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Mizzou stands in the way, leads SEC East October 23, 2013 • Volume 35 • Issue 30
2 • Spurs & Feathers
October 23, 2013
photo by allen sharpe
Atlanta isn’t as far away as it may seem by bart wright Contributing Writer
that way. Fingers are crossed for medical reports on Kelcy Quarles and Connor Shaw, each of KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Let’s go with that whom left the game with injuries to their left and see what happens next, because a gutknee and going the rest of the way without wrenching loss at the final gun doesn’t seem either one would be damaging, without quesquite as painful as it would have otherwise, tion. thanks to losses by Georgia and Florida, the “He’ll be back,” Jadeveon Clowney said of two other teams everyone figured would be Quarles. “He’s all right.” battling South Carolina for an SEC ChampiSpurrier said the early report on Shaw was onship game berth in Atlanta. that the senior quarterback had a “sprained If the distance to Atlanta seemed to expand knee,” which, if true, would be, if not good when the last second field goal by Tennessee news, at least better news than it could have went through the uprights, keep in mind, this been. season is barely halfway through and few of But by any measure, this was an unusual us would have predicted it to be anything like game that didn’t really seem to fit any kind of it actually is after this 23-21 defeat. understandable pattern. “Maybe we got too much press last week,” For instance, when was the last time you head coach Steve Spurrier said after the saw a running back being tackled behind the game. “Maybe we thought we were too good. line of scrimmage, flipping the ball forward I don’t know.” and having it ruled an incomplete pass inFor the record, this result was a spooky stead of a turnover? reflection on the past in that the Vols led 17-7 That one went against the Gamecocks beat the half, marking the largest lead they have cause quarterback Justin Worley happened had against a ranked team since a 31-13 win to be six yards away, with his back turned over Carolina here in 2009. toward the play. Bad mojo at Rocky Top, maybe. It sure felt Mix that with the on-again, off-again after-
noon for both the offense and defense and it adds up to an incomplete afternoon. Too many penalties -- nine of them for 84 yards, compared to just 40 yard in penalties for Tennessee – were a major issue in this game, especially in the kicking game. Carolina is without a national leader in punting and placekicking and the penalties in those areas only exacerbate what’s an issue to start with. “I don’t know what it is,” Spurrier said. “Our guys can’t seem to play those kicking downs without getting a penalty; I don’t know why that is.” You could hear audible groans at the Carolina end of the press box for the lack of run game opportunities, especially by Mike Davis, but those kind of impressions aren’t always on point. Before the game started, Davis averaged 126 yards per game on 18.5 carries, in this one he had 21 carries for 140 yards, including a 26-yard touchdown run. Not enough? Probably better to look elsewhere. It was both too as well as not enough. Too much would apply to the penalties, to the long passes to the freshman receiver Marquez North, who only caught three balls
but they were all deadly, for 102 yards, including a 48-yarder. Opponents have averaged 202 yards passing against Carolina, not bad, it was the 29th best in the nation coming into the game and the Vols got just 179 yards out of their passing game, but the difference is in the details. Take away North’s yardage and Tennessee’s other receivers came up with only 77 yards passing. Almost all of that was attributable to the Gamecocks pass rush. Clowney was in the backfield all day, forcing early throws, but a couple of those were long balls that found their way into North’s hands. It means the Gamecocks are 3-2 in league play, but looking at the SEC East standings, nothing has been decided, believe it or not. Missouri hasn’t taken an SEC loss yet, but that can be made up with the Gamecocks trip to “the other Columbia” this week. Still left on Missouri’s schedule are a handful of difficult games, including one at Texas A&M. Does it feel good? No. Is it over? Not even close. We’re just getting started. Atlanta isn’t as far away as it may seem.
Spurs & Feathers • 3
October 23, 2013
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.
What’s Inside? - Table of Contents Looking ahead to Missouri..........................................4 South Carolina-Tennessee notes/quotes................6 Great October meeting for Spartanburg................7 Sand Volleyball continues work.................................7 SEC Basketball Media Days..........................................8 Ty Johnson profile...........................................................9 Starting Five with Jaylen Shaw...................................9 South Carolina football roster..................................10 Women’s basketball features...................................11 Missouri football roster..............................................12
Tim O’Briant General Manager tobriant@spursandfeathers.com (803) 335-1400 Ext. 500
Checking in with the equestrian team.................13
Brian Hand Executive Editor bhand@spursandfeathers.com (803) 335-1399 Ext. 506
Tip-off Tailgate Party...................................................15
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 Kathy Boyette Advertising Sales Manager (803) 644-2349 kboyette@spursandfeathers.com Matt Socha Graphic Designer 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. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Spurs & Feathers, P.O. Box 456, Aiken, SC 29801 (ISSN 07454368)
Something to crow about!
2014 Gamecock baseball schedule.......................14
Recruiting Roundup....................................................16 Women’s soccer coach hits milestone..................17 Depth Charts..................................................................18 All Sports Reunion.......................................................19 “Inside the Chart” with Andy Demetra.....................................................20 Compliance Corner......................................................21 Charleston County supports Gamecocks............22 Cross country’s Meredith Mill having incredible season, setting records.........................22 Lexington County chapter profile..........................23 Gamecocks and Operation Hat Trick.....................24 Growing the Nashville Gamecocks........................27 Upcoming Events: Gamecock Club........................28 Brittons outfits and serves Gamecocks................29 Ed Girardeau column..................................................30
photo by allen sharpe
Four University of South Carolina football players have been named to Phil Steele’s Midseason All-SEC squads. The Gamecocks had two players, running back Mike Davis and offensive guard A.J. Cann selected to the first-team unit. Defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles was a second-team selection, while defensive end Jadeveon Clowney earned third-team recognition. Also, University of South Carolina sophomore running back Mike Davis was selected to Phil Steele’s third-team Midseason All-America squad Connor Shaw was recognized as well. The initial top-30 Watch List for the 2013 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award has been reduced to 15 of the country’s top college quarterbacks, including South Carolina’s senior signal-caller. (Courtesy of South Carolina Athletics Media Relations)
4 • Spurs & Feathers
October 23, 2013
If the Gamecocks are up to it, they can win the East It seems like just the other day you could hear giggles and snickers from various precincts around the Southeastern Conference over the admission of Missouri as an expansionist member along Texas A&M. To be clear about that, longtime SEC fans, not shy about the lofty profile of their conference, scoffed over both teams, but under the surface there was a sense that, in time, Texas A&M would rise up to an appropriate level of competition, but generally speaking, Mizzou wasn’t seen as a school that could win in the conference for years and years. The Aggies proved the skeptics wrong in their first season, and after barely escaping Bart Wright College Station with a win this year – after losing to A&M at home a year ago – AlaContributing bama Coach Nick Saban was heard telling Writer his counterpart after the game, “You took about 10 years off my life.” Now, it’s 7-0 Missouri’s turn, and the suggestion here is that these Tigers are not some one-year wonder, because of Coach Gary Pinkel. This is no testimonial for the life and career of the Missouri coach, just a little background on him that could shed some light on their success this year and the concerns Gamecock Nation
should have about playing him this year in the “other” Columbia. When you recall where he came from and who he understudied, you get an idea his is a dangerous team. Last year, Missouri flopped at its conference debut mostly because the team was ravaged with injuries, something like what has happened this year to Georgia, Florida and others, only it hit the Tigers early and lasted all year. Pinkel’s team is ready this year and should be a concern for anyone who plays them. He attended Kent State University and roomed with a guy named Jack Lambert, so Pinkel knows some things about toughness on the football field from an up-close perspective. Both of them played for Don James, who went on to the University of Washington and carved out a distinctive winning career. James was the kind of coach who reminded you of the guy who, when asked what time it was, would tell you how to construct a clock. He was the most detail-oriented coach on the West Coast in his time and he would build remarkable game plans around an opponent’s weakness. It might be that the other team’s punter had a particularly slow release, it might have been a weakness in the other team’s offensive line or secondary. Whatever it was, James would drill down into the weakness, examine it and, at some point in the game, exploit it for an explo-
What Tennessee has to say Tennesse head coach Butch Jones, as expected, was thrilled with the results. “Great day to be a Vol. I thought our team showed some resiliency. We found a way to win and we talk about playing winning football. All the things that happened throughout the course of the game and a game can be decided by two or three plays but you never know which two or three plays they’re going to be. I thought our kids showed some resiliency. Marquez North obviously made a big time play, but hats off to Justin Worley too. He was poised, stood in the pocket. “Coach Azzanni has worked exceptionally hard on that part of our game with all our wide outs. We call it back footing it and going out and catching the ball at it’s highest point. It is like of going up and getting a rebound. He came down with the ball. Players make plays to win games and we found some ways to make some plays to win the football game.” Tennessee was able to get pressure on Connor Shaw and Jones talked about his defense’s pass rush. “We got to learn how to leverage the ball now with our points on the quarterback. It is all a mentality. Rushing the passer is a mentality. Steve Stripling is the best of the best and our kids have worked exceptionally hard on it. Everything is about 2.7 seconds from snap to finish running an eleven yard arc, so your thought process has to be planned out immediately.” Jones also talked about battling Jadeveon Clowney. “He is a great player. You know
Clowney is going to get his plays. He played exceptionally well. He was disruptive. That is one of those things where he is going to get his plays, snap and clear and just keep playing. I thought that in this game if there was one thing that I was displeased with was too many negative yardage football plays, especially in the run game. Also too many pre-snap penalties, we can’t do that. Those are things in obvious areas that we have to continue to improve. That is a part of playing winning football. My pet peeve is that I hate pre-snap penalties. Our players understand that. We had too many of them. We had too many minus yardage plays when we ran the football, but also they are a pretty good defensive front.” Late in the first half, Rajion Neal appeared to fumble which was recovered by the Gamecocks, but was ruled a forward pass. Jones was asked what the running back said. “He didn’t say a word. It was a middle screen to the tight end.” Defensive lineman Marlon Walls knew South Carolina would be tough. “We knew we could come out here and compete with this team. We proved that against Georgia. We laid it on the line for each other. I am still in disbelief. We have been in a lot of situations like this when we should have won. Our love for coach Jones and each other pushed us through the day. Last game showed that we can play with any team we want. (Compiled by Ed Girardeau based off Tennessee Media Relations reports)
sive play that would often turn a game around. Pinkel learned all of that while serving as James’ offensive coordinator at Washington, then when another former teammate named Nick Saban left Toledo be the defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns, Saban called Pinkel and encouraged him to apply for the job, then gave Pinkel his recommendation. “Saban?” Pinkel said, laughing, at SEC Media Days a year ago when I asked him a question, “You mean the guy who cost me a National Championship?” They are good friends and the joke was that the year Pinkel went to Toledo, Washington ended up sharing a national championship with Miami. They both learned from James, they are both immersed in details that can win games. He’s all business, this guy Pinkel. His teams are built tough and they play with a smart approach. Does that mean they always win? You can ask Steve Spurrier about the best-laid plans and all that. Things don’t always work out they way they are intended. But winning a game at Missouri? That would insert the Gamecocks right in the middle of the SEC championship game discussion. Knowing Pinkel, it won’t come easily, but this week it puts the Gamecocks in the position of needing to prove something against a hot team in their way. If they’re up to it, they can win the East.
The Missouri Game by ed girardeau ed@spursandfeathers.com
Missouri Tigers (7-0, 3-0 SEC) Oct. 19: The Tigers beat Florida at home 36-17. Site: at Columbia, Missouri, Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium Time: 7:00 pm TV: ESPN or ESPN2 (check local listings) Radio: Gamecock Radio Network (check listings on page 26) Series: Missouri leads series all-time, 2-1. This will be the first time USC has visited Mizzou.
photo by allen sharpe
Wide receiver Damiere Byrd has caught a touchdown pass in three straight games.
Last year (9/22/12): In Columbia, S.C., Gamecocks won, 31-10 South Carolina won behind Connor Shaw’s 20-21 passing for 249 yards and two touchdowns along with Marcus Lattimore’s 85 yards rushing. He had two rushing touchdowns and 60 yards receiving.
First in 1979 in the Hall of Fame Bowl in Birmingham, Ala. The Tigers won, 24-14, in the rain at Legion Field. It was George Rogers’ junior year and he had 25 rushes for 133 yards. In 2005, the teams played in the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La. and the Tigers prevailed, 38-31, despite 12 catches, one touchdown and 191 yards in receiving from Sidney Rice.
Previous Meetings: The Gamecocks have played Missouri twice in bowls.
Spurrier record vs Missouri at USC: 1-1
Spurs & Feathers • 5
October 23, 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
3 - 0
1.000
7 - 0
1.000
4-0
3-0
0-0
W7
South Carolina 3 - 2
.600
5 - 2
.714
3-0
2-2
0-0
L1
Florida
3 - 2
.600
4 - 3
.571
3-0
1-3
0-0
L2
09/28/13 .... at UCF..............................Orlando, Fla. ................W, 28-25
Georgia
3 - 2
.600
4 - 3
.571
3-1
1-2
0-0
L2
10/05/13 .... vs. Kentucky.....................Columbia, S.C. ............W, 35-28
Tennessee
1 - 2
.333
4 - 3
.571
4-1
0-2
0-0
W1
Vanderbilt
1 - 3
.250
4 - 3
.571
3-2
1-1
0-0
W1
Kentucky
0 - 3
.000
1 - 5
.167
1-3
0-1
0-1
L4
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. ............L, 23-21
Western
10/26/13 .... at Missouri........................Columbia, Mo. ................. 7 p.m.
Alabama
4 - 0
1.000
7 - 0
1.000
4-0
2-0
1-0
W7
Auburn
3 - 1
.750
6 - 1
.857
5-0
1-1
0-0
W3
LSU
3 - 2
.600
6 - 2
.750
4-0
1-2
1-0
L1
11/16/13 ..... vs. Florida.........................Columbia, S.C. ................... TBA
Texas A&M
2 - 2
.500
5 - 2
.714
3-2
2-0
0-0
L1
11/23/13 ..... vs. Coastal Carolina..........Columbia, S.C. ................... TBA
Ole Miss
2 - 3
.400
4 - 3
.571
2-1
2-2
0-0
W1
Arkansas
0 - 4
.000
3 - 5
.375
3-2
0-3
0-0
L5
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
6 • Spurs & Feathers
October 23, 2013
South Carolina-Tennessee postgame notes/quotes South Carolina Athletics Media Relations General Notes • 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. • Attendance at Neyland Stadium was 95,736. • Tennessee defeated South Carolina, 2321, snapping the Gamecocks’ four-game winning streak. South Carolina is 5-2 with a 3-2 record in league play. • The loss snaps Carolina’s three-game winning streak against the Volunteers. Head coach Steve Spurrier is now 14-9 in 23 all-time meetings versus the Volunteers. • Nine players have started all seven games this year: Junior offensive guard A.J. Cann, junior spur Sharrod Golightly, senior cornerback Jimmy Legree, 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 • Senior quarterback Connor Shaw was 7-for-21 in the air for 161 passing yards. Shaw has totaled 4,934 career passing yards and surpassed both Bobby Fuller (1990-91) and Tommy Suggs (1968-70) for seventh on the all-time list for the Gamecocks. • Shaw’s 76-yard touchdown pass to Damiere Byrd in the second quarter was his longest pass of the season. His previous long pass was 65 yards to Shaq Roland vs. North Carolina on August 29, 2013, also a touchdown pass. Byrd has now caught a touchdown pass in three straight games. • Shaw’s interception in the third quarter was his first interception of the season and his first in the last 177 attempts. • Junior wide receiver Damiere Byrd recorded his first career 100-yard receiving game (121). His previous career high for receiving yards was 98 vs. Kentucky on Oct. 5, 2013. It was also the most receiving yards by a Gamecock player this season. The previous high was 111 receiving yards by Bruce Ellington vs. Vanderbilt on September 14, 2013. It was also the most receiving yards by a Gamecock since Alshon Jeffery’s 148 yards vs. Nebraska at the January 2, 2012 at the Capital One Bowl.
got to Connor or what. He made some good run outs, I’ll say that and then other times it was like we had some guys open but he got some pressure I guess. We ran a lot. We had some good runs here and there and then we had some nothing runs, so we didn’t have a lot of consistent four, five, six yard runs, especially late in the game where a first down or two would have done it.”
photo by allen sharpe
•
Sophomore tailback Mike Davis recorded his sixth 100-yard rushing game of the season, carrying 21 times for 137 yards. He tallied his 10th rushing touchdown of the season and moved into a tie for eighth in a single-season. Marcus Lattimore also had 10 rushing touchdowns in 2011. 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 132 carries for 879 yards on the year. • The 100-yard rushing game by Mike Davis and 100-yard receiving game by Damiere Byrd is the first time this season the Gamecocks have had both a 100-yard rusher and a 100-yard receiver. • South Carolina sophomore offensive guard Will Sport and freshman wide receiver Pharoh Cooper each made their first career starts. • South Carolina has managed at least one drive of 80 or more yards for a score in each game. South Carolina’s 95-yard scoring drive for the first touchdown of the game was the 17th scoring drive of 75 or more yards and the fourth scoring drive of 90 or more yards. Defensive Notes • Junior defensive end Jadeveon Clowney finished with 2.5 tackles for loss. He now has 41 career tackles for loss, second alltime at South Carolina and 13.5 behind the record of 54.5 set by Eric Norwood (2006-09). Clowney also registered a season-high 5 tackles. His previous season-high was four vs. Vanderbilt on September 14, 2013.
•
•
Freshman linebacker T.J. Holloman’s seven tackles were a career-high. His previous high was six vs. Kentucky on October 5, 2013. Junior strong safety Brison Williams collected eight tackles tying a careerhigh. He had eight also vs. Kentucky on September 29, 2012. Junior defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles tallied a sack. He leads the team with five on the year.
On calling the two timeouts on fourth down “We were thinking about going for it. We went up there and if it looked good we were thinking about going for it and then the second time they actually changed their defense a little bit. We thought we had a little bit of a hole there and we had a different play called. Looking back I always tell myself to go for those, but you look stupid if you leave them on the 30 yard line and our defense was playing well. It went to third and 10 there and they threw up a jump ball on us and their kid made a heck of a catch, one hand, our guy was grabbing his arm I guess and he made a heck of a catch and then they ran it on down in there to the one and kicked a field goal.” On if the two timeouts would have helped at the end “We might have stopped them and forced an early field goal attempt, but who knows.”
On how much confidence he has in his defense “Maybe that’s why we went ahead and punted there on fourth and two. In hindsight we should Head Coach Steve Spurrier have gone for it, but we had them at third and Opening Statement ten there and that was a big play obviously, but “First of all, give Tennessee credit. I think again we had a lot of other chances. Offense they outplayed us, although we were within a didn’t play very well. Special teams continues play or two of winning but we didn’t do it. They to push in the back or get holding penalties on hit a couple of deep balls which happens to us kick returns, which it’s sad that we can’t teach occasionally and we didn’t play well offensively them to play by the rules, but we can’t do it. at all. Tennessee had a good plan. Their defense That may be one of the big reasons we got beat played very well. They won the game. A play today.” or two here or there. We had a lot of careless penalties today and in a close game they come On the difference on offense between last back to haunt you and that’s the way it turned week and this week out. We had a lot of good play by a lot of guys. “Maybe we had too much press. We thought It seems like we always get a penalty on kickoff we were too good, maybe. I don’t know. I return or punt return. Our guys can’t play by thought Tennessee played strong up front. I the rules. Maybe field position was extremely thought their d-line played well and their lineimportant in a close game like today. Other backers. We did pop a few, and of course Conthan that, they beat us. They beat us today.” nor had that one long run, but we didn’t have many passing yards, that’s for sure.” On the strong third quarter “We had a good drive there in the third quarOn Florida and Georgia losing too ter and we scored on two out of our first three “Georgia got beat by Vandy? Oh. Well, I possessions. Obviously you always go back and guess all we’ve got to do is beat Missouri. wish you’d ran here or thrown there. We only We’ve got some work to do though, but give attempted 22 passes, but we dang sure called a Tennessee credit. They played well, they outlot more than 22, I don’t know if the pressure played us and they out-coached us.” •
Spurs & Feathers • 7
October 23, 2013
October meeting a successful treat for Spartanburg chapter By Mike Kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
The Spartanburg County Gamecock Club got a special treat at their October meeting on Thursday, Oct. 17, with a visit from Yolanda and Vern Smith, the parents of Marcus Lattimore. Glenn Cox, the Spartanburg County chapter president, said that the meeting was standing room only as people packed in to hear the parents of one of the all-time great Gamecocks. “Yolanda kind of walked us through her whole day of when Marcus had his last injury. In one way it was heart-breaking and in another way it was comical and uplifting because she took us through everything,” Cox said. The day included Yolanda cooking breakfast for the kids, sending texts with Bible verses to the players she would every gameday, meeting Darius Rucker and heading to the game. “She also sent a text to Corey Miller who played for Tennessee because Marcus and
Corey were best friends at Byrnes. She added in there ‘don’t forget, that’s your baby brother across the field from you so be nice to him today,’” Cox added. He said that it was relaxing and refreshing to hear her experiences of the day and she said that she remembered everything from the day leading up to the injury, until she realized what had happened. After that, Smith said that it was all a blur. She said she didn’t know what had happened until she got down to field level because Williams-Brice was so quiet. She remembered seeing people crying in the stands and got a hug from a recruit’s mother. When she saw Marcus coming off of the field, she knew what happened and doesn’t remember much of what happened afterward. Cox said that it was nice to hear Smith be so open about it and credited the family’s strong faith for helping them through that time to get back to where Lattimore can play football again. Cox said that the family feels that football is good for him, but they also Please see spartAnburg, Page 30
photo by allen sharpe
Sand volleyball continues work in changing weather By Mike Kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
The recent weather has not dampened the excitement level of South Carolina’s sand volleyball squad and head coach Moritz Moritz as they continue their preparations for their inaugural season. “The other day we had another one of those gray, kind of misting and rainy day and I cut the practice short to go a little harder the next couple of days. The girls said ‘wait, why are you cutting it short? We want to play,’” Mortiz said. “It’s fun to continue to see them fired up regardless of weather conditions, facility or anything else.” Moritz said that the changing weather has not changed the practices because he wants the work to remain consistent for the studentathletes. He said that the innate, internal motivation of the team has been an important benefit and the team gets into the training once practices start no matter the conditions. “Once you roll out the balls and you let them jump on the sand and start warming up, they connect to what they need to be connected to and really start playing,” Moritz said. “The great thing about the environment right now is they are still super-competitive, but they’re having a lot of fun too. “Sure they get frustrated when they make mistakes, but if they didn’t, that’s when I would be worried … that’s a positive for us,”
Moritz added. He noted that the great thing about the weather this time of year is that it offers different conditions for the team to practice in every day. He said that every situation forces them to adapt to the environment and get experience under changing circumstances. Moritz explained that he has been focusing on having the team improve gradually as they get more experience in the sand by keeping the routine going, rather than having peaks and valleys in intensity levels. “One of the things we say is that if we work to improve one percent each day and keep that line as a gradual, ascending line then we’re doing what we need to do in preparation for March,” Moritz noted. “The fact that we’re seeing the results from the weight room, that they’re pre-habbing and rehabbing as much as they are and really taking care of themselves to be really good at practice has been huge for us.” The focal points for the teams’ improvement have been around the footwork, teamwork, fundamentals and eye work needed to be successful in sand volleyball. The visual skill need for the sport surrounds an understanding of how the ball will react in different conditions and recognizing of how the other team is trying to attack. “You have to have an understanding of how the ball reacts in different conditions like wind … not only with the elements you
also have to have an understanding of what the patterns are that dictate how we play the game,” Moritz explained. “You want to keep it as simple as pass, set, hit and terminate … but within that, what are the intricacies with the eye work? “I think you can really simplify the game with great eye work. You don’t have to be as athletic or as fast, but if you have great eyes and can really see how plays are developing and the tendencies teams are showing, you can really isolate those patterns and put yourself into the best position,” Moritz continued. Getting into a good position to get hit with the hard driven ball while being able to react to the different attacking styles is extremely important defensively. Moritz said that a lot of defense is getting comfortable with the repetitive patterns, but also being able to adapt to anything going on within any given match. He said that being able to capitalize on the opponent’s patterns and put them in a tough position will ultimately make the game easier. Off the courts, the team has been coming together as well. Moritz said they have been able to get involved with the community, other student-athletes and students at the University. The team has been going as a group to many other events on campus, from volleyball to equestrian to football and watching any team competing on campus. As the team continues working, so do the
contractors who are working on getting the facility ready for the team. There is constant progress as the large piles of sand have been leveled and more work is being done daily on preparing the facility for play. “We’re super-excited to get over to the facility, but it’s not a burden by any means. We have all the resources, we have all the equipment and it’s still so amazing … I just think that when we do get to our home, it’s going to be awesome,” Moritz said.
8 • Spurs & Feathers
October 23, 2013
Unfazed by preseason predictions, Gamecocks are moving in right direction by Brian hand bhand@spursandfeathers.com
Kentucky last season, I told one of my assistants that we needed to find some taller guys like they have. Our staff did a great job; they University of South Carolina men’s basketball went out and found guys that identified who we head coach Frank Martin is known for his fiery are. It gives us better length and girth. Now all demeanor and passion. we have to do is teach these young guys how to Despite Martin’s reputation, Alabama head utilize their strength and their size.” men’s basketball coach Anthony Grant wants This year’s Gamecock basketball team acpeople to know that Martin is really just a cording to Martin really understands what they “teddy bear.” are in for as the season nears. When asked about Grant’s assertion during “We’ve got an unbelievable personality on the 2013 SEC Basketball Media Days at The this team,” Martin said. “Every guy on this Westin Birmingham in Birmingham, Ala., team knew what they signed up for and that Martin laughed rather heavily before relaying was to accept a responsibility to help rebuild that Grant’s thoughts are not without merit as this program. To do that, you need to have he “knows me better than most.” unbelievable excitement and enthusiasm every “Listen, I want everyone to do their job the day and not to listen to outside opinions. Until right way,” Martin said. “Life’s about doing that corner is turned, you have to do your best things the best you can to help others. If you’re every day and help everyone on your side as not doing your job right, if you’re taking shortphoto by brian hand much as you can. There’s no guarantee that cuts, you’re going to impact others negatively. there’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, I don’t like being around people like that, so I One year into Martin’s system, senior guard ing year. He expounded on that thought at SEC but these kids get that and they’re fun to be try to teach that to those young kids that their Brenton Williams is pleased with what Martin Media Days. around.” job in life - whether it is through basketball or is doing for Gamecock basketball. “We won four SEC games last year and we The personality of the program may be comwhatever - is at the end of the day to do their job “All the players can definitely see his intensity had the lead going into the last media timeout pletely changed, but the outside world does not to help everyone else in that room with them. during a game,” Williams remarked. “He’s in six of our losses,” Martin pointed out about seem to think much of the Gamecocks heading “So, there might be, 30, 10-second snippets definitely made me a more productive player. the 2012-13 season. “We couldn’t close out into the year as the media tabbed South Caroliof me in a foul mood. I can promise you, 30 Even though he has only been here for a year, games. At the end of games, you need guys that na to finish 12th in the SEC preseason tally that times 10 is about 300 seconds every year that I he’s already taught me things that no other can make a basket and can execute. We didn’t had preseason national No. 1 Kentucky plucked am in a foul mood. The rest of the time, I love coach has.” have that last season in games down the stretch. to win the league crown in the 2013-14 season. life; I love people, I love to laugh, I love to make Grizzly or teddy bear, Martin has the Game- There’s two things that happened to our team Being tabbed 12th in the preseason poll does people laugh and anyone that knows me will cocks moving in the right direction as he enters once we got into conference play: we stopped not concern Williams and the Gamecocks. tell you that there’s probably not a more loyal his second season in charge of the South Caro- rebounding and we didn’t defend with the “We really don’t feel like there is a chip on human being than me. I understand that we will lina men’s basketball program. toughness that we needed to.” our shoulder because of that,” Williams said. get judged on what those cameras make people Martin conceded during the first preseason Martin points out that things are different for “We don’t really pay attention to rankings and believe. I’m comfortable in that, but I’m not that practice for the 2013 season just a couple weeks the Gamecocks entering the 2013-14 campaign. things like that. It’s a new era and all we’re gobig grizzly bear that some make me out to be ago that last year was all about laying the foun“We’re bigger, longer and thicker,” Martin ing to do is work on the season and take one either,” Martin continued. dation and he expects bigger things in the com- commented. “When we took the court against game at a time.”
Chemistry, talent have Gamecocks poised for tremendous season by BRIAN HAND bhand@spursandfeathers.com
seventh in the preseason SEC media tally they have a team capable of competing for an SEC championship in the upcoming year. “One thing I’ve learned is you can have all “We set goals for ourselves every year,” the chemistry in the world on the court, but if Welch said. “And every year we go into it sayyou don’t have it off the court, it’ll show,” South ing that we want to exceed the goal we set. You Carolina women’s basketball junior forward never can just be content with setting a goal and 2012-13 second-team All-SEC performer … we definitely always want to go into it and Aleighsa Welch pointed out at the 2013 SEC say, ‘this is what we want to do; we’re going Basketball Media Days. “So, we spend a lot of to exceed it.’ That’s just being a competitor in time with each other off the court … we have anything you do. That’s just wanting to be the great friendships with each other and it shows best at what you do. So, we definitely do that on the court. We have fun with each other.” for ourselves every single year.” These simple thoughts brought to the foreAccording to South Carolina women’s basfront by Welch make it easy to see why South ketball head coach Dawn Staley the preparaCarolina women’s basketball has been so suctions for what the Gamecocks are hoping for cessful over the past few years. will be another tremendous year are going Entering the year coming off back-to-back fairly well. 25-win campaigns and the strong team chem“Things are going pretty good,” Staley menistry are just a couple of the reasons why the tioned. “I think our team is one that we really Gamecocks feel that despite being tabbed don’t have to motivate. They come ready to
go. They’re just young. We have good days, we have bad days and we have ugly days, but I think that’s the beauty of having a young team. One that I enjoy, because they have high motives and they’re highly motivated. They want to continue to carry out the success that we have from the last few years.” Staley is especially complimentary of Welch, who she noted is “one that has worked on her game. She has put us in the position where we can move her around and not only contain her to the inside. She’s worked on her ball-handling and she can shoot from the outside. We can do something that we haven’t been able to do at South Carolina and that is go big. We have to go big on the perimeter; we have two players, Elem (Ibiam) and Alaina (Coates), that we can play inside.” Welch echoes Staley’s thoughts on South Carolina’s size in the 2013-14 season. “I think it adds a different dynamic to our
photo by brian hand
team. Something that we haven’t really been able to have my first two years,” Welch said. “That’s the size component and it’s allowed me to work on different aspects of my game. If we do want to go to a big lineup, me being able to have the ability to step out to the three adds that versatility. I think that’s the biggest thing, being a versatile team.”
Spurs & Feathers • 9
October 23, 2013
Transfer Johnson leading from experience by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
The Gamecock men’s basketball team will be bolstered by the experience of Tyrone Johnson, a transfer guard from Villanova. Johnson has been working hard in preparation to suit up for the Gamecocks and he should be eligible on December 17 when the Gamecocks host Manhattan. He is excited about the opportunity to get back on the court for live game action and he has just stayed positive throughout the whole process. “It’s not tough, it’s just very humbling to me. I always say to myself ‘everything happens for a reason,’ and I’m blessed to have another opportunity to play DI college basketball for coach Martin,” Johnson said. “I just try to bring myself to the highest level that I can possibly play at and be a leader. I’m just waiting for the day to come and right now I’m just going to continue to be the best player I can be on and off the court and just let everything happen.” While Johnson is looking forward to suiting up in the Garnet and Black, head coach Frank Marin knows that his expectations should be tempered for Johnson’s performance when he returns. “Here’s the biggest problem with transfer guys, they haven’t played in a competitive game in a long, long time … they haven’t played in a competitive game, so at the beginning the tend to play too fast or put too much pressure on themselves to do certain things,” Martin explained. “That will come. I have to be patient with them and they have to be willing to allow the game to come and all that evolves. “What happens is guys that have played before and now they don’t play for awhile, now they’ve got too much enthusiasm when they
said. “If they need me to play the two, then I’m going to play the two. “I’m not saying that ‘this is my job.’ I’m not being cocky about anything; I’m just being very humble. Like I said, I’m here for my teammates as well; I’m not just here for myself. I’m just trying to do whatever the coaches might want me to do and that’s it,” Johnson continued. Martin and Johnson both feel that the young players are transitioning well to the college game thus far. Martin said that he like the sense of urgency and competitive fire that the young team has shown in practice thus far. “I love our enthusiasm. you can’t be any good at what you do if you don’t have any enthusiasm. The enthusiasm we have is contagious … I love people that are sincere and genuine about how much they care and I see that with this group. As long as you’ve got that you’ve got a chance to get better,” Martin said. Johnson echoed Martin in the way the players have come out and played in the preseason practices. He added that the young players are listening to the coaching staff and picking photos by ALLEN SHARPE things up very well. Tyrone Johnson should be eligible to play for the Gamecocks in mid-December. “Practice has been a lot better this year. Just guys willing to come in and compete,” Johngo out there. The guy has to be able to keep college. Everything is at a faster pace, coaches son said. “I see guys wanting to come in and his mind on what we ask him to do. The thing are going to be on you, so you just have to get better, get extra shots themselves, doing that’s hard for him this semester is he’s got to listen and try to do everything the right way. little things like ball-handling and stuff like be a leader, but he doesn’t get to play for five, You might be wrong or you might be right, but that … guys are just coming in listening, guys six games, whatever it is,” Martin continued. just come out there and be willing to learn,’” coming in wanting to compete and guys comJohnson said that he has kept this in mind Johnson said. ing in talking and bringing a lot of energy and and that he is not trying to do too much. As Overall, Johnson has said that he will do stuff like that. an upperclassman, he has tried to take on a whatever it takes to help the team when he be“From last year to this year, we’re headed leadership role since he has experience at the comes eligible, no matter what role or position in the right direction. Not to say that last year Division I level and many players on this team the coaches ask him to play. guys weren’t bringing any energy, but I’m just are newcomers. “I’m just doing whatever coach Martin and happy for the new beginning, new start for “To be that extra leader and be very comthe staff need me to do. If they need me to this program. Right now we’re just giving it petitive like I am, I try to let the young guys come in and play multiple minutes at the point our all,” Johnson concluded. know ‘this isn’t high school any more; it’s guard then I’m going to do that job,” Johnson
Starting Five with Jaylen Shaw
1. You are obviously from the state of South Carolina, but what made attending the University of South Carolina to play basketball so attractive to you? The coaching staff, the way the team and coaching staff stay together. We all want to win. 2. In high school you were a part of back-to-back state championship teams. Are you excited to bring that winning mentality to the University of South Carolina? I’m excited, but I know that high school doesn’t affect the college level so I need
to be ready to keep winning and playing hard. 3. You proved in high school that you were a scorer at the point guard position, but you also are known for your ability to share the basketball. Coming into your freshman year, do you see yourself as more of a scorer or a passer? I’m a team player first; I’d rather pass the ball than score any time. I like to help my teammates be involved in the game the entire time. 4. Who do you model your game after the most? Chris Paul.
Because I love the way he handles the ball and keeps his teammates involved. He controls the game the entire time. 5. What aspect of your game are you working on the most as you prepare for your freshman season to get underway? My speed and agility and being able to understand the things that the coaching staff wants us to do since it is different than high school. Being involved and focused the entire time and learning. (South Carolina Athletics Media Relations)
10 • Spurs & Feathers
October 23, 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
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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 • 11
October 23, 2013
Skillful sophomores look to drive offense by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
photo by ALLEN SHARPE
Tiffany Mitchell started 30 games last year.
so I just want them to have to honor my jump shot this year. Also just being efficient in the shots that I take will help me and the team,” The backcourt for the Gamecocks should be Mitchell expanded. a strength for the team with depth and talent A player who will be called on for substandespite the loss of last year’s point guard and tial contributions is Khadijah Sessions, anfloor general Ieasia Walker. other sophomore. Sessions will be asked freOne starter returns in the form of SEC All- quently to play the point guard position and Freshman Team selection Tiffany Mitchell help run the team on both ends of the floor. along with three other letterwinners. This “She sat back last year and kind of looked group will be called upon to fill the shoes of and saw some of the thing Ieasia was able to Walker and Sancheon White, another starting do from a leadership standpoint and I think guard from last season. she knew that was going to be a big role for Mitchell stated that she has focused on im- us to fill … she got her mind right in the proving and taking the next step even after a postseason after last season and into the sumsuccessful freshman campaign. mer and now into us practicing. I think her “I guess it would just be not getting comteammates see her that way as well because placent. I had a decent freshman year and I they chose her to be one of the tri-captains,” know there is still a lot more to improve on Staley noted. in my game. Just coming in to practice every Sessions said that she knew that Staley day and trying to work on something differmight look to her to run the point for the team ent. Just getting better each day is going to and tried to be prepared to fill that role with help me in my progression here,” Mitchell her work during the offseason. She said that said of her work toward improving in her she had a focus on all-around improvement, sophomore season. including leadership and conditioning. Mitchell is known as a slasher and scorer “Just all-around getting better and leading and said that she focused on improving her the whole basketball team knowing that I jump shot over the summer to become more might be the one that she puts all the pressure versatile. on to lead the whole basketball team,” Ses“I worked on my shot a lot just trying to be sion said of her new role. “Just working hard a more consistent outside threat. I know a lot in all categories and playing hard at all times. of people played me for getting to the basket, I’m trying to lead at all times because that is
what she wants from the point guard. “I really put a lot on myself and focused on stamina so that I can play longer minutes; I might have to play more minutes this year. Over the summer, we did a lot of running and I ate better and drank a lot of water. I ate a lot of healthier food so I can just be ready for the season,” Sessions continued. Staley said that she has been pleased with the progression of Sessions within the new offense. She added that she could be an offensive catalyst and that her hard work over the summer did not go unnoticed by the coaching staff. “I think she’s done a pretty good job of balancing the two (running the offense and scoring). We want our point guards to make other people better because that is contagious,” Staley said. “Tiffany Mitchell who likes to score the basketball, you know if she sees other people passing off, it’s only going to protect the things that she does well which is driving to the basket. “I love where Khadijah is as far as her mentality. No she hasn’t played a game this particular season, but she’s preparing herself, she’s equipping herself with everything she is going to need to be successful,” Staley continued. Staley is confident with these sophomore guards the team will be in good hands for the upcoming year.
Freshmen getting integrated into women’s basketball culture by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
Each player individually said that despite their backgrounds, there has been a transition period in coming to play at the next level. Two highly recruited and talented freshmen “The conditioning and the practice pace is will be joining the Gamecock women’s bas- a whole lot faster and a whole lot more than ketball team for the 2013-14 season and they what I had been doing. It was kind of like a are already getting acquainted with the reshock, but once I got here and was here for a quirements of playing Division I basketball. month or so I really got into it,” Coates said. Alaina Coates and India Farmer both de“During the summer when I wasn’t here in cided to continue their careers in their home first session, I worked out with a couple of state wearing Garnet and Black. my friends and we were always on the track. Farmer is a guard from North Myrtle When I got here it was still nothing comBeach and played in high school there as a pared to what I was doing at home.” three-time All-Conference selection and was Famer confirmed that the transition was named to the All-State team as a senior. a big step from what she faced at the high Coates is a local post player from Irmo and school level. played high school ball for Dutch Fork, lead“It’s a lot faster paced than high school ing them to back-to-back state championof course and everyone is so much better,” ships while earning a number of individual Farmer said. “Everyone is good so you have accolades as well. Coates was named a to be on your toes all the time. McDonald’s All-American and the Gatorade “Just the pace. Everything is so fast all the South Carolina Player of the Year. time. There is never a moment where you get “Every time I’m on this court it makes me to slow down even if you want to slow down. feel good because it makes me think of what You have to keep going. That’s the biggest me and my high school team have done on thing is the pace all the time up and down the this court. I want to be able to do good things floor,” Farmer continued. on this court like I did with my high school The atmosphere and coaching staff at South team,” Coates said. Carolina were big draws to help both these
players decide to come to South Carolina to play college basketball. “It’s nice to be close to home and have a great coach like coach Staley. They’re a great staff, great players and I felt like I would be surrounded by a lot of good people,” Farmer said. “It makes it a whole lot easier having people around you that you know are so much like family. Everybody has such a good relationship that it makes things easier on the court even when times are tough.” Coates echoed Farmer saying that relationships were a big part of her decision to become a Gamecock. “It was mostly the atmosphere and Coach Staley. I knew that once I got here they weren’t going to change the way that they were acting when I was being recruited to the way they are now; it’s the same. It’s a family atmosphere, the team is great and they have really good academics,” Coates said. Staley said that she is pleased with the progress that the freshmen have been making thus far and that Coates should see action right away as a post presence. “Alaina has been impressive. She is by far one of the most talented post players we’ve had at South Carolina. She’s young though,”
Staley explained. “We want to bring her along slowly, but she picks up things extremely well and takes up a lot of room in the paint. “I think it’s something that we haven’t Please see freshmen, Page 30
12 • Spurs & Feathers
October 23, 2013
Missouri Tigers Football Roster # Name Pos. 1 John Gibson DB 1 James Franklin QB 2 Duron Singleton DB 2 L’Damian Washington 3 David Johnson DB 3 Luke Jackson PK 4 Daniel Easterly S 4 J’Mon Moore WR 5 James Driskell WR 5 Cortland Browning S 6 Marcus Murphy RB 7 Maty Mauk QB 7 Randy Ponder DB 8 Darius White WR 8 Donovan Bonner LB 9 Eddie Printz QB 9 Braylon Webb S 10 Brock Bondurant S 10 Kentrell Brothers LB 11 Trent Hosick QB 11 Aarion Penton DB 12 Colby Carpenter QB 12 Preston Soper PK 12 Darvin Ruise LB 13 Corbin Berkstresser QB 13 Chaston Ward S 14 Jaleel Clark WR 15 Dorial Green-BeckhamWR 16 Levi Copelin WR 17 Sheldon Gerau WR 17 Matt White S 17 Alex Demczak QB 18 Wesley Leftwich WR 18 Michael Godas S 19 Shaun Rupert S 20 Henry Josey RB 21 Ian Simon S 21 Bud Sasser WR 22 Anthony Sherrils DN 24 Mubarak Nasiruddin DB 24 Greg White RB 25 Donavin Newsom LB 26 Xavier Smith DB 26 Jake Brents WR 28 Ernest Payton DB 29 Zach Edwards DB 30 Michael Scherer LB 31 E.J. Gaines DB 32 Russell Hansbrough RB 32 Tanner Hull LB 33 Markus Golden DL 34 Jordan Wade DB 34 Joey Burkett LB 35 Marcus Loud DL 35 Tyler Hunt RB 36 Morgan Steward RB 38 Reid Swearingen WR 38 Nicalus Rhone WR 38 Eric Beisel LB 39 Miles Drummond RB 40 Clarence Green LB 40 Andrew Stevens RB 41 Aaron Bailey WR 41 Eric Laurent WR 43 Cameron Chancey WR
Hgt. 6-0 6-2 6-1 WR 5-11 6-1 6-4 6-3 5-10 6-1 5-9 6-0 5-10 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-1 5-10 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-3 6-1 6-4 6-6 6-2 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-1 5-10 6-0 6-2 6-0 6-0 6-1 6-2 5-11 6-3 6-2 5-9 6-3 5-11 5-9 6-0 6-3 5-9 6-2 6-4 5-11 6-0 6-3 5-10 6-3 5-11 6-0 5-9 5-9 6-3 6-0
Wgt. 185 230 210 6-4/205 190 185 215 190 185 205 195 200 195 205 245 215 205 215 240 225 185 220 190 240 225 205 220 225 190 205 195 200 200 210 185 190 195 210 190 180 220 230 190 205 210 190 235 195 190 215 260 195 205 270 215 210 190 170 235 215 225 195 165 215 180
Cl. RS FR SR JR RS SR RS SO FR RS JR FR SO RS SO RS JR RS FR RS SR RS JR RS SR FR RS JR RS FR RS SO FR FR FR FR RS JR RS SO RS FR RS SR SO RS FR RS SO RS SR JR RS SO RS SO FR RS JR RS SO RS JR FR RS FR RS JR RS FR RS JR RS FR RS SO RS FR RS FR SR SO FR RS JR JR FR FR SO RS FR RS FR FR FR RS FR RS SO RS FR FR RS FR RS SO
Hometown/High School/Last College Missouri City, Texas/Marshall Corinth, Texas/Lake Dallas New Orleans, La./Fresno City CC Shreveport, La./Green Oaks Spring, Texas/Spring HS Pensacola, Fla./West Detroit, Mich./Cass Tech Missouri City, Texas/Elkins McKinney, Texas/Texas A&M-Commerce Tyler, Texas /Lee HS DeSoto, Texas/DeSoto Kenton, Ohio/Kenton Edmond, Okla./Santa Fe Fort Worth, Texas/Texas Dallas, Texas/Lincoln Marietta, Ga./Lassiter Gilmer, Texas/Gilmer Memphis, Mo./Scotland Co. R-1 Guthrie, Okla./Guthrie HS Kansas City, Mo./Staley St. Louis, Mo./Christian Brothers Dallas, Texas/Parkland Muskogee, Okla./Muskogee Glen St. Mary, Fla./Baker County Lee’s Summit, Mo./Lee’s Summit Cleburne, Texas/Cleburne Allentown, Pa./Parkland Springfield, Mo./Hillcrest Broken Arrow, Okla./Broken Arrow Columbia, Mo./Rock Bridge Keller, Texas/Keller Springfield, Ill./SW Baptist Columbia, Mo./Hickman Columbia, Mo./Rock Bridge Montgomery, Ala./Carver Angleton, Texas/Angleton Mansfield, Texas/Legacy HS Denton, Texas/Ryan Kansas City, Mo./Hogan Prep St. Louis, Mo./Gateway Tech DeQueen, Ark./DeQueen St. Louis, Mo./Parkway North Edmond, Okla./North Springfield, Mo./Kickapoo College Station, Texas/A&M Consolidated HS Lake Ozark, Mo./Osage St. Louis, Mo./Country Day Independence, Mo./Fort Osage Arlington, Texas/Bowie Kansas City, Mo./O’Hara St. Louis, Mo./Hutchison CC Lee’s Summit, Mo./Missouri Southern Jefferson City, Mo./Jefferson City Houston, Texas/Wheatley Huntsville, Mo./Westran HS Kansas City, Mo./Staley Sedalia, Mo./Woodbury Forest (Va.) Beaumont, Texas/Central Fenton, Mo./Rockwood Summit Centralia, Mo./Hallsville Clute, Texas/Brazoswood HS St. Louis, Mo./Eureka Round Rock, Texas/Round Rock Ballwin, Mo./Parkway South Branson, Mo./Branson
45 Tyler Davis DB 46 Steven Blakley RB 46 Jared Edwards DB 46 Kyle Peasel TE 47 Kony Ealy DL 48 Andrew Wilson LB 49 Denzel Martin LB 50 Evan Winston DL 51 Stephen Carberry OL 52 Michael Sam DL 52 Jordan Hill OL 53 Christian Williams LB 54 Michael Brennan LB 54 Nick Monaghan OL 55 Brayden Burnett DL 56 Shane Ray DL 56 Robert Luce OL 57 Alec Abeln OL 58 Ben Eskelson DL 58 John Reid OL 59 Kyle Starke OL 60 Connor McGovern OL 61 Max Copeland OL 62 Taylor Chappell OL 63 Brad McNulty OL 64 DeQuinton Osborne DL 64 Will Johnson OL 65 Mitch Morse OL 66 Adam Ploudre OL 67 Michael Boddie OL 68 Justin Britt OL 69 Mitch Hall OL 70 Anthony Gatti OL 72 Clay Rhodes OL 73 Mitch Hall OL 75 A.J. Logan DL 76 Jordan Williams OL 77 Evan Boehm OL 78 Nick Demien OL 79 Adam Franklin OL 80 Sean Culkin TE 81 Eric Waters TE 82 Jason Reese TE 84 Brandon Colbert TE 84 Gavin Otte WR 85 Marcus Lucas WR 86 Jake Hurrell TE 87 Nate Crawford DL 88 Jimmie Hunt WR 89 Matt Hoch DL 89 Tyler Hanneke TE 90 Nick Coffman PK 90 Berlin Hollomon TE 90 Harold Brantley DL 91 Blake Owens PK 91 Charles Harris DL 92 Christian Brinser P 93 Dakota Brake DL 93 Justin Grava OL 94 Marvin Foster DL 95 Rickey Hatley DL 96 Lucas Vincent DL 97 Josh Augusta DL 98 Clayton Echard TE 99 David Butler DL 99 Andrew Baggett PK
6-0 5-11 5-10 6-4 6-5 6-3 5-11 6-3 6-5 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-5 6-4 6-3 6-5 6-4 6-0 6-2 6-6 6-4 6-5 6-6 6-2 6-6 6-5 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-6 6-0 6-6 6-5 6-5 6-3 5-10 6-5 6-3 6-5 6-0 6-5 6-4 5-11 6-2 6-3 5-11 6-3 6-2 6-2 6-3 6-1 6-4 6-2 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-1
200 225 195 220 275 240 230 295 300 255 270 235 235 245 245 245 300 290 225 280 310 310 300 300 300 310 280 305 295 295 315 290 315 290 320 310 295 315 300 265 245 245 240 225 200 220 235 285 215 295 235 170 240 290 205 235 200 295 260 300 270 305 300 255 280 215
RS SR FR RS FR RS SR RS JR RS SR RS SR RS FR RS JR RS SR FR RS FR SR RS SO RS SR RS SO RS JR FR RS FR FR RS SO RS SO RS SR RS SO RS SO FR RS FR RS JR FR RS SO RS SR RS SO RS JR FR RS SO FR RS FR SO RS JR RS SO RS FR SR FR JR JR SR RS FR FR RS JR RS JR RS FR RS FR FR RS FR RS JR FR RS JR FR RS FR RS SR RS FR RS JR FR RS SO RS JR RS SO
Eldon, Mo./School of the Osage Memphis, Tenn./Christian Brothers Lake Ozark, Mo./School of the Osage Troy, Mo./Buchanan New Madrid, Mo./New Madrid Peculiar, Mo./Raymore-Peculiar Ladue, Mo./Chaminade Muskegon Heights, Mich./Muskegon Heights Belleville, Ill./Mascoutah Hitchcock, Texas/Hitchcock Lee’s Summit, Mo./North Lake Ozark, Mo./School of the Osage Kahoka, Mo./Clark County Darien, Ill./Downer’s Grove South Southlake, Texas/Carroll Kansas City, Mo./Bishop Miege HS Dallas, Texas/Dallas Episcopal St. Louis, Mo./University HS Ballwin, Mo./Parkway West Duluth, Ga./Johns Creek Liberty, Mo./Liberty HS Fargo, N.D./Shanley HS Billings, Mont./West Canadian, Texas/Canadian HS Allen, Texas/Allen HS Grand Prairie, Texas/South Salisbury, N.C./Salisbury HS Austin, Texas/St. Michael’s Academy Ballwin, Mo./Marquette Gilmer, Texas/Gilmer Lebanon, Mo./Lebanon Burnsville, Minn./Lakeville South St. Louis, Mo./Parkway North Stilwell, Kan./Blue Valley Russellville, Ark./Ole Miss Columbia, Mo./Rock Bridge Denton, Texas/Ryan Lee’s Summit, Mo./West Wentzville, Mo./Timberland Raytown, Mo./Missouri Western Indian Rocks Beach, Fla./Christian Mansfield, Texas/Summitt Euless, Texas/Trinity Troy, Mo./Buchanan Rolla, Mo./Rolla Liberty, Mo./Liberty St. Charles, Mo./Francis Howell North Pensacola, Fla./West Cahokia, Ill./Cahokia Harlan, Iowa/Harlan St. Charles, Mo./West Houston, Texas/Elkins St. Louis, Mo./McCluer Hershey, Pa./Hershey Kansas City, Mo./Staley Kansas City, Mo./Lincoln Prep Liberty, Mo./Liberty Springfield, Mo./Glendale Alpharetta, Ga./Johns Creek Fort Worth, Texas/North Crowley Atlanta, Texas/Atlanta Olathe, Kan./North Peoria, Ill./Peoria Eureka, Mo./Eureka Kansas City, Mo./Lee’s Summit North Lee’s Summit, Mo./North
RSVP for My Carolina Homecoming presented by Lowe’s
All University of South Caro- Check out all of these great lina alumni and their families events! are invited to come back to campus for My Carolina • Groundbreaking for Alumni Association Homethe Alumni Center - 10 coming presented by Lowe’s a.m. Corner of Senon November 1-2, 2013. Join us ate Street and Lincoln for great events and watch the Street. Homecoming parade from the • Homecoming Parade site of the new Alumni Center! Watch from the Alumni Center site - 3 p.m. CorMy Carolina Homecoming ner of Senate Street and 2013 Presented by Lowe’s: Lincoln Street. Friday, November 1 • Young Alumni Celebra-
•
tion at Tin Roof in the Vista, 7 - 10:30 p.m. Enjoy live music, food, beverages, giveaways and fun. The Great Gamecocks, 8:30 p.m. - Alumni Party hosted by the
Black Alumni Council. Capital City Club, 1201 Main Street. Saturday, November 2 Pre-Game Tailgate Party at Gamecock Park (formerly the Farmer’s Market on
Bluff Road next to Williams-Brice Stadium.)
•
• 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
October 23, 2013
Spurs & Feathers • 13
Gamecock equestrian team riding toward their goals by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
which is the most regular season meets in a semester in program history. The team has gone 4-1 thus far by defeating Kansas South Carolina’s third-ranked equestrian State, Fresno State, Delaware State and team has had a strong and busy season thus SMU. Kansas State and SMU are both curfar and has set a number of school records. rently ranked in the top-10 by the NCEA. Most recently, the Gamecocks dropped Major said that the schedule was set up to a tie-breaker to national No. 1 Georgia on give the team experience and have a numOct. 11, but they have yet to be outscored ber of meets, but still keep them fresh and in their last eight dual meets, which is the focused for the spring when they will host longest active streak in the nation. Head the SEC Championships on March 28-29. coach Boo Major said the team has per“I think that doing five competitions in formed well despite the tiebreaker-loss to four weeks and doing short weeks every Georgia. week - all of our competitions were on “It is what it is … I am really proud of Fridays, except when we went to Delaware how they have done so far. We’re happy State we had one on Friday and one on Satwith where we are right now. Would I have urday - I’m really proud of how well these liked to beat Georgia? Absolutely, you’re girls have done knowing that they have never okay with losing, but we know what had short weeks,” Major said. we need to work on to get better,” Major Major noted that the fall break is coming said. “The tough ones came out and reat a good time for the team after a high-inally got it done. Yes we have some stuff to tensity matchup with Georgia and so many work on, but there really were some bright competitions. She said it will give the stars. student-athletes time to rest and come back “Katherine Schmidt continues to be a prepared to travel to take on Texas A&M, bright star over fences, Cody McMillion another top-10 team, on Oct. 25. was the only point that we got in reining “So far, with the exception of the Georand she was fantastic. Ali Ceresani was the gia meet, I’ve been very happy with what last one to go in horsemanship and for us everyone has done. I’m not disappointed in to even tie them she had to win her point. what we did … I do think that it has preWe knew that she had to win her point pared them well,” Major noted. “Certainly and she knew she had to win her point going to Delaware State helped us a lot and … she went in there and just knocked it having two in a row. I think that will help out, so even in the loss there were a lot of prepare us for going to Texas A&M. positive things that came out of it,” Major “When you compete in the SEC - the explained. SEC schools are the ones day-in and dayKatherine Schmidt and Johnna Letchout that will be the ones to compete for the worth have received individual accolades National Championship ... I think that if for their performances of late as well. you can hang with the other SEC schools, Both were named the NCEA Riders of the which we certainly expect to do, then Month for their outstanding showings in come championship time you’re going to September, Schmidt in equation over the be in really good shape,” Major explained. fences and Letchworth in horsemanship. Major said that going forward the team “They’re both great student-athletes. has a mix of short- and long-term goals They’re huge competitors. They know that they set at the beginning of the year. what it takes to win and they know what it She explained that one of the goals was to takes to get the job done,” Major noted. “It have as high a seed as possible in the SEC brings the school a lot of recognition and I and National Championship competitions. think those two young women deserve all In order to do that they must perform well the accolades they can get. They’re not just in each meet. great riders and great competitors. They’re “We have to continue to do well and cergreat kids.” tainly win as much as we can win, but if The team’s performance has pleased you look ahead, then you’re going to miss a Major because there was a great amount school that you should beat and they’ll beat of turnover from last year’s squad and you,” Major said. “Right now through this she was unsure coming in how this team we’re taking it one competition at a time. would compete. She said that it has been “Through the spring we’re also going to great to see so many riders come in and take it one competition at a time, but also contribute. The ability to have depth in look at the bigger picture of the SEC and more than five who can compete in any National Championship. We will need to given event has been another strength aclearn from the mistakes we make and the cording to Major. success we have in order to be successful The squad has been extremely busy in the SEC championship,” Major conwith eight meets during the fall semester, cluded.
south carolina athletics media Relations
14 • Spurs & Feathers
October 23, 2013
South Carolina Gamecocks
2013 - 2014 Baseball Schedule
Date ................Opponent / Event ..........Location ........................... Time 02/14/14 ............vs. Bucknell ........................... Columbia, S.C. ............ 3:00 p.m. ET 02/15/14 ............vs. Bucknell ........................... Columbia, S.C. ............ 1:30 p.m. ET 02/16/14 ............vs. Bucknell ........................... Columbia, S.C. ............ 1:30 p.m. ET 02/21/14 ............vs. Eastern Kentucky ............ Columbia, S.C. ............ 3:00 p.m. ET 02/22/14 ............vs. Eastern Kentucky ............ Columbia, S.C. ............ 4:00 p.m. ET 02/23/14 ............vs. Eastern Kentucky ............ Columbia, S.C. ............ 1:30 p.m. ET 02/28/14 ............vs. Clemson ........................... Columbia, S.C. ............ 7:00 p.m. ET 03/01/14 ..............vs. Clemson . .............................Greenville, S.C............................... TBA 03/02/14 ..............at Clemson ................................Clemson, S.C. .................4:00 p.m. ET 03/04/14 ............vs. Stetson ............................. Columbia, S.C. ............ 7:00 p.m. ET 03/05/14 ............vs. Stetson ............................. Columbia, S.C. ............ 7:00 p.m. ET 03/07/14 ............vs. Brown .............................. Columbia, S.C. ............ 7:00 p.m. ET 03/08/14 ............vs. Brown .............................. Columbia, S.C. ............ 4:00 p.m. ET 03/09/14 ............vs. Brown .............................. Columbia, S.C. ............ 1:30 p.m. ET 03/11/14 ............vs. Furman ............................ Columbia, S.C. ............ 7:00 p.m. ET 03/14/14 ............vs. Ole Miss # ........................ Columbia, S.C. ............ 7:00 p.m. ET 03/15/14 ............vs. Ole Miss # ........................ Columbia, S.C. ............ 4:00 p.m. ET 03/16/14 ............vs. Ole Miss # ........................ Columbia, S.C. ............ 1:30 p.m. ET 03/18/14 ..............at The Citadel . ..........................Charleston, S.C. ..............7:00 p.m. ET 03/21/14 ..............at Kentucky # ............................Lexington, Ky. ............................... TBA 03/22/14 ..............at Kentucky # ............................Lexington, Ky. ............................... TBA 03/23/14 ..............at Kentucky # ............................Lexington, Ky. ............................... TBA 03/25/14 ............vs. College of Charleston ...... Columbia, S.C. ............ 7:00 p.m. ET 03/26/14 ............vs. Coastal Carolina .............. Columbia, S.C. ............ 7:00 p.m. ET 03/28/14 ............vs. Tennessee # ...................... Columbia, S.C. ............ 7:00 p.m. ET 03/29/14 ............vs. Tennessee # ...................... Columbia, S.C. ............ 4:00 p.m. ET 03/30/14 ............vs. Tennessee # ...................... Columbia, S.C. ............ 1:30 p.m. ET 04/01/14 ............vs. Appalachian State ............ Columbia, S.C. ............ 7:00 p.m. ET 04/02/14 ............vs. Presbyterian .................... Columbia, S.C. ............ 7:00 p.m. ET 04/04/14 ..............at Arkansas # . ...........................Fayetteville, Ark. . ...........7:35 p.m. ET 04/05/14 ..............at Arkansas # . ...........................Fayetteville, Ark. . ...........3:05 p.m. ET
04/06/14 ..............at Arkansas # . ...........................Fayetteville, Ark. . ...........2:05 p.m. ET 04/08/14 ..............at Furman ..................................Greenville, S.C.................7:00 p.m. ET 04/11/14 ............vs. Florida # .......................... Columbia, S.C. ............ 7:00 p.m. ET 04/12/14 ............vs. Florida # .......................... Columbia, S.C. ............ 4:00 p.m. ET 04/13/14 ............vs. Florida # .......................... Columbia, S.C. ............ 1:30 p.m. ET 04/15/14 ............vs. Charleston Southern ....... Columbia, S.C. ............ 7:00 p.m. ET 04/18/14 ..............at Auburn # ...............................Auburn, Ala. ...................7:00 p.m. ET 04/19/14 ..............at Auburn # ...............................Auburn, Ala. ...................4:00 p.m. ET 04/20/14 ..............at Auburn # ...............................Auburn, Ala. ...................2:00 p.m. ET 04/22/14 ............vs. Davidson ......................... Columbia, S.C. ............ 7:00 p.m. ET 04/23/14 ............vs. USC Upstate .................... Columbia, S.C. ............ 7:00 p.m. ET 04/25/14 ............vs. Alabama # ........................ Columbia, S.C. ............ 7:00 p.m. ET 04/26/14 ............vs. Alabama # ........................ Columbia, S.C. ............ 4:00 p.m. ET 04/27/14 ............vs. Alabama # ........................ Columbia, S.C. ............ 1:30 p.m. ET 05/02/14 ..............at Georgia # ...............................Athens, Ga. . ....................7:00 p.m. ET 05/03/14 ..............at Georgia # ...............................Athens, Ga. . ....................1:00 p.m. ET 05/04/14 ..............at Georgia # ...............................Athens, Ga. . ....................1:00 p.m. ET 05/07/14 ............vs. Wofford ............................ Columbia, S.C. ............ 7:00 p.m. ET 05/09/14 ............vs. Missouri # ........................ Columbia, S.C. ............ 7:00 p.m. ET 05/10/14 ............vs. Missouri # ........................ Columbia, S.C. ............ 4:00 p.m. ET 05/11/14 ............vs. Missouri # ........................ Columbia, S.C. ............ 1:30 p.m. ET 05/13/14 ............vs. The Citadel ...................... Columbia, S.C. ............ 7:00 p.m. ET 05/15/14 ..............at Vanderbilt # ..........................Nashville, Tenn. ..............7:30 p.m. ET 05/16/14 ..............at Vanderbilt # ..........................Nashville, Tenn. ..............7:30 p.m. ET 05/17/14 ..............at Vanderbilt # ..........................Nashville, Tenn. ..............3:00 p.m. ET 05/20/14 ..............SEC Tournament .....................Hoover, Ala. .................................. TBA 05/21/14 ..............SEC Tournament .....................Hoover, Ala. .................................. TBA 05/22/14 ..............SEC Tournament .....................Hoover, Ala. .................................. TBA 05/23/14 ..............SEC Tournament .....................Hoover, Ala. .................................. TBA 05/24/14 ..............SEC Tournament .....................Hoover, Ala. .................................. TBA 05/25/14 ..............SEC Tournament .....................Hoover, Ala. .................................. TBA All times Eastern. Dates and times subject to change #denotes SEC game
Spurs & Feathers • 15
October 23, 2013
Gamecock athletics announces Tip-Off Tailgate Party
South Carolina Athletics Media Relations The University of South Carolina Athletics Department, in conjunction with the Gamecock Club and My Carolina Alumni Association, invites Gamecock fans to the “Tip-Off Tailgate Party With Gamecock Basketball,” to be held on Oct. 26 at Colonial Life Arena. The event is open to the public with doors set to open at 5:45 p.m., and the program to begin at 6 p.m., which is one hour prior to kickoff of the Gamecocks at Missouri football contest. Students in attendance will receive double rewards points (two points), and if 2,000 or more students attend, the rewards points awarded for the event will be doubled to four. Free food will be available and the new official student section T-shirt will be provided for the first 2,000 students. Like on gamedays, students should enter at the College Street entrance at Colonial Life Arena. Additionally, one lucky student will be randomly selected from the crowd to attempt a half-court shot to win $10,000 in cash. Men’s basketball head coach Frank Martin will also make a special announcement to students who attend the event as well as all of his team’s home non-conference games this season. “The Gamecock Club and My Carolina Alumni Association are excited to work together to bring all Gamecocks together for this exciting day and event,” Gamecock Club Executive Director Patrick McFarland said. “I can’t imagine a better way to spend your day than meeting your Gamecock basketball teams and watching the Gamecocks take on Missouri in football ... all in one place!” My Carolina Alumni Association executive director Jack Claypoole echoed those thoughts. “What a great way to spend a Saturday! The Tip-Off Tailgate Party offers our alumni and friends the chance to celebrate three fantastic Gamecock teams at one time. From our two outstanding basketball teams to Gamecock football - all under one roof with Gamecock Nation - it’ll be the best party in town! We hope you’ll join us!” After a fun and interactive hour with the basketball teams, fans can stay at Colonial Life
Arena to watch the Missouri football contest on the video board and enjoy available concessions as they cheer on the Gamecock football squad to victory. The event will also be an opportunity for fans to purchase and select seats for new season ticket holders. Representatives from the South Carolina basketball season ticket sales team will be on hand throughout the arena to assist fans through the ticket purchase and seat selection process. The Tip-Off Tailgate Party will feature exciting programming, including scrimmages from both squads, skills competitions such as a 3-point shootout contest, comments to the crowd from Gamecock men’s basketball coach Frank Martin and women’s head coach Dawn Staley and autograph and photo opportunities for fans. “This event we are putting together that involves our Alumni Association, the Gamecock Club and our Athletics Department is a new way to embrace our fans with our team and to get to know one another in a way where we can enjoy the moment and create even more interest for the beginning of a new season. It will be exciting to cheer on our Gamecock football team with our great fans,” Martin said. “Basketball season is almost here and so much of our success has to do with the people that have supported us,” Staley said. “This event is an opportunity for us to show our appreciation for that support. Fans will get to see how much our team enjoys being with the fans and they’ll get to see how funny the team is and how excited we are that it’s basketball season. It’s a fun opportunity to see a little basketball and support our football team from afar, so I think the atmosphere is going to be great.” Fans will also enjoy introductions of both teams and coaching staffs and giveaways such as rally towels and schedule posters for all in attendance. Fans should use the hashtag #TipOffTailgate when spreading the word about the event via social media. Fans should use the hashtag #TipOffTailgate when spreading the word about the event via social media. Purchase tickets for both men’s and women’s basketball by visiting www.GamecocksOnline. com/Tickets, or call 1-800-4SC-FANS.
16 • Spurs & Feathers
October 23, 2013
South Carolina Gamecocks
Recruiting roundup by phil kornblut
The Gamecocks were hit and miss with two of their top recruiting targets last weekend landing OL Donell Stanley of Latta but missing on WR Braxton Berrios of Raleigh, NC. Stanley, a Shrine Bowl selection tackle, picked the Gamecocks over Clemson after eliminating Alabama and North Carolina. “It’s closer to home, a quality Phil Kornblut SEC school, one of the top ones in the Contributing conference, and I Writer 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.” Some recruiting analysts consider Stanley to be the state’s #1 prospect in this class. “His lower body is really good,” Latta coach Kelly Williamson said. “He has really good foot work (and size 22 shoes) and his lower body is really strong. He has exceptionally long arms and big hands. He’s the most athletic 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. Berrios, also a Shrine Bowl pick, chose Miami over USC, Tennessee, Oregon and Kentucky. Berrios made several visits to USC but
he was a long time Hurricanes fan. DL Dexter Wideman of Saluda was one of the 40 players selected for the South Carolina Shrine Bowl team. Wideman has been publicly committed to Florida State since the summer but he never closed the door on USC and his coach says the commitment to the Seminoles is very soft at best right now. “He’s still got Florida State in his mind too,” Doug Painter said. “He doesn’t know right now to be honest with you. He’s torn because South Carolina is closer to home and he’s been to a lot of games there. He likes the coaches but he likes the coaches at Florida State too.” Wideman will take an official visit to Florida State for the Miami game. “I know he’s going to go down there and he said hopefully after I get back from down there I can make up my mind for sure,” Painter said adding that Wideman will also take an official visit to USC. “I think right now he’s still committed but he’s still talking, if that makes sense,” Painter said. Wideman is playing in the Under Armour All-American Game and his coach said he wants to make his announcement then. DE Andrew Williams of McDonough, GA has a final six of Clemson, USC, Tennessee, Notre Dame, Ole Miss and Auburn. There is no order to his list and he won’t take official visits until after his season. Tennessee will be the school left out of official visits because he recently visited there. Williams is going to Clemson for the Florida State game, his first visit there this season, and he is planning to get to a USC game as well. Williams said he’s hearing regularly from USC and he’s aware of the Gamecocks’ need at his position.
“I can see an opportunity with Jadeveon (Clowney) and the other guy (Chaz Sutton) leaving,” Williams said. “The other two (defensive ends) are probably like 200 pounds soaking wet (Williams weighs 250). I think I can go up there and make an impact if I did choose them.” Williams said he won’t make his decision until after his visits and he may wait to announce at the Army All American Game. DE Dante Sawyer of Suwanee, GA visited Auburn recently and he told AuburnSports. com he does not have a favorite. Asked specifically about reports USC was the clear leader, Sawyer replied, “”Not true. That’s final.” Sawyer added that he’s no longer considering Alabama and has a short list of USC, Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee and Missouri. He plans to take some official visits before making his decision and confirmed only Auburn for one of those visits at this time. TE KC Crosby, Jr. of Bamberg-Ehrhardt committed to USC in June and remains strong with the Gamecocks. “I’m pretty solid,” Crosby said. “I’m not going anywhere else and will sign my Letter of Intent (with USC).” Alabama, Tennessee, Florida and several other schools continue to send Crosby mail but he says he is not speaking with any other program other than USC. USC commitment DB Al Harris, Jr. of Fort Lauderdale is 100 percent committed to the Gamecocks. Harris has yet to visit USC but plans to do so next month. Harris has no plans to visit any other school. “I’m done with recruiting,” he said. “I’m going to South Carolina.”
DL Anthony Moten of Fort Lauderdale, FL told Rivals he’s still interested in USC. He will try to take an official visit to Florida State for the Miami weekend if he finishes the SAT early enough to get there. He’s also planning to go to Miami for the Virginia Tech game. Moten said he has a good relationship with USC recruiter Grady Brown and continues to communicate with him. Basketball News: 6-7 Dante Buford of Jacksonville, FL had to reschedule his visits to Oklahoma and Miami because his ACT score wasn’t posted in time. He can now take those visits and will over the next two weeks. And he will visit USC November 1st. Buford no longer is considering Southern Cal and Oklahoma State and will only take the three visits. USC coach Frank Martin is a regular visitor to see Buford. “South Carolina certainly, if not in the lead, is right there,” his coach Rex Morgan said. “I think it will go with how the visits go.” Baseball News: RHP Nick Neidert (6-1 170) of Lawrenceville, GA announced a commitment to USC Thursday night on his Twitter page. “Proud to say that I committed to THE University of South Carolina. Can’t wait to call myself an official Gamecock,” Neidert wrote. Neidert also plays shortstop and third base. His fastball has been clocked at 91 MPH. Neidert is the 11th commitment for the Gamecocks 2015 class and the seventh pitcher.
Baseball America ranks recruiting class No. 3 in the nation staff reports
South Carolina won the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship in 2010 and 2011 at the College World Series. South Carolina has 11 College World Series appearances, including six in the last 12 years. South Carolina is the only school
with 200 or more wins in the last four years (2010 to the present) with a 201-70 record, and the Gamecocks own the second-highest win total in the nation in the last 14 years (2000 to the present) with a 669-271 record. South Carolina is one of five schools to appear in the NCAA Regional every season in the last 14 years,
including 11 NCAA Super Regional appearances in that span, one of only two schools to accomplish the feat. The 2014 Gamecock baseball schedule was released last week (page 14). It will feature 37 home games at Carolina Stadium as well as 19 games against 2013 NCAA Tournament teams. The Gamecocks
open the season on Friday, Feb. 14, hosting a three-game series vs. Bucknell. The Gamecocks enter the 2014 season with high expectations and one of the top recruiting classes in the nation. In fact, Baseball America ranked South Carolina’s recruiting class No. 3 in the nation as released
by the publication in last week’s digital edition. This year’s class includes 21 newcomers to the Garnet and Black. For more information and a full breakdown on South Carolina’s talented newcomers, visit www. gamecocksonline.com. (South Carolina Athletics Media Relations contributed to this report)
Spurs & Feathers • 17
October 23, 2013
Coach hits milestone heading toward SEC tourney by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
three years and Taylor (Leach) have come back from injuries and worked tremendously hard to establish herself there. Caroline The Gamecock women’s soccer team Gray played a lot of minutes as a freshman has moved into the top-10 of the NSCAA last year. Christa Neary played a good Coaches’ poll and is in line to compete for amount of minutes last year in the back and an SEC title as the regular season is windChristine Watts has worked hard to come ing down. back in her senior year after sitting out beThe team has outperformed most expeccause of a transfer rule,” Smith said of the tations to get to this point, but head coach defense. “To have that quality of experience Shelley Smith said that she knew the team to bring in this fall has really helped.” had the pieces to have a good season. She Smith said that the offense has become said even she has been presently surprised hard to defend because they work as a with how well the team has come together team and defenses cannot focus on just one and been able to compete in such a complayer. petitive conference. “It’s not like we have one player that “I’m very proud of the way the girls have someone is focusing on as a target. We’re been playing, how they’ve grown as a not trying to do things individually out team and to come out strong from the first there; we’ve been playing well and comkickoff of the season. They really prepared bining and moving the ball,” Smith noted. well coming in, so I knew we were in good “Different players are getting different shape,” Smith said. “It’s just can we put opportunities to score goals and get in the things together, can we get the new players box. to gel right away and the returning players “It’s been a different goal scorer every have really stepped up their game from the game and I think the person with the most year before. points is Chelsea “So I think seeing Drennen who has how they prepared, “Our goal is to continue been assisting. She their mindset, their the SEC as strong as we has been setting up motivation and seeplayers, but it has not ing how they came can so that we can put been the same person. back this season I So I think the variety knew we would be ourselves in as good a in our attack has been strong. I wouldn’t good,” Smith continposition as we can for SEC have guessed, I don’t ued. think anyone would Championships.” The Gamecocks have, that we would have gotten contribube in this position - Coach Shelley Smith tions from the whole right now. Not that team, especially from I ever doubted it eithe midfielders who ther, but you’re just not sure you make that are somewhat unsung heroes of the group. jump after a season like we had last year,” “So they know it’s a complete team effort, Smith explained. but anytime we have some individual accoThe Gamecocks have not gotten compla- lades I’m proud of them and glad they can cent or too involved with their own rankbe recognized for their hard work,” Smith ings throughout the season. In fact, Smith noted. “Always at the end of the season you said that any national recognition that the always wish there were more given because team gets makes them want to get out on as a team you know how important somethe field to prove they are worthy of such. one like Liz Sinclair is as your center mid. “They haven’t gotten to a point where She plays every minute and is irreplaceable. they’re happy when someone else rates Same with Stevi Parker, but you know to them as a top-20 team, they now want to find accolades for them is hard. prove they are … so thats why they’ve gone “They do the dirty work and they’re not out week after week knowing each game the one necessarily considered with the is important for us to continue that type of back four and the shutout, but they’re also recognition,” Smith said. not the ones scoring all the goals. They unThey have been able to play so well this derstand that and hopefully we’ll see some season because Smith has gotten strong recognition with SEC type honors at the play in all facets of the game, from an exend of the season,” Smith said. perienced defense to a balanced offensive The stellar season has earned Smith her attack and strong play from the midfield. own milestone: her 150th win heading “They’re a seasoned group … Andie the Gamecocks. She said the milestone is Romness who has started at center back for nice, but it was not something that she was
counting down to. “You’re in the middle of the season and as a coach, you’re just happy for the team to get one more result. I guess you don’t really enjoy it in the season because you’re always looking ahead. It also gave me a chance to thank all the players that have come before to earn those wins in the past. It’s definitely something to be proud of, but we have a lot more to go,” Smith commented. Smith said that the Gamecocks’ goals are getting closer, but they must remain focused on the process to be able to achieve them. “Our goal is to continue the SEC as strong as we can so that we can put ourselves in as good a position as we can for SEC Championships,” Smith said. “You do that in your conference, you’re going to have a good chance to set yourself up well for the NCAAs. “At this point in the season we have to keep focused on our job every game and we know what the results will be at the end by doing that. The goals don’t change, it’s just that our focus can’t change either. We have to take care of business to get to the postseason,” Smith concluded.
18 • Spurs & Feathers
October 23, 2013
Depth Charts for October 26, 7 p.m. OFFENSE WR: 1 Damiere Byrd 8 Shamier Jeffery 4 Shaq Roland 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 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 McLaurin 31 Jordan Diaz TB: 28 Mike Davis 7 Shon Carson 33 David Williams
South Carolina
5-9, 166, Jr. 6-1, 207, SO. 6-1, 190, SO. 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.
OFFENSE LT: 68 Justin Britt 76 Jordan Williams LG: 61 Max Copeland 70 Anthony Gatti C: 77 Evan Boehm 63 Brad McNulty RG: 60 Connor McGovern 73 Mitch L. Hall RT: 65 Mitch Morse 62 Taylor Chappell TE: 81 Eric Waters -OR- 80 Sean Culkin 98 Clayton Echard QB: 7 Maty Mauk 13 Corbin Berkstresser 9 Eddie Printz TB: 20 Henry Josey 32 Russell Hansbrough 6 Marcus Murphy Y: 85 Marcus Lucas 16 Levi Copelin X: 15 Dorial Green-Beckham 14 Jaleel Clark H: 21 Bud Sasser 88 Jimmie Hunt Z: 2 L’Damian Washington 8 Darius White
Sicklerville, N.J. St. Matthews, S.C. Lexington, S.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.
DEFENSE 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 Kelsey Griffin DE: 7 Jadeveon Clowney 5 Darius English MLB: 11 T.J. Holloman 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: 12 Brison Williams 25 Kadetrix Marcus FS: 17 Chaz Elder 20 T.J. Gurley CB: 15 Jimmy Legree 1 Rico McWilliams 3 Jamari Smith
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. 5-11, 218, Jr. 6-1, 195, Jr. 6-2, 199, RFr, 5-10, 196, So. 6-0, 187, Sr. 5-11, 187, RFr, 5-10, 183, Fr.
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. Warner Robins, Ga. Stone Mountain, Ga. Union City, Ga. Cairo, Ga. Beaufort, S.C. Hampton, Ga. Jacksonville, Fla.
Missouri
6-6, 315, Sr. Lebanon, Mo. 6-3, 295, RFr. Denton, Texas 6-3, 300, Sr. Billings, Mont. 6-5, 315, Jr. St. Louis, Mo. 6-3, 315, So. Lee’s Summit, Mo. 6-4, 300, So. Allen, Texas 6-4, 310, So. Fargo, N.D. 6-5, 320, So. Burnsville, Minn. 6-6, 305, Jr. Austin, Texas 6-5, 300, So. Canadian, Texas 6-5, 245, Sr. Mansfield, Texas 6-6, 245, RFr. Indian Rocks Beach, Fla. 6-4, 255, So. Eureka, Mo. 6-0, 200, RFr. Kenton, Ohio 6-3, 225, So. Lee’s Summit, Mo. 6-2, 215, Fr. Marietta, Ga. 5-10, 190, Jr. Angleton, Texas 5-9, 190, So. Arlington, Texas 5-9, 195, Jr. DeSoto, Texas 6-5, 220, Sr. Liberty, Mo. 6-2, 190, RFr. Broken Arrow, Okla. 6-6, 225, So. Springfield, Mo. 6-4, 220, Sr. Allentown, Pa. 6-2, 210, Jr. Denton, Texas 6-0, 215, Jr. Cahokia, Ill. 6-4, 205, Sr. Shreveport, La. 6-3, 205, Jr. Fort Worth, Texas
DEFENSE DE: 52 Michael Sam -OR- 56 Shane Ray DT: 89 Matt Hoch 94 Marvin Foster NG: 90 Harold Brantley -OR- 96 Lucas Vincent 97 Josh Augusta DE: 47 Kony Ealy 33 Markus Golden 55 Brayden Burnett W: 10 Kentrell Brothers 12 Darvin Ruise M: 48 Andrew Wilson 30 Michael Scherer S: 8 Donovan Bonner 40 Clarence Green 25 Donavin Newsom CB: 31 E.J. Gaines 11 Aarion Penton 26 Xavier Smith CB: 7 Randy Ponder 1 John Gibson 3 David Johnson SS: 9 Braylon Webb 21 Ian Simon FS: 17 Matt White 5 Cortland Browning
6-2, 255, Sr. 6-3, 245, So. 6-5, 295, Jr. 6-1, 300, Sr. 6-3, 290, RFr. 6-2, 305, Jr. 6-4, 300, Fr. 6-5, 275, Jr. 6-3, 260, Jr. 6-2, 245, Sr. 6-1, 240, So. 6-1, 240, Jr. 6-3, 240, Sr. 6-3, 235, RFr. 6-1, 245, Sr. 6-0, 225, So. 6-2, 230, RFr. 5-11, 195, Sr. 5-10, 185, Fr. 5-11, 190, Jr. 5-10, 195, Sr. 6-0, 185, RFr. 5-11, 190, So. 6-0, 205, Jr. 6-0, 195, So. 6-0, 195, Sr. 6-1, 205, So.
Hitchcock, Texas Kansas City, Mo. Harlan, Iowa Fort Worth, Texas Hershey, Pa. Olathe, Kan. Peoria, Ill. New Madrid, Mo. St. Louis, Mo. Southlake, Texas Guthrie, Okla. Glen St. Mary, Fla. Peculiar, Mo. St. Louis, Mo. Dallas, Texas Clute, Texas St. Louis, Mo. Independence, Mo. St. Louis, Mo. Edmond, Okla. Edmond, Okla. Missouri City, Texas Spring, Texas Gilmer, Texas Mansfield, Texas Keller, Texas Tyler, Texas
SPECIALISTS KO: 19 Landon Ard 29 Elliott Fry PK: 29 Elliott Fry 19 Landon Ard P: 13 Tyler Hull 18 Patrick Fish KR: 11 Pharoh Cooper 23 Bruce Ellington PR: 11 Pharoh Cooper 27 Victor Hampton 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. 5-11, 184, Fr. 5-9, 196, Jr. 5-11, 184, Fr. 5-10, 202, Jr. 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. Havelock, N.C. Moncks Corner, S.C. Havelock, N.C. Darlington, S.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 KO: 99 Andrew Baggett 91 Blake Owens H: 9 Braylon Webb 16 Levi Copelin DS: 86 Jake Hurrell 69 Mitch H. Hall PK: 99 Andrew Baggett 91 Blake Owens P: 92 Christian Brinser 99 Andrew Baggett KR: 6 Marcus Murphy 32 Russell Hansbrough PR: 6 Marcus Murphy 21 Ian Simon
6-1, 215, So. 5-11, 205, Jr. 6-0, 205, Jr. 6-2, 190, RFr. 6-3, 235, RFr. 6-2, 290, So. 6-1, 215, So. 5-11, 205, Jr. 6-2, 200, Jr. 6-1, 215, So. 5-9, 195, Jr. 5-9, 190, So. 5-9, 195, Jr. 6-0, 195, So.
Lee’s Summit, Mo. Kansas City, Mo. Gilmer, Texas Broken Arrow, Okla. St. Charles, Mo. Burnsville, Minn. Lee’s Summit, Mo. Kansas City, Mo. Liberty, Mo. Lee’s Summit, Mo. DeSoto, Texas Arlington, Texas DeSoto, Texas Mansfield, Texas
October 23, 2013
Spurs & Feathers • 19
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
20 • Spurs & Feathers
Bruce Ellington is an athletic specimen. You probably already knew that. The 5’9,” 196-pound junior has thickly cabled arms, shoulders that could sharpen a dull axe and legs that have blessed him with a 35-inch vertical, a 4.40 40-yard dash, and a 600-pound squat. Those gifts are on display each week at WilliamsBrice Stadium Andy Demetra and Colonial Life Contributing Writer Arena, where Ellington has emerged as arguably college sports’ most visible two-sport star - an All-SEC candidate at wide receiver and a three-year starting point guard on the basketball team. The fact that he is considered undersized at both positions makes his numbers even more impressive. But there’s another quality that helps explain Ellington’s success in both sports. It may not as obivous as his speed, his strength, or his knack for the clutch play. But talk to his coaches and teammates and they often mention it before anything else. “A lot of people say he’s so athletic and that’s what makes him great,” quarterback Connor Shaw told me. “What makes him great is he’s smart.” Yes, it’s time to respect Bruce Ellington as an intellectual specimen as well. As he begins his final season splitting both sports – a senior
October 23, 2013
in basketball, he has one year of eligibility remaining in football - Ellington’s IQ, and the role it plays in his success, can’t be overlooked. “Repetition is the father of learning. I’ve been doing it ever since the fourth grade. If I keep doing it over and over, I’ll keep learning more things,” he told me last week. Ellington has plenty of statistics to back up his smarts. He made the Dean’s List last spring. His mother, Gwen, keeps the plaque lovingly curated in his room at home. Despite the demands of juggling two sports, Ellington is scheduled to graduate in three-and-a-half years with a degree in Sociology. But Ellington’s other book smarts – the playbook kind – have long distinguished him, his coaches say. “He’s as smart as any player I’ve ever coached,” said Jerry Brown, his former head coach at Berkeley High School. That’s high praise, given Brown has coached for 43 years. Brown said Ellington played a different position each of his four years at Berkeley, moving from wide receiver to defensive back to running back to quarterback in successive seasons. Those changes, he said, gave him a deeper understanding of how each player fits on offense. As a senior running Berkeley’s tricky flexbone offense, Ellington’s wits were on full display. “Our offense was not easy at all. A third to a half of the game you have to get out of the play called in the huddle. He determined the blocking scheme, as well as the play we were going to run,” Brown said. Brown remembered a play against Greenwood High School his senior year, when he called a sprint rollout to the right. The play
was designed for Ellington to throw to that side, but Ellington intuited that a receiver would be open on the far side. To the surprise of coaches, he heaved it 60 yards across the field for a touchdown. “At practice a couple times, you see things like that. Big Kelcy [Gamecock teammate Kelcy Quarles], he was actually chasing me on that play and I got by him. I threw it downfield. I saw him wide open,” Ellington said. He’s taken that same whole-field approach to the film room at South Carolina. “Even if [a coach] is talking to someone else, you take the details that he tells that person, and put them into your own craft. That’s what I do. I just learn from everybody,” he said. Shaw, a fairly cerebral player himself, adds, “when defenses blow coverages, he knows where to go. He knows where to sit in zone coverage spots. Bruce is extremely smart when it comes to the game of football.” Shaw is also impressed by Ellington’s mental stamina. After a long, intense season, the Gamecocks get a week-and-a-half after the bowl game to relax. “You’re drained, not just physically, but mentally,” Shaw explained. Ellington has no such luxury. As point guard, he occupies the most demanding spot on the floor, one that requires him to read defenses, run plays and keep his teammates organized at all times. That unrelenting mental grind has caused many a two-sport star to break down or lose his effectiveness. So how does Ellington maintain such a high level? Martin thinks he has an idea. “There’s a key word that connects Bruce, whether it’s football or basketball and that’s
‘cares.’ Bruce wants to be held responsible for the success and failures. Since he wants that responsibility, it’s important that he understands what’s expected of him,” he said. Martin got a glimpse of that last fall, when Ellington reported to the basketball offices on his off days to learn the Gamecocks’ playbook. When he rejoined the team following Carolina’s win over Clemson in Death Valley, mental rust wasn’t an issue. “He can translate what you explain to him and actually go out there while he’s going 100 miles per hour and implement the thoughts you’re trying to put in his head,” Martin said. “The best part about him is when he understands, he doesn’t keep it to himself. He’s trying to help his teammates understand it too.” Fans will always get hung up on Ellington’s physical gifts and for good reason. But his intelligence – that uncanny, unseen ability to slow the game down, and see plays before they develop – has allowed him to excel where other two-sport athletes have fallen off. Gamecock fans would be smart to recognize it.
October 23, 2013
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22 • Spurs & Feathers
October 23, 2013
Mill runs into record books toward SEC Championships By Mike Kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com Gamecock runner Meredith Mill has been having an exceptional season thus far and recently has gotten some national recognition while inking her name in the South Carolina record books. Mill set the program record for a 5K with a 17:30.6 at the Royal Cross Country Challenge in Charlotte N.C. on Oct. 11. She has been running in first position for the Gamecocks this season, but this time improved upon her previous personal record by 1:40. The speed may have even surprised Mill herself. “It’s pretty surreal honestly. Honestly it felt fast, but when I was finishing … I was looking at the clock and said ‘wow.’ I guess I wasn’t really doing the math in my head, but I didn’t realize how fast I was going. I guess that shows I’m in shape,” Mill said. Mill was chosen as the SEC Cross Country Women’s Runner of the Week on Oct. 15 and she was also featured on the “Capital One Cup Impact Performance of the Week.” Mill has been a leader on the course this year for a young Gamecock lineup. Not only has Mill been running in first position, she has also been selected a team captain for the past two
years. She said that it has been amazing to come from a walk-on who was hoping to make the travel squad to come to being a team captain. “I feel really lucky and blessed honestly that I’ve been able to develop my ability to this level,” Mill commented. “I guess I was honored to be chosen as captain because I came in as a sophomore so I didn’t have the background of being on the team for a long time. I took that they saw me as an example and someone to look up to as well. “I feel like it gives me an opportunity to take a lead in the team and kind of try to steer the team in the right direction. I was also excited to be able to do it for two out of the three years that I’m here, which is kind of a big deal,” Mill said. She continued to say that although running is an individual effort, she has tried to help foster a team attitude and encouraged everyone to run to their maximum ability. Mill also noted that the whole team is very academically focused and she is no exception. She is a political science major who is set to graduate early and is currently applying for law schools. On the course, Mill said that she and the team are starting to look forward to the SEC Championship on Nov. 1. She said that is the where team and individual rankings come from so every-
one wants to do well in the meet. Mill said that the team has gained experience and is looking forward to the high-level competition that is coming in the final few meets of the season. She added that many team members have been making a jump and running well, which sets them up mentally to run well at the SEC Championship.
SOUTH CAROLINA ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
“My personal goal has obviously changed throughout the season as I’ve gotten better, but my personal goal is a top-15 finish. Our team we would basically like to stay like last year in the top nine teams and I think that is possible for us to do. We’re definitely looking forward at the chance to run at the SECs,” Mill said.
Charleston county supports Gamecock Athletics, local community By Mike Kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
town Charleston at The Alley on Columbus Street,” Cutaia said. “Anybody that is a Gamecock is absolutely welcome. The Charleston County Gamecock Club “This will be the first time that we have has been busy raising funds for the Athletics done this kind of thing. It’s going to be drink Department and they will continue to prospecials and appetizer specials. Bobby Harvide great events for Gamecocks in the area tin is going to do a live broadcast of his ‘Fan for Homecoming Week. Talk’ radio show as well,” Cutaia continued. The chapter recently sent funds to both the “Fan Talk” is broadcast on ESPN Radio, volleyball team and the Mighty Sound of 98.9 FM or 910 AM locally and he will be the Southeast, the Carolina marching band. hosting the show at The Alley from 3-6 p.m. Charleston County chapter president Rick The upstairs bar and lounge of The Alley has Cutaia said that they mailed a check for been reserved by the Gamecock Club from $1,500 to the volleyball team and $1,000 to 5-9 p.m. with the special promotions runthe band. The Charleston county chapter was ning for the duration of the event. The Alley chosen to be the sponsor for the volleyball is located at 131 Columbus St. in Charleston, team, a job that they have embraced. S.C. Some big events are coming up for the Cutaia said that the chapter hosts watch chapter as well that they are looking forward parties for the away football games for the to hosting for all Gamecock fans in the area. fans at several locations around town in“Tuesday Oct. 29 in conjunction with the cluding The Alley, The Roost Bar ‘n Grille, Carolina Alumni Association we are havBig Game Bar & Grill in Mt. Pleasant and ing a Homecoming Happy Hour in downSouthside 17. You can find out more about
these upcoming events by liking the Charles- information about upcoming events. ton County Gamecock Club on Facebook. Cutaia said that the chapter is involved and enthusiastic for their events, with the most popular being the Kickoff Party held right before football season. “At our Kickoff Party we had 200 people come down to hear Andy Demetra speak. We also had Brady Thomas and Chris Clark from Gamecock Central speak … that’s usually our big party. We have it a week or two before the first game and everybody is all amped up for game one. We take advantage of that,” Cutaia said. The chapter will also take part in the blood battle with Clemson in November with blood donations going to the local red cross. The Charleston County Gamecock Club is an active chapter with regular events that benefit the community and South Carolina Athletics. To find out more about the chapter you can visit them on Facebook as Charleston County Gamecock Club to find all the
October 23, 2013
Spurs & Feathers • 23
Lexington County Gamecock Club valuable asset to Gamecock Nation By Brian Hand bhand@spursandfeathers.com The Lexington County Gamecock Club is very fortunate that due to their proximity to the University of South Carolina campus they are able to interact with the coaches in the Athletics Department at the University on a fairly regular basis. This proximity to Carolina has also allowed the Lexington County Gamecock Club to become one of the larger chapters. “Being right here next to the University, we are right next to the heartbeat,” current Lexington County Gamecock Club president Steve Gunter noted. “We are very fortunate that we can actually go down to talk to the coaches and see them. I think that is one of the things that I have really enjoyed is getting close to the coaches in all the sports: basketball, men and women and football, soccer, softball, baseball, equestrian, swimming; you name it. “To be honest with you, when (Assistant Director of the Gamecock Club) Jay Brown got involved he really helped to expediate things in terms of getting the information, contacting the coaches. He has taken a lot off of me,” Gunter commented. The closeness to the University is just one of the things that helps to make the Lexington County Gamecock Club so special. Gunter admits that he is probably a little prejudiced, but he feels that his chapter of the Gamecock Club is one of the best chapters out there. Gunter’s thoughts are not without merit either as Lexington County has won the Director’s Cup in 2007, 2010 and 2012. The Lexington County Gamecock Club has contributed over $100,000 to the South Carolina Athletics Department since 1991. This large amount of money brought to the department over the years has helped out football, baseball, swimming, golf, equestrian and Gunter readily admits probably even more sports “as I know I am leaving something out.” The Lexington County Gamecock Club also holds a charity golf tournament every year. The tournament began during Lou Holtz’s first year as head football coach at South Carolina in 1999. Tommy Howard and Gunter started the tournament. Over the years due to many great sponsors, the golf tournament has become their largest fundraiser with board member Wayne Smith always bringing in more sponsors than any other chapter member. The money contributed to South Carolina athletics would have been impossible to keep up with if not for the efforts of Rock Gladden, who served as the chapter treasurer for many years. He was instrumental in guiding the chapter financially.
Club is make the coaches more accessible to those in Lexington County by bringing the coaches to them. “Our chapter has gone very hard into that and the committees that we form and the people involved believe in bringing the average Gamecock fan closer to the Gamecock program … meeting the coaches and getting their autographs and bringing the younger fans in and letting them see,” Gunter remarked. Gunter goes on to note that it really is his purpose as president “and it is paying off.” The proximity to the Carolina campus has also allowed the Lexington County Gamecock Club the opportunity to visit the Gamecock Club more regularly. “If I need them, they are just minutes away,” Gunter commented. The Lexington County Gamecock Club is not just about football, basketball or baseball though as there is no sport within the Athletics Department at the University of South Carolina that the chapter does not want to help out and SUBMITTED PHOTO they are always willing to listen to what Patrick Members of the Lexington County Gamecock Club board pose with the Gamecock McFarland and the Gamecock Club needs. football equipment truck, which was wrapped with money raised by their chapter. “The Lexington County Gamecock Club has always been extremely supportive of the According to Gunter another one of the things hold a Lexington County Gamecock Club night University of South Carolina Athletic Departthat makes the chapter so unique is its strong sometime during the 2014 season. ment with their time, effort and contributions. board, its core membership and its tremendous The chapter is always willing to go above and We want to sincerely thank them for everything leadership over the years. beyond for the Gamecock Club. Gunter points they do for the Gamecock Club,” Patrick McFormed in the early 1980s by Monroe Yonce out that when former Gamecock Club Director Farland said. and Herb Sharpe, the group has had some and current Liberty Athletic Director Jeff BarGunter concluded by mentioning that he extremely strong presidents, including Yonce, ber was there he was always attentive to their could break down every chapter member and Marion Corley, Sharpe, Vasa Cate, Jim Mcideas, but current Executive Director Patrick every board member and probably tell you Farland, David Herndon, Bill Cash and now McFarland has gone above and beyond and, in something they have contributed to the good of Gunter. They are honored to have two previous fact, even taken that further. the order. Gamecock Club Directors in Sharpe and Ed The Lexington County Gamecock Club al“Without a doubt, I am very proud to be Pitts. ways has a bevy of different functions going on working with these men and women,” Gunter “The Voice” himself, Bob Fulton, was even a such as their annual Christmas party on Friday, said. The chapter has developed a Facebook page to member of the Lexington County Gamecock Dec. 13. The Lexington County Gamecock Club with Gunter pointing out that “he always Club is also presently working on setting up an keep everyone within the chapter aware of what is going on currently. You can like the Facebook entertained us with great stories of the past.” event with South Carolina Athletics Director page at Lexington County Gamecock Club. Gunter started the Junior Gamecock Club in Ray Tanner that will be available to chapter 1995 with the chapter and according to him it members and be held on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at a has “just mushroomed with the help of Robbin site yet to be determined. Moss. She really took it to another level. RobThey also in the next year coming up have bin Moss and Heather Hornsby have helped the a baseball banquet with head coach Chad Gamecock Club on a yearly basis with the Hal- Holbrook in January, the golf tournament with loween Party by giving out gifts to the Junior football head coach Steve Spurrier in April and Gamecocks from the Lexington Chapter. Moss then a football banquet with all the Gamecock is also instrumental in developing and organiz- assistant coaches in July. The basketball preing the Junior Gamecock Club Baseball Cook- season function with men’s basketball head out that we have during the baseball season.” coach Frank Martin will be held in early SepGunter mentioned that the chapter really likes tember. to go above and beyond and they have brought In addition to all of these events, the chapter in some great people over the years. One of the also has all the Junior Gamecock Club events board members of the chapter, Beth Phibbs, that they sponsor. Board member Joe Mergo even suggested starting the fan appreciation was instrumental with Director of Golf Puggy that you now see during halftime at every home Blackmon in helping to build The Coop golf football game. practice facility, which is South Carolina’s first Currently, the Lexington County Gamecock athletics facility located in Lexington County. Club sponsors the softball team and they just All of these things are very important accordrecently had head coach Beverly Smith come ing to Gunter, but at the end of the day the real to talk with the board. The softball team will purpose of the Lexington County Gamecock
24 • Spurs & Feathers
October 23, 2013
SUBMITTED PHOTOs
Operation Hat Trick was created out of the University of New Hampshire for two Navy SEALs who were friends. To learn more about OHT, visit www.operationhatrick.com.
Gamecocks and Operation Hat Trick by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
them and they are presented with one of these special hats,” Waters explained. On the games with these special presentaWith the military being so important and tions, all of the coaching staff, administration involved in the state and the University of and even Athletics Director Ray Tanner will South Carolina, the Athletics Marketing wear these hats. Tanner says that it is so comdepartment jumped at the chance to get infortable that it has become one of his favorite volved with Operation Hat Trick. hats. Operation Hat Trick was created out of the “It’s a great joy and the teams have really University of New Hampshire for two Navy enjoyed it. When we did the men’s soccer SEALs who were friends and who both were game we introduced a lieutenant colonel and killed in action. Hats with college logos and a major with the team,” Waters said. “Then designs were created and sold with the prothey got in the team huddle and they were ceeds from the sales going toward veterans’ pumping them up before the game. Moving hospitals and administrations to help with the forward we’re going to do one at volleyball treatment of soldiers. coming up too.” The name Operation Hat Trick arose from Waters said that he has been working with the great hockey tradition at the University the founder of Operation Hat Trick to try and of New Hampshire. Since hat tricks, when a work out something special to do for the basplayer scores three goals in a game, are fairly ketball coaches when their seasons begin. He common in hockey, the name came naturally said that coach Staley and coach Martin are to the founders. unable to wear a hat during the game, so they “So being the military school we are, of had to get creative. course military is so important to the state “So right now we’re working on creating a of South Carolina and we are the University necktie that would be the same thing falling of South Carolina, we loved it. When I saw under Operation Hat Trick and we could still this, we jumped on board,” Marketing Direc- do a basketball game around it,” Waters said. tor Josh Waters said. “There are about 100 “We would still present the troops with the teams, colleges and professional teams, that hat, but Coach Martin could wear the tie that do this. day instead of a hat. “The way that we adopted it is - we’ve had “They’re also working with us to create a two games so far, both soccer teams have visor for coach Spurrier … they haven’t done done it - when we introduce their starting a visor yet, but they’re working with Brand lineups, we introduce some soldiers with 47, the company making the hats, to make a
camouflage visor with the Block C on it for coach Spurrier,” Waters continued. Waters said that this will be done with just about all of the sports on campus and is planned to continue throughout the year. Both soccer teams and volleyball are participating, along with planned ceremonies with both basketball teams, baseball and softball. He said that doing it at the women’s sports allows them to draw attention to female military members who are such a big part of the military efforts in the US and abroad. The Mighty Sound of the Southeast, the South Carolina marching band, is scheduled to wear the Operations Hat Trick hats while in the stands. Waters said that it will be a treat for the students and since it is such a great cause, they are happy to supply the hats. South Carolina currently has three designs for sale, with the most popular being the camouflage hat. The hats are sold in retail, at the campus bookstores and in the GamecocksOnline.com shop. Waters said that he has urged sponsors to sell these and some national brands, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Kohl’s for example, have even agreed to sell them nationally. Waters has used the good relationship with Fort Jackson to try to make these hats available on base because “anything with a Gamecock on it, the people love it.” He said that he hopes to make this happen to help support the military and Operation Hat Trick.
Of the around 100 teams that have joined Operation Hat Trick, Waters said that South Carolina would be a good place to try some of the new products, such as t-shirts, the neckties and possibly visors. He has hoped to give licensing to any products which the founders are willing to try. Waters said that after the special presentation at the men’s soccer game, he saw two students wearing the Operation Hat Trick hats. “I asked them ‘where did you get it?’ and they said they bought them at the bookstore on campus. They said ‘we bought it after you did that presentation and these are the coolest hats that we’ve ever seen,’” Waters recalled. Waters said that the camouflage hat seems to be the most popular with the military, so every time he meets with someone in the military he will give them one. “It’s kind of a little token of appreciation for what they do for us. It has been great and we have been promoting this as much as we can because it is such a great cause,” Waters said. “Teamwork is teamwork wherever you’re at. Sacrifices have to be made and they make the ultimate sacrifice in fighting and leaving family … it’s just a token that we can send out to them in appreciation for what they do for us.” To learn more visit www.operationhattrick. com or you can purchase the hats at: http:// shop.gamecocksonline.com/search/operation%20hat%20trick.
October 23, 2013
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26 • Spurs & Feathers
October 23, 2013
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 Missouri, you can listen to the Gamecock Radio Network inside Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium on 94.7 (primary) or 98.5 (secondary).
South Carolina-Missouri television
The game will be on ESPN or ESPN2. 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
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October 23, 2013
Spurs & Feathers • 27
Growing the Nashville Gamecocks
By Mike Kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
and his wife showed up for that and it was a great time,” Brunson recalled. “It was a great time and we’re hoping to do that again next year and have The Nashville Gamecock Club and the area an even bigger turnout.” My Carolina Alumni Association are working Brunson said that he and others have tried to toward growing their groups and they hosted help grow the group since he moved to the area. University of South Carolina president Dr. PasThey are attempting to take advantage of the tides recently. number of young people that are moving to NashPastides was able to watch the South Carolina- ville from the University. He said that the growth Arkansas football game with the Nashville of the city has really helped out with increasing submitted photo Gamecocks at Tin Roof in downtown Nashville. their numbers and draw people from Columbia. The Pastides’ (center) pictured with members of the Nashville Gamecocks. Pastides was in the area because his wife, PatriMany of the Nashville Gamecocks are able to cia, was doing some book signings for her two go support the team on the road because there are books that are out. so many SEC schools in close proximity, but maThe President had visited a tailgate in Nashville ny of them still like to attend some football games the year before and he reached out to a member in Columbia every year. Brunson said that they to find out where they were going to be watching have also held a baseball tailgate any time South the game since he would be in the area. Pastides Carolina plays in Nashville and they hold viewand his wife came by and she even had her books ing parties for football and other sports as well. available for the crowd as well. “Any time the University is playing Nashville, “Both of them mingled with everybody. They we make it a point - whether it’s the men’s tournawere glad to be watching the game and they were ment, women’s tournament, baseball or whatever great to have. They were talking to everybody, in- - we always try and show up,” Brunson said. troducing themselves and getting to know some “There was a men’s club hockey team playing people,” chapter vice president J.W. Brunson said. Vanderbilt earlier this year and we even had about “We probably had around 40 or 50 people which 15 people who went to that.” is great for us. The chapter is always trying to come up with “Anytime you can have somebody from the some big, new events to go around all of the supUniversity show up, it’s big. It helps our attenport for the athletics teams and watch parties. dance and lets us know that even though we’re a They host a Freshmen Send-Off party every little farther away, it’s still home and family for summer for the locals who will be attending us,” Brunson continued. “It shows that the UniSouth Carolina. Brunson said that they have versity is approachable and great to talk to. It just plans to continue growing and engaging the local makes it exciting for us.” alumni and Gamecock fans. Brunson said that the chapter is fairly new, only “We didn’t realize how many Gamecock fans established within the past two years and they there actually are in Nashville, but it’s pretty surare trying to grow their membership. He noted prising … it seems every week one of us ends up that they did have a great event last year when the running into somebody around town in a GameGamecock football team played at Vanderbilt at cock hat or sign on the car. We make it a point Jed’s, a local sports bar. The event had an incred- to go up and say ‘hey’ and get them involved,” ible turnout, estimated at 300-400 Gamecock Brunson said. fans by Jed’s owner. To find out more about the Nashville Game“We advertised a bit in various places and cock Club and Alumni Association, you can find between that and word of mouth, everybody just the on Facebook as Nashville Gamecocks or folknew to go to Jed’s. We ended up having a huge low them on Twitter @NashvilleGCocks. If you turnout there. We had some people from the would like to contact the chapter, you can email Moore School of Business show up, Dr. Pastides them at NashvilleGamecocks@gmail.com.
28 • Spurs & Feathers
Reminder from Gamecock Club: Please remember that the Gamecock Club renewal deadline is January 31, 2014. Missouri Parking Information **There are seven on-campus garages available for game day parking. Most of these garages are free with the exception of the Maryland Ave. Garage located at the corner of Tiger/Maryland Ave. and Hospital Drive, and the new Parking Structure #7, located at the corner of Monk Drive and Virginia Ave. The fee for these two garages is $25 per game. For those wishing to park in open-air parking lots, there is parking available in the small lot to the immediate south of Truman’s Landing on Research Park Drive, as well as in the Dalton Parking Lot located to the north of Truman’s Landing on Research Park Drive. These lots will fill quickly and are available on a first come, first served basis for a fee of $25. Family Friendly parking is available in the VA Hospital parking lot located on the corner of Stadium Blvd. and Monk Drive. This lot is monitored as an alcohol-free zone and is meant to prevent the presence of open containers. Parking in the VA Hospital parking lot is available for donation of $25 per vehicle. **Courtesy shuttles are available from each lot to designated points throughout the stadium. Golf-cart shuttles (Lots G, K, M, N, O and P) operate beginning 90 minutes prior to kick-off, during half-time and for 60 minutes following the conclusion of the game. Bus shuttles (Lots H, U, X, Y, Z and Truman’s Landing) run 2 hours prior to kick-off and will be discontinued at kick-off. Bus shuttles do not operate postgame. Golf Cart Shuttles do not go past Gate 1 due to high pedestrian foot traffic on game day, and courtesy golf cart shuttles from Lot G do not go beyond gate 6W. All shuttle pick-up and drop-off points are easily identifiable by a shuttle pick-up / drop-off sign. Ride the Columbia Transit Shuttle Bus to all Mizzou Home Football Games for only $1.50 each way (exact change required). All buses drop-off at the intersection of Tiger Avenue and Hospital Drive, and pick-up locations are scattered throughout downtown, as well as hotels, restaurants and shopping centers in east, south and west Columbia. **Single-game RV/Bus parking is available on a first come, first served basis in Truman’s Landing located off Providence Road near Mick Deaver Memorial Blvd. Cost is $200 for the week-end. Truman’s Landing will be open from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on the evening prior to a home football game. The lot will re-open at 7:00 AM on the day of the game. All vehicles must vacate the lot not later than 12:00 PM on the Sunday following the game. Please direct all single-game RV/Bus Parking questions to Tony Wirkus at (573) 882-8718. **For more information, visit www.mutigers.com/gameday/. 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-
October 23, 2013
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. 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. Charleston County Gamecock Club Homecoming Happy Hour Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 5-9 p.m. at The Alley, 131 Columbus St., Charleston, S.C. 29403. Enjoy happy hour drink price for the duration of the party. Arrive early to catch the live broadcast of “Fan Talk” on ESPN Radio 98.9 FM and 910 AM. Bobby Hartin will be hosting the show at The Alley from 3-6 p.m. All Gamecocks are welcome! 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! Fairfield County Gamecock Club Meeting Tuesday, November 19th at 7:00pm All Gamecock Club members and fans are invited to the Fairfield Cove Restaurant (1418 Hwy 321 Bypass South, Winnsboro, S.C. 29180) for the Fairfield County Gamecock Club business meeting. The meal will be a Dutch treat and there will be great door prizes. Additionally, a 2012 Outback Bowl autographed Steve Spurrier football will be raffled. Tickets will only be sold at the meeting and you must be present to win. Guest speaker will be Jay Brown, Assistant Director of the Gamecock Club. A special thanks to Carolina Wings (Blythewood), Frank’s Carwash, Jewelry Warehouse Garnet and Black Traditions, and Scotties’ Café and Grill (Blythewood) for their generous donations to the Fairfield County Gamecock Club. Colleton County Gamecock Club - Pep Rally Monday, Nov. 25 from 6-8 p.m. Walterboro Elks Lodge at 236 Milestone Ln. in Walterboro, S.C. 29488. Fun for all ages! DJ and Cocky will be present with raffle ticket for awesome prizes. For more information contact Lori Beard at lori@docheno. com or (843) 909-1919.
Don’t forget to check the calendar on www.spursandfeathers.com for all upcoming events.
Upcoming South Carolina Athletics Events zz October 21 Women’s Tennis at ITA Carolina Regional............................All day zz October 25 Volleyball vs. Tennessee.............................................7 p.m. Women’s Soccer vs. Vanderbilt .................................7 p.m. Women’s Golf at The Landfill Tradition............................... All Day Equestrian at Texas A&M................................................................. TBA zz October 26 Swimming & Diving at East Carolina......................................1 p.m. Football at Missouri.......................................................................7 p.m. Men’s Soccer vs. New Mexico.....................................7 p.m. Women’s Golf at The Landfill Tradition............................... All Day zz October 27 Volleyball vs. Auburn............................................ 1:30 p.m. Women’s Soccer at Mississippi State......................................2 p.m. Women’s Golf at The Landfill Tradition............................... All Day
Spurs & Feathers • 29
October 23, 2013
Brittons outfits and serves Gamecocks By Mike Kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
Brittons has been clothing the Gamecock faithful and outfitting the well-dressed of Columbia for years while keeping a strong connection with the community and university. Brittons has been a part of the Columbia community since the 1940s and has been locally owned by the Levinson family since that time. Perry Lancaster married into the family and has been helping run the business for 38 years. Lancaster said that Brittons always had a great relationship with South Carolina and they have been great Gamecock fans going back to the beginnings of their time in Columbia. He said that he noticed the enthusiasm for the Gamecocks really began to ramp up when Lou Holtz came to coach the team. Brittons provided a Garnet and Black tie with the palmetto tree and crescent moon for Holtz to wear on his introduction and it became a tradition that continued when Steve Spurrier was introduced as coach on Nov. 24, 2004. “I went to Dr. Sorensen’s (the University’s president at that time) and left a tie and handwritten note asking coach Spurrier to wear it at his introduction. The next day he wore it and the tie was seen all over the news and television. We sold 100 of the ties the next day. That was when we really saw the power of sports and decided to embrace it,” Lancaster recalled. Now Brittons provides everything that a Gamecock fan, male or female, could need to be outfitted for gameday. For men, they carry gameday pants and shorts with the Gamecock on them in multiple colors, Knit shirts with embroidery with the Gamecock or the new Block C collection, gameday t-shirts both short- and long-sleeved, coaches’ shirts and upper deck polos with the Block C. Lancaster’s wife, Stacy Levinson, has gone to New York to pick exclusive gameday jewelry, skirts, knit polos, garnet tops and jackets to be offered for women who need to dress for gameday. Also stocked are Carolina-themed belts, key fobs, wallets, coasters, tote bags, pillows and much more. Brittons offers selections from Southern Tide, Pennington & Bailes and many other high quality brands. Lancaster said that the nice thing about their offerings is that everything they have is individually designed exclusively for Brittons. “We are a small, local business creating things that are unique and different products. I’ve taken ideas from people and been able to design them and make them a reality,” Lancaster said. “That’s what is great here, we’re able to do the unique and offer it to
Gamecock fans.” Brittons also has formal attire if you need to dress up outside of gameday and there are many options to show Gamecock pride even when dressed to the nines. They have everything from Carolina-themed stud sets, cuff links and blazer buttons to an extensive set of neckwear. “We had a number of requests for neckwear and we made a bow tie with the Gamecock and a light blue palmetto and crescent moon. We got many requests for the Gamecock and the Block C, so we offer both in ties, bow ties and even a formal set with a cumber bun,” Lancaster said. If you need help to tie the bow tie you pick up from Brittons, you can talk to Lucky Levinson or view his video on YouTube. His is the most-watched video on tying a bow tie on YouTube with over 2.8 million views. Brittons dresses many of the Gamecock coaches for their coaches’ television shows. Lancaster said they dress Spurrier, Frank Martin, Chad Holbrook and Gamecock celebrities Todd Ellis and Andy Demetra. Along with embracing the Gamecocks in their products, Brittons has also become involved with the University community. “We’re all about special events to connect with the community. We do a big reception for Parents’ Weekend, we support the Greek community and we are also a sponsor for Dance Marathon. This way we’re not just taking, we’re giving back,” Lancaster said. In keeping with the University involvement, Brittons is providing all of the formal wear for the USC Love Story Wedding contest winners Sherri Altizer and Scott Wingard as well. The ceremony will be on Nov. 8 and Brittons made the donation through the hotel, restaurant and tourism management program at South Carolina. Brittons can supply all fans’ needs to show Gamecock pride no matter the occasion and has been an important partner in the community and with the University in the many years they have served Columbia.
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October 23, 2013
A loss is a loss, but all is not lost
Since I was born (March 1960), South Carolina’s record in football is 298-289-8 (includes this year). The first loss I can really remember was in 1970, when Georgia beat us on television, despite Dickie Harris returning an interception and kickoff for touchdowns of 94 and 96 yards, respectively. The next one I can recall was my first USC – Clemson matchup in 1971. So we can subtract 63 losses from that 289 that occurred Ed Girardeau before that, less the Georgia Contributing Editor loss, the remaining 227 I can pretty much tell you something about everyone of them. A lot of those were listened to on the radio and I cannot do each one by heart, but if I look at the media guide, the memories come back (trust me, the wins are much more fun). None, not a one, can I remember that I liked. All of that to say, 227 was no fun, too, as I am sure that it was for you whatever your number is. Some losses are more frustrating than others and I would contribute that to expectations. After the shellacking of Arkansas, there was expectations that perhaps we would turn the corner and take care of business. Don’t get me wrong, I have been to
Rocky Top and it is never easy and with the game with Georgia a couple of weeks ago in Tennessee, the warnings were there. But once we had taken the lead 21-17, with Clowney and the defense playing well, and the momentum, it seemed, like the UCF game, we would be okay. Mike Davis was having another great game with over 120 yards rushing. Surely we would run out the clock and head home with a win. It was not to be. And give Tennessee credit. They hung in there and the catch that Marquez North made to set up the winning field goal is highlight quality for years to come for Tennessee with our defense right there with him and three hands on the ball. Unfortunately, only one belonged to the good guys. I know that does not make me feel any better, but if we woulda, shoulda, coulda this for the next four pages and woulda, shoulda, couldas were nuts, we would have a bag full that we could feed the elephants at the circus and we still would not feel very good. Here’s the reality. Georgia lost, Florida lost. We beat Missouri next week and we will be right back in this thing. No, we cannot win the National Championship, but we can win the SEC East and play in the championship game. When we came into this stretch, I hoped for the best, but I thought if we can
win two of three we would still be in pretty good shape and that possibility is still there. A loss is a loss, but all is not lost! And really, what choice do we have? It is disappointing, but whatever your number of losses you’ve experienced while being a Gamecock, I’m sure you will still be a Gamecock in the next game. Beat Missouri and we will feel a lot better. The Missouri game is a great opportunity
to get a signature win against an undefeated, probably top-10 team. Next week is HUGE! So have a great trip to Missouri and root the Gamecocks to a victory. If you can’t make it, go to the Colonial Life Arena and watch it together on the big screens and get there early to see the basketball teams and help them to get ready for their upcoming seasons. I will be there looking for victory 299. Go Cocks!
freshmen, cont. from page 11
Coates said that the staff has been reasonable with their expectations of her and not put too much on her plate. “She (Staley) always told me if I ever felt a lot of pressure to tell her, but I haven’t. They always make it easy on me so that I don’t feel so much pressure,” Coates said. “I know that I have a big role coming in here, that’s why they’ve been recruiting
me since the eighth grade. I feel like I will be able to fill the shoes that they have for me.” Overall, both freshmen are excited for the season to get underway and to help contribute to the team. “I’m definitely excited and ready for the season to start. Just trying to tweak a lot of things and learn the plays. I just want
to get everything down so that I’m ready when the season comes,” Farmer said. “I feel like I will be able to keep up with the SEC and everything that they do throw at me because I’m prepared. The coaching staff has me mentally and physically prepared, so I feel like it’s not going to be as bad as I thought it was going to be in high school,” Coates echoed.
“One approach is to help high school athletes and their families navigate the recruiting process. Who to talk to, what questions to ask, what courses to take in high school and other issues,” Cox said. “They feel like that is a very strong need, especially in our state and that is part of what the foundation is doing. “The other part of it is … Marcus had what people call ‘devastating knee injuries’ and he has come back from both of them. This foundation is going to start raising money for high school athletes that cannot afford that kind of rehab or those kind of surgeries. It will help them go through that process,” Cox continued. The Smiths told a story of how after the second knee injury, many people said that
Lattimore should think about giving up football. They were very honest and open about it and knew they did not want to go through the process a third time, but his answer to that revealed his strength of character and what kind of young man he is. “His answer was very simple. He said ‘no, I’ve got to do this because I have to prove to people coming behind me that it can be done … you can get through it, you can persevere, but you’ve got to work at it,’” Cox said recalling the story. “He said ‘if I don’t do it, no one else will show them the way’ … for a kid that is not even 22 years old yet to have that kind of head on his shoulders is just unbelievable,” Cox continued. Cox said that the University was lucky to
have Lattimore and his parents and that the Spartanburg County chapter wants to support them in whatever way possible. Cox noted that South Carolina has been and will continue to reap the benefits of his time as a Gamecock, so it is time for them to give back and help him and his family. The foundation is in its infancy, but there are plans for it to grow and become bigger throughout the state. The process is really just getting underway, but more information will be given on how to become involved and contribute when it becomes available. To find out more about the Spartanburg County Gamecock Club you can like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @ upstategamecock. You can email the chapter at gamecockssptbg@aol.com as well.
had at South Carolina and she’s been doing extremely well as far as picking up on things and scoring. Defensively, she has a little ways to go, but that’s probably the toughest thing to learn, especially as a post player,” Staley continued.
spartAnburg, cont. from page 7 view it as a platform in which they can help others. “They feel like Marcus playing football is just a platform for him to do other things. He enjoys and loves playing the game, but it is not the end-all for the family,” Cox said. “They feel like that is a platform to do good things and help people out.” Cox said that the Smiths talked about how they can help others through setting up a foundation in Lattimore’s name. The foundation is in the beginning stages of being molded and set up, but there are big plans for it to do good work starting at the high school level.
photo by allen sharpe
Mike Davis had another great day rushing the football with 137 yards on 21 carries.
October 23, 2013
Spurs & Feathers • 31
32 • Spurs & Feathers
October 23, 2013