Spurs and Feathers January 2017 by Free Times

JANUARY 2017 MAGAZINE

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It’s going to be fun next year’ Players excited about future of Gamecock football

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THANK YOU! s always, thanks for your incredible support of the Gamecock Club and the University of South Carolina. Below is our publication schedule for the 2017 year. Please note, the magazine for December could move to January if the Gamecock football team plays in a bowl game.

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Jan. 23 Magazine Kyle Heck Reporter kheck@spursandfeathers.com Feb. 22 Newspaper Kathy Boyette March 15 Newspaper Advertising Sales Manager (803) 295-3654 April 26 Newspaper kboyette@spursandfeathers.com May 24 Newspaper Brooks Rogers Advertising Representative (803) 446-4022 June 14 Newspaper brooks@spursandfeathers.com July 26 Newspaper Ed Girardeau Contributing Editor/ Sales Account Executive Aug. 23 Newspaper ed@spursandfeathers.com (803) 646-9807 Sept. 6 Newspaper Allen Sharpe Dilworth Sept. 13 -so much for your support NewspaperSept. 28 newspaperJenny Thank you Photographers Sept. 20 Newspaper Dre Lopez of Spurs & Feathers. Oct. 5 newspaper Graphic Designer Sept. 27 Newspaper Contributing Writers Per Oct. our 4contract with the Gamecock Gunter, Langston Moore, Ed Girardeau, NewspaperOct. 12 newspaper Bill Phil Kornblut and Brian Hand. Club,Oct. below newspaper) 11 - are our remaining ediNewspaperOct. 19 bye week (no Postal Information: & FEATHERS (USPS 12779) 18 for - the 2016 year. NewspaperOct. 26 newspaper SPURS tion Oct. dates (ISSN7454368X) is published 20 times anThe frequency is monthly in January, Oct. 25 BYE WEEK (no publication) Nov. 2 newspaper nually. April and July. The publication is weekly from September-November. SPURS & Nov. 1 Newspaper also publishes two slick-paper Spurs & Feathers schedule Nov. 9 newspaper FEATHERS magazine issues â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one in August and one Nov. 8 Newspaper in December. The annual subscription price Aug.Nov. 24 magazine Nov. 16 newspaper is $50 for non Gamecock Club Members. 15 Newspaper Members of the Gamecock Club receive a discounted subscription as a member benSept.Nov. 7 newspaper Nov. 23 newspaper 22 Newspaper efit. Spurs & Feathers is published by Aiken Communications, Inc., 326 Rutland Drive 29 NewspaperNov. 30 newspaper NW, Aiken, SC, 29801-4010. Periodicals Sept.Nov. 14 newspaper postage paid at Columbia, SC Postmaster: Send changes to SPURS & 20 Magazine Dec. 21 magazine (end Sept.Dec. 21 newspaper of year)

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January Magazine, 2017

Gamecock fans crowd streets of Birmingham for pep rally Story and photo by Kyle Heck | Reporter

irmingham, Ala. — South Carolina fans poured into the Birmingham area on Wednesday, Dec. 28, in advance of the Gamecocks’ game against South Florida in the Birmingham Bowl a day later. Gamecock Nation painted the streets of Uptown Birmingham Garnet and Black during the official pep rally, and later crowded Mugshots Grill & Bar, the official headquarters of the Gamecock Club. Jameson Million and Thomas McAllister were two of the fans who made the trip, and they were looking forward to the experience. “We went to Florida this year, and we’ve always enjoyed going on road trips together,” McAllister said. “Jameson has been here before in ‘09. I live in (Washington) D.C. now and I was back home for Christmas and it worked out where we could travel together to the bowl.” The pep rally featured the Carolina Band and cheerleaders leading the

January Magazine, 2017

crowd in various cheers. Head coach team.” Will Muschamp, Hayden Hurst, T.J. Both Million and McAllister are Holloman, Perry Orth and Marquavius from the Upstate of South Carolina, and Lewis made McAllister is a an appearance recent graduate as well with of the UniMuschamp versity while It’s good to see a lot of people thanking the Million is curhappy about making it to bowl fans who made rently a senior. the trip down. For them, season” Voice of the there was no — Jameson Million question about Gamecocks, Todd Ellis, also whether they spoke as well as would come Athletics Director Ray Tanner. After a out to support the Gamecocks and head fireworks show, the South Carolina fans coach Will Muschamp. made the short walk over to Mugshots “The right thing to do is to come to continue the fellowship. out and support him, and it worked out “It’s a neat location because it’s right good between holidays,” Million said. across the street from the pep rally,” “It’s good to see a lot of people happy Gamecock Club Executive Director about making it to bowl season.” Patrick McFarland said of Mugshots. Both fans have been impressed with “We’ve had about a 40 minute wait, what Muschamp has done with South which shows that people are excited Carolina in his first year in charge. Afabout being here in Birmingham and ter a down season last year that featured seeing the progress of our football a coaching change, Muschamp has

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steadied the ship in Columbia. “I think it’s tremendous,” McAllister said. “You think about the strides they’ve made. You go from losing to The Citadel to beating Tennessee in a game, and a lot of close games on the road. I think it’s just a tremendous part of how he’s a great recruiter and he puts people around the players to develop (them). We’re clearly not getting 5-star Alabama players, but we’re getting players that want to play, and that’s been a really cool thing to watch.” There’s a lot of optimism surrounding the Gamecock program right now, and everyone involved is excited for the future. That was clearly evident on Wednesday during the pep rally and pregame party at Mugshots. “I think the job the coaching staff has done just shows what kind of quality coaches we have,” McFarland said. “When you go from 3-9 to six, possibly seven, that’s doubling your wins. I think it’s amazing what they’ve done.”

FAN STORY

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Comeback in Birmingham Bowl falls short for South Carolina Story by Kyle Heck | Reporter

irmingham, Ala. — South Carolina was down 18 points midway through the third quarter after a pick-six, but managed to claw back and force overtime against South Florida in the Birmingham Bowl on Thursday, Dec. 29. The Gamecocks fought back into the game with a late touchdown run by A.J. Turner and two-point conversion by Hayden Hurst that forced overtime, where the Bulls were able to outlast the Gamecocks by a final score of 46-39. Five turnovers, including a couple of critical ones near the goal line, hurt South Carolina. “Extremely proud of our players’ effort to fight to get back into the ball game,” head coach Will Muschamp said. “Just too many self-inflicted issues. You score 39 points, you should win. Offensively, I thought we played extremely well in the game.” Freshman quarterback Jake Bentley threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown in the third quarter, but he bounced back to have a career, and historic, game. Bentley broke the school record for most yards thrown in a bowl game with 390, which was also a Birmingham Bowl record, and did not

BOWL GAMER

lose composure after the momentumchanging interception. “Jake really never gets negative,” Hurst said. “He just goes drive to drive. Some negative stuff happened, but he bounced back. He just led us back to overtime.” After South Carolina (6-7) forced a turnover on downs on South Florida’s first drive, the Gamecocks turned the ball over on their first drive. Bentley was intercepted by USF’s Devin Abraham, setting the Bulls up just across midfield. USF quarterback Quinton Flowers would lead his team down the field, converting a third and two before rushing for 11 yards and tossing a 14-yard pass to Marquez Valdes-Scantling to give the Bulls a first and goal. Two plays later, Flowers ran for a three-yard touchdown run to give USF (11-2) the early lead. On the ensuing PAT, the Bulls used a little trickeration by snapping the ball with most of the team lined up to the left and it resulted in a completed pass to make it 8-0. After South Carolina went three and out on its next drive, Flowers again led the Bulls down the field. On an 11-play, 80-yard drive, the big play was a 24-yard run by Flowers that set up a first and

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goal. The junior finished it off with a four-yard touchdown run that put South Florida up, 15-0. South Florida was again driving down the field, and it looked like it would add to its lead before Steven Montac forced and recovered a fumble deep in Gamecocks territory. The offense would take full advantage of the turnover, thanks to the great play of Bentley. Second Quarter The freshman quarterback found Deebo Samuel for a gain of 28 yards before hooking up with Hurst for 18 more. The four-play, 81-yard drive was then capped off by a 25-yard touchdown pass from Bentley to Hurst, who made a fantastic one-handed catch. The score made it 15-7 with 14:02 left in the first half, and it was also Hurst’s first touchdown of the season. Unfortunately for the Gamecocks, Flowers and South Florida would quickly answer that score. The Bulls would use a 22-yard hookup between Flowers and D’Ernest Johnson on fourth and five, and Flowers capped off the 10-play, 77yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run, his third of the afternoon, to make it 22-7. The South Carolina defense forced a three-and-out after turning it over on downs, and that proved to be huge for the Gamecocks. South Carolina methodically marched the ball downfield, but after a sack the Gamecocks were facing a long third and 12. However, Bentley fired a bullet to Hurst for a 17-yard gain, and a first and goal. On third and goal, Bentley found Samuel on a quick slant for a three-yard touchdown, and it was 22-14 Bulls near the end of the first half. It appeared that would be the score at halftime, but on fourth and 3, Flowers found a wide open Johnson for a 37-yard touchdown pass that gave USF a 29-14 halftime lead. Bentley was 15-of-19 for 198 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in the opening half. Samuel was the leading receiver with six receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown while Hurst added five catches for 80 yards and another touchdown. The Gamecocks had 228 yards of offense, but the Bulls countered with 333 yards. “We didn’t tackle very well to start the game,” Muschamp noted. Third Quarter The Gamecocks received the ball to open the second half, and made good use of the opening possession. After being limited the first half, tailback Rico Dowdle burst through the middle for a 26yard run that got South Carolina going. After catching an 11-yard screen pass to set up a first and goal, Samuel received the familiar jet sweep and it resulted in what it usually does — a touchdown. This time it was from four yards out, and it wrapped up an eight-play, 65-yard drive that took 3:05 off the clock. South Florida would drive down the field on its first possession of the second half, but the Gamecocks made an important stand near the goal line, denying

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the Bulls another touchdown. USF was forced to settle for a 21-yard field goal that made it 32-21 with 8:07 left in the third quarter. As the Gamecocks were trying to cut into the lead again, Bentley was intercepted for the second time on the afternoon by Tajee Fullwood, who returned it 47 yards for a touchdown that gave the Bulls an 18-point lead. The Gamecocks were able to add a 43-yard field goal by Elliott Fry later in the quarter to enter the final quarter of action down, 39-24. The Comeback The lead would be trimmed down even more after another good drive by Bentley and the offense. The freshman signal-caller hooked up with both Edwards and Samuel on the drive, and on fourth and two from the USF nine, Bentley threw a ball toward Edwards, who snagged the deflected pass for a touchdown that made it a one possession game. The incredible play finished off a nine-play, 77-yard drive that took 4:14 off the clock. The Gamecocks then forced a South Florida punt, and Turner and brilliant chemistry between Bentley and Samuel helped South Carolina to drive down the field again. However, as Turner was charging toward the end zone, he had the ball knocked out, and the Bulls recovered at the one-yard line. It was the fourth turnover of the day for the Gamecocks, and second inside the five-yard line. “I think for the whole game, we just shot ourselves in the foot,” Hurst said. “Turnovers at inopportune times.” The South Carolina defense made a stand once again, and on the ensuing punt, Chris Lammons raced back for what appeared to be a 41-yard punt return touchdown, but upon review he stepped out at the two-yard line. On third and goal from the one, Turner got a second chance and capitalized, plowing into the end zone for the touchdown. A leaping catch by Hurst on the two-point attempt was good, forcing overtime with the score at 39-all. South Florida scored a touchdown on the first play of overtime when Flowers lofted a pass over the defense to tight end Elkanah Dillon for a 25-yard touchdown. On the Gamecocks’ ensuing drive, Bentley was sacked on fourth down, ending the game. Bentley finished 32-of-43 for 390 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions while Samuel hauled in 14 receptions, which tied a school record, for 190 yards and a touchdown. Hurst added six receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown. Flowers was named MVP of the Birmingham Bowl as he completed 23-of-32 passes for 261 yards, two touchdowns and one interception while also rushing for 105 more yards and three touchdowns on the ground for South Florida. South Carolina finished with a 481-469 advantage in total yards on the afternoon, and held a commanding, 253136 advantage in the second half. January Magazine, 2017

View from the South Florida locker room Story by Kyle Heck | Reporter

irmingham, Ala. — South

Florida head coach T.J. Weist was in a unique situation in the Birmingham Bowl against South Carolina on Thursday, Dec. 29. After former head coach Willie Taggart left the school to become the head coach at Oregon, Weist was named the interim coach. However, the Bulls recently announced that former Texas coach Charlie Strong would take over the permanent job at South Florida. That meant that Weist knew beforehand that the bowl game against the Gamecocks would be his only one in charge of the Bulls. So he chose to enjoy it. Luckily for Weist, South Florida was able to hang on for a wild, 46-39 victory over South Carolina in overtime to finish the year with an 11-2 record. “We’ve had a great week all week long, and it was fun,” Weist said. “Now the fun really means something because we won the game. We put it all together. It was an unbelievable experience for me and our staff to finish it off like this.” The Bulls jumped out to a quick, 15-point lead and led by 18 points midway through the third quarter. How-

January Magazine, 2017

ever, the Gamecocks charged back into the game, and tied it with a touchdown and two-point conversion with just over a minute left in regulation. A 25-yard touchdown pass from Quinton Flowers to Elkanah Dillon in overtime proved to be the winner. “It was a great team win,” Weist said. “It was ugly; it wasn’t pretty by our standards. I really have to commend South Carolina. They came in and fought like we thought and didn’t expect anything different. They did a great job. Coach (Will) Muschamp did a great job getting his guys ready, and you know we’re one play away from being on the other side. It’s simple as that.” With South Carolina making the comeback to force overtime, Weist’s message to his team was to try and get back to what they were doing at the beginning of the game. “Nothing different, just be smart,” Weist said. “Be smart and play our game. We were in that position because we really weren’t smart. We made bad decisions, I made bad decisions, and we had to remind ourselves to be smart.” Flowers had an impressive regular season, and didn’t disappoint in the

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Photo by Jenny Dilworth

Birmingham Bowl. The junior completed 23-of-32 passes for 261 yards, two touchdowns and an interception to go with 105 more yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Flowers always plays with a chip on his shoulder, which is clearly evident on the field. “A lot of people didn’t give me a chance coming out of high school, but when I got here there were a lot of guys like Tajee Fullwood, Marlon Mack, Rodney Adams, guys that really believed in me and had my back,” Flowers

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said. “I felt like it was the time. I’ve been stepping up all year, and now was the time when this team needed me.” His late touchdown pass proved to be the difference, and his coach was extremely proud of him and the team overall. “It’s the best win I’ve ever had obviously as a head coach,” Weist said. “It’s a great experience to be with this team and with this staff and to set this kind of record and have bowl wins like that, there’s nothing better.”

USF LOCKER ROOM

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The 2016 season was a success for Gamecock football Story by Kyle Heck | Reporter

here was naturally some disappointment after South Carolina fell to South Florida in the 11th annual Birmingham Bowl. The Gamecocks entered the game with a 6-6 record, and a win would’ve guaranteed a winning season and given the team their fifth-straight bowl game victory. However, even though the Gamecocks lost in overtime to the Bulls, don’t let that take away from what happened this season. South Carolina started 2-4, and there wasn’t much hope from a national and local perspective that the Gamecocks would rebound to make a bowl game. They did. The six wins doubled what South Carolina recorded last year in finishing 3-9. When head coach Will Muschamp came in to take over the program last December, he knew there was a lot of work to be done. Despite the improvement this season, Muschamp and the coaching staff know there is still a long way to go. Muschamp said as much in his press conference after the loss to USF. However, the word to focus on

2016 FOOTBALL SEASON

is “improvement.” South Carolina showed a lot of it this season, and Muschamp will continue to do what he excels at — recruit. “A lot of our issues need to be addressed in February (on Signing Day), so that’s what we’ll do,” Muschamp said. “I like the way our guys have worked. I like the way they’ve continued to fight and persevere and push through, and that’s what we continue to preach to our guys. We need to have another tough offseason and continue to move the program forward.” The team’s ability to fight and never give up was clearly evident in the Birmingham Bowl. The Gamecocks were down by as many as 18 points, but charged back to score a touchdown and convert a two-point conversion with just over a minute left in regulation. “I just love these guys because no one really cares about the score,” offensive lineman Cory Helms said. The best thing about what the Gamecocks were able to do this season and in the bowl game against a Top-25 team is that they’ll bring the majority

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of that talent back. While South Carolina will lose some defensive starters, there are enough returning players that played a lot of snaps, as well as an impressive recruiting class for next season on that side of the ball. On offense, the Gamecocks will return 10 of 11 starters from a squad that put up nearly 500 yards of offense in the final game of the 2016 season, and generally improved as the year went along. Freshman quarterback Jake Bentley has shown that he has the potential to be a special player, and he’s surrounded by young, talented weapons. “We have everyone but (offensive tackle Mason) Zandi coming back, and there’s a lot of firepower,” tight end Hayden Hurst said. “Jake is only going to get better. He’s going to mature and get older and have a year of experience under his belt. It’s going to be fun next year.” Every single one of the 481 total yards South Carolina had in the Birmingham Bowl came from either a freshmen or sophomore. That’s amazing when you think about it, and

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it’s also an excellent indication of how bright the future is for the Gamecocks with players like Bentley, Hurst, Rico Dowdle, Bryan Edwards and Deebo Samuel. The next step now is to build off the lessons learned this season, and have a tough and rewarding offseason. South Carolina will return next year a much more experienced team, and Muschamp is currently in the process of putting together an elite recruiting class. “We have to focus on the little things,” linebacker Bryson Allen-Williams said after the Birmingham Bowl. “That’s what coach Muschamp was just talking to us about. We have to focus on the little things, and that starts when we get back in January.” So while it’s easy to focus on the negatives of losing a bowl game or a rivalry game, it’s important to look at the bigger picture, which is a promising one for Gamecock football. #SpursUp

January Magazine, 2017

Gamecocks spread holiday cheer to children in hospital Story and photo by Kyle Heck | Reporter

irmingham, Ala. — On every bowl trip both teams involved do all sorts of events and appearances prior to the football game itself. Most of the time, the events are for fun and entertainment and a chance for both teams to show off how competitive they are. However, there are usually one or two events that mean so much more, and on Tuesday, Dec. 27, South Carolina and South Florida participated in one. Both teams visited Children’s of Alabama, a hospital for children in downtown Birmingham, to spread around some holiday cheer and gifts. In South Carolina’s case, the players were told about the opportunity to visit Children’s of Alabama and given the choice on whether they wanted to January Magazine, 2017

go. Nearly 30 Gamecocks volunteered to visit those in need, and it was something that everyone was looking forward to. “Just the chance to make a kid’s day,” walk-on Morgan Vest said. The first child that Vest and teammate Trey Mitchell visited just happened to be from Rock Hill, South Carolina. Out of everyone in the hospital, the Gamecock duo thought it was special that the first patient visited was from the state they represented in the SEC. “I thought that was a cool coincidence,” Vest said. “It’s a small world sometimes.” The main job for the Gamecocks while in town was to focus on the upcoming Birmingham Bowl, but hav-

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ing the chance to make an impact on the life of a child who’s going through a difficult time in their life was a can’tmiss opportunity. “This is so much more important than football games,” Mitchell said. “It’s an opportunity to meet these kids. I was telling Thomas that we just met earlier that when I was younger I spent Christmas time in the hospital, so I know it’s tough. But it’s definitely an awesome opportunity to get to spend some time with them.” Vest and Mitchell joined South Florida interim head coach T.J. Weist on a trip to a floor of the children’s hospital where they went door-todoor talking with the children and their families and handing out gifts. The other players and coaches from

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both teams visited other floors of the hospital. The excitement was plain on the faces of the children, and the Gamecock players and Weist spent several minutes in each room. South Carolina is busy this week doing events all around Birmingham and practicing for the Birmingham Bowl, but the visit to Children’s of Alabama was near the top of many players’ list. It’s important for them to use their platform to make a positive impact. “Anyone that kids look up to, I think it’s definitely important to give back,” Mitchell said. “It’s just awesome to have people to look up to, and know that they care about you.”

HOSPITAL VISIT

Photo by Jenny Dilworth

It’s crunch time for both basketball teams Story by Kyle Heck | Reporter

he nonconference season in basketball is certainly important, but there is a definite change in the air when league play rolls around. The teams are all familiar with each other, which increases the competition level, and for the most part the talent level is comparable with everyone you play. In addition, how you perform in your conference goes a long way to determining whether you’ll be playing in the NCAA Tournament come March. For both the South Carolina men’s and women’s basketball team, postseason play is very much a strong possibility and is expected among the players and coaches. Head men’s basketball coach Frank Martin put it succinctly when talking about league play, saying simply, “18 games are coming.” Those 18 games will be tough, hard-fought battles with the majority of the contests coming down to the last few possessions. Guys that have been through it before understand what is coming, but the newcomers have no idea until

MEN’S & WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

they experience it for the first time. MEN: Martin said that the Gamecocks weren’t in a place to consistently be successful in the SEC when he first arrived on campus more than four years ago. Now, the Gamecocks have gotten the talent they need into the program, the facilities are continuing to improve, and more and more fans are becoming invested in the basketball team. South Carolina won 11 games in the SEC last year, good enough for a top-four finish, and are primed to be just as good this year. “We’ve gotten better every single year that we’ve been here, and I really like our basketball team,” Martin said. The Gamecock men have one of the best and most experienced backcourts in the SEC with Sindarius Thornwell, Duane Notice and P.J. Dozier. Thornwell and Notice, along with Justin McKie, are all seniors who know what it takes to succeed in conference play. “Just stick to what we’ve been doing,” McKie said. “Just stay together, listen to the coaches, work hard,

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prepare as hard as we can. I think this year out of the three years that us three have been here, I think we’ve done our best job in preparing for games. Just stick to the gameplan, and I think we’ll be successful.” WOMEN: For the Gamecock women, they’ve established themselves as the class of the SEC. South Carolina has won three straight regular-season championships and two straight SEC Tournament titles. Overall, the Gamecocks have lost just three conference games over the last three regular seasons, an absolutely incredible accomplishment. South Carolina was once again picked to win the SEC for a fourthconsecutive season, which would be just the second time that has ever happened. All-Americans Alaina Coates and A’ja Wilson power the Gamecocks inside, and transfers Kaela Davis and Allisha Gray offer a legitimate scoring threat on the perimeter. The focus now for the Gamecocks is to continue to hold themselves to an extremely high standard in SEC play. “Championships speak volumes,”

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women’s head coach Dawn Staley said. “It’s about winning another championship. Everyone can relate to that. Whether it’s your first one, whether it’s your fourth one, whether it’s your third one, everyone can relate to winning. That’s what we’re instilling in our players. This is what our teams have been about prior to this season, and that’s what we want to continue to do — create that championship culture and go out there and represent this program and our University and this state as best as possible.”

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January Magazine, 2017

Moody: ‘I think our athletes are doing a great job’ Story by Kyle Heck | Reporter

he South Carolina swimming and diving team started the fall out with a couple losses to SEC foes, but the Gamecocks ended it with a strong performance at the Georgia Tech Invite in November. For head swimming coach McGee Moody, it’s never good to lose anything, but he was proud of both the men’s and women’s squads bouncing back to end the fall strongly. “First couple meets this year, I thought we swam well,” Moody said. “The meet outcome didn’t go the way we wanted it to, but I thought we swam well for the type of training that we were in. If I look at internally how I feel like we’re doing with our athletes right now, I think we’re in a really good place.” After the two losses to open the season, the women’s swimming team recorded an impressive win at Arkansas. It was also Moody’s 100th career victory at South Carolina. “I was more happy that our girls got their SEC win, but that was a great honor too,” Moody said. The women’s diving squad then

January Magazine, 2017

registered a big win at rival Clemson, and as Moody said, ‘It’s always fun to beat Clemson.’ The fall was capped off at the Georgia Tech Invite in Atlanta, and that was the most important meet of the fall for Moody. When the year starts, it’s about seeing where your athletes are from a competition and fitness standpoint, but by the time November rolls around, the team should be in full form. “We went into our big meet in the fall which is the Georgia Tech Invite, and we posted some of the fastest times in the country,” Moody said. “Tons of NCAA B-cuts (qualifying times). I felt like at that meet we raced hard. I felt like they overcame some adversity. The air quality was pretty bad at the aquatic center down in Atlanta. It was problematic. It was hard to breathe. I thought they overcame well.” Caption |that photo by Allen Sharpe One of the standouts from the fall was diver Julia Vincent. The junior won the SEC Diver of the Week award twice in November, and she is someone that could do a lot of damage during the spring season. “She’s as good as it gets,” Moody

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and he does it on a very big stage.” While there are other sports that took winter breaks, it was much different scenario for Moody and his team. The period in December and January is a huge training block for the Gamecocks. Moody said that if there is a “dark time” in training, Photo by Allen Sharpe that period would be it. The team received said. “You don’t find young ladies that almost a week off for come around like her very often. She’s an Christmas, but was full-go before and unbelievable talent on the boards, and after that, with this year being particushe’s an even better person. She’s a great larly brutal. student, she does everything the right “It’s been an interesting semester,” way. I’m very proud of her, and if there’s Moody said. “I think our athletes are doany one person that can step up in this ing a great job. We’re working them exprogram and win a National Championtremely, extremely hard. Probably harder ship this year, it’s definitely Julia. She has than we’ve ever worked them before. I that capability. I know that’s what she think they have responded well.” wants.” On the men’s side, swimmer Tomas Peribonio also had a great fall, and repreAll Gamecock SWIMING AND sented Ecuador at the 2016 FINA World DIVING Coverage Swimming Championships in Canada. sponsored by: He is another athlete who Moody is extremely proud of. “We have guys that can represent our program well (and) Tom always does that,” Moody said. “He kind of embodies what we want our student-athletes to be,

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SWIMMING & DIVING RECAP

Dead period ends, recruiting ramps up for Gamecocks Recruiting Roundup by Phil Kornblut | Contributing Writer

ow important is DL Javon Kinlaw of Jones County Junior

College in Mississippi to USC head coach Will Muschamp? Important enough that Muschamp and defensive line coach Lance Thompson made Kinlaw one of their first stops on Thursday, Jan. 12, the first day of the new contact period and the day before he heads west to Southern Cal for his official visit. “They’re pretty much just trying to win me over,” said Kinlaw, who was once committed to the Gamecocks. He is once again favoring the Gamecocks over Southern Cal, calling the strength of that lead a six on a scale of 10. “It’s just all about communication. That’s what it is, that’s what it is for me.” Kinlaw said Southern Cal and Alabama are also recruiting him hard and he hears from both regularly. Part of his reason for decommitting from USC was because he wanted to take other official visits, something he didn’t get the chance to do in high school, so he’s ready for the experience of checking out new areas.

10 RECRUITING ROUNDUP ONE

“I don’t know what I expect to see,” he said. “I just want to see if I can build good relationships with the coaches. I don’t really know what I expect to see.” Kinlaw will take his official visit to Alabama before coming to USC. He will announce his decision on Jan. 31. DE Devonte Wyatt of Decatur, Ga. is a former USC commitment who currently is a Georgia commitment, but the strength of that commitment was tested when he makes his official visit to USC. Originally, Wyatt was going to Georgia before USC. But he’s changed that and went to Columbia with his parents Friday, Jan. 13. “I moved it up because I wanted to go to South Carolina first,” Wyatt said. “South Carolina was the first one to give me an offer. I’m not looking for too much, just want to feel like I’m at home.” Wyatt said while he is committed to Georgia, USC is right there. “They are really even to me,” he said. And could he flip to the Gamecocks this weekend? “It’s possible. They don’t have to show me nothing

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too much.” Wyatt also is scheduled to visit Florida Jan. 28. DE Jaylen Twyman of Washington, D.C. planneed to make his first ever visit to USC for an official visit with the Gamecocks. Twyman is being recruited by defensive line coach Lance Thompson, and the two are in regular contact. “We are always talking about me being a difference maker at a program and all that good stuff,” Twyman said. “He likes me for the short side of the field, a three technique and over the nose. All over the line basically. They are a great program with down to earth coaches. And of course it’s in the best conference in college football.” Twyman said he became interested in the Gamecocks after his research revealed a number of defensive linemen that the Gamecocks have put into the NFL in recent years. Twyman said his mom and possibly a few other members of his family planned to make the drive down with him. And he has some specific things he hoped to see and experience while

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on the visit. “I want to feel the love thru the coaching staff and more so the players,” he said. “I want to make sure it’s a family environment before I make any moves.” Twyman’s itinerary for the weekend included attending the men’s basketball game Saturday against Ole Miss and eating breakfast at Will Muschamp’s home on Sunday morning. Twyman said he’s not going into this visit with any preconceived notion for committing. He also has visited Pitt and is scheduled to visit Missouri Jan. 20. There is not a leader. This season Twyman had 91 tackles, 8 sacks and 1 interception. USC target OL Tony Gray of Loganville, Ga., announced a top five of USC, Florida State, Florida, Ole Miss and Auburn. He has set official visits to USC and Florida. With the dead period ending, official visits resumed. Here’s a rundown of scheduled visits for uncommitted prospects and the list is subject to CONTINUED ON P. 12

January Magazine, 2017

Gamecocks coming together as a team entering spring season Story by Kyle Heck | Reporter

here aren’t many teams in the country that lost what the South Carolina men’s golf team lost from last year. The Gamecocks had to replace the services of two All-Americans in Will Starke and Matt NeSmith, as well as a fifth-year senior in Sean Kelly who played and excelled in a lot of events throughout his career. With a young team that now has no seniors and six underclassmen, head coach Bill McDonald was relatively pleased with how the fall season went for the Gamecocks. “The expectations have been set pretty high around here,” McDonald said. “Some of the adjustments in the fall was just taking this team for what it is versus thinking about what we’ve done for the last few years. Just really focusing in on what these guys are capable of, and the new dynamic that this group brings.”

January Magazine, 2017

consistent golfers for South Carolina in the fall, but they were among the best in the entire country. Stevens led the team with a 69.58 stroke average, which was tied for the sixth-best mark in the country. Huskey was not far behind with a 69.67 stroke average, which was tied for ninth in the nation. South Carolina is the only school As McDonald mentioned, the in the country with two golfers in the Gamecocks enjoyed a tremendous top-10 for scoring average. amount of success in recent years, cul“Both of them really carried us minating in a trip to match play at the when you look at our statistics,” McDonald said. Ben Dietrich, Will Miles Photo by Allen Sharpe and Ryan Stachler all showed flashes during the fall as well, and McDonald was particularly pleased with the play of freshman Caleb Proveaux to end the fall. As a team, the Gamecocks got off to a rough start at the Carpet Capital Collegiate to open the fall season, but rebounded with a strong performance at the Maui Jim Collegiate in Arizona where they finished fifth. After a second-place finish at the NCAA Championships this past seaCamden Collegiate Classic, South Caroson. With a lot of production needing lina wrapped up the fall with another to be replaced, there were two golfers fifth-place finish at the Ka’anapali Colin particular who stepped up this fall. legiate in Hawaii. Sophomore Scott Stevens and junior “We don’t really have an offseason Keenan Huskey were not only the most in college golf, so we use the fall to just

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jump in there and start swimming,” McDonald said. “But we have high character kids, really hard working players. They’ve been great in the weight room, doing well academically. They do everything that we ask of them.” McDonald also praised new associate head coach Jake Amos, who has already helped the golfers so much since arriving this past summer. While the Gamecocks were in winter break, the focus was different for each player. Some golfers needed to decompress and rest during the break while others needed to keep playing and working on different things. Team-wise, McDonald is hoping his players come back in the spring ready to compete and push each other to get better. After getting a glimpse at a newlook team in the fall, the head coach is ready to see what the Gamecocks can do in the spring season. “After having a couple weeks to decompress after Hawaii, I’ve gotten more and more excited about the spring and this team and just the way they seem to be coming together,” McDonald said.

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MEN’S GOLF RECAP

CONTINUED FROM P. 10

change: DE Brad Johnson, OL Jordan Rhodes, DE Jaylen Twyman, DE Devonte Wyatt and OL Tony Gray. Most of the Gamecock commitments not enrolled in school also planned to visit. USC commitment DB Jamyest Williams of Loganville, Ga. planned

ning to walk-on at USC this spring and he’s hoping to start school this month. First, he has to make it through USC admissions. “I got word that they’re waiting for two of my transcripts that I have to get sent there and I should be admitted,” Kinlaw said. Kinlaw is a former Shrine Bowler from Goose Creek who started his college career at Wisconsin.

2018 QB Dakereon Joyner of Fort Dorchester planned to visit Virginia Tech and he will visit USC next, a visit that had not previously been set. 2018 WR Jordyn Adams will leave Blythewood at the end of this semester for his new school in Greenville, NC where his father is the defensive line coach for East Carolina.

to take an official visit to Georgia Jan. 21 but is fully committed to USC according to what he told GoGamecocks.com. “100 percent,” Williams said of his commitment. Asked if there was any chance he could flip to the Bulldogs, Williams answered, “Nah, not right … nah. No sir.” Williams has not set his official visit date with Georgia. He will visit USC the final weekend of the month.

USC commitment Kyshaun Bryan of Fort Lauderdale was offered by Oregon State. Despite reports that USC is not taking another scholarship running back for this class, and the fact he hasn’t heard from USC in weeks, Bryan said he is not decommitting. USC commitment DB Zay Brown told SECCountry he will visit Arkansas State Jan. 21 and USC the last weekend of January. USC is taking a look at former North Carolina cornerback Mike Hughes, who was a standout at Garden City Junior College in Kansas this past season. “Yes sir they have been recruiting me pretty hard,” Hughes confirmed. He did not say if he will take an official visit to USC. He has taken officials to East Carolina and TCU. Hughes is a native of New Bern, NC. He played in 12 games as a true freshman at UNC. He was suspended for one game after his arrest for a count of misdemeanor assault inflicting serious injury after an incident at a UNC fraternity house in October of 2015. He agreed to 100 hours of community service and restitution to clear his record. He left the Tar Heels in February for what was termed “personal reasons.” This past season Hughes had 47 tackles with 2 interceptions and 6 passes broken up. He has three years to play two at his next stop. DL Romello Martin of Brooklyn had set an official visit to USC for Jan. 21 but now has to retake the SAT that weekend and won’t make it to Columbia then. He has been in touch with recruiter Lance Thompson and said the Gamecocks remain interested and he’s expecting Thompson to visit later this month. Martin said he is still scheduled to visit Ole Miss Jan. 28 and he’s also hearing from Florida, Miami, Louisville and Penn State. RB Caleb Kinlaw of Pearl River Junior College in Mississippi is plan-

12 RECRUITING ROUNDUP TWO

Photo by Allen Sharpe

USC announced freshmen OL Summie Carlay, DB Jaylin Dickerson, WR OrTre Smith and DL MJ Webb

have enrolled. Per TheBigSpur, USC JUCO DB commit Keisean Nixon may not be able to enroll until the summer due to an academic issue.

TE Cameron Butler of Ridge View currently is committed to Colorado State. But he’s getting some interest from USC and would be open to more from the Gamecocks. Butler said he went to two games at USC this season. Butler also has offers from Appalachian State, Georgia State, Old Dominion, Liberty, Coastal Carolina and Mercer. This season Butler had 41 catches for 490 yards and 1 touchdown. He also was named to the Shrine Bowl.

Long snapper Ben Reeder of JL Mann was offered a preferred walk-on spot at USC. He’s not yet made a decision on that and is still talking with Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia about possible scholarship opportunities.

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Adams played quarterback for the Bengals last season but said he wants to play strictly receiver at his next school because that will be his college position. Where he will play receiver remains up in the air though Adams said Clemson, North Carolina and Virginia Tech are the schools recruiting him the hardest at this point. He is planning to visit Clemson for a junior day Jan. 28 and is also planning junior day stops at North Carolina and Virginia Tech. Adams also has an offer from USC but said the Gamecocks aren’t on him as strongly as the others. “Not a lot” he said about the contact he’s getting from USC. “Me and coach (Bryan) McClendon talk probably weekly. He texts me weekly but like mail wise and things like that and DMs from the recruiting Twitter page and stuff like that, not a lot compared to the other schools.” Adams also has offers from Ole Miss, East Carolina, Southern Miss, Maryland, Tulane, Kentucky, Missouri and Wake Forest. He does not have a favorite at this point. Adams said baseball also remains an important element

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in his decision and the quality of the program will be an important factor in his final decision. Powdersville 2018 RB EJ Humphrey (5-10 170) is starting to see

recruiters look his way after a season of 1,685 rushing yards, 2,061 all purpose yards and 30 touchdowns. “I’ve been receiving a lot of attention from South Carolina, Virginia Tech, NC State, North Carolina, and Coastal Carolina amongst others.” Humphrey said the Gamecocks have been active in showing interest at this point and he’s hoping for more from them. “I have spoken on several occasions with coach Bentley and he has advised me and my coach Robert Mustar that I am high in their list,” Humphrey said. “They are not going to take any running back in 2017 and will take two in 2018. What South Carolina likes about me is my vision and speed, and I have good hands. I love South Carolina. I have a sister who graduated from there last December and one who still attends South Carolina, so my family and I are very familiar with the campus and Columbia.” Humphrey visited USC and Appalachian State during the season. He is going to North Carolina Feb. 4 for a basketball game and he is planning to go to USC, Virginia Tech and Coastal for junior day events. 2018 South Pointe LB Eli Adams picked up offer from Maryland. He also has offers from USC and East Carolina.

USC offered 2018 WR Russell Brown of Lehigh Acres, FL, 2018 LB Dallas Gant of Toledo and 2018 TE Brevin Jordan of Las Vegas, 2018 DB Tre’ Douglas of McDonough, GA and 2018 QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson of Las Vegas.

Basketball News: One of the nation’s top prospects in the 2019 basketball class, 6-7 Christian Brown of AC Flora, was at Clemson for the North Carolina game. USC also is one of his offers and the Gamecocks are keeping up their interest as well. “Coach Frank (Martin) has come to a couple of games,” Brown said. “He’s not recruiting hard but he has shown interest. I have been told USC really doesn’t recruit hard until the junior year.” Central Florida and VCU are the latest offers for Brown. He also has offers from Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kansas and Oklahoma State, among others. Phil Kornblut’s latest “Recruiting Roundup” for Spurs & Feathers. Catch Kornblut every night on SportsTalk and get more of his statewide recruiting news at SportsTalkSC.com and on Twitter @SportsTalkSC January Magazine, 2017

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Thornwell: ‘I made a mistake, and I take full responsibility’ Story by Kyle Heck | Reporter

efore he or his teammates took questions from the media on Monday, Jan. 2, Sindarius Thornwell wanted to get something off his chest. Earlier that day, it was announced that the senior guard was officially reinstated from an indefinite suspension due to a violation of athletics department policy. “I accept full responsibility for my actions,” Thornwell read from a written statement. “I would like to send apologies to our fans, (President) Dr. (Harris) Pastides, (Athletics Director) coach (Ray) Tanner and most importantly, my coaches and teammates. I am humbled and excited to be back on the court battling with my brothers and excited about conference play.” Thornwell’s first game back was for South Carolina’s trip to Georgia to open SEC play on Wednesday, Jan. 4. Thornwell missed six games because of the suspension, and the Gamecocks recorded a 3-3 record in those games after starting the season 7-0. Thornwell said he wasn’t sure if the team would’ve won those three games if he was in the lineup, but his teammates are certainly excited that January Magazine, 2017

sidelines as his brothers played the Thornwell is back in the lineup. games was hard for the Lancaster “I’m glad he gets to battle with us native, but it was also a chance for the again,” classmate Duane Notice said. other players to pick up the slack and “It’s going to be good for the morale of our team, and the confidence of our become better. P.J. Dozier and Justin McKie were two of the biggest benguys.” eficiaries, and While he overall played was suspendvery well in ed, Thornwell We have a duty to prepare these Thornwell’s was able to guys to be men, and that’s coming. absence. still practice “It was difand sit with He’s been great.” ficult for me his team— South Carolina to watch, but mates during Men’s Basketball the team grew games. Being Coach Frank Martin and I grew as able to stay in a player too somewhat of a from the sidelines,” Thornwell said. routine despite not playing in games Head coach Frank Martin said was hugely beneficial for Thornwell. that he doesn’t like suspending players “It helps a lot, mostly with condibecause it gives the impression that tioning,” Thornwell said. “I was able they are bad people, but also underto stay in shape and not get out of a stands that you have to do what you groove. It helped a lot to still be able have to do to make sure those players to practice and be around the guys.” understand right from wrong. With Thornwell said that he and his that said, Martin isn’t concerned that teammates always knew when he Thornwell’s suspension will affect his would be back from the suspension, role as the leader of the team because so there was never any doubt about of how much respect he already has in whether he would ever play for South the locker room. Carolina again. “We have a duty to prepare these Being forced to watch from the

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guys to be men, and that’s coming,” Martin said. “He’s been great, and because of that I think he’s okay with his teammates.” It was clear from his comments that Thornwell regretted the mistake he made. Now he can focus on doing well in SEC play in the hopes of making it to the NCAA Tournament. “I made a mistake, and I take full responsibility for my mistake,” Thornwell said. “Through this whole process, I wasn’t leading on the court, but I still led on the sidelines. I still tried to stay positive with the team and let my voice be heard.”

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THORNWELL

Anderson: ‘This is the deepest team I’ve ever had’

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Story by Kyle Heck | Reporter

he South Carolina women’s golf team played seven different golfers over the course of four tournaments during the fall portion of the schedule, but still managed to put together an impressive campaign. In fact, in the first tournament of the fall at the ANNIKA Intercollegiate, the Gamecocks broke the program record for lowest 18-hole score and 54-hole score. The Gamecocks then bookended the fall season with a victory in the Landfall Tradition tournament where two freshmen were in the lineup as well as a sophomore who had been with the team for less than a year. “We won our last tournament in the fall with three freshmen in the lineup, essentially,” head coach Kalen Anderson said. “I was really pleased with the progress and adjustment. We have a really talented team, I’ve always felt really good about that, but just getting everyone acclimated and adjusted was huge.” The Gamecocks clearly were more comfortable as the fall progressed,

WOMEN’S GOLF RECAP

and it has Anderson excited about the spring. With the fresh, new talent on the team, the Gamecocks are in a unique position under the direction of Anderson. “This is the deepest team I’ve ever had since I’ve been here,” Anderson said. “This is my 10th season and by far this is the most depth we’ve had, which is really exciting because they’re pushing each other to get better every week. Essentially once everyone did get adapted and settled in and through their first couple months of school, I think we started to see the benefits of everyone getting settled. That excites me for the spring and moving forward.” Katelyn Dambaugh was again the leader of the Gamecocks during the fall, posting a scoring average of 69.83, which ranked seventh in Division I. The senior led the team in every tournament, and earned her fifth career runner-up finish at the Cougar Classic by posting a programrecord 206 (-10). Dambaugh participated in the

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LPGA Qualifying Tournament earlier in December, and could have turned professional after a solid showing. However, she decided to return to finish school and close out her career with the Gamecocks. “The entire time she assured me she was coming back to school, and I certainly appreciate that,” Anderson said. “She’s extremely loyal, and committed and dedicated to our program. Her finishing out her degree and her commitment to USC and her commitment to her team just speaks volumes to the person she is, and the family that she’s raised from.” The players are enjoyed a break after a tough fall season, but Anderson said they show up regularly at her

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office to talk about ways they could improve. That kind of mindset is exciting for Anderson, and shows that the team is dedicated to returning in the spring ready to go. “I think they’re really excited coming off that win, and knowing our potential for the spring,” Anderson concluded.

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January Magazine, 2017

Photo by Allen Sharpe

Gamecock baseball is just around the corner Story by Kyle Heck | Reporter

ith the season about to start, it’s time to start looking forward to the 2017 edition of the South Carolina baseball team. Upon returning to school in January, the Gamecocks began working out for the campaign after being away for the holiday break. Head coach Chad Holbrook was pleased with what his team did during fall practices and scrimmages. South Carolina is coming off a NCAA Super Regionals appearance last year, and are hoping to make the return to Omaha, Nebraska, for the College World Series this season. “I’m certainly encouraged by what I got a chance to see and our coaches what we got a chance to observe over the course of the fall,” Holbrook said shortly after fall practice ended. “We’ve certainly got a lot of areas to work on and we’ve got improvements to be made, and certainly these couple of months that are in front of us are critical to how we start our season in February.” Before the team left for the holidays, Holbrook said he was excited about the prospect of having everyone healthy for the beginning of practice

January Magazine, 2017

“We have some other guys in January. that have a chance to contribute,” The Gamecocks were recently Holbrook said. “I love the fact that ranked No. 4 in the Collegiate Basethe back of our bullpen is very old, ball preseason poll and are expected mature, veteran leadership-type guys to be highly ranked in every major that know what it’s like to get the final poll, for good reason. South Carolina outs of the game.” will return the majority of the pitchFrom a positional standpoint, the ing staff and several pivotal position Gamecocks lost the services of Gene players, as well as an impressive reCone, Dom cruiting class from Thompsonlast season. Williams Both Wil and Marcus Crowe and Clarke The Gamecocks were recently Mooney, Schmidt are ranked No. 4 in the Collegiate among highly-touted MLB prospects who are Baseball preseason poll and are ex- some others, players more than capable pected to be highly ranked in every but like Alex of being Friday Destino, night starters for major poll, for good reason. Jonah Bride, any team in the Chris Cullen, country on the John Jones and T.J. Hopkins return. mound. Adam Hill, who won seven Newcomer Carlos Cortes was one of games last season as a freshman, is the highest-rated draft prospects from another viable option for a weekend last season that decided to enroll in pitching spot. When you throw in school, and is expected to find a spot Reed Scott, Josh Reagan and Tyler in the middle of the South Carolina Johnson, who had an incredible lineup this year. postseason for the Gamecocks last One of the things Holbrook is year, there is no question that South most pleased with when it comes to Carolina has one of the best pitching his position players is the fact that so staffs in the nation.

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many of them can play all over the field. Setting a daily lineup will be extremely hard for Holbrook, but that’s a good problem to have as a coach. The Gamecocks officially open the season on Feb. 17 with a home series against UNC Greensboro, a team South Carolina played in the NCAA Regionals last season. “From a team standpoint, I’m as excited as I possibly can be about our team because they’re fun to be around,” Holbrook said. “They work extremely hard, they’re good kids, they’ve got great character and I know they’re going to put the investment in to have a successful season both individually and as a team.”

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Elliott meant a lot to the players he coached Story by Kyle Heck | Reporter

he best way to find out how a coach is respected or perceived is to talk to the players that particular individual coaches. Those are the people that are around that coach every day, and they’ll know better than anyone how important the coach is. Talking to the offensive linemen for South Carolina, it’s pretty clear that Shawn Elliott had a big impact at South Carolina. For the last seven years, Elliott served as the offensive line coach for the Gamecocks. He was also the running game coordinator and the cooffensive coordinator for a few years, and when Steve Spurrier stepped down midway through the 2015 season, Elliott served as the interim head coach for six games. On Dec. 9, Elliott took on a new challenge by officially taking over as head coach at Georgia State. The chance to be a permanent head coach was too good of an opportunity to pass up, and his players at South

16 SHAWN ELLIOT

Conference titles. He became the first Carolina were extremely happy for player in school history to appear in him. the Football Championship Subdivi“Congratulations, man,” Mason sion playoffs for four straight years. Zandi said when asked for his reacElliott then coached for Aption to the announcement. “Coach palachian State and was part of the Elliott has done me so many favors, staff that won and he’s done three straight everything FCS national right by me I owe that man so much. My championover the past ships from five years. For education, my ability as a football him to get the player, I appreciate him more than 2005-07 before acopportunity cepting the to be a head anything.” ball coach, — Mason Zandi job at South Carolina in he deserves January of 2010. every bit of it. Him and his family are To anyone that watched Elliott on tremendous people, and they deserve the sidelines before, during and after any amount of success that comes games, it was clear that he loved the their way.” University of South Carolina. As a native of Camden, Elliott While he’s now moved on to wanted nothing more than to coach accomplish another dream of being and play at South Carolina. He didn’t a permanent head coach, his players receive the opportunity to play for will always be thankful for everything the Gamecocks, instead going to Aphe did for them. palachian State where he helped lead “I think he did a great job as far the Mountaineers to two Southern

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as bond-wise and everything that he’s done,” sophomore Zack Bailey said. After accepting the Georgia State job, Cory Helms said that Elliott took the time to individually call each offensive lineman on the team. For fifth-year senior Zandi, he’ll always be thankful for the only coach in Division I who took a chance on him. “We had a great time,” Zandi said. “I owe that man so much. My education, my ability as a football player, I appreciate him more than anything. There’s always that competitive nature, and coach Elliott certainly has it. He wants to be a head coach and I don’t blame him. That’s your program and that’s awesome.” There’s no question that Georgia State will play hard and fight for their new coach because that’s what Elliott does for his team. That mindset was evident when he announced his intentions for the Gamecocks shortly after he was named the interim head coach. “I can tell you that we’re going to fight hard,” Elliott said. January Magazine, 2017

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Gamecocks more experienced and mature after strong fall season Story by Kyle Heck | Reporter

outh Carolina men’s tennis coach Josh Goffi knows the talent is there. He’s seen enough of his team to know that if they’re locked in and performing well, they can win a lot of matches. This fall, Goffi was most focused on how his team responded to each other and how the different players took on leadership roles and improved as individual players. Over the course of nine different fall tournaments, Goffi was pleased with what he saw from his players as the Gamecocks prepare for another tough schedule in the spring. “I think the results were great, to be honest,” Goffi said. “That always comes when you’re doing the right thing. Overall, I thought it was a very successful fall in the sense that our guys got better and made a few jumps in their games and hopefully we can carry that into the season.” Several players had impressive performances, including Gabriel January Magazine, 2017

we were solid,” Goffi said. “EveryFriedrich, who made it to the title thing we did was solid for the level match at the ITA Carolina Regionthat we all feel we were capable of als, and Yancy Dennis, who defeated playing at.” more ranked opponents this fall than South Carolina is in a unique anyone else on the team. position in that it returns every player The Gamecocks wrapped up from last year’s team. The Gamethe fall with three different players cocks just picking up missed out consolation on a NCAA wins at the Tournament SEC Coaches Each guy is just getting to work. berth after a Classic. FriedI think the results are paying off strong end to rich had one the 2015-16 of those wins because of that.” season, and while Har— South Carolina Men’s the players rison O’Keefe Tennis Coach Josh Goffi want to make and Andrew sure they get Schafer picked over that hump this season. up the other two. “It’s been a great transition,” Goffi Dennis, who found himself just said. “A couple guys made some realoutside of the lineup this past spring, izations last year, and we’re definitely made huge strides over the summer more of a mature group so practices and the fall, and could be the Gamehave been better. They’ve been a little cocks’ highest ranked player entering bit more on the professional side 2017. “As far as the rest of the team goes, of things where there’s not a lot of

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baggage or nonsense going on. Each guy is just getting to work. I think the results are paying off because of that.” The focus for the players over the winter break was to stay in touch with each other and develop team chemistry. That helps with the leadership Goffi wants to see, and another thing that stood out was how excited the players were to get back out on the court. “Our guys have gotten better,” Goffi said. “That’s what we do here. We are a developmental program, and we do get our guys better. It’s the leadership aspect of things. This is college tennis, it’s not an individual sport necessarily for these guys, and they’ve got to learn how to lead and be a little bit uncomfortable and step in on people’s toes when they need to.” The Gamecocks kicked off the spring schedule on Jan. 21 when they hosted The Citadel.

MEN’S TENNIS RECAP

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Gamecocks showcased mental toughness Column by Langston Moore | Contributing Writer

eing the big “little” brother my whole life I can’t speak with full authority on this, but I’ve caused enough irritation towards my older sibling that I can sense the discontent. It’s probably similar to a teacher or parent that repeats themselves over and over again with elementary lessons only to see the young pupil make the same inconsistent mistakes. From myself and the other former Gamecocks watching our “brothers from the coop” this season, there were plenty of Homer Simpson-esque “d’oh” moments. Here’s two examples of what I mean during the bowl game: Play 1 — first half of the Birmingham Bowl, true freshman Jake Bentley takes the snap on 3rd and medium, the protection is good and there’s a clean pocket, the passing windows are clear and unobstructed for Jake to make the throw. His mechanics aren’t the best, but he delivers a semi-wobbly ball to his freshman wideout Bryan Edwards. Edwards lined up as the wide out to Bentley’s right, beats the opposing defender across his face on the slant route, Edwards is seemingly wide open for the completion which would lead to a Gamecock first down. The pass hits an open Edwards in the gut - it’s dropped. The drive would end for the Gamecocks. Play 2 — With 10 minutes left in a two-score game, Bentley lines up in the redzone, looking to close the gap with South Florida. Bentley snaps the ball, the protection is poor, there’s pressure

18 MENTAL TOUGHNESS

from Bentley’s blind side, as the defendstronger or it can be something that er makes contact with Bentley he gets splinters the family apart. This team a sharp pass off to Edwards. Edwards’ chose to “tighten the circle.” Sitting at route isn’t the best and the defender 2-4 mid-season, with inconsistent play beats him for inside position. Bentley’s almost everywhere, this same “newbie” pass, under pressure, ricochets off the team found a way to win four games to USF defender and is somehow caught in become bowl eligible. the back of the endzone by Edwards to That same freshmen-laden team bring the Gamecocks within one score. scored a season high in points durThe Gamecocks would eventually send ing the bowl, set a Birmingham Bowl the game to overtime. record for yards on offense, and held the Two similar plays, with the same nation’s seventh-best scoring offense players, under two to zero points different offensive in the 4th situations, with The The fight displayed during the bowl quarter. vastly different football team results at the end game is indicative of the wins that will be stronger of the plays. These in 2017 after will come. two snapshots show a year under where the GameJeff Dillman’s cocks will need to direction. improve the most next season, “doing The improved physical strength the ordinary extraordinarily well.” That and speed should show up on the field starts and ends with mental toughness. and be easy to gauge. But this team’s It’s no secret that the 2016 Gamestrength next season should be its cock football team was young and “mental toughness.” inexperienced this year, especially at the Some may say mental toughness most crucial of positions. is something you’re either born with Everyone on the squad was a or you’re not. I disagree with that “greenhorn” when it came to the premise. Mental toughness, just like demands of coach Muschamp and his physical strength, can be improved and staff… everyone was a “freshman”. It’s bolstered. also no secret that teams/organizations I feel the reason some people are that endure these trials and tribulations more mentally tough than others is often return poised, stronger and more because they have gone through adverconfident because of the adversity, if sity and didn’t shy away from it. Most they choose to. people will not subject themselves to be Much like a family going through put in adverse situations in life for the tribulations, it either makes the family sake of hardening their “mental tough-

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ness” muscle. Why? Because you can’t show off your “mental toughness” like you can six pack abs; it’s just not very sexy. It’s even more difficult to sell something that’s not tangible in the eyes of a young college aged kid. Point is you can build this muscle up over time. My young “brothers from the coop” strengthened their mental toughness muscle this season. When I throw around the phrase “mental toughness” all I’m saying is the subject has a propensity to have more focus, concentration, determination and motivation to carry out an objective regardless of the obstacle and circumstances. During the bowl game there was ample opportunity to “phone it in.” “It’s the last game of the year”, “we overachieved this season so this is just an extra game”... all things people with little mental toughness would’ve said. But regardless of the result in Birmingham, the fight displayed during the bowl game is indicative of the wins that will come. After dropping routine passes, but making the acrobatic catches, after missing ordinary tackles, we make the spectacular plays to help our team. The key for this group of young Gamecocks is to take the next step in the process and do what championship teams do — “champions do the ordinary things better than everyone else” — Tony Dungy. And that starts with mental toughness. January Magazine, 2017

The 2016 season shows the process under Muschamp is well underway Column by Brian Hand | Contributing Writer

t was not a win. There is no denying that. But to me the Birmingham Bowl was the perfect way to end the 2016 season. Once again, yes, a win would have been better, but the way the Gamecocks battled back against pretty big odds in the final quarter to send the game into overtime shows me that the team is as we have seen pretty much all season taking on the personality of first-year head coach Will Muschamp. Unfortunately right now just taking on the personality is not enough, but as the Birmingham Bowl showed the Gamecocks will not go down without a fight. That’s the story of the season in my eyes. The 2016 Gamecocks had their opportunities to fold their tents at numerous times over the course of the season, but as a complete credit to the coaching staff and the buy-in of the players they did not. Instead of feeling sorry for

January Magazine, 2017

themselves after falling to 2-4 after the Sunday game loss to Georgia at Williams-Brice Stadium the Game-

there yet in the rivalry game loss to Clemson. Once again, coming off the

Photo by Allen Sharpe

cocks regrouped by winning four of their next five to earn the right to play in a bowl game. After claiming that sixth win in a 44-31 home win over Western Carolina the Gamecocks were reminded that as noted above they are not

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demoralizing loss to their rivals the Gamecocks could have completely given up on the year and not put together a good performance in the bowl game. Instead, against 22nd-ranked USF the Gamecocks once again showed

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their resolve by sending the game into overtime and just narrowly missing out on the bowl game upset. That’s not to say it was a moral victory once again. A loss is a loss. Nevertheless, the Gamecocks showed that the future is extremely bright in the bowl game loss with the leading passer and every player that recorded a rush or caught a pass in the game underclassmen. The 2016 season was not perfect as noted, but the Gamecocks did double their win total from the year before in year No. 1 under Muschamp. They went to a bowl. They downed a top-20 team in Tennessee at home. There are so many more things you can point out as to why the 2016 season is a success, which is why I am excited to see it all play out over the coming years under Muschamp’s tutelage. It’s going to take time, but the process is well underway. Take time to enjoy the ride.

MUSCHAMP’S PROCESS

Hendricks: ‘Dream big, and live your dream’ Feature by Kyle Heck | Reporter

es Hendricks grew up in Pickens, South Carolina, the heart of Clemson territory, but he was always a Gamecock fan. When it was time to decide where he wanted to go to college, he looked at the Tigers because it was close and the coaching staff had been by to watch him play, but ultimately decided to follow through with his dream. “That’s something that a lot of my Clemson fans have joked about,” Hendricks said. “That’s something that I let people know, that I’m a Carolina graduate. I played football at South Carolina. Joe Morrison was my coach. I let people know that, and it didn’t bother me being up here in Clemson territory.” Hendricks was a punter for the Gamecocks from 1984-87, and has been a teacher for more than 25 years. Recently, Hendricks decided to follow through with another dream. He had always been interested in politics, and a seat opened up on the Pickens County Council District 3. Hendricks said he prayed about whether he should run, and eventually decided

20 WES HENDRICKS

that he had to do it. “If I don’t follow through with my intentions to run, that means everything I’ve ever tried to get people to do to believe in themselves and motivate them means nothing,” Hendricks said. “My words are hollow. I can’t continue to try and motivate people if I don’t believe in myself.” So Hendricks ran and, despite having no political experience, won the seat and was sworn in on Jan. 3. Experiencing a football career at South Carolina played a big role in doing the right things to win the seat. “There’s so many life lessons learned from football that are so applicable in this right here,” Hendricks said. “The teamwork, working hard, working with people, accomplishing things, the perseverance, all those things are huge life lessons learned from athletics that have come in very handy here. Not only this, but in the classroom teaching as well.” Hendricks has many great memories of playing for the Gamecocks, any many of them came against those rival Tigers.

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“I often ask these Clemson folks, ‘What’s the first game Clemson lost in orange pants?’” Hendricks said. “That was in 1984 when we beat them 22-21. Never lost to them in Death Valley, I always point that out.” Along with that win in 1984, the Gamecocks tied the Tigers at Clemson in 1986. Hendricks’ final game with the Gamecocks was a 20-7 victory over Clemson at Williams-Brice Stadium in 1987. “That’s the one you go out on and hang your hat on forever,” Hendricks said. “Of course, all of them were special.” Growing up, Hendricks wanted to be a coach and teacher after college, and he was able to both after graduating from the University of South Carolina. “I went and followed my dream of playing for the Gamecocks, and got my undergrad in Physical Education.,” Hendricks said. “I teach Special Ed, and I’m also certified to be a high school and middle school administrator. That’s something I’m looking to get into now that my youngest

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daughter is getting ready to graduate high school.” Hendricks has been lucky to experience the things he has, but he also wants to help others accomplish their goals as well. That’s one of the biggest responsibilities he places on himself as an educator. “It was very surreal at times,” Hendricks said of playing at South Carolina. “Being able to fulfill a dream like that and being a teacher and a former coach, I know if I can do something like that, which I did, that means other people can do that. It’s always great to share that ‘Living a dream’ so that it might inspire others to have big dreams and live them out.” Hendricks still follows the Gamecocks, and tries to get back to as many games as possible. He’s also still involved with the University, and frequently volunteers his time. To wrap up his interview, there was an important message that Hendricks wanted to leave with. “Dream big, and live your dream,” Hendricks concluded.

January Magazine, 2017

Kotsar making a big impact for Gamecocks in ﬁrst year

Photo by Allen Sharpe

Story by Kyle Heck | Reporter

arlier this year, Maik Kotsar had a particularly good stretch of performances at his prep school in Wichita, Kansas, and soon after that, the University of South Carolina and coach Frank Martin reached out to him. For the native of Estonia, that was a game changer. “I was excited,” Kotsar said while speaking to the media for the first time on Wednesday, Dec. 14. “It was awesome to know that such a huge program was coming to recruit me. Because of a coach like Frank Martin, I just saw the future for the program and decided to come here.” Around a month into his career, Kotsar has proved to be the most

January Magazine, 2017

productive newcomer for the men’s basketball team. He has started every game, and as of Jan. 18 was averaging over seven points per game and right around five and a half rebounds per game. Kotsar is fourth on the team

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program. in minutes per game, which is an “Everyone is just trying to help impressive feat for a freshman under each other and just trying to learn Martin. from that,” Kotsar said. “That helped “Of course I didn’t expect to start me blend into the program and learn right away,” Kotsar said. “But I just the program.” kept doing my thing, kept working Right now, Kotsar is more of a hard and went from there.” traditional Not a lot of post player, but freshmen have said he hopes the ability to to develop his come right It was awesome to know that such game so that in and fill a a huge program was coming to he can become starting spot a better allon a Divirecruit me.” around player. sion I college — Maik Kotsar He would like basketball to one day play team, but at the “three” position, which would Kotsar’s background helped him give him the ability to run the floor with the transition. While in Estonia, more. Kotsar played with the national team, So far in his young career, Kotsar and that’s how he first was noticed. has been able to limit the mistakes He then transferred over to Sunrise that plague freshmen when they enter Christian Academy in Kansas, where he soon got noticed by Martin and the college. As he gets more and more experience, Kotsar should continue to Gamecocks. develop into quite the player for the The 6-foot-10, 245-pound forward Gamecocks. has helped fill the void left by the big “I just try to make smart decimen the Gamecocks graduated last sions as in try to stay cool during the year, and even though he has started game,” Kotsar said. “Think everyfrom day one, there was still an adthing through.” justment period for Kotsar. “The athleticism and physicality of the game is totally different than what I’m used to,” Kotsar said. “Still need All Gamecock Basketball to get a lot better in it.” Kotsar said that there aren’t many Coverage sponsored by: things different about life in the United States compared to Estonia, but did admit he eats a lot more barbecue now. The main adjustment has been getting used to life with his family far away. Kotsar’s Gamecock teammates have helped him with the transition, however, and that’s allowed him to become comfortable with the

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KOTSAR

Photo by Allen Sharpe

Beach Volleyball using day-by-day approach to work toward big goals Story by Kyle Heck | Reporter

he South Carolina beach volleyball team has improved its win total in each of the first three years of the program, and head coach Moritz Moritz and the Gamecocks are poised to continue that growth in 2017. This fall, the Gamecocks went through training and the Collegiate Beach Clash in November to help prepare themselves for the upcoming spring season. Overall, Moritz was pleased with how everything went. “I think we’re pleased with the development of the team,” Moritz said. “I think we’re pretty excited about where we are right now, and the next measure will be March when we’re playing that first tournament and actually putting it all to test.” Instead of getting lost in the bigger picture, Moritz prefers to take things one day at a time. He wants to see the small things his team does every practice and training session that will eventually lead to the success down the road, something that is always the ultimate goal. “That’s kind of the joy for me as a coach is seeing how we’re improving in every little aspect that we do every

22 BEACH VOLLEYBALL RECAP

day,” Moritz said. “I think we could have a really good year. We’re still working on the schedule itself, but we have a pretty tough schedule. It’s just constantly grinding and working to get better.” The roster for this year is shaping up to be a well-rounded one for South Carolina. The Gamecocks have several seniors who have been around for the duration of the program, and there is also a large, talented freshmen class that numbers seven who will be coming into the fold as well. Throw in a couple of talented sophomores and juniors, and South Carolina appears to have a complete team. Katie Zimmerman is someone who Moritz has been proud of, particularly since Zimmerman had a four-year indoor volleyball career at Wichita State before joining South Carolina’s beach program as a graduate student. Last season, she paired with then-sophomore Macie Tendrich to form the Gamecocks’ top duo with the pair racking up a team-high 26 wins. One of the seniors, Jade Vitt, is someone else who has impressed Moritz with her ability to step up her

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game since arriving on campus. With players like that, Moritz loves the makeup of his team. “We just continue to have this group team mentality of everyone doing the best that they can to make themselves better overall, and keep us moving in the right direction,” Moritz said. South Carolina participated in the Collegiate Beach Clash in Georgia this fall, and it was a great opportunity for the Gamecocks to break away from practice against each other to face outside competition. “We learned a lot,” Moritz said. “It was fun for the team to be able to compete against outside competition and not see each other across the net like they have all semester long. We have a long ways to go, though.” Two of the freshmen, Carly Schnieder and Katie Smith, were named to the AVCA High School Beach All-America team in September, and the recognition now gives the Gamecocks three players who were on the prestigious team with junior Julia Mannisto making it in 2014. South Carolina is the only program in the country to have three AVCA Beach

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All-Americans on its roster, and Moritz credited the University and the recruiting ability of the coaching staff as big reasons the Gamecocks have that distinction. So while Moritz mentioned that his team still has a long ways to go, it’s clear that the talent is there for South Carolina to continue on the upward trajectory in the fourth year of the program’s existence. Now it’s about continuing to focus on the little things each day that will help the Gamecocks moving forward. “Really focused on some pretty big goals, and working toward that has been huge for us,” Moritz concluded.

All Gamecock BEACH VOLLEYBALL Coverage sponsored by:

January Magazine, 2017

Photo by Allen Sharpe

Epley: ‘I think there are a lot of positive signs for us after this fall’ Story by Kyle Heck | Reporter

ast season, the South Carolina women’s tennis team recorded 19 wins, which was the most since 1995. The Gamecocks advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the third straight year, and

extended their streak of making the postseason to a whopping 22 years, which is tied for the 11th-longest current streak in the country. While it was yet another successful season for South Carolina, head

Horvit along with the other freshcoach Kevin Epley would’ve liked his man, Silvia Chinellato, showed Epley team to advance farther in the NCAA that they have the ability to compete at Tournament, particularly since the the SEC level. Gamecocks earned a host bid. The Ingrid Gamarra Martins is another team got off to an incredible start to player that stood out during the fall as the season, rising all the way up to No. she became the first Gamecock since 8 in the rankings. 1990 to compete in the prestigious The Gamecocks recently wrapped USTA/ITA National Indoor Collegiate up the fall portion of their 2016-17 Championships. season where they tried to use the moThe sophomore had a strong permentum gained from last year to get formance at the tournament, making it off to a great start in the new season. to the consolation quarterfinals. The roster looks much like it did “She’s made some big jumps last year, with the exception of the (since freshdeparture of man year),” Ximena Siles Epley said Luna, who So we know we can play with of Martins. played at No. “She worked 6 singles. To anybody.” hard over the offset that, — South Carolina Women’s summer. She’s South Carolina Tennis Coach Kevin Epley another one signed two that proved she freshmen can play at the very top level in college who have a tremendous amount of tennis.” potential. South Carolina is set to have a Mia Horvit, a freshman from Palm challenging schedule in the spring, but City, Florida, had a terrific fall that was Epley believes his team will be able to capped off with a singles title at the handle it, particularly with the amount Jack Kramer Collegiate Invitational in of experience that returns. Los Angeles. “We basically have the same lineup Overall, Horvit finished the fall we had last year, minus our No. 6, and with an 11-1 record, and while she was we’ve added two good players,” Epley a highly-regarded prospect out of high said. “So we know we can play with school, she has exceeded even Epley’s anybody. It’s really going to be a matter expectations. of if we come together as a team and “She lost her first match as a college decide that we really want to do this.” tennis player and really was just very If the fall is any indication, the nervous, started to get it back but it Gamecocks could be on the right track was a little too late in that match,” to showing that they do in fact want to Epley noted. “She was playing a senior. improve off an impressive season last Since then has been pretty dominatyear. ing. Her last match she played in L.A. “I think there are a lot of positive against (Terri Fleming) from UCLA, signs for us after this fall,” Epley said. she played very well. She’s going to be “We definitely have a good squad. It a very good player. She had a great fall was a pretty successful (fall) season.” all in all.”

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January Magazine, 2017

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WOMEN’S TENNIS RECAP

Photo by Allen Sharpe

Gamecocks will ‘hit the ground running’ when they return to practice Story by Kyle Heck | Reporter

couple of weeks into fall practice, South Carolina softball head coach Beverly Smith was pleased with how her team was performing. With fall practice now in the books, Smith is still very comfortable with the team she’ll have when the 2017 season starts up in February. In particular, the newcomers on the squad made quite the impression to start their careers in the Garnet and Black, and they fit in well with the rest of the team from a chemistry standpoint, which is very important for any team in any sport. “I saw drastic improvement in our newcomers,” Smith said. “I really like the attitude and the positivity of our team in the locker room and the way our girls get along. I think that’s one of the strengths of the team.” While Smith was able to see a lot of her team perform during the fall, she wasn’t able to see much from her star-studded pitching duo of Nickie Blue and Jessica “Jake” Elliott. Both

24 SOFTBALL RECAP

pitched less than 10 innings during the fall, but they’ll be healthy and ready to go in the spring. This fall, outfielders Kennedy Clark and Tiara Duff y did the majority of the pitching for the team, and Smith was proud of the courage those two players showed. It will be important for the entire team to keep up the hard work over winter break, because according to Smith, there will be a tougher fitness test waiting for the players when they arrive back on campus. “That’s the hard part about softball is they get in great shape during the fall, and we just don’t want them to take the time off over the holidays and lose their fitness base,” Smith said. “So we’re going to challenge them with a new fitness test when they come back. In my mind that sets a tone saying, ‘Hey, I’ve done my part over the break. I’ve come back in shape, I’m ready to go.’ We’ll just hit the ground running.” The team reported back on Janu-

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ary 6, which gave Smith an entire weekend to work with her players before school started. That’s obviously beneficial when it comes to preparing for the season that starts soon. The ability to have a little extra practice time is particularly beneficial this year as South Carolina faces a daunting schedule in 2017. Of the 56 games on the schedule, 33 are against teams that made the NCAA Tournament last season. The tough schedule is no coincidence. “I scheduled with intent,” Smith said. “I wanted our nonconference RPI to be higher. We don’t have a problem in conference. We have a tough, tough SEC schedule. But I scheduled with intent for our nonconference RPI to be stronger because I want us to have the best opportunity to host regionals here. I want us to be at home in front of our fans.” The Gamecocks made the NCAA Tournament last year for the fourth

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consecutive season, and Smith believes the group in 2017 has the potential to make a lot of noise in the postseason. In fact, she made that clear to the players on the first day of fall practice. “I believe we’ve got the team to play this schedule, and I started the first day of practice by showing the girls the schedule and I said, ‘This is what kind of team I think we have,’” Smith said. “I wanted to show them that I have the confidence that we can play the schedule and win it. I didn’t want to put them in a situation to not succeed. This team is ready for the schedule.” Be on the lookout for more information about season tickets for the upcoming year, and for more information about everything South Carolina softball, including a countdown clock to the season opener, visit GamecockSoftball.com.

January Magazine, 2017

Photo by Allen Sharpe

Major: ‘There were some very positive things out of the fall’ Story by Kyle Heck | Reporter

he South Carolina equestrian team entered the 2016-17 season hoping to make big strides after a disappointing campaign the year be-

fore. At the halfway point of the season, head coach Boo Major has overall been pleased with what her team has done. The No. 8 Gamecocks (3-3, 1-2 SEC

junior, Paige Stopperich, has taken as of Jan. 18) already have impressive advantage of her extended riding time wins over Georgia and Baylor, two this season. teams that are currently ranked in the South Carolina took advantage top four in the most recent NCEA poll. of four straight home meets to begin Two of the three losses for South Carothe year, winning three of them. The lina have both been by just two points. Gamecocks had two tough road losses, “We had some good wins,” Major but overall Major has been pleased with said. “There were some very positive the gradual improvement her team has things out of the fall that we were very showed since happy with. the season Any time you began. can have a win “I think over Georgia, We just have to keep plugging and that’s one thing that’s a positive doing what we can. But I do think we challenged thing. We just have to keep we’re in a better spot this year than our girls to do was just plugging and we were last year.” to have some doing what we — South Carolina Eques- improvement,” can. But I do think we’re in trian Coach Boo Major Major said. “Just to work a better spot on improving throughout the semester. this year than we were last year. I can’t Each of the girls that competed was say I’m pleased, but I’m okay with where challenged with a different thing that we are. We have plenty of time to get they needed to get better with. I think better.” for the most part they did.” The Gamecocks have had sevAs always, this winter break will be eral standouts emerge during the fall extremely important in deciding how portion of the schedule, including the Gamecocks finish out the season. freshman Caroline Gute, who sports a Much of it relies on the student-athsuperb 4-0-1 record at the halfway point letes continuing to train and treat their in reining. bodies right during the break. “I think she’s just done an excepFour of the six meets in the spring tional job of being able to jump right in are away from One Wood Farm in and has really proven herself,” Major Blythewood, so Major hopes her team said of Gute. can come back in shape and ready to go Another freshman, Madison Sellin the spring. man, earned praise from Major in equi“Once they get back, I think we just tation over fences and Sydney Smith has continue to try and stress the consisalso performed well in that event as she tency,” Major said. “Just trying to ride has a 2-0-1 SEC record so far in fences. more consistently and to consistently In equitation on the flat, redshirt get better. I think if we’re doing that junior Chloe Schmidt has done a good then we’ll continue to improve.” job of “coming into her own” according to Major, and in horsemanship another

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January Magazine, 2017

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EQUESTRIAN RECAP

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South Carolina was the perfect ﬁt for Rakym Felder Story by Kyle Heck | Reporter

outh Carolina freshman Rakym Felder definitely knows that his career at South Carolina didn’t get off to the greatest start. He was arrested and suspended in October, and missed the exhibition and season opener. However, Felder has played in every game since, and appears to have rebounded well after that mistake. Head coach Frank Martin has been very supportive of Felder and the kind of man he is, and it’s something that means a lot to the freshman. Martin is never going to be a coach that hides anything from his players, and that transparency was something that stood out to Felder in the recruiting process. “We built a strong relationship before I even committed,” Felder said. Felder played his freshman season at Indian Land High School in Fort Mill before finishing up his high school career in Brooklyn, New York. Felder decided to make the return to

26 RAKYM FELDER

South Carolina because the University and Martin’s basketball program was just a perfect fit for him. “Just the environment and the people, and how much help you get down here,” Felder said. “They’re very supportive in what you do, and how you are as a person. It’s been a good fit.” Since joining the lineup, Felder has gotten better with each passing game. As of Jan. 18, he was averaging over 14 minutes per game, and has been a good spark off the bench behind starting point guard P.J. Dozier. There are several talented upperclassmen with Felder in the backcourt, including Duane Notice, Sindarius Thornwell, Justin McKie and even sophomore Dozier. Being able to go up against some of the SEC’s best in practice every day has been extremely important in the development of Felder as a basketball player. Those players were also there when Felder was going through his

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struggles off the court. “They help me a lot,” Felder said of the older guards. “Coming in, I had a rough start, and they helped me surpass that moment and focus on my future and work hard every day in practice. Every day I have to come in and work my hardest, and I think that helped me a lot.” One of the reasons Felder has been able to find playing time early in his career is his ability to quickly pick up the defensive scheme. Playing good defense is a must with Martin as head coach, and Felder said he’s finally comfortable with that aspect of things. What does he need to get better at? “Just decision making,” Felder said. “Getting my teammates in the offense, and just being a point guard.” Those and other improvements will likely come with more experience. Right now, Felder is focused on soaking up as much as he can from the older players and from his time on

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the court. Felder made the decision to move up to Brooklyn after his freshman year of high school so his older brother could watch him play in person. His brother, who is five years older, taught Felder how to play basketball in the first place. Felder was able to return to Brooklyn earlier this season when the Gamecocks played Syracuse at the Barclays Center, and he was back in New York again when South Carolina played Seton Hall at Madison Square Gardens. Felder’s high school team played in the state championship at MSG last year, but he was injured and didn’t get to play. Felder finally got that chance the second time around. “It was great,” Felder said. “A lot of family and friends got to see me play, and just to play in front of my city was big. I always wanted to play in Madison Square Gardens. That was the best feeling running out the tunnel and being on the floor.” January Magazine, 2017

Emily White Remembered for Her Lasting Impact on Gamecock Athletics into the University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008, and

eral years ago, merely hints at the great impact she had on coaches, staff and student-athletes who had the opportunity to know her. “Emily is a beautiful person,” said former athletics director Eric Hyman (2005-2012). “She was genuine. She was generous. She was my rock. She was a difference-maker in the lives of others.” “She will always be known for her silent poise and her kind demeanor,” added former athletics director Mike McGee (1993-95). “She showed a great

that the Athletics Director’s Suite in the Rice Athletics Center was named in her honor by a generous donor sev-

personal interest in everyone she met. Emily was more than an administrative assistant. She was my right hand

By Brad Muller | Contributing Writer

he South Carolina Athletics family paid its respects to longtime administrative assistant to the athletics director Emily White on Tuesday, Jan. 10. The 78-year-old West Columbia, S.C., native passed away last week after 50 years of assisting coaches and administrators at South Carolina, working with 10 athletics directors during her tenure. Family and friends met at The Zone at Williams-Brice Stadium following her funeral to celebrate her life and share stories, many of them humorous, about the impression she had made on those around her. “We will miss her, but we will always celebrate the bright light she brought us at the University of South Carolina,” athletics director Ray Tanner said. The fact that Emily was inducted

on a daily basis, and my left hand at times, too.” Current and former coaches, including former baseball coach Bobby Richardson (1970-1976) were also on hand. “She really looked out for me,” Richardson said. “She taught me so much. “I was a little disappointed the other day when I heard that (former head groundskeeper) Sarge Frye was her favorite staff member,” Richardson laughed as he continued. “Then I realized, that she was so special to every coach and everyone involved at the university, that everybody felt that way. She was special to each one of us.” Director of Athletics Development Jack Wilson recalled how former South Carolina football coach Paul Dietzel had given her the nickname “the Desert Rose,” and how Sarge Frye planted a rose garden a short time later outside of her office at the old Roundhouse administration building. A few years ago, some of those rose bushes were moved from the Roundhouse to the Rice Athletics Center after its construction, and can be a reminder for some about Emily’s pleasant place in their lives on a daily basis.

What a difference one year can make Column by Bill Gunter | Contributing Writer

s I was prepping to write this article, I came across the article that I wrote for Spurs and Feathers last year at nearly this same time following a win on the road at Mississippi. At that time the point of the article was that South Carolina basketball was still under construction and while things were going well, fans needed to be patient and enjoy the ride. Fast-forward to January of 2017 and while a program is always under construction it appears that Frank Martin has achieved what he set out to do when he took the job in the spring of 2012. The Gamecocks have become a hardnosed defensive team that has athletes throughout the roster and does not back down from any opponent at any time. There is no denying that there is still work to be done and goals to be accomplished. At the very least, the Gamecocks need to make the NCAA Tournament this season and with the current team, win a tournament game. However, this team appears poised to accomplish both of those goals provided they can stay healthy and out of trouble. The truth is that Martin has worked extremely hard to build an SEC-type basketball roster and in recent weeks there has been more evidence of just how complete this roster has become. January Magazine, 2017

been built differently than at any time Consider against Texas A&M earlier this over the past 20 years. year. With the Gamecocks big men in Martin started with a foundation foul trouble, seldom used Ran Tut comes and has found key contributors in off the bench to play a few minutes, and Sindarius Thornwell, Chris Silva, P.J. also played at Tennessee and vs MissisDozier and Duane Notice, but again sippi while there was little drop off in has added solid complimentary parts in athletic ability on the floor. Felder, Gravett, Maik Kotsar and Sedee Other bench players such as Rakym Keita giving the program not just depth, Felder and Hassani Gravett have but talented stepped up to be depth they have key contributors at some point this I feel that the program Martin has not had in a long season and that strived to put in place is complete. time.That is what is all part of the Martin plan. The next step is adding accomplish- makes this team now this Right now, ments and building the resume. and program so much I feel there is a different than certain level of the one I wrote anxiety and skepabout last year at this same time. At ticism regarding this basketball team that time, the construction was still and most of it is due to what happened taking place, but a year later I feel that last year when the Gamecocks had the program Martin has strived to put such a good season and still missed the in place is complete. The next step is NCAA Tournament, but I also believe it adding accomplishments and building is time to let that go. the resume. Following the Gamecocks’ win over For that to happen the Gamecocks Texas A&M, Martin remarked that his certainly need to win more games this team is starting to do a lot of firsts for year and get to the NCAA Tournament, the program. Those include the most but they also need fans to forget the past regular season wins ever last year and and realize what is now happening at starting 3-0 in conference play for the Colonial Life Arena and with Gamecock first time since 1996-1997. It is time that basketball. people also realize this program has

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Martin has a new contract extension in place, he has one of his best recruiting classes coming in with high level prospects like Ibrahim Doumbia and David Beatty on the way, and he has a more stable program than at any point I can remember in the past 20 years. The Gamecocks are off to another solid start in conference play and personally I expect it to continue. Martin and his team are not building a program any longer; they are building a national reputation and will need help from the fans. By continuing to win ball games, national media pundits are taking notice of what Martin is doing, and by fans creating a tougher and more energetic home court environment, higher level recruits will take notice of what’s happening. It can be strange sometimes how much something can change in a year but that is what has happened for Gamecock basketball. They have arrived at a different place than a year ago when I wrote an article similar to this one. The difference now is the confidence is there, the program is stable and the expectation with each win rises a little higher. The bigger and possibly more fun question is, what will I be writing about regarding Gamecock basketball in January of 2018?

EMILY WHITE REMEMBERED

Photo of Bill and Gloria Golding in Omaha, 2004. Photo provided by Mike Stacey

Bill Golding’s amazing love for the Gamecocks Story by Kyle Heck | Reporter

nyone who’s been to a South Carolina baseball game probably knows who Bill Golding is. Some of them may not know his name, but they certainly know his appearance - a guy decked out in garnet and black striped overalls and a baseball helmet covered in Gamecock stickers. For well over 30 years, Golding has attended home and away South Carolina baseball games, as well as home and away football games. For the people closest to them, Bill and his wife, Gloria, are the biggest Gamecock fans you’ll ever meet. “He’s all heart,” said Rudy Gardner, who’s known Bill and Gloria for around 20 years. “Everything he’s got inside him, he gives it to the University, and it’s just absolutely amazing to me. My family, we’re big Gamecock fans, but I have to be honest with you, Bill takes it to a level I didn’t even know existed. He’s a very special person.” Rudy met Bill and Gloria when he started to look for a RV to go on road trips to Gamecock games. Bill had already purchased a motorhome for the same reason, and he helped Rudy throughout the process. For many years, Bill and Gloria were the ones responsible for coordinating with away stadiums to figure out where motorhomes could park. They would pass that information on to the other families who made the trips in their RVs. There’s not much that can stop Bill

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and Gloria from attending South Caro- started to affect the home games. lina sporting events, even when old Gloria needed a scooter to get up the age starts to take its toll. This fall, Bill ramps at Williams-Brice Stadium, was in the hospital several times, and and the couple’s parking spots were a it forced him to miss quite a few South good bit away from the stadium in the Carolina football games. For someone RV campgrounds off George Rogers that’s as dedicated to attending events Boulevard. as anyone, it was a tough time. After a disastrous experience where But even hospital visits didn’t stop Stacey tried to drive Gloria to the Bill all the time. Mike Stacey, another stadium on a golf cart while Bill rode long-time friend the scooter, of Bill and GloStacey knew ria, said that for he had to one of the home figure someHe’s going to go to the very end. games, Bill was thing out. able to leave the He posted on He’s always made that clear with hospital in the the Gameeveryone that knows him.” morning just so cockCentral he could attend — Rudy Gardner message the football board, askgame later that ing if anyone day. had an extra parking pass for ‘Oot, “It’s kind of crazy, but that’s how Oot’ closer to the stadium. dedicated they are,” Stacey said. “I had two guys almost immediateAlong with his outfit, another ly donate their passes (and) wouldn’t thing that Bill is known for is his let me pay for them,” Stacey said. trademark ‘Oot, Oot’ chant at baseball “These guys, they just gave it to us. It games. The chant was born when, long was right near the stadium. The games ago, Bill responded to a heckler from that (Bill and Gloria) came to, I was an opposing team with ‘Oot, Oot.’ It able to take them in their truck with caught from there, and a former basethe scooter on the back, park them, ball player even made bumper stickers and then meet them after the game with the phrase on it. and drive them back to the RV park. I When Bill and Gloria’s health think everyone that goes to games on a started failing a few years ago, they regular basis knows who they are, and weren’t able to attend as many road really supports them and their efforts. events as they used to, and this past We really appreciated it.” football season, the health issues While he had met Bill and Gloria

“

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before, Stacey and his family really became close to the couple on a motorhome trip to Omaha for the College World Series in 2004. The relationship grew closer, and now Stacey considers the huge Gamecock fans family. “They’re like our second parents almost,” Stacey said. Bill has made a huge impact on the lives of many, and his love for the Gamecocks is clear. Gardner considers Bill a “legend” and said that if he had the money, he would buy the naming rights to the field at Founders Park and rename it “Golding Field.” While Bill and Gloria can no longer move around and do all the things they wanted to because of health concerns, putting a stop to attending Gamecock baseball and football games is something they’ll never do. “He’s going to go to the very end,” Gardner said of Bill. “He’s always made that clear with everyone that knows him.” There are obviously lots of dedicated South Carolina Gamecocks fans all around the country, but ‘Oot, Oot’ holds a special place in the heart of many. “As far as anyone loving the Gamecocks more, I don’t think there is a person,” Gardner said. “I’m sure there’s a lot of people that love them as much as he does, but there’s no one that loves them more. Him and Gloria have been absolutely wonderful over the years. True fans.” January Magazine, 2017

Basketball and football programs on the rise Column by Ed Girardeau | Contributing Writer

appy New Year! Here’s hoping that 2017 brings excitement and championships to USC’s athletic programs across the board. From a Gamecock perspective, 2016 ended with a whimper. The football team certainly ended with a thud season and postseason. The men’s basketball team saved the worst for last going to Memphis and looking poor on New Year’s Eve eve. At least one thing remains consistently good and that’s Dawn Staley’s women, as they shook off the one loss at Duke by winning the next four and opening the SEC schedule on New Year’s Day by more than doubling up Alabama, who came in 12-1, by a final score of 93-45. From the football perspective, nobody was happy with the season ending beat down at Clemson. I was glad to hear Coach Muschamp say that this one would “sit with them” for a while. I’d say it needs to stick in the craw until at least the first game of the season and I have the feeling it will. The bowl game was disappointing as well. Another poor start lead to a situation where it was too big of a hole to dig out, though the offense stormed back and put it in overtime. One play in OT by South Florida put them on the board,

and then USC was unable to match it. After the game Coach Muschamp said the way to fix it would be through recruiting and that he and the staff would immediately hit the road to find the players that would turn it around. Coach has been consistent on that. From the first press conference through this first season, the battle cry has been recruit, recruit, recruit. Rather than ignore the events of this past month in the Upstate, I’m reminded of a line from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade where a young Indie has an antique cross that he had taken from some treasurer hunters, only to have it taken back and given to some scoundrel. One of the hunters tells the young man, “You lost today kid, but it doesn’t mean you have to like it.” He puts his hat on him and when he looks up, it’s an older Indiana Jones who is punched in the mouth. That’s kind of how it feels. Like being punched in the mouth. It happened and we don’t have to like it and we certainly don’t have to celebrate it. However, I contend that we should embrace it. They have done exactly what we want to do, so why not us? The first thing to do is figure out how they got there. That’s pretty easy in fact. They did

it through recruiting. There is no denying that they have many talented and excellent football players. Yes, they have an outstanding quarterback and that is important, but it’s not just Watson. They have really good players on both sides of the ball. Obviously, this is true at Alabama as well, thus, Muschamp’s emphasis on recruiting is right on the money. One of the interesting things that I’ve noticed over my 56 years of being involved is that Carolina and Clemson live in parallel universes. If South Carolina gets a new building, Clemson gets a new building. If Clemson is good, it won’t be long before South Carolina is as good if not better and the same comes back the other way. While the Gamecocks were beating the Tigers five years in a row, it was driving Clemson crazy. They got better. Now it’s Carolina’s turn to get better and return the favor. Patience is key. It will not happen overnight (though it would be great if it did). Remember back in 1981, the last time this happened. Three years later in 1984, South Carolina started 9-0 and finished 10-1 for the best regular season (percentage wise) in the history of the school. Is that a mere coincidence? I do

Keita excited for chance to shine with Gamecocks

Photo by Jenny Dilworth

Story by Kyle Heck | Reporter

edee Keita came out of 22ft Basketball Academy in Greenville as a highly-touted forward with offers from across the country. In the end, the Philadelphia native chose South Carolina, and it had a lot to do with head coach Frank Martin. “Definitely the biggest reason would be coach Martin (and) him being loyal,” Keita said. “Just being a real dude. Coaching you hard every day. He’s going to push you every day and make you the best player you can be.” Keita missed the first four games of the season with a wrist injury that took a while to hear, but he was able to work himself back into the lineup and made his debut in the big win over Michigan. As of Jan. 18, Keita had played in 13 games, and is averaging just over 12 minutes per game. With Keita behind some of his freshmen teammates because of the injury, he is still in the adjustment period. “The biggest adjustment is probably the speed, and you have to know January Magazine, 2017

what you’re doing at all times,” Keita said. “There’s a lot of different plays and a lot of different things you have to be aware of when you’re playing.” The Gamecocks are off to a great start to the season, but Martin wants to see his post players do a better job of rebounding. Dominating the glass is a big focus point, and Keita himself is still working on that phase of his game. Luckily for Keita and the other six freshmen on the team, they all have each other to lean on to help with the transition. Maik Kotsar and Khadim Gueye are the other two post players that are freshmen, and Keita has developed a particularly strong bond

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with those players. “We’re actually all roommates so we spend a lot of time together talking about the adjustments of high school to coming to play in the SEC,” Keita said. Sophomore Chris Silva has also been a big help to the freshmen. Having gone through the transition last season, Silva knows exactly what Keita and the others are going through. “He comes in early to practice so

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not think so. Does it mean we have to wait three years? Who knows. Maybe it will take five, or maybe two, but whatever it takes it will be worth it when we get there. Evidence of this is the men’s basketball program. South Carolina has been mediocre in basketball since the Eddie Fogler years. It has taken Frank Martin some time, but we’ve seen it get progressively better each year with a recordtying season of 25 wins last year. That was quite a bump to end the year on, but it has a silver lining. Sindarius Thornwell was suspended for the last six games of the non-conference schedule, in which we went 3-3. If there is any question as to the importance of the Gamecock’s best player, it was answered by the results of those games and the play of the team since his return. Losing to Clemson in Columbia is a tough pill to swallow, but I think the team is better for the experience. Players who would not have gotten to play as much, such as Justin McKie, got better due to getting more experience. PJ Dozier now realizes that he can score on regular basis if he’s called on to do it. Chris Silva, who probably pressed himself more in Sin’s absence, settled down CONTINUED ON P. 30

he’s a good role model,” Keita said. “We just follow whatever Chris does, and be a hard worker.” Playing big-time basketball in the SEC is another reason why Keita chose to come to South Carolina, but he’s also been able to play in some pretty famous places that not a lot of college players get to play in. The Gamecocks have already played games in Madison Square Gardens and the Barclays Center this season, two Meccas of the basketball and entertainment world. “That’s part of the reason I came to play because you get to play at the highest level and play on the biggest stage,” Keita said. As he continues to develop, Keita hopes to soon play with his teammates in the most important games of the year in March.

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on his return and stayed in the games that followed by not fouling out. Probably the player who responded best with Thornwell’s return was Duane Notice. Notice’s roll has been to be the stopper on defense and add scoring when needed. Without Sindarius in the lineup, Notice was needed to score more and it definitely affected his game, but with Sin back, he relaxed and was able to put 19 on the board against Texas A&M. The bench players have responded well, too. Rakym Felder in about a minute against Clemson turned the ball over twice and committed a foul. He turned and walked directly to the bench where he sat out the rest of the game. Since, he’s gotten better through playing through it and scored 19 himself against Texas A&M and has become an important part of the rotation in games. The bigs also had to play more during Thornwell’s time out. Sedee Keita and Khadim Gueye are freshmen who need more playing time to get better. They still have a long way to go, but you can see both getting better with each game. The Gamecocks have started 3-0 in conference. That’s the first time since the ‘96-’97 season where Fogler’s team went 15-1 and won the SEC, beating Kentucky

30 ED GIRARDEAU

on Senior Day in Lexington. There’s no guarantee that it’s coming again, but it’s a good start. Winning the SEC would be great, but the better goal in my mind is going to the NCAA tournament and winning at least one game (two would be better, but I’ll take the one). That would be the first time since 1973 that has happened. I had someone tell me that it was nice for USC to be relevant again. To many people the basketball team will not be relevant until winning in the tournament occurs. It’s the next step. We’ve been patient while the women’s team has become one of the best in the country. We can see this through. We were patient while the baseball team kept at it until two National Championships in a row. I have no doubt that Coach Muschamp and his staff will recruit an outstanding class this year, and even better ones in the years to come. Championships will follow and who knows? Maybe one of these years we will be the one with the National Championship in the new year. Why not us? It’s a great time to be a Gamecock!

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