Legendary fan: Jack Haynes

“

It’s not for sale.”

That simple phrase is something Gamecock fan Jack Haynes has grown accustomed to saying over the years. Haynes’ 1964 Ford Econoline van is something he never wants to sell, and with good reason: It’s one of a kind.

The special van is outfitted and wrapped to represent South Carolina in a very unique way and everywhere it goes it draws attention, particularly on game day with Haynes blasting “Sandstorm” as he gets closer to Williams-Brice Stadium.

For the passion that is evident when he is driving the van and his more than 50 years of devotion to the Gamecock Club, Haynes was honored as the Legendary Fan of the Game prior to the South CaorlinaClemson game.

The whole experience was “super,” Haynes said. Haynes first started attending South Carolina football games when he was just eight years old.

“I attended my first Gamecock football game in 1953,” he said. “My dad had a Highway patrolman friend who would give him two passes for each home game.”

A few years later, at 14, Haynes even helped as an usher at the stadium as a Boy Scout.

“We would go two hours before the game and they would also have a box lunch for us,” Haynes said. “I still have my shoulder patch they gave me to wear.”

It was in the late 1970s when Haynes came into possession of the special van that would ultimately allow him to show his lifelong passion for the Gamecocks.

The old television repair vehicle was sold to Haynes’ father, who then sold it a year or so later to his son for just $1. The very next day, Haynes had it customized.

The Gamecock van has been driven by Haynes to many bowl games and other events over the years. It has even been featured in three Gamecock national championship parades.

Wherever the van goes, Gamecock fans want to see it. Even South Carolina coaches want their picture taken with it.

Haynes notes that his favorite Gamecock of all-time is George Rogers.

“My wife and I watched him at all of his home games and followed him to most of the out-of-town games during his career because he was so much fun to watch,” Haynes said.

Just like the van and Rogers, Haynes is a one of a kind. Legendary fan Jack Haynes and his van are one of a kind By Brian Hand | Contributing writer • Photo by Allen Sharpe Photo courtesy of Jack Haynes “

It’s not for sale.”

That simple phrase is something Gamecock fan Jack Haynes has grown accustomed to saying over the years. Haynes’ 1964 Ford Econoline van is something he never wants to sell, and with good reason: It’s one of a kind.

The special van is outfitted and wrapped to represent South Carolina in a very unique way and everywhere it goes it draws attention, particularly on game day with Haynes blasting “Sandstorm” as he gets closer to Williams-Brice Stadium.

For the passion that is evident when he is driving the van and his more than 50 years of devotion to the Gamecock Club, Haynes was honored as the Legendary Fan of the Game prior to the South CaorlinaClemson game.

The whole experience was “super,” Haynes said. Haynes first started attending South Carolina football games when he was just eight years old.

“I attended my first Gamecock football game in 1953,” he said. “My dad had a Highway patrolman friend who would give him two passes for each home game.”

A few years later, at 14, Haynes even helped as an usher at the stadium as a Boy Scout.

“We would go two hours before the game and they would also have a box lunch for us,” Haynes said. “I still have my shoulder patch they gave me to wear.”

It was in the late 1970s when Haynes came into possession of the special van that would ultimately allow him to show his lifelong passion for the Gamecocks.

The old television repair vehicle was sold to Haynes’ father, who then sold it a year or so later to his son for just $1. The very next day, Haynes had it customized.

The Gamecock van has been driven by Haynes to many bowl games and other events over the years. It has even been featured in three Gamecock national championship parades.

Wherever the van goes, Gamecock fans want to see it. Even South Carolina coaches want their picture taken with it.

Haynes notes that his favorite Gamecock of all-time is George Rogers.

“My wife and I watched him at all of his home games and followed him to most of the out-of-town games during his career because he was so much fun to watch,” Haynes said.

Just like the van and Rogers, Haynes is a one of a kind. Legendary fan Jack Haynes and his van are one of a kind By Brian Hand | Contributing writer • Photo by Allen Sharpe Photo courtesy of Jack Haynes