October 22, 2014 • Volume 36 • Issue 18 • $1.50
Prayer at Jordan-Hare Say a
for success
2 • Spurs & Feathers
Spurs & Feathers Published by Aiken Communications, Inc.
Contact Us: 301 Greystone Blvd. Columbia, SC 29210 (803) 335-1399 To subscribe: Please call 800-559-2311; annual subscription price is $50 Ellen Priest Publisher 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 Ed Girardeau Contributing Editor/ Advertising Account Executive ed@spursandfeathers.com (803) 646-9807 Dee Taylor Advertising Director (803) 644-2371 Kathy Boyette Advertising Sales Manager (803) 295-3654 kboyette@spursandfeathers.com Brooks Rogers Advertising Representative (803) 446-4022 brooks@spursandfeathers.com Reporters Kyle Heck and Collyn Taylor Photographers Allen Sharpe and Jenny Dilworth Mary Watson Graphic Designer Cover Design: Tim O’Briant (photo by Allen Sharpe) Postal Information: SPURS & FEATHERS (USPS 12779) (ISSN 7454368X) is published 26 times annually. The frequency is monthly from December to July and weekly from the third Wednesday in August to the fourth Wednesday in November. SPURS & FEATHERS also publishes three slick-paper magazine issues — one in January, one in July and one in August. The annual subscription price is $50 for non Gamecock Club members. Members of the Gamecock Club receive a discounted subscription as a member benefit. Spurs & Feathers is published by Aiken Communications, Inc., 326 Rutland Drive NW, Aiken, SC, 29801-4010. Periodicals postage paid at Columbia, SC Postmaster: Send changes to SPURS & FEATHERS, PO Box 456, Aiken, SC, 29802.
October 22, 2014
What’s Inside? - Table of Contents South Carolina’s annual Homecoming Game reunites family and alumni There is more to homecoming than just a football game. If you weren’t able to make it back for Homecoming 2014, which had the circus theme “Under the Carolina Big Top,” you missed a great show with some memorable “welcome back” moments. While alumni and their families will have their own special memories of a return trip to campus, United States Army Captain Julius Carmichael III’s family will always have a special recollection for this year’s event as the 1999 alumnus and Bronze Star recipient surprised his wife and four children on the field at Williams-Brice Stadium with an earlierthan-expected return from his deployment in Afghanistan as part of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport’s Military Family of the Game. “For the Columbia Metropolitan Airport and the University to sponsor my family for this event and allow me to do this, it is very humbling,” Carmichael said. “Getting to see my family, be at the game and meet all the people who have been involved in this, it’s so humbling to know that soldiers have so much support. My family is who I am. Not being around them is the hardest part.” Of course that wasn’t the only reunion of the weekend as alumni of many eras came back for special events such as pep rallies, campus tours, the Homecoming parade, barbecues and get-togethers hosted by various schools and colleges on campus, the 50th year class reunion, as well as traditional events hosted by My Carolina Alumni Association. This included the University Awards Reception hosted by President Harris Pastides on the Horseshoe and the biggest tailgate party of the year with nearly 1,000 alumni and friends under the large tent across from the stadium in Gamecock Park. “The priority for Homecoming is to plan activities for the classes celebrating reunions so they can recall their days at Carolina,” said Lynn Bradley, My Carolina Alumni Association assistant executive director for alumni engagement. Bradley has been organizing homecoming events at My Carolina for 28 years, and she said the tradition of coming back for homecoming is still alive and well, but the types of celebrations change over time. “In my early years here, individual class reunions were held all over town,” Bradley added. “Now we bring alumni of all ages together under the same tent before the game. Having a great location with the stadium across the street makes the event very fun and festive. With the opening of the Alumni Center next year in the Vista, I think Homecoming will bring more alumni back for the weekend.” There were plenty of memorable moments inside the stadium in addi-
photo by allen sharpe
tion to the special family reunion. Sophomore Martha Childress, who was shot and paralyzed after a stray bullet struck her spinal cord one year ago while waiting for a taxi in Columbia’s Five Points, served as the celebrity starter to lead the “Game-Cocks” cheer to thunderous applause prior to kick-off. William Ellen, a 1951 graduate and 50-year member of the Gamecock Club, was honored as the legendary fan of the game. The Army Air Force World War II veteran was a recipient of the Europe-Africa-Middle East Theater Service Medal with four battle stars for several campaigns, including the Battle of the Bulge. “We have put more emphasis on the presentation of Homecoming this year,” said Josh Waters, director of marketing. “For some alumni, this may be the only game they get to each year. There is a lot going on, and it means a lot for them to see old friends and family.” During the game, the crowd was introduced to sophomore Erika Cline, who was recently crowned Miss Teen United States, and alumna Elizabeth Safrit, who was recently crowned Miss United States. At halftime, the recipients of the University’s most prestigious awards were honored. Among the honorees were Alrgernon Sydney Sullivan Award recipient Parker Evatt, ‘57, and Distinguished Alumni Award recipient and former Gamecock football student-athlete, Donald Bailey, `71. Gamecock women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley was also honored, receiving the Honorary Life Membership Award from the alumni association. “I can honestly say the big draw in coming here was the people,” Staley said in her acceptance video. “Anytime you can, not attend a university and they think you’ve contributed in a way that a family member has, it’s a very proud award for me.” (Story by Brad Muller, South Carolina Director of Content)
Gamecocks power past Paladins...................................................................... 4 Player of the Game................................................................................................. 5 Art Baker has quite the story to tell.............................................................6-7 Recruiting Roundup........................................................................................... 10 2015 football schedule released.................................................................... 12 Keeping the little Gamecocks active............................................................ 14 Previewing the Auburn football team......................................................... 15 South Carolina roster......................................................................................... 16 Auburn roster........................................................................................................ 17 Depth Charts......................................................................................................... 22 Holbrook, Win Anyway Foundation keeping up the fight.................... 20 An interview with artist Kevin Roche........................................................... 24 Welch in midst of “picture perfect” career.................................................. 25 Carrera fine with being considered the “crazy guy”................................ 26 Inside Look with Glenn Snyder....................................................................... 27 Inside the Chart with Andy Demetra........................................................... 29 Gamecock Club upcoming events/Memorials......................................... 30 Unique Views with Ed Girardeau................................................................... 31
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October 22, 2014
South Carolina-Furman postgame notes/quotes south carolina athletics media relations GENERAL NOTES • South Carolina defeated Furman 41-10 to snap a two-game losing streak. • The Gamecocks have won 35 straight games against teams from outside the Power 5 conferences and 17th straight against a non-conference foe. • In regular season play, South Carolina has taken 22-consecutive contests against a nonconference foe and 20 at home against non-SEC opponents. • Captains for South Carolina were senior quarterback Dylan Thompson, senior spur Sharrod Golightly, senior offensive guard A.J. Cann and senior defensive tackle J.T. Surratt. • Attendance for the game at Williams-Brice Stadium: 78,101. • Senior left guard A.J. Cann made his 45th career start, tying him for third on the career starts list with Travelle Wharton (2000-03), Ladi Ajiboye (2007-10) and Devin Taylor (2009-12). OFFENSIVE NOTES • The Gamecocks posted 548 yards of total offense, the 13th time South Carolina has tallied over 500 yards of offense under head coach Steve Spurrier.
• Senior quarterback Dylan Thompson moved into 10th in Gamecock history in passing yards with his 24-yard pass to Rory Anderson in the first drive. He now has 3,666 career passing yards after throwing for 262 in a 14-for-22 day. He also added two TD passes. • Junior tailback Mike Davis moved into 15th on the career rushing charts with his first run before getting to 14th. He now has 2,120 career yards, needing 111 to pass Mike Davis (200508). In the game, he passed Brent Hagood (198185) and Derek Watson (1999-2001). • Davis, with 111 yards on 18 carries, recorded the 11th 100-yard rushing game of his career, tying three others for second in Gamecock history. • Redshirt freshman tailback David Williams rushed for 110 yards on 11 carries, both career bests. • Davis and Williams became the first Gamecocks to both run for 100 yards in a game since Cory Boyd (132) and Mike Davis (102) both hit the century mark against South Carolina State on Sept. 15, 2007. • Junior tight end Jerell Adams made three catches for 91 yards to lead the team. The yards were a career best, which included a personallong 45-yard catch. • Redshirt freshman quarterback Connor Mitch completed his first pass thrown as a
Gamecock. He went 2-for-4 for 19 yards. • The Gamecocks lost two fumbles in the game, which matches the total lost in the previous six games combined. DEFENSIVE NOTES • The Gamecocks held Furman’s offense to only one field goal in three red-zone possessions. • Sophomore linebacker Jonathan Walton led the Gamecocks with a career-best seven tackles. • Sophomore defensive end Gerald Dixon had a career-best six stops. He also had his secondcareer pass breakup. • Freshman cornerback Chris Lammons had five tackles, a new career high. • Senior spur Sharrod Golightly recorded his second-career sack, one of his two tackles. • Senior strong safety Brison Williams broke up three passes, a new career best. • The third-quarter interception by sophomore strong safety Chris Moody is the first of his Gamecock career. • Junior defensive tackle Phillip Dukes forced his second career fumble (UCF 2013). SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES • Sophomore placekicker Elliott Fry hit two field goals in the second half, his 11th and 12th consecutive makes. He’s now three shy of tying the Gamecocks’ program record of 15-straight field goals by Collin Mackie (1987-88).
Defensive Coordinator Lorenzo Ward On how pleased he was with how the defense played “I think we had some positives. I think they were 1-for-9 on third down, which is something we’ve had to get better at. I think the biggest thing is that we work all week to make sure we get three turnovers each day in practice and we got three turnovers in this ballgame. That’s something we can build on. Of course we don’t want to give up 200 yards of rushing. We knew they were going to run the football. The big play, I’ll take the blame for that. I called the pressure. They had sent the linebacker and the safety on the inside. So I’ll take that as a call.” Senior quarterback Dylan Thompson On what this game does for the team’s confidence going into Auburn “Just getting a win is big for us. It doesn’t feel too good when you lose, especially when you’ve lost the last few. Just coming out and getting a win and getting a lot of guys in that practice their butts off during the week and get some time in the game is big for us. It’s just exciting that we got to do that today.”
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October 22, 2014
Gamecocks power past Paladins in 41-10 Homecoming victory by brian hand bhand@spursandfeathers.com
COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina snapped a two-game losing streak in its resounding 41-10 victory over in-state FCS foe Furman before a Homecoming crowd of 78,101 at Williams-Brice Stadium. The victory allowed South Carolina to claim its 35th straight win over a team from outside the power-5 conferences. South Carolina has now won 17 consecutive games over non-conference foes. “It feels good to win a ball game,” head coach Steve Spurrier said after South Carolina’s emphatic win over Furman. “I told our guys to enjoy it and we’ll start getting ready for Auburn on Monday … overall, I’m proud of the team. It wasn’t a real pretty game, but we got us a win. The running backs played pretty well. It was a win for us and we’re happy to get it.” Furman received the opening kickoff, but could not get anything going as they were forced to punt the football to the Gamecocks. South Carolina took advantage on their opening drive, marching 92 yards on eight plays in 3:01 to go ahead 7-0 with 9:14 left in the first quarter. The first South Carolina touchdown of the day came when quarterback Dylan Thompson found Shaq Roland in the left corner of the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown. Elliott Fry then connected on his extra point to set the score at 7-0 in South Carolina’s favor. Furman would respond on their next offensive possession when running back Hank McCloud broke loose to the outside right to score a 60-yard touchdown. The careerlong run for McCloud evened up the game at 7-7 after Hunter Townes’ extra point. The Furman scoring drive took just 1:45 off the game clock with the Paladins needing just four plays to go 75 yards for the touchdown. South Carolina would take the lead back for good on their next opportunity as running back Mike Davis shed would-be tacklers on his way to scoring from five yards out to conclude a five-play, 75-yard touchdown-scoring drive for the Gamecocks that garnered South Carolina a 14-7 lead after Fry’s extra point. The Gamecock scoring drive took just 2:00. The first two drives ended with Thompson having thrown for 120 yards on 7-of-8 passing. The 120 yards passing on the inaugural two drives of the game allowed Thompson to move into the top-10 in school history for all-time passing yards. The South Carolina lead would be 21-7 just under two minutes into the second quarter. The Gamecock touchdown happened when Thompson found tight end Jerell Adams down the left sideline for a 45-yard touchdown. Adams’ touchdown reception
photo by jenny dilworth
Tailback David Williams rushed for a career-best 110 yards on 11 carries against Furman. finished an eight-play, 89-yard drive for the Gamecocks that lasted 2:21. Davis procured his second touchdown of the day when he scored from two yards out to give the Gamecocks a 28-7 lead after Fry’s extra point. The big play on the scoring drive that came off a Furman fumble came when Thompson found Davis for a 24-yard reception down the left sideline. Davis’ two-yard touchdown run then capped South Carolina’s three-play, 28-yard scoring drive that took just 50 seconds off the game clock and left 2:32 remaining in the first half. Furman would score the first points of the second half with Townes hitting a 28-yard field to leave the Gamecocks on top, 28-10. The scoring drive was made possible by a Gamecock fumble that gave the Paladins the football at South Carolina’s 47-yard line. The Gamecocks would counter Furman’s field goal in the opening minutes of the second half with a Shon Carson one-yard touchdown run to go ahead 35-10 after Fry’s
extra point. Carson had set up the one-yard touchdown by busting loose outside to the left for a season-long 56-yard run. He then punched it in from one-yard out to conclude an eight-play, 84-yard drive that took 2:36 off the game clock. After a Chris Moody interception of Furman shortly thereafter, South Carolina would add to its lead when Fry connected on a 27-yard field goal to conclude a fiveplay, 27-yard scoring drive that lasted 1:46. The Fry field goal garnered South Carolina a 38-10 lead over the Paladins. Just over two minutes into the fourth quarter the South Carolina lead would be 41-10 after a 23-yard field goal by Fry with 12:41 left in the contest. Fry’s field goal ended a nine-play, 62-yard drive that encompassed 4:45. Fry’s field goal with 12:41 left would prove to be the final points of the game. South Carolina closed out its dominating win over Furman with 548 total yards of offense on 71 plays. Furman compiled 302 yards of offense on 58 plays. The Game-
cocks had a 26-16 advantage in first downs in the game. Furman owned the time of possession in the game at 30:23-29:37. Davis and David Williams both registered over 100 yards on the ground with Davis rushing the football 18 times for 111 yards and the two touchdowns. Williams had a career day with 110 yards gained on 11 carries. Shon Carson just missed on 100-yard day of his own with 85 yards rushing and a touchdown on seven carries. Davis and Williams gave the Gamecocks multiple 100-yard rushing performances in a game for the first time since a 2007 victory over SC State. Thompson ended his day 14-of-22 with 262 yards passing to go along with two touchdowns. Both Perry Orth and Connor Mitch saw action at quarterback in the game for the first time on the year. Adams led the Gamecock receivers with three catches for 91 yards and the touchdown, while Pharoh Cooper had a team-best four catches for 51 yards. Roland had two catches for 45 yards to go along with his touchdown reception. Jonathan Walton was the top tackler in the game for the Gamecocks with seven tackles, which included four solo stops. McLoud was the top performer in the game for the Paladins with a touchdown and 106 yards rushing on 13 carries. Cory Magwood collected a game-high 10 tackles for the Paladins. South Carolina will next travel to Auburn for a 7:30 p.m. game on Saturday, Oct. 25. The game will be televised by the SEC Network. The game will also be available on the Gamecock IMG Sports Network. Thompson and the Gamecocks are excited for the opportunity against the Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. “We’re excited to go down there and give them our best shot,” Thompson remarked.
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October 22, 2014
Davis happy for Furman win, excited for Auburn opportunity by collyn taylor Reporter
sive line. “Our offensive line had a great push up front,” Davis said. “Those guys have done a great job Mike Davis entered the pressroom after South all year and I always give credit to them: AJ Carolina’s victory over Furman laughing and Cann, Corey Robinson, Brandon Shell, Alan smiling with fellow running back David WilKnott; those guys do a great job blocking. Also, liams. He even joked around with Williams as our receivers do a great job blocking downhe sat down to answer questions. field.” He was all smiles and why wouldn’t he be? Davis rushed for two touchdowns in the He rushed for 111 yards as the Gamecocks beat game, the first one coming after a vicious stiffthe Furman Paladins, 41-10. arm of a Furman defender. Williams joked in Davis rushed for over 100 yards for the 11th the press conference that it was so good that time in his career in the win over the Paladins. when he tried to reenact it himself he fell over The 11 100-yard rushing games in his career over on the sidelines. ties him with three others for “[The stiff arm] felt good. second all-time in Gamecock When I did it, I didn’t realize history. what happened,” Davis said. After the Gamecock big “I was just hoping it would get win over Furman, Davis said on SportsCenter. That’s a big Mike Davis that he was able to gain so goal of mine, to get on [top-10 KeenanSuggs many yards because of the Plays] one day.” Player of the Week push he got from the offenDavis was the Gamecocks
leading rusher, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. He split carries with other running backs Shon Carson and Williams in the game. Both Davis and Williams rushed for over 100 yards and afterwards both said they don’t mind sharing carries and they were willing to do whatever they needed to do to help the team succeed. “It’s fine with me,” Davis noted. “Whatever the coach calls, I’m down for. We chose to run the ball, so that’s what we’re going to do.” Head coach Steve Spurrier says his team needs to rely on the run more than the pass for the rest of the season. His team looks to expose an Auburn defense allowing 120.7 rushing yards per game on the season. Davis is excited to play at Auburn, saying he’s ready for the challenge. “It’s a big opportunity to go to an environment like Auburn,” Davis said. “[We have to] just to do our best, do our part and do the little things right.”
photo by allen sharpe
Davis said he thinks his team has a chance to go into that atmosphere and upset the top-10 Tigers. “I think we have a big chance against everybody,” Davis said. “Anybody they put against us we’re not going to doubt ourselves.”
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October 22, 2014
Life in football: Baker has quite a story to tell by kyle heck Reporter
At the age of 17 most of us are enjoying our high school years, going to prom, hanging out with friends and deciding what to do after graduation. For Art Baker, 17 was the age he got his first head coaching job. It’s fitting for someone who knew even before that age that he wanted to be a head coach. The opportunity to coach came unexpectedly after Baker found out he wasn’t eligible to play his senior year of football at Edmunds High School, which is now Sumter High School. Knowing that his family would not be able to help him get to college, Baker decided to take advantage of the G.I. Bill and enlist in the Army. The only problem with that was that Baker was just 16 at the time. It didn’t take long for the Army to figure that out and after completing basic training he was sent back home and told to come back later. Because he had attended three or four days of school before going into the military, Edmunds counted that as a whole year and Baker was ineligible to play football. So his coach came to him and asked if he would be willing to coach the newly-formed junior varBaker sity team at just 17-years old. Baker jumped on the opportunity and led his team to a perfect 10-0 record. “So obviously, I’m thinking, ‘well boy, I must be a good coach,” Baker recalls. But Baker said he learned an early valuable lesson as the JV coach and took advantage of the great athletes on his team en route to his undefeated record. Now 84, Baker boasts more than 60 years of coaching experience. He has been the head coach at three colleges and has been an assistant under legendary coaches Frank Howard and Bobby Bowden.
The journey to Presbyterian College Even with the successful start to his coaching career, Baker’s dream of going to college was still in limbo. He went on a visit to Presbyterian College with three of his teammates who were also interested. Back then, players could spend two or three days on campus, “trying out” for the team. The coaches liked three of the four players, particularly farm boy Joe Kirven, and offered them full scholarships. Baker was the odd man out. However, Kirven, who went on to be an
photo courtesy of east carolina
All-American defensive end at Presbyterian went into the coach’s office and told him that they all wanted to go to school together. So the coach gave Baker a room in the basement of the field house, access to secondhand books and an opportunity to walk on to the football team. Baker got a job in the dining room to help get him through college, but by his junior season the running back had fought his way into the starting lineup and earned a scholarship. He played and started most of the games his final two years at Presbyterian. Baker said he enjoyed playing, but his desire was still to be a coach. That would have to be put on hold after graduating thanks to the Korean War. Baker joined the Army, this time legally, and spent two years training soldiers in basic training at Fort Jackson. “Probably one of the most beneficial things that happened to me” While at Fort Jackson, Baker frequently visited George Moore and Charlie Todd, who owned Todd & Moore. One day, they told Baker about a high school coaching job in McColl, South Carolina, right on the border with North Carolina. So about a week before practice was to start, Baker got out of the Army and brought his brother with him to the little mill town. When Baker arrived he saw he had a lot of work to do. But a rundown field didn’t stop Baker and by his second and final year, Baker’s team had a winning record. He then took the head coaching job at Newberry High School in 1957 where Baker met the person who he gives most of the credit for his successful coaching career. Newberry College head coach Harvey Kirkland, who is now in Newberry’s Hall of Fame, began interacting with Baker because Kirkland’s son played at Newberry High School.
“(It) turned out to be probably one of the most beneficial things that happened to me,” Baker said. Kirkland took Baker under his wing and started mentoring him. They quickly formed a close relationship and started to hunt together and their families started to vacation together. “He was such a stickler for details and techniques and fundamentals and he didn’t worry about plays until you taught people how to get in a stance and block and tackle,” Baker said of Kirkland. “So we spent a lot of time on those things.”
Nevertheless, Baker accepted the job coaching the Clemson freshman and proceeded to lead them to their first undefeated season in around 30 years. Howard then elevated Baker to quarterback and running backs coach the following year and the Tigers proceeded to win three straight ACC championships. Baker credits a lot of that success to talented players like quarterback Jimmy Addison, who is in the Clemson Hall of Fame. When Howard retired after the 1969 season, Baker wanted to succeed him as head coach. However, the Tigers gave the job to Hootie Ingram. So with that, Baker decided to move on, but he will always cherish his memories with Howard. “That was a real experience,” Baker said. “I could write a bunch of books on that experience. Being with coach Howard was like an adventure every day.”
Finally becoming a college head coach
Baker was prepared to take a job with Paul Dietzel and South Carolina after leaving Clemson. However, the day before he was to start the job he got a call from Texas Tech coach Jim Carlen, who wanted him to take over the offensive coordinator job left vacant by Bobby Bowden. Baker accepted the job and spent three seasons in West Texas. Then, in 1973, the Furman head coaching job opened up. Baker was offered the job and accepted it, taking more than an $8,000 pay cut in the process, but it was ‘Being with coach Howard was like a 50-year-old dream come true for Baker. “I wanted to be a head coach in college and I an adventure every day’ especially wanted to be a head coach in South With a newfound appreciation for coaching, Carolina,” Baker said. Baker took over the head job at Eau Claire High Baker brought Steve Robertson, Jimmy SatSchool in Columbia. In its nine previous seaterfield, Dick Sheridan and Buddy Sasser with sons, Eau Claire did not have a winning record. him to Furman. All were assistants under Baker In Baker’s six seasons with the team they had at some point in his career and all four later bea winning record every year and played for the came college head coaches. state championship twice. Sheridan and Satterfield are both South CaroThat was when Baker caught the eye of Clem- lina graduates and Satterfield would later lead son coach Frank Howard. Baker remembers a Furman to the NCAA Division I-AA national February morning conversation when Howard, championship in 1988. Current Furman head the namesake of the famous “Howard’s Rock” coach Bruce Fowler played for Baker at Furat Clemson, offered him the job. man. “Hey Al, what I’m looking for is a freshman The year before Baker and his staff arrived, coach, you want the job?” Baker recalls Howard Furman went 2-9. In Baker’s first year, Furman asking him. posted a 7-4 record and was named the most “Well, first of all coach, my name is Art,” improved team in the country. Baker replied. Baker spent five total years at Furman where “Aw heck, I didn’t have my glasses on,” How- he posted a 27-24-4 record. ard responded. Baker said that after Howard had kind of “put ‘Took a lot of prayer on me in my place” he told the legendary coach my part and my wife’s part’ that he was interested in the job and wanted to In 1978, Baker and his wife faced an imporbring his wife up to Clemson to talk about it. tant decision. The Citadel had offered him its “Now, wait a minute, I’m not hiring your head coaching job and it included a healthy wife,” Howard told Baker.
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October 22, 2014
pay raise and housing. However, it would be a lot harder to recruit at the military school and it was very unusual for someone to go to The Citadel from Furman. “That would be like going from Carolina to Clemson,” Baker said. While it “took a lot of prayer on my part and my wife’s part,” Baker decided to make the move to The Citadel. He overcame the difficult task of getting teenagers to attend a military school to post a 30-24-1 record in five seasons. There were a lot of people who quit school at The Citadel once they found out what it entailed. That was a problem for Baker because those kids would go back home and tell their friends how bad their experience was, turning them off to the school as well. Because of that, Baker was forced to use a nationwide approach when it came to recruiting. Baker was fired from The Citadel after his fifth season despite having a career win percentage that is still unmatched by any coach in the last 60-plus years. It was internal issues that eventually lost Baker his job, including his choice of a starting quarterback one year. That didn’t slow down Baker’s career however and he landed an offensive coordinator and assistant head coaching job at East Carolina in 1983. He turned down head coaching jobs from smaller schools like Gardner-Webb and Elon and was glad he did. “That was probably the best group of players
that I had coached all those years,” Baker said of the 1983 East Carolina team. The Pirates posted an 8-3 record that year and the three losses were a one-point defeat to Florida State, a three-point defeat at the hands of Florida and a five-point defeat to Miami, who won the national championship that year. Baker’s team led the Hurricanes for most of the game before a late touchdown downed East Carolina.
‘Not going to hire anyone else until you tell me you won’t take the job’ After East Carolina’s narrow loss to Florida State, Seminole head coach Bobby Bowden called Baker and told him that he was going to hire a new quarterback coach the next season. “I know this is a bad time to talk to you, but I’m not going to hire anyone else until you tell me you won’t take the job,” Bowden told Baker. After the Pirates’ season concluded, Baker went down to talk to Bowden, who offered him an offensive coordinator and assistant head coaching position. Baker accepted the job. Florida State went 8-3 that year and tied Georgia in the Citrus Bowl. Baker implemented his option-oriented offense he had at East Carolina and thrived that year with Bowden. “It was the best job I ever had, really,” Baker said. “He was just a great guy to work for. He gave you responsibility.” Baker said that Bowden, who was usually in his underwear and chewing on a cigar, would
bring him into his hotel room the night before a game to go over the plan for the game. While he was preparing for the Citrus Bowl, Baker got a call from East Carolina, who wanted him to come back to take the head coaching job. After the bowl game, Baker accepted the job despite the ECU program being in disarray. They were facing 18 NCAA violations and were in the red financially. Because of that, the Pirates were forced to play teams that were a lot more talented than them every year in an effort to make money. Baker never had a winning season in four years and posted a 12-32 record.
The transition Toward the end of his fourth year at East Carolina, the school’s athletic director and president began debating whether to renew Baker’s contract. While that was going on he got a call from South Carolina athletic director King Dixon, who wanted Baker to come to the University and be the associate athletic director. While Baker wasn’t ready to end his coaching career he would make more money at South Carolina than as head coach of East Carolina. So, while the president and AD were still trying to decide whether to keep Baker he decided to resign from the school and come to Columbia. Soon after he arrived then football coach Joe Morrison came to Baker with a proposal. “Wouldn’t you rather be the offensive coordi-
nator here at South Carolina than work with the Gamecock Club?” Morrison asked. “Yeah, I would,” replied Baker. However, after discussing it with Dixon, Baker decided to stick with being associate athletic director. Morrison died soon after that conversation and Baker was part of the search committee that looked for Morrison’s replacement. After spending seven years with the Gamecock Club, Baker retired. Mike McGee succeeded Dixon as athletic director and he asked Baker to stay and mentor Brad Scott, who was entering his first head coaching gig with the Gamecocks. Baker advised Scott and then Lou Holtz, who asked Baker to stay on with him and his coaching staff. It wasn’t until Steve Spurrier arrived in 2005 that Baker decided it was officially time for him to step away so he could see his three grandsons play high school football. “I didn’t want to miss them because I had missed my sons playing when I was a head coach,” Baker said. Baker and his wife just celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary and have four children together along with four grandchildren. Baker can still be found at South Carolina games. However, instead of prowling the sidelines or working from the coach’s box he sits on the back row of the press box out of the way of everyone else, watching the game he’s dedicated his life to. “I have a better seat now,” Baker said.
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October 22, 2014
South Carolina Gamecocks
2014
football Schedule 08/28/14 ..........vs. #21 Texas A&M # ........... Columbia, S.C. ..................... L, 52-28 09/06/14 ..........vs. East Carolina .................. Columbia, S.C. ....................W, 33-23 09/13/14 ..........vs. #6 Georgia # ................... Columbia, S.C. ....................W, 38-35 09/20/14 ..........at Vanderbilt # ...................... Nashville, Tenn. ..................W, 48-34 09/27/14 ..........vs. Missouri # ......................... Columbia, S.C. ..................... L, 21-20 10/04/14 ..........at Kentucky # ........................ Lexington, Ky. ...................... L, 45-38 10/18/14 ..........vs. Furman ............................. Columbia, S.C. ....................W, 41-10 10/25/14 ..........at Auburn # ........................... Auburn, Ala. ...............7:30 p.m. EST 11/01/14 ..........vs. Tennessee # ..................... Columbia, S.C. .............................TBA 11/15/14 ..........at Florida # ............................. Gainesville, Fla. ...........................TBA 11/22/14 ..........vs. South Alabama .............. Columbia, S.C. .............................TBA 11/29/14 ..........at Clemson ............................ Clemson, S.C. ...............................TBA
Standings SEC East
W-L PF
Georgia
4-1 193 119 6-1 304 140 W5
PA W-L PF PA
STRK
Missouri
2-1 63
67 5-2 215 150 W1
Kentucky
2-2 95
122 5-2 222 153 L1
South Carolina
2-3 172 187 4-3 246 220 W1
Florida
2-3 107 153 3-3 172 153 L2
Tennessee
0-3 44
79 3-4 171 149 L1
Vanderbilt
0-4 61
150 2-5 123 238 W1
SEC West
W-L PF
PA W-L PF PA
Ole Miss
4-0 133
43 7-0 248 74 W7
Mississippi State
3-0 120
83 6-0 251 120 W6
Alabama
3-1 132
57 6-1 258 92 W2
Auburn
2-1 109
66 5-1 233 110 L1
LSU
2-2 107 105 6-2 285 136 W2
Texas A&M
2-3 138 198 5-3 307 217 L3
Arkansas
0-4 94
STRK
139 3-4 268 188 L3
October 22, 2014
Spurs & Feathers • 9
10 • Spurs & Feathers
October 22, 2014
South Carolina Gamecocks
Recruiting Round-up DL DJ Jones of East Mississippi JC via Wren High School has taken official visits to Florida State, to whom he is committed, and USC, and he’s looking at Clemson, Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss and West Virginia for his other visits. He had planned to take an unofficial visit to Florida State for the Clemson game last month but didn’t make it. He did plan to go back to Tallahassee for the Notre Dame game. As for USC, Jones remains in regular contact. “I talked to USC a few days ago, coach Adams,” Jones said. “He’s telling me the same things, that they are going to work me hard and try to get me. He feels like that’s a good place for me. As of right now, I’m committed to Florida State. It’s not any kind of soft, medium or hard, but if today was signing day, I’d be signing with Florida State, but I’m weighing my options.” On a side note, Jones shared his take on his teammate, former Clemson quarterback Chad Kelly. “He wants to go to South Carolina on an official,” Jones said. “You put two and two together. He ain’t a selfish player like, I want to play against Clemson. He feels like South Carolina would be a good fit for him seeing how they lose Dylan Thompson. He’ll go anywhere where they allow their quarterback to throw Phil Kornblut the ball and have the opContributing tion to run it. As far as I Writer know it’s Ole Miss and Tennessee, that’s all I know.” Jones said he’s not aware of any interest by USC in Kelly and Kelly hasn’t told him of any contact. East Mississippi is 7-0 after a 49-0 win over Holmes last week and is the #1 ranked junior college team in the country. The Lions average 552 yards and 57 points per game. Kelly has passed for 2329 yards with 27 touchdowns and 5 interceptions while completing 68% of his passes. He’s also rushed for 240 yards and 3 scores. As for Jones, he has 20 tackles with 2 sacks and 5 tackles for loss. Another teammate, DL Dante Sawyer, a USC commitment, has 14 tackles with 3 sacks and 7 tackles for loss. USC commitment DE Quandeski Whitlow of Opelika, AL has scheduled an official visit to Louisville for January 17th. WR Darius Slayton of Norcross, GA took his first official visit of the fall a couple of weeks ago to Georgia when the Bulldogs played Tennessee. And he went unofficially to Auburn for the LSU game. He’s also been to
YOUR UNDER ARMOUR HEADQUARTERS! 620 Huger St., Columbia, SC Website: toddandmoore.com Facebook: Todd and Moore Sporting Goods USC this season for the Georgia game. Slaywill also go to Florida and Virginia Tech to leader,” Nix said. As for USC, he said, “It’s just ton talked with Gamecock recruiter GA Man- complete visits to his final six schools. He is like Pensacola, but it’s bigger.” Nix has taken gus last week. “It was just a general conversa- not planning a return trip to any of the schools official visits to USC and Marymount and will tion, checking in,” Slayton said. “I hope to get on his list. McIlwain’s father went to USC and visit Pittsburgh October 24th. Panthers coach back there for a game. I think they’re really he has lots of family in the state. He remains in Jamie Dixon was in recently to watch Nix interested and I’m interested in them.” Slayton weekly contact with Gamecock recruiter GA work out. USC’s Frank Martin also has been has not scheduled any other official visits and Mangus. “He’s just keeping in touch and we down. Nix will consider a couple of factors he’s undecided about where he will go on those do updates on our seasons and the adjustments when weighing his choice. “Where I can see visits. He does not have a timetable for a deci- both teams are making,” he said. “He’s letting myself playing at, and where it feels more comsion nor a leader. “I’m just going step by step me enjoy the recruiting process and not putfortable,” he said. Nix also had offers from and weighing all my options. Clemson is also ting too much pressure for a commitment. He Morehead State, Miami of Ohio, Ball State, an offer but he’s not heard from the Tigers redoes talk about that I’m the only quarterback Bowling Green and Idaho. Nix is a native of cently. Some of his other offers are Tennessee, for 2016 he’s offered and I’m their main guy Cincinnati who had one time weighed nearly Vanderbilt, Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georand I’m the one they want at their school.” 400 pounds. He has his weight down to 318 gia, Duke, Ohio State, Wisconsin and LSU. McIlwain said there is no order to his final six pounds at this point. USC DB commitment Antoine Wilder of and he won’t make one until after he competes 6-6 Jacob Evans of Baton Rouge committed Lithonia, GA had major knee surgery this his visits. He plans to have a decision in late to Cincinnati over USC. month to repair torn meniscus in a knee and December or early January but that is not defi6-5 Tevin Mack of Dreher made his official is out for the rest of the season. Wilder was nite. And he won’t trim his list further, he will visit to Connecticut last weekend and wrapped hurt a couple of weeks ago while playing run- just pick one from the six. So far this season up his official visits with a trip to USC for the ning back. He had the option for surgery that McIlwain has 13 passing touchdowns and 10 Furman game. He has also seen Clemson, would have allowed him to return this season rushing touchdowns. Georgia and VCU. “I like all the schools. but opted for the more involved procedure so DB John Broussard of Phenix City, AL They are all good schools. Everybody is still he could get healthy for college. Wilder comcontinues to hold interest in USC despite not even.” Mack said he’ll make his decision soon mitted to the Gamecocks in June. “I’m still having heard from them recently. He hopes to after his official visit to USC. solid with USC,” he said. “I love coach Brown get to a game at USC this season. Broussard and coach Ward. I’m firmly committed unless camped at USC this past summer and was at BASEBALL NEWS: I get blown away on a visit.” And Wilder is Auburn for the LSU game, and living just a planning to take an official visit to Louisville few miles down the road from the campus, Junior catcher and outfielder Mark Cofand, if they offer, Georgia. He’s also going to Broussard admitted that gives Auburn a slight fers (6-0 180) of Naples, FL de-committed LSU for the Alabama game, Georgia for the edge over the field. He feels Auburn and Ken- from Ole Miss and committed to USC at the Auburn game and Louisville will they play tucky are recruiting him the hardest right now. end of September according to the Naples Florida State. He’d also like to get to USC for He’s also been to Alabama for games. BrousDaily News. Coffers also considered Notre the Tennessee game. Wilder added that his sard has 14 offers…USC, Clemson, Auburn, Dame, Vanderbilt, Florida and East Carolina teammate and fellow Gamecock commitment, Florida State, LSU, Georgia, Kentucky, Penn according to PerfectGame.com. Coffers batted DE Arden Key, will go on the same unofficial State, Louisville, Mississippi State, Southern .280 last season in 24 games, with 13 RBIs and visits as he. Miss, Nebraska and Ole Miss. He doesn’t have 18 runs scored. Coffers is USC’s 11th commitLB Jalen Henry of Foley, AL has been favorites and hopes to be able to graduate early. ment for the 2016 class. committed to USC since June. He hasn’t been OL John Simpson of Fort Dorchester picked back to the school since his unofficial visit that up an offer from Clemson when he visited for month. He will be back in November. Henry the NC State game. Simpson was first offered has scheduled his official visit for November by USC and the Gamecocks led for him early. 21st when the Gamecocks play their final home But there is no leader now that he also holds game of the season against South Alabama. the Clemson offer. “I never thought I would Henry said he remains fully committed to USC come this far,” Simpson said. “I don’t really and at this point doesn’t plan to visit elsewhere. know (about a favorite). It’s hard. It’s kind of in-between. I went to Carolina and they blew Juniors: my mind and I went to Clemson and they blew USC’s top quarterback target for 2016, Bran- my mind.” He also hearing from Florida State, don McIlwain of Newtown, PA, made a visit LSU, Kentucky and Virginia. to Auburn for the LSU game. That was his first game at Auburn though he visited there last BASKETBALL NEWS: summer. “It was nice to be able to see their offense in person and the way they run the Seven-foot center Rozelle Nix of Pensacola no huddle and spread and the different reads JC, FL is down to a final three of USC, Loyola Nick Marshall was able to make throughout Marymount and Pittsburgh. Nix previously the game,” McIlwain said. He has also been had stated he would not sign until the spring to USC and Penn State this season and will but he now plans to sign in November and will go to Duke for the North Carolina game. He announce on October 30. “Nope, there is no
By Phil Kornblut
Spurs & Feathers • 11
October 22, 2014
Tanner highlights Triangle Gamecock Club lunchtime event by kyle heck Reporter
Around a month ago, Triangle Gamecock Club president Justin Turner received a call from Patrick McFarland of the Gamecock Club, telling him that South Carolina athletic director Ray Tanner would be in Raleigh, the headquarters of the Triangle Gamecock club, and would love to speak to the Gamecock fans in Raleigh. For Turner, it was a no-brainer. Tanner has a long history with Raleigh, playing his collegiate baseball at North Carolina State and coaching there for almost 20 years. “I said no question about it, let’s put this thing together,” Turner said. “Let’s make it a big deal and invite all Gamecocks, not just Gamecock Club members, but anybody who loves the Gamecocks.” So Turner and the Triangle Gamecock Club organized a lunch at the Tobacco Road Sports Café in Raleigh where Tanner would speak and answer questions from the attendees. Around 50 people showed up and it would’ve been more if it had not been at lunchtime on a weekday. Tanner talked about how well Gamecock student-athletes were doing in the classroom and the growth of the athletic program, includ-
ing the addition of sand volleyball last year. He also stressed that while financial donations and the Gamecock Club have grown tremendously in recent years there is still a long way to go. They have to compete with Florida, Georgia and the rest of the SEC and are still in the middle of the pack in the league from a
it’s kind of like jealousy in a way because they believe that he should be (their) baseball coach. He should’ve won those national championships for N.C. State. It’s really a sense of pride for Gamecock fans to be able to say, ‘yeah, but he’s our coach (and) he’s our athletic director.’” The Triangle Gamecock club was founded in June of 2012 due to a large demand from Gamecock fans. There were already quite a few Gamecock Club members in the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill area, helping out the cause. “We all got back together and said, ‘hey, there are 3,000-plus South Carolina alumni in the Raleigh area plus an unlimited amount of casual fans of the school; let’s re-launch the Gamecock club.’ And from day one, our mission has always been to bring Gamecock fans together (and) to support the athletics of the University of South Carolina.” Turner said they have had as many as 200 people turn up for an event so far. Because submitted photo the club is relatively new there are still a lot budget perspective. of Gamecock fans in the area that don’t know “It was a great event,” Turner said. “Coach about the Triangle Gamecock Club. Turner Tanner came and did the normal coach Tansaid they’re spreading the word and as a result ner thing. Awesome speaker. I don’t know of a they have first-time visitors at every event. bigger name that we could’ve gotten to come You can follow the Triangle Gamecock Club speak. Everybody loves him in Raleigh. I work on Twitter at @TriangleGCC. You can also personally with a bunch of N.C. State fans and like them on Facebook.
12 • Spurs & Feathers
October 22, 2014
2015 football schedule released south carolina athletics media relations
The Southeastern Conference unveiled the 2015 football schedules for all 14 SEC schools last week. With 13 playing weekends, the 2015 schedule includes one open date for each team and conference contests scheduled each week beginning September 12. Each SEC team will play eight conference football games to include six games against division opponents and two games against nondivision opponents. One of the non-division opponents will be a permanent annual opponent and the other non-division opponent will rotate each year. For the 24th-consecutive year, the 2015 season will culminate with the SEC Championship Game on Saturday, December 6 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The University of South Carolina will kick off the college football season on Thursday, September 3, when the Gamecocks travel to Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte for a non-conference tilt with North Carolina. The Tar Heels lead the all-time series between the two bordering state’s flagship universities by a 34-18-4 count, but South Carolina has won the last two and five of the last six meetings between the two schools. The 2015 home opener and conference lidlifter is set for Saturday, September 12 when the Gamecocks host the Kentucky Wildcats. Carolina has dominated the series recently, winning 13 of the last 15 meetings to take a 17-8-1 lead, but the Wildcats pulled the upset in Lexington earlier this season, just the second time in 22 opportunities that Kentucky has defeated a team coached by Steve Spurrier. The traditional early season SEC Eastern Division showdown between the Gamecocks and Georgia Bulldogs is set for Saturday, September 19 in Athens. Carolina won earlier this year in Columbia and has taken four of the last five meetings between the two schools on the gridiron, but Georgia holds a 47-18-2 advantage in the all-time series. The Gamecocks return home on September 26 for a non-conference matchup with Central Florida. South Carolina has won each of the four previous meetings with UCF, including a 28-25 win in Orlando last year, which was the Golden Knights only loss of the 2013 season. South Carolina returns to conference action on Saturday October 3 with a road date with the Missouri Tigers. The Tigers have possession of the Mayor’s Cup after pulling out a one-
point victory in Columbia, S.C. earlier this year, gaining revenge for South Carolina’s overtime win in Columbia, Mo. a year ago. The Tigers lead the all-time series by a slim 3-2 count. The LSU Tigers make their way to WilliamsBrice Stadium for the first time since 2008 when they visit Columbia on Saturday, October 10. LSU has won each of the last five meetings and own a commanding 17-2-1 lead in the all-time series. South Carolina’s only win over LSU since 1930 came in the 1994 season. The Vanderbilt Commodores will provide the opposition on Saturday October 17. The Gamecocks have won six-straight in the series with the Commodores, including a win in Nashville earlier this season. Carolina has won nine of the previous 11 times the teams have hooked up in Columbia and lead the overall series 20-4. After an open date, South Carolina will make its first trip ever to College Station, Texas for a Halloween matchup with the Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday, October 31. The Aggies handed the Gamecocks a loss in the 2014 season opener, the first time the two schools have met on the gridiron. Carolina will remain on the road for a secondstraight week when they travel to Knoxville to face the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday, November 7, in the final true road test of the season. The Vols lead the all-time series by a 23-7-2 margin, but Carolina has won three of the last four meetings. The two teams will hook up later this season in Columbia. The Gamecocks will wrap up the 2015 regular season with three-consecutive home games. The SEC regular season schedule comes to an end on Saturday, November 14, when the Gamecocks host the Florida Gators. Florida holds a 24-7-3 lead in the all-time series, but the Gamecocks have won three of the last four contests. Like Tennessee, the Gamecocks and Gators will battle later this season in Gainesville, Fla. The Gamecocks’ annual in-state FCS game is set for Saturday, November 21, when Carolina hosts The Citadel Bulldogs. The Gamecocks have won 40 of the first 50 meetings (40-7-3) between the two Palmetto State schools, including a 41-20 win in 2011, the only time the schools have met since 1990. The Gamecocks’ 2015 regular season concludes on Saturday, November 28, with the annual Palmetto State Showdown versus the Clemson Tigers at Williams-Brice Stadium. Clemson leads the all-time series, 65-42-4, but the Gamecocks have won each of the last five meetings between the two schools, their longest streak in the rivalry that dates back to 1896.
South Carolina Gamecocks
2015
football Schedule
Sept. 3 (Thu.).......................................................................North Carolina (Charlotte) Sept. 12.......... ......................................................KENTUCKY Sept. 19.................................................................................at Georgia Sept. 26.......... ......................................................CENTRAL FLORIDA Oct. 3......................................................................................at Missouri Oct. 10...................................................................................LSU Oct. 17............ ......................................................VANDERBILT Oct. 24...................................................................................Open date Oct. 31...................................................................................at Texas A&M Nov. 7.....................................................................................at Tennessee Nov. 14........... ......................................................FLORIDA Nov. 21........... ......................................................THE CITADEL Nov. 28........... ......................................................CLEMSON
Spurs & Feathers • 13
October 22, 2014
photo by allen sharpe
View from the Furman locker room by kyle heck Reporter
Those turnovers and miscues were the main reason the Paladins found themselves down 28-7 at halftime despite moving the ball well For Furman, Saturday’s game against South against the South Carolina defense. Carolina was a rare opportunity to play on a Furman had 200 yards of offense, including national stage in front of nearly 80,000 loud 141 on the ground, halfway through the confans. test. South Carolina (4-3, 2-3 SEC) had just 79 Paladin tailback Hank McCloud made the rushing yards in the first half. most of the opportunity, rushing for 106 yards “I thought offensively, we put together some on 13 carries. In the first quarter, McCloud plays, but (we were) just 1-3 in the redzone and broke through the Gamecock defense for a they were 6-6,” Fowler said. “Some of ours 60-yard touchdown that was the longest of his were unforced errors and that cost us an opcareer and, more importantly, tied the game at portunity to maybe get a score or two more.” seven early on. The Gamecock defense tightened up in the “That’s a testament to my offensive line,” second half, holding Furman to just 102 yards McCloud said. “The fullbacks blocked for me of total offense and three points. After 141 and the receivers blocked on the edge. They rushing yards in the first half, the Paladins got a big crease for me and I saw nothing but managed just 70 the rest of the way. daylight and didn’t look back. I didn’t do anyA bruising South Carolina running game thing really spectacular. I just ran the ball.” that piled up 188 rushing yards in the second However, that turned out to be one of the half had a lot to do with the subdued perforonly highlights on the day for Furman, as they mance out of the Furman offense. fell to South Carolina, 41-10. “That made it tough for us to get the ball and Despite being a FCS team and heavy under- put anything together,” Fowler said. dogs coming into the game, the Paladins came Coming into Williams-Brice and winning into Williams-Brice with the expectation of is tough in and of itself. However, it’s even winning. tougher when your team is already struggling. “That’s every week,” McCloud said. “Win- That was the case for the Paladins, who had ning is our goal. We didn’t accomplish that to- lost four games in a row coming into Saturday, but there are some positives we can take day. from the game.” “We’ve got a freshman quarterback who Turnovers turned out to be a big problem for got his second start in college,” Fowler said. the Paladins (2-5, 1-1 SoCon). They fumbled “Obviously, we don’t play in this environment away the ball twice and tailback Tanner Sko- every week. You’ve got that and some inexpegen threw an interception on an errant halfrienced guys on offense.” back pass. “When you’re playing a team that’s a good One of the fumbles came on the Gamefootball team and has 85 scholarships comcocks’ 10-yard line, ruining an opportunity pared to 63 and things like that the margin for for the Paladins to put points on the board. error is not very much and so you have to play “We had a little trouble in the redzone,” well.” head coach Bruce Fowler said. “I think we’re Even though Furman came up short against capable of playing better than we did today. the Gamecocks, the chance to play in a rare Anytime you have some opportunities and national spotlight was one that the players will you don’t capitalize on them it can be frustrat- cherish. ing.” “It (was) a big game,” McCloud said. “It Furman also missed a 33-yard field goal in (was) a dream of mine (to play in front of this the second quarter when it was down 21-7. crowd).”
14 • Spurs & Feathers
October 22, 2014
Keeping the little Gamecocks active for all the right reasons
My 6-year-old Alexander is always on the of accomplishment and having the opportumove. If he is watching television or even do- nity to see the Gamecocks. ing things on our iPad he always gets up and South Carolina associate athletics director/ runs around the house. chief marketing officer Eric Nichols and diTo be honest, it gets exhausting just watch- rector of marketing Josh Waters had a similar ing his movement on a daily basis. program to Active Gamecocks when they I love it though as I know my son is staying were at Vanderbilt. active. Between just his normal day-to-day It was such a huge hit in the Nashville area craziness, physical education at school, play- they knew it would be in the Palmetto State ing soccer and being in boy scouts he is the as well. exception and not the norm unfortunately “Since we started this in 2011 we’ve had as one in three children in the state of South almost 41,000 kids participate,” Waters noted. Carolina are said to be obese or overweight. “We’ve had 512 schools participate. We’re Myself along with many others obviously really happy about that. The total number of don’t want this for our children, which is hours that have been done in physical fitness why the initiative undertaken by the South is almost 285,000.” Carolina athletics department called Active To me, those are wow numbers. What the Gamecocks is such a hit in our household and athletics department is doing to help others in in many others. this endeavor is just phenomenal. They work The Active Gamecocks program encourhard every year to make sure each school in ages children, between Kindergarten and fifth the Palmetto State and even beyond have the grade, to participate in a two-week, 30-minopportunity to participate. ute a day exercise regimen. If the student “We send letters to the principal and PE completes this exercise regimen they become teachers,” Waters commented. “As we know, eligible to receive two complimentary tickets budget cuts happen and PE’s been one thing to a predetermined Gamecock athletic sport- that has been cut quickest, so the thought of ing event. The program is put in place during the program has always been if the school the academic year where three sessions can wants to do it as a school and count the PE take place: fall (men’s and women’s soccer time, we’re fine with that. If the kid needs to and volleyball), winter (men’s and women’s do it at home, we’re fine with that also. We basketball) and spring (softball and baseball). do send a letter to every elementary school Alexander attends Meadowfield Elementary in the state. This year we’ve even expanded School in Columbia, S.C. and his school is a to a little bit of Georgia and a little bit of participant in Active Gamecocks. North Carolina since they are so close. Some Early in the 2014-15 school year, Alexander schools do it every year. Some do it one sesbrought home a piece of paper asking him to sion a year. It just depends.” chronicle his movements over the course of South Carolina assistant director of marketthe time. He meticulously made sure he did ing Lauryn Dugan has taken the lead on a everything asked as he wanted to complete great deal of the Active Gamecocks program the program so he could go see the Gameand the success to her is truly about the relacocks. tionships. That’s the cool part to me and where this “I think the thing that is so important with great program resonated the most to my fam- getting new schools involved is building ily. My son can obviously attend any Gamethat relationship with the teachers,” Dugan cock event he desires, but he doesn’t know elaborated. “A lot of the ones that come back that at such a young age and he was ecstatic year-after-year after the ones that I’ve dealt to be able to show me those with from the time I’ve kind tickets. of taken on the program … The moment I walked in it’s just the perks of that onethe day he received his two on-one connection that helps tickets to attend a particular them say, ‘hey, this is imporvolleyball and/or men’s and tant, not only to (the Univerwomen’s soccer match he sity of) South Carolina, but made sure to proudly let it should be important in our me know he completed the schools.’” program. South Carolina readily “Daddy, I get to go watch recognizes that this program the Gamecocks,” Alexander is also not just about keeping said with a smile beaming children active, but giving from his face. chances for the less fortunate It didn’t matter the sport. to attend Gamecock games. It didn’t matter that he comAll of these reasons are why Brian Hand pleted a program that he according to Waters they Executive more than does every day. plan to do this for “as long as Editor To him, it was just the sense we can.”
photo by amy hand
“It helps the kids get on campus and see what South Carolina’s about and it helps our teams to remember what it was like when they were the little kid,” Waters stated. “One thing too we try to take into account is there are some kids out there who couldn’t afford to come. Some schools take field trips around basketball games in the middle of the day, so that’s always nice since there is kids getting to come that maybe don’t ever get to do that.” Waters utilizes the example of current South Carolina men’s and women’s track and field head coach Curtis Frye as one of those individuals who took an opportunity like Active Gamecocks when he was a child and used it to change his life forever. “Curtis Frye comes down frequently and he talks about him as an example and how he was the first kid in his family to go to college and the reason that he did that being because he got exposed to programs at a young age like Active Gamecocks,” Waters mentioned. “He got to go to an NC State game and it just changed his outlook. It’s pretty amazing hearing him say that and look what he’s done now – a Hall of Fame track coach. All because of one time going to a game and it changing his outlook.” If you are interested in finding out more about the Active Gamecocks program, please contact Dugan by email at ldugan@mailbox. sc.edu or call 803.576.9189 or visit Gamecocksonline.com/activegamecocks.
Who knows? If your child has not already given you that moment around Active Gamecocks maybe you’ll one day be treated to having your child come home from school and tell you how excited they are about getting to see the Gamecocks. Maybe they become the next coach Frye. You just never know, but what you do know is that your child is getting a unique opportunity for all the right reasons that is centered around the Gamecocks. Isn’t that what it is all about?
Spurs & Feathers • 15
October 22, 2014
Previewing the Auburn football team by kyle heck Reporter
When South Carolina travels to Auburn to take on the Tigers they will face possibly their biggest challenge of the year. The defending SEC champions are 5-1, 2-1 in the SEC with their only loss coming to No. 1 Mississippi State. The loss to the Bulldogs snapped Auburn’s nine-game conference losing streak. However, Auburn is hoping to extend a 13-game home winning streak against the Gamecocks (4-3, 2-3 SEC). In addition, head coach Gus Malzahn has lost just two regularseason games in two years as coach of the Tigers. While the Tigers lost star tailback Tre’ Mason from their team a year ago they brought back Heisman-hopeful quarterback Nick Marshall. The senior has completed 55.4 percent of his passes for nearly 1,000 yards, 10 touchdowns and just three interceptions this year. The dual threat has also rushed for 492 yards and four more touchdowns. Senior tailback Cameron Artis-Payne has filled in nicely for Mason this season. The Pennsylvania native has averaged 5.5 yards per carry
this season en route to 664 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Overall, the Tigers average 262 rushing yards a game, which is fourth in the SEC and 14th in the NCAA. Auburn has done a great job recruiting capable junior college players over the years, snagging both Marshall and Artis-Payne via that route. This year, it’s wide receiver D’haquille Williams, who was the No. 1 JUCO receiver in the nation a season ago. Williams has 31 catches for 493 yards and five touchdowns already to lead the receiving attack for the Tigers. As an offense, Auburn is 22nd in the country with almost 488 yards per game and puts up a shade under 39 points per game. South Carolina will need to have shored up its special teams’ coverage problems as Auburn has a dangerous punt returner in Quan Bray. The senior has two punt return touchdowns in eight touches. Despite losing defensive end Dee Ford to the NFL last season, Auburn still brought back a lot of experience this year. As a unit, the defense has racked up the turnovers in the first six games of the season. They have 10 interceptions and nine forced fumbles, recovering three of those.
photo by jenny dilworth
The Tigers have three outstanding defensive backs, all with the same first name. Johnathan Ford, Jonathan Mincy and Jonathan Jones have combined for 91 tackles, two sacks, five interceptions and 11 pass breakups. Jones leads the team with three interceptions. Junior linebacker Cassanova McKinzy is the leader of the defense after leading the team in tackles as a sophomore. McKinzy is second in that category this season with 40 tackles, four for loss and has also added a sack.
Despite giving up 38 points to Mississippi State, Auburn is still allowing just 18.3 points per game, which is 14th in the NCAA. The Gamecocks haven’t beaten the Tigers since 1933, losing seven straight overall. The last meeting between the two came in 2011 when Auburn upset South Carolina, 16-13, at Williams-Brice Stadium. It was the last loss at home for the Gamecocks before they started their school-record 18-game winning streak that ended earlier this season.
16 • Spurs & Feathers
October 22, 2014
South Carolina Football Roster # Name Pos. 1 Damiere Byrd WR 1 Rico McWilliams CB 3 Nick Jones WR 3 Chris Lammons CB 4 Bryson Allen-Williams LB 4 Shaq Roland WR 5 Darius English DE 5 Brendan Nosovitch QB 6 Connor Mitch QB 6 Chris Moody SS 7 Shon Carson TB 7 Wesley Green CB 8 Shamier Jeffery WR 8 Kaiwan Lewis LB 9 Deebo Samuel WR 9 Sharrod Golightly SPR 10 Skai Moore LB 10 Perry Orth QB 11 T.J. Holloman LB 11 Pharoh Cooper WR 12 Michael Scarnecchia QB 12 Brison Williams SS 13 Tyler Hull P 13 Grant Davitte QB 14 Shaq Davidson WR 14 Ali Groves CB 15 Austin Hails QB 16 Zack Cimaglia K/P 17 Chaz Elder FS 17 Dylan Thompson QB 18 Cedrick Cooper DE 18 Patrick Fish P 19 Terry Googer WR 19 Landon Ard PK 20 T.J. Gurley SS 21 Marcquis Roberts LB 21 Andrew Bunch WR 22 Brandon Wilds TB 22 Jamari Smith CB 23 Larenz Bryant SPR 24 D.J. Smith DB 25 Kadetrix Marcus FS 26 Jasper Sasser FS 28 Mike Davis TB 28 Jonathan Walton LB 29 Elliott Fry PK 29 Matrick Belton WR 30 Darius Paulk FB 30 Sidney Rhodes CB 31 Al Harris Jr. CB 31 Jordan Diaz FB 32 Rod Talley TB 33 David Williams TB 34 Jonas Price K/P 34 Mason Harris DE
Hgt. 5-9 5-11 5-7 5-10 6-1 6-1 6-6 6-1 6-3 6-1 5-8 5-10 6-1 6-0 6-0 5-10 6-2 6-1 6-2 5-11 6-4 5-11 6-2 6-3 5-11 5-10 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-0 6-4 5-9 5-10 6-1 5-11 6-2 5-10 6-0 5-11 6-1 6-0 5-9 6-0 6-0 6-4 5-8 5-10 5-11 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-2 6-3
Wgt. 170 184 168 172 231 176 241 221 211 210 201 176 198 228 192 187 213 204 234 201 189 208 207 180 170 187 220 170 195 218 225 194 210 178 194 216 173 222 197 220 189 194 203 223 228 165 215 199 182 162 236 201 214 165 235
Cl. SR RS SO RS SR FR FR JR RS SO RS SO RS FR RS SO RS JR FR RS JR JR FR RS SR SO RS SO RS SO SO FR SR RS SR RS FR FR RS FR RS JR RS SO RS SO RS SR RS JR RS SR FR RS JR JR RS SO RS SO RS JR SO SO FR SR RS FR JR SO SO RS SO RS SO RS SR FR RS SR RS SO RS FR RS FR RS JR
Hometown/High School/Last College Sicklerville, N.J./Timber Creek Hampton, Ga./Lovejoy Moore, S.C./Byrnes Sunrise, Fla./Plantation Ellenwood, Ga./Ceder Grove Lexington, S.C./Lexington Powder Springs, Ga./McEachern Allentown, Pa./Central Catholic Raleigh, N.C./Wakefield McDonough, Ga./Henry County Scranton, S.C./Lake City Lithonia, Ga./Martin Luther King St. Matthews, S.C./Calhoun County Pleasantville, N.J./St. Joseph Inman, S.C./Chapman Decatur, Ga./Southwest DeKalb Cooper City, Fla./University Ponde Verda, Fla./Ponte Verda/Florida State College Stone Mountain, Ga./St. Pius X Havelock, NC./Havelock Fleming Island, Fla./Fleming Island Warner Robins, Ga./Northside/Fork Union Military Mount Airy, N.C./Mount Airy/Guilford College Columbia, S.C./Irmo Gaffney, S.C./Gaffney Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson Collinsville, Ill./Collinsville Charlotte, N.C./Myers Park/North Carolina A&T Union City, Ga./Banneker Boiling Springs, S.C./Boiling Springs Lithonia, Ga./Lithonia Shelby, N.C./Burns Atlanta, Ga./Woodward Academy Rock Hill, S.C./South Pointe Cairo, Ga./Cairo Powder Springs, Ga./McEachern Mt. Pleasant, S.C./Bishop England/Presbyterian Blythewood, S.C./Blythewood Jacksonville, Fla./Fletcher Charlotte, NC./Vance Marietta, Ga./Walton Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson Jacksonville, Fla./Wolfson Atlanta, Ga./Stephenson Daphne, Ala./Bayside Academy Frisco, Tx./Prince of Peace Christian Columbia, S.C./Keenan/Hampton Columbia, S.C./Richland Northeast/North Greenville Easley, S.C./Wren/Western Carolina Fort Lauderdale, Fla./St. Thomas Aquinas Hamilton, N.J./Hamilton West Laurens, S.C./Laurens/Gardner-Webb Philadelphia, Pa./Imhotep Charter Cockeysville, Md./St. Paul’s Fort Oglethorpe, Ga./Ridgeland
Coaches Steve Spurrier - Head Coach Deke Adams - Defensive Line Kirk Botkin - Linebackers/Spurs Grady Brown - Secondary/Assistant Special Teams Coordinator Shawn Elliott - Co-Offensive Coordinator/Offensive LIne G.A. Mangus - Quarterbacks/Tight Ends Joe Robinson - Special Teams Coordinator Everette Sands - Running Backs Jamie Speronis - Associate AD/Football Operations Steve Spurrier Jr. - Co-Offensive Coord/Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coordinator Lorenzo Ward - Defensive Coordinator Joey Blake - Director of Football Nutrition Robbie Liles - Director - Recruiting Operations Patrick Shine - Administrative Coordinator - Recruiting Scott Spurrier - Quality Control Coordinator (Offense) Shaq Wilson - Quality Control Coordinator (Defense)
# Name Pos. 35 Shannon James DB 39 Demetrius Smalls DB 40 Jacob August TE 41 Kyle Morini LB 41 Connor McLaurin FB 42 Jordan Diggs SPR 43 Benjamin Russell DB 43 Garrison Gist FB 44 Gerald Turner FB 44 Gerald Dixon DE 45 Brandon Sturdivant FB 46 Cedrick Malone SPR 47 Drew Williams LS 48 Nick McGriff TE 49 Garrett Shank SS 49 Devin Potter TB 50 A.J. Cann OG 51 Cody Waldrop OC 51 Devin Washington DE 52 Phillip Dukes DT 53 Corey Robinson OT 54 Clayton Stadnik OC 55 David Johnson DE 55 Na’Ty Rodgers OT 58 Ryland Culbertson LS 59 Coleman Harley LS 65 Brock Stadnik OG 69 D.J. Park OT 70 Alan Knott OC 71 Brandon Shell OT 72 Donell Stanley OL 74 Mason Zandi OT 75 Will Sport OG 76 Mike Matulis OT 77 Malik Young OL 80 K.J. Brent WR 81 Rory Anderson TE 82 Caleb Hines WR 83 Carlton Heard WR 84 Matthew Harvey WR 85 Kane Whitehurst WR 86 Kevin Crosby TE 87 Sean Odom WR 88 Drew Owens TE 89 Jerell Adams TE 90 Cody Gibson TE 90 Taylor Stallworth DT 91 Blake McClain DE 92 Gerald Dixon, Jr. DT 93 Deon Green DT 94 Kelsey Griffin DT 95 Michael Washington DE 97 J.T. Surratt DT 99 Abu Lamin DT
Hgt. 5-7 5-11 6-6 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-0 5-10 6-2 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-0 6-0 5-10 6-4 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-8 6-3 6-1 6-5 6-4 6-1 6-5 6-4 6-4 6-6 6-4 6-9 6-5 6-5 6-3 6-4 6-5 5-11 6-0 6-8 5-11 6-1 6-0 6-6 6-6 6-7 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-4
Wgt. 153 170 247 221 243 217 175 260 250 274 218 201 201 220 203 203 311 309 221 323 344 273 275 280 267 246 287 328 280 333 346 301 291 307 318 192 227 160 188 22 8 169 230 190 238 242 278 293 265 323 289 310 237 310 302
Cl. RS SO RS FR FR RS SR RS SR RS SO RS FR RS JR RS FR RS SO RS SO RS SO SO FR RS SO RS SO RS SR RS SO RS FR RS JR RS SR RS SO RS FR RS FR RS SR RS JR RS SO RS FR RS FR RS JR FR RS SO RS JR RS JR FR RS JR SR FR RS JR RS JR RS JR FR SO RS JR JR RS SR FR FR RS JR RS SO SO RS JR RS SR RS SO
Hometown/High School/Last College Florence, S.C./South Florence Bluffton, S.C./Bluffton Columbia, S.C./Cardinal Newman/Fork Union Warner Robins, Ga./White Knoll/Gray Military Raleigh, N.C./Garner Fort Myers, Fla./Island Coast Atlanta, Ga./Woodward Academy Rock Hill, S.C./Northwesterm Goose Creek, S.C./Goose Creek Rock Hill, S.C./South Pointe Fort Mill, S.C./Nation Ford/York Tech Camden, S.C./Camden/Coastal Carolina Irmo, S.C/Dutch Fork Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville Marietta, Ga./Lassiter Granite Falls, N.C./South Caldwell Bamberg, S.C./Bamberg-Ehrhardt Seffner, Fla./Armwood Orlando, Fla./Jones Manning, S.C./Manning Havelock, N.C./Havelock Greensboro, N.C./Western Guilford Lithonia, Ga./Lithonia Waldorf, Md./McDonough Laurens, S.C./Laurens Academy Aiken, S.C./South Aiken Greensboro, N.C./Western Guilford Dillon, S.C./Dillon Tyrone, Ga./Sandy Creek Goose Creek, S.C./Goose Creek Floydale, S.C./Latta Irmo, S.C./Chapin Milton, Fla./Pace Boynton Beach, Fla./Park Vista Pelzer, S.C./Woodmont Waxhaw, N.C./Marvin Ridge Powder Springs, Ga./McEachern Cornelius, N.C./Hough Athens, Ga./Clarke Central/Gardner-Webb Rock Hill, S.C./Rock Hill Duluth, Ga./Chattahoochee/Arkansas Bamberg, S.C./Bamberg-Ehrhardt Orangeburg, S.C./Orangeburg Prep Charlotte, N.C./Ardrey Kell Pinewood, S.C./Scott’s Branch Tallahassee, Fla./Lincoln Mobile, Ala./Murphy Jacksonville, Fla./Sandalwood 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 Fayetteville, N.C./Trinity Christian/Fort Scott C.C.
Spurs & Feathers • 17
October 22, 2014
Auburn Football Roster # Name Pos. 1 D’haquille Williams WR 1 Montravius Adams DT 3 Jonathan Jones DB 4 Quan Bray WR 5 Ricardo Louis WR 6 Jonathon Mincy DB 6 Jeremy Johnson QB 8 Tony Stevens WR 8 Cassanova McKinzy LB 9 Roc Thomas RB 9 Jermaine Whitehead DB 10 LaDarius Owens DL 10 Stanton Truitt WR 11 Brandon Fulse TE 11 Markell Boston DB 12 Jonathan Wallace QB 13 Mack VanGorder DB 13 Sean White QB 14 Stephen Roberts DB 14 Nick Marshall QB 15 Joshua Holsey DB 16 Tucker Tuberville QB 16 JaViere Mitchell LB 17 Ben Durand QB 17 Kris Frost LB 18 Sammie Coates WR 19 Nick Ruffin DB 20 Corey Grant RB 21 Mackenro Alexander DB 22 Khari Harding DB 23 Johnathan Ford DB 24 Derrick Moncrief DB 25 Peyton Barber RB 25 Trovon Reed DB 26 Justin Garrett LB 27 Robenson Therezie DB 27 Logan Rice P 28 T.J. Davis DB 29 Tyler Stovall P 29 Brandon King DB 30 Tre’ Williams LB 30 Damian Lewis RB 31 Mark White WR 31 Jakell Mitchell HB 32 Jimmy Hutchinson P 33 Kenny Flowers LB 33 B.J. Trimble WR 35 Joe Turner DB 36 Michael Sherwood DB 36 Kamryn Pettway RB 37 Kamryn Melton DB 37 Hunter Wood TE 38 Daniel Carlson K 39 Tray Matthews DB 39 Alex Kviklys K 40 Daniel Pond LB 40 Gage Batten FB 41 Kalvaraz Bessent DB 42 Gimel President DL 42 Keenan Sweeney FB 43 Spencer Smith TE 43 Anthony Swain LB
Ht. 6-2 6-4 5-10 5-10 6-2 5-10 6-5 6-4 6-3 5-10 5-11 6-2 5-9 6-4 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-0 5-11 6-1 5-11 6-0 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-2 6-0 5-11 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-2 5-11 6-0 6-1 5-9 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-2 5-9 5-10 6-3 6-2 6-1 5-10 6-0 5-8 6-0 5-10 6-3 6-4 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-0 5-11 6-4 6-3 6-6 6-2
Wt. 216 306 182 195 212 196 230 198 249 193 193 259 175 258 191 207 201 200 180 210 192 190 210 210 234 201 174 205 203 224 199 218 225 190 224 212 197 196 207 213 225 201 175 218 198 230 174 165 170 239 182 245 215 192 191 207 242 165 259 235 240 249
Yr. JR SO JR SR JR SR SO SO JR FR SR SR FR SR FR JR JR FR FR SR JR SO SO JR JR JR FR SR SO SO SO JR RS FR SR JR SR FR SO RS FR SR FR SO SO FR RS FR JR JR JR RS FR FR SO FR RS FR SO JR JR SO FR SO FR SO JR
Hometown/Previous School LaPlace, La. (Mississippi Gulf Coast CC) Vienna, Ga. (Dooly County) Carrollton, Ga. (Carrollton) LaGrange, Ga. (Troup County) Miami, Fla. (Miami Beach Senior) Decatur, Ga. (Southwest DeKalb) Montgomery, Ala. (Carver) Orlando, Fla. (Evans) Birmingham, Ala. (Woodlawn) Oxford, Ala. (Oxford) Greenwood, Miss. (Amanda Elzy) Bessemer, Ala. (Jess Lanier) Atlanta, Ga. (Monroe Area) Fort Meade, Fla. (Fort Meade) Sharpsburg, Ga. (East Coweta) Phenix City, Ala. (Central) Gainesville, Ga. (North Hall) Boca Raton, Fla. (University Nova South) Opelika, Ala. (Opelika) Pineview, Ga. (Garden City CC) Fairburn, Ga. (Creekside) Auburn, Ala. (Texas Tech) Leeds, Ala. (Leeds) Tyngsborough, Mass. (Tyngsborough) Matthews, N.C. (Butler) Leroy, Ala. (Leroy) Duluth, Ga. (St. Pius X) Opelika, Ala. (Opelika) Immokalee, Fla. (Immokalee) Edmond, Okla. (Edmond Santa Fe) Big Cove, Ala. (New Hope) Prattville, Ala. (Mississippi Gulf Coast CC) Alpharetta, Ga. (Milton) Thibodaux, La. (Thibodaux) Stone Mountain, Ga. (Tucker) Miami, Fla. (Jackson) Rome, Ga. (Darlington School) Tallahassee, Fla. (Godby) Hokes Bluff, Ala. (Hokes Bluff) Alabaster, Ala. (Highland CC) Mobile, Ala. (St. Paul’s Episcopal) Wetumpka, Ala. (Wetumpka) Pike Road, Ala. (Trinity Presbyterian) Opelika, Ala. (Opelika) Marietta, Ga. (Harrison) Lilburn, Ga. (Hutchinson CC) Peachtree City, Ga. (Sandy Creek) Sacramento, Calif. (College of San Mateo) Fairburn, Ga. (Creekside) Prattville, Ala. (Prattville) Dothan, Ala. (Dothan) Spanish Fort, Ala. (Spanish Fort) Colorado Springs, Colo. (Classical Academy) Newnan, Ga. (Georgia) Marietta, Ga. (Pope) Spanish Fort, Ala. (Spanish Fort) Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (Dwyer) St. Mary’s Ga. (Camden County) Mt. Pleasant, S.C. (Wando) Snellville, Ga. (Brookwood) Birmingham, Ala. (Vestavia Hills) Gadsden, Ala. (Gadsden City)
Coaches Head Coach: Gus Malzahn Associate Head Coach/Defensive Line: Rodney Garner Defensive Coordinator: Ellis Johnson Co-Defensive Coordinator: Charlie Harbinson Cornerbacks: Melvin Smith Offensive Coordinator: Rhett Lashlee Co-Offensive Coordinator: Dameyune Craig Special Teams/Tight Ends: Scott Fountain Offensive Line: J.B. Grimes Running Backs: Tim Horton Strength: Ryan Russell Assistant AD for football: David Gunn
# Name Pos. 44 Cameron Artis-Payne RB 45 Keymiya Harrell DL 45 Andrew Williams RB 46 Chris Laye TE 47 Cameron Toney LB 47 Lawyer Tillman RB 48 Kyle Sitzler TE/HB 48 Forrest Hill LS 49 Niko Anthony DB 49 Patrick Young FB 50 Reese Dismukes OL 50 Ben Bradley DT 51 Patrick Miller OL 52 Xavier Dampeer OL 53 Devonte Danzey OL 54 Jeffrey Whitaker DL 55 Carl Lawson DL 56 Avery Young OL 57 Deshaun Davis LB 58 Josh Shockley LB 58 Zach Wade LS 59 Raashed Kennion DL 60 Greg Hall DL 60 Alec Brown DL 61 Michael Sulka LS 62 Chad Slade OL 63 Alex Kozan OL 64 Duncan McKinney K 65 Hunter Knight OL 68 Kyle Bolstad OL 69 Ike Powell LS 70 Robert Leff OL 71 Braden Smith OL 72 Shon Coleman OL 73 Austin Golson OL 74 Will Adams OL 75 Deon Mix OL 76 Jordan Diamond OL 78 Joshua Thompson OL 79 Andrew Williams DL 80 MarcusDavis WR 81 C.J. Uzomah TE 82 Melvin Ray WR 83 Dominic Walker WR 83 Michael Clifton LB 84 Myron Burton Jr. WR 85 Matthew Shiel P 85 Wirth Campbell TE 86 DaVonte Lambert DL 87 Gray King WR 89 Jaylon Denson WR 90 Gabe Wright DL 91 Jarrod Fuqua K/P 92 Justin Thornton DL 94 Devaroe Lawrence DL 95 Dontavius Russell DL 96 Aaron Garrison DL 97 Elijah Daniel DL 98 Angelo Blackson DL 99 Brian Walsh DL
Ht. 5-11 6-4 5-9 6-5 6-1 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-1 6-7 6-2 6-4 6-4 6-2 6-6 5-11 5-10 5-9 6-6 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-5 6-4 5-11 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-6 6-6 6-6 6-5 6-7 6-4 6-6 6-2 6-4 5-9 6-5 6-3 6-1 6-3 6-2 5-11 6-3 6-2 5-10 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-2 6-4 6-3
Wt. 210 262 201 240 243 200 235 248 203 230 295 303 289 296 296 322 261 315 230 215 199 225 235 210 240 315 300 182 275 280 264 286 299 310 310 296 298 318 317 251 180 264 207 217 250 200 195 215 293 171 218 284 173 225 284 285 260 263 306 315
Yr. SR JR JR FR RS FR JR FR SR SR JR SR SR JR JR JR SR SO SO FR FR FR FR SO RS FR SO SR SO JR FR SO FR SO FR SO SO SO RS FR SO RS FR FR SO SR JR RS FR SO FR FR JR JR RS FR JR SR FR FR SO FR RS FR SO SR JR
Hometown/Previous School Harrisburg, Pa. (Allan Hancock JC) Selma, Ala. (Dallas County) Sunflower, Ala. (Leroy) Cumming, Ga. (Lambert) Huntsville, Ala. (Huntsville) Lacey, Wash. (Southern Oregon) Vestavia Hills, Ala. (Vestavia Hills) Jonesboro, Ga. (Morrow) Lithia, Fla. (Newsome) Trussville, Ala. (Hewitt-Trussville) Spanish Fort, Ala. (Spanish Fort) Norcross, Ga. (Hutchinson CC) Palm Beach, Fla. (Dwyer) Mendenhall, Miss. (Copiah-Lincoln CC) Tampa, Fla. (Hutchinson CC) Macon, Ga. (Warner Robins) Alpharetta, Ga. (Milton) Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (Palm Beach Gardens) Mobile, Ala. (Vigor) McDonough, Ga. (Eagle’s Landing Christian Acad.) Bremen, Ga. (Bremen) Jacksonville, Fla. (First Coast) Athens, Ga. (North Georgia) Trussville, Ala. (Hewitt-Trussville) Bluffton, S.C. (Bluffton) Moody, Ala. (Moody) Castle Rock, Colo. (Valor Christian) Florence, Ala. (Florence) Dothan, Ala. (Providence Christian) Brentwood, Tenn. (Ravenwood) Tifton, Ga. (Tift County) Fairhope, Ala. (Fairhope) Olathe, Kan. (Olathe South) Memphis, Tenn. (Olive Branch) Prattville, Ala. (Ole Miss) Tyrone, Ga. (Sandy Creek) Batesville, Miss. (South Panola) Chicago, Ill. (Simeon) Dothan, Ala. (Rehobeth) McDonough, Ga. (Eagle’s Landing Christian Acad.) BoyntonBeach,Fla.(AmericanHeritageBoca-Delray) Suwanee, Ga. (North Gwinnett) Tallahassee, Fla. (North Florida Christian) Orlando, Fla. (Evans) Evans, Ga. (Augusta Christian) Lawrenceville, Ga. (Peachtree Ridge) Doncaster, Australia (St. Francis Xavier) Nashville, Tenn. (Ensworth) Keysville, Ga. (Georgia Military College) Atlanta, Ga. (Marist School) Hoover, Ala. (Hoover) Columbus, Ga. (Carver) Williamson, Ga. (Pike County) Prichard, Ala. (Vigor) Greenville, S.C. (Georgia Military College) Carrollton, Ga. (Carrollton) Ozark, Ala. (Carroll) Indianapolis, Ind. (Avon) Bear, Dela. (Red Lion Christian) Winter Springs, Fla. (Winter Springs)
18 • Spurs & Feathers
October 22, 2014
Gamecock Cruisers noted for their commitment to RVs and the Gamecocks by brian hand bhand@spursandfeathers.com
The Gamecock Cruisers is a group of recreational vehicle owners that are passionate about South Carolina athletics. Some members of the group will travel over 7,000 miles attending Gamecock football games this season. Last year Gamecock Cruisers had RVs at all Gamecock football games except Missouri, although many members did fly out for the game. The Gamecock Cruisers hold weekly events during home football games and several of the baseball home series weekends. They also have coordinated travel events to away Gamecock games in football, baseball and the postseason in both sports. Their membership includes a variety of Gamecock supporters that support the chapter motto of “where fans become friends.” Currently the Gamecock Cruisers feature members from South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and Texas. Membership even includes famous Gamecock fan Bill “Oot-Oot” Golding along with the parents of Gamecock baseball studentathlete Elliott Caldwell.
They are just as passionate about promoting the use of RVs. The current estimate is that between 400 and 500 RVs are at every South Carolina home game. The group just recently received the Family Motor Coach Association five-year certificate for their commitment at a chapter breakfast the morning before the Missouri game on Saturday, Sept. 27. The Gamecock Cruisers will be highlighted later this year as a featured chapter in Family Motor Coaching Magazine, a national publication for the more than 35,000 motor home and RV owners worldwide. Gamecock Cruisers president Mike McManus is extremely proud of where the chapter is presently. “When we first started out, Gamecock Cruisers members had to also be a part of the Family Motor Coach Association and that FMCA entity and the requirement for the FMCA was that you had to be a motor home,” McManus noted. “You couldn’t be a pull-behind trailer or anything like that. We realized that a strong segment of Gamecock RVer’s were being excluded from Cruiser membership so we kind of went out on our own and added pull-behind trailer owners to our
membership. Gamecock Cruisers encourages, however, we don’t require people to be a member of the FMCA. So we have a sub-group that is all FMCA members and then we have a larger group that entails more people and we’re up to about 40 families that are members of this group now. “One attention getter is found on most of the members RVs. It says ‘Go Cocks’ and it’s a fourfoot by one-foot banner and that’s something that has really kind of taken off and we’ve gotten a lot of interest and a lot of people see the banner and they start asking about it and what they can do to join. It also draws attention when you are driving down the highway. “We’ve got five states currently that are involved and the interesting part of it is that Jim Duncan, who is the Vice President of the Southeast chapter of the FMCA and visited us on Saturday morning of the Missouri game is an Alabama fan. His comment was we have continuously tried to do an Alabama-based FMCA chapter and we’ve never been successful to keep it running. When they came to play us they showed up with about four or five hundred motor homes the year we beat them (2010). FMCA has recently changed their membership requirements that now allows for non-motor home membership and Jim spent time describing the benefits of FMCA membership to our expanded group,” McManus continued. The group is always looking to get bigger and they are really excited about the future. “We doubled in size from last year to this year and we’re continuing to grow,” McManus stated. “We’re adding new members each week. There’s a committee that’s been formed … and we have representatives on the committee to assist the University in investigation about what they can
photo by mike kucharski
do for motor homes parking areas. They used to park motor homes in the farmer’s market area and that space was lost when they built the practice fields. So we’re a part of that group providing input to the University from that standpoint. We did a lot of research for them and went out to other colleges, both within the SEC and outside the SEC, as well as municipal and professional venues.” Including the above about helping the University with research the Gamecock Cruisers have done a little bit of everything for the athletics department since their formation in 2009, ranging from helping to distribute rally towels at the Chick-Fil-A Bowl to providing away game parking information to Spurs & Feathers. The group is always looking for new members and they held their annual fall rally that they coordinate with the State Fair the Friday before the Furman game. All RV owners were invited to attend the cookout. The rally was as much about giving back to the Gamecocks as it was about garnering new members. “It was a little bit of both,” McManus said. “We opened it up and we did hamburgers and hot dogs. We invited everybody down and we’ll get new members. While we’d love for you to join, there’s never any pressure to do so.” They also hold a spring rally the weekend of the spring football game and this past year also included the South Carolina-Florida baseball series at Carolina Stadium. Annual Dues for members is only $10.00 per year. To learn more about the Gamecock Cruisers, please visit their website at www. GamecockCruisers.com. You can also like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter at @ gcockcruisers.
Spurs & Feathers • 19
October 22, 2014
Smith saw lot of promise from squad this fall by kyle heck Reporter
second on the team in batting average last year, respectively. Meanwhile, Hawkins and Hathorn comSometimes losing a lot of leaderbined to make 381 career starts over ship and experience on a team isn’t their illustrious four-year careers. necessarily all bad. That’s what However, this upcoming season South Carolina softball head coach will give players a chance to step Beverly Smith believes about her up and fill the shoes of the departed team this year. players. All four of the aforemenThe Gamecocks wrapped up their tioned players came up big in fall exhibition season with a 5-1 vic- clutch situations for the Gamecocks tory over Lander on Sunday, Oct. throughout their careers and Smith 12. The victory over Lander allowed says the main goal for her will be South Carolina to conclude its fall finding out who on her team this year campaign with a 7-1 record. will be able to do the same. The preseason games were the first “The thing I like about this team time the Gamecocks were able to is I think anyone (on this roster) is play as a team this year and it will capable,” Smith said. “We’re very be the last until the squad opens up a talented. I think we’re going to be new season in early 2015. a very diverse offensive team. I’m Coming off a 36-22, 11-13 SEC excited about the future. This year season a year ago, South Carolina we’re going to have to rely on our is trying to replace some of its best youth a little bit more and our athletihitters from that campaign. Ashlyn cism.” Masters, Dana Hathorn, Chelsea Speaking of youth, Smith has two Hawkins and Codee Yeske all gradu- freshman competing to take over ated, leaving a big hole to fill. Yeske’s spot at shortstop in Kamryn Masters and Yeske were first and Watts and Krystan White and says
both have done “spectacularly” this fall on the defensive side of the ball. For the remainder of the fall, Smith says she will be trying to catch both players up offensively. With Lauren Masters, Ashlyn’s sister, expected to move over to second base to replace Hathorn, there is a spot at third base. Sophomore Taylor Williams started there in the final exhibition and showed power, doubling and driving another ball to the wall. Williams played in 26 games and started five a season ago and hit a home run and had three RBIs in 23 at-bats. Junior Jordan Bizzell is another player who is also working out at third base. Bizzell started 11 games and played in 27 last year, hitting one homer and driving in six runs. Williams is more of a power hitter while Bizzell hits more for average, according to Smith, but both run very well and have been solid at third base this fall. South Carolina does have some talented upperclassmen returning to the
ing out our players and seeing what they can do and I think we saw a lot of promise from this squad,” Smith said. Pitching is one area that South Carolina does not have to worry about replacing experience and leadership. Fifth-year senior Julie Sarratt will photo by allen sharpe once again anchor the pitching staff in 2015 after winning 17 games last team. Senior catcher Sarah Mooney, year. Sophomore Nickie Blue won 18 who hit a two-run homer on Oct. 12, games as a freshman and also posted seven saves, which led the nation. is back after leading the team with “Obviously, Julie and Nickie were 12 home runs last season. Junior outfielder Ansley Ard is also back after great together last season,” Smith said. “I think our staff is really going hitting .345 in 2014. Sophomore first baseman Victoria to give some teams trouble.” Williams is coming off a super fresh- The Gamecocks added Hayley Coman year where she hit close to .300 peland to the pitching staff to try and relieve Sarratt and Blue. Smith said and also had four homers and 23 Copeland is a good addition and will RBIs. see “a lot of innings.” The California Smith spent the fall watching her native missed the last part of the fall returning players and her freshman try to step up and show that they can with a minor concussion. Overall, Smith liked what she saw help the offense build off last season this fall and hopes her team can conwhere the Gamecocks hit .280 as a tinue to improve before the start of team. the 2015 season. “For me the fall is about check-
20 • Spurs & Feathers
October 22, 2014
Holbrook, Win Anyway Foundation plan to fight for as long as it takes by brian hand bhand@spursandfeathers.com
“People start really learning what an unfair disease it is (when you think about) how do you tell a 5-year-old kid they have cancer and South Carolina head baseball coach Chad on top of that, how do you tell them there Holbrook grinds to keep the Gamecocks is not much money going around researchamong the elite nationally in college baseball ing your disease? That hits home to people,” daily. Holbrook commented. “If you’re a dad, if He has a passion for what he does and obyou’re a parent, even though you’re a parent viously wants more SEC titles and national of a healthy child you put yourself in someone championships for the Gamecocks’ trophy else’s shoes. It kind of rallies the community. case, but he knows at the end of the day his It’s really, really neat that you have so many battles towards winning games is not life and great people and so many generous people death. that kind of rally around our cause. There’s Holbrook’s job as the head baseball coach at a lot of great causes out there and this is one South Carolina gives him a unique platform that hits home to people and we’re very, very as well for his Win Anyway Foundation that fortunate there’s a lot of great people around raises money towards the fight of finding here.” the cure for pediatric cancer as well as other The sports memorabilia auction portion of forms of terminal illnesses. the two days will be held at The Medallion The Win Anyway Foundation Eighth AnConference Center in Columbia, S.C. Doors nual Reece Holbrook Golf Classic and Sports open at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26. The Auction is set for Sunday, Oct. 26 and Monnext day the annual golf tournament will be day, Oct. 27. All of the money raised over the held at the Members Club at Woodcreek and course of the two days will go towards fight- Wildewood. ing the disease. The sports memorabilia auction as always “It’s an event to fight a disease and to benefit features some tremendous items for all people,” Holbrook noted. “There’s a lot of Gamecock fans such as a signed Ray Tanner people fighting this disease and we want to game-worn jersey, framed lineup cards from spread how much money we raise as best we all three games of South Carolina’s sweep of can. While a lot of it is focused on pediatric Clemson in 2014 and numerous Gamecock cancer, there’s other terminal illnesses that baseball and football signed material. kids are fighting that we’d like to give to as In many ways, this year’s event will be a well. For instance, cystic fibrosis and other little different from the past. things. Our children’s hospital here in Colum“We’re doing it a little bit differently this bia has benefited from our event probably the year and it’s going to be a lot of fun,” Holmost, but we also contribute to the leukemia brook said. “We always wanted our event to and lymphoma society and the children’s hos- be emotional to a point because all these kids pital in North Carolina. We spread it around aren’t cured. All these kids don’t make it. as best we can to the people we know are in Until everyone does make it we have to keep need.” doing things like this. This fight obviously hits home for Holbrook “We’re going to go with the uplifting theme and his family as their life so to speak. Outside of me changed forever on Sept. 7, maybe telling a few stories 2004 when they were told about Reece’s deal, we don’t that their then two-year-old have a speaker per se, but we son, Reece, had cancer. have Patrick Davis coming Three years and two months to play in-between the live later, Reece, who is now aland silent auction. We’re gomost a teenager, finished his All Gamecock baseball ing to have the silent auction cancer treatments and was coverage sponsored by and then as we all sit down considered in remission. DiPrato’s to eat and have the live aucDespite his own son “kicktion, Patrick Davis is going ing cancer’s butt,” Holbrook, to have a mini-concert, tell his wife, Jennifer and their two sons, Reece some stories. We’re going to give some speand Cooper, through their Win Anyway cifics about what kids like Reece and Bayler Foundation and Reece Holbrook Golf Classic (Teal) go through. There’s going to be a lot and Sports Auction have continued to fight of guests that are going to be there – doctors, and raise awareness. nurses, parents of kids that are fighting the
battle or have lost the battle. There’ll be an emotional point in our evening probably, but we’re going to try and make it as uplifting and fun as we can this year,” Holbrook continued. Holbrook will not stop holding this event until the fight is won and knows that this annual event may just be scratching the surface, but it can really make a difference at the end of the day. “This is as important – and I don’t mean this in a derogatory way in any way, shape or form – but it’s as important as my job because this is real life,” Holbrook stated. “Sometimes around here wins and losses and winning and losing games people take it as life and death, but this is an example that it’s not. It puts life in perspective. Obviously my son went through it, but this not necessarily about my son, this is about all those dads and moms out there and all those kids and we just want to try and bring awareness and lend some financial support and maybe as we keep having it
year-after-year momentum will continue to grow and we can really, really make a difference. “We’re just barely scratching the surface of what we can do right now, but if you put 10 or 15 great years of fundraising on top of each other maybe we can make a real difference. You’ve got to believe that you can or you wouldn’t spend all this time doing it. We know those kids need our help and, quite honestly, all those great doctors, medical students, folks that are trying to find a cure don’t have all the financial resources they need and events like this help those folks,” Holbrook elaborated. To purchase tickets, donate to the foundation or just to find out more information on the Win Anyway Foundation, please visit www.winanywayfoundation.org. You can also like the foundation on Facebook at Win Anyway Foundation. The foundation can also be followed on Twitter @Win_ Anyway.
Spurs & Feathers • 21
October 22, 2014
Gamecock Radio/Television Information
The Gamecock Sports Network from IMG College counts 23 affiliate stations for the 2014-15 season. For Sirius/XM subscribers, follow the Gamecock Radio Twitter (@GamecockRadio) 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. 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. South Carolina-Auburn television The game will be at 7:30 p.m. EST on the SEC Network. Please check local listings.
2014-15 Radio Affiliates
City Call Letters Frequency Football Abbeville WZLA-FM 92.9 X Johnston/Aiken WKSX-FM 92.7 X Allendale WDOG-FM 93.5 X Anderson WRIX-FM 103.1 X Camden WPUB-FM 102.7 X Camden WCAM-AM 1590 X Charleston WWIK-FM 98.9 X Chesterfield WVSZ-FM 107.3 X Columbia WNKT-FM 107.5 X Florence WHYM-AM 1260 X Florence WFRK-FM 95.3 X Gaffney WZZQ-FM 104.3 X Gaffney WZZQ-AM 1500 X Greenville/Spartanburg WROO-FM 104.9 X Hilton Head WVGB-AM 1490 X Hilton Head WVGB-FM 94.5 X Myrtle Beach WSYN-FM 103.1 X Newberry WKDK-AM 1240 X Rock Hill WRHM-FM 107.1 X Seneca WSNW-AM 1150 X Seneca WSNW-FM 94.1 X
22 • Spurs & Feathers
October 22, 2014
Depth Charts for October 25 South Carolina OFFENSE WR: 1 Damiere Byrd 4 Shaq Roland WR: 11 Pharoh Cooper 80 K.J. Brent 85 Kane Whitehurst WR: 3 Nick Jones 8 Shamier Jeffery 83 Carlton Heard LT: 53 Corey Robinson 74 Mason Zandi LG: 50 A.J. Cann 69 D.J. Park 65 Brock Stadnik C: 70 Alan Knott 54 Clayton Stadnik RG: 75 Will Sport -OR- 51 Cody Waldrop RT: 71 Brandon Shell 55 Na’Ty Rodgers TE: 81 Rory Anderson 89 Jerell Adams 90 Cody Gibson QB: 17 Dylan Thompson 10 Perry Orth -OR- 6 Connor Mitch FB: 41 Connor McLaurin 31 Jordan Diaz
5-9, 170, Sr. 6-1, 176, Jr. 5-11, 201, So. 6-4, 192, Jr. 5-11, 169, Jr. 5-7, 168, Sr. 6-1, 198, Jr. 6-0, 188, Jr. 6-8, 344, Sr. 6-9, 301, So. 6-4, 311, Sr. 6-4, 328, Fr. 6-5, 287, So. 6-4, 280, RFr. 6-3, 273, So. 6-5, 291, Jr. 6-2, 309, So. 6-6, 333, Jr. 6-5, 280, RFr. 6-5, 227, Sr. 6-6, 242, Jr. 6-7, 278, Sr. 6-3, 218, Sr. 6-1, 204, So. 6-3, 211, RFr. 6-0, 243, Sr. 6-1, 236, Sr.
OFFENSE LT: 72 Shon Coleman 6-6, 310, So. 71 Braden Smith 6-6, 299, Fr. LG: 62 Chad Slade 6-5, 315, Sr. 53 Devonte Danzey 6-4, 296, Jr. C: 50 Reese Dismukes 6-3, 295, Sr. 52 Xavier Dampeer 6-2, 296, Jr. RG: 56 Avery Young 6-6, 315, So. 74 Will Adams 6-7, 296, So. RT: 51 Patrick Miller 6-7, 289, Jr. 70 Robert Leff 6-6, 286, So. QB: 14 Nick Marshall 6-1, 210, Sr. 6 Jeremy Johnson 6-5, 230, So. TB: 44 Cameron Artis-Payne 5-11, 210, Sr. -OR- 20 Corey Grant 5-11, 205, Sr. TE/HB: 81 C.J. Uzomah 6-5, 265, Sr. -OR- 11 Brandon Fulse 6-4, 258, Sr. WR: 1 D’haquille Williams 6-2, 216, Jr. 82 Melvin Ray 6-3, 207, Jr. WR: 18 Sammie Coates 6-2, 201, Jr. 8 Tony Stevens 6-4, 198, So. WR: 5 Ricardo Louis 6-2, 212, Jr. -OR- 4 Quan Bray 5-10, 195, Sr. WR: 80 Marcus Davis 5-9, 180, So. 10 Stanton Truitt 5-9, 175, Fr.
Sicklerville, N.J. Lexington, S.C. Havelock, N.C. Waxhaw, N.C. Duluth, Ga. Moore, S.C. St. Matthews, S.C. Athens, Ga. Havelock, N.C. Irmo, S.C. Bamberg, S.C. Dillon, S.C. Greensboro, N.C. Tyrone, Ga. Greensboro, N.C. Milton, Fla. Seffner, Fla. Goose Creek, S.C. Waldorf, Md. PowderSprings,Ga. Pinewood, S.C. Tallahassee, Fla. BoilingSprings,S.C. Ponte Vedra, Fla. Raleigh, N.C. Raleigh, N.C. Hamilton, N.J.
TB:
28 Mike Davis 22 Brandon Wilds 33 David Williams 7 Shon Carson
5-9, 223, Jr. 6-2, 230, Jr. 6-1, 222, RFr. 5-8, 201, Jr.
Atlanta, Ga. Blythewood, S.C. Philadelphia, Pa. Scranton, S.C.
DEFENSE DE: 44 Gerald Dixon 6-2, 274, SO. 34 Mason Harris 6-3, 235, JR. DT: 97 J.T. Surratt 6-2, 310, Sr. 99 Abu Lamin 6-4, 302, So. 93 Deon Green 6-4, 289, So. DT: 92 Gerald Dixon, Jr. 6-3, 323, Jr. 52 Phillip Dukes 6-3, 323, Jr. 90 Taylor Stallworth 6-2, 293, Fr. 94 Kelsey Griffin 6-2, 310, So. DE: 5 Darius English 6-6, 241, So. 34 Mason Harris 6-3, 235, Jr. MLB: 21 Marcquis Roberts 6-1, 216, So. 11 T.J. Holloman 6-2, 234, So. 8 Kaiwan Lewis 6-0, 228, Jr. WLB: 10 Skai Moore 6-2, 213, So. 28 Jonathan Walton 6-0, 228, So. 4 Bryson Allen-Williams 6-1, 231, Fr. SPUR: 9 Sharrod Golightly 5-10, 187, Sr. 42 Jordan Diggs 6-0, 217, So. 23 Larenz Bryant 6-0, 220, So. CB: 1 Rico McWilliams 5-11, 184, So. -OR- 3 Chris Lammons 5-10, 172, Fr.
Rock Hill, S.C. FortOglethorpe,Ga. Winston-Salem,N.C. Fayetteville, N.C. Windermere, Fla. Rock Hill, S.C. Manning, S.C. Mobile, Ala. Buford, Ga. PowderSprings,Ga. FortOglethorpe,Ga. PowderSprings,Ga. StoneMountain, Ga. Mays Landing, N.J. Cooper City, Fla. Daphne, Ala. Ellenwood, Ga. Decatur, Ga. Fort Myers, Fla. Charlotte, N.C. Hampton, Ga. Sunrise, Fla.
Auburn
Memphis, Tenn. Olathe, Kan. Moody, Ala. Tampa, Fla. Spanish Fort, Ala. Mendenhall, Miss. PalmBeachGardens,Fla. Tyrone, Ga. Palm Beach, Fla. Fairhope, Ala. Pineview, Ga. Montgomery, Ala. Harrisburg, Pa. Opelika, Ala. Suwanee, Ga. Fort Meade, Fla. LaPlace, La. Tallahassee, Fla. Leroy, Ala. Orlando, Fla. Miami, Fla. LaGrange, Ga. Boynton Beach, Fla. Atlanta, Ga.
DEFENSE DE: 86 DaVonte Lambert 6-2, 293, Jr. 97 Elijah Daniel 6-2, 263, So. DT: 1 Montravius Adams 6-4, 306, So. 98 Angelo Blackson 6-4, 306, Sr. DT: 50 Ben Bradley 6-1, 303, Sr. 90 Gabe Wright 6-3, 284, Sr. DE: 10 LaDarius Owens 6-2, 259, Sr. 42 Gimel President 6-4, 259, So. Star: 27 Robenson Therezie 5-9, 212, Sr. -OR- 26 Justin Garrett 6-1, 224, Jr. MLB: 8 Cassanova McKinzy 6-3, 249, Jr. 43 Anthony Swain 6-2, 249, Jr. WLB: 17 Kris Frost 6-2, 234, Jr. 30 Tre’ Williams 6-2, 225, Fr. CB: 3 Jonathan Jones 5-10, 182, Jr. 25 Trovon Reed 6-0, 190, Sr. FS: 15 Joshua Holsey 5-11, 192, Jr. 14 Stephen Roberts 5-11, 180, Fr. BS: 23 Johnathan Ford 6-0, 199, So. 24 Derrick Moncrief 6-2, 218, Jr. BC: 6 Jonathan Mincy 5-10, 196, Sr. 28 T.J. Davis 6-1, 196, So.
Keysville, Ga. Indianapolis, Ind. Vienna, Ga. Bear, Dela. Norcross, Ga. Columbus, Ga. Bessemer, Ala. Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Miami, Fla. StoneMountain,Ga. Birmingham, Ala. Gadsden, Ala. Matthews, N.C. Mobile, Ala. Carrollton, Ga. Thibodaux, La. Fairburn, Ga. Opelika, Ala. Big Cove, Ala. Prattville, Ala. Decatur, Ga. Tallahassee, Fla.
SPECIALISTS PK: 38 Daniel Carlson 39 Alex Kviklys P: 38 Daniel Carlson 85 Matthew Shiel H: 29 Tyler Stovall 12 Jonathan Wallace
ColoradoSprings,Colo. Marietta, Ga. ColoradoSprings,Colo. Doncaster, Australia Hokes Bluff, Ala. Phenix City, Ala.
6-4, 216, RFr. 6-1, 191, Jr. 6-4, 216, RFr. 5-11, 195, Fr. 6-1, 207, RFr. 6-2, 207, Jr.
SS: FS: CB:
20 T.J. Gurley 25 Kadetrix Marcus 26 Jasper Sasser 24 D.J. Smith 6 Chris Moody 17 Chaz Elder 12 Brison Williams 31 Al Harris Jr. 30 Sidney Rhodes
SPECIALISTS KO: 16 Zack Cimaglia 29 Elliott Fry PK: 29 Elliott Fry 19 Landon Ard P: 13 Tyler Hull 18 Patrick Fish KR: 7 Shon Carson 11 Pharoh Cooper PR: 11 Pharoh Cooper SSN: 58 Ryland Culbertson LSN: 47 Drew Williams H: 18 Patrick Fish 13 Tyler Hull
LS: PR: KR:
48 Forrest Hill 69 Ike Powell 4 Quan Bray 80 Marcus Davis 20 Corey Grant 9 Roc Thomas 5 Ricardo Louis 23 Johnathan Ford
5-10, 194, Jr. 6-1, 194, Sr. 6-0, 203, RFr. 5-11, 189, Fr. 6-1, 210, So. 6-2, 195, So. 5-11, 208, Sr. 5-11, 162, Fr. 5-10, 182, Sr.
Cairo, Ga. StoneMountain,Ga. Jacksonville, Fla. Marietta, Ga. McDonough, Ga. Union City, Ga. Warner Robins, Ga. FortLauderdale,Fla. Easley, S.C.
6-1, 170, So. 6-0, 165, So. 6-0, 165, So. 5-9, 178, Jr. 6-2, 207, Sr. 6-0, 194, Sr. 5-8, 201, Jr. 5-11, 201, So. 5-11, 201, So. 6-4, 267, Sr. 6-2, 201, So. 6-0, 194, Sr. 6-2, 207, Sr.
Charlotte, N.C. Frisco, Texas Frisco, Texas Rock Hill, S.C. Mount Airy, N.C. Shelby, N.C. Scranton, S.C. Havelock, N.C. Havelock, N.C. Laurens, S.C. Irmo, S.C. Shelby, N.C. Mount Airy, N.C.
6-1, 248, Sr. 6-3, 264, Fr. 5-10, 195, Sr. 5-9, 180, So. 5-11, 205, Sr. 5-10, 193, Fr. 6-2, 212, Jr. 6-0, 199, So.
Jonesboro, Ga. Tifton, Ga. LaGrange, Ga. Boynton Beach, Fla. Opelika, Ala. Oxford, Ala. Miami, Fla. Big Cove, Ala.
Spurs & Feathers • 23
October 22, 2014
Gamecocks scrimmage, engage fans at open practice by brian hand bhand@spursandfeathers.com
do something crazy and get yourself hurt because we’ve already practiced and this more than anything is to engage the fans.” It dawned on South Carolina men’s basketball For a guy with as much passion for structured head coach Frank Martin last week that with so basketball as Martin it was a little tough at times, many people coming into the area for the Home- but he fully understood how important the opcoming football game why not have an open portunity to showcase his team truly was at the practice where fans and students could interact end of the day. with the Gamecocks? “Anytime we take the court there’s a certain The last-minute idea by Martin was a huge discipline and structure that we should be playhit among fans and students alike with a nice ing through and they’ve been good (during crowd coming to the open practice that featured practice so far),” Martin commented. “Like a scrimmage from 6-7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17 at everyone else that does this for a living you the practice facility located on the corner of Blos- always have two or three guys that getting them som and Assembly streets. to do what your asking them to do is a challenge After the event’s conclusion Martin was every day and it’s no different with us. I thought pleased with how everything turned out, relayfor the most part, Ty (Johnson), Sin (Thornwell) ing “I love it. I thought the fan turnout was are providing tremendous leadership. (Michael) great.” Carrera’s playing with tremendous energy again The intrasquad scrimmage and I like our team.” featured four five-minute Martin fully appreciates as intervals. well as much as it was for the “The guys are tired,” Martin fans the evening was also a nice said after the open practice. change of pace for his team. “I told them before (the open “We’ve been going at it hard practice) we’ve already pracfor two weeks (in practice) and ticed for a couple hours before this gives the guys an opportuniwe did this. I told the guys try ty to play with officials, in front All Gamecock basketball of fans,” Martin noted. “Anyto play within our structure, coverage sponsored by but don’t lose your mind from time you can do this it helps Yesterdays a competitive standpoint and more than anything calm the
PHOTO BY ALLEN SHARPE
South Carolina juniors Mindaugas Kacinas (left) and Laimonas Chatkevicius (center) pose for a picture with Cocky and Gamecock fans at open practice on Friday, Oct. 17. freshmen down. Even though we only have two they’re overly excited and they get too worked up the first time they see fans. It was good. It was good for our team. We haven’t done anything defensively (in practice). All we’ve done is try to put in offensive stuff the last two weeks and our guys are playing through our structure. It’s fun to watch.” Extremely passionate about the past, present and future of Gamecock basketball, Martin was also very pleased to see Gamecock greats such as Gary Gregor, Mark Greiner and Casey Manning in attendance at the open practice. “Think about it,” Martin remarked. “Those guys have a lot of stuff going on and they’re
showing up for a glorified pickup game. That means a lot to us. We’ve talked to our players about that a lot. About the responsibility that they have for those before them that did things the right way and created everything we get to use in today’s day and age because of guys like Mark and Gary and all those guys that played here before us. It’s great to have them. There’s a sense of pride that our guys have to understand that goes with wearing that uniform and littleby-little (they are understanding). When they are freshman they think it’s all about them. It’s just our society, but as they continue to put in the time they realize that there’s a bigger thing than just themselves.”
24 • Spurs & Feathers
October 22, 2014
An interview with artist Kevin Roche by langston moore Contributing Writer
come to work with the mothership? The answer to everything ESPN is pretty much Ryen Russillo. Back when it was I decided to reach out to an off-the-field “The Scott Van Pelt Show,” I noticed they talent that is native to South Carolina. had different drawings and pieces of art on Kevin Roche (aka Kev) is a local product the set. It’s always been my favorite show of the Columbia area and Carolina grad on the network, so I sent a pic in. Whoever who is making his impact in the artist was in charge of the emails said the guys world! You may have seen his work on loved it and it made it on the show, but the ESPN network with the SVP show, or Russillo sent me a quick line just saying possibly caught a glimpse of his work on thanks and that’s where he messed up. the twittersphere. If that doesn’t ring a bell Had his email, so it just kind of took off just look around town with the state fair from there. Drew some things for his NBA festivities and chances are you’ll see his podcast, he put me in touch with Kevin work on all the billboards, commercials Wildes who worked with Bill Simmons at and t-shirts. We take a peek into the mind the time, so I’ve been working with SVP of our local product that is on the cusp of & Russillo since then with a couple pieces becoming known nationwide for his talfor Mike & Mike thrown in a year or so ents. ago. When did you personally realize you What’s your first memory of the had a talent to draw and create? Like Gamecocks/USC? athletes they put in hours of work to Details are a bit hazy, but the Brandon reach that 10,000 hour rule, do you Bennett leap at the goalline against Geor- think you’ve passed that magic mark? gia and then anything Taneyhill (the mulI’ve thought about the 10,000 hour rule let of course)! a lot. I actually hope I’m not there yet just If you could be any Gamecock legend because I see so many areas that I need to during one of those signature Gamecock improve on in my work. I’ve always been moments who would you be and why? drawing or sketching as long as I can reThe Clowney Hit is up there, but I’ll go member. I used to draw comic covers of with the Ace Sanders return against Geor- team mascots fighting each other back in gia. For some reason one of my buddies seventh grade. Charged $3 a picture and decided to get married during the Georgia made over $300 that year. Thought I was weekend, so we were at the reception out well on my way to being a millionaire. back by the pool watching as Ace took Talk about the Shirtless Spurrier piece it to the house. I would’ve rather be in a and its popularity. What inspired you to football jersey than a tux. create something like that? How did you get connected with so ma- Steve Spurrier’s essence inspired me. ny different ESPN shows? How did you That picture is so awesome, I almost didn’t want to draw it. I mean, Shirtless Spurrier is an institution. I Was just concentrating on trying to do it justice. (Also, his wide stance in that shot kills me). Everything that guy does is funny and should be celebrated. Then Scott Van Pelt, being the tastemaker for America that he is, retweeted it and it got some run on twitter from there. What projects are on the horizon for you and/or what gets you “turned up” to create? Working on finishing up Preston Thorne’s and your children’s book #JUSTACHICKEN, the “prequel” to Cocky’s story. Always wanted to illustrate a children’s book, so I’m obviously real excited about that. That has been a goal of mine for a while now. More SVP & Russillo stuff. I get request from former Gamecock athletes and alums to make pieces for their “man caves,” offices or businesses frequently, that’s exciting. Basically anytime something is funny to me, I want to draw
submitted photos
it. If you could be commissioned to do any type of project or mural for the University (unlimited budget) what would you like to create to let the world know about USC? Probably should say something more noble and worldly, but anything that helps in recruiting. I’m waiting by my phone for USC to put me on the recruiting staff and ask for cartoons to send recruits, parents, whomever. Kinda of like the photos and spreads other schools have been doing for there prospects Alabama, Oregon come to mind?
Yup! If you had to describe your drawing style as a member of the Gamecocks squad who would it be? Kane Whitehurst: surprisingly effective and full of wonder. Nailed it. Next question. Fast like Troy Williamson/Damiere Byrd or big and powerful like A.J. Cann or JT Suratt? I would be Clowney and just walk around being a freak show for the entire day. If people challenge me to athletic competitions, so be it. I would accept and dominate, but really just want to walk around being 6’6, 270. That would be cool.
Spurs & Feathers • 25
October 22, 2014
Welch in midst of ‘picture perfect’ career at USC by brian hand bhand@spursandfeathers.com Senior forward Aleighsa Welch came to South Carolina wanting a unique experience and wanting to help change the culture of Gamecock women’s basketball along with head coach Dawn Staley. She has accomplished what she came to the University for in the first place and now she wants more. “It’s a refreshing feeling to be a part of this,” Welch relayed at South Carolina’s media day on Tuesday, Oct. 14. “To kind of live out what coach Staley told me that was going to happen that we were going to be able to change the cul- it and being able to encourage my teammates ture of this team, that we were going to be able if somebody is having a good game. If I’m not to compete for national championships. To me, having my best game, I’ve got to sit on the bench this is picture perfect as far as what I wanted my and say, ‘hey, you’re playing your behind off.’ I college career to be like. would want the same for me when it comes to “I really didn’t want to go to a marquee promy teammates. I definitely don’t think that’s gogram. I did want to be a part of something difing to be a problem for any of us, especially this ferent, so to come in and see us improve every year,” Welch expounded. single year and see us get the recognition, going An Honorable Mention All-America selection from a team that nobody really paid attention to last year, Welch is not as much worried about now a team that you’re circling on your schedherself as she is about the Gamecocks. That’s ule, I love it. The extra oomph and the best part just who she is as a player and a person. about it is now my senior year I’m able to com“For me to have the year I want to have, I think pete for a national championship. We went from our team has to kind of mold together,” Welch my freshman year being happy we made it to stated “I believe that as long as we handle our the Sweet Sixteen to now being able to compete business together it’ll allow for everybody to on the highest of stages. I’m blessed to be in this have a great year. It’s because we are not goposition,” Welch continued. ing to have just one superstar. We’re not going The two-time All-SEC selection averaged 13.7 to have just one player you have to stop and points and 7.6 rebounds per game you can shut your whole team last year for the Gamecocks in down. (For example) if Tiffahelping to lead the program to ny’s not having her night or I’m their first SEC regular-season not having mine, you just go all title. the way down the line we’re not Welch and reigning SEC Playa one-dimensional team. For er of the Year Tiffany Mitchell me, I’ve worked a lot on my peboth averaged over 30 minutes rimeter skills, shooting the ball, played per game last year, but handling the ball, being able to Welch knows things are going All Gamecock basketball be more of a threat. I definitely coverage sponsored by to be different this year – and think everybody has worked Yesterdays she’s just fine with that. on their weaknesses over the “I think the leadership role offseason, so it allows us to be a is still there of course, but I think a burden has lot more dangerous than we have in the past.” kind of been taken off everybody’s shoulders Welch contends that despite so many great as well,” Welch commented. “I don’t think any- players within the program to start the year, evbody will be required to do as much as they did eryone is buying into what coach Staley and her last year because we’re probably not going to be coaching staff are preaching daily. required to play as many minutes as we did last “I think the biggest thing is you’ve seen the year. It’s going to be a change. It’s going to be improvement from practice one to practice a transition. I don’t think it’s going to be a bad seven,” Welch said. “It’s been a drastic improvetransition though. ment in a lot of places and I didn’t know how “I don’t think it’s bad from going from playing long it would take … but everybody’s stepped 31 minutes a game to possibly playing 24, but their game up, everybody’s in a position where still being fresh at the end of the season and still they’re ready for just whatever comes at them. feeling like you have fresh legs and still being No matter if it’s learning the plays or getting the able to bring a different dimension to the team hang of the drills, the freshmen just getting used come tournament time when it counts the most. to a three-hour practice, it’s definitely improved I think the biggest thing for me is just adjustand I think it just definitely shows when we ing to it and kind of taking what comes with scrimmage and we do possession stuff that’s
PHOTO BY ALLEN SHARPE
kind of head-to-head, it’s healthy competition. The one thing coach Staley keeps stressing is healthy competition, but being able to handle your job too. It’s been great.” A legitimate WNBA prospect after finishing her playing days at South Carolina, the former South Carolina Miss Basketball out of Goose Creek High School in Goose Creek, S.C. has that in mind, but first things first. “It’s definitely one of my individual goals for this year,” Welch mentioned. “I definitely set goals for myself every single year and being drafted – and not even just being drafted – but
making a difference on a team, that’s definitely one of my individual goals. I’m one of the fortunate to have an entire coaching staff who knows what it’s like, who knows what it takes to get to that level. “I was texting coach Staley when she was overseas with the US National Team and she was texting me and just telling me some things I needed to work on and that she had kind of seen at practice of what it takes to be at that level. That meant a lot to me because she’s dealing with some of the elite players in the WNBA. It’s in the back of my head, but if we can handle business as a team, if we can accomplish our team goals, I think it will bear well for me as an individual because it goes hand-in-hand. You play, you win yourself a national championship, you make it to the Final Four, national championship game, you’re getting more exposure to the scouts. It’s in the back of my head, but it’s not a main focus of mine, but it’s most definitely an individual goal for myself this year,” Welch added. South Carolina will host Coker for an exhibition at Colonial Life Arena at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2. The Gamecocks open their regularseason on Saturday, Nov. 15 against Southern California.
26 • Spurs & Feathers
October 22, 2014
Carrera fine with being considered the ‘crazy guy’ by Brian hand bhand@spursandfeathers.com
I want to be pumped up as you say ... everything is because of my teammates always being there for me and I think it is a way I can help them and the way I can help coach (Frank Martin) win games.
Michael Carrera is fine with you thinking he is the crazy guy. He wants you to think that way. He’s also wants you know he’s a winner. Carrera along with the Gamecocks may not have been able to completely prove that over the past couple of years, but he promises those wins are coming. “Everything comes from the excitement of wins,” the junior forward noted of his enthusiasm for life and the game of basketball at South Carolina’s media day on Wednesday, Michael Carrera Oct. 15. “I want to be pumped up as you say. I want to win. If you don’t do that, you don’t get a win because that’s how it is. Everything 2014-15 season still a few weeks away the is because of my teammates always being there for me and I think it is a way I can help questions will keep coming of whether he is ready or not. them and the way I can help coach (Frank Carrera readily acknowledges his sophoMartin) win games. That’s what I do is hustle. I’m always going to play hard and be as more year was not perfect, but it was a difthey say the ‘crazy guy.’” ferent situation for him that will only make The Anzoátegui, Venezuela has always him better for the rest of his South Carolina been a sparkplug and he is hoping this year career. his zeal for the game of basketball will trans“I had never played the three before,” Carlate into him shaking off what some may rera mused about a slow start to the 2013-14 have seen as an off sophomore year. season that eventually led to strong finish to After a freshman season in 2012-13 that saw the year. “I had never played that position behim average 9.9 points to go along with a team- fore and it was tough, but I think I did my job. best 7.2 rebounds per game en I did the best I could. I know route to SEC All-Freshman it was a disappointing year, plaudits, Carrera averaged just but I did the best I could. I 6.0 points and 5.6 rebounds per was working really hard with game in the 2013-14 season for coach and working really the Gamecocks. hard with my teammates. The 5.6 rebounds per game “You’ve got good years still led the team last year, but and you’ve got bad years. Carrera knew he needed to Everybody has good days provide more overall for his All Gamecock basketball and you’ve got bad days. I coverage sponsored by team and he is excited about had five great practices last Yesterdays the prospects of the 2014-15 week and I had a bad practice season for him personally and yesterday and coach told more importantly for his team. me and I understand that, but I have to learn In fact, Carrera, who says he originally from the bad practice, what I did wrong at the honed his proclivity for rebounding from bad practice. That’s what I do; always learn his father, is quick to point out that what he from the bad year. I know what I have to do. wants for the Gamecocks is simple: he wants My freshman year was an awesome year and to compete for an NCAA Tournament spot I have to be same as freshman year or better,” and for the SEC title. Carrera continued. Those thoughts may seem far-fetched for Carrera is not necessarily worried about all the Gamecocks, but Carrera truly believes of that though. That will take care of itself. the Gamecocks are doing all the right things It’s all about the team to him. as the year is set to begin. “I’m not thinking about me right now,” CarPointing at a scratch at his arm, Carrera rera concluded. “I’m just thinking about the notes the Gamecocks are “bleeding, scratch- team.” ing and clawing” their way to put themselves South Carolina will host Benedict for an in position for a strong year. exhibition at the Colonial Life Arena at 4 “Everybody is choosing to become better,” p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26. The first regularCarrera elaborated. season contest of the year for the Gamecocks Still, Carrera knows at least for right now is at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14 against North with the first regular-season game of the Florida.
photo by allen sharpe
Spurs & Feathers • 27
October 22, 2014
Hopefully success of Furman win boosts confidence of Gamecocks
The South Carolina-Furman game had every Ard’s seven kickoffs were touchbacks. Furman element you would expect from a Southeastern had a 25-yard kickoff return and USC’s three Conference-Southern Conference match up. punts were not returned. Everyone saw action, The Gamecocks put 41 points on the board, 47 players participated, including four quarterthe margin of victory 31 points, the offense led backs. by 100-yard rushing efforts from Mike Davis It was a dominating victory on a beautiful (111), and David Williams (110). It was a balHomecoming Saturday, so why is it my inclinaanced attack with 267 yards rushing, 281 pass- tion is to put this one in the “a win, is a win, is ing. There were a few missed a win” category? I guess there opportunities, but overall a solid were a lot of little things that performance. nagged at me. The defense gave up just 10 First and foremost, this was not points, and forced two Paladin nearly the caliber of team Furfumbles that both led to touchman usually brings to Williamsdowns. Safety Chris Moody got Brice. The Paladins came in on a his first career interception that four-game losing streak and the led to a field goal. The Gamelack of confidence that goes with cocks shut out Furman in the it, but they didn’t show it on their Glenn Snyder fourth quarter. second possession of the game, Inside There were no miscues by a four-play, 75-yard touchdown Look special teams. Five of Landon drive.
photo by allen sharpe
The Auburn Game
Site: Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn, Ala.)
(check local listings)
Time: 7:30 p.m. EST
Radio: Gamecock IMG Sports Network
TV: SEC Network
Series: Auburn leads, 9-1-1
It bothers me just how easy it was. Defensive coaches are always talking about “fit,” players moving to cover an area a teammate has left, something that didn’t happen on Hank McCloud’s 60-yard burst for a touchdown. Despite a considerable size advantage, Carolina had just one sack. Furman had 302 yards of total offense on 58 plays, a 5.2-yard average gain per play. I went right home after the game and started watching Clemson-Boston College, and later Ole Miss-Tennessee and Florida State-Notre Dame. What I saw from the defenses in those games were linemen firing off ball, getting penetration and disrupting plays. They were aggressive and relentless in their pursuit of the ball. I just don’t see that kind of effort from the Gamecock defense. Certainly there is a talent issue, and maybe the players don’t have complete confidence in what they are being asked to do, but the defense I see doesn’t play “fast”
enough to stop an SEC-caliber offense consistently. The Gamecocks will certainly get a challenge on both sides of the ball when they travel to Auburn this Saturday. The Tigers were the recipients of a bye week after being bumped from the unbeaten ranks by Mississippi State, so the Cocks can expect to face a focused and angry team. It’s not in my nature to be negative, but this South Carolina football team has issues that should be closer to a resolution by the seventh game of the season. The problem is some of them might not be resolved until next year’s recruiting class arrives on campus. Hopefully the success of this past Saturday will boost the players’ confidence, motivate them to keep working on correcting their mistakes, and they head to Auburn with a mindset of pulling off the upset. It’s a great time to be a Gamecock!
28 • Spurs & Feathers
October 22, 2014
We’re talking about practice Gamecocks don’t need more hours; just better hours Making their second half debut after a long bye week the Gamecocks returned to Williams-Brice to take on another team sporting purple from the Upstate. Even though we don’t despise Furman like that other squad from the Greenville area we needed a strong showing and a win. With lots of speculation and talk of changes post-Kentucky this was the first chance our boys had to show if any of the meetings, practice routine changes, or change in coaching vantage points would have any effect on the play on the filed. The Gamecocks rolled up 41 points and did it by executing the renewed commitment to fundamentals they’ve been working on in the past two weeks in practice.
how to get them. The only way to do it was in practice. Going back to that whole notion that “you are what you repeatedly do, the practice field work translated on to the field against Furman. One of the most impressive things was seeing the 27-yearold Marine Michael Washington recovering a fumble early in the game after his teammates executed the strip drill, again something worked on in practices. No better person to complete the turnover cycle (stripping the ball means nothing if it’s not recovered by the defense) than our own Leatherneck #95, showing the rest of the team that this practice stuff works. With two of our fourhorsemen reaching the century mark Saturday (Davis 111, Williams 110, Carson 85) our offensive line showed their on-going improvement. With defined “Practice”?!! - Allen Iverrunning lanes and good son blocking on the second levMost young athletes who el our stable of backs were play on a high level have able to showcase their indito learn how to practice. It vidual and collective power doesn’t matter how much talas one of the strengths of Langston Moore ent you have at some point this team. “We want to Contributing they have to understand keep each other fresh” was Writer how valuable those days are something Shon Carson in-between contests. When mentioned postgame. ImI first arrived on campus portant to point out because one of the idioms thrown around by Lou we do have enough capable backs with constantly was “treat practice like a game. varying degrees of talent to run the ball 30And games like a practice.” Meaning if 35 times a game behind our big O-Line and you prepare and focus during the week not wear out the running backs. in practice as if it were a “game rep” you As we prepare to move back into SEC wouldn’t have difficulty executing when it play Saturday, we have to be the anti-Allen was “for real.” A way of mentally preparIverson and relish “Practice.” After a week ing yourself to execute a task in a highof having a lot of questions being raised, pressure situation with ease minus all the “Practice” seemed to be the answer nobody anxiety, because you’ve taken QUALITY wanted to hear, but just what was needed. reps in practice. This is when that muscle Focusing on the details of each player’s memory thing kicks in (yes, your brain position and the execution of it in practice is a muscle too and it will remember the is crucial for the rest of the season and familiarity of the task). Sounds corny, but I its success. Practice is the grounds where guess that’s the reason we have homework players learn to marry up talent, execution in school and why our military forces have and allows the “know how” for it to happen never ending drill sessions to prepare for in the game on Saturday’s. Postgame, playthe “real test.” To strengthen and condition ers all seemed to echo the same sentiment one’s mind and body to be comfortable ex- “this is a new season after the bye week.” ecuting the desired task. For our boys to go undefeated in this “new It was obvious our boys prepped well season,” we will have to win our games bebefore Saturday as the Gamecocks exfore the game Monday-Friday at practice. ecuted on offense and defense especially in the run game and turnovers. Carolina Follow Langston Moore on Twitter at: rolled up over 260 yards of rushing on the @reMovetheChains ground, as well as nabbing three turnovers #justachicken and turning them into points. Coach Ward #eat2win vowed to focus more on “turnovers” and #yoby
photo by allen sharpe
Spurs & Feathers • 29
October 22, 2014
South Carolina guard Duane Notice showed Canadians, mainly from Ontario province, he could adapt to high-major college basketball. who have flooded into Division I basketball in Adapting to the Fahrenheit scale proved recent seasons. UNLV’s Anthony Bennett and trickier. Kansas’ Andrew Wiggins were the #1 overall “I still have to check on my iPhone for CelNBA Draft pick in back-to-back years. Notice sius,” the Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada native counts Bennett as a friend. He played traveladmitted. “I’m like, 80 [degrees]? Is that hot?” ing basketball with Nik Stauskas, a Michigan (In South Carolina? That’s daybreak.) All-American chosen eighth overall by the SacConverting from kilometers to miles hasn’t ramento Kings. Tyler Ennis, a Brampton nabeen easier. “I’ll be driving and I have no idea tive taken 18th by the Phoenix Suns, is another how fast I’m going,” Notice confessed. close friend. Notice played with or against all (For the record, he says he’s never picked up a of them. speeding ticket.) Notice wears his love for his mater patria Thankfully, the numbers on a box score need proudly. When he went home for Thanksgivless interpretation. In his first season at South ing last year - the American kind, not the CanaCarolina, the 6’2,” 216-pound Notice made 22 dian one - he had a collage of Canadian images starts, averaging 8.2 points and 2.9 assists. He tattooed on his left forearm, including a maple saved his best basketball for last, pouring in a leaf, the Toronto Raptors’ logo, and Toronto’s career-high 23 in the Gamecocks’ SEC Tourna- CN Tower. ment win over Auburn. In seven SEC wins, (Surprised by this Canadian uprising? Don’t Notice averaged 11.7 points while adding a be. The game’s inventor, Dr. James Naismith, positive assist-to-turnover ratio. was born in Almonte, Ontario, Canada.) With senior Bruce Ellington and junior Ty But even in that hotbed of competition, Notice Johnson both gone within weeks of each other struggled to draw interest from high-major pro– Johnson to injury, Ellington to prepare for the grams. Part of it was self-inflicted. NFL Draft – Notice was thrust into the start“If you didn’t play AAU, you’re not going ing point guard role for the majority of SEC to be seen. I didn’t play AAU when I was play. It’s a hazardous spot for anyone, let alone younger, because I thought you didn’t need it. I a true freshman. But Notice slowly found his have a friend who goes to Gonzaga [All-WCC footing, guiding the Gamecocks to a 6-5 finish guard Kevin Pangos], and he didn’t play AAU while injecting optimism into the at all. Basically, I was just beoffseason. ing ignorant,” he said. “Duane’s a heck of a kid,” said His high school team wasn’t Martin. “That’s why I was so exactly a powerhouse, either. happy for him at the end of the So Notice took a route that’s year. The responsibility that he becoming increasingly comwas willing to accept and emmon for Canadians looking brace last year, and to continue to to get recruited: he attended a fight and move forward and play prep school in the States. as well as he did.” “I was in that phase where With the way his freshman if you weren’t like an Andrew season ended, it’s no surprise that Wiggins, schools weren’t goNotice can’t wait to get started. ing to come up and see you. “I was actually really upset that When I went to prep school my the season had to end, to be honrecruiting picked up,” Notice est. I felt like I was starting to hit said. my stride. It was unfortunate that Notice excelled at St. Thomas it happened so late, but this year More School in Oakdale, Andy Demetra I want to continue that momenConn., averaging 17.0 points, Contributing tum,” he said. 8.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists Writer Notice is part of a wave of per game. But he switched
often between point guard and shooting guard, never establishing an identity in either. At a thick-calved 6’2,” teams struggled to see him as anything but a tweener, that most damning of recruiting terms. The Gamecocks saw it differently. In their offense, guards need to pass and shoot the ball evenly. They thought Notice would be a perfect fit as a combo guard. “Frank actually uses that system a lot,” Notice said. As someone who tested himself against future NBA players, it’s no surprise that Notice adjusted well to the college game. Like the rest of his teammates, he wants to elevate his game his sophomore year. He’d like to cut down on turnovers. He wants to be more explosive and durable off the dribble. Notice dropped 12 pounds in the offseason to help accomplish that. He’s also eager to show off his improved shooting touch. Notice gave a peek of it down the stretch, when he drained 6-of-9 three-pointers in the SEC Tournament after making 15 total during the regular season. With Johnson back after a fractured foot, Notice should have more opportunities to play off the ball in Martin’s rotation. “I joke around with my teammates all the time. I say I’m the new Brenton Williams,” he said, referring to South Carolina’s sharpshooting former guard. He spends time after every practice getting extra shots up. Martin not only wants to see improvements,
photo by allen sharpe
he wants to hear them too. “Duane, he tends to get too quiet sometimes, whether he was on the floor or not. He needs to stay engaged verbally to make sure he continues to help the guys who are out there,” Martin said. If so, he’ll continue to warm to Notice’s play. So will Gamecock fans. In both Fahrenheit and Celsius.
30 • Spurs & Feathers
October 22, 2014
Upcoming Events: Gamecock Club Auburn Parking Information Directions: Take I-85 South out of Atlanta and travel 102-118 miles and exit the interstate at exit 51 and turn right. Then follow College Street approximately 2 miles and Donahue Drive will be on the left. General Public Parking: • Free parking is available in The Hay Fields off of Donahue Drive. • Sections designated CO-S8, on Lem Morrison Drive opens at 8am on Saturday. • Sections designated COT-F4 and CRVTF$, on Woodfield Drive and College Street open on Friday at 4pm. • Designated Visitor Alumni Tent area is on Woodfield Drive between Donahue Drive and College Street Shuttle Service - During Auburn home football games, Tiger Transit runs special game day routes. These routes are available to all game day fans and are free of charge. Buses begin picking up fans at four (4) hours prior to kickoff, offer limited service throughout the game and continue returning fans to stops for two (2) hours after the conclusion of the game. Buses drop off fans along War Eagle Way (by the Village Residence Halls). Buses line up along War Eagle Way in order to return fans to game day stops. Handicap Parking: Disability parking is available in lots on the corner of Magnolia and Donahue (AU Department of Public Safety). Lots open at 8 a.m. on game days. To access, you will need a state tag or hang tag and a photo ID of the owner of the registered tag. The owner must be present to obtain access to accessible parking. Parking is free and shuttle services are available before, during and after the game. A shuttle service for persons with disabilities is available from War Eagle Way on game days. This service begins two hours prior to kickoff, continues through the game and concludes 30 minutes after the end of the game. Pick-up and drop-off points are predetermined along War Eagle Way. Deviations from the established routes are not allowed. Elevator Passes Fans with tickets in the upper decks who have special needs may request elevator passes. Game-by-game elevator passes are available at all internal customer service booths (gates 3, 5, 12, 14) when gates open. No documentation is needed for game-bygame elevator passes. RV Parking: RVs arriving at Auburn University to claim a RV-tailgate site in the hayfields south of Lem Morrison Drive may do so beginning at 2 p.m. on the Thursday prior to a Saturday home football game. Prior to this time, all RVs, personal vehicles, carts, wagons, tape, flagging, signs, unoccupied chairs, or other personal items are prohibited from the hayfields. Unoccupied chairs and personal
items in the hayfields prior to 2 p.m. will be removed by University authorities. Individuals may enter the hayfields on foot with a chair or umbrella to reserve a site for an RV prior to 2 p.m. but individuals must stay with their chair or umbrella. In order to minimize dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning caused by engine exhausts from RVs, trailers or portable generators, owners should ensure that engines are properly vented. Always park in a manner that ensures adequate space between vehicles. Install carbon monoxide detectors if possible. For questions concerning parking on campus, please email gameday@auburn.edu. NYC Gamecocks Game Watching Party When: Every time the Gamecocks play football this season Where: The NYC Gamecock Club home, The Mason Jar, at the intersection of 30th St. and Park Ave. Come out and enjoy Gamecock Football with the best NYC Gamecock fans you will ever meet. Enjoy drink specials, giveaway items, cool raffle items, great food and dozens of TV’s with only Gamecock Football! Wear your gameday gear, take a photo with our inflatable Cocky mascot and be proud to be a Gamecock in NYC! If you are not at Williams-Brice, you want to be here! Charlotte Gamecock Club Watch Party When: Every time the Gamecocks play football this season Where: Icehouse in Southend; 2100 South Blvd., Charlotte, N.C. 28203 Guaranteed to watch the game, listen to the audio with free parking, free entry and right off the light rail. Come watch the game with plenty of Gamecocks with Gamecock trivia, specials and a revenue share to help the University! DC Gamecocks Game Watch Party When: Every time the Gamecock play football this season Where: Greene Turtle Ballston: 900 N Glebe Rd., Arlington, Va. or Redline DC: 707 G Street, NW Washington, D.C. Join your fellow Gamecocks at Greene Turtle Ballston for “2001,” “Sandstorm,” the Game-Cocks chant and the other great traditions you miss so much from Columbia. As always, we will host a raffle, provide free Gamecock swag, and offer great food and drink specials. Food: $5.00 Chicken Quesadillas, Hog Hammers, Chicken Tenders, Sweet Potato Fries, and Fried Pickles. Drinks:$3.00 for 16 oz. Coors Light, Bud Light, Miller Lite Yuengling, Budweiser, Bloody Mary, and Mimosas; $5.00 for Firefly, Fireball, and Jager Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. We look forward
South Carolina Athletic Events: This Week
Tuesday, Oct. 21 ** Volleyball at Coastal Carolina...............................................................................6 p.m. ** Men’s soccer vs. NC State.................................................................................. 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24 ** Women’s soccer at Vanderbilt...............................................................................7 p.m. ** Volleyball vs. Mississippi State......................................................................... 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 ** Football at Auburn............................................................................................................. 7:30 p.m. ** Men’s soccer vs. Kentucky.......................................................................... 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 ** Volleyball vs. Missouri...........................................................................1:30 p.m. ** Men’s basketball vs. Benedict (Exhibition).............................................. 4 p.m. ** Women’s soccer at Texas A&M...........................................................................................5 p.m. Friday-Sunday ** Men’s golf at The Landfill Tradition................................................................................. All Day
Bold................................................................................................................. Home game **For more South Carolina schedule information, visit: www.gamecocksonline. com/calendar/events/ for a complete master calendar.** to seeing you all there or at our D.C. game watch location, Redline DC. Fairfield County November Meeting When: Tuesday, Nov. 18; 6 p.m. Where: Fairfield Cove Restaurant, 1418 US Hwy. 321, S. Winnsboro, S.C. There will be door prizes and drawing for prizes at the meeting. All Gamecock Club members and fans are invited. For more information call Gene Schofield - 803-3378850 or Chris Blackwelder - 803-718-3276. The Gamecock Club remembers these members of Gamecock Nation who have recently passed away.... Ernest Lawhorne - Born May 13, 1923 in Parrot, Georgia to Marietta Copeland Lawhorne and Darling Lawhorne, Ernie received a scholarship to the University of South Carolina to play football where he played four years and where he met his wife, Isabel. Ernie’s college career was interrupted by World War II and he served in the Army Air Force in Europe. After completing his military service, Ernie returned to Carolina where he played two more years of football, baseball and ran track. During this time he married his sweetheart, Isabel, and they were married 53 years. After running Croft State Park in Spartanburg one year, Ernie and Isabel returned to Columbia where he was the head coach of the high school football team composed of University, Columbia and Eau Claire High Schools. After one year there, Ernie was hired to coach football at the University of South Carolina where he was an assistant coach for the next 10 years. USC also tasked him with serving as the head coach of the golf team. Although he had never played a round of golf before he led his team. Following his coaching career, Mr. Lawhorne worked at Boyle-Vaughn Insurance Agency for 28 years. Ernie’s passion for all things Carolina never ended and
in 1965 he was the first President and one of the original founders of the USC Lettermen’s Association. Shirley B. Locklear - Born in Winnsboro, S.C. she was the daughter of Jane Thomas Boyter and the late Clifford Boyter. She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Jack Locklair, and daughter Julie Anne Locklair. Also a brother, Steve Boyter of Lexington. Shirley was a member of First Baptist Church and served on many committees and groups in the church. Among those, Shirley served on the Caring Group that cooks and delivers meals to the homebound. Shirley was also a valuable volunteer of the Fairfield County Food Bank and the Fairfield County Adoption Center where her main passion was taking care of the cats. Mr. Robert “Bob” D. Rogers, Sr. - Bob was born in Timmonsville and was the sixth child of the Rev. George M. Rogers Sr. and Ford Williams Rogers. He was a gifted athlete at Orangeburg High School and the University of South Carolina. John Leland Stewart - Mr. Stewart was born in Westminster in 1920 to A.B. and Mary Sam Messer Stewart. A veteran of World War II he served proudly in the U.S. Army Air Corps in England. After the war, he graduated from the University of South Carolina and became a dedicated Gamecock who cheered for his team through the losing seasons as well as the winning ones. Larry Gene Turner - Larry was born in Conway, SC, a son of the late Henry L. and Elma Allen Turner. For many years Larry owned and operated several hotels in the Myrtle Beach area. Larry served in the National Guard and was a graduate of the University of South Carolina where he wasss a lifetime member of the Alumni Association and the Gamecock Club.
Spurs & Feathers • 31
October 22, 2014
Unique views sponsored by Unique Expressions
Games like this past Saturday’s you would a shutdown effort though the 10 points given up think would be fun. Not so much for me. is acceptable. Maybe it’s the ghost of the past such as AppalaThe offense was pretty good and we were able chian State, Pacific and The Citadel. Maybe it’s to see some guys get some reps. We now know because I was standing on the sideline in 1982, that the backups at quarterback have a ways to the last time Furman beat South go, but it was good to get them Carolina by a 28-23 score. The in the game and take some disappointment of the whole team snaps. lingers in my memory. It was also good to see David No disrespect to Furman. It’s Williams get more touches and a great school with a very good rush for over 100 yards. Count tradition in football over the years, me as one who will be surprised but they are still a small school if Williams is not a star before and despite their success in the he is through. He has the size past, beating the Gamecocks in and speed and I like the way he Columbia on Homecoming should runs. I look forward to the day not be possible. where he gets 20-plus touches. Ed Girardeau And maybe that’s the difference So the test leading into the rest Contributing between the program now and of the season is passed. Now the Editor the teams who lost to the ghost of million-dollar question: Can we the past. From the lackluster enbeat Auburn? I wish I had $100 trance to “2001,” to the stadium being sparsely for every time I was asked that before and since occupied at the end, this was a game that was the end of the Furman game. wrought with possibilities of an embarrassing The short answer: of course we can. Look at loss. However, USC was up to the task and won the scores in college football this year. There easily in the end, 41-10. have been plenty of surprises and South CaroIt was not perfect by any means. The defense lina beating Auburn would rank right up there, gave up a long early rushing touchdown and particularly in the national perspective as a 211 yards total rushing for the game. It was not surprise.
For that matter, yeah, it would be a surprise to us too. Realistically, this is not a game where we can go in with an expectation of flat out winning. Auburn will be a heavy favorite and historically we have not faired will against Auburn. We have only beaten them once and that was in 1933. In other words, we have yet to beat the War Eagles in seven tries since entering the SEC, which includes a humbling loss in the SEC Championship Game in 2010. We’ve been close, but that only counts in horseshoes. The loss in 2011 sticks in my craw. That’s a game the Gamecocks let get away. And there have been close games at Auburn. Auburn is coming off their only loss this season to Mississippi State and had the week off to think about it. Despite the loss, they will come in this week ranked in the top-10 and have a big matchup with Ole Miss the week after this game with USC. It’s human nature. They cannot help but look ahead. This is an opportunity for Carolina to do something that has never been done at USC. Coach Spurrier loves those kinds of things. Beat Auburn for the first time while in the SEC and for the first time at Auburn. If this team wants to make a statement on their season aside from the fact that they beat Georgia, this is it. It won’t be easy, but crazier
photo by allen sharpe
Thompson moved into the top-10 in school history for passing yards in Furman win. things have happened. After watching Missouri play what had to be the worst game by an SEC team this year against Georgia at home, they go on the road and smash Florida in the swamp. And you can go on and on with stories such as that which make no sense. The reality is South Carolina can win Saturday. They need a performance similar to the one that beat Georgia and it wouldn’t hurt if Auburn peeked ahead and played a little less great than they did against LSU. Life in the SEC. I don’t about you but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It certainly makes every week interesting. Here’s a chance to make the season a lot more interesting. Why not us?
32 • Spurs & Feathers
October 22, 2014