest rush of his career, a have that mentality coming in to play well on carry for 33 yards in the fourth quarter. the road. It’s something we really haven’t done • Freshman quarterback Brendan Nosoin recent history, especially two years ago here. vitch’s 7-yard touchdown run in the We wanted to come out here and make a statefourth quarter marked his first career ment and I think we did.” touchdown. Defensive Notes South Carolina CB Victor Hampton (on • South Carolina limited the Razorbacks catching an interception) – “It was a formato just 248 total yards, the lowest yard tion that I had seen on film. I’d seen them run it total by an opponent this season as well quite a bit, that same route. It was one of those as a season-low 30 passing yards by an preparation things. It just happened to happen.” opponent. Arkansas was just 4-for-13 for 30 yards in the air. South Carolina CB Victor Hampton (on • Junior cornerback Victor Hampton’s Arkansas scoring on their first drive) – “It’s first quarter interception was his second disappointing. It’s disappointing because you of the season and the fourth of his career. prepare for it. The last thing you want is for a • Freshman safety Chaz Elder had four team to feel like they can come out and punch tackles, tying a season-high that he set you in the mouth and score on the first drive. vs. Kentucky on October 5, 2013. We just told ourselves we’ve got a whole game Special Teams Notes to play. Just stop them from now on. Don’t let • Freshman placekicker Elliott Fry is now them drive down the field.”
Spurs & Feathers • 17
October 16, 2013
Depth Charts for October 19, 12 p.m. South Carolina OFFENSE WR: 1 Damiere Byrd 8 Shamier Jeffery 19 Jody Fuller WR: 23 Bruce Ellington 11 Pharoh Cooper 80 K.J. Brent WR: 3 Nick Jones 82 Kwinton Smith 85 Kane Whitehurst LT: 53 Corey Robinson 74 Mason Zandi LG: 50 A.J. Cann 65 Brock Stadnik C: 54 Clayton Stadnik -OR- 51 Cody Waldrop RG: 67 Ronald Patrick 55 Na’ Ty Rodgers RT: 71 Brandon Shell 78 Cody Gibson TE: 81 Rory Anderson 89 Jerell Adams 83 Mason Zandi QB: 14 Connor Shaw 17 Dylan Thompson 5 Brendan Nosovitch FB: 41 Connor McLauri 31 Jordan Diaz TB: 28 Mike Davis 7 Shon Carson 33 David Williams
OFFENSE QB: 14 Justin Worley 11 Joshua Dobbs -OR- 10 Riley Ferguson TB: 20 Rajon Neal 15 Marlin Lane 29 Tom Smith WR: 8 Marquez North 6 Vincent Dallas WR: 2 Pig Howard 81 Johnathon Johnson WR: 18 Jason Croom -OR- 25 Josh Smith TE: 85 Brendan Downs 86 A.J. Branisel 84 Woddy Quinn LT: 74 Antonio Richardson 65 Jacob Gilliam LG: 78 Alex Bullard 75 Marcus Jackson C: 64 James Stone 57 Mack Crowder RG: 72 Zach Fulton 71 Dylan Wiesman RT: Ja’Wuan James 77 Kyler Kerbyson
5-9, 166, Jr. 6-1, 207, So. 5-11, 217, RFr. 5-9, 196, Jr. 5-11, 184, Fr. 6-4, 188, So. 5-7, 174, Jr. 6-4, 212, RFr. 5-11, 179, So. 6-8, 341, Jr. 6-9, 293, RFr. 6-4, 314, Jr. 6-5, 286, RFr. 6-3, 281, RFr. 6-2, 319, RFr. 6-2, 315, Sr. 6-5, 296, Fr. 6-6, 323, So. 6-7, 286, Jr. 6-5, 242, Jr. 6-6, 237, So. 6-9, 293, RFr. 6-1, 209, Sr. 6-3, 218, Jr. 6-1, 220, RFr. 6-0, 237, Jr. 6-1, 233, Jr. 5-9, 215, So. 5-8, 219, So. 6-1, 200, Fr.
Sicklerville, N.J. St. Matthews, S.C. Charlotte, N.C. Moncks Corner, S.C. Havelock, N.C. Waxhaw, N.C. Moore, S.C. Hamer, S.C. Duluth, Ga. Havelock, N.C. Irmo, S.C. Bamberg, S.C. Greensboro, N.C. Greensboro, N.C. Seffner, Fla. Cocoa, Fla. Waldorf, Md. Goose Creek, S.C. Tallahassee, Fla. Powder Springs, Ga. Pinewood, S.C. Irmo, S.C. Flowery Branch, Ga. Boiling Springs, S.C. Allentown, Pa. Raleigh, N.C. Hamilton, N.J. Lithonia, Ga. Scranton, S.C. Philadelphia, Pa.
DFEENSE DE: 90 Chaz Sutton 44 Gerald Dixon 34 Mason Harris DT: 97 J.T. Surratt 92 Gerald Dixon Jr. 93 Deon Green DT: 99 Kelcy Quarles 52 Phillip Dukes 94 Kelcy Griffin DE: 7 Jadeveon Clowney 5 Darius English MLB: 11 T.J. Holloman -OR- 8 Kaiwan Lewis 28 Jonathan Walton WLB: 21 Marcquis Roberts 10 Skai Moore 18 Cedrick Cooper SPR: 9 Sharrod Golightly 42 Jordan Diggs 32 Larenz Bryant CB: 27 Victor Hampton 4 Ahmad Christian SS: 25 Kadetrix Marcus 20 T.J. Gurley FS: 12 Brison Williams 17 Chaz Elder CB: 15 Jimmy Legree 3 Jamari Smith 1 Rico McWilliams
6-5, 263, Sr. 6-2, 268, So. 6-3, 218, So. 6-2, 307, Jr. 6-3, 318, So. 6-4, 287, So. 6-4, 298, Jr. 6-3, 315, So. 6-2, 292, Fr. 6-6, 274, Jr. 6-6, 226, RFr. 6-2, 228, RFr. 6-0, 221, So. 6-0, 234, Fr. 6-1, 225, So. 6-2, 205, Fr. 6-2, 213, So. 5-10, 195, Jr. 6-0, 214, RFr. 6-0, 215, Fr. 5-10, 202, Jr. 5-10, 189, So. 6-1, 195, Jr. 5-10, 196, So. 5-11, 218, Jr. 6-2, 199, RFr. 6-0, 187, Sr. 5-10, 183, Fr. 5-11, 187, RFr.
Savannah, Ga. Rock Hill, S.C. Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Winston-Salem, N.C. Rock Hill, S.C. Windermere, Fla. Hodges, S.C. Manning, S.C. Buford, Ga. Rock Hill, S.C. Powder Springs, Ga. Stone Mountain, Ga. Mays Landing, N.J. Daphne, Ala. Powder Springs, Ga. Cooper City, Fla. Lithonia, Ga. Decatur, Ga. Fort Myers, Fla. Charlotte, N.C. Darlington, S.C. Jacksonville, Fla. Stone Mountain, Ga. Cairo, Ga. Warner Robins, Ga. Union City, Ga. Beaufort, S.C. Jacksonville, Fla. Hampton, Ga.
Tennessee
DEFENSE 6-4, 222, Jr. Rock Hill, S.C. LE: 55 Jacques Smith 6-3, 193, Fr. Alpharetta, Ga. 54 Jordan Williams 6-3, 181, Fr. Matthews, N.C. NT: 98 Daniel McCullers 5-11, 212, Sr. Fayetteville, Ga. 93 Gregory Clark 5-11, 205, Jr. Daytona Beach, Fla. DT: 97 Daniel Hood 5-11, 220, So. Apopka, Fla. 95 Danny O’Brien 6-4, 215, Fr. Charlotte, N.C. DE: 80 Corey Miller 5-11, 187, Jr. Ellenwood, Ga. 58 Marlon Walls 5-8, 185, So. Orlando, Fla. WLB: 41 Dontavis Sapp 5-9, 176, So. Friendswood, Texas 56 Curt Maggitt 6-5, 225, RFr. Norcross, Ga. MLB: 45 A.J.Johnson 6-1, 193, Fr. Knoxville, Tenn. 47 John Propst 6-5, 248, Jr. Bristol, Tenn. SLB: 17 Brent Brewer 6-4, 235, Fr. South Euclid, Ohio 48 Greg King 6-6, 253, Jr. Dana Point, Calif. CB: 27 Justin Coleman 6-6, 327, Jr. Nashville, Tenn. 22 Malik Foreman 6-4, 287, Jr. Knoxville, Tenn. SS: 27 Brian Randolph 6-2. 302, Sr. Franklin, Tenn. 46 Max Arnold 6-2, 307, Jr. Vero Beach, Fla. FS: 33 LaDarrell McNeil 6-3, 291, Sr. Nashville, Tenn. 3 Byron Moore 6-2, 280. So. Bristol, Tenn. CB: 23 Cameron Sutton 6-5, 323, Sr. Homewood, Ill. 9 Reggie Juin 6-3, 308, Fr. Cincinnati, Ohio NK: 35 JaRon Toney 6-6, 318, Sr. Suwanee, Ga. 13 Devaun Swafford 6-4, 306, SO. Knoxville, Tenn.
6-2, 243, Sr. 6-5, 260, Jr. 6-8, 351, Sr. 6-2, 327, Jr. 6-4, 277, Sr. 6-2, 287, RFr. 6-3, 265, Sr. 6-2, 272, Sr. 6-2, 227, Sr. 6-2, 239, Jr. 6-2, 243, Jr. 6-0, 219, Sr. 6-1, 221, Sr. 6-2, 247, Sr. 5-10, 184, Jr. 5-1, 177, Fr. 6-0, 199, So. 5-11, 188, So. 6-1, 199, So. 6-0, 298, Sr. 6-1, 180, Fr. 5-7, 173, Sr. 5-10, 184, Jr. 5-11, 184, Fr.
Oletwah, Tenn. Gainesville, Fla. Raleigh, N.C. Warner Robins, Ga. Knoxville, Tenn. Flint, Mich. Wellford, S.C. Olive Branch, Miss. Valdosta, Ga. W. Palm Beach, Fla. Gainesville, Ga. Hoover, Ala. Tyrone Ga. Memphis, Tenn. Brunswick, Ga. Kingsport, Tenn. Kennesaw, Ga. McKenzie, Tenn. Dallas, Texas Carson, Calif. Jonesboro, Ga. Conyers, Ga. Alcoa, Tenn. Kingsport, Tenn.
SPECIALISTS KO: 19 Landon Ard 29 Elliott Fry PK: 29 Elliott Fry 19 Landon Ard P: 13 Tyler Hull 18 Patrick Fish KR: 23 Bruce Ellington 11 Pharoh Cooper PR: 27 Victor Hampton 11 Pharoh Cooper SSN: 58 Ryland Culbertson LSN: 47 Drew Williams H: 18 Patrick Fish 5 Brendan Nosovitch
5-9, 172, So. 6-0, 150, Fr. 6-0, 150, Fr. 5-9, 172, So. 6-2, 206, Jr. 6-0, 195, Jr. 5-9, 196, Jr. 5-11, 184, Fr. 5-10, 202, Jr. 5-11, 184, Fr. 6-4, 265, Jr. 6-2, 190, Fr. 6-0, 195, Jr. 6-1, 220, RFr.
Rock Hill, S.C. Frisco, Texas Frisco, Texas Rock Hill, S.C. Mount Airy, N.C. Shelby, N.C. Moncks Corner, S.C. Havelock, N.C. Darlington, S.C. Havelock, N.C. Laurens, S.C. Irmo, S.C. Shelby, N.C. Allentown, Pa
*These depth charts are taken from the listings from each team’s previous game. Spurs & Feathers goes to print shortly after each football game. Please visit www.spursandfeathers.com over the course of the week for updated depth charts.
SPECIALISTS P: 1 Michale Palardy 43 Matt Darr PK: 1 Michael Palardy 5 George Bullock KO: 1 Michael Palardy 5 George Bullock LS: 53 J.R. Carr 59 Matt Giampapa H: 3 Tyler Drummer 43 Matt Darr PR: 87 Jacob Carter 23 Cameron Sutton KR: 6 Vincent Dallas 35 JaRon Toney
5-11, 185, Sr. 6-1, 220, Jr. 5-11, 185, Sr. 6-0, 207, RFr. 5-11, 185, Sr. 6-0, 207, RFr. 5-10, 215, Sr. 6-1, 229, So. 6-1, 169, Sr. 6-1, 220, JR. 6-0, 190, Jr. 6-1, 1890, Fr. 5-11, 187, Jr. 5-10, 184, Jr.
Coral Springs, Fla. Bakersfield, Calif. Coral Springs, Fla. Knoxville, Tenn. Coral Springs, Fla. Knoxville, Tenn. Lomita, Calif. Jackson, Tenn. Powell, Tenn. Bakersfield, Calif. Nashville, Tenn. Jonesboro, Ga. Ellenwood, Ga. Alcoa, Tenn.
18 • Spurs & Feathers
October 16, 2013
Legendary Fan thankful for Gamecock influence by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
draw we’ve always stayed with it … we really have enjoyed it and still are enjoying the games,” Boland said. “I’ve never left a game Being honored as the Legendary Fan by the ahead of time until it is over with, regardless Gamecock Club at the Kentucky game was of the weather or score. I figure the team a humbling experience for lifelong Carolina needs you worse when they’re losing than fan Julian Boland of Elloree, S.C. as he was they do when they’re winning.” recognized on the field before kickoff. There was only one time that Boland did Boland said that it was a great honor and leave a game early and that was an afterhe was happy that his family was there to see noon game against Tennessee when he and him commemorated at the game. his wife had promised to attend a wedding. “We had five of our six children there with They agreed that they would leave in time to three spouses and six grandchildren. We get to the wedding, but since the game was were just really happy for them to come. One televised it took longer than expected. of grandchildren told us that she drove from “With about five minutes to go we left North Carolina just to see us. The Gamecock the game and by the time we got to our Club has been great with the whole situation car, people had started piling out of the and it’s a credit for them for honoring me,” stadium … we were stuck in traffic waiting photo by allen sharpe Boland said. for these people to cross the road. Finally I Boland said that South Carolina has been Julian Boland (center) was honored as the Legendary Fan at the Kentucky game. Boland’s told the patrolman ‘I’ve never left a game an important part of his family’s life because blazer was given to him by Brent Skinner of B.P. Skinner Clothiers. Skinner (right, story beearly in my life and I had to leave to go to he met his wife, Sybil, at Carolina, five of his low) has been providing the blazers to the Gamecock Club since 2007. a wedding. I would really appreciate it if six children attended the University and there you let me go.’ He did let me go and I really are 13 Carolina graduates in his family. He said many of his favorite memories involved the other road games as well, but those are the two appreciated that. Those are the kind of things that he met his wife after seeing her one night people he watched games with and others that that they would travel to most consistently. He that stand out; times when people were good to and not getting the chance to speak to her at the he met on road trips. He and his family used to said that the farthest that he had ever traveled you,” Boland recalled. YMCA, but the next day he saw her in line at Boland reiterated that he was blessed to be travel to many games in an RV that he owned to see the Gamecocks was to watch them play the post office. honored as the Legendary Fan by a team and and it was always a great trip to go see the at Southern California then at Michigan in “I came up behind her and said hello. She Gamecocks. back-to-back games during the George Rogers university that were important in his life in so turned around and stepped on my toe and we many ways. The Boland family traveled to the Florida campaign of 1980. joke that she has been stepping on my toes ever game most every year and stayed with a family “I realize how fortunate I was to be chosen. Boland noted that he has not missed a Clemsince,” Boland said. “I was just glad that I got Looking at all those people and realizing that that lived there and his family would recipson game since 1950 and for years he only to see her again and had the chance to meet her rocate and host them when the game was in ‘little old me’ had that honor bestowed upon missed one home game when he had to serve because we have been happily married ever me just made me feel really good,” Boland Columbia. He also said that they have been to as a pallbearer. He said he has always been a since.” said. “I really appreciate the honor. We’ve had many games in Tennessee and he has always season ticketholder. Boland said that he has many great memories enjoyed the drive through the mountains. some good times and some really good experi“It’s just been a good time that we’ve had surrounding the action during the games, but ences.” Boland added that they have been to many with the Gamecocks, you know win, lose or
Longtime Gamecock fan outfits Legendary Fans by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
“I have a lot of people who have a lot of stuff made for the Carolina look. A lot of garnet Part of the honor for the Leg- and white shirts to wear to endary Fan, awarded by the games or garnet pants,” SkinGamecock Club to a devoted ner said. “I sell to a lot of season fan at each home game, is the ticket holders and I am one sharp blazer with the special myself as well.” patch each honoree receives. Skinner holds season tickets These blazers are provided by for football, basketball and Brent Skinner of B.P. Skinner baseball and said that he goes Clothiers. to several away football games Skinner, who owns a custom a year. He graduated from men’s clothes shop, started pro- South Carolina in 1996 and viding the blazers to the Game- went to games ever since he cock Club in 2007. He makes was a child. custom suits, shirts and sport “I grew up going to games coats for his customers, many and I think I started in the of whom ask for their clothes middle of the 1983 season. I to be made with a Gamecock don’t think that I’ve missed one theme. home game since then,” Skin-
ner said. Skinner said that his support for the Gamecocks and the Athletics Department dates back to his time attending the university. “When I was at Carolina I did an internship with the Gamecock Club and I did an internship with the marketing department, so I had those relationships with the athletic department. Then fast forward to 2007, I was approached if I was interested in providing the jackets for the Legendary Fan and I was very excited in doing it,” Skinner explained. The relationship with Gamecock athletics goes past working with the Gamecock Club
in honoring the Legendary Fan for Skinner. He said that he outfits some of the coaches from several different sports and does suits for the football team each year that they wear when traveling. While the majority of his clients, 80 to 90 percent of his business, are not affiliated with athletics, Skinner said that since he is a sports nut he enjoys getting to work with some athletes and coaches. “I enjoy that in getting to know those guys and making relationships with those guys. I’m pretty involved down there now,” Skinner said. “I enjoy hanging out with those coaches and athletes and getting to
know them.” Skinner also works with some other coaches in the area, most of whom have ties to South Carolina, whether they were Gamecock coaches before or are friends with some of the current coaches. He said that while he likes to see these other coaches do well personally, but he is a Gamecock fan through and through and Carolina is the only team that he pulls for. He has a custom shop in Augusta, Ga. where he works with customers by appointment, but he also travels all around the Southeast to help outfit his customers at their home or office. Skinner said that he truly enjoys his work with the
Gamecock Club and being able to honor these great South Carolina fans. “It’s really neat because most of those guys have been Gamecock fans forever. It’s a pretty special thing for most of those guys to get that honor,” Skinner explained. “You see some pretty emotional families down there on the sidelines, to have a dad, granddad or whoever to be recognized like that. “My wife said that I’m just giving away the jackets. She says ‘you really have no idea how special this is for those guys,’ but this is something that I really enjoy doing for these fans and the Gamecocks,” Skinner concluded.
Spurs & Feathers • 19
October 16, 2013
Double assist served up by Abella by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com RJ Abella has a busy schedule while serving multiple roles for the South Carolina volleyball programs, both indoor and in the sand. Abella currently serves as an assistant coach for the indoor volleyball team and he will be an assistant to head coach Moritz Moritz in the spring for sand volleyball. He said that even though he is not with the sand team all the time currently, he is going to their early-morning workouts. He added their excitement and dedication is helping to inspire him and raise his own excitement level. “I think it’s great that (volleyball head coach) Scott (Swanson) and (sand volleyball head coach) Moritz (Moritz) have the relationship and they understand that ‘hey we need RJ here or we need RJ here.’ They understand and they make it work,” Abella said. “For right SOUTH CAROLINA ATHLETICS now kind MEDIA RELATIONS of what’s happening is during the fall I’m full-time indoor, obviously focused on the indoor season and helping with some of the recruiting that Julie, our recruiting coordinator needs me to do … but then also I’m the recruiting coordinator for the sand program.” The involvement with recruiting was a big draw for Abella to come to South Carolina from his previous job at Wichita State. He said the opportunity offered by coming here was great for him and when Moritz asked what he wanted to do with the sand program, he jumped at the chance to be recruiting coordinator. “He was like ‘it’s good for your development, so you’re our recruiting coordinator.’ It’s exciting for me because it’s something that I wanted and now I have the opportunity to do it,” Abella said. Abella explained that recruiting for indoor and sand volleyball are different processes, with sand volleyball being so new some players do not even know they have the opportunity to play in college. Also indoor volleyball has high school and club teams with big events, up to 100 courts playing at an event, but sand volleyball events are much smaller, with the biggest event he has been to only showcasing 14 courts. “Some of them don’t even have coaches and
we can’t communicate directly with the players at times,” Abella noted. “These big clubs have recruiting coordinators, you can find all their information on the club website … and just the fact that they wear jerseys. “When you play sand volleyball, at least with some of these juniors, they’re in a swim top or a t-shirt and there is no number on there … first of all you don’t know who is playing on that court at times and then when you do find out the teams that are playing, you don’t know who is who.That’s one of the biggest obstacles for sure, even determining who’s who on the court, let alone determining which court we want to go to,” Abella continued. The challenge is exciting for Abella and he said that he used the regions where beach volleyball is popular as a starting point. He said that is good and bad because that the sport is very regionalized and there are many players who will want to stay close to home. Another challenge for Abella was finding the most cost-effective way to recruit and deciding if they can pull athletes from California back to South Carolina. He said that they have looked for the “diamonds in the rough” in the midwestern US and he and Moritz plan to learn from the process as they continue to recruit in the future. One of the strengths for recruiting going forward will be the commitment to the sand volleyball program that has been showed by South Carolina through building the facilities and funding the full number of scholarships possible. “One thing that is kind of different from indoor to sand volleyball is that some of the top players in sand volleyball strive to be professional sand volleyball players … now we have to think about ‘how we help these kids after they get an amazing education and awesome college experience, how can we help them become a professional beach volleyball player?’ Abella said. “Facilities is definitely one of the big resources that we have here. “Looking at some of the drawings and even seeing the lights go up, it really is a facility, not just five sand courts that you would see at a park. It’s almost like a stadium, which is really exciting … I would say our facilities are definitely going to be the newest, but it’s also going to be one of the best set-ups out there,” Abella continued. Abella noted that many programs are starting sand volleyball because it is a sport that does not require a lot of equipment and many utilize the indoor head coach for sand volleyball as well. He added that making the sand program independent with their full funding and own facilities will be a big draw for recruits. The excitement level for Abella is high in having a hand in building the sand program while
also assisting with the indoor program’s turnaround under Swanson. “My last job at Wichita State, when I got there they were already a nationally-known program and when I got there they were already good. So my role there was to help maintain that high level,” Abella explained. “I think as a coach, if you’re very passionate, you should see what
it’s like to battle in the trenches and start from scratch. “For me, as a coach, it’s my chance to really see what it takes and that is exactly what I wanted. A lot of people thought I was crazy to leave Wichita State to go to the University of South Carolina, but for me it’s everything I ever wanted,” Abella said.
20 • Spurs & Feathers
October 16, 2013
Gamecock fan collects memorabilia, friendships at the beach by Mike Kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com Jimmy Smith is a longtime Gamecock fan with a collection of memorabilia that would rival the hall of fame of most athletic departments. He also has the wonderful memories that go along with all of the memorabilia. Smith is a graduate of the University of South Carolina from 1968 after growing up in the state, but he also lived in Florida and went to Florida State for one year. He transferred back because he loved the state and people of South Carolina. He had many friends in the area and after spending a few years at Fort Jackson and doing some other jobs, Smith got into the real estate business back at the beach, about 30 miles from his home in Pawleys Island and Litchifield. He now runs James W. Smith Real Estate Co., supplying vacation rentals at the beach. “Every summer, my wife and I always went to Pawleys Island. Even when I was working in Columbia we still went to the beach about every weekend. I got into real estate in 1973 and have been in business for 40 years,” Smith said. Over the years, Smith got to know many of the Gamecock coaches who would come down to the beach and stay at his properties, starting with June Raines and Mark Berson. He said more started coming down every year after those two told the other coaches about their experiences at the beach. “Throughout the years we’ve had numerous coaches from South Carolina come down and stay with us. Getting to know them, going out to eat with them and having breakfast with them is just a real treat,” Smith said. One of the biggest thrills for Smith is cultivating those personal relationships and friendships with some of the coaches. He said that he was close with Jim Carlen before he passed and is still good friends with Bobby Richardson. He added that he also has some good Bob Fulton stories from spending time together. “Jim came up here and rented a place from me and we all went out to eat, so I got to know him pretty well … he would come here about four times a year, sometimes more than that,” Smith said. “He used to call me about once a month and we would talk about the games and everything like that. He always used to joke around with me and he was quite a storyteller.” Smith’s memorabilia collection began when one coach brought him a signed football, then other coaches saw that displayed and started giving him things as well. He added that his collection is not only football, as he also has signed baseballs, basketballs, jerseys, pictures and many other items as well.
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He noted that he has also bought some of the items, but much of the collection was given to him by coaches. “One coach started bringing me signed footballs and the next thing you know the other ones saw that I had a signed football, so he would send me one … so I started collecting a lot of different sports items from that time,” Smith explained. “Over time we got a nice collection of items and people would like to come down and see what everybody had brought us.” Smith said that most of his collection is from Gamecock coaches and players, but he also has some items from Charlie Strong, Charlie Weis, John Fox, Tony Dorsett, Rick Flair and Roy Williams. He said that he also has objects from North Carolina, Georgia and Clemson, but the majority is Gamecock regalia. He said that if the other coaches are nice enough to give him things, he would not say no to them. Smith is a long time Gamecock Club mem-
ber and has only missed one home football game in 40 years for a friend’s daughter’s wedding. He said that he also goes to many out-of-town games when he can, including making the trip to Missouri this year since he has never been there. The collection and Smith faced some misfortune when his office, where he kept much of his collection, caught fire and burned many of the items. The whole collection did not burn because he had some duplicates and kept other memorabilia elsewhere, but he has been working on recreating the collection with the help of Gamecock fans and others. “I’ve had a lot of people donate things to me out of their collections, which has been super nice of them … Ray Tanner has given me some bats that I lost and Jackie Bradley Jr. signed them and things like that … so I’ve been really fortunate in that,” Smith said. Smith said that the biggest losses were things that could not be replaced or recreated such as items from the many College World
Series trips and awards that he was given throughout his time supporting the Gamecocks. He said that he hates to lose those things, but he still has the memories from the fun times. Tanner and the Gamecock Club did give a nice surprise to Smith in replacing some of the awards that he won. Smith was honored as a Legendary Fan in 2009 and was recognized as the Georgetown County Gamecock Club member of the year in 2001. “One thing that Ray did after I lost a lot of my awards in the fire, like when I was the Legendary Fan at the South Carolina State game, is Ray replaced that for me. When I was member of the year in 2001, they replaced that for me too. It really hurt when I lost those things in the fire and I said ‘those things can’t be replaced.’ They said ‘well, we’ll replace them for you.’ So that was just super of him and the Gamecock Club … I’m glad to have all the great memories that came along with everything,” Smith said.
October 16, 2013
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22 • Spurs & Feathers
Sooner or later, all coaches must face The Question. Perhaps it comes in the middle of another solitary, late-night drive to scout a recruit. Perhaps it comes during another bleary-eyed film session, the whine of a computer fan their only companion. Perhaps it comes every time the next past-due bill arrives. They can delay it, deny it, or use any number of diversionary tricks they want, but inevitably The Question comes back, an inner voice, Andy Demetra tapping at them Contributing Writer impatiently. “How badly do you want this?” Matt Figger vowed he’d never succumb to The Question. It didn’t matter how many floors he had to sweep, or how many dance classes he had to teach, or how many sunrises he had to watch from behind the wheel of his car. The Gamecocks’ associate head coach was determined to make it in the business pay or politics or career instability be damned. The start of another year, Figger’s second at South Carolina, will add another layer between himself and the years he battled The Question. But as he prepares for a new season in Columbia, how Matt Figger addressed The Question will always stay with him. Even during his three years as a reliever on the Pikeville (Ky.) College baseball team, Figger couldn’t shake his love for basketball.
October 16, 2013
When you grow up in Jenkins, a dust-speck coal mining town near the eastern Kentucky border, loving basketball is born into you. So when one of Figger’s friends dropped out of Pikeville and joined the basketball team at Wabash Valley Community College in Mt. Carmel, Ill., Figger thought nothing of driving 250 miles each weekend to watch his practices and games. What else would a friend – and unapologetic hoops fan – do? Wabash Valley’s head coach, Pat Smith, soon took notice. He approached Figger toward the end of the season. “Have you ever thought about getting into coaching?” he asked. “’Coach, that’s been my dream since I was a child,’” Figger replied. . “Well, why don’t you come up and help me?” Smith created an assistant job for him. It paid $5,000 a year and it came with a catch. Figger – who had since transferred to Eastern Kentucky University to pursue his B.S. in Physical Education – would have to leave school immediately, 18 hours shy of his degree. He didn’t hesitate. “This is the chance of a lifetime for me. This guy actually wants me to be a part of something,” Figger recalled thinking. He left school and accepted the job. So began a three-year juggling act of coaching, studying and working that tested the limits of Figger’s resolve, to say nothing of his sanity. At the lowest rungs of college basketball, assistants often take second jobs to make ends meet. Some teach. Some tend bar. Whatever the job, the goal is the same: to bankroll their dream just long enough to get a full-time position.
At Wabash Valley CC, Figger’s first side job came with the town parks and recreation department. Every morning at 5 a.m., he mowed lawns, weeded fields, and lined baseball diamonds before reporting to the basketball offices. During basketball season, he switched to a job more compatible with his schedule: he drove a bus around the Mount Carmel school district, transporting international students who didn’t have American driver’s licenses. Figger literally was the bus driver, taking everyone to school. Between practice, study hall and bus routes, his days lasted from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. “I didn’t sleep much,” he said, as if that needed clarification. The days were exhausting, but Figger’s first season was exhilarating. Wabash Valley finished 29-3, rising to as high as No. 3 in the 1994 national junior-college rankings. Figger got the introduction to coaching he had craved. Plus, summer school classes had moved him within three credits of graduating from Eastern Kentucky. Then Smith, his mentor, accepted a head coaching position at Barton Community College in Kansas. Figger wanted to follow him and Smith was set to take him. But there was a hang-up. “I still didn’t have my degree,” Figger said. “So I couldn’t go out there with him.” Unable to join him, Figger landed an assistant coach’s position at Vincennes University, a junior college in Vincennes, Indiana. While there, his living situation fell somewhere between ascetic and absurd. He lived, rent-free, in a room in an empty warehouse courtesy of a friend of the head coach. He clocked a second job as a janitor in the Vincennes student union, working the 7 p.m.-2 a.m. shift. Figger
SOUTH CAROLNA ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
Figger never succumbed to The Question.
still recalls, with crystal clarity, his daily diet: a Hardee’s biscuit for breakfast, a McDonald’s #2 Value Meal for lunch, and a Long John Silver’s $1.99 meal deal for dinner, which allowed him to subsist on five dollars a day. If hunger pangs crept in, he ate from a sack of potatoes that he stored in his room. There was also the matter of finishing his Please see figger, Page 23
Spurs & Feathers • 23
October 16, 2013
Gamecock golfers driving toward successful season by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
fied their games and have learned when to be conservative and when to hit more aggressive shots. The South Carolina men’s golf team has some “This team is really talented. One of the time to continue working and preparing after a things I noticed in the first couple of events was strong showing through the first three tournanot playing very smart golf. It’s great to have ments of the fall schedule. all the confidence in the world that you can hit They are coming off of their best showing a certain shot, but golf has a way of biting you of the fall, a 24-stroke victory at the Badger if you get impatient and force things,” McDonInvitational that saw great individual perforald commented. “Just playing smarter, that’s mances. what I think I was most impressed with and I Head coach Bill McDonald said that the team think it’s something as we go on throughout the has progressed in each competition this season year we’re going to have to impress upon the and he was pleased with the way they closed guys. You know there’s a time and a place to go out their rounds in Wisconsin. for things and be aggressive, but also it’s OK “It was a great trip. We played well. Even to make a routine, boring par. That’s OK to do though we didn’t finish that well on our first that sometimes.” trip to Dalton, Ga., you saw flashes that this South Carolina has gotten incredible incould be a pretty good team. Then we played dividual play of late, especially from junior pretty good at the Rees Jones and lost by a Caleb Sturgeon who earned medalist honors couple of shots there,” McDonald said. “Then by carding a 10-under 206 to win the Badger this past week we got off to a good start - we Invitational by six strokes. Sturgeon claimed led wire-to-wire and had the low round each the second individual title of his career and was round - I think that is what this team is capable named the Golfweek Player of the Week on of and I think we can play a lot better than what Oct. 8. The victory also made Sturgeon the 11th we did. It was just nice to see the guys play that Gamecock golfer in program history to pick up way. multiple tournament titles. “The first round we played the last three or “I think when Caleb gets that look in his eye four holes at eight-under. That was different. like he had last week, he just does not back We had been playing well until the last three down. He had that look in his eye at the SEC or four holes and then giving back shots. It was Tournament last year when he shot 65 and he like we sort of turned the corner on - I don’t had that look in this past tournament,” McDonknow if it was our attitudes or just closing out ald said. rounds - but that was a little bit of a turning Sturgeon has not been alone in his strong play point for us,” McDonald explained. of late, as Matt NeSmith finished second in the Part of the secret to the Gamecocks’ recent Badger Invitational with a 212 total, good for success has been smart, strategic play from the 4-under par. Another sophomore, Will Starke, team. McDonald said that they have simpliearned his fourth career top-20 finish and Will
Murphy and Ben Dietrich also contributed to the team victory. “Matt is starting to figure some things out. Matt is getting a lot better at his short game and scoring and that is going to keep him in a lot of tournaments. With his talent he will win eventually for sure, pretty quickly if he keeps doing that. I think Will Starke is starting to figure some things out now. He didn’t hit the ball that well last week, but he just kept girding and getting better each round,” McDonald said. “Will Murphy had a bad last round, but he played real well for us the first two. Ben Dietrich gave us a good round in his first really competitive round in college golf and helped us out some too.” McDonald enjoys seeing contributions from all five slots in the lineup and feels that the team will be in good shape going forward to the final fall competition and moving on toward the spring. “We’re starting to put the pieces together a little bit. We’ll maybe mix up the lineup a little bit in our last fall event,” McDonald said. “Really the fall is a mix of trying to obviously play well because it all counts, but you also want to get as many guys in the lineup as you can and get them that experience … a lot of times you can’t really determine back home exactly how a player is until you see them in a tournament setting. Any kind of game experience is beneficial. “We’ve been doing some things from the outset to try to mix things up and we’ll be doing the same thing for Kiawah (Island, S.C. at the Wendy’s Kiawah Classic at Turtle Point Golf Club), the last event. At the same time you want to try and get your best five playing for you, that’s the ultimate goal,” McDonald continued.
figger, continued from page 22
break into Division I coaching arrived. John warded in the end.” Pelphrey, himself an eastern Kentucky native, Matt Figger’s career leaves no Question got to know Figger when they worked at Uni- about that. versity of Florida basketball camps together. He offered him a spot on his new staff at South Alabama. Years later, Figger reached out to another counselor at those camps, a fiery Miami high school coach who had delivered six of his players to Figger at Odessa JC. In 2007, Figger joined Frank Martin’s bench at Kansas State. But what about The Question? Was there ever a point when Figger wanted to give up? When the workload became too crushing, the pay too abject, the sacrifices too many to continue pursuing his coaching dream? Figger barely permits himself the introspection. “I never really thought about that, to be honest with you,” he replied. “I’ve always known that working hard doesn’t guarantee a victory, but at least people see how hard you work. And people who work hard normally get re-
to Richmond-area middle schools, teaching tweens the finer points of the two-step and degree, which cost him his first climb up the the Charleston. After class, he raced back to coaching ladder. At the start of his second Vincennes in time to make his team’s 3:30 year at Vincennes, a three-credit Physical Ed- practice. ucation course – the final hours he’d need for “I never missed a class,” Figger said. “I his degree - opened up at Eastern Kentucky. talked to the teacher one day and told her There was only one problem: he had to atwhat I did. She looked at me like I had six tend it in person, three days a week, 250 miles heads. She said, ‘What are you doing?’ away in Richmond, Ky. “I said, ‘I’m trying to get my degree.’” So in the fall of 1995, Figger developed a Four months and 50,000 miles later, he had brutal regimen. On Sundays, Tuesdays and earned it. Thursdays, he clocked out of his janitor’s shift That diligence quickly paid dividends for at 2 a.m., went home to shower (mercifully, Figger on the recruiting trail. In his third seahe had moved into a dorm room by then) and son at Vincennes, he refused to take “no” for hopped in his car, a red, 1988 Ford Festiva an answer from a scarecrow-thin forward out that he bought for $800. He then drove four of Clarksville, Tenn. That player, Shawn Marhours to EKU, stopping every 100 miles to ion, is beginning his 15th season in the NBA. replace his oil because his car would leak it Eddie Fogler plucked another player, William all out. Unseld, to play for him at South Carolina. Once Figger arrived, he pinched a couple Figger’s reputation for teaching, winning and hours of sleep in his Festiva before heading to recruiting had begun to grow. his 10 a.m. “Instruction of Dance” class. As After five years at Vincennes, and another part of the coursework, Figger had to drive four at Odessa (TX) Junior College, Figger’s
SOUTH CAROLINA ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
Caleb Sturgeon earned individual medalist honors at the Badger Invitational. Overall, McDonald explained that the Gamecocks have been successful this fall and he feels that they will continue to improve and come together throughout the season. “I think this team has a really good work ethic … the fall is a little bit of a feeling out period to see how the guys react to being in a team environment,” McDonald noted. “Golf is unique in the sense that it’s an individual sport and you’re throwing 10 guys together in a team atmosphere. So we use the first few weeks of the fall as a team to see everyone’s personality and character. “So that’s a little bit of what we’re adjusting to right now. I love camaraderie amongst the team. They all work hard and I’d say that from top to bottom it’s one of the most talented teams that I’ve had … so far it’s just been a blast to coach them and be around them,” McDonald concluded.
24 • Spurs & Feathers
October 16, 2013
Left photo by allen sharpe/right photo by scott webster
Martin (left), with South Carolina Athletics Director Ray Tanner at the South Carolina-Kentucky football game, and Alexander (right) are working hard to further basketball in the state.
Martin and Alexander have developed unique friendship by Brian hand bhand@spursandfeathers.com
The upward trajectory of the USC Aiken men’s basketball program is exactly what Martin is trying to accomplish with GameSecond-year South Carolina head men’s cock men’s basketball so it is no surprise basketball coach Frank Martin led Kansas that the Martin and Alexander have become State to the NCAA Tournament four times friends. during his five years in charge of the WildThe friendship came about when Alexander cats. Kansas State advanced to the NCAA reached out to Martin when he first decided Division I “Elite Eight” during the 2009-10 to take the South Carolina head coaching gig. season. The talks eventually led to Martin serving Ninth-year USC Aiken men’s basketball as the keynote speaker at USC Aiken’s anhead coach Vince Alexander has built the nual tip-off banquet. Pacers into an NCAA Division II power over This year the relationship has even been the course of the last six seasons. The Pacers taken a step further with Martin and Alexadvanced to the Division II “Elite Eight” last ander set to face off against each other in an season and have won a Palmetto State-best exhibition at 2 p.m. on Nov. 3 at Colonial 135 games over the course of the last six Life Arena. seasons. The game is not just about the friendship Whether they knew it or not, the two shared to Martin as it is also about a larger issue in a common bond before Martin even decided helping out in-state schools. to take over the Gamecock men’s basketball “I would rather play exhibition games program prior to the 2012-13 season. against in-state schools rather than give it to Martin knew when he took over the reins of other people,” Martin noted. “We compete the South Carolina men’s basketball program against one another as coaches, but we are all that it would take time, but he knew that the in this together. Our lives are about impactfruits of his labor would be bountiful if he ing young people. They’re not about winning built the Gamecock program into the force it games and Vince gets that. I respect people has the ability to become. that get that. It’s no surprise to me that he has Coming off a strong six-year run at NCAA been able to be as successful as he’s been and Division II Mansfield of the Pennsylvania sustain that success year after year after year. State Athletics Conference, Alexander was “He’ll come to our practices. I’m coming handed the keys to the Pacer basketball to his practice this year. We’re all in this program in June of 2005. USC Aiken was a together. I’m not better than the next guy downtrodden program that had seen better and the next guy is not better than me. But I days, but after claiming just 15 combined offer some things that I think can help some wins his first two seasons in charge of the people and I’m always opening my ears up program, Alexander engineered a dramatic to anyone that’s in the field of leading young turnaround in the 2007-08 season that saw people because they can help me do my job USC Aiken pick up 27 wins and obtain a better,” Martin remarked. final national ranking of sixth. Bigger and Alexander is thrilled that Martin has given better things for Pacer basketball have conhim the chance to develop the friendship, tinued ever since. while also helping the program at USC Ai-
ken. “I think it’s great. Frank Martin is well respected across the country. He is one of the top coaches in the country,” Alexander commented. “To have him say some of the things he’s said about my program to others and about me is outstanding … Frank has really supported me since day one. He is going to do a great job turning that program around.” The friendship between Martin and Alexander aside, Martin knows that the real point of schools working together within the state is really all about the betterment of basketball in the Palmetto State in general. “All of us coach universities within this state. If we make our programs better than we make grassroots basketball better in the state,” Martin noted. “The better our state grassroots basketball is, the better all our programs will be. The more interest there is, the better our fanbases will be. “At the end of the day, I might end up competing against other in-state schools when they recruit. That’s part of the business. That’s the way it should happen. However, the only way can create unbelievable interest is if all our schools are good. If all of our schools in this state win and have success then basketball becomes very good; it becomes something of interest here … whether you are Division I, II, III, NAIA, it doesn’t matter to me. We’re all in this to try and impact people in a positive way,” Martin said. Martin continued by saying that “if all our universities have success then more people, more communities become interested in basketball. Then young people start playing basketball and pay more attention to it. Then it generates better players at a younger age that allows us to go recruit guys that want to be at one of our state schools. That’s an advantage we have here. We have a state that’s
real rich with athleticism and competitive young people … I think it is one of the underrated states when it comes to basketball. It’s a matter of getting them energized and enthused about a sport that once upon a time was great here.” Alexander agrees with Martin’s assertions and feels that things like this are the reason Martin is going to be successful in the long run at the University of South Carolina. “It is a cutthroat business, but I think if you stick to your principles and stick to what you do and what you believe in, your program will sell itself,” Alexander said. “I think Frank Martin has the name that he is going to get the top kids. I don’t think before Frank that they were getting the top kids in South Carolina. The top kids in South Carolina are now coming to South Carolina, which is what you need. He’s done something to change that culture and I think that’s great.” Martin and Alexander may have grueling seasons ahead, but before hitting the hardwood against one another for the exhibition early in November the friends will hit the links for a round of golf in early October. After that, Martin will once again serve as the keynote speaker at the USC Aiken men’s basketball tip-off banquet on Tuesday, Oct. 29. To Alexander the fact that the two will be playing one another and Martin is still taking the time to play golf with him, attend his practices and even attend his preseason banquet speaks volumes to the character of Martin. “He doesn’t care about that stuff. What he cares about is getting his team ready to compete in the SEC and on to the NCAA Tournament. He doesn’t care about all that other stuff and that’s what makes him unique and makes him special,” Alexander concluded.
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Staley, Gamecocks looking to challenge for SEC supremacy by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
struggled with in the past, but they worked hard on it over the summer. “The only things that we worked on were South Carolina women’s basketball head three things: ball handling, passing and shootcoach Dawn Staley addressed taking the next ing. No offenses, no defenses. We just put in step for the program at the women’s basketball a lot of skill work and our players have really media day on Thursday, Oct. 10. bought into it and they’re better passers, better She said that she feels the team has the talshooters and better at handling the basketball. ent to contend for an SEC title after winning I thought it was a perfect opportunity to put 25 games for the second consecutive season. this offense in,” Staley explained. Staley thinks the experience of earning 11 The Gamecocks return two starters in SEC victories and making the quarterfinals leading scorer Aleighsa Welch, a junior, and of the conference tournament, not to mention starting sophomore guard Tiffany Mitchell making the NCAA Tournament, has motifrom last year’s 25-win team. Welch earned vated the team. second-team All-SEC honors and Mitchell “I think it’s a team that has the talent to do was selected to the SEC All-Freshman team it. If we win an SEC Championship, then last season. we’re talking about maybe winning a National There are many players who saw action as Championship because I do feel like we would six lefterwinners return, but the team will be in contention to do that. So yes, I would need big contributions from these players to love for our team to set a goal of winning an factor in the competitive SEC. SEC Championship,” Staley said. “You have to have respect for it as far as Staley has inserted a new offense based on playing in the SEC. It’s a physical league … ball movement, everyone touching the basket- it’s one of the best conferences,” Welch said. ball and letting the players read defenses. She “I have the upmost respect for our league and added that it will take great passing and they I think it challenges all of us and helps us to have done extremely well with it so far. She get better and play against top-notch competisaid passing has been something the team has tion every night … I think it brings the best
out of everybody.” Many players individually said that the family atmosphere in the locker room from both the coaches and the team helps development both on and off the court. “I feel like if we’re close off the court, then it will help us when we get on the court. Being able to talk to each other off the court is going to show up on the court as well,” Mitchell said. Junior Elem Ibiam echoed these sentiments saying that the relationship with the coaches allows them to get feedback in an environment that helps them grow and improve. Staley said the team is extremely hardworking and their effort and chemistry have been great thus far. She and the coaches want to focus on quality rather than quantity, so they may shorten practices a little to keep the team healthy. Staley added that she has been pleased with the team’s work thus far. “It’s been a good week … everybody seems to pick up on things fairly quickly which is good so we can move a lot quicker than I anticipated. This team is working extremely SOUTH CAROLiNA ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS hard … they want to learn, they are a good cohesive group and they want to get better every Aleighsa Welch and Elem Ibiam model day. I’m pretty pleased with that,” Staley said. new uniforms unveiled at media day.
Gamecocks diving into new season by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
SOUTH CAROLINA ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
Todd Sherritt is in his 21st year with program.
legiate season. One of my girls, Patty Kranz, is moving into that elite level. She hasn’t been super consistent yet, but is getting there The schedule has begun for the South Caro- quickly,” Sherritt said. “She came in as a lina diving team under the direction of Todd freshman and was around the top-20, I think Sherritt in his 21st year guiding the program. 20th, then last year as a sophomore she was He hopes to lead them to success in the SEC third in the conference. That’s not only a big and NCAA competitions this season. jump, but also mentally she made a big jump Sherritt noted that he would like for the too. I think that was important for her in the team to perform well and win every meet summer nationals to get in and what she did in which they compete including the dual do. meets, but the long term goal is winning at “Cole Miller, my Canadian, he was top-6 the end of there year. in his country after training through last “Normally when I start them out we have year and quite noticeably they’re seeing that objectives to be good at the SEC and the this guy is coming on and he may make the NCAA competitions. We use these dual Olympic team. He kind of came out of nomeets as stepping stones to put our lists where, which is kind of fun to see that haptogether, to do some of our new dives that pen. He just missed making NCAAs last year we’ve tried out and prepare them in a way and I feel confident that he is going to get in that they get good at conference,” Sherritt this year,” Sherritt continued. explained. “Dual meets are important, don’t Sherritt said that he knows that the studentget me wrong, but in the end winning the athletes who come to South Carolina have conference, getting in the NCAAs and possi- Olympic competition as a possible goal and bly winning that and putting some points on he said that he feels the NCAAs are probably the board are huge.” the next hardest meets to the Olympics and The participation in high-level competiWorld Championships that will prepare them tions and work that some of the divers did for that level. over the summer will help the team’s experi“There are a lot of meets out there, but that ence and preparing for the competitive SEC. particular meet (NCAAs) is very difficult “I thought it was a major move for us to mainly because of the intensity of teams … get into the meet prior to going into the colso there are a lot of pressures that I like that
prepare them for the Olympic Games. If you get in the Olympic Trials you’ve got big crowds, you’ve got TV and all that. We definitely are thinking of making the Olympics and possibly medaling there. I think I’ve got some talent here that can do it, but I think a good way of doing that is being in the top-6 at the NCAAs,” Sherritt said. Please see diving, Page 30
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Gamecock Radio/Television Information The Gamecock Sports Network from IMG College counts 34 affiliate stations for the 2013-14 season. For Sirius/XM subscribers, follow the Gamecock Radio Twitter page for weekly updates on channel information for Gamecock broadcasts. The weekly Carolina Calls show will air from 7-8 p.m. on the flagship station of the Gamecocks, WNKT-FM (107.5 FM), and over the Internet at www.GamecocksOnline.com. The show takes place each week at Wild Wing Café, located at 729 Lady Street in the Vista. Wild Wing Café, which is South Carolina’s home for the best wings south of Buffalo, has 12 locations in the Palmetto State. Visit www. wildwingcafe.com for more information.
Inside the Roost
South Carolina Athletics Director Ray Tanner and Derek Scott from the Gamecock Sports Network from IMG College host an hour long radio show every Monday night at 7 p.m. from Hilton Columbia Center in the Vista. The show is broadcast on 107.5 FM and features discussions on current issues with Ray Tanner and interviews with coaches and athletics department staff.
In-Stadium frequency
For those traveling to Tennessee, you can listen to the Gamecock Radio Network inside Neyland Stadium on 89.7 (primary) or 98.1 (secondary).
South Carolina-Tennessee television
The game wil be on ESPN. Please check local listings for your area.
2013-14 Radio Affiliates City Abbeville Aiken/Edgefield Allendale Anderson Camden Camden Charleston Charleston Chesterfield Clinton Columbia Columbia Florence Florence Florence Florence/Lamar Gaffney Gaffney Greenville Greenville Hilton Head Kingstree Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach Newberry Rock Hill/Lancaster Rock Hill/Lancaster Seneca Seneca Spartanburg Sumter Sumter Union Woodruff
Call Letters
Frequency
WZLA-FM WKSX-FM WDOG-FM WRIX-FM WPUB-FM WCAM-AM WWIK-FM WTMZ-AM WVSZ-FM WPCC-AM WISW-AM WNKT-FM WHYM-AM WOLH-AM WOLH-FM WFRK-FM WZZQ-FM WZZQ-AM WROO-FM WGVL-AM WGZO-FM WDKD-AM WSYN-FM WHSC-AM WKDK-AM WRHM-FM WVSZ-FM WSNW-AM WSNW-FM WSPG-AM WIBZ-FM WDXY-AM WBCU-AM WQUL-AM
92.9 92.7 93.5 103.1 102.7 1590 98.9 910 107.3 1410 1320 107.5 1260 1230 98.9 95.3 104.3 1500 96.7 1440 103.1 1310 103.1 1050 1240 107.1 107.3 1150 103.5 1400 95.5 1240 1460 1510
Football Basketball Coaches Shows Baseball X X X X X X X X X X Women’s Basketball X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
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Upcoming South Carolina Athletics Events zz October 16 Men’s Soccer vs. Florida Atlantic..............................7 p.m. zz October 17 Tennessee Parking Information **Free Parking is available at various lots near Market Square off South Central near Clinch Ave., Commerce St., and Union Ave. Parking is available at the Polar Lot at Main across from Worlds Fair Park for $30 per car. Parking is available for $20 per car at the following: City/County building (Hill Ave), Main Ave. Garage (Main & Locust), Dwight Kessel Garage(Hill Ave. & State St.), and Locust St. Garage( Locust and Clinch St.). Parking is also available in the Blackstock Lot off Western Ave. at the West Jackson Ave exit for $10 per car. **Numerous KAT buses transport fans to and from the Civic Coliseum, Old City and Market Square area of downtown at a round-trip cost of $6 per person starting three hours before kickoff. Eight buses run from Farragut High School off Campbell Station Road to Neyland Stadium at a round-trip cost of $16 per person starting three hours before kickoff. A free shuttle is available from the Ag Campus. **RV parking is available at the Civic Coliseum, Hall of Fame Drive & East Church Ave. and at the Blackstock Street lot, located behind the Foundry at the North World’s Fair area. The cost is $25 per day, with room for approximately 100 RVs and hookups for 20. Security is provided at the Coliseum site beginning Friday after 3 p.m. KAT Shuttle service to Neyland Stadium is available. **For more information, visit http://www.utsports.com/ gameday/football. New York City Gamecock Club Weekly Football Game-Watching Event Saturdays at The Mason Jar. The best place to watch Gamecock football if you can’t be at Williams-Brice! Located at 43 E 30th Street in Manhattan, with a Gamecock-inspired menu and discounts for Gamecock fans. Call them at: (212) 213-3587. For more information, check out the website at: www. nycgamecocks.com or email chapter president JR Buzzelli at gamecockclubofgny@gmail.com. Spartanburg County Gamecock Club – October Meeting Thursday, October 17th 7 p.m. at Spartanburg Downtown Marriott Convention Center “Catching up with Yolanda and Vern” Guest Speakers: Yolanda & Vern Smith, parents of Marcus Lattimore. Come hear it from the parents’ viewpoint ... his years at Carolina, the injuries, the NFL Draft, his faith and his life with the 49ers. Admission is FREE and open to all Gamecock fans. Spartanburg County Gamecock Club “Leave the driving to us!” First come, first serve so don’t wait; seats will fill up fast! Oct. 19 - Tennessee (Knoxville, Tenn.) COST: Early Bird (Before Sept. 15th) $50/seat; After Sept.
15th $55/seat) Departure Time & Place: Jason Deli’s Parking Lot (W.O. Ezell Blvd. Spartanburg), time: TBA (once gametime is confirmed) Please make check payable to : Spartanburg County Gamecock Club Mail to: P.O. Box 5146, Spartanburg, SC 29304 Please remember reserved bus seats DO NOT include game tickets. Please contact Glenn Cox, (864) 597-8380, with questions. USC Aiken Men’s Basektball Tip-Off Banquet Special guest speaker: Gamecocks’ men’s basketball head coach Frank Martin October 29 at USC Aiken Convocation Center Meet and greet session starting at 6 p.m. with the banquet starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 for the meet and greet and banquet, $35 for the banquet only. Contact USC Aiken Athletics at (803) 641-3486 or USC Aiken men’s basketball head coach Vince Alexander at (803) 641-3438 for tickets. 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!
Women’s Tennis at ITA Carolina Regional............................All day Men’s Tennis at ITA Carolina Regional ..................................All day zz October 18 Swimming & Diving at Tennessee.........................................12 p.m. Women’s Soccer at Missouri................................................6:30 p.m. Volleyball at Mississippi State....................................................8 p.m. Women’s Tennis at ITA Carolina Regional............................All day Men’s Tennis at ITA Carolina Regional ..................................All day zz October 19 Cross Country at Pre-National Invitational......................... 11 a.m. Football at Tennessee.................................................................12 p.m. Men’s Soccer at Marshall.............................................................7 p.m. Women’s Tennis at ITA Carolina Regional............................All day Men’s Tennis at ITA Carolina Regional ..................................All day zz October 20 Women’s Soccer at Ole Miss.......................................................1 p.m. Volleyball at Ole Miss....................................................................2 p.m. Women’s Tennis at ITA Carolina Regional............................All day Men’s Tennis at ITA Carolina Regional ..................................All day Home events are............................................................................... Bold
Don’t forget to check the calendar on www.spursandfeathers.com for all upcoming events.
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SUBMITTED PHOTO
South Carolina Athletics Director Ray Tanner visited the New York City Gamecock Club recently at the Mason Jar. Included among people in picture with Tanner are New York City Gamecock Club president JR Buzzelli, New York My Carolina Alumni Association president Nick Matthews and New York Gamecock Club chapter secretary Matt Garrick.
Tanner visits the Gamecock Club in the Big Apple by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
He is very genuine, very focused and a tremendous person and it was just a great event. “One of the great things is that we were The New York City Gamecock Club got a able to raise several hundred dollars through visit from a special guest when South Caro- admission and we raffled off a Steve Spurrier lina Athletics Director Ray Tanner made a football. So not only was coach Tanner gentrip to the Big Apple on Oct. 8. erous with his time, but he also helped with There was a great turnout for the event by our cause of raisGamecock Club members and fans at the ing money,” Buzhome of the New York Gamecock Club, the zelli said. “We are Mason Jar. Chapter president JR Buzzelli a fundraising orgasaid that the crowd was very enthusiastic to nization; that’s the meet Tanner and he was very generous with name of the game. his time. We are a fundrais“Everybody wanted autographs and he took ing organization the time to sign everything. I know that he’s that is focused around South Carolina Athletrunning a $100 million corporation in our ics scholarships. So we’re doing everything athletics department and to be that generous that we can to help raise money.” with your time and to do everything that he Buzzelli said that everyone attending the has been doing is fantastic,” Buzzelli comevent enjoyed their time and were very apmented. “Things that you wouldn’t generally preciative of Coach Tanner coming to visit expect an AD to do; he’s that kind of person. them in New York. He added that it was a
tremendous honor for Tanner to come and help out the chapter that is only six months old. Buzzelli did note that the membership in the New York City chapter is the fourth-largest of out-of-state chapters at 172 members, which is up from the 104 members they had as of June. The Mason Jar was a wonderful host for the event, as they are for all of the gamewatching parties the chapter hosts during football season. Buzzelli said that the manager Brendan and the business are great to the Gamecock fans in assisting them with so many events. He also said that they played the 2012 Gamecock football victory over Clemson in the background as a tribute to the performance under Tanner’s leadership. He was
thankful for the Mason Jar for providing a great atmosphere. “It was just a great event. Everybody who was there really enjoyed it and I know that we’re all extremely appreciative that he took the time to come to New York … we had a good crowd and a good amount of people there to meet Coach Tanner,” Buzzelli said. “We had a happy hour socialization from 6-7 p.m. and he was talking to everybody. We were glad that he took the time to come and meet us.” Buzzelli said that he could not remember any other Athletic Directors ever coming to visit New York, so it was very nice to have Tanner support the Gamecock fans in the area. He added that he hopes that events like this one will help their chapter of the Gamecock Club continue to grow with the large population of alumni in the area so they can show off the Gamecock Pride in New York City.
The Gamecock Club remembers the following member of Gamecock Nation who have recently passed away.
including the Battle of the Bulge, which earned him a Bronze Star. Upon returning from Europe, Mr. Kelley enrolled at the University of South Carolina and earned his bachelor’s degree in business in 1948 and a master’s degree in accounting. He was a
member of the University of South Carolina Alumni Orchestra, performing each year at the Tea Dance before the Carolina homecoming game. Mr. Kelley was also a member of the Gamecock Club for more than 30 years.
Talley Francis Kelley - Mr. Kelley was born in Columbia, May 7, 1925. He finished
In Memoriam
Columbia High School in 1942. Mr. Kelley was drafted into the United States Army as a machine gunner for the 87th Infantry Division in 1943. He served his nation during World War II and fought in numerous battles throughout the European campaign,
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Getting better each and every week I think I can speak for the entire Gamecock Nation when I say Saturday’s beatdown of Arkansas has been a long time coming! Not only for this season, as we have suffered though fourth quarters in every game this season (not Saturday with a 28-0 second half advantage), but in this 22-game series with Arkansas. We’ve come out on the short end, too many times, particularly while visiting Fayetteville (or Little Rock), many times being gashed, such that a 52-7 burying of the Hogs, is indeed, SWEET! It was the first win at Arkansas since Coach Spurrier’s first season in Ed Girardeau 2005 when Blake Mitch- Contributing Editor ell hit Kenny McKinley on a 42 yard pass in the fourth quarter to win, 14-10. In the three games since that win in games in Fayetteville, Arkansas had averaged around 41 points per game. We have been waiting, not so patiently, for a good defensive showing and holding the Razorbacks to seven points and 248 yards of total offense, is what the doctor ordered. Add in the Clowney soap opera during the week, we all had to be wondering, not when would it happen, but if. Clowney did not have a spectacular game, in terms of tackles or sacks, but there’s no question that the energy was there and, as far as I’m concerned, there is no coincidence that the South Carolina defense played their best game of the season! If we are to achieve our goals, I don’t believe that we have to have JD in order to do that, but there is no question, a healthy, full speed, turned-on JD Clowney will make those goals more achievable and easier to obtain. After today, I have no doubt that the six teams left on the schedule will take a deep breath and think, “oh, brother.” And speaking of goals, that, of course,
included winning the SEC East and playing and winning in the SEC Championship. Without going into great detail at this point, we all know that includes Georgia losing at least once and probably twice. So Saturday’s upset by Missouri over Georgia in Athens is a good news/bad news event. Good news: Geogia lost. Whew! We needed that. In Athens. The bloom and the luck is off that rose. Bad news: it was Missouri who did it. And we play in Columbia, Missouri in two weeks. Obviously, this is a pretty good football team. Can we handle them? Sure. And they play Florida at home next week, so we will see how Mizzou handles winning the big game. In the meantime, none of that means anything unless we take care of Tennessee next week. Historically, Tennessee has had their way with us in Knoxville. We have only won twice at Neyland Stadium and anybody who watched the Georgia/Tennessee game, knows that the Vols gave the Dawgs everything they wanted and realistically should have beaten Georgia. The Volunteers had an open date and two weeks to get over the emotional loss to the Bulldogs and will be ready for USC. I said last week that if we beat Kentucky 52-7 it would not mean that we were back and would be able to put it on cruise control. The only way that happens is to take care of business one week at a time. The best part of Saturday’s win is it will build some confidence and the Gamecocks will need that the next two weeks on the road and then in the home stretch in November. There was a lot to like about Saturday, but there was one event that really made me feel good. In the second quarter a mishandled handoff between Shaw and Davis resulted in a turnover. The Ol’ Ball Coach ripped off his visor and slung it (without letting go, but you got the idea). I thought to myself, we haven’t seen that this year. Again, no coincidence here. The Cocks
diving, continued from page 25
“It’s very rigorous and training is very intense here, so they have got to be in good shape. It’s not a sport where you can have any weak part … these athletes are not just top athletes in the pool but also top athletes in in the weight room. We’ve got an excellent strength coach here and he tells me that they are doing the job and I’m happy with that,” Sherritt noted. Going through the season, Sherritt is focused on improving throughout the season and feels that competing at a high level against teams in the SEC will get the team to an elite level.
Diving at South Carolina gives these student-athletes great opportunities to become elite, which is the goal for Sherritt. They do multiple workouts daily, one on land with a harness to simulate their dives and one in the water and they also work hard in the strength and conditioning sessions. The diving facility provides one of the best diving wells for springboard and a state-of-the-art replay system that allows the divers and coaches to review their performances on video as well.
photo by allen sharpe
Jadeveon Clowney and the Gamecock defense limited Arkansas to 248 total yards. went on to a 52-7 victory over Arkansas in Fayetteville. A repeat of Saturday and you have to like our chances. Keep getting better a little bit every week. Things are falling into place. We just need to take care of ourselves. By the way… An event which is approaching would be a great thing to attend if you can’t get to Missouri. The University will hold a men’s and women’s basketball tailgate party at the Colonial Life Arena with a scrimmage held before the football game. Then the game with Missouri will be broadcast on the big screens in the Colonial Life Arena. If you don’t think that sounds like fun, first of all it’s a great chance to get a sneak preview of the basketball teams, but watching the
game on the big screen with a 10,000 (much less 18,000) or so of your Gamecock family is....priceless....really. In 1984, I found myself without a ticket to the game in Clemson, so I went down to the Carolina Coliseum where it was being shown on closed circuit (something they did back in the old days). There’s a story in how I got the tickets to get in and maybe I’ll tell that some day, but we got in, the place was packed, and, of course, we came from behind to win, 22-21. We had more fun in that place. There were Clemson fans and it was intense. I doubt we will have Missouri fans galore in the place, but who cares about that? This is one of those events that if you do not go, and you just stay home and watch it, you will hear about it later and wish that you had gone down. Something to put on your calendar for October 26!
“So my team, I’ve got a couple of injuries right now and we’ve got to work through those, but we’ve got a good solid team this year to get four in the NCAAs this year,” Sherritt explained. “Really that’s my goal and we’ll see how it turns out … generally if I get somebody in the show, we’ve got a shot at the final. Our zone is just that tough. If you get through it you’ve got a shot at the finals of the NCAA. That’s pretty much been the record every year. “I think we’ve got a great schedule. We’re going against some good diving teams and I like that. I’m one who says ‘let’s find out
where the best diving is and let’s go up against it.’ Then if we don’t win, at least we’re going to learn and we’re going to win in the end. That’s the most important part. Don’t get me wrong, I want to win every meet that we go into, but more importantly is getting the objectives that give that athlete the ability to move into the elite level and stay in that elite level,” Sherritt added. “There is a place in diving where you get to a mastery level and you can go out there and your bad day will still put you in the top-12 in the country. That’s really where I want to get to.”
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