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in the air, with his feet, qb leads with intensity
September 25, 2013 • Volume 35 • Issue 26
2 • Spurs & Feathers
September 25, 2013
photo by allen sharpe
Remember the things you’ve done right to take on balance of the season A bye week can be good for a lot of things that count big in college football and while you seldom hear about it, there are any number of examples of teams that successfully addressed issues and readjusted themselves by doing the right things in a week away from the field. The Gamecocks aren’t in need of major upgrades, which is the case for most highly-ranked teams after a few games, but every team can benefit from a fresh look in the mirror at the way they’ve done things and what lies ahead. All the attention has been on junior Jadeveon Clowney, the subject of any number of sensationalized offseason stories making grandiose predictions about his future without much discussion about the present. Prior to fall camp, defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward talked to me about his concerns with Clowney, which were all about the present. Ward wanted to know how hungry Clowney would be, whether
he would let the attention affect him in a negative way, what he might do if offenses ran away from him all game long, how his All-American defensive end might cope with frustration and whether he would take a play off here and there. What we know after three games is that teams have been able to minimize the disruption Clowney causes by running away from him and Bart Wright getting rid of the ball Contributing quickly after the snap. This Writer should not have come as a surprise to anyone who has spent much time watching the game of football. We’ll see what happens, but as the young linebackers behind Clowney grow into their roles and make more significant con-
tributions, it will become increasingly difficult for teams to play hideaway. This is a great time for Clowney to understand all of that in ways he hasn’t previously understood. Experience is the best teacher and you can go look at Clowney’s sacks, forced fumbles and other statistics and realize he’s had a pretty impressive first three games for a guy that opponents tried to stay away from. The other thing worth noting this week is the contribution to the roster made by quarterbacks coach G.A. Mangus. Fans commonly don’t hear a lot of names of assistant coaches who are good recruiters. There might be a dozen names out there nationally, guys who have gained respect from their peers over the course of a career, but it’s a select list. Mangus deserves some recognition for what he’s done with the quarterback position. If all he did was locate and sign Connor Shaw, it would be enough, but Mangus
has upgraded the position with all his recruits. He may not have the national attention of some, but Mangus knows something a lot of those guys don’t know – he knows the kind of quarterback Steve Spurrier wants in his offense. Finding the right talent for a specific architecture the head coach has in mind is the best attribute an assistant can have and Mangus has surely passed that test with Shaw, who is everything Spurrier wants in a quarterback. Mangus played for Spurrier, he was a graduate assistant for the Head Ball Coach, he knows the physical attributes and the leadership skills his coach needs and he’s found a perfect fit. On a week away, it’s good to remember where to go from here, but it’s also important the things you’ve done right to get in a good position to take on the balance of the season.
Spurs & Feathers • 3
September 25, 2013
Martin: ‘We’re going to make it happen’
Open dates. Though I was somewhat lost on Saturday, it did give us some time to catch our breath and think about some other things. Football never stops and is always on our minds, but I enjoyed playing catch up on a couple of things. The yard needed work and raking as the pine straw had invaded. Also, had a chance to spend some quality time with my wife on Saturday evening. I was even lucky Ed Girardeau enough to take a nap over Contributing the past weekend. Editor This past Wednesday evening, Brian Hand and I were fortunate to get to spend some time with the great Gamecocks in Florence. Football was of course on the menu, in terms of conversation, but also baseball and basketball, as coach Holbrook and coach Martin, as well as coach Tanner were on hand. Fall baseball practice is starting and talk of getting back to Omaha was discussed. However, the reminder that basketball is right around the corner was brought into focus. I talked a little with coach Frank Martin and if
you cannot get excited about basketball once talking to him, there must be something wrong. With one year under his belt, the man is building and re-establishing the program here at South Carolina. Re-establishing you say? Perhaps you don’t remember. In 1964, another coach named Frank took over the basketball reins in Columbia. His first team went 6-17 and 2-12 in the conference. Nothing to get excited about there. The second year 11-13 and 4-10. I was a little young, so I do not remember this period, but I can imagine that the overall excitement level was pretty low. That was about to change. My earliest memories were as a 10-year-old in 1970. The Carolina Coliseum was opened in 1969 and the next year Cremins, Roche, Owens, Riker and Ribock, et al, went 14-0 in the vaunted ACC. As a kid, I can remember that the place would just roar during those home games. Tickets were impossible to come by. They even had to televise all the games due to the demand (unheard of in those days). I can remember standing there (nobody sat) at the Maryland game when all heck broke loose. In 1971, Kevin Joyce “jumped to the moon” to tip the ball to Tom Owens for a layup and we
won our ACC championship over North Carolina. The next year, the new freshman class included Alex English and Kevin Dunleavy. There was the incredible come-from-behind win led by Kevin Joyce’s 41 points over Bobby Knight’s Indiana team. There was Brian Winters last second jumper to beat Digger Phelps’ Notre Dame. I was there and the Coliseum shook! In the years that followed there was no place like the Carolina Coliseum. Zam Frederick leading the nation in scoring in 1981. The 1997 team beating Kentucky at home and going on to win the SEC championship behind BJ McKie, Larry Davis and Melvin Watson. The move over to the Colonial Life Arena has had its moments. Beating No. 1 Kentucky behind Devan Downey; the full court pass with four seconds left to Zam Federick II for a layup at the buzzer to beat Florida. But consistency has not been a hallmark since moving to the Arena in 2002. Things are getting ready to change. Coach Martin has recruited a class of eight new players to go with a solid returning group. They stand to take a few lumps along the way with a tough out of conference schedule to go along
with the conference portion. But it’s coming. To be honest, I have not had much faith in basketball since its move to the Arena, but I’m jumping on the bandwagon now. In talking with the new coach named Frank at the end of the evening last Wednesday, he told me, “we’re going to make it happen.” I for one, believe him! Basketball is moving to a new level. And not only in the men. Hall of Famer Coach Dawn Staley has her Gamecocks poised for success NOW. These two coaches have intensity like no others and are getting ready to go on a run that you do not want to miss. Season tickets are available and are extremely reasonable. The deadline for renewals is fast approaching on Sept. 27 before going to the public. If you missed the days of the Carolina Coliseum and you did not experience the inability to get a ticket to the games, that is right around the corner for the Colonial Life Arena. Now is the time to get your tickets and get ready for the ride. You only have one chance to say I was there when this all started and now is the time. In the years to come you will say one of two things. “I wish I had” or “I’m glad I did.” Be in the glad you did crowd and get ‘em before they are gone!
4 • Spurs & Feathers
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September 25, 2013
What’s Inside? - Table of Contents Gamecock Club’s Jay Brown........................................5 South Carolina - Central Florida Depth Charts.....................................................................6 Gamecocks’ football schedule and SEC standings..........................................................7 South Carolina’s sand volleyball holds first full team practices......................................9 Checking in with members of the Gamecock baseball battery.........................10
Scott B. Hunter
Publisher & President Aiken Communications, Inc.
Tim O’Briant
General Manager tobriant@spursandfeathers.com (803) 335-1400 Ext. 500
Brian Hand
Executive Editor bhand@spursandfeathers.com (803) 335-1399 Ext. 506
Legendary Fan profile - RJ Moore...........................12
Mike Kucharski
Women’s basketball schedule released................13
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
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Something to crow about!
Alum keeps Gamecocks close to his heart..........14 Compliance Corner......................................................15 Andre Goodman profile.............................................16
It was a great weekend for the nationally third-ranked equestrian team as they opened their season with an emphatic win. The Gamecocks soundly defeated No. 5 Kansas State, 15-5, on opening day at their home facility One Wood Farm in Blythewood, S.C. They will next be in action on Friday as they play host to Fresno State. The Gamecock volleyball team also had an excellent weekend by claiming the title in the Carolina Classic Tournament. South Carolina defeated Western Carolina, Robert Morris and Presbyterian College while dropping only one set during the tournament. South Carolina posted victories of 3-0, 3-1 and 3-0. The Gamecocks are set to begin SEC play starting Friday. Individually, two Gamecocks took home honors as well as senior outside hitter Juliette Thévenin was named Tournament MVP and sophomore middle blocker Darian Dozier was selected to the All-Tournament team as well.
Women’s soccer goakeeper talks team goals............................................................17 “Inside the Chart” with Andy Demetra.................18 Joey Pankake’s changing role..................................19 Florence County Gamecock Club holds its fall rally...........................................................21 Upcoming events: Gamecock Club.......................23
September 25, 2013
Spurs & Feathers • 5
What can Brown do for you? by Brian hand bhand@spursandfeathers.com
The Gamecock Club is the foundation of the University of South Carolina athletic department and to Assistant Director of the Gamecock Club Jay Brown it is very fitting that the first grouping of offices on the far left corner of the Rice Athletics Center are the Gamecock Club offices. “The Gamecock Club is the foundation (of Gamecock athletics) and our members set the foundation for the athletic department. We couldn’t do it without our Gamecock Club members,” Brown mused. Brown’s assertions are made even more profound by the fact that not only is he a current Gamecock Club staff member, but also because he was a part of South Carolina’s baseball program for four years. In South Carolina’s National Championship-winning 2010 season, Brown, a captain along with Kyle Enders, was 3-0 in 17 appearances on the mound for the Gamecocks. “I guess to bring it full circle in this position, I can speak on my experience as a studentathlete at the University of South Carolina and what the Gamecock Club did for me,” Brown noted. “Maybe not specifically me, but what they did for our baseball program, for our athletic department. “I was here when the Dodie was first opened. I was here and I experienced the support and the financial support it took to build Carolina Stadium so I kind of have that first-hand knowledge of what the Gamecock Club, what our boosters and what all of that goes toward as a student-athlete,” Brown said. Brown is quick to point out that he realizes his unique experiences give him instant credibility when explaining the importance of the Gamecock Club to others. “I’m not just another person that is talking. I not only went to this University, I was a student-athlete at this University and now I am trying to stress to them how important their contributions are for the student-athletes at this University,” Brown remarked. His National Championship pedigree is also something in which he understands that people are going to be interested in when he is explaining his Gamecock experiences. “I joke around with people because obviously everybody wants to see the ring,” Brown commented. “I don’t take it a whole lot of places because whenever those were ordered they are big … they are nice to look at; they are not as nice when you are trying to eat a meal, or shake a lot of peoples hands. “You’ve got to show them off. Maybe I won’t be wearing them a lot, but a lot of times I’ll
The Gamecock Club is currently in the midst of record numbers, but Brown notes that they are not content with the record numbers. They want to raise the bar each and every year. “We are involved in the bigger picture of growing the Gamecock Club, enhancing the game experience for our Gamecock Club members,” Brown said. “All of that is very fun to me. You are always trying to improve the experience for the Gamecock Club members. Yes, I’m here to improve and enhance the Gamecock club members’ experience, but I try to portray to them as best that I can that what they are doing is enhancing and improving the experience for our student-athletes. I think coach Tanner says it best when he says we are all trying to just make it better for our studentathletes.” In addition to helping current Gamecock student-athletes realize their potential, particularly by serving as a contact to the Upstate photo by allen sharpe Gamecock Club chapters, one of Brown’s main passions as part of his current job is have it with me in the car. That way if someGa. native had never really thought about maintaining strong relationships with former body would like to see it, I can go grab it.” working in baseball, but with Young Harris Gamecock lettermen. Brown overall likes to bring the National making the move to the NCAA Division II “I also work with Clyde Wrenn (Special AsChampionship ring around because to him it is ranks and the Peach Belt Conference it was too sistant to Development) here in really trying as much a ring for the members of Gamecock good of an opportunity to pass up. to reach out to former student-athletes and Nation as it is for the 2010 South Carolina Brown learned a great deal at the NCAA also work with the Lettermen’s Association, baseball team. Division II institution that he feels only make serving as their liaison to really create a part“If you go back, I would say that there is no him more of a valuable staff member of the nership where we can do our best to go out way we win a National Championship without Gamecock Club. and get our former student-athletes and really the financial contributions to make the facility “You are wearing a lot of different hats (at a make them feel good about coming back to the what it is in order to get the student-athletes small school). I’m doing some administrative University. we need to win a National Championship. I duties for other sports. I am helping with tick“There’s all kinds of a brotherhood and a couldn’t tell you how many times during that eting, gameday operations for a lot of different sisterhood of former student-athletes here at 2010 year that we were down, or we needed sports. In such a closed environment in DII, South Carolina so we are just trying to get some kind of spark. When you have 7 or you are involved in a lot of strategic planning all those interests and everything together in 8,000-people at each game there is that instant and that combined with my background in supporting the University of South Carolina,” spark,” Brown said. public administration kind of led me away Brown concluded. Brown’s playing days at Carolina ended with more towards a more administrative type the right-handed pitcher leaving South Caroprocess. I wanted to be involved in the bigger lina with a perfect 8-0 record in 118.1 innings picture, the administrative side of things,” pitched. He fanned 89 in his 33 games on the Brown said. hill for the Gamecocks. Brown started 21 of Being able to combine all of those compothe 33 games in which he appeared. nents of his background whether it was his Brown departed South Carolina with two student-athlete experiences, coaching, recruitdegrees as he picked up his Bachelor’s Degree ing or being part of administration are what led in political science and his Master’s in public him to take the opportunity with the Gameadministration during his four years at South cock Club a short time ago. Carolina. “I’m obviously not talking to student-athJust mere weeks after helping lead South letes, or prospective student-athletes, but I’m Carolina to its first National Championship, talking with donors, boosters and prospective Brown joined the staff at Young Harris College donors, establishing those relationships. So, where he had originally suited up when the there is that relationship factor that is very institution was a junior college before transfer- much comparable as a coach to your prospecring to South Carolina. tive student-athletes and families. In this posiBrown joined the Mountain Lion staff as a tion as the Assistant Director of the Gamecock pitching coach and recruiting coordinator. Club it is establishing those relationships and Despite being part of a family where his fabeing able to communicate with people,” ther was his high school coach, the Brunswick, Brown said.
6 • Spurs & Feathers
September 25, 2013
Depth Charts for Sept. 28, 12 p.m. South Carolina OFFENSE WR: WR: WR: LT: LG: C: -OR- RG: RT: TE: QB:
1 Damiere Byrd 4 Shaq Roland 8 Shamier Jeffery 23 Bruce Ellington 80 K.J. Brent 85 Kane Whitehurst 3 Nick Jones 11 Pharoh Cooper 82 Kwinton Smith 53 Corey Robinson 74 Mason Zandi 50 A.J. Cann 65 Brock Stadnik 51 Cody Waldrop 54 Clayton Stadnik 70 Alan Knott 67 Ronald Patrick 75 Will Sport 71 Brandon Shell 78 Cody Gibson 81 Rory Anderson 89 Jerell Adams 88 Drew Owens 14 Connor Shaw 17 Dylan Thompson 5 Brendan Nosovitch
5-9, 166, Jr.; Sicklerville, N.J. 6-1, 190, So.; Lexington, S.C. 6-1, 207, So.; St. Matthews, S.C. 5-9, 196, Jr.; Moncks Corner, S.C. 6-4, 188, So.; Waxhaw, N.C. 5-11, 179, So.; Duluth, Ga. 5-7, 174, Jr.; Moore, S.C. 5-11, 184, Fr.; Havelock, N.C. 6-4, 212, R-Fr.; Hamer, S.C. 6-8, 341, Jr.; Havelock, N.C. 6-9, 293, R-Fr.; Irmo, S.C. 6-4, 314, Jr.; Bamberg, S.C. 6-5, 286, R-Fr.; Greensboro, N.C. 6-2, 319, R-Fr.; Seffner, Fla. 6-3, 281, R-Fr.; Greensboro, N.C. 6-4, 272, Fr.; Tyrone, Ga. 6-2, 315, Sr.; Cocoa, Fla. 6-5, 294, So.; Milton, Fla. 6-6, 323, So.; Goose Creek, S.C. 6-7, 286, Jr.; Tallahassee, Fla. 6-5, 242, Jr.; Powder Springs, Ga. 6-6, 237, So.; Pinewood, S.C. 6-6, 244, So.; Charlotte, N.C. 6-1, 209, Sr.; Flowery Branch, Ga. 6-3, 218, Jr.; Boiling Springs, S.C. 6-1, 220, R-Fr.; Allentown, Pa.
FB: TB:
41 Connor McLaurin 31 Jordan Diaz 28 Mike Davis 22 Brandon Wilds 7 Shon Carson
6-0, 237, Jr.; Raleigh, N.C. 6-1, 233, Jr.; Hamilton, N.J. 5-9, 215, So.; Lithonia, Ga. 6-2, 223, So.; Blythewood, S.C. 5-8, 219, So.; Scranton, S.C.
SS: -OR- FS: CB:
6-5, 263, Sr.; Savannah, Ga. 6-3, 218, So.; Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. 6-2, 268, So.; Rock Hill, S.C. 6-2, 307, Jr.; Winston-Salem, N.C. 6-3, 318, So.; Rock Hill, S.C. 6-4, 298, Jr.; Hodges, S.C. 6-3, 315, So.; Manning, S.C. 6-2, 292, Fr.; Buford, Ga. 6-6, 274, Jr.; Rock Hill, S.C. 6-6, 226, R-Fr.; Powder Springs, Ga. 6-0, 221, So.; Mays Landing, N.J. 6-2, 228, R-Fr.; Stone Mountain, Ga. 6-0, 234, Fr.; Daphne, Ala. 6-1, 225, So.; Powder Springs, Ga. 6-2, 205, Fr.; Cooper City, Fla. 6-2, 213, So.; Lithonia, Ga. 5-10, 195, Jr.; Decatur, Ga. 6-0, 214, R-Fr.; Fort Myers, Fla. 5-10, 202, Jr.; Darlington, S.C. 5-10, 189, So.; Jacksonville, Fla
SPECIALISTS
DEFENSE DE: DT: DT: DE: MLB: WLB: SPR: CB:
90 Chaz Sutton 34 Mason Harris 44 Gerald Dixon 97 J.T. Surratt 92 Gerald Dixon Jr. 99 Kelcy Quarles 52 Phillip Dukes 94 Kelsey Griffin 7 Jadeveon Clowney 5 Darius English 8 Kaiwan Lewis 11 T.J. Holloman 28 Jonathan Walton 21 Marcquis Roberts 10 Skai Moore 18 Cedrick Cooper 9 Sharrod Golightly 42 Jordan Diggs 27 Victor Hampton 4 Ahmad Christian
KO: PK: P: KR: PR: SSN: LSN: H:
25 Kadetrix Marcus 20 T.J. Gurley 12 Brison Williams 17 Chaz Elder 15 Jimmy Legree 3 Jamari Smith 1 Rico McWilliams
19 Landon Ard 29 Elliott Fry 29 Elliott Fry 19 Landon Ard 13 Tyler Hull 18 Patrick Fish 7 Shon Carson 23 Bruce Ellington 23 Bruce Ellington 27 Victor Hampton 58 Ryland Culbertson 47 Drew Williams 18 Patrick Fish 5 Brendan Nosovitch
6-1, 195, Jr.; Stone Mountain, Ga. 5-10, 196, So.; Cairo, Ga. 5-11, 218, Jr.; Warner Robins, Ga. 6-2, 199, R-Fr.; Union City, Ga. 6-0, 187, Sr.; Beaufort, S.C. 5-10, 183, Fr.; Jacksonville, Fla. 5-11, 187, R-Fr.; Hampton, Ga.
5-9, 172, So.; Rock Hill, S.C. 6-0, 150, Fr.; Frisco, Texas 6-0, 150, Fr.; Frisco, Texas 5-9, 172, So.; Rock Hill, S.C. 6-2, 206, Jr.; Mount Airy, N.C. 6-0, 195, Jr.; Shelby, N.C. 5-8, 219, So.; Scranton, S.C. 5-9, 196, Jr.; Moncks Corner, S.C. 5-9, 196, Jr.; Moncks Corner, S.C. 5-10, 202, Jr.; Darlington, S.C. 6-4, 265, Jr.; Laurens, S.C. 6-2, 190, Fr.; Irmo, S.C. 6-0, 195, Jr.; Shelby, N.C. 6-1, 220, R-Fr.; Allentown, Pa.
Central Florida OFFENSE WR: WR: LT: LG: C: RG: RT: TE: QB: -OR- RB:
9 J.J. Worton 2 Jeff Godfrey 19 Josh Reese 11 Breshad Perriman 6 Rannell Hall 72 Torrian Wilson 74 Michael Campbell 63 Jordan McCray 65 Kelly Parfitt 75 Tate Hernly 55 Joey Grant 61 Tarik Cook 64 Justin McCray 76 Colby Watson 70 Chris Martin 71 Chester Brown 77 Kelly Davison 84 Justin Tukes 85 Kevin Miller 5 Blake Bortles 13 Justin Holman 14 Pete DiNovo 8 Storm Johnson 17 Cedric Thompson
6-2, 211, Jr.; Homestead, Fla. 5-11, 190, Sr.; Miami, Fla. 6-0, 184, Jr.; Miami, Fla. 6-2, 209, So.; Lithonia, Ga. 6-1, 196, Jr.; Miami, Fla. 6-3, 308, Jr.; Miami, Fla. 6-5, 273, R-Fr.; Pensacola, Fla. 6-3, 310, Sr.; Miami, Fla. 6-5, 316, R-Fr.; Boca Raton, Fla. 6-2, 290, Fr.; Fort Myers, Fla. 6-2, 285, So.; Apopka, Fla. 6-2, 294, So.; Stone Mountain, Ga. 6-3, 310, Sr.; Miami, Fla. 6-4, 303, R-Fr.; Pensacoal, Fla. 6-5, 303, Sr.; Fort Walton Beach, Fla. 6-4, 312, R-Fr.; Hinesville, Ga. 6-5, 310, Sr.; Washington, Ind. 6-5, 257, Jr.; Sylvester, Ga. 6-4, 254, So.; Deiran, N.J. 6-4, 230, Jr.; Oviedo, Fla. 6-4, 206, Fr.; Snellville, Ga. 6-1, 207, Fr.; Tarpon Springs, Fla. 6-0, 215, Jr.; Loganville, Ga. 6-0, 226, So.; Miramar, Fla.
DEFENSE
SPECIALISTS
DE: DT: DT: DE: OLB: MLB: OLB: CB: SS: -OR- FS: CB:
PK: P: LS: H: KR: PR:
47 Deion Green 6-1, 247, So.; Orlando, Fla. 44 Miles Pace 6-2, 242, So.; Miami, Fla. 94 Demetris Anderson 6-2, 303, So.; Ft. Pierce, Fla. 98 Rob Sauvao 6-2, 276, Jr.; Leesville, La. 95 E.J. Dunston 6-2, 302, Sr.; Eatonville, Fla. 99 Jaryl Mamea 6-1, 269, Jr.; Fagasa, American Samoa 69 Thomas Niles 6-2, 270, So.; Gainesville, Ga. 92 Luke Adams 6-4, 265, R-Fr.; Pensacoal, Fla. 57 Troy Gray 6-1, 210, Jr.; Kennesaw, Ga. 15 Michael Easton 5-11, 197, Jr.; Winter Haven, Fla. 41 Terrance Plummer 6-1, 234, Jr.; Orange Park, Fla. 52 Maurice Russell 5-11, 233, R-Fr.; Fort Meade, Fla. 23 Willie Mitchell 6-0, 228, Jr.; Deltona, Fla. 40 Chequan Burkett 6-1, 212, Fr.; Mongomery, Ala. 12 Jacoby Glenn 6-0, 174, R-Fr.; Prichard, Ala. 10 Shaquill Griffin 6-1, 180, Fr.; St. Petersburg, Fla. 26 Clayton Geathers 6-2, 207, Jr.; Georgetown, S.C. 31 Sean Maag 6-1, 194, Sr.; Orlando, Fla. 22 Jared Henry 5-11, 201, R-Fr.; Jacksonville, Fla. 37 Brandon Alexander 6-2, 191, Jr.; Orlando, Fla. 21 Drico Johnson 6-2, 200, R-Fr.; Orlando, Fla. 38 Jordan Ozerities 5-10, 191, Jr.; Mount Dora, Fla. 29 D.J. Killings 5-10, 180, Fr.; Jacksonville, Fla.
83 Shawn Moffitt 18 Rodrigo Quirate 35 Sean Galvin 36 Caleb Houston 35 Sean Galvin 56 Scott Teal 54 Gage Marsil 9 J.J. Worton 6 Rannell Hall 15 Michael Easton 9 J.J. Worton 2 Jeff Godfrey
5-11, 178, Jr.; Orlando, Fla. 6-1, 195, Jr.; Queretaro, Mexico 6-3, 221, Jr.; Cork, Ireland 6-2, 206, R-Fr.; Cleveland, Tenn. 6-3, 221, Jr.; Cork, Ireland 6-2, 225, Jr.; Longwood, Fla. 6-1, 234, R-Fr.; Daytona, Fla. 6-2, 211, Jr.; Homestead, Fla. 6-1, 196, Jr.; Miami, Fla. 5-11, 197, Jr.; Winter Haven, Fla. 6-2, 211, Jr.; Homestead, Fla. 5-11, 190, Sr.; Miami, Fla.
*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.
Spurs & Feathers • 7
September 25, 2013
South Carolina Gamecocks
2013
football Schedule
Standings Team
SEC
Pct. Overall
Pct. Home Away Neutral Streak
08/29/13..... vs. North Carolina ............Columbia, S.C. ............W, 27-10
Eastern
09/07/13 .... at #11 Georgia..................Athens, Ga. ..................L, 41-30
Florida
1 - 0
1.000
2 - 1
.667
2-0
0-1
0-0
W1
Georgias
1 - 0
1.000
2 - 1
.667
2-0
0-1
0-0
W2
South Carolina 1 - 1
.500
2 - 1
.667
2-0
0-1
0-0
W1
09/28/13 .... at UCF..............................Orlando, Fla. .................. 12 p.m.
Missouri
0 - 0
.000
3 - 0
1.000
2-0
1-0
0-0
W3
10/05/13 .... vs. Kentucky.....................Columbia, S.C. ................... TBA
Tennessee
0 - 1
.000
2 - 2
.500
2-0
0-2
0-0
L2
Vanderbilt
0 - 2
.000
2 - 2
.500
1-1
1-1
0-0
W1
Kentucky
0 - 0
.000
1 - 2
.333
1-1
0-0
0-1
L1
09/14/13 .... vs. Vanderbilt....................Columbia, S.C. ............W, 35-25
10/12/13 .... at Arkansas.......................Fayetteville, Ark. ................. TBA 10/19/13 .... at Tennessee....................Knoxville, Tenn. .................. TBA
Western
10/26/13 .... at Missouri........................Columbia, Mo. .................... TBA
Alabama
1 - 0
1.000
3 - 0
1.000
1-0
1-0
1-0
W3
LSU
1 - 0
1.000
4 - 0
1.000
3-0
0-0
1-0
W4
Ole Miss
1 - 0
1.000
3 - 0
1.000
1-0
2-0
0-0
W3
11/16/13 ..... vs. Florida.........................Columbia, S.C. ................... TBA
Auburn
1 - 1
.500
3 - 1
.500
3-0
0-1
0-0
L1
11/23/13 ..... vs. Coastal Carolina..........Columbia, S.C. ................... TBA
Arkansas
0 - 0
.000
3 - 1
.750
3-0
0-1
0-0
L1
Texas A&M
0 - 1
.000
3 - 1
.750
3-1
0-0
0-0
W1
Mississippi St.
0 - 1
.000
2 - 2
.500
2-0
0-1
0-1
W1
11/02/13 ..... vs. Mississippi State.........Columbia, S.C. ................... TBA
11/30/13 ..... vs. Clemson......................Columbia, S.C. ................... TBA
8 • Spurs & Feathers
September 25, 2013
September 25, 2013
Spurs & Feathers • 9
Intensity level rises as full team practices begin by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com The South Carolina sand volleyball team has now been able to step on the sand for full team practices for the first time in school history. The Gamecocks began team practice sessions on Monday Sept. 16. “We have the whole group, all eight of them, together on the sand for the first time. It’s pretty awesome,” head coach Moritz Moritz said. The team will make use of the allotted time this fall, about six weeks for full-team training, to continue to focus on the technical aspects of the game and prepare for their only fall competition. Moritz said he will continue to rotate the players, rather than working in designated pairs, to mix the group together so they can play with a range of different players. “Even within a group of eight, it’s amazing the variety that you can have from one person to the next as far as one person talks more than the other and even the different responsibilities they will take on when partnering with someone else,” Moritz noted. “At this stage, it’s such a good thing to challenge themselves, to constantly adapt to the new partner and to
The excitement level that has been constant since the student-athletes arrived on campus remains around the team according to Moritz. He said they show up early to practice with enthusiasm for the chance to work as a team toward the beginning of the competition phase. “To constantly see the improvement is what we’re working on right now,” Moritz said. “They always make jokes, ‘oh I’m so sore, I’m so tired,’ but they’re also so fired up for that opportunity to work with our strength and PHOTO BY JUSTIN HOLT conditioning coaches and to get better in the weight room. They are starting to see how that really learn not just how their partner plays or conditioning session,” Moritz said. “Then to translates to them being better on the sand as communicates, but how they communicate come into a two-hour practice in the afternoon, well. with their partner … making sure that we’re there’s some fatigue for sure. But that’s exactly “There is this exuberance from them that is working on that adaptability constantly is imwhat we talked about, ‘this is the second day of fun to watch and fun to see because they’re portant.” a major tournament. Maybe this is the differso fired up to get on the sand to play, train and Moritz has said that the team is being pushed ence between us beating Florida State or beat- get better. I think that’s huge for us. It makes physically now with the longer practices along ing whoever the opponent is in that situation.’” my job from a technical standpoint that much with the strength and conditioning training. Moritz has said that the team has embraced easier because we have kids that are excited to He explained that this will give them some every challenge thus far and they continue to train,” Moritz added. “Even though they might perspective on the environment and conditions bring the determination to work and improve be tired, fatigued and not jumping as high, they will face playing in weekend tournaments. their games. He said that the players are focus- they’re just ready to get on the court again to “I think ironically yesterday (Wednesday, ing on becoming comfortable moving in the keep going, keep learning and keep improving. Sept. 18) was a lifting day for the group and sand, finding their timing and communicating It’s just an awesome opportunity as a coach to it sounds like they had a pretty good lift and as well as possible. be able to work with student-athletes like that.”
10 • Spurs & Feathers
September 25, 2013
Catcher taking the lead in the locker room by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
having Greiner’s experience well help the newcomers to get the most out of their talent. Greiner said that this will be South Carolina catcher Grayson Greiner a focus for him during the fall practices. is bringing his experience of playing “I’m just going to try to make them feel international baseball this summer with as comfortable as I can out there. When him back to school. He recognizes that as you come in as a young freshman, you one of the upperclassmen with great exsometimes try and do too much instead perience he will be called upon to take a of just doing what you know you can larger role with the team this season. do,” Greiner said. “We’ve got some real“That was awesome. Getting to play ly talented freshman arms coming in and with 20 of the best players in the country we’ve got to just see how mentally tough kind of helped me elevate my game and they are out there. I’m just going to try to my self confidence as far as the fact that I help them along in that process. can hang with those guys,” Greiner said. “That’s what I’m going to try and do, “It kind of helped me to try and bring a just try and take someone under my leadership role back to Columbia. wing, help them relax and have fun out “The first two years we’ve had some here,” Greiner explained. older guys that have won National ChamThe Gamecocks, and Greiner personpionships and they were kind of showing ally, are looking forward to working on us the ropes a little bit. Now that core the little things and trying to improve group of us juniors feels like it’s our team each day. Greiner buys into the adage now … we’re just excited to get back that “every day you can either get better, out here on the field and see what these or get worse.” talented young guys can do,” Greiner exGreiner noted that everyone has been plained. working to improve over the summer photo by allen sharpe and they are ready to get after it “… beThe Gamecock baseball team has an Grayson Greiner knows he will have a huge leadership role for the Gamecocks this year. influx of youth this season and some of cause the moment you get satisfied, that’s these newcomers will be counted on to when you start getting worse.” He added contribute right away, whether in the field team as there have been in the past when I of it.” that he is not looking ahead to the seaon on the mound. Greiner explained that he was a freshman and sophomore, but it’s that Greiner’s work behind the plate could go son or the MLB Draft next June, but rather will have a large role in helping to smooth core group of juniors that came in as fresh- a long way in helping with the adjustments making goals for the fall practice session. the young players’ transition to college. His men and played a good bit,” Greiner said. the new pitchers must make in taking over “I just want to get better every day, help experiences on the field for the Gamecocks “We’ve been in big SEC games, big national for the large amount of innings pitched these young guys come along and get more as a 2013 second-team All-SEC honoree games and we’re just going to try and make by players who are no longer at South consistent. I want to make solid contact and on Team USA this summer will help these younger guys feel as comfortable as Carolina, either from graduation or getting every time up, never throw any at-bats away make a basis for for that leadership. possible. We know they’ve got a lot of talent drafted. and continue to play well behind the plate,” “There’s not as many older guys on the and we’re just going to try to get them out Pitching coach Jerry Meyers believes that Greiner concluded.
Wynkoop looking to continue improving and fill in for lost innings by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
last year and maybe improve upon it and I can do whatever I can to help,” Wynkoop said. The Gamecocks lost a substantial perWynkoop’s makeup has allowed him to get centage of innings pitched through Nolan the most out of his talent and excel on the Belcher’s graduation and Tyler Webb and mound for South Carolina. He is known as Adam Westmoreland being drafted, but Jack an even-keeled pitcher with the personality Wynkoop, a Freshman All-SEC selection to deal with good and bad outings. from a year ago, should be ready to step up “I think that’s kind of what you want. You and play a major role for the pitching staff. don’t want to be out there losing your head or Wynkoop is ready to embrace the challenge showing too much emotion,” Wynkoop said. and take the mound for the Gamecocks. “I think keeping your composure out there is “We lost Nolan, we lost Webb, we lost a one of the biggest parts of pitching.” lot of good players, but it will be a good opHead coach Chad Holbrook said that Wynportunity for a lot of guys to step up this year koop got much stronger over the summer and hopefully I can be one of those guys. and Wynkoop confirmed it saying that he put Hopefully we can pick up where we left off on about 10 pounds by focusing on training,
thinking about last season and ways to improve going forward. “You hope that lends itself to becoming more durable, stronger, more velocity and hopefully just day-in, day-out being able to bring their best stuff to the table more often,” pitching coach Jerry Meyers said. Wynkoop also said that he wants to add more physical tools to his repertoire, including working on the sharpness of his slider and curveball along with throwing harder. The sophomore southpaw is slated as the second pitcher in the Gamecock rotation going into fall practice, but he is not concerned with his role right now. He noted that Jordan Montgomery will be a great frontline pitcher and he just wants to be able to contribute to
the team. “I’m just going to pitch in whatever role the coaches want me to play. I’m fine with doing whatever. Jordan’s a good pitcher and we’re excited about having him as the possible ace of our staff. Right now no roles are really set in stone, so I’m just going to go out and pitch this fall and see what happens,” Wnkoop said. His goal for the fall are to continue improving and working to prepare for the spring. “I just need to keep mixing pitches and throwing strikes. I need to continue to work on sharpening my pitches, mixing my pitches and just getting outs … just to go have fun with it, relax and play loose,” Wynkoop explained.
Spurs & Feathers • 11
September 25, 2013
photo by allen sharpe
Jim Schaper (center) served as the Honorary Captain in South Carolina’s victory over Vanderbilt. He was joined by his wife, Rebecca, and Athletics Director Ray Tanner.
12 • Spurs & Feathers
September 25, 2013
photo by allen sharpe
RJ Moore (center) has been attending Gamecock football, basketball and baseball games for many years. He served the Columbia area by running RJ’s Exxon Service Station for 45 years.
RJ Moore honored as Legendary Fan at Vanderbilt game by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
California to Michigan to New Orleans and many places in between. Moore also said that along with his great memories there RJ Moore has attended Gamecock football, basketball and were some disappointments, but he remained positive always baseball games for multiple years and served the Columbia by keeping the games in perspective. community while running RJ’s Exxon service station for 45 “It’s a game; it’s just a game and you should treat as such. years. That’s what I always try to do and try to always stay posiMoore is an honorary lettermen and he has supported the tive,” Moore said. “Sometimes you just have to shake hands Gamecocks for many years. For his dedication to South and say ‘you were the best today and we’ll get you next Carolina he was honored as the Legendary Fan at the football time.’” game against Vanderbilt. RJ’s Exxon was run by Moore for 45 years and he said that “It was a big honor, all my family was there and they rehe never had a slack day in the business. He had 14 employally enjoyed it too,” Moore said. “Seeing all the people in ees who were always working hard to serve the community the stands, all 84,000 people, it was really a thrill to be able and he looked forward to go to work every day. Moore added to wave to them all. You don’t really know all of them, but that the customers were a great part of running the station inyou do know them at the same time because we’re all Game- cluding Gamecock coaches, players and students at Carolina. cocks.” “My brother told me ‘you couldn’t have put yourself in a Moore went about 38 years without missing an out-of-town computer and found a place better suited for you than your game and only missed one in-town game, which he credits service station on Rosewood Drive,’” Moore said. “I always to great health over the period. He said that he was thankful liked the coaches and how they got the guys to give 110 for that opportunity which has given him a wealth of great percent. This is a great way to live life and I tried to do that memories from following the Gamecocks. He remembered as well. You always try to do the best you can and you try to traveling across the country to follow the Gamecocks from improve at every job.”
One of his greatest thrills was talking with Bob Fulton, the “Voice of the Gamecocks” for 43 years, when he used to come by Moore’s station. Fulton had a close relationship with Moore and paid him a high compliment. “He said, ‘RJ you’ve got more true friends than anybody I know in this world and that includes me.’ When he said ‘that includes me,’ it really meant something to me when he told me that,” Moore said. Moore not only served his community, he also served in the US Army for 24 years in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War before returning to Columbia and founding his service station. Moore’s perspective and positive attitude have led to many connections within Gamecock Nation and it helped him make a lasting impression on the people he has met and helped during his life. “If somebody wanted to argue about a game, I would just say ‘hey, you’ve got your opinion and I’ve got mine, why don’t we just shake hands and be friends?’ … then you’ve got a friend so next time you go down there you tailgate with them and when they came here they would tailgate with me,” Moore said. “You can always try to get along with people by just staying positive.”
Spurs & Feathers • 13
September 25, 2013
South Carolina Gamecocks
2013 - 2014 WOMen’s Basketball Schedule
Date
Opponent / Event
Location Time
11/01/13 .. vs. North Greenville (exhibition) ........Columbia, S.C. ..............TBA 11/08/13 ..........vs. Charleston Southern ...............Columbia, S.C. ..............TBA 11/10/13 .............. vs. Louisiana Tech ....................Columbia, S.C. ..............TBA 11/14/13 .........vs. College of Charleston ...............Columbia, S.C. ..............TBA 11/17/13 .................. vs. Seton Hall ........................Columbia, S.C. ..............TBA 11/20/13 ....................... at Clemson .............................. Clemson, S.C. ..................TBA 11/23/13 ..................at San Diego State ...................... San Diego, Calif. ................TBA 11/25/13 ....................at Southern Cal .......................Los Angeles, Calif. ..............TBA 12/02/13 ....... vs. North Carolina Central .............Columbia, S.C. ..............TBA 12/08/13 ....................... at Charlotte ............................ Charlotte, N.C. .................TBA Myrtle Beach Classic 12/18/13 ................. vs. North Carolina ....................Myrtle Beach, S.C. ..............TBA 12/20/13 ...................vs. Winthrop ........................Columbia, S.C. ..............TBA 12/22/13 ..........vs. South Carolina State ...............Columbia, S.C. ..............TBA 12/28/13 .............. vs. Savannah State ....................Columbia, S.C. ..............TBA 01/02/14 ......................at Arkansas # .......................... Fayetteville, Ark. ...............TBA 01/05/14 ................ vs. Vanderbilt # ......................Columbia, S.C. ..............TBA 01/09/14 ................. vs. Kentucky # .......................Columbia, S.C. ..............TBA 01/12/14 .......................at Auburn # .............................. Auburn, Ala. ...................TBA 01/16/14 ................... at Texas A&M # ....................College Station, Texas ...........TBA 01/19/14 ..................vs. Alabama # ........................Columbia, S.C. ..............TBA 01/26/14 .................... at Vanderbilt # ..........................Nashville, Tenn. ................TBA 01/30/14 .................. vs. Ole Miss # ........................Columbia, S.C. ..............TBA 02/02/14 .................. vs. Missouri # ........................Columbia, S.C. ..............TBA 02/06/14 ............... at Mississippi State # ..................... Starkville, Miss. ................TBA 02/09/14 ..................vs. Arkansas # .......................Columbia, S.C. ..............TBA 02/16/14 ..........................at LSU # ..............................Baton Rouge, La. ...............TBA 02/20/14 ..................... at Kentucky # ............................ Lexington, Ky. ..................TBA 02/23/14 ................... vs. Florida # .........................Columbia, S.C. ..............TBA 02/27/14 ...................vs. Georgia # ........................Columbia, S.C. ..............TBA 03/02/14 .....................at Tennessee # ......................... Knoxville, Tenn. ................TBA SEC Tournament 03/05/14 .......................First Round ............................... Duluth, Ga. ....................TBA 03/06/14 .....................Second Round ............................. Duluth, Ga. ....................TBA 03/07/14 ......................Quarterfinals .............................. Duluth, Ga. ....................TBA 03/08/14 ........................ Semifinals ................................. Duluth, Ga. ....................TBA 03/09/14 .............................Final ..................................... Duluth, Ga. ....................TBA # denotes SEC games.................................................. Home games listed in bold
14 • Spurs & Feathers
September 25, 2013
SUBMITTED PHOTO Former president of the Student Gamecock Club Jay Alverson holds his Gamecock Flag at Panmujom South Korea, a South Korean Marine base on the border with North Korea.
Alum keeps Gamecock Nation close to heart while serving his country by Mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com As a lifelong fan of the University of South Carolina, Jay Alverson has carried his Gamecock pride with him throughout his precollege years, during his time as a Gamecock and across the globe while serving his county. That pride remains with him to this day. Gamecock fanhood goes back in his family to his father’s time at USC where he had a couple of classes with one of the all-time great Gamecocks on the hardwood, Alex English. When Jay was born in August of 1975, his father had just graduated earlier that year in May. In order to attend his first football game as an alumni, his father took the one-month and one-day old Jay to see the Gamecocks beat Georgia Tech, 23-17. Alverson graduated from Boiling Springs High School in 1993 and spent a year at USC Upstate before he joined the US Marine Corps Reserves in 1995 to earn money for his education at the main campus in Columbia. “I remember filling out my first schedule in my bunk at Parris Island S.C. by flashlight after hours. We didn’t sleep much period down there ... that night I didn’t sleep at all,” Alverson said. “And I don’t know what made my Dad cry harder, the fact that I was a Marine or the fact that I had been accepted to USC. “Mom and dad were both very proud of me getting into USC and really supported most of my efforts and ‘crazy ideas’ to try while I was down there. If it was not for their support and encouragement I would not have gradu-
ated, so I owe them a big debt of gratitude and thanks,” Alverson added. During his time on campus, Alverson became a part of the Student Gamecock Club after seeing a sign urging students to join. He then began his first real leadership experience as he worked his way from recruiter for intramural sports, to vice president and up to president his senior year. He noted that he was impressed when he talked with then Athletics Director Dr. Mike McGee with the time the administrator took to talk about his personal future and vision for the Student Gamecock Club. “My senior year was the year that the Student Gamecock Club became the largest non-greek organization on campus. Baseball was our life back in those days. The basketball team won the SEC championship and then had that huge win up at Kentucky, but baseball was far and away my favorite sport mainly because we had such an effect on the game itself,” Alverson said. “We were far and away the ‘best fans’ in college baseball and I will never forget when players from the visiting school would give us ‘material’ to use against their own players because we were clean, funny and family friendly, but highly effective.” The “Third Base Hecklers” were equipped with t-shirts and sharp wits to help the Gamecocks on the diamond and another special memory came in 1997 when South Carolina defeated Clemson, 38-16, on the diamond in Columbia after the football team downed the Tigers in Clemson the previous fall, 34-31.
After graduating from Carolina in 1998, Alverson finished his time with the USMCR and ended up joining the Air Force in 2000 becoming a photographic intelligence interpreter and moving to California. After the Sept. 11 attacks, Alverson’s life changed drastically as he took 113 trips in support of various engagements ranging from Guantanamo Bay to South Korea. “The one constant? The Gamecocks! Everywhere I went I wore the Garnet and Black and there was instant connection with anyone who ‘flew the colors’ as proudly as I did,” Alverson said. The hours required to work live intelligence missions were unusual because when it is day in Iraq, it is night in California so the missions were generally at night. He said that the group often spent football Saturdays doing imagery missions, but they found a way to keep Gamecock fans abreast of the action despite difficulties. “So my fellow Gamecocks got together and we devised a genius plan to keep the guys who were deployed informed ‘real time’ on the games that were happening,” Alverson said. “We would set up one of the unclassified computers with the ‘game tracker’ software … then relay the play-by-play to our deployed comrades over the classified chat system. “It worked so well that several other people started doing it for their teams. In the end we had to set up an entire room on the classified chat network for providing sports updates. We did this for several years; football, basket-
ball and baseball all went out to guys in forward locations. It was just one way we could help them feel a little bit more ‘normal’ and a little closer to home,” Alverson explained. During the early Spurrier years in Carolina, Alverson noticed a bit of a backslide in 2006 after a successful season the year before. He heard there were some issues with the team’s chemistry and pride, so he wrote an open letter to the team. In the letter he explained the student-athletes were lucky to have the chance to play football while others their age were serving their country overseas and that the team represented thousands of alumni, so they should step up and seize their opportunity. “I did not expect anything to really come of the letter … but I was sitting at my desk when my phone rang and the lady on the other end said she worked for Coach Spurrier. He had received my letter, shared it with the team and he wanted to send me a ‘thank-you’ and needed my address,” Alverson said. Three days later an autographed picture and letter arrived from Spurrier saying he would relay the inspirational message to the team. Spurrier also thanked him for being a “Super Gamecock.” In 2008-09, Alverson was in South Korea, which is about 13-14 hours ahead of South Carolina. He and a few other Carolina fans formed an informal Gamecock Club, entailed “Cock of the ROK” (Republic of Korea) and they would watch the football games at 2 Please see Alum, Page 17
September 25, 2013
Spurs & Feathers • 15
16 • Spurs & Feathers
September 25, 2013
Where are they now? - Andre Goodman by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com After a successful career on the football field as a Gamecock and a 10-year NFL veteran, Andre Goodman has returned back to the program at South Carolina to help mold and prepare the football student-athletes as the Director of Football Player Development. Goodman works closely with the academic advisors and focuses on the off-the-field aspects of the lives of the student-athletes. His role is to help them to find the balance in their lives among all of the demands they face during their transition into and out of college athletics. Goodman knows about the transition periods firsthand, which has helped him to better relate to the players. He took his current position two years ago while transitioning out of football himself after his 10 years playing in the NFL in Detroit, Miami and Denver. He said that he didn’t directly seek out the position, but he was grateful the circumstances allowed him the opportunity to remain around the game. “I called over for season tickets and talked to some people I know in the athletic department and they said ‘oh you retired; why are you asking for season tickets?’ Well the thought was there, I wasn’t sure if I was going to retire, but the thought was there,” Goodman said. “They said ‘Terry Cousins left, are you ready to get back in it? Is this something that you are ready to consider or do you really need time away from the game?’ “I was like ‘you know what, I think it would be healthy for me to stay involved instead of sit around and wonder’ … so it was a very healthy transition for me and the fact that the school was able to consider me and hire me means a lot because I think a lot of it came from my reputation,” Goodman said. Not only did he come on staff while dealing with transition, but Goodman also said that he dealt with transition during his NFL career as well. He added that each place he played was a perfect scenario for him and moving around gave him different challenges at every stop. From starting in Detroit with not many offthe-field distractions, to playing in Miami in the prime of his career when he could deal with the party atmosphere in the city, to playing in Denver, a family-oriented city, Goodman said that he was never able to become complacent because he always had to re-prove himself on every team. “Every time I went to a different team it was like re-proving yourself every time and that’s what you have to do in the NFL because your job is on the line every day. It’s a daily
evaluation, guys don’t know that. It is a daily evaluation and the door revolves all the time. It kind of helped me in that regard,” Goodman said. Finishing his career in Denver allowed him to take the family-oriented atmosphere with him into his new role with the Gamecocks. “We talk about a lot of the personal stuff off the field and that is a big part of it. I tell the guys that I’m trying to grow providers and leaders because that is what we’re missing. A lot of us are coming from single parent homes where that doesn’t take place; there’s no real model for that,” Goodman said. “So I’m one of those guys, I didn’t have a father growing up. So the fact that I have four kids now, it’s a huge priority; it’s my only priority and it’s probably the last purpose that I’ve got left on Earth now that I’ve fulfilled my athletic potential. “But when I’m talking to these guys, it’s all about being providers and leaders for your family and whatever you felt like you missed because that person wasn’t around, become that person. Instead of judging that person, let’s see if you can become it. If you can’t become that person then don’t judge them as hard because again, we’re all it it together. That challenge does not change. It doesn’t. It’s a tough world. It’s tough to make it on the roster here, it’s tough to climb up the depth chart, but as soon as you graduate, the rat race doesn’t change,” Goodman explained. His transitional resilience can even be traced back to his career wearing the Garnet and Black as a player, as he had to deal with returning from a devastating knee injury in his redshirt freshman season. His second game back from injury, at Georgia in 2000, provided his best memory from his collegiate playing days. “The Georgia game, I had an interception that probably should have been a touchdown, but I was still slow at the time … I didn’t expect to play football again and that game against Georgia was my second game back healthy and I made a game-altering interception,” Goodman recalled. “It kind of propelled us from the 0-21 team to the two Outback Bowls. When I say propelled, it’s not like I’m taking credit for it, but to beat Georgia at home, with them being a top-10 team and us being Carolina the 0-1 team, we went on to have a decent record - at the time it was historical - until Coach Spurrier took over. “That’s probably my favorite memory because I remember the feeling after that game and it almost felt like the whole locker room said ‘hey, we belong in the SEC and we can compete with these guys.’ It helped us get to where we were then, but Coach Spurrier has taken it to a different level,” Goodman said.
photo by allen sharpe
A 10-year NFL veteran, Goodman is currently the Director of Football Player Development. Goodman has been dealing with transitions his whole career and he said that his close work with the academic advisors is focused on preparing the student-athletes for a career and giving them life skills to help ensure that they can maneuver in professional settings of which they have never been a part before. He added that he gets a lot out of helping prepare the players who will not go on to play professionally because that advice will come easily from his own life experiences. Goodman noted that it is tough to replace the feeling of electricity that the players get on
Saturday and he has to help them to become a little more grounded, which takes a level of reality and humility to accomplish. “My passion is if the game ends 15 years after the NFL or after your four-year collegiate career, gain something that is going to help you maneuver better and become a better provider and leader for your home and also your community. It matters, it lends to purpose and purpose feeds your spirit. If you’ve got a healthy spirit then life tends to be a little bit easier and more tolerant,” Goodman concluded.
Spurs & Feathers • 17
September 25, 2013
Gamecock goalkeeper talks team goals by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
a great freshman campaign. “Now I’m mature, I learned from my freshman and sophomore year and I’m ready to The Gamecock women’s soccer team fingo,” D’Angelo said. “Now I have to re-prove ished the nonconference portion of the sched- myself and show that I can play well, I can ule undefeated at 7-0-1 heading into SEC be a top goalkeeper and I can be there for my play and a large contributor to the success team when they need me.” has been goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo. The The Gamecocks have shutout seven opSouth Carolina defensive unit, anchored by ponents through nine games in the year, but D’Angelo’s play at the back, only surrendered D’Angelo explained that she would not be one goal in eight nonconference matches. able to have any shutouts without the 10 playD’Angelo said that it is an honor to get ers in front of her. She added that everyone through the early portion undefeated and it is must do their job for a shutout and these will a testament to the whole team raising its level often bolster the success level of the team. of play. However, she noted that the team has “If I’m keeping the ball out of the net then a lot left to prove heading forward into SEC that’s a good thing for the team. I mean, that’s action. my job … it’s such a team effort that those “It’s nothing yet because we haven’t played shutouts aren’t just mine, they’re the whole SEC games and that’s our true test,” D’Angelo team’s shutout,” D’Angelo explained. “It does said. “All the teams are fighting for the same feel good being the goalkeeper, you kind of thing. We’re all fighting for that SEC title, to get more credit than the other players, but it get into NCAAs and to get that championship. comes from them too.” “It’s just such a tough conference. I think if The ultimate goals for D’Angelo and the we come out with the right mindset going for- team remain the same for the success of the ward we will do fine,” D’Angelo said. team going forward. Her personal goals mirThe Gamecocks have garnered national at- ror those of the team and she said more actention by earning top-25 national rankings colades or national attention may come if the and multiple players have received individual team can continue the strong play and rack up honors as well. D’Angelo said that it is nice to wins in the SEC. be getting the recognition and the attention “My personal goals kind of work in with brought to the team, but they need to remain the team, just coming up with that confergrounded and focused on the ultimate goals ence title. I want that bad. I want to be in the for the season. She added that the awards NCAA’s and to be a contender in that Final mean nothing if they are not performing well Four. To be there when people are overlookand every game is a new test for the team. ing you this year would just be amazing,” D’Angelo said that she has always demand- D’Angelo said. ed the best from her teammates and hopes South Carolina will look to the steady that they do the same for her because that is strong play in the net from D’Angelo as they the only way to improve. This raised standard head into the meat of their schedule. If the has helped to lead to the team’s early success team can continue improving and playing at and it is a level D’Angelo strives for since she a high level, those team goals may be within felt she did not play as well last year following reach.
Alum, continued from page 14 a.m. or over breakfast on the Armed Forces Network. “It was a great experience to find myself sitting in a foreign country eating breakfast in a big food court and watching the Gamecocks put it on then fourth-ranked Ole Miss with 10-15 guys who were missing their families as much as I was. At that moment for me ‘Gamecock Nation’ truly was my Garnet Family. And while I would have much preferred to have been at home with my wife and kids, it is a moment I will never forget,” Alverson said. Alverson resides in Virginia Beach, Va. today and is a Gamecock Club member who works for the 27th Intelligence Squadron, 480th Intelligence Surveillance and Recon-
naissance Wing, United States Air Force Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Va. As he winds down his military career, Alverson always has the same answer when people ask what he will do with his time and money once retired. “I always reply the same way, ‘spend it all on tickets and hotels.’ I realize that I am not the oldest, the richest, the greatest and certainly not the most famous Gamecock fan out there, but I am PROUD to be a GAMECOCK and even prouder to take my kids to see my brick on the ‘shoe.’ I know everyone’s life story is different but MY CAROLINA will always be about family, both blood and Garnet,” Alverson concluded.
photo by allen sharpe Led by D’Angelo, the Gamecocks only surrendered one goal in nonconference play.
18 • Spurs & Feathers
Date
Opponent
September 25, 2013
Surface Result Att Comp Pct. Yards Yards/Att TD Int Rating
08/29/13
North Carolina
Grass
W 27-10
20
11
55.0
149
7.5
1
0 134.08
09/07/13
@Georgia
Grass
L 30-41
25
16
64.0
228
9.1
2
0 167.01
09/14/13
Vanderbilt
Grass
W 35-25
29
21
72.4
284
9.8
3
0 188.81
Are we witnessing the return of the “Fun and Gun” Steve Spurrier? Okay, so the season is only a quarter of the way through and early-season numbers can be notoriously skewed. But the Gamecocks have already moved the ball in ways that conjure memories of the Head Ball Coach of, well, “Ol’”. In three games, the Gamecocks have rolled up 1,439 yards of Andy Demetra offense (479.7 Contributing Writer ypg), their highest total through three games since full offensive records began in 1962. The Gamecocks have also gained 400 yards in each of their first three games, something they hadn’t done since 1976. Much of that has to do with the returning experience on offense. Connor Shaw (numbers above) has begun his third season as a starter and his chemistry with play caller G.A. Mangus shows. Shaw’s numbers have
increased with each game and his 388 allpurpose yards against Vanderbilt were the second-highest of his career. “I think he can throw it a little better than how he’s thrown it thus far. So we’ll keep working on it all the time,” head coach Steve Spurrier said. “He throws a beautiful spiral. It’s easy to catch.” It’s also been hard to pick off. Dating back to last season, Shaw has gone 116 consecutive pass attempts without an interception, easily shattering his career high of 81. Behind him, sophomore Mike Davis has emerged as a powerful, punishing heir to Marcus Lattimore. Fellow sophomore Brandon Wilds has given the Gamecocks another tough, downhill option in the backfield. Together, they’ve run the read-option with deft efficiency. Excluding the three times that Shaw has been sacked – which, to my eternal disdain, count against a quarterback’s rushing numbers – the Gamecocks have had 120 running plays this year. They’ve only had a negative rushing play three times. Credit an offensive line that has so far lived up to its veteran billing. Even the position where Carolina had to replace its most career starts has been solid. Redshirt freshman center Clayton Stadnik, subbing
for an injured Cody Waldrop, earned SEC Lineman of the Week for his performance against Vanderbilt. Shawn Elliott’s group which drew a rebuke from Spurrier following Carolina’s second preseason scrimmage - has kept the backfield uncluttered and the running lanes unclogged. On a national scale, the Gamecocks’ offensive numbers may not stand out. Their total offense, in spite of those historical milestones, still ranks seventh in the SEC and 39th in the Football Bowl Subdivision. But in the first weeks of the season, only South Carolina and Notre Dame have played all three of their games against BCS AQ opponents. They haven’t used any FCS lightweights or lower-conference cannon fodder to inflate their totals. Of course, the Gamecocks won 11 games last year with an offense that finished 82nd in total offense. Yards don’t win games; points do. And nobody’s under the illusion that the schedule gets easier in the weeks ahead. But in a league that has become increasingly offense-driven, the Gamecocks have shown they’re more than capable of keeping up. The man who ushered in the golden age of offense to the SEC – you know him as the HBC - might like that.
Spurs & Feathers • 19
September 25, 2013
PHOTOS BY ALLEN SHARPE A true fan favorite among the Gamecock faithful, Pankake could see time in the infield and the outfield. He also could be utilized as a pitcher in the upcoming year.
Joey Pankake to become ‘jack-of-all-trades’ by mike kucharski mike@spursandfeathers.com
most part he’s looked pretty sharp. Just getting some innings under his belt is going to be the key. Hopefully with intersquads he’ll South Carolina standout baseball player pick up right where he left off when he was Joey Pankake is a fan favorite and not just throwing on a consistent basis,” Meyers for his name alone. said. Pankake has been a part of some successPankake will start the fall practice sesful Gamecock teams the past two years. He sions at third base, but Holbrook said that also provided a highlight home run against he may also see time at first and in left field. North Carolina in last season’s Super ReThus far Pankake has responded well to gional that flew over a building out past the the change and eagerly done everything the left field wall. coaches have asked of him. This season he will move from shortstop “He’s going to continue to play; he’s still to play all around the diamond. Whatever probably going to hit third or fourth in our position he plays will be one that should pro- lineup,” Holbrook said. “What position he’s tect his throwing arm because head coach going to play right now, I don’t know. We’re Chad Holbrook even has designs for him to going to move him off of shortstop just right make his way to the mound. now to protect his arm.” “The only reason we’re really moving him Pankake said that his comfort level is inaround is to protect him so he can pitch. creasing at third base and in left field due He’s going to pitch quite a bit. He hasn’t to the large amount of work he has done in missed a bullpen since he’s been back to preparation for the season. He said that he school and his bullpen’s have been very en- played third in high school and has been couraging,” Holbrook said. able to make the adjustment. Pankake has been enthusiastic about his Whatever his position, Pankake recognizes work in the bullpen thus far and pitching that he, like the other juniors on the roster, coach Jerry Meyers confirmed these seswill need to step up to take on a larger leadsions have been productive. ership role this year. “He’s been good so far. We’re just in the “I may have to change in certain situabullpen and he’s doing a good job. For the tions, but I don’t know. I won’t change a
whole lot,” Pankake commented. “We’ve always had some older guys around and I feel like there aren’t as many guys older than us around now … I’m pretty excited about the role we have this year.” Both Holbrook and Meyers plan to see Pankake’s contributions on the mound as an added bonus and they will use the fall to get an idea of what they can expect for the spring. “We’re expecting some contributions, how big an impact he makes will also depend on how much he’s needed as a position player. We know he’s needed there. He’s going to be in the heart of our lineup, so what he does on the mound for us, hopefully right now we’re going to look at it as a bonus,” Meyers said. “If we really have to lean on him and he’s one that we’re going to consider a ‘go-to guy,’ then that might change things a little bit in terms of his routine and what he does as a position player in terms of watching his throws a little bit.” “I think it’s best for Joey, it’s best for our team and it’s certainly best for his professional future as well that we move him around a little bit and showcase him on the mound from time to time,” Holbrook said. As far as Pankake is concerned, he is willing to fill any role that the coaches ask him
to. He is excited to help the team win and move toward the ultimate goal of another appearance in Omaha at the end of the season. “I’m just ready to do however much the team needs. If I don’t have to pitch at all, then that’s fine if I can just hit. But if they need me, I’m going to throw as much as I need to,” Pankake said.
20 • Spurs & Feathers
September 25, 2013
Spurs & Feathers • 21
September 25, 2013
Florence County Gamecock Club holds fall rally The Florence County Gamecock Club held their annual fall rally on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at the Floyd Conference Center on the grounds of the Carolina’s Hospital System in Florence, S.C. On a beautiful evening accurately described by Florence County Gamecock Club president Scat Scaturro as “Chamber of Commerce” weather, South Carolina Athletics Director Ray Tanner, head men’s basketball coach Frank Martin and head baseball coach Chad Holbrook all made appearances.
Prior to the start of the rally, Gamecock Club Executive Director Patrick McFarland, Spurs & Feathers’ Brian Hand and Ed Girardeau, Tanner, Martin and Holbrook all made appearances with Ken Ard and the team from Miller Communications FM 98.9 WOLH to talk about Gamecock athletics. After a tremendous catered meal from Rogers BBQ House inside the Floyd Conference Center, the event moved outside where Tanner, Martin and Holbrook all spoke to those in attendance about being a part of the Gamecock family.
all photos by brian hand
Ray Tanner, Chad Holbrook and Frank Martin pose with the Delmae Dixie Youth Baseball “AA” pitching machine state championship team.
Tanner Signs Gamecock memorabilia prior to making an appearance on the radio.
Attendees enjoying a meal catered by Rogers BBQ House before the start of the program.
22 • Spurs & Feathers
September 25, 2013
Spurs & Feathers • 23
September 25, 2013
New York City Gamecock Club Weekly Football Game-Watching Event Saturdays at The Mason Jar. The best place to watch Gamecock football if you can’t be at Williams-Brice! Located at 43 E 30th Street in Manhattan, with a Gamecock-inspired menu and discounts for Gamecock fans. Call them at: (212) 213-3587. For more information, check out the website at: www. nycgamecocks.com or email chapter president JR Buzzelli at gamecockclubofgny@gmail.com. Parking Information for Central Florida General Parking: Blue Zone lots are located in the northwest sector of campus. Parking is free and provided on a first-come, first-served basis unless otherwise designated. The Blue Zone includes Garage H located between the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center and the Lake Claire Apartments. Garage H will be reserved for authorized students displaying SGA-provided parking passes, credentialed staff and cash-paying customers ($20) on a first-come, first-served basis. Preferred campus entrances for Blue Zone parking are on Alafaya Trail at Gemini Boulevard North, Centaurus Drive or University Boulevard. RV Parking: Vistor RV parking on a first-come, firstserved basis in Lot B7 (Red Zone) between the old Wayne Densch Sports Center and the Center for Multilingual/Multicultural Studies (Barbara Ying Center) starting at 4 p.m. the day prior to a weekend game and starting at 9 a.m. the day of a weekday game. The cost is $100 per game (or $500 for the season). Fans should pre-register their RV vehicles at the Visitor Information Center or call 407-823-2131. For more information visit: http://www.ucfknights.com/ brighthouse/fan-guide.html Darlington County Gamecock Club - Board meeting Monday, October 7, 2013, at 6:00 p.m. Heritage Community Bank 206 South Fifth Street in Hartsville, S.C. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served. All Gamecock fans are invited to attend! New York City Gamecock Club Tuesday, October 8; 6-8 p.m. at The Mason Jar Cost: $20.00 Please join us as we welcome USC Athletics Director Ray Tanner to NYC. Appetizers will be provided and a cash bar will be on hand. There will be a ton of great prizes and raffle items from the Gamecock Club. RSVP on NYC Gamecocks Facebook page or by emailing scalumniofnyc@gmail.com.
Schedule: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.: Gamecock Happy Hour; 7:00 7:20 p.m.: Coach Tanner talk and Q & A; 7:20 - 8:00 p.m.: Photos, autographs, raffle winners. Spartanburg County Gamecock Club – October Meeting
Thursday, October 17th 7 p.m. at Spartanburg Downtown Marriott Convention Center “Catching up with Yolanda and Vern” Guest Speakers: Yolanda & Vern Smith, parents of Marcus Lattimore. Come hear it from the parents’ viewpoint ... his years at Carolina, the injuries, the NFL Draft, his faith and his life with the 49ers. Admission is FREE and open to all Gamecock fans. Spartanburg County Gamecock Club
“Leave the driving to us!” First come, first serve so don’t wait; seats will fill up fast! Oct. 19 - Tennessee (Knoxville, Tenn.) COST: Early Bird (Before Sept. 15th) $50/seat; After Sept. 15th $55/seat) Departure Time & Place: Jason Deli’s Parking Lot (W.O. Ezell Blvd. Spartanburg), time:TBA (once gametime is confirmed) Please make Check payable to : Spartanburg County Gamecock Club Mail to: P.O. Box 5146, Spartanburg, SC 29304 Please remember reserved bus seats DO NOT include game tickets. Please contact Glenn Cox, (864) 597-8380, with questions. USC Aiken Men’s Basektball Tip-Off Banquet Special guest speaker: Gamecocks’ men’s basketball head coach Frank Martin October 29 at USC Aiken Convocation Center Meet and greet session starting at 6 p.m. with the banquet starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 for the meet and greet and banquet, $35 for the banquet only. Contact USC Aiken Athletics at (803) 641-3486 or USC Aiken men’s basketball head coach Vince Alexander at (803) 641-3438 for tickets. Darlington County Gamecock Club Election Monday, November 4, 2013, at 6:00 p.m. Heritage Community Bank 206 South Fifth Street in Hartsville, S.C.w Light hors d’oeuvres will be served. All Gamecock fans are invited to attend!
Don’t forget to check the calendar on spursandfeathers.com for all upcoming events.
Upcoming South Carolina Athletics Events zz Sept. 29-Oct. 1 Men’s Golf Badger Invitational zz September 27 Equestrian vs. Fresno State........................................2 p.m. Women’s Soccer vs. Auburn.......................................7 p.m. Men’s Soccer at Charlotte...........................................................7 p.m. Volleyball at Missouri.............................................................. 7:30 p.m. zz September 28 Football at Central Florida............................................................12 p.m. Cross Country 28th Annual Roy Griak Invitational............12 p.m. zz September 29 Women’s Soccer vs. Arkansas....................................1 p.m. Volleyball at Tennessee.......................................................... 1:30 p.m. zz Oct. 1 Men’s Soccer vs. Presbyterian College......................7 p.m. zz Oct. 2 Cross Country Gamecock Invitational #2..................6 p.m. Home events are............................................................................... Bold
24 • Spurs & Feathers
September 25, 2013