2 • Spurs & Feathers
Spurs & Feathers Published by Aiken Communications, Inc.
Contact Us: 326 Rutland Drive N.W. PO Box 456 Aiken, SC, 29801 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 Reporter Kyle Heck Photographers Allen Sharpe and Jenny Dilworth Mary Watson Graphic Designer Cover Design Brian Hand (photo by Juan Blas) Postal Information: SPURS & FEATHERS (USPS 12779) (ISSN 7454368X) is published 23 times annually. The frequency is monthly from December to February, bi-weekly in March, monthly in April, bi-weekly in May, bi-weekly in June, monthly in July and August and weekly from September through December 2. SPURS & FEATHERS also publishes two slick-paper magazine issues — one in April 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.
August 26, 2015 Spurs & Feathers Fall newspapers August 19 - preseason magazine August 26 NO PUBLICATION WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 2 September 9 September 16 September 23 September 30 October 7 October 14 October 21 NO PUBLICATION WEEK OF OCTOBER 28 November 4 November 11 November 18 November 25 December 2 Upcoming Gamecock Club Events August 24th - Augusta Gamecock Club Kickoff Meeting o 6:00pm o Location: Logan’s Roadhouse, 269 Robert C. Daniel Parkway, Augusta, GA 30909 o Speaker: Tony Morrell with 247Sports o Entry is Free. Food and Beverages are available on your own. o Contact Tommy Rogers at 706-294-8485 or Bubba Helton at 706840-1358 for more information if needed August 24th - Kershaw County Gamecock Club Kickoff o 6:30pm o Location: Old South Restaurant and Catery, 509 Dicey Ford Rd. Camden, SC 29020 o Speakers: Langston Moore, Boo Major o $10 ticket if purchased in advance (Call Casey Robinson- 803669-0273) o $15 ticket if purchased at the door August 27th - Florence County Gamecock Club Kickoff Luncheon o 12:00pm o Location: Floyd Conference Center, 1592 Freedom Blvd., Florence, SC 29505 o Speaker: Tony Morrell with 247Sports o No charge August 27th - York County Gamecock Club Summer Event o 6:30pm o Location: The Palmetto Room, 150 East White Street, Rock Hill, SC 29730 o Speakers: Dawn Staley, Andy Demetra o Advanced payment $20 (adults), $5 (children under 12)- call Chip Comer at 803-324- 1180 ext. 26 August 27th - Georgetown County Gamecock Club Event o 6:00pm- social hour o 7:00pm- program o Location: VFW, 711 Church Street, Georgetown, SC 29440 o Speakers: Coach Tanner, Jeff Crane o No charge- direct questions to Susan Edwards at sedwards@ gtcounty.org August 31st - Darlington County Gamecock Club Kickoff o 6:00pm o Location: Lakeview Sonoco Club, 401 Springwood Dr., Hartsville, SC 29550 o Speaker: Brian Hand, Spurs & Feathers September 1st - Pickens County Gamecock Club o 6:00pm- social hour o 7:00pm- program o Location: FATZ Café, in Easley, 5051 Calhoun Memorial High-
way, Easley, SC 29640 o Speaker: Glenn Snyder, Spurs & Feathers o There will be a $10 admission charge at the door to help with the cost of the meeting September 10th - Greenville County Gamecock Club Event o 7:00pm o Location: Hilton Hotel, 45 W. Orchard Park Dr., Greenville, SC 29615 o Speaker: Dawn Staley o No charge for event (Dinner available for purchase at adjacent restaurant) 2015 Football Away Game Parking – University of South Carolina September 3, 2015 University of North Carolina - Belk Kick Off Classic At Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, NC Thanks to Mike McManus of the Gamecock Cruisers Parking Map: - http://www.e-zparking.net/parking_locator.php Directions to Stadium: I-77 from the South - Look for signs to exit at either John Belk Freeway (I-277) or Trade Street I-85 from the South - Look for signs to exit at either Billy Graham Parkway, Freedom Drive, Brookshire Freeway (I-277 East) or I-77 South. Parking for those with disabilities: Bank of America Stadium does not have reserved handicap parking on stadium grounds, but it has a limited number of spaces allocated for accessible parking in Lot 1, also known as the Mint Street Parking Facility, located at the corner of Mint and Graham streets and is directly across from the stadium’s North Gate. Parking for fans with disabilities is available on a first-come, first-served basis for vehicles displaying a handicap placard. This location offers convenience and ease, offering three entrances and exits. Grilling and open flames are prohibited in this parking lot. Drop-Off Zone for Fans with Disabilities For those with disabilities desiring a drop off point close to the stadium, there will be a lane in west bound Morehead Street as it approaches Mint Street that will be open to vehicles with handicap placards. It will be marked by orange cones. There is a curb cut at the corner and two driveway cuts along Morehead Street for wheelchair access. To get to the stadium from the drop off simply go to the corner of Mint Street and Morehead Street. Proceed to the right on Mint Street and go under the highway overpass for I-277. The stadium grounds will be on your left after you pass under the overpass. Your ticket will indicate the gate closest to your seat, but you may enter at any gate. Please keep this drop off location in mind as you purchase parking. Post game traffic can be very heavy and if the driver is parked in an area to the north of the stadium accessing the handicap lane for pick up can be very time consuming. General Parking: There are over 30,000 parking spaces located within 5 blocks of Bank of America Stadium available on game day. Contact E-Z Parking at 704-376-5559 or online at www.E-ZParking.net and click on the Carolina Panthers Icon. RV Parking: Recreational Vehicle (RV) parking options for the game can be provided by E-Z Parking. Please call Elaine Gherardi at 704-3765559 to learn more about RV parking locations. Gamecock Cruisers parking will be in Cedar Yard 3.
Spurs & Feathers • 3
August 26, 2015
Spurrier: ‘We have the best fans in the country’ by kyle heck Reporter
“It’s awesome. It really is,” Matulis said. “I thoroughly enjoy being here. Having everyone come out and support us, especially after not Vizell Robbins moved to Columbia in 2005 as such a great season last year, it shows that everya Florida Gators fan. Nearly a decade later, he one is still coming out and really rooting us on and his son found themselves at the Columbia for next year. It’s a good thing to be around and it Metropolitan Convention Center for the annual helps us going into the season.” Colonial Life Arena Fan Appreciation Day as Cherron Shell was in a much different situation Gamecock fans. than most of the other people in attendance at Robbins said his son, who was born in Colum- the Colonial Life Arena Fan Appreciation Day. bia, was the reason he became a South Carolina Her son, Brandon, is an offensive lineman for fan. the Gamecocks and was one of the players sign“He’s a Gamecock fan, so now the whole fam- ing autographs. For her, the event proved just ily are Gamecocks,” said Robbins, who added how lucky she and her family are that they are that he roots for both Florida and South Carolina Gamecocks. when they play each other. “He was born here so “The atmosphere is just crazy and the fans are this is all he knows.” really dedicated here,” Shell said. “Win, lose or Robbins and his family were at the Columbia draw, they are always here.” Metropolitan Convention Center trying to get This year’s Colonial Life Arena Fan Appreciaautographs from as many players as possible. tion Day was the first such experience for junior They weren’t the only ones. college transfer Toure Boyd, who just arrived in The center was filled to capacity with fans at Columbia less than three weeks ago. 1 p.m. when the event started. What better way “It’s life-changing,” Boyd said. “Definitely a for the Gamecock faithful to connect with their new experience for me.” favorite players than with an autograph session? With such a large turnout at the first team “It helps a lot,” said another fan at the event, scrimmage in Williams-Brice Stadium the day Keith Dooley. “Especially for the growth of these before coupled with the large crowd at the Coyoung fellows.” lumbia Metropolitan Convention Center, junior The annual Colonial Life Arena Fan Apprecia- linebacker Skai Moore said it is evident how tion Day is something that fifth-year senior Mike much support the team has. Matulis really enjoys for that exact reason. “We love it,” Moore said. “We feed off of it and
photo by allen sharpe
it’s just good to see that we have a lot of support.” The Head Ball Coach agrees. “We have the best fans in the country,” Steve Spurrier was overhead saying while talking to fans. Athletics Director Ray Tanner was also in attendance and as a former coach at South Carolina himself, he understands the importance of good fan support.
“It’s one of the reasons that we’ve had success across all of our sports,” Tanner said. “We’ve got such a loyal fan base. People come out and it’s great to see. I know being a coach here many years ago that is one of the things that I thought was so important to the success is that you have that kind of support. And for many, many years our fan base has been very special and very supportive of our student-athletes.”
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4 • Spurs & Feathers
August 26, 2015
‘Slam Dunk Back to School Bash’ makes huge impact in Midlands by brian hand Executive Editor
stem activities that will be super-fun and INNERSOLE will be there sizing kids for their back to school sneakers. We’ll have a “Oh, man!” healthy choice table where they’ll be get“Wow!” ting information about how to eat better, “These are awesome!” make better choices and at the same time Standing in the line at the “Slam Dunk build their own snack, which is super-fun Back to School Bash” at C.A. Johnson High for kids.” School on Saturday, Aug. 8 these words Since it was a Saturday in August, Karen plus many more were said numerous times Tanner noted that keeping the children acby the excited children in attendance as tive and moving was also part of the special they received their Under Armour backday. packs filled with school supplies. “They’ll leave the gym and then go outThe “Slam Dunk Back to School Bash” side where we have an exercise station bewas made possible through a partnership ing run by (former Gamecock football playbetween the Ray Tanner Foundation, the er) Jamie Scott just because it’s hard to keep Hootie and the Blowfish Foundation and kids still for long periods of time,” Karen the Junior League of Columbia as primary Tanner said. “They will burn off a little bit sponsors along with many other sponof energy there and then go into the Sanssors and vendors and all of those involved bury Eye Center screening center where in making the event happen we’re just as they’ll be screened and Sansbury is also excited as the children receiving their back- providing all the follow-up care and glasses packs. for all children that are screened that need “It’s great,” Ray Tanner Foundation coglasses, which is so important when we are founder and Ray Tanner’s wife, Karen, said. talking about educating children” “It has been a combination of so many difSansbury Eye Center’s generous donation ferent organizations. We’re all about team is in addition to Colgate and others stepping at the Ray Tanner Foundation. That’s how up to help with dental care. we live our lives, that’s how we work, so to “The Colgate Dental Van will be their be able to kind of get all of these different next stop and they’ll get a full dental exam,” entities on board and focused on one main Karen Tanner said. “We have the followissue is special and that issue is helping the up through Healthy Learners for children underprivileged children in the Midlands. that need things like fillings, extracations, We want to let them know, ‘hey, we care anything like that. Not only will they be about you, we’re pulling for you, we believe making the appointments, they’ll be taking in you and we understand you’re the future them to their follow-up appointments.” and we want to do everything that we can Cocky was also in attendance to cheer on to provide you so that you can take this the children and get them ready for the upopportunity, use it as a springboard and coming year. Plus, he had a special surprise better yourself and in turn better our comfor them as they were leaving. munity.’” “As they kind of end their day they’ll be in The filled Under Armour backpacks at the the (C.A. Johnson) auditorium with Cocky’s “Slam Dunk Back to School Bash” were Reading Express talking about the imporjust a small part of a truly holistic approach tance of literacy and as they leave Cocky’s undertaken on the day that benefited three Reading Express has donated 1,300 books, schools in Richland County School District so every child will leave with a book,” One. Karen Tanner said. “They’ll walk in, check in and the very The children were not the only ones infirst thing that they’ll receive is a backpack volved with the “Slam Dunk Back to School sponsored by Under Armour,” Karen TanBash” as part of the day was also about conner relayed in going through what the day tinuing to educate the parents. would entail for the children in attendance. “Concurrently with Cocky’s Reading Ex“It will be filled with all kinds of prepackpress we’re doing a parent University class aged school supplies that have been donated for the parents that bring their kids so that by Forms & Supply, Inc. Then they’ll step we can educate the parents,” Karen Taninto the (C.A. Johnson) gymnasium where ner said. “These kids are elementary age. they’ll receive t-shirts that have been They can only do so much on their own. provided. EdVenture will be there doing They need the support of their immedi-
photo by brian hand
ate family, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, whoever brings them today to be educated on the importance of being to school on time, not dismissing early, sticking around for after-school things like afterschool tutoring.” South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley and INNERSOLE were thrilled to be part of the special day. “We’re a family and anytime the boss man calls on you, you come running because he does so much in the community, he does so much for our University and for him to even ask us to be a part of this, I think it’s awesome,” Staley said. “Anytime it has anything to do with kids and them getting the necessary tools that they’ll need to be successful, I want to be part of it and INNERSOLE wants to be a part of it.” Richland County School District One superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon was also on hand and he could not have been more thankful for what everyone was doing to make going back to school a great experience. “We’re very appreciative,” Witherspoon said. “The students need every advantage they can get and we want them to be excited about coming back to school, so I think school supplies and actually some shoes from INNERSOLE, Dawn Staley’s group, is just a wonderful opportunity to start school and bring the community and these resources together for the students.” Former Gamecock men’s basketball player and C.A. Johnson standout Carey Rich could not be happier to see his two alma maters aligning for something great. “It was one of the best and most encouraging calls I’ve gotten when Coach Tanner called and said, ‘hey, we’re doing this at CA Johnson and we want you to come stand with us,’” Rich, presently the assistant superintendent for the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation, said. “That meant a lot and
I think it speaks to the vision that Ray Tanner has laid for the entire athletics department. I spoke to him way before he became athletics director and we talked about the need and the sense of urgency that he had for his group to be a part of the community and this is evidence and to allow my high school to be a part of it - that’s big time.” Current Gamecock baseball student-athlete Madison Stokes was also in attendance helping out. A Richland County School District One product himself out of A.C. Flora High School, the rising sophomore South Carolina infielder was more than happy to give of his time on a Saturday in August. “It’s great,” Stokes stated. “It’s just a great a experience to meet new kids and just kind of show them around and get them excited for the school year, which is ultimately what it’s all about. It’s great to even meet the staff members here and just see their love and the care for the kids as well, so it’s just a really cool experience.” Junior League of Columbia president Kim Leighton said her organization was “excited to be a part of this.” “Our mission is to make an impact on the community through our volunteers, so we also have a vision for the Midlands of healthy children,” Leighton said. “We know that healthy means self esteem and all of those things, so having a child prepared to go back to school with a brand-new backpack and school supplies that is the way we want our students to start out, but we also want them to be able to see and have good dental care, so those are two very important parts of this event.” For athletics director Ray Tanner the inaugural “Slam Dunk Back to School Bash” was about helping others by using the platform his position at the University of South Carolina gives him in the community. “We’re at the University of South Carolina,” Tanner closed. “Our clientele on a daily basis is the student-athletes. We have coaches, we have student-athletes and our professors, but there is also the community in which we live. They embrace us so much and it’s only right that we embrace the community as well and I can’t say enough good things about all of our University people who give back of their time, their money and their efforts. This is special. We have an excellent platform to be on a stage like today and it’s great that so many people willingly participate.”
Spurs & Feathers • 5
August 26, 2015
South Carolina Pro-Am reaches new heights in 2015 by kyle heck Reporter
Rich said that because of the success of this year’s tournament, they plan on continuing with a condensed version. One During the second day of the fourth an- change that may be made next year is addnual South Carolina Pro-Am, incoming ing in an extra week for a playoff, which South Carolina freshman P.J. Dozier took will only add to the intensity and excitea nasty fall while going for an offensive ment. rebound. He landed on his face, busting One of the reasons for the increased buzz his lip and requiring eight stitches to get this year was because of the presence of patched up. players like Dozier, Chris Silva, Raymond Initially, Dozier wasn’t supposed to play Doby and Jamall Gregory, all members of for the rest of the four-day tournament. a talented incoming South Carolina freshHowever, on the last night of the event, men class. the former Spring Valley High School star Many people had never gotten a chance was so impressed by the atmosphere and to see any of the new Gamecocks, which intensity at Heathwood Hall Episcopal led to a pleasant surprise for those who School, where the Pro-Am was held, that watched them at the Pro-Am. he called commissioner Carey Rich a few “I was enthused by the fans getting the minutes before his game was scheduled to opportunity to see all of the newcomers,” start and asked if he had an extra jersey. Rich said. “I was excited to see so many of “For you? Absolutely,” Rich told Dozier. the fans witness these guys and how excitThat example was proof of how electric ing these newcomers are. That was the one the atmosphere was all four days at the thing that I was the most proud of.” South Carolina Pro-Am, a tournament that The Pro-Am was not only a great chance features professional players as well as for the incoming freshmen to introduce current college players from colleges and themselves to the Columbia community, universities primarily in South Carolina. it was also beneficial to the development After stretching the tournament out over of their basketball game. After playing several weeks in previous years, Rich and against high school guys for the past four photo by allen sharpe company decided to condense it into four or so years, they got a chance to go against Rich talking to the local media at a Gamecock men’s basketball “8K in 8 Days” event. days this year. The change was received older, more seasoned players, some of with rave reviews and with the amount of whom are professionals. During the tourtalent that was present, the 2015 Pro-Am nament, the newcomers were given advice was a wild success. by older players like M.J. Rhett, who just “This was our best year from the perfinished a productive spective of the crowds. I thought they career at Ole Miss, were engaged and a part of every game and Dominique Arand I think that subsequently allowed the chie, a former South The Block C Collection player participation to be at an all-time Carolina star, just to by Southern Tide high,” Rich said. “So from those two name a couple. Available in white, black, standpoints, I think this was by far our “It’s important for garnet, and multi-stripe best year.” the older guys to be For the first time, Rich was forced to able to pass on that All Gamecock deny access to some players that wanted knowledge to the basketball to take part in the Pro-Am because there younger guys,” Rich coverage were no spots left. While that was tough said. “I think that sponsored by to do, Rich is glad that the tournament is goes a long, long Yesterdays continuing to grow. way.”
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6 • Spurs & Feathers
August 26, 2015
Staley’s INNERSOLE, Haley’s Original Six Foundation impact state by brian hand Executive Editor
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Carolina, but we do focus on more of the challenge areas,” Haley said. “What we did is we asked the people of South Carolina to come Nikki Haley knows that being the Governor together and we said let’s get all the school of the state of South Carolina is important, but supplies for all the teachers that need them she also knows that to some it might not reso- and then we said we wanted to collect as many nate as much as say being the head women’s tennis shoes for second graders as we possibly basketball coach at the University of South could. We really made this about the people Carolina. of South Carolina and the children of South For that reason, Haley is ecstatic that her Carolina. I am very, very proud to say that we friend Dawn Staley and her organization will be helping 12 school districts (with) 6,241 INNERSOLE decided to team up with her items going to help those students and those Original Six Foundation for a teacher supply teachers.” and shoe drive. Staley’s INNERSOLE organization has Haley was especially thankful that Staley been growing every year and she could not be and some of her team took of their time to go prouder that the alignment with Haley’s orgaout and support the drive by visiting DMVs nization has allowed them to branch out across throughout the state of South Carolina. the state, which is something they have been “Being the Governor is not always the cool- wanting to do for quite some time. est thing,” Haley conceded. “But being an “I always seem to get what I need at any givphoto by brian hand athlete’s very cool, so the truth is for me to en time,” Staley noted. “Whether it’s through have Coach Staley and her athletes out there, coaching or now just with my organization. it got people excited. It got South Carolina ex- We needed the bump. We needed something To learn more about The Original Six Foun- SOLE, please visit http://www.innersole.org. cited. If anything, what we want to show is we else. We didn’t know how to expand what dation, please visit http://www.originalsixYou can also follow INNERSOLE on Twitter do two totally different things, we lead totally we’re trying to do and then the Governor foundation.com. To learn more about INNER- at @innersoleorg. different lives, but what we do want to do is talked about partnering with us and this is eximpact the confidence of everybody and every actly what we needed to branch out because I Stadium Village Lofts child in this state. It shows we can do it in dif- think what we do is a great thing. It’s innocent. Adjacent to Williams-Brice Stadium ferent ways.” It seems small, but the impact is huge and we Haley knows that sometimes being different want to make sure that we are reaching as can ultimately lead to great things. many kids as possible.” “Mine I can do with a press conference,” A grouping of honor students at Carver-Lyon Haley continued. “She (Staley) can get out Elementary School attended the special press there with her players and it’s like rock star conference that included the donated school status. We got the fact that the two can work supplies and sneakers in attendance. For Staltogether well and it still lifts up the state. I’m ey it was incredibly special to see the smiling just grateful. I know Aleighsa Welch was out faces of the children there. there multiple times and she didn’t have to “It’s truly amazing when you talk to young do that. When I see these young ladies who people,” Staley said. “It’s like talking to our have a lot on their plates, whether it’s athletelderly. They tell you what’s on their minds. ics, whether it’s school, whether it’s what they Their minds are so bright. They are so full of want to do next, they wanted to help too. I life. They have so many great ideas, so many think that’s an amazing way that they were aspirations that you want to hug them. You willing to give back. And there has never been want to make sure that they’re able to experiPriced to sell at $159,900! anything that I have asked Coach Staley that ence everything that’s going through their Just in time for football season, enjoy this gated and secured community! Enjoy 2 private she’s never done.” minds at this stage of their lives … parking spaces leading to the front porch of Unit 26. This unit has 14 ft. ceilings and an open Haley spoke these words at a I always ask what is it they want to concept gathering room and kitchen with granite, a stainless refrigerator, microwave, range, press conference to announce the be in life? One guy said he wanted dishwasher, stackable washer and dryer. This freshly painted 2 Bedroom, 2 full bath unit has overwhelming success of the drive to be a newscaster, another one new Gamecock Garnet carpet, and an observation deck. at Carver-Lyon Elementary School said he wanted to be Governor. in Columbia, S.C. They all have these great ideas Cameron Hartley, Realtor® The drive was meant more to about what they want. How they (803) 206-0601 help rural areas in the state of get to accomplish them is through chartley@cbunited.com South Carolina with the districts people helping them and hopefully mhart555@aol.com All Gamecock of Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, INNERSOLE and hopefully the Preview online at www.cbunited.com/ basketball Clarendon, Dillon, Marion, MarlOriginal Six Foundation and other 1711 Gervais St. cameronhartley or call today coverage boro and Union all set to benefit. organizations that cater to helping Columbia, SC 29201 sponsored by “We want this to be a good for a private showing. youth will help them because if not Yesterdays strong year for our kids in South their dreams won’t be realized.” www.stadiumvillagelofts.net
Spurs & Feathers • 7
August 26, 2015
New season officially begins with start of practice by Kyle Heck Reporter The 2015 South Carolina Volleyball season officially got underway on Saturday, August 8, 2015 with the first day of preseason practice. The Gamecocks at the start were less than three weeks away from the season-opening Gamecock Invitational on August 28 and head coach Scott Swanson is looking forward to seeing what kind of team he has this year. “We’re shaking the rust off a little bit,” Swanson said after the first practice. “Like I just told the team, the effort level and the attitude is fantastic. It’s only going to get better as far as the execution and skill level. I’m pretty pleased with the first day.” The Gamecocks are coming off of a 2014 year where they went 17-14 overall and tied for eighth in the SEC with a 7-11 conference record. South Carolina returns 10 letterwinners from that team, along with an incoming recruiting class that has eight players. With so many players, Swanson and his staff are evaluating a lot over the course of the preseason camp to try and get the perfect lineup. One thing that Swanson knows for sure, however, is that he will have a lot of good leadership on this year’s team as 11 of the 19 players on the roster are upperclassmen and the leadership of players like Darian Dozier, Sarah Blomgren and Koko Atoa-Williams will be key. Swanson has already seen the effects of that this past summer. “They’ve been through the battles and the good and the bad times,” Swanson said. “They’ve reached a certain maturity level that we’re pretty proud of. They led the way this summer with open gyms and they actually ran practices to the level that I don’t think it’s been done in the past. That’s why I think we’re ahead of the game right now. Our freshmen know the system that we run, they know how to communicate, they know our base defense and they know a lot of the things.” The Gamecocks lost five players from last
photo by allen sharpe
year’s team, including Kellie and Taylr Mcgoals this year. We’ll see what happens, but Neil and Mikaela Christiaansen. While those so far it’s been pretty good.” players did a lot for the team, Swanson and South Carolina will kick off the season at the Gamecocks are looking forward to continuing to rise up the ranks of the SEC. On the shirts of every player, the phrase #againstallodds was written across the backs. Swanson said they adopted the motto because of all the adversity that the Gamecocks have had to go through over the last couple of years. After winning just 12 matches overall and three in the SEC in 2013, South Carolina has become a force to be reckoned with entering the 2015 season. “I think they feel like it’s their time to go after it,” Swanson said of his players. “And no matter what, they’re going to keep a good attitude and play together as a team. They’re just a lot more focused on reaching their
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8 • Spurs & Feathers
August 26, 2015
Gamecocks open up new season with impressive victory by kyle heck Reporter Junior Chelsea Drennan said the Gamecocks take pride in protecting the home turf at Stone Stadium. They’ve done a good job in accomplishing that recently as South Carolina has lost just three games at “The Graveyard” in the last two years. The No. 11 Gamecocks got another year started on the right track on Friday, Aug. 21, 2015 as they cruised to a 4-1 victory over Northeastern at Stone Stadium in the season-opener for both teams. The Gamecocks wasted no time in scoring the first goal of the season. Less than a minute and a half into the game, Drennan sent in a corner to the back post, where standout sophomore Savannah McCaskill headed it in for a quick 1-0 Gamecocks lead. However, the Huskies answered back almost as quickly. On a corner of their own in the seventh minute, Taylor Caparo found some open room in the box to send a shot past South Carolina keeper Abby Crider to make it a 1-1 game. It was a shaky start for a defense that had to replace All-American goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo and a lot of experience in the back four from last year. However, the Gamecocks buckled down after that, particularly in the second half. South Carolina kept up the pressure throughout the first half and at the 45 minute mark, the
Gamecocks held a 9-3 shot advantage over the Huskies. “I thought we came out on fire, we really put them under pressure and finished a great chance,” head coach Shelley Smith said. “Unfortunately, things changed and we gave up a goal that was a little bit disappointing. I thought the team responded well in the second half to come out and put ourselves in the final third with some great chances.” Respond they did, as the Gamecocks finally broke through to take the lead for good in the 54th minute, thanks to an incredible goal from Caroline Gray. The senior roamed down the right side of the pitch before sending in a long shot that bounced off of the far post and into the goal to give South Carolina a 2-1 advantage. 10 minutes later, Raina Johnson recorded a circus shot of her own. The senior used her speed to breakaway into the box, where she lofted a shot up and over Northeastern goalkeeper Jill Quinn, sneaking it just under the crossbar for a 3-1 Gamecocks lead. After assisting on two of the first three goals, Drennan got in on the goal-scoring herself in the 75th minute. Freshman Simone Wark found a nice lane into the right side of the box before sending a grounder in front of the goal that Drennan tapped in for the fourth and final goal. “I was joking with Simone when I saw her at midfield, I was like, ‘just serve it, I’m coming,’”
first five minutes of each half. Along with the opening goal, the Gamecocks racked up three corner kicks in the first five minutes. Within the first couple of minutes of the second half, McCaskill had narrowly missed a goal in the box and Drennan hit the crossbar on another attempt. “We always say that the first five minutes and the last five minutes, (we want to) get them back on their heels and test their backs,” Drennan said. photo by allen sharpe “We have a lot of pace up front so we were just Reigning SEC Freshman of the Year Savannah testing that and trying to get goals early.” McCaskill scored the first goal of the new year. It was an impressive performance for South Carolina against a quality Northeastern team. Drennan said. “It was a really good run from her The Huskies were coming off of a 15-5-3 year and then I just cut across my defender and got a last season where they won the Colonial Athletic toe on it.” Association Championship and returned their top After allowing three shots in the first five minthree goal scorers from that campaign. utes of the second half, the South Carolina defense Smith knows that her team made some mistakes found its groove and allowed just one shot over that it needs to fix, but was happy that the Gamethe last 30 or so minutes. cocks were still able to pick up the win to get the Smith was happy with how the defense imseason off on the right foot in front of 5,875 fans. proved as the night went along and specifically “It’s a great start and what you want,” Smith mentioned junior defender Kaleigh Kurtz as one said. “You may not like everything you did in the of the players who stepped up in defense. Smith performance but to be able to learn from mistakes also praised Stevi Parker, a do-it-all midfielder/ yet still have the win is huge. Being a nationallydefender. ranked opponent, we know we’re going to get On the offensive side, the Gamecocks kept up everyone’s best game. We’ve got to be ready for the attack all night long, finishing with 17 shots, that. If we continue to battle like we did tonight 11 on goal, compared to just seven shots, two on and put the ball in the net and take care of some things defensively, we’re going to have some great goal, for Northeastern. South Carolina was particularly efficient in the success.”
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Spurs & Feathers • 9
August 26, 2015
South Carolina men’s soccer excited to get process going by Brian hand Executive Editor
Gamecocks commenced with their annual fitness test. “It was great to get off the mark, particuIt was painfully obvious that year No. 38 larly to get the fitness test out of the way,” at the helm of the South Carolina men’s soc- Berson noted. “From the last day of spring, cer program is beginning for Mark Berson they dread coming back and having to go the same way all the rest of them have - with through fitness testing and they did quite a smile. well, so I was really pleased with the work With the first day of preseason preparathey did this summer. It’s really good to get tions officially underway for the 2015 out of the blocks and to have everything season on Wednesday, Aug. 12, Berson’s moving forward.” excitement could not be contained. One of the biggest things that South Caro“It’s always fun,” Berson said. “For the lina will be working on in the 2015 prerest of the country it’s August, but for us it’s season is coming together as a cohesive unit Christmas. It’s what’s under the tree for us with this year’s squad featuring a great deal right now. It’s a chance to see the players of new talent. from last year (and) how much responsibil“We have a lot of new guys,” Berson statity can some of them take stepping up. The ed. “A lot of new faces, so we really want to new guys, where are they going to fit in? play. We have three scrimmages, so we just It’s a process, but we’re anxious to get that want to sort of get out and play and see what rolling.” the combinations are, see what the mixture South Carolina finished off last year with is, see how everything comes together. I a 10-10 record, but the Gamecocks closed think it’s going to take a little while, but I out the season extremely strong as they just really, really like the talent. I really, really missed out on an NCAA Tournament auto- like the attitude, I really, really like the fitmatic bid by falling in the Conference USA ness. I think the guys have done a good job. Tournament championship match. Now it just takes a little time to see what The Gamecocks are looking forward to we’ve got and kind of mix it all in together.” carrying that momentum for last year’s The three exhibitions to which Berson was strong conclusion into the 2015 season and referring were all at home and started with the first day of preseason practice for the Gardner-Webb at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 16
photo by allen sharpe
at Stone Stadium. A few days later, South Carolina welcomed Winthrop to Stone Stadium for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Wednesday, Aug. 19. South Carolina closed out its exhibition schedule at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23 against Furman at Stone Stadium. Berson says that all three exhibitions along with the preseason practices will be coupled together to get the team as ready as possible for the 2015 season. “We’ll basically play players in carefully timed segments and blocks of the times in each of the scrimmages until we build up to
where we’re ready to go on opening day,” Berson said. “That’s what we want to do. Be ready when it counts.” South Carolina’s season opener is at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28 against Mercer at Stone Stadium. A few days later, South Carolina hosts Georgia Southern at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 31. The first road game of the year for the Gamecocks will be against rival Clemson at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4 at Riggs Field in Clemson, S.C.
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Spurs & Feathers • 11
August 26, 2015
Gamecock cross country starts 2015 knowing anything is possible by brian hand Executive Editor Anything is possible and South Carolina distance and cross country coach Andrew Allden is daily working to make sure his student-athletes fully understand that thought process. His group has more than bought in to this thought process in the classroom as the South Carolina cross country team last year were national champions in the classroom, posting an incredibly impressive cumulative team GPA of 3.79. The South Carolina cross country program has earned USTFCCCA All-Academic Team honors for 14 straight years and this past year’s top GPA in the nation was the second time the program garnered the top GPA nationally as they also accomplished the feat in 2008. “To me, it’s impressive because we have 27 women on the roster and we maintained a 3.79 GPA out of those 27,” Allden stated. “Seven of those women are in the Honors College and they’re all taking the toughest programs the University has to offer.” As a team last year, the Gamecock cross country team fully took hold of that anything is possible mantra in meets as well as in the classroom by claiming four first place finishes in its first six events. However, a slew of injuries slowed down the Gamecocks during the SEC and NCAA regional championships. South Carolina finished 13th at the SEC Championships and claimed an 18th place finish at the NCAA Southeast Regional. According to Allden the Gamecocks enter every year with the main goal of wanting to finish solidly in the top-10 in the SEC and the region. And the 2015 season is no different. “Obviously we’re always trying to improve our position in the conference and in our case that’s really trying to move solidly in the top10 in the conference and move solidly into the top-10 in the region,” Allden commented. “I think in the middle of the year last year, we had a good shot at that (in the conference race) and we kind of got hit by injuries late in the year and I think the same can be said of our regional performance, losing a lot of people in a short period of time in a variety of ways. Hopefully that won’t happen this year. Certainly we put some things into place that will take care of that a little bit.” This year, the Gamecocks will have a little less time to get ready for the year, but Allden does not believe that will affect the team too
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Reiser and the South Carolina cross country team finished last year as the national champions in the classroom with a team 3.79 GPA. much. “We don’t compete until Sept. 5,” Allden mentioned. “We’ll start practice on Monday, Aug. 16, so we’ve got about three weeks (to get ready). The NCAA calendar falls a little bit funny this year in that we kind of have an abbreviated preseason, so I feel a little more crammed this year than we have in the last couple of years. I don’t think it’s a huge issue, but it’s a little bit different than what we’ve faced in the last two years.” Once the season does get underway, Allden thinks that the Gamecocks have put together a schedule that will get them ready for their overall goals. He’s especially excited about some of the changes with the Gamecocks’ home meets. “We’ve got two home meets, one on Sept. 5 and one on Sept. 23,” Allden relayed. “Both out at the Weston Lake recreation area, which is at the back of Fort Jackson. That’s a new course for us that we’re kind of trying out this year to see if we can establish that as a home situation for us. One add-on is that we’ve added on a high school division - boys
and girls - that’s going to take place before (the college meets). We’re hoping to have a good representation of the local high schools and hopefully over the next couple of years build it into somewhat of an event. We’ll try to break things in during September and we’ll hopefully get a feel for where we are and then when we get to October it’s every other week a major event, which is fine. That’ll give us a good feel hopefully for those championships.” The Gamecocks enter the 2015 season with a little bit unknown with their No. 1 and No. 2 runners from last year not in the fold this year with Stephanie Berger graduating last year and Anna Todd redshirting this year to recover from a minor injury and to also focus on the first year of graduate pharmacy school. The Gamecocks also graduated Kayla Lampe, who was another top-5 runner for the team. Nevertheless, Allden likes what his team has to work with as the year commences, particularly with an All-SEC performer in junior Mary Reiser still with the Gamecocks. Allden also expects sophomores Hannah Giangaspro and Monica York to step up this year after
nice track campaigns this past spring. Allden believes runners such as Meri Heneage, Martha McCoy, Allie Sprague, Ashley Miller and Emily Harding could also factor into the team’s top-5 runners with a huge grouping of other contributors behind them looking to make a statement within the team’s top-7 to top-10. Allden thinks his freshmen class could also help out tremendously. “The freshmen group is a solid group and it will be interesting to see who emerges as the top freshmen,” Allden said. “There are probably a couple people that maybe are a little more likely based on their track seasons as much as anything else.” In general, Allden is just ready to get the upcoming year started with the preseason preparations. “The ladies have been training hard all summer,” Allden noted. “The first two weeks of practice are a little more general just kind of assessing where everybody is, assessing who’s fit, who’s healthy and trying to figure out how it all fits together.”
12 • Spurs & Feathers
August 26, 2015
Gamecock family thrilled to be part of SEC Network commercial by brad muller South Carolina Director of Content
schools. Stephanie and Rowan live in Summerville, but Flora lives in Pickens, South Carolina. Rowan is now nine months old, but she was “Southeastern Conference football is not a only two weeks old when the commercial game, but a passion passed on through genera- was shot in Atlanta. Rowan was “discovered” tions. You don’t choose your favorite team, thanks to social media. Stephanie’s father, you’re born into it.” Steven, who had been involved in the Atlanta That’s the theme in a recent SEC Network Gamecock Club for many years, posted photos television commercial, “Babies,” which was ap- online which caught someone’s eye and the rest propriately released on the network’s first birth- is history. day on August 14. For one group of Gamecock “It’s in our blood, so to be asked to be part fans featured in the ad, it was also the perfect of it is amazing,” Stephanie said. “It was such setting for a little family history as 89-year-old an exciting moment. We haven’t had any new Flora Brown was captured holding her great babies in our family in a long time. So it was granddaughter, Rowan Brown, for the first a momentous occasion. We’re so thankful to time. (Feel free to check out the moment at the have that moment captured so we can watch it 10 seconds mark of the commercial.) any time we want. We’re all huge Gamecock “We did that part in just one take,” Flora said. fans. My mom and dad both went to school “I didn’t want to give her back, that’s for sure.” there as well as my grandfather. Of course I had “I was handing her to my grandmother, and all the newborn stuff with Gamecock logos for Rowan was fussing and carrying on,” said Rowan when she was born. My grandmother Stephanie Brown, Rowan’s mother. “She held was very excited.”“No one knows those stories her and rocked her, and Rowan immediately like the institutions themselves and those progot quiet. My grandmother looked over to one duction teams on those respective campuses,” of the camera men and said ‘I’ve still got it.’ I Turner said. “We may not have the access to think she sat there with her for about an hour or the knowledge of those types of stories. The after that. Just seeing the joy on her face was comfort level that student-athlete is going to the best part.” have with that campus production team is far The commercial has a call-to-action for fans greater than if the network sent someone down to show off their babies in clothes from SEC the road to listen to a story to be told.”
“I was so flattered,” Flora said. “I’ve been a Gamecock fan for a long time. My husband finished at South Carolina in 1949, and my son finished in ’79. I have a granddaughter who is a freshman now.” Stephanie said she watched the ad nearly 30 times when it debuted, and she has no problem agreeing with the theme about being an SEC fan for life. “That is so very true,” Stephanie said. “You don’t have an option. Not in my family anyway. That’s how you’re raised; you bleed garnet and black.” She added that it won’t be long before Rowan is making her first trip inside Williams-Brice
Stadium. “I think I went to my first game when I was one or two years old,” Stephanie said. “So it will probably be the same for her.” The Browns are indeed long-time supporters of South Carolina as Flora’s brother, Chapman, is 100 years old, so she is looking forward to getting to see Rowan grow up to cheer for the Gamecocks in the years to come. Meanwhile, Flora is enjoying her new-found “fame” on television. “Am I a celebrity now,” Flora mused. “Yes. I guess I will be now. I have four people on my road who are Carolina fans. We all hang out our flags. We’re all very excited.”
Spurs & Feathers • 13
August 26, 2015
Snyder: I can’t wait for the year to start
Those of you who have read my columns ter). When I interviewed him back in May, he over the years know it doesn’t take much to told me that his scheme was modeled after the get me excited about a South Carolina footPittsburgh Steelers’ “Steel Curtain” defenses ball season, and I have to admit that after the from the 1970’s. He told me that there would scrimmage two Saturdays ago, my enthusiasm be eight in the box at the snap, and I can only for the upcoming campaign is up a couple of remember one or two running plays when notches - because of the defense. there were less that nine guys Now there is nothing unusual in on the tackle. And speaking about the defense dominating of tackling, it was sharp and an early fall scrimmage, in fact, fundamental, not once did I see I can only recall a couple of a player reaching out or diving in camps over the last three dean attempt to make a tackle. cades when that wasn’t the case. Another thing Coach Hoke And while the offense did have stressed about the defense was, some moments, the difference “It’s not going to be complicated. about this scrimmage was how It’s always going to be about the defense dominated. assignments, alignments, techI am completely sold on Coach niques and keys, and that’s never Glenn Snyder Jon Hoke’s cover two zone congoing to change. You want your Inside cept (google cover two defense, players to be able to play fast and Look if you want to understand it betphysical and have their instincts
take over.” I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a defense that looked so comfortable and confident in a preseason camp. I think another positive is that not many teams are using the defense scheme, which leaves me to believe that opponents will have to spend extra time in film room and in practice to find ways to attack it. An aspect that really caught my eye, is that the defensive linemen have somewhere to go on every play, no standing up and chicken fighting like we saw last season. Everyone is aggressive on every snap in an effort to prevent the offense from getting into a rhythm. Coach Spurrier made the comment that the quarterbacks need to get rid of the ball quicker, and if you want to have a chance to be successful against this defense, that has to be the case. Yet another reason for my enthusiasm is how relaxed the HBC seems to be with the
progress of his team. While he still has his complaints about the production of the offense, when he began a post-practice interview joking that, “the quarterbacks couldn’t hit the side of the new indoor practice facility,” and that “the receivers dropped every pass,” that indicated to me that he is pleased with the effort on that side of the ball. I’ve been around him for over a decade now, and when he is relaxed and in a joking mood, he feels good about his team. I believe the fact that the Gamecocks enter this season without over-hyped expectations from those outside the program is a positive. Every indication I’ve gotten from talking to some of the players is that everyone is on the same page and has the same goals, to make this a memorable season. I can’t wait for the year to start to see if the work this team has put in will bear fruit. It’s a great time to be a Gamecock!
Attending a Gamecock game is a unique experience As I get older I notice my appreciation for certain days completely changes. No longer is my favorite holiday Christmas, instead it is now the food-laden day of Thanksgiving (who doesn’t love waking at 1:00 a.m. for another round of gravysoaked turkey with stuffing?) The only day that ranks ahead of Thanksgiving is the unofficial holiday that is the start of college football season. In between paying the bills that are required as you grow older and worrying about my children every day, the release of fall Saturdays is what tends to keep my sanity. EnjoyBill Gunter ing games Contributing that begin Writer on Thursday evening and carry through Saturday night is my way of returning to my childhood when “adult problems” did not plague me. South Carolina football has always provided that mental release from the strains of each week. I would be lying to you if I did not say that a tear drop or two will form in my eye on September 12th when the first bars of “2001” blares from the sound system at Williams-Brice Stadium. Not to sound preachy on being a media
member, but I have always enjoyed sitting in the stands with fans around me instead of the stuffy press box where enjoyment of the great day is kept out. Letting the pageantry of college football wash over me each week is a unique experience that I know many of you like to enjoy with your family as well. Whether it is the band, the cheerleaders, or the crowd, there are several factors that do not even include the actual football game. Attending a South Carolina game is a unique experience and there are plenty of great traditions. With the season just a short week away, here are a few of the things I am most looking forward to seeing this coming season at Williams-Brice Stadium.
Sandstorm – I will admit that early on I was not sure how the techno song would play for the fans. However, it has been an iconic piece of Williams-Brice lore. Give credit to the students for getting creative with a synchronized towel waving in the opening strands and the Gamecocks have built something that is completely unique to their program. While “Sandstorm” is a relatively new tradition, there are few better and that are more exciting than when 80,000 Gamecock fans celebrate a touchdown by jumping up and down waving their white towels. Tailgating in Columbia – The great part about my job is that I have the opportunity to travel to plenty of different venues and see what the pre-game party and
will always have an effect on me. Maybe it is memories of great days spent with my father as a child at Williams-Brice, maybe it is the rush of excitement that comes with attending a hyped up football game, maybe I am just a weirdo. Either way, there is something special about the Gamecocks entrance as there is nothing like anywhere in college football.
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tailgating is like. I have always enjoyed being amongst the opposing fans and seeing how they prepare for a game, the special foods that are prepared, the general excitement of the game that is about to take place. There are few places in the country better than in Columbia. Unless you get out and attend games at several different locations, I am not sure people understand just how nice the set up is in Columbia from trying to deal with traffic to the actual set up of Gamecock Park and the Fairgrounds and all spots in-between. 2001 – As I mentioned earlier in the article, there is something about hearing “2001” at the opening home game that
Family – There is something special about attending a football game with your family and by family I mean the people you have grown to now that tailgate around you or sit near you in the stadium. I am sure there are plenty of you that have made great friends over the years with the person or people sitting in front, behind or next to you at football games. Sure, there are also those blood relatives that constantly harass you for tickets each week and want to come join the excitement, but it is a unique bond you form with people that are around you during the game. I look forward to seeing those people again and catching up on old times while creating new experiences. With so many unique South Carolina traditions set to begin in less than a week, rejoice good Gamecock fans our Christmas season is finally upon us. The Gamecocks will take the field again on September 3rd and come home to Williams-Brice Stadium on September 12th. Good times are just around the corner and I look forward to enjoying the 2015 season with all of you.
14 • Spurs & Feathers
August 26, 2015
Charlotte Gamecocks doing big things for South Carolina by Brian hand Executive Editor “How do you bring 8,000 alumni together? You have the charity events, you have the social components and then you have the professional components as well.” The words above by chapter president James Wolf are one of the reasons the Charlotte Gamecocks are so successful in everything that they do for the My Carolina Alumni Association and the Gamecock Club. Over the past five years, one of the biggest fundraisers that they have is their annual golf tournament at the Ballantyne Resort. In fact, over the last five years the Charlotte Gamecocks have raised over $65,000. “We take those funds and we send them to the USC Educational Foundation,” Wolf said. This year’s golf tournament at The Golf Club at Ballantyne was comprised of 113 paid golfers. As part of the Sixth Annual My Carolina Club of Charlotte Golf Tournament some great prizes were given away as well with signed Gamecock memorabilia and even South Carolina-North Carolina tickets. Featured at this year’s event were Gamecock football legends Todd Ellis, Brian Maddox and Dr. Rick Sanford. In addition, former Gamecock baseball standouts Steve Bondurant, Jay Brown and Matt Price were also in attendance. The My Carolina Club of Charlotte Golf Tournament is always one of Ellis’ favorite events of the year. “The Charlotte Gamecock Club has just grown and grown over the years,” Ellis stated. “This is one of the better events on the circuit and it’s always good because I can come up and see some of my clients, family members as well and be a part of it. Everybody is into the fever of it (football season about to start), so it’s fun to be around Gamecocks, no question.” My Carolina Alumni Association Executive Director Jack Claypoole and Gamecock Club Executive Director Patrick McFarland were also in attendance at the golf tournament. “It’s great to come to Charlotte and hear so much enthusiasm for the University of South Carolina,” Claypoole noted. “Not only do you have 8,000 alumni up here, you have 280,000 alumni worldwide. You’re a part of one of the biggest and best families that there is. We appreciate all that you do.” McFarland agreed with Claypoole about how much everyone at South Carolina appreciates the efforts of the Charlotte Gamecocks.
photo by brian hand
Pictured far left are James Wolf then Patrick McFarland with the golf tournament volunteers and then on the far right is Jack Claypoole. “I want to thank James Wolf and the Charlotte Gamecock Club for all they do,” McFarland said. “Their support has always been tremendous.” Wolf could not be prouder of how the Charlotte Gamecocks have come together in all areas, but particularly with the golf tournament. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s a ton of people that help out within the community,” Wolf relayed. “We have people from Charleston, Columbia, Charlotte and we’ve got people that don’t even play, or cannot play, but they are still dedicating their time, they are dedicating gift certificates. Really it’s just bringing the whole entire community together. We’ve got someone as young as 18 and we’ve got someone over 80 playing, so it’s a combination of several decades of Gamecocks.” The Sixth Annual My Carolina Club of Charlotte Golf Tournament is just a small sample of all the things happening with the Charlotte Gamecocks. Recently the Charlotte Gamecocks helped send off 495 incoming University of South Carolina freshmen from greater Charlotte at their annual send off event. On Wednesday, Aug. 19 the Charlotte Gamecocks held a meet and greet from 6-8 p.m. on the patio at Bonz Smoke and Taphouse. On Aug. 29 all SEC schools in the area come
together for an SEC Bash from 3-6 p.m. at the All American Pub and Oak Room. Wolf said that normally approximately 1,200 SEC fans altogether come out for the free SEC Bash with around 300 or 400 of those Gamecocks. Over the course of the athletic year, the Charlotte Gamecocks get together to cheer on the Gamecocks as well. “We watch our games at Bonz (Smoke and Taphouse) Charlotte - used to be Icehouse (South End). We’ll easily have over 500 people there (for games),” Wolf stated. “It’s hard to find a bigger place that supports 500 people. In addition over the last several years, Icehouse has given us money each year, which we then give back to the school, so in the name of having fun, we’ve raised several thousand dollars.” Obviously, with Gamecock Country scheduled to descend upon Charlotte in the coming weeks, the Charlotte Gamecocks are extremely excited to have the season opener at Bank of America Stadium. The night before the season opener against North Carolina the Charlotte Gamecocks are inviting everybody to the Pavilion at the Epicentre. “It’s free with a live band,” Wolf said. “Show up and get some Gamecock stuff. It’s open to
the public.” If you want to know more or get connected with the Charlotte Gamecock Club, you can find them on Facebook and LinkedIn as Charlotte Gamecock Club. On Twitter and Instagram, the handle is @CltGamecocks. You can also visit their website at www.mycarolina.org/ charlotte.
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Spurs & Feathers • 15
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16 • Spurs & Feathers
August 26, 2015
South Carolina Gamecocks Football Roster # Name Pos. 1 Rico McWilliams CB 1 Deebo Samuel WR 3 Chris Lammons CB 3 D.J. Neal WR 4 BrysonAllen-Williams LB 4 Jalen Christian WR 5 Darius English DE 5 Terry Googer WR 6 Connor Mitch QB 6 Chris Moody FS 7 Shon Carson TB 8 Shamier Jeffery WR 8 Marquavius Lewis DE 9 Sherrod Pittman LB 9 Jerad Washington WR 10 Skai Moore LB 10 Perry Orth QB 11 Pharoh Cooper WR 11 T.J. Holloman LB 12 Ernest Hawkins LB 12 Michael Scarnecchia QB 13 Sean Kelly P 13 Jalen Henry LB 14 Shaq Davidson WR 14 Ali Groves FS 15 Matrick Belton WR 15 Antoine Wilder SS 16 Rashad Fenton CB 16 Gage Pucci QB 17 Chaz Elder SS 17 Carlton Heard WR 18 Cedrick Cooper DE 18 Danny Gordon QB 19 Lorenzo Nunez QB 19 Landon Ard PK 20 T.J. Gurley SPR 20 Joseph Charlton K/P 21 Isaiah Johnson FS 22 Brandon Wilds TB 22 Jamari Smith CB 23 Christian Owens WR 23 Larenz Bryant LB 24 D.J. Smith FS 25 Darin Smalls CB 25 A.J. Turner TB 26 Jasper Sasser SPR 27 Toure Boyd FS 28 Jonathan Walton LB 29 Elliott Fry PK 30 Darius Paulk TB 30 Daniel Fennell LB 31 Al Harris Jr. CB 32 Rod Talley TB 33 David Williams TB 34 Mon Denson TB 34 Scott Grant SS
Coaches
Hgt. 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-3 6-1 5-9 6-6 6-4 6-3 6-1 5-8 6-1 6-3 6-0 5-8 6-2 6-1 5-11 6-2 6-1 6-4 5-10 5-10 5-11 5-10 6-4 5-10 5-10 6-0 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-0 6-3 5-9 5-10 6-5 6-0 6-2 5-10 6-5 6-0 5-11 5-11 5-10 6-0 5-11 6-0 6-0 5-8 6-3 5-11 5-10 6-1 5-10 5-10
Wgt. 186 202 183 193 233 177 225 226 211 215 204 189 264 225 158 218 203 207 231 224 210 189 207 175 183 209 185 180 195 209 182 248 203 210 182 199 180 206 216 200 204 220 195 190 185 207 180 235 164 198 220 163 201 222 222 178
Cl. RS JR RS FR SO FR SO FR RS JR RS FR RS SO RS JR RS SR RS SR JR FR FR JR RS JR JR RS JR SO RS FR RS JR FR RS FR RS SO RS JR FR FR FR RS JR RS SR RS SR RS FR FR RS SR SR FR RS SR RS SR RS SO FR JR SO FR FR RS SO JR JR JR RS JR FR SO RS SO RS SO FR RS FR
Hometown/High School/Last College Hampton, Ga./Lovejoy Inman, S.C./Chapman Lauderhill, Fla./Plantation Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson Ellenwood, Ga./Ceder Grove Damascus, Md./Damascus Powder Springs, Ga./McEachern Atlanta, Ga./Woodward Academy Raleigh, N.C./Wakefield McDonough, Ga./Henry County Scranton, S.C./Lake City St. Matthews, S.C./Calhoun County Greenwood, S.C./Greenwood/Hutchinson CC Jacksonville, Fla./First Coast Jacksonville, Fla./First Coast Cooper City, Fla./University Ponte Vedra, Fla./Ponte Vedra/Florida State College Havelock, NC./Havelock Stone Mountain, Ga./St. Pius X Baltimore, Md./Dunbar/Hartnell College Fleming Island, Fla./Fleming Island Oakland, Fla./West Orange/FAU/Tallahassee JC Foley, Ala./Foley Gaffney, S.C./Gaffney Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson Columbia, S.C./Keenan/Hampton Riverdale, Ga./Hapeville Charter Miami, Fla./Miami Carol City Glendora, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga Union City, Ga./Banneker Athens, Ga./Clarke Central/Gardner-Webb Lithonia, Ga./Lithonia Worthington, Ohio/Worthington/Miami (Ohio) Kennesaw, Ga./Harrison Rock Hill, S.C./South Pointe Cairo, Ga./Cairo Columbia, S.C./A.C. Flora Cary, N.C./Panther Creek/Kansas Blythewood, S.C./Blythewood Jacksonville, Fla./Fletcher Griffin, Ga./Griffin Charlotte, NC./Vance Marietta, Ga./Walton Summerville, S.C./Summerville Clifton, Va./Centreville Jacksonville, Fla./Wolfson Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Chaffey College Daphne, Ala./Bayside Academy Frisco, Texas/Prince of Peace Christian Columbia, S.C./North Greenville Loganville, Ga./Grayson Fort Lauderdale, Fla./St. Thomas Aquinas Laurens, S.C./Laurens/Gardner-Webb Philadelphia, Pa./Imhotep Charter LaGrange, Ga./LaGrange Laurens, S.C./Laurens
Steve Spurrier - Head Coach Deke Adams - Defensive Line Kirk Botkin - Linebackers Shawn Elliott - Co-Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Jon Hoke - Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs G.A. Mangus - Quarterbacks/Tight Ends Joe Robinson - Special Teams Coordinator Everette Sands - Running Backs Steve Spurrier Jr. - Co-Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coordinator Lorenzo Ward - Co-Defensive Coordinator Jamie Speronis - Associate AD/Football Operations Joey Blake - Director of Football Nutrition Joe Connolly - Director-Football Strength & Conditioning Robbie Liles - Director - Recruiting Operations Patrick Shine - Administrative Coordinator - Recruiting Scott Spurrier - Quality Control Coordinator (Offense) Travelle Wharton - Quality Control Coordinator (Offense) Grady Brown - Quality Control Coordinator (Defense) Shaq Wilson - Quality Control Coordinator (Defense) Brian Turk - Quality Control Coordinator (Special Teams)
# Name Pos. 35 Shannon James CB 39 Demetrius Smalls CB 39 Rivers Bedenbaugh FB 39 Demetrius Smalls CB 40 Jacob August TE 40 Jason Senn FS 41 Tyler Ragsdale LB 42 Jordan Diggs SS 43 Garrison Gist FB 43 Benji Russell SS 44 Gerald Dixon DE 44 Max Moorman FB 45 Clayton Stadnik TE 45 Reubyn Walker LB 46 Cedrick Malone LB 46 Jakob Huechtker LS 47 Drew Williams LS 48 Nick McGriff LS 48 Dexter Wideman DE 49 Boosie Whitlow DE 49 Devin Potter TB 51 Cody Waldrop OG 52 Phillip Dukes DT 55 Christian Pellage OT 55 David Johnson DE 57 Cory Helms OC 59 Logan Crane LS 63 Blake Camper OT 65 Brock Stadnik OG 69 D.J. Park OT 70 Alan Knott OC 71 Brandon Shell OT 72 Donell Stanley OG 74 Mason Zandi OT 75 Will Sport OG 76 Mike Matulis OT 77 Malik Young OT 78 Zack Bailey OG 79 Trey Derouen OG 80 John Dixon WR 81 Hayden Hurst TE 82 Sean Odom WR 84 Kyle Markway TE 85 Devin Dingle WR 85 Michael Almond K/P 86 Kevin Crosby TE 87 Connor Redmond TE 88 Javon Charleston WR 89 Jerell Adams TE 90 Taylor Stallworth DT 91 Shameik Blackshear DE 92 Gerald Dixon, Jr. DT 93 Ulric Jones DT 94 Kelsey Griffin DT 95 Dante Sawyer DE 99 Abu Lamin DT
Hgt. 5-7 5-11 6-2 5-9 6-6 5-8 6-0 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-2 5-10 6-3 5-10 6-0 5-6 6-2 6-0 6-4 6-3 5-10 6-2 6-3 6-6 6-1 6-4 6-3 6-8 6-5 6-4 6-4 6-6 6-4 6-9 6-5 6-5 6-3 6-6 6-3 5-11 6-5 6-0 6-4 5-10 6-3 6-1 6-4 6-0 6-6 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-4
Wgt. 154 172 245 170 258 181 210 209 251 188 269 234 240 220 200 188 213 224 293 240 203 300 319 314 240 301 212 295 285 325 270 328 320 314 295 293 308 320 314 185 252 194 243 160 200 238 225 185 231 308 250 327 300 316 291 326
Cl. RS JR RS SO RS SO RS SO RS FR FR FR RS JR RS SR RS SO RS JR FR RS JR RS JR RS JR RS SO JR RS FR FR FR RS JR RS JR RS SR FR RS SO JR FR FR RS JR RS SO RS SO RS SR RS FR RS JR RS SR RS SR RS FR FR FR FR FR JR FR FR FR RS FR FR FR SR SO FR RS SR JR JR SO RS JR
Hometown/High School/Last College Florence, S.C./South Florence Bluffton, S.C./Bluffton Leesville, S.C./Lexington/Georgia Southern Bluffton, S.C./Bluffton Columbia, S.C./Fork Union Military Beaufort, S.C./Beaufort Mt. Pleasant, S.C./Wando Fort Myers, Fla./Island Coast Rock Hill, S.C./Northwesterm Atlanta, Ga./Woodward Academy Rock Hill, S.C./South Pointe Alpharetta, Ga./Milton Greensboro, N.C./Western Guilford Rock Hill, S.C./Florida A&M Camden, S.C./Camden/Coastal Carolina Rock Hill, S.C./South Pointe Irmo, S.C./Dutch Fork Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville Saluda, S.C./Saluda/Camden Military Opelika, Ala./Opelika Granite Falls, N.C./South Caldwell Seffner, Fla./Armwood Manning, S.C./Manning Brooksville, Fla./Nature Coast Tech Lithonia, Ga./Lithonia Alpharetta, Ga./Milton/Wake Forest Dartmouth, Mass./Dartmouth Virginia Beach, Va./Frank W. Cox Greensboro, N.C./Western Guilford Dillon, S.C./Dillon Tyrone, Ga./Sandy Creek Goose Creek, S.C./Goose Creek Floydale, S.C./Latta Chapin, S.C./Chapin Milton, Fla./Pace Boynton Beach, Fla./Park Vista Pelzer, S.C./Woodmont Summerville, S.C./Summerville, S.C. Lilburn, Ga./Parkview Alexandria, Va./Episcopal Jacksonville, Fla./The Bolles School Orangeburg, S.C./Orangeburg Prep St. Louis, Mo./St. John Vianney Summerville, S.C./Cane Bay North Augusta, S.C./Westminster Bamberg, S.C./Bamberg-Ehrhardt Lawrenceville, Ga./Archer Gurnee, Ill./Warren Pinewood, S.C./Scott’s Branch Mobile, Ala./Murphy Bluffton, S.C./Bluffton Rock Hill, S.C./Northwestern Oxford, Ala./Butler (Kan.) Community College Buford, Ga./Mill Creek Suwanee, Ga./North Gwinett/East Mississippi C.C. Fayetteville, N.C./Trinity Christian/Fort Scott C.C.
Spurs & Feathers • 17
August 26, 2015
North Carolina Tar Heels Football Roster # Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown/Previous School 1 Francis, Khris TB 5-9 210 Jr. Durham, N.C. (Hillside) 1 Hughes, Mike CB 5-11 185 Fr. New Bern, N.C. (New Bern) 2 Lawrence, Des CB 6-1 185 Jr. Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Christian) 3 Smiley, Sam S 5-11 190 Sr. Jacksonville, Fla. (Raines) 3 Switzer, Ryan WR 5-10 185 Jr. Charleston, W.Va. (George Washington) 4 Artis, Allen S 6-1 205 So. Marietta, Ga. (Wheeler) 4 Elliott, Nathan QB 6-1 195 Fr. Celina, Texas (Celina) 5 Mollette, Juval WR 6-4 210 Fr. Randleman, N.C. (Randleman) 5 Walker, Brian CB 5-11 190 Jr. Charlotte, N.C. (Mallard Creek) 6 Henderson, Caleb QB 6-3 215 RFr. Burke, Va. (Lake Braddock) 6 Stewart, M.J. CB 5-11 200 So. Arlington, Va. (Yorktown) 7 Proehl, Austin WR 5-10 175 So. Charlotte, N.C. (Providence) 8 Logan, T.J. TB 5-10 190 Jr. Greensboro, N.C. (Northern Guilford) 9 Williams, Ty’Son TB 6-0 220 Fr. Sumter, S.C. (Crestwood) 10 Schoettmer, Jeff LB 6-2 235 Sr. Dallas, Texas (Jesuit College Prep) 10 Trubisky, Mitch QB 6-3 220 So. Mentor, Ohio (Mentor) 11 Simmons, Malik CB 5-11 190 Sr. Lehigh Acres, Fla. (Lehigh) 12 Moore, Andrew CB 5-11 190 Jr. Chapel Hill, N.C. (East Chapel Hill) 12 Williams, Marquise QB 6-2 225 Sr. Charlotte, N.C. (Mallard Creek) 13 Hollins, Mack WR 6-4 210 Jr. Rockville, Md. (Wootten/Fork Union M.A.) 14 Davis, Quinshad WR 6-4 220 Sr. Gaffney, S.C. (Gaffney) 15 Cunningham, Jordan WR 6-2 190 Jr. Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (Vanderbilt) (University School) 15 Miles, Donnie S 5-11 210 So. Lawrenceville, Ga. (North Gwinnett) 16 Albright, Stephen S 6-2 195 Fr. Raleigh, N.C. (Cardinal Gibbons) 16 Miles, Manny QB 6-0 185 Fr. Baton Rouge, La. (University Laboratory School) 17 Drennon, Dajaun DE 6-4 255 So. Clementon, N.J. (Timber Creek) 17 Ratliff-Williams,Anthony QB 6-1 200 Fr. Matthews, N.C. (Butler) 18 Cabrera, Josh WR 6-3 205 RFr. Jacksonville, N.C. (Northside) 19 Davis, Kedrick CB 5-10 180 Jr. Charlotte, N.C. (Berry Academy) 20 O’Briant, Will PK 6-1 190 So. Asheboro, N.C. (Asheboro) 20 Tomlin, Tyrell LB 5-11 235 So. Marietta, Ga. (Marietta) 21 Britt, J.K. S 6-0 195 Fr. Newnan, Ga. (Newnan) 21 Morris, Romar TB 5-10 190 Sr. Salisbury, N.C. (Salisbury) 23 Collins, Cayson LB 6-1 235 So. Charlotte, N.C. (Berry Academy) 23 Mangili, Joey P 6-3 210 Jr. Durham, N.C. (Jordan) 24 Bonilla, Ayden LB 6-2 220 RFr. Woodstock, Ga. (Etowah) 24 Weiler, Nick PK 6-0 190 Jr. Fairfax Station, Va. (Lake Braddock) 25 Dickerson, Jalen CB 5-11 185 RFr. Richlands, N.C. (Richlands) 25 Goins, Zach WR 6-1 180 Fr. Matthews, N.C. (Weddington) 26 Green, Dominquie S 5-11 190 Jr. Laurinburg, N.C. (Scotland County/Hargrave M.A.) 27 Brunson, Charles TB 5-11 205 Jr. Winston-Salem, N.C. (North Davidson) 27 Stackhouse, Jaye S 6-1 200 Fr. Suwanee, Ga. (North Gwinnett) 28 DiMaggio, Dante WR 6-2 195 RFr. Apex, N.C. (Cardinal Gibbons) 29 Brown, Thomas WR 6-0 190 Fr. Statesville, N.C. (Statesville) 30 Crafford, Hunter DS/LB 6-2 225 So. Greenville, N.C. (Penn State) (Ayden-Grifton) 30 Royal, Tyler RB 5-11 195 Jr. Faison, N.C. (North Duplin) 31 Albright, Cameron S 6-1 210 So. Kennesaw, Ga. (North Cobb) 31 Bozymski, Blake PK 6-1 190 So. Winston-Salem, N.C. (Woodberry Forest (Va.)) 32 Jackson, Joe LB 6-2 225 Jr. Jacksonville, Fla. (First Coast) 33 Bell Jr., Corey CB 5-9 170 Fr. Charlotte, N.C. (Hough) 33 Eason, Sam ATH 6-2 235 Fr. Pleasant Garden, N.C. (Southeast Guilford) 34 Holcomb, Cole LB 6-1 215 RFr. New Smyrna Beach, Fla. (New Smyrna Beach) 34 Hood, Elijah TB 6-0 220 So. Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Catholic) 35 Ripberger, Chris DB 5-11 190 RFr. Greensboro, N.C. (Northern Guilford) 35 Washington, Damien WR 6-1 195 Sr. Kannapolis, N.C. (A.L. Brown) 37 Jiles, T.J. CB 5-11 180 Sr. Cape Coral, Fla. (Cape Coral) 38 Graves, Darius RB 5-8 190 Fr. Greensboro, N.C. (Dudley) 40 Craig, Ben DB 5-10 180 Jr. Huntersville, N.C. (Hough) 41 Worley, Jared ATH 6-3 200 Fr. Pittsboro, N.C. (Northwood)
Coaches Larry Fedora - Head Coach Gunter Brewer - Co-Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers Gene Chizik - Defensive Coordinator Keith Heckendorf - Quarterbacks Coach Lou Hernandez - Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for Football Chris Kapilovic - Associate Head Coach/Co-Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach Seth Littrell - Assistant Head Coach for Offense/Tight Ends John Papuchis - Linebackers Coach Larry Porter - Running Backs Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Tray Scott - Defensive Line Coach Charlton Warren - Defensive Backs Coach Andrew Mitchell - Offensive Graduate Assistant Cameron O’Neal - Defensive Graduate Assistant Jonathan Rutledge - Special Teams Graduate Assistant Ryan Sims - Defensive Graduate Assistant Corey Holliday - Associate Athletic Director Clay Browning - Quality Control Joe Haydon - Director of Football Operations Rory Pommerening - Director of Player Personnel Jason Tudryn - Director of High School Relations
# Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown/Previous School 42 Rashad, Shakeel LB 6-2 235 Sr. Jacksonville, Fla. (Episcopal) 43 Rogers, Jessie DE 6-4 270 Sr. Arlington, Texas (Bowie) 44 Gnonkonde, Junior DE 6-4 260 Jr. Lakeland, Ga. (Lanier County) 45 Bart, Mikey DE 6-3 270 Jr. Buford, Ga. (Buford) 47 Mastromatteo, Dan LB 6-2 235 Jr. Absecon, N.J. (Holy Spirit) 48 Jackson, Thomas WR 5-11 195 So. Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Country Day) 48 Price, Shaquille CB 6-1 215 Jr. Irmo, S.C. (Dutch Fork) 49 Clarke, Jeremiah DT 6-5 315 RFr. Alexandra, Va. (T.C. Williams) 51 Bales, Alex LB 6-3 225 Jr. Kansas City, Mo. (Rockhurst) 51 Sweet, William OT 6-7 300 Fr. Jacksonville, Fla. (First Coast) 52 Hatton, Tommy OL 6-3 285 Fr. Montvale, N.J. (St. Joseph’s) 52 Pettway, Kemmi LB 6-2 240 So. Charlotte, N.C. (Garinger) 53 Carney, Malik DE 6-3 230 RFr. Alexandria, Va. (T.C. Williams) 54 Sutton, Johnathon LB 6-0 230 Fr. Swansea, S.C. (Swansea) 55 Strowbridge, Jason DE 6-4 250 Fr. Deerfield Beach, Fla. (Deerfield Beach) 56 Smith, Andre LB 6-0 235 Fr. Jacksonville, Fla. (Trinity Christian Academy) 57 Petty, Marlon LB 6-0 190 RFr. McLeansville, N.C. (Eastern Guilford) 58 Polino, Nick OL 6-4 275 Fr. Buford, Ga. (Buford) 60 Murphy, Kyle DS 6-2 225 RFr. Charlotte, N.C. (Ardrey Kell) 61 Bancroft, Tommy DS 6-4 215 Fr. La Jolla, Calif. (Francis Parker School) 62 Uptegraff, Mark OL 6-2 300 RFr. Charlotte, N.C. (Fork Union Military Academy) 63 Hite, Harris OL 6-6 295 Sr. Apex, N.C. (Campbell) (Middle Creek) 64 Bernhardt, Thomas OL 6-3 290 So. Raleigh, N.C. (Cardinal Gibbons) 65 Cohen, Jared OG 6-3 310 So. Owings Mills, Md. (McDonogh) 66 Colvin, Myers OT 6-5 315 Sr. Fayetteville, N.C. (Reid Ross Classical/E.E. Smith) 67 Heck, Charlie OL 6-7 265 Fr. Kansas City, Mo. (Rockhurst) 68 Crowley, Lucas C 6-3 290 Jr. Ponte Vedra, Fla. (Nease) 69 Trull, Jonathan OL 6-4 310 RFr. Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Christian) 70 Peterson, Caleb OG 6-5 300 Jr. Auburn, Ala. (Auburn) 71 Heck, Jon OT 6-7 300 Jr. Jacksonville, Fla. (The Bolles School) 72 Veal, Mason OG 6-5 300 Fr. Charlotte, N.C. (Ardrey Kell) 73 Henson, Brad OG 6-5 290 So. Surf City, N.J. (Monsignor Donovan) 74 Dancy, Will OG 6-4 310 Sr. Graham,N.C.(EasternArizona)(SouthernAlamance) 75 Spain, Bentley OT 6-6 300 So. Charlotte, N.C. (Providence) 76 Prince, R.J. OT 6-6 325 So. Albemarle, N.C. (Albemarle) 77 Ferranto, John OT 6-6 300 Jr. Burlington, N.J. (Township) 78 Turner, Landon OG 6-4 325 Sr. Harrisonburg, Va. (Harrisonburg) 80 Bargas, Jake TE 6-4 230 Fr. Boca Raton, Fla. (St. Andrews) 81 Singleton, Kendrick TE/WR 6-2 215 Sr. Macclenny, Fla. (Baker County) 82 Fritts, Brandon TE 6-4 245 RFr. Mentor, Ohio (Mentor) 83 Samuel, Caleb TE 6-5 275 RFr. Macon, Ga. (First Presbyterian) 84 Dibble, Ian DT 6-1 230 Jr. Charlotte, N.C. (Ardrey Kell) 84 Howard, Bug WR 6-5 210 Jr. Rochelle, Ga. (Wilcox County) 85 Perry, Devin WR 6-2 205 RFr. Memphis, Tenn. (Memphis University School) 86 Tucker, Carl TE 6-2 240 Fr. Cornelius, N.C. (Hough) 87 Vippolis, Taylor WR 5-9 175 Jr. Stony Point, N.Y. (North Rockland) 88 Fieulleteau, Jordan WR 6-3 210 So. Raleigh, N.C. (Wakefield) 89 Stogner, Dalton WR 6-4 200 Jr. Dallas, Texas (Highland Park) 90 Daly, Corbin P 6-3 200 RFr. Charlotte, N.C. (Ardrey Kell) 90 Jones, Nazair DT 6-5 295 So. Roanoke Rapids, N.C. (Roanoke Rapids) 91 Lent, Hunter P 6-5 230 Fr. Elon, N.C. (Western Alamance) 91 Sugg, Jonathan DL 6-2 225 So. Greensboro, N.C. (Northwest Guilford) 92 Crawford, Aaron DT 6-1 310 Fr. Ashburn, Va. (Stone Bridge) 93 Dinkins, Robert DT 6-1 270 RFr. Charlotte, N.C. (Olympic) 95 Powell, Tyler DL 6-4 290 So. Midlothian, Va. (Cosby) 96 Robinson, Logan DL 6-4 225 So. Arlington, Va. (The Citadel) (Yorktown) 97 Dalton, Jalen DE 6-6 280 Fr. Clemmons, N.C. (West Forsyth) 98 Jones, Freeman PK 6-0 200 RFr. Bunn, N.C. (Bunn) 98 Thomason, Justin DT 6-4 295 Sr. McDonough, Ga. (Eagle’s Landing Christian)
18 • Spurs & Feathers
Gamecocks, Tar Heels excited to face off in Charlotte BY KYLE HECK Reporter With just days remaining until South Carolina takes on North Carolina in the Belk College Kickoff Game in Charlotte, North Carolina, the head coaches from both schools are excited to get the season started. “I know our team is looking forward to September 3 and the Thursday night game there in Charlotte,” South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier said. “Hopefully we’ll get a full house there. The first game of the season and both teams are undefeated and looking forward to good seasons.” North Carolina head coach Larry Fedora had much of the same to say and also said that the nationally-televised game is beneficial to everyone involved. “I think it’s good for our program and probably good for their program,” Fedora said. “I like playing that game in Charlotte. We have so many fans in the Queen City that I think it’s really good for us.” The two teams last met in Columbia two seasons ago for the season opener and the Gamecocks prevailed by a score of 27-10. There will be two notable receivers that will be going against their home state schools. For the Tar Heels, Gaffney native Quinshad Davis takes on the Gamecocks for the second time. Fedora said that Davis is looking forward to the matchup but is more focused on recovering from a rough offseason. “With Quinshad having the broken leg last year and having his appendix taken out in the middle of the summer, he’s been really focused on getting himself back healthy,” Fedora said. “I’m sure it will mean more to him when we get to that point, but right now he’s just focusing on getting himself back to 100 percent.” For the Gamecocks, star wide receiver Pharoh Cooper, a Havelock, North Carolina native, will get a chance against the Tar Heels. Spurrier said the Gamecocks recruit a lot in North Carolina so the game in Charlotte will hopefully help out South Carolina in that regard. The recruiting aspect, along with the national television exposure, could mean a lot to the Gamecocks, if they can go out and win the game. “It’s obviously good for you if you’re able to win the game,” said Spurrier, whose Gamecocks have become used to opening up the college football season on a Thursday night. “If you get clobbered, it wouldn’t be very good for you, but we’ve been pretty successful in just about all the games.” Fedora said he wished he and his team could’ve had a chance to get Cooper to join
August 26, 2015
Gamecock Radio/Television Information
2015-16 RADIO AFFILIATES City Call Letters Frequency Football Men’s Basketball Baseball Abbeville WZLA-FM 92.9 X Johnston/Aiken WKSX-FM 92.7 X X X Allendale WDOG-FM 93.5 X X X Anderson WRIX-FM 103.1 X X X Camden WPUB-FM 102.7 X X Camden WCAM-AM 1590 X X X Charleston WWIK-FM 98.9 X X X Charleston WTMZ-AM 910 X Chesterfield WVSZ-FM 107.3 X X X Clinton WPCC AM 1410 X Columbia WNKT-FM 107.5 X X X Florence WHYM-AM 1260 X Florence WOLH-FM 98.9 X Florence WOLH-AM 1230 X X Florence WHYM-AM 1260 X Florence WFRK-FM 95.3 X Gaffney WZZQ-FM 104.3 X Gaffney WZZQ-AM 1500 X Greenville WGVL-AM 1440 X Greenville/Spartanburg WROO-FM 96.7 X X Hilton Head WVGB-AM 1490 X Hilton Head WVGB-FM 94.5 X Kingstree WDKD-AM 1310 X X Myrtle Beach WSYN-FM 103.1 X X Myrtle Beach WHSC-AM 1050 X Newberry WKDK-AM 1240 X X Rock Hill/Lancaster WRHM-FM/WVSZ-FM 107.1/107.3 X X X Seneca WSNW-AM 1150 X X Seneca WSNW-FM 94.1 X X X Seneca WSNW-AM 1150 X Sumter WDXY-AM 1240 X X Sumter WIBZ-FM 95.5 X Union WBCU-AM 1460 X X The weekly Carolina Calls show will air from 7-8 p.m. on the flagship station of the Gamecocks, WNKT-FM (107.5 FM), and over the Internet at www.GamecocksOnline.com. The show takes place each week at Wild Wing Café, located at 729 Lady Street in the Vista. Wild Wing Café, which is South Carolina’s home for the best wings south of Buffalo, has 12 locations in the Palmetto State. Visit www.wildwingcafe.com for more information. Inside the Roost South Carolina Athletics Director Ray Tanner and Derek Scott from the Gamecock Sports Network from IMG College host an hour long radio show every Monday night at 7 p.m. from Hilton Columbia Center in the Vista. The show is broadcast on 107.5 FM and features discussions on current issues with Ray Tanner and interviews with coaches and athletics department staff. Television The South Carolina-North Carolina game will be televised by ESPN. Please check local listings. the Tar Heels, but with the coaching staff being in a transition at the time, they were unable to do so. “Unfortunately, we didn’t know enough about him at the time,” Fedora said of Cooper. “I wish we would’ve. He’s a great football player, there’s no doubt about it. It always bugs me anytime we’re playing anybody that’s got great players and we don’t have them.” Spurrier praised the North Carolina offense and also said the Tar Heels should have a much-improved defense with the addition of new defensive coordinator and former Auburn head coach Gene Chizik. “North Carolina has got an excellent team,” Spurrier said. “I think they return a whole bunch of starters and they score a bunch of points I think every year since coach Fedora has been there. They’ve got a new defensive
coach just like we’ve got a new one. Gene Chizik has been very successful as a coordinator and as a head coach so they’ll be organized and they’ll know what they’re doing.” One of the concerns for Fedora is that new face on South Carolina’s defense that Spurrier was talking about. Jon Hoke, the Head Ball Coach’s former defensive coordinator at Florida, came over from the Chicago Bears to be co-defensive coordinator for the Gamecocks. Fedora said it will be hard to prepare for the Gamecocks defense because they don’t have any tape on Hoke’s defenses. However, he’s admired the coach on the offensive side of the ball for quite some time. “I have great respect for coach Spurrier,” Fedora said. “He’s a Hall of Fame coach and he will always have his team as well prepared as you could possibly be. It’s an honor for me to be able to compete against him.”
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Spurs & Feathers • 19
August 26, 2015
‘Gorgeous location with good food’: Martin highlights Charleston event by brian hand Executive Editor
picturesque evening, taking pictures and hanging out with all of those in attendance. Charleston County Gamecock Club presiSouth Carolina men’s basketball head coach dent Jen Skoy was thrilled with how everyFrank Martin fully comprehends that without thing on the evening turned out. the Gamecock fans his program could not be “It’s wonderful,” Skoy stated. “We’ve got on the upward swing like it is now. close to 400 people here, we’ve raised a ton In fact, that more than anything is what he of money and it’s in a gorgeous location with wanted all of those in attendance at the sold- good food. You can’t beat it.” out Charleston County Gamecock Club’s anMartin on the night also took time to talk nual kickoff party at the Cotton Dock at the about how they are going about changing the Boone Hall Plantation to understand. culture of Gamecock men’s basketball at the “I cannot expect you folks to get on I-26 event. and drive an hour and a half on a Tuesday “I’m a big believer that you don’t just learn night to give my team everything you’ve got to work on the court and then do everything so we can win and me not come out here and else,” Martin mentioned. “You have to learn thank you personally when I have the oppor- all the time every day. Our guys set a record tunity. It’s a two-way street,” Martin relayed. for the highest team GPA in the history of the Martin was the featured speaker on an program. We also set a record for the history evening that also included all those in atten- of the program in community service hours. dance hearing from Voice of the Gamecocks We have to teach our guys how to get after Andy Demetra. In addition there was live it.” music by Moxie and a live and silent auction. Martin is helping to set the example for his Sticky Fingers catered the event. team by leading by example. Even Cocky made an appearance on the “It’s time-consuming to be on radio and
photo by brian hand
Frank Martin and Andy Demetra talking to fans at Charleston’s annual kickoff party. talking and talking about it, but if I’m not excited about my team, how could I expect you to be excited about my team? How could I expect my players to be excited about my team? We’re super-excited about the team, about the program and where we’re headed,” Martin said.
To learn more about the Charleston County Gamecock Club you can follow them on Twitter @ChasGamecocks. You can also like them on Facebook at Charleston County Gamecock Club. The Charleston County Gamecock Club official website is http:// charlestongamecockclub.com/.
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20 • Spurs & Feathers
August 26, 2015
McFarland: ‘It’s our way of saying thank you to our presidents, boards’
by brian hand Executive Editor
the scrimmage. Those in attendance had the unique opportunity as well to have an aerial tour of all the He may be entering his 20th year at the facility updates in and around Williams-Brice University of South Carolina, but Athletics Stadium like the new Springs Brooks Plaza Director Ray Tanner remembers it just like it by McFarland and Assistant Director of the was yesterday. Gamecock Club Jay Brown. “When I got here back in 1996, I heard the “This is one of our favorite events that we do murmurs that the Gamecocks don’t belong in to start the year,” McFarland relayed. “It’s our the SEC, you’re never going to measure up,” way of saying thank you to our chapter presiTanner said. “Well, we’re measuring up and dents and their local boards for all they do. we’ve had our success and we’re going to have Our local chapters really put in a lot of time more.” and effort and when we ask them to help assist Tanner was speaking these words at the anin fundraising-type projects like this year’s nual Gamecock Club Board of Directors Kick- (updated wrapping) of the equipment truck, off Meeting, which was held this year in the they came through with flying colors. This is Gamecock Club Scholarship Donors Lounge our way of saying thank you.” at Williams-Brice Stadium before the GameDuring his time talking with the group, Tancocks’ scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 15. ner raved about the fact that without the efforts The special event featured Chris and Kathy of those there at the special event that none of Fulmer’s national championship-winning things happening with Gamecock athletics Ultimate Tailgaters BBQ and all of those in could be possible. attendance also had the chance to hear from “I just want to say thank you to all of you,” Tanner and Gamecock Club Executive Direc- Tanner stated. “Whether you’re a member, tor Patrick McFarland in addition to watching whether you’re a guest today, or a (member
photo by brian hand
of the) Board of Directors, thank you for your contributions for so many years. I haven’t been here as long as many of you, but now I’m heading into my 20th year. And 20 wonderful years. I’m grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to be here and I’m excited about what we’ve got going on around us. We may not be
where we want to be, but we’ve come a long way. You have been an integral part of getting us into position to where we are one of the best teams in the Southeastern Conference. It’s not an easy assignment to get to the top of this league and we’ve made tremendous progress since 1992.”
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Spurs & Feathers • 21
August 26, 2015
Gamecock family comes together for ‘A Devine Summer Night’ fundraiser by brian hand Executive Editor
to so many different charities around town,” Holbrook noted. “I think that’s what makes his foundation South Carolina Athletics Director Ray Tanso unique is ner knows that the city of Columbia could they spread the not thrive without the University of South love around so Carolina. He also knows that the University to speak. I’m of South Carolina could not excel without the just happy to city of Columbia. be here and It’s an important relationship, which is why I’m happy to All Gamecock baseball through his Ray Tanner Foundation he and help in any way his wife, Karen, work hard to make sure that coverage sponsored by that I can. He’s DiPrato’s they help the city of Columbia in a variety of certainly done different ways. a lot of things certainly for the University, The Ray Tanner Foundation and the Devine but what gets lost in what Coach Tanner and Street Merchant’s Association continued this what Karen have done is what they’ve done push on Thursday, Aug. 20 by partnering for for Columbia and the community. His foun“A Devine Summer Night” that took place dation is second-to-none.” at businesses all along Devine Street in CoThe “A Devine Summer Night” fundraiser lumbia. was the second of the month for the Ray TanOn the evening, people had a chance to ner Foundation as they also took part in the shop and win prizes while also attempting “Slam Dunk Back to School Bash” that was to find “Ray’s Favorites” at each participatmade possible through a partnership between ing location. In addition, there were special the Ray Tanner Foundation, the Hootie and Gamecock guests such as Heisman Trophy the Blowfish Foundation and the Junior winner George Rogers and a trolley that took League of Columbia as primary sponsors participants up and down Devine Street. along with many other sponsors and vendors Cocky and the Gamecock cheerleaders were In its first year, the event provided 1,300 also in attendance. elementary-age kids with backpacks, school The “A Devine Summer Night” fundraiser supplies, dental checkups and much more. was conducted to try and help raise funds to Without fundraisers like “A Devine Summer go toward the Ray Tanner Foundation to help Night,” events like that would not be possible. its mission of providing for economically and Perry Lancaster of Brittons of Columbia medically disadvantaged children and their said it was a “no-brainer” for his store to be a families. part of the special evening. “I say all the time that at the University of “We’re teaming up with 18 business here on South Carolina we live in a great place and Devine Street for the fundraiser for the Ray we’re also blessed to be a part of an educaTanner Foundation and we’re excited to be a tional environment in the city that we’re in,” part of it,” Lancaster remarked. “Brittons is Tanner said. “It’s also a great place to live part of the Gamecock family.” and it’s wonderful to be able to embrace this Tanner speaks all the time about that Gamecommunity. They mean so much to us and cock family atmosphere within the athletics we mean so much to them and this is one of department at South Carolina and it was those nights where people can come together more than evident at the “A Devine Sum- the businesses and the restaurants - with mer Night” a little bit of a buzz and people are giving event. back because they know the dollars that they “Everyspend on Devine Street tonight go back into thing that the community via the foundation. We are Coach Tana great family here. It’s a united community ner and Karand it’s wonderful to be a part of it.” en do for the All Gamecock The entire South Carolina baseball coachcommunity beach volleyball coverage ing staff was at the event and head coach is huge,” sponsored by James W. Chad Holbrook was thrilled that he could South CaroSmith Real Estate Co. help out Tanner on the evening. lina beach “His foundation does a lot of great things volleyball for the community and I’m just happy that head coach Moritz Moritz said. “We’re part I have a such a great relationship with him of that family in a lot of ways and it’s always and his family and Karen. They’re so giving neat to come out and support him and sup-
photo by allen sharpe
port the people that support him as well. We talk a lot about community and family (at South Carolina) and that’s really what we’re doing. It’s always awesome because when I run into Coach Tanner he sees my family and he interacts with them and we enjoy that. And obviously in this area you have great businesses and restaurants and we like to support local.” Holbrook agreed with Moritz, noting “we all support each other.” “It makes it neat. It makes it special and it’s good to get out in the community. We get so consumed as coaches with winning, losing and recruiting that having events like this and charitable causes helps keep everything in perspective. We’ve got some great people in our athletic department and I’m certainly happy to be a part of it,” Holbrook concluded.
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22 • Spurs & Feathers
August 26, 2015
‘It’s a Garnet Girl Thing’ Brunch major hit in first year by kyle heck Reporter The South Carolina women’s athletic teams are in a league of their own. This past year, South Carolina was the only school in the country to have a National Championship equestrian team, a Final Four appearance in women’s basketball and an Elite Eight appearance by the women’s soccer team. That’s not the end of the success either. The women’s golf team secured a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, the softball team appeared in its third straight NCAA Tournament and the women’s tennis team just appeared in its 21st straight NCAA Tournament. The inaugural “It’s a Garnet Girl Thing” Brunch hosted by the Lexington County Gamecock Club was a celebration of all the success that the South Carolina women’s athletic teams have had not just this year, but for a while now. “It’s wonderful because back when I was in high school, we had no women’s sports,” said Lexington County Gamecock Club board member Robbin Moss, who along with a few other members of the board helped plan the brunch. “Title IX has made all of that possible. We’re excited.” Moss said 91 people signed up to attend the event and 16 representatives from South Carolina also showed up, meaning that over 100 people were present for the first brunch, an amazing feat. It’s something that Moss said the Lexington County Gamecock Club has been thinking about for the last couple of years and they just decided to get it done in 2015. “I started putting the plan in motion about two or three months ago,” Moss said. “Getting people to come happened right out of the chute. People started buying tickets and things just started falling into place.” Softball head coach Beverly Smith, equestrian head coach Boo Major, beach volleyball head coach Moritz Moritz, women’s golf head coach Kalen Anderson and track and field assistant coach Mike Sergent all came to the podium to talk about their respective teams. Much of the talk surrounded the amount of success their teams were having, the bright future and the incredible facility upgrades that are currently going on. The equestrian team recently got a brand new locker room, the softball team plays in one of the newest and most impressive stadiums in the country and the track and field team is currently in the process of getting a brand new facility.
photo by kyle heck
“I love South Carolina and I wouldn’t imagine myself anywhere else,” Anderson said. “It’s been an amazing vision. When I started here, our office was in a trailer. It’s been neat (to see rise). Ray Tanner is a coach’s Athletics Director. He’s been phenomenal to work with. He’s here to get up facilities, be the best and win championships.” Anya Martin, the wife of men’s basketball head coach Frank Martin, and Sheila Foster, South Carolina women’s basketball all-time leading scorer and rebounder, were also on hand to speak. Foster brought along a woman she helps to take care of. Always one to help out any Gamecock, the former great cares for a 97-year-old lady who’s been a member of the Gamecock Club for over 70 years. Martin spoke about all of the hard work it takes to be a coach’s wife and was thankful that Moss and company took the time to honor women in all areas of athletics. “We appreciate that you thought of us,” Martin said. Foster gave the most powerful speech of the day as she shared her story of perseverance and strong faith. Foster
was stunned when she was told that she had breast cancer a couple of years ago. She played all four years at South Carolina without any kind of injury and could not believe that cancer was something that she would have to deal with. However, she kept up her faith and about a year and a half ago, she was told the cancer was officially in remission. It was a difficult time for Foster and her family, but as she told the crowd at the “It’s a Garnet Girl Thing” Brunch, she never let the negatives get her down. She focused on the positives and shared a version of the popular WWJD acronym. “What Would Jesus Do, you know it backwards?” Foster asked. “DJWW. Devil Just Won’t Win.” With how big of a success the first “It’s a Garnet Girl Thing” Brunch was, Moss said that she hopes to make the celebration an annual event. “I’m excited about the turnout we had today,” Moss said. “I hope we can make this grow each year and involve more women and ladies (to help grow) women’s athletics.”
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Spurs & Feathers • 23
August 26, 2015
Depth Charts for September 3, 6 p.m. OFFENSE: WR: 1 Deebo Samuel 8 Shamier Jeffery 14 Shaq Davidson 23 Christian Owens WR: 11 Pharoh Cooper 29 Matrick Belton 9 Jerad Washington WR: 83 Carlton Heard -OR- 5 Terry Googer 82 Sean Odom LT: 71 Brandon Shell 69 D.J. Park 77 Malik Young LG: 51 Cody Waldrop 72 Donell Stanley C: 70 Alan Knott 51 Cody Waldrop RG: 75 Will Sport 78 Zach Bailey RT: 76 Mike Matulis -OR- 74 Mason Zandi TE: 89 Jerell Adams 86 Kevin Crosby 40 Jacob August 45 Clayton Stadnik QB: 6 Connor Mitch 10 Perry Orth
6-0, 202, RFr. Inman, S.C. 6-1, 189, Sr. St. Matthews, S.C. 5-11, 175, RFr. Gaffney, S.C. 6-5, 204, Fr. Griffin, Ga 5-11, 207, Jr. Havelock, N.C. 6-4, 209, Jr. Columbia, S.C. 5-8, 158, Fr. Jacksonville, Fla. 6-0, 182, Sr. Athens, Ga. 6-4, 226, RFr. Atlanta, Ga. 6-0, 194, Jr. Orangeburg, S.C. 6-6, 328, Sr. Goose Creek, S.C. 6-4, 325, So. Dillon, S.C. 6-3, 308, RFr. Pelzer, S.C. 6-2, 300, Jr. Seffner, Fla. 6-4, 320, RFr. Floydale, S.C. 6-4, 270, So. Tyrone, Ga. 6-2, 300, Jr. Seffner, Fla. 6-5, 295, Sr. Milton, Fla. 6-6, 320, Fr. Summerville, S.C. 6-5, 293, Sr. Boynton Beach, Fla. 6-9, 314, Jr. Chapin, S.C. 6-6, 231, Sr. Pinewood, S.C. 6-1, 238, RFr. Bamberg, S.C. 6-6, 258, RFr. Columbia, S.C. 6-3, 240, Jr. Greensboro, N.C. 6-3, 211, So. Raleigh, N.C. 6-1, 203, Jr. Ponte Vedra, Fla.
FB: TB:
South Carolina
12 Michael Scarnecchia 39 Rivers Bedenbaugh 43 Garrison Gist 22 Brandon Wilds 33 David Williams 7 Shon Carson
DEFENSE: DE: 44 Gerald Dixon 55 David Johnson DT: 52 Phillip Dukes 90 Taylor Stallworth 94 Kelsey Griffin NT: 92 Gerald Dixon, Jr. 99 Abu Lamin 48 Dexter Wideman DE: 8 Marquavius Lewis 18 Cedrick Cooper 5 Darius English MLB: 10 Skai Moore 11 T.J. Holloman 13 Jalen Henry WLB: 28 Jonathan Walton 4 Bryson Allen-Williams 9 Sherrod Pittman SLB: 23 Larenz Bryant 12 Ernest Hawkins SPR: 20 T.J. Gurley
6-4, 210, RFr. 6-2, 245, So. 5-10, 251, Sr. 6-2, 216, Sr. 6-1, 214, So. 5-8, 204, Sr.
Fleming Island, Fla. Leesville, S.C. Rock Hill, S.C. Blythewood, S.C. Philadelphia, Pa. Scranton, S.C.
6-2, 269, Jr. 6-1, 240, So. 6-3, 319, Sr. 6-2, 308, So. 6-2, 316, Jr. 6-3, 327, Sr. 6-4, 326, Jr. 6-4, 293, Fr. 6-3, 264, Jr. 6-2, 248, Sr. 6-6, 225, Jr. 6-2, 218, Jr. 6-2, 231, Jr. 5-10, 207, Fr. 6-0, 235, Jr. 6-1, 233, So. 6-0, 225, Fr. 6-0, 220, Jr. 6-1, 224, So. 5-10, 193, Sr.
Rock Hill, S.C. Lithonia, Ga. Manning, S.C. Mobile, Ala. Buford, Ga. Rock Hill, S.C. Fayetteville, N.C. Saluda, S.C. Greenwood, S.C. Lithonia, Ga. Powder Springs, Ga. Cooper City, Fla. Stone Mountain, Ga. Foley, Ala. Daphne, Ala. Ellenwood, Ga. Jacksonville, Fla. Charlotte, N.C. Baltimore, Md. Cairo, Ga.
26 Jasper Sasser 25 Darin Smalls LCB: 3 Chris Lammons 22 Jamari Smith FS: 6 Chris Moody 24 D.J. Smith 14 Ali Groves SS: 42 Jordan Diggs 17 Chaz Elder RCB: 1 Rico McWilliams 31 Al Harris Jr. 22 Jamari Smith SPECIALISTS: KO: 19 Landon Ard 29 Elliott Fry PK: 29 Elliott Fry 19 Landon Ard P: 13 Sean Kelly KR: 7 Shon Carson -OR- 1 Deebo Samuel PR: 11 Pharoh Cooper 3 Chris Lammons SN: 47 Drew Williams 48 Nick McGriff H: 13 Sean Kelly 19 Landon Ard
6-0, 210, So. Jacksonville, Fla. 5-11, 190, Fr. Summerville, S.C. 5-10, 183, So. Lauderhill, Fla. 5-10, 200, So. Jacksonville, Fla. 6-1, 215, Jr. McDonough, Ga. 5-11, 195, So. Marietta, Ga. 5-10, 183, So. Stone Mountain, Ga. 6-0, 209, Jr. Fort Myers, Fla. 6-2, 209, Jr. Union City, Ga. 5-11, 186, Jr. Hampton, Ga. 5-11, 163, So. Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. 5-10, 200, So. Jacksonville, Fla. 5-9, 182, Sr. 6-0, 164, Jr. 6-0, 164, Jr. 5-9, 182, Sr. 5-10, 189, Jr. 5-8, 204, Sr. 6-0, 202, RFr. 5-11, 207, Jr. 5-10, 183, So. 6-2, 213, Jr. 6-0, 224, RFr. 5-10, 189, Jr. 5-9, 182, Sr.
Rock Hill, S.C. Frisco, Texas Frisco, Texas Rock Hill, S.C. Oakland, Fla. Scranton, S.C. Inman, S.C. Havelock, N.C. Lauderhill, Fla. Irmo, S.C. Gainesville, Fla. Oakland, Fla. Rock Hill, S.C.
North Carolina OFFENSE LT: 75 Bentley Spain 6-6, 300, So. 51 William Sweet 6-7, 300, Fr. LG: 70 Caleb Peterson 6-5, 300, Jr. -OR- 65 Jared Cohen 6-3, 310, So. C: 68 Lucas Crowley 6-3, 290, Jr. 74 Will Dancy 6-4, 305, Sr. RG: 78 Landon Turner 6-4, 325, Sr. 73 Brad Henson 6-5, 290, So. RT: 71 Jon Heck 6-6, 300, Jr. 77 John Ferranto 6-5, 300, Jr. 76 R.J. Prince 6-6, 325, So. TE/Y: 81 Kendrick Singleton 6-2, 215, Sr. 82 Brandon Fritts 6-4, 245, RFr. QB: 12 Marquise Williams 6-2, 225, Sr. 10 Mitch Trubisky 6-3, 220, So. TB: 8 T.J. Logan 5-10, 190, Jr. -OR- 34 Elijah Hood 6-0, 220, So. -OR- 21 Romar Morris 5-10, 190, Sr. WR: 13 Mack Hollins 6-4, 210, Jr. 84 Bug Howard 6-5, 210, Jr. WR: 3 Ryan Switzer 5-10, 185, Jr. 7 Austin Proehl 5-10, 175, So. WR: 14 Quinshad Davis 6-4, 220, Sr. 35 Damien Washington 6-1, 195, Sr.
Charlotte, N.C. Jacksonville, Fla. Auburn, Ala. Owings Mills, Md. Ponte Vedra, Fla. Graham, N.C. Harrisonburg, Va. Surf City, N.J. Jacksonville, Fla. Burlington, N.J. Albemarle, N.C. Macclenny, Fla. Mentor, Ohio Charlotte, N.C. Mentor, Ohio Greensboro, N.C. Charlotte, N.C. Salisbury, N.C. Rockville, Md. Rochelle, Ga. Charleston, W.Va. Charlotte, N.C. Gaffney, S.C. Kannapolis, N.C.
DEFENSE DE: 44 Junior Gnonkonde -OR- 17 Dajaun Drennon DT: 95 Tyler Powell 49 Jeremiah Clarke DT: 98 Justin Thomason 90 Nazair Jones DE: 43 Jessie Rogers -OR- 97 Jalen Dalton 45 Mikey Bart SLB: 42 Shakeel Rashad 34 Cole Holcomb -OR- 20 Tyrell Tomlin MLB: 10 Jeff Schoettmer 47 Dan Mastromatteo 56 Andre Smith WLB: 32 Joe Jackson 23 Cayson Collins CB: 6 M.J. Stewart -OR- 28 Brian Walker FS: 3 Sam Smiley 15 Donnie Miles SS: 21 J.K. Britt -OR- 26 Dominquie Green 4 Allen Artis CB: 11 Malik Simmons -OR- 2 Des Lawrence 19 Kedrick Davis
6-4, 260, Jr. Lakeland, Ga. 6-4, 255, So. Clementon, Md. 6-4, 290, So. Midlothian, Va. 6-5, 315, RFr. Alexandra, Va. 6-4, 295, Sr. McDonough, Ga. 6-5, 295, So. Roanoke Rapids, N.C. 6-4, 270, Sr. Arlington, Texas 6-6, 280, Fr. Clemmons, N.C. 6-3, 270, Jr. Buford, Ga. 6-2, 235, Sr. Jacksonville, Fla. 6-1, 215, So. New Smyrna Beach, Fla. 5-11, 235, So. Marietta, Ga. 6-2, 235, Sr. Dallas, Texas 6-2, 235, Jr. Absecon, N.J. 6-0, 235, Fr. Jacksonville, Fla 6-2, 225, Jr. Jacksonville, Fla. 6-1, 235, So. Charlotte, N.C. 5-11, 200, So. Arlington, Va. 5-11, 190, Jr. Charlotte, N.C. 5-11, 190, Sr. Jacksonville, Fla. 5-11, 210, So. Lawrenceville, Ga. 6-0, 195, Fr. Newnan, Ga. 5-11, 190, Jr. Laurinburg, N.C. 6-1, 205, Fr. Marietta, Ga. 5-11, 190, Sr. Lehigh Acres, Fla. 6-1, 185, Jr. Charlotte, N.C. 5-10, 180, Jr. Charlotte, N.C.
SPECIAL TEAMS PK: 24 Nick Weiler 6-0, 190, Jr. 98 Freeman Jones 6-0, 200, RFr. KO: 24 Nick Weiler 6-0, 190, Jr. 98 Freeman Jones 6-0, 200, RFr. P: 90 Corbin Daly 6-3, 200, RFr. 23 Joey Mangili 6-3, 210, Jr. DS: 60 Kyle Murphy 6-2, 225, So. 61 Hunter Crafford 6-2, 225, So. KOR: 21 Romar Morris 5-10, 190, Sr. 35 Damien Washington 6-1, 195, Sr. 8 T.J. Logan 5-10, 190, Jr. PR: 3 Ryan Switzer 5-10, 185, Jr. 7 Austin Proehl 5-10, 175, So.
Fairfax Station, Va. Bunn, N.C. Fairfax Station, Va. Bunn, N.C. Charlotte, N.C. Durham, N.C. Charlotte,N.C. Greenville, N.C. Salisbury, N.C. Kannapolis, N.C. Greensboro, N.C. Charleston, W.Va. Charlotte, N.C.
*These depth charts are taken from the listings from each team’s summer depth chart. Spurs & Feathers goes to print shortly after the conclusion of each game. Please visit www.spursandfeathers.com over the course of the week for updated depth charts.
24 • Spurs & Feathers
25 facts you ought to know about the Gamecocks’ non-conference schedule
I
n six months, South Carolina will have its NCAA Tournament résumé poked, prodded, and picked apart. One area the Gamecocks don’t plan on sweating is their strength of schedule. Head coach Frank Martin has once again plotted an ambitious non-conference schedule to open the 2015-16 season, one he hopes will stand up to both the rigors of the SEC and the scrutiny of the selection committee. The Gamecocks’ schedule is also full of first-time opponents, talented guard matchups, and other statistical novelties. To prepare you Andy Demetra for the upcomContributing ing season, I’ve Writer written a primer containing my 25 favorite facts about South Carolina’s nonconference schedule. Print it, keep it in your wallet, and consult it whenever you want to impress your friends with fun, obscure trivia about the Gamecocks’ opponents: The season tips off November 14 when South Carolina plays Norfolk State for the first time ever at Colonial Life Arena. The Spartans lost second-leading scorer RaShid Gaston to transfer - you’ll sense a theme here - but the Gamecocks will still have to con-
August 26, 2015
tend with guard (1) Jeff Short, whose (2) 19.1 points per game are the most of any returning player on their schedule. South Carolina’s next opponent, Oral Roberts, may stir up some repressed memories when they visit Colonial Life Arena four days later. The teams last met in 1989, when ORU beat South Carolina 87-86 to (3) snap a 15-game losing streak. Haywoode Workman, a future NBA guard, collected nine steals, still (4) the most ever by a USC opponent. The Gamecocks’ defensive chops may be tested against Golden Eagles guard (5) Obi Emegano, an 18.3 point-a-game scorer who’s among the best in the nation at drawing fouls. If trips to Auburn and Starkville aren’t your definition of paradise, then the Gamecocks have you covered. South Carolina will play the first of three games at the Paradise Jam in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, November 20 against DePaul. Pay attention to the boards: offensive rebounding has typically been a strength of Frank Martin’s teams, and the Blue Demons (6) ranked 332nd in the nation in offensive rebounding defense last year. USC freshman Ray Doby (7) originally committed to DePaul before reclassifying to the class of 2015. After the Blue Demons, the Gamecocks will face the winner/loser of the Hofstra-Florida State contest in the opposite bracket. The Seminoles may represent the Gamecocks’ best chance at a (8) headlining RPI win in the opening months. Watch out for sophomore guard (9) Xavier Rathan-Mayes, a rising star who became the (10) first freshman in ACC history to score 30 or more points in three different conference games. His father, Tharon Mayes, played for Florida State from 1988-90, including several matchups against South Carolina in the Metro Conference. After a November 27 game against Lipscomb, one of the (11) worst teams in the
nation in defensive efficiency last year, the Gamecocks welcome Western Carolina to Colonial Life Arena three days later. The Catamounts return their top three scorers from a team that finished 15-17. The game will also take place nearly (12) 35 years to the day after WCU became the first team in NCAA history to (13) sink a three-pointer. The Catamounts did it November 29, 1980, the year the line was instituted. The Gamecocks hit their stride last December, going 5-0 with an average margin of victory of 26 points. The December portion of their schedule begins this year with a matchup against South Florida (9-23 a year ago) December 5. What the game may lack in intrigue, it makes up in significance: Frank Martin and USF’s Orlando Antigua are the only two (14) Hispanic-American head coaches in Division I. Martin is a firstgeneration Cuban-American; Antigua was born in the Dominican Republic. The game will also reunite Martin with one of his earliest coaches: Bulls assistant (15) Sergio Rouco coached Martin when he was 12 years old in the (16) San Juan Del Bosco church league in his native Miami. After a 10-day exam break, the Gamecocks return to the floor December 15 for their firstever meeting against Drexel. The Dragons lost Damion Lee, the nation’s (17) fourthleading scorer, to a transfer over the summer, but it’d be unwise to sleep on them. Despite finishing 11-19, Drexel (18) beat CAA regular season champion William & Mary and split their regular season series with CAA Tournament champion Northeastern. A 68-45 drubbing of Clemson provided one of the highlights of the Gamecocks’ nonconference schedule last year. South Carolina will try to follow that up when they play the Tigers at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville December 18. The 45 points were
the fewest Clemson had scored against Carolina (19) since 1971. Junior Duane Notice (14 points) almost outscored the Tigers (15 points) by himself in the second half. The Gamecocks’ annual neutral-site game moves to Uncasville, Conn., December 22 when they take on St. John’s in the Naismith Hall of Fame Shootout. The Red Storm are led by first-time head coach (20) Chris Mullin, an NBA Hall of Famer and program legend. Mullin may have to tap into that Hall of Fame knowledge fast: the Red Storm are losing an astounding (21) 97.7% of their scoring from a year ago due to graduation, transfer, or players turning pro. Bonus fact: Martin’s wife Anya grew up in Jamaica, Queens, (22) blocks from the St. John’s campus. Following on the success of their game with Coker, the Gamecocks host another in-state Division II opponent December 30 when Francis Marion pays a visit to Colonial Life Arena. Don’t fret about the downgrade in competition – Division II opponents (23) don’t count against a team’s RPI. The schedule then ends with former Metro Conference staple Memphis at Colonial Life Arena January 2. The Tigers were one of the better rim-protecting teams in the country last year, blocking 17.2% of opponents’ shots to finish (24) third nationally, one spot behind Kentucky. The Tigers, though, also absorbed a high-profile transfer in center Austin Nichols. The season starts November 14, and it’ll be here before you know it. The Gamecocks will be ready. Now you’ll be as well. Oh, and did I mention all games will be carried (25) on the Gamecock IMG Sports Network? Please visit http://www.gamecocksonline. com/sports/m-baskbl/sched/scar-m-baskblsched.html to view the entire 2015-16 South Carolina men’s basketball schedule.
Spurs & Feathers • 25
August 26, 2015
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26 • Spurs & Feathers
August 26, 2015
South Carolina Gamecocks
Recruiting Round-up By Phil Kornblut
DB Javon Jackson (5-11 180) of Tyrone, GA had a goal of Friday for making his college decision but has decided to wait until after his season. Jackson is down to USC and Duke with no leader. He recently visited USC. “I absolutely love South Carolina actually,” Jackson said. “I met with coach Joe Rob (Robinson), my recruiting coach. I met with Coach Hoke, Coach Ward and Coach Spurrier and talked with them a little bit. Phil Kornblut One of my boys (from Contributing high school) Allan Writer Knott goes there and I talked to him before the walk through. He was telling me how it is there. They see me as a corner and what they call a spur. I loved it up there. Since this past spring they’ve been recruiting me and made me feel like a priority.” After he visited USC Jackson drove to Durham for a look at Duke. “I
love Duke as well,” he said. “My top three schools, I loved the visits to each. ACC, SEC, it doesn’t matter to me. I want to go to a school that best fits me and has a game plan for me on how I could be used and would be a good opportunity for me to play.” Last season he had 68 tackles and 6 interceptions. DE Jachai Polite (6-4 250) of Daytona Beach, FL plans to set visits with USC, Tennessee, Miami, Kentucky and Florida. Those are his top five schools and he doesn’t have a favorite. The Gamecocks like him for that hybrid position between defensive end and outside linebacker. He has taken unofficial visits to Miami and Florida. He also has offers from West Virginia, North Carolina and NC State. WR Isaiah Graham of Bastrop, LA told his local newspaper he is down to USC, Miami, Arkansas, Arizona State, TCU and Tennessee. He plans a decision by the end of October. He will visit Arkansas September 17th and TCU October 24th and is setting up visits to USC, Tennessee and Arizona State. Graham’s teammate, DE Travez
Moore (6-3 240) has LSU and TCU are his top two but the Gamecocks are still in the hunt at #3 on his list. Moore had planned to attend USC’s pool party and camp last month but couldn’t make it in. He has visited LSU, Oregon and Louisiana Tech. He is considering taking an official visit to USC before making his decision which he plans to announce at his homecoming game. More had eight sacks as a junior. Richland Northeast LB TJ Brunson is committed to Louisville but has not shut down his recruiting and is very much interested in what USC and others have to say to him. He was at a recent USC practice. “They want me to come around a lot and they were happy that I came and they just want me to stick around to see everything,” Brunson said. Brunson is coming off hip surgery and was cleared last week to return to full practice. “It feels really good,” he said. “After I work out really hard it’s sore, but besides that I’m competing at a better level than I was last year.” USC is one of the schools that wants to see how
his hip responds this season. Brunson said he’s not yet set any official visits but he’s looking at Louisville and Purdue for two of them, and he’s also looking at Michigan for a possible visit. USC RB target Jordon Brown of Durham committed to North Carolina. Laurens DB Thomas Jones committed to Vanderbilt for baseball. He had a football offer from USC. One time USC lean 2017 DB Carlito Gonzalez of Stone Mountain, GA committed to Auburn. Basketball News: USC target 2017 6-2 PG Devontae Shuler of Irmo is considering leaving to play this coming season at Our Savior New American in Centereach, NY. Irmo coach Tim Whipple said Wednesday he couldn’t comment other than to say there are discussions going on with Shuler’s family regarding his future plans. Baseball News: Dutch Fork RHP TJ Shook committed to USC for the 2016 class.
Spartanburg kickoff has everyone excited for football by kyle heck Reporter
kickoff. “I think it’s great,” Spartanburg County Gamecock Club President Glenn Cox said At the Spartanburg County Gamecock of the large attendance. “I think it shows the Club Annual Fall Football Kickoff Party on optimism of the crowd. It’s no surprise that August 20, 2015, you wouldn’t have thought last year was a little bit down for everybody. there were still two weeks until football sea- But I think everyone is really excited about son started. this year. They have some new talent coming Judging by the atmosphere at the Wild in and this crowd is excited.” Wings in downtown Spartanburg, one Cox said that everyone wanted to hear what would’ve thought that football season started Moore had to say about the season so it’s that night. safe to say that every ear was tuned in when Gamecock fans packed the restaurant to he took the stage. hear former South Carolina great and curThe former defensive tackle started out rent sideline reporter Langston Moore give by saying that he was glad everyone was his take on the upcoming season for the talking about the quarterback situation this Gamecocks. Assistant Director of the Game- year and not the defense as was the case last cock Club Jay Brown was also in attendance season. Moore stated that he did not know to talk about developments going on in the all of the answers, but did say he has been Gamecock Club as well as answer questions impressed with new co-defensive coordinaabout season tickets. tor Jon Hoke. Last but not least, Cocky and a couple of “(Hoke) has instilled a new life and vibranSouth Carolina cheerleaders were present to cy within the team,” Moore said. “One of the take pictures and interact with the capacity biggest things you’ll see from the guys this crowd. year is effort. I’m not saying that we didn’t There was also a raffle event that was goplay with enough effort last year, but they’re ing on all night and two season tickets were going to take it to another level this year, awarded to a lucky fan toward the end of the because that’s one of the tenements of a Jon
photo by kyle heck
Hoke defense.” Moore said he was also impressed with the offensive and defensive line for the Gamecocks, which those in attendance loved to hear after the defensive line last year struggled to get a pass rush going. “I think (his experience) brings credibility to whatever he says,” Cox said of Moore. “Langston played at Carolina and he played in the pros, so that gives him credibility. He knows what he’s talking about. A lot of people here are listening to what he thinks is happening with the football team.”
This was the fifth year that the Spartanburg County Gamecock Club has held their kickoff party at Wild Wings, but this year’s edition brought a new twist. Wild Wings donated a percentage of their food and beverage sales for the night of August 20 to the Spartanburg County Gamecock Club, something that Cox and company were truly thankful for. “We’re excited about that part,” Cox said. “We’ve had a great partnership with them. Bill Richardson, who’s the area manager, has been outstanding this year. We’re really excited about that partnership and the donation. We look forward to having the kickoff party here for a lot of years to come.” All in all, Cox said he is excited about the direction that the Spartanburg County Gamecock Club is going. The club recently started up a golf tournament last year and that has helped tremendously. The Fall Football Kickoff Party is always one of the bigger events and it can only mean one thing - the wait is almost over. Cox spoke aloud the words that were no doubt on the minds of everyone in attendance at Wild Wings. “I wish they were playing tonight.”
August 26, 2015
Spurs & Feathers • 27
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August 26, 2015
Athletics announces recipients of endowed scholarships south carolina athletics media relations
Baseball Scholarship – Clark Scolamiero The Everette and Beverly Newman Endowed Pitcher’s Scholarship – Wil Crowe The Ken Rosefield Family Endowed First Baseman’s Scholarship – DC Arendas
The 2015-16 recipients of endowed scholarships are: Baseball The Ken Branch and Kathy Falls Endowed
Scolamiero is a sophomore outfielder who started 13 games as a freshman and was named to the SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll. This summer he was named a Coastal Plain
Shell is a fifth-year senior and the most expe rienced offensive lineman on this year’s team. The two-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member also earned preseason All-SEC honors the last two seasons. Orth earned a share of the Most Improved Quarterback award last spring League All-Star. Junior right-handed pitcher and is in contention for signal-caller duties this Crowe was the Gamecocks’ Friday night starter fall. Adams is a two-time member of the SEC last season, but saw his sophomore season cut Academic Honor Roll and earned the 2015 Dr. short due to injury. He remained vigilant in the Harris Pastides Outstanding Student-Athlete classroom, earning spots on the SEC Academic Representative last spring. He has six starts in Honor Roll and Dean’s List. Arendas enters his his career and owns 38 career receptions for 556 senior season with 98 career starts and three ap yards. Dambaugh is a two-time All-SEC selection pearances on the SEC Academic Honor Roll. who earned honorable mention All-America Mitchell is the inaugural recipient of The Aleighsa Welch Endowed Women’s Basketball honors last spring after capturing three top-five finishes and carrying the team’s second-lowest Scholarship, which was created by Morris and scoring average of the season (73.66). Her 65 on Sheila Cregger last spring. Mitchell became the second day of the 2015 SEC Championship the first Gamecock to be named a finalist for was a school and tournament record and helped all three premier national player of the year awards, getting tapped by the Naismith Trophy, her into a tie for fourth place in the event. She Wade Trophy and Wooden Award committees has appeared on the SEC Academic Honor Roll twice. in 2015. She is the two-time SEC Player of the For more information on endowed scholar Year, earned All-America status from five dif ferent sources and was a Capital One Academic ships, please contact Steve Eigenbrot, associate athletics director/development at 803-777-8116. All-District selection last season.
Walking down the hall of one of the football com plexes I’ve been privy to be in, a future hall of fame player transitioning to coach asks the rhetorical ques tion asked every day during train ing camp “you surviving?” “Surviving? Langston Moore Nah, I’m thriv Contributing ing!” I replied. Writer The player now turned coach had to give me some “props” for that quick response. It wasn’t because I had a pre determined speech or quote to give him, it was my honest-to-God mindset at the time. At this juncture of the football calendar, fans are excited about the unknown out comes that awaits their team. Coaches are busy earning their keep, working with their respective units on a daily basis, readying their position groups for the upcoming sea son. At the center are the players, eagerly waiting for opening day and the season that follows, but lying in wait is training camp. I’m gonna feel like Al Bundy telling those “I remember back when I played” stories. You know reminiscing on how hard we
had it during our two-a-day camps. We all know that twoa days aren’t what they used to be (for good reason), but this camp time is still vital to the success or failures of a team. Your conditioning will be tested, bonds will be built, and the “trust factor” between teammates and coaches is either strengthened or weakened. The mindset and the will that is created during camp can be the difference between a good team and a great team. What is a two-a-day camp? It’s like ask ing a kid what is a VCR or a beeper? You’ll probably get a look that suggests you came from some primitive era when you explain the good “ol camp days.” But players have only heard tales of those dreaded all-day practice sessions for weeks prior to school starting. Gone are those days, but the need to challenge your teams will and physical training are still vital. In essence camp/ two-a-days are set up to make the athlete as uncomfortable as possible and throw you off your routine. Camp is there to remove distractions and immerse you into the craft, all of this is needed to help shape and mold the team’s persona. We know these sessions come under immense pressure from fans, family, and teammates with expectations. It’s usually hot, even when the sun isn’t shining. Everyone is a little on edge and are tired of seeing each other day after day. Just think of being stuck in the back seat of a car with your family on a really, really long
road trip with no AC. But the thriving in this environment can bring forth the makings of a team that can endure tough times when all seems lost. Survive camp and you can pretty much survive anything, but it isnt about surviving it’s about THRIVING under the circumstances. Honing the skill and will to perform during the unknown 60 minutes that await in the fall contest. Long ago I made up my mind that I wouldn’t treat these practice times as drudg ery, but to embrace what it was and to take something away from it. Maybe it was the James Island upbringing that helped shift my mindset. If that didn’t do it a Lou Holtz “endless” period practice would, you either thrive under the circumstances or not that’s just how it was set up. I would come to real ize this whole camp deal would be a mind game between the players and the coaches. Bad body language, lazy in your fundamen tals or concentration lapses would have you become prey to those that have endured this before. Forging through these camps with your teammates made it apparent the only people you can count on was the person who battled with you during these times. Giving you more reason to THRIVE so you wont let your brother down when it’s gametime. The gold mined from these sessions is this: “get comfortable being uncomfortable.” You push on not for yourself, but for your team mate. The game continues to give after we’ve
University of South Carolina Athletics an nounced recently the recipients of eight en dowed scholarships across four sports. Seven members of the group have appeared on the SEC Academic Honor Roll, two have earned All-SEC honors and two were All-America selections. Recipients for endowed scholarships are selected each year by the sport’s head coach. “These endowed scholarships represent a spe cial commitment by members of the Gamecock Club,” South Carolina Athletics Director Ray Tanner said. “While the generosity of all mem bers allows us to provide a world-class educa tion for hundreds of student-athletes each year, these gifts ensure that some of those resources can go toward other initiatives that enhance the student-athlete experience at the University of South Carolina.”
Women’s Basketball The Aleighsa Welch Endowed Women’s Bas ketball Scholarship – Tiffany Mitchell Football The Marcus Lattimore Endowed Football Scholarship – Brandon Shell The Tommy Suggs Endowed Quarterback Scholarship – Perry Orth The Wraellen and Larry Winn Endowed Tight End Scholarship – Jerell Adams Women’s Golf The Kenneth T. Lytle Endowed Women’s Golf Scholarship – Katelyn Dambaugh
Thrive and ‘get comfortable being uncomfortable’
long played it. The years spent trying to “thrive” under the duress of football two-a- days weren’t just for on the field life, but for LIFE in general. Thank goodness I grasped this lesson of “thriving” early on because it’s a skill set that has helped me away from the football field many times. I cant tell you how many times I’ve used this mindset to get me or other members of my Coop (fam ily, friends) through one of those “camp” days (bad day). Just like players have a choice on how they choose to approach each camp practice we all have a choice in how we respond to life daily. Lose your job= Thrive, Love life failing= Thrive, miss a tackle= Thrive, Coach yells at you= Thrive. In the end there is no big red “thrive” button to push when the game/life gets tough for anyone on any field they choose to exist on. We all must remember our power to choose in any situations that: “I can thrive under the toughest circumstances regardless.” When it’s hot, when it’s cold, up 20 points, down 20 points, we can all choose to live from this mindset= THRIVE. So no matter the score board or the situation, keep showing up and keep choosing to thrive. Besides your broth ers in the Coop need you…. Follow Langston Moore on Twitter at: @reMovetheChains #justachicken #eat2win #yoby
Spurs & Feathers • 29
August 26, 2015
‘It’s one that we had our fans in mind’ by brian hand Executive Editor
year, but she also knows she has some key newcomers and lots of returners who are not satisfied. It’s no secret that South Carolina women’s “For us, we lose three seniors who were vibasketball head coach Dawn Staley is not tal parts of our success, but we also (return) one to shy away from challenges. quality players who have been to the Final And the 2015-16 South Carolina women’s Four and want to get back,” Staley noted. “It basketball schedule proves just that as the will be a challenge, but it’s one that I think non-conference schedule alone boasts seven all of our players are up for.” 20-win teams and a marquee showdown at The UConn game may be in the middle of home with Connecticut on Feb. 8. Of course, league play and all the way in February of this is all in addition to playing in 2016, but Staley is quick to point the toughest league in the country out that she understands why in the SEC. many have that particular game “It’s a challenging schedule,” circled on their calendars. Staley stated. “It’s one that we “There’s always an asterisk or had our fans in mind. We know (it’s) highlighted when UConn’s we’re bringing in quality opon your schedule and it’s a great ponents into the Colonial Life thing because there is a sour Arena. We need it packed, we taste left in our mouths from the All Gamecock need it sold out.” (loss) last season,” Staley relayed. basketball Staley knows that the Game“Hopefully we can duplicate coverage cocks have some key pieces to what they did do to us in Storrs sponsored by replace off last year’s Final Four (here at the CLA). I know our Yesterdays team entering the upcoming fans are excited about it, our
photo by jenny dilworth
players are excited about it and everywhere I go people are excited about it, so hopefully when that time comes we’re in the position of playing our best basketball.” Staley just recently unveiled the 2015-16 theme for her team to her players and she is looking forward to passing along to the public in the coming weeks. “I think we’re just trying to pick the perfect time and we’re trying to tweak things here and there and we want to kind of get a big bang for our buck … but I think it’s (a
theme) that will be synonymous with (last year’s theme) of one because it embodies everything that we’re about. Not just our team. It’s our fans, it’s our state, it’s our band, it’s everything that encompasses us performing the way we need to perform and representing the state of South Carolina the way it should be,” Staley said. “Hopefully within the next few weeks.” While Gamecock Country awaits the theme, Staley on a personal level is in awe of the passion for South Carolina women’s basketball right now, particularly since some Gamecock fans are already talking about selling out the Colonial Life Arena in the upcoming season. “I think I tweeted out that when we’re talking about selling out Colonial Life Arena in women’s basketball in August, something really good is going on,” Staley mentioned. To view the entire 2015-16 South Carolina women’s basketball schedule, please visit http://www.gamecocksonline.com/ sports/w-baskbl/sched/scar-w-baskblsched.html.
Moody announces 2015-16 swimming & diving schedule South Carolina Athletics media relations
submitted photo
On a recent visit to speak to the Horry County Gamecock Club at The Boathouse Restaurant in Myrtle Beach, women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley presented an autographed ball from the historic 2014-15 season to Tami Springs Brooks and her family.
South Carolina head swimming and diving head coach McGee Moody announced his team’s 2015-16 schedule recently, which features four home meets at the Blatt P.E. Center/Carolina Natatophoto by allen sharpe rium. The Gamecocks will open the season on be a two-day contest with UNC Wilmthe road at the Florida Gulf Coast Invita- ington, Queens and Wingate On Jan. 22 tional in Ft. Myers, Fla. on Oct. 3. and 23. The men’s squad will kick off South The Gamecocks close out the regular Carolina’s home slate against Purdue on season on the road in a tri-meet with Oct. 24. Both the men and women will East Carolina and William and Mary in face Alabama at Carolina Natatorium the Greensville, N.C. on Jan. 30. following week (Oct. 31) before traveling Missouri will host the SEC Championships, which run Feb. 16-20 in Columbia, to Gainesville, Fla. on Nov. 6 for a dual Mo. On. March 7-9, South Carolina’s meet with Florida. qualified divers will compete in the The Gamecocks will wrap up the fall NCAA Zone Diving Championships. portion of their schedule at the Georgia Both the men and women’s NCAA ChamTech Invitational in Atlanta, Ga., which pionships will take place at the Georgia runs Nov. 19-21. Tech Aquatic Center in Atlanta, Ga., with South Carolina will begin the second the women’s set for March half of the season at home, 17-19 and the men’s runhosting Duke on Jan. 8. ning March 24-26. The Gamecock women To see the entire schedwill then travel to Nashule, please visit http:// ville, Tenn. on Jan. 16 for All Gamecock swimming and www.gamecocksonline. SEC action with Vanderdiving coverage sponsored by com/sports/c-swim/sched/ bilt. The final home meet will Aquarian pools of Columbia scar-c-swim-sched.html.
30 • Spurs & Feathers
August 26, 2015
Martin headlines Cherokee County Kickoff Banquet by Kyle Heck Reporter
the facility renovations currently going on. He went through a slideshow of pictures showing the beautification process going on If it had anything to do with University around Williams-Brice Stadium and also of South Carolina athletics, it was probably touched on the massive upgrades going on at covered at the 2015 Cherokee County Game- the track and field facility. cock Club Kickoff Banquet on Thursday, The evening started with a dinner before Aug. 13, 2015. Friends of Carolina presented a $1,000 The “Voice of the Gamecocks,” Andy scholarship to a deserving local high school Demetra, was there to talk about South Car- senior to attend the University of South olina baseball, former Gamecock, NFL vet- Carolina. eran and the current sideline reporter for the It was then time for the four speakers to Gamecock IMG Sports Network Langston take the stage and answer any questions the Moore talked football and head men’s bascrowd had. Demetra made sure to let everyketball coach Frank Martin was there to talk one know not to fret about the season the about his team and the upcoming season. baseball team just had and said there is nothIt was a great opportunity for the around ing to worry about. 100 attendees to gather at the Stephenson “One of the great underappreciated things Dining Hall on the campus of Limestone about Gamecock baseball is this,” Demetra College and hear what the special guests had said. “Until this year, South Carolina had a to say. streak of 17 consecutive seasons with a .500 “We’re real excited for this event,” Chero- or better record in the SEC. The longest ackee County Gamecock Club President Mike tive streak now is shared by Vanderbilt and Phillips said. “They’ve got good food here Arkansas. Six years. Think about that.” and it is first class. Frank is one of my faMoore provided some insight on the footvorite coaches. I love what he gets out of his ball team and their preparations for the 2015 team and the way they go about it. Anytime season, saying he has liked what he’s seen so he has a press conference, I listen to it.” far in practice. Assistant Director of the Gamecock Club “(Strength and Conditioning coach) Joe Jay Brown was also on hand to talk about Connolly and those guys are doing a great
photo by kyle heck
job with these guys,” Moore said. “That’s one of the biggest things for me when I look at these guys now. They pass the eye test when they get off the bus.” Finally, Martin took the stage and talked in depth about his team. He gave a description about each of the incoming freshmen and said that this summer has been the best one since he arrived in Columbia more than three years ago. “There’s nothing better than competition,” Martin said. “That’s one of the things I’m so excited about with our basketball team right now. This is the first time since I’ve been at Carolina that we have competition. I’m not talking about the Kentucky’s of the world, but I’m talking about when we walk out every day, our guys look next to them and
if they’re not on their P’s and Q’s they know that that guy right next to them will take their job.” He also put in his two cents about the situation that everyone wants to know about – who will be the starting quarterback on September 3 when the Gamecocks open up the season in Charlotte against North Carolina. “I do know who the starting quarterback is going to be,” Martin said. “Whoever coach Spurrier picks. I don’t know about all of you, but I’ve been following coach’s career for a long time and usually the guy he picks ends up doing pretty darn well.” All-in-all, Phillips was pleased with how the event went and said that the Cherokee County Gamecock Club will continue to support the university in any way they can. The club’s adopted team is softball and they donate $1,000 to the team while also providing pregame meals. In addition, this year the Cherokee County Gamecock Club donated $5,000 to go toward the South Carolina football equipment truck, with Brown showing pictures of the artwork for the truck in his presentation. To learn more about the Cherokee County Gamecock Club and future events, follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@CCGamecocks).
Spurrier Jr. highlights Horry County meeting by brian hand Executive Editor
“We’re predicted fourth in the SEC East this year,” Spurrier Jr. said. “(We were) predicted first last year and honestly fourth’s not bad. On Tuesday, July 21 in Myrtle Beach, South We love to be picked right there. That gives Carolina it was plain for anybody to see that us all the reason in the world to move forward the anticipation for the upcoming South Caro- and chase all those other guys. We’ve got a lina football season is sky high. good team and we’re fired up to go play.” To continue to prepare those in the area to be After Spurrier, Jr. finished talking to the ready for the new football season, the Horry group, Nolan helped Kellah Webster of the County Gamecock Club held a meeting at the Horry County Gamecock Club with the raffle Boathouse Waterway Bar and Grill featuring on the evening that featured among other South Carolina Co-Offensi-ve Coordinator/ things a signed Ray Tanner baseball and a Wide Receivers Coach and Recruiting Coorgame-used pylon signed by the Head Ball dinator Steve Spurrier Jr. as the speaker. Coach. Spurrier Jr. was joined at the event by his The evening a success, Webster reiterated wife, Melissa, and one of their children, Noafter the event that the Horry County Gamelan. The Spurriers mingled with everyone in cock Club is more than ready for the upcomattendance and Spurrier Jr. also signed autoing athletic year. graphs. “It is always exciting when you have a great The meeting commenced with “2001” and venue and a great coach come and speak,” “Sandstorm” ringing throughout the BoatWebster stated. “It all turned out great. We house before Gamecock Club Executive had a great turnout. It’s always exciting to Director Patrick McFarland took the stage to hear about the upcoming season and get some talk about the exciting things currently taking inside things you didn’t know before they got place with the Gamecock Club and Gamecock here. Anytime you can get a coach to come in athletics. and talk is fantastic. We can’t thank the BoatSpurrier Jr. then talked for about 20 minutes house enough.” before answering questions from those in atYou can join the Horry County tendance. Gamecock Club public group on FaceHis excitement for the upcoming year was book at https://www.facebook.com/ noticeable. groups/143556068999125/.
photo by brian hand
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August 26, 2015
This is the most wonderful time of the year Okay, maybe it’s the second most wonderful, day and Monday after the scrimmage: “What but from a football fan’s perspecdo you think?” It was pretty tive, this is it. Every team is uneasy to say the defense looked defeated and the sky is the limit. good, since, quite frankly, the Such it is with the Gamecocks. offense did not look very good. The sky is the limit, but what do The four quarterbacks failed to we really know or think. I am an stir much excitement. It’s not eternal optimist, thus, we will that they were terrible. There be 8-0 going into the Tennessee just wasn’t much difference game, which has been my prebetween one to the other. diction for the last 20 years or so, The exception to that would and maybe this year it will come be Lorenzo Nunez. He has to pass. speed that the other three don’t Ed Girardeau In order for that to be accomhave. The defense was playing Contributing plished, it would mean wins at touch football against the quarEditor Georgia, at Texas A&M, and at terbacks, so it’s tough to really Missouri, while also winning at get a feel for how elusive he is, home over LSU. That’s not to mention winbut you can tell he’s fast and he adds a dimenning in Charlotte against North Carolina, and sion in the back field that has been missed at home against Vanderbilt, UCF, and Kensince the departure of Connor Shaw. tucky. When you say it that way, that’s a pretty That being said, it’s practice. The coaches tall order. work on things in practice, so there’s not a lot The good news is the defense looks to be that one can tell from watching one scrimmuch better than last year. I think everyone mage. Pharoh Cooper only caught one punt. would agree it couldn’t help but be better, I don’t remember seeing Jerell Adams on the but from watching the second scrimmage, field, so needless to say, the team that plays on you could not help but feel better about the September 3rd will look a whole lot different. defense. I always think back to 1984. That preseason That of course became the answer to the Carolina was coming off a 5-6 season. Alquestion that I was asked repeatedly on Sunlen Mitchell returned at quarterback, but
Enjoy our beaches every da y... Call about proper ties for sale.
was not spectacular in 1983. A junior college transfer, Mike Hold, had not played a down but the word was he could throw it long way. After watching practice before the opener you couldn’t have expected a whole lot, but maybe a winning season. But it all fell into place. Barely beating The Citadel to open and Duke, 21-0, in the second game, we hoped to just stay on the field with a top-10 Georgia team. The Gamecocks won that one and the rest as they say is history and South Carolina went 10-1 in the regular season. All of that to say you never know. South Carolina has some good athletes at every position and can improve every game as a team and we will see how far Carolina can go. That’s what makes this the most wonderful time of the year. 8-0 (Much less 12-0) is still a possibility! Also in season is major league baseball. Since the Braves have decided to look to the future, and being a baseball fan in general, it is a good opportunity to look around and see how former Gamecocks are doing. It’s been great to see Justin Smoak contributing to the Toronto Blue Jays. They are battling the Yankees for first place and Smoak and his 11 home runs so far this season are playing a part.
Jackie Bradley, Jr. recently had a great day when he hit two home runs and three doubles in one game. He is the first Red Sox to have five extra-base hits in one game in their history. He had a good week, too, with a home run and a triple in another game. In Yahoo Fantasy Baseball he had the number one ranking for all of baseball’s batters for a seven-day period. I had hoped that the Braves would work a trade for Bradley, but with weeks like that, it’s highly unlikely Boston will give him up. Steve Pearce is on the 15-day disabled list and will probably join Baltimore for their stretch run to try and make the playoffs. Sam Dyson has pitched 53 innings for the Texas Rangers and has four wins and two saves with a 3.23 ERA and is in the middle of their stretch run to postseason. There are several in Triple A who stand a very good chance of being called up in September when MLB expands their rosters. Blake Cooper with the Cubs; Evan Marzilli with the Diamondbacks; Whit Merrifield with Kansas City; Michael Roth with Cleveland; all have good enough stats to get the call up. In fact, Roth has been already this year. With those names and their stats, it’s no wonder we won back-to-back National Championships! These guys are good.
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