This Sunday, the South Carolina Volleyball team takes on SEC rival LSU at 1:30 PM in the Volleyball Competition Facility.  The first 500 fans will receive a Gamecock Silly Band from our collection!

To complete the set of 5 Gamecock Silly Bands, fans can attend the following games where a different one will be given out each day!

Volleyball vs. LSU - Sunday, October 3 @ 1:30 PM
Men's Soccer vs. N. C. State - Tuesday, October 12 @ 7 PM
Women's Soccer vs. Georgia - Friday, October 15 @ 7 PM
Men's Soccer vs. UCF - Saturday, October 16 @ 7 PM
Volleyball vs. Auburn - Sunday, October 17 @ 1:30 PM
Women's Soccer vs. Tennessee - Sunday, October 17 @ 1 PM

Make sure you don't miss your chance to collect all 5 of our limited edition Gamecock Silly Bands!!

Go Gamecocks!

These news and notes courtesy of the SEC:

 * The SEC has six of the 47 semifinalists for the National Football Foundation's William V. Campbell Trophy, announced today (Thursday). The Campbell Trophy, also commonly known as the "Academic Heisman," is given to a senior or graduate student based on GPA, leadership, citizenship and football ability.  The six SEC semifinalists are Alabama QB Greg McElroy, Georgia WR Kris Durham, Mississippi State OT Derek Sherrod, South Carolina OG Garrett Chisolm, Tennessee PK Daniel Lincoln and Vanderbilt LB John Stokes.  The 15 finalists will be announced on Oct. 28 and the recipient of the Campbell Trophy will be announced on Dec. 7 as part of the annual NFF's Awards Program from New York City.

* Of the 23 individual statistical categories listed on this week's SEC release, only three seniors are listed as statistical leaders.  Those include Spencer Lanning of South Carolina (punting), LSU's Josh Jasper (field goals, field goal percentage and scoring by kicking) and Tennessee's Nick Reveiz (tackles).  Of the 23 individual statistical categories, two are freshmen.  Those are Florida's Trey Burton (scoring and touchdowns) and Vanderbilt's Kenny Ladler (tied for first in fumble recoveries).

* In just nine career games (4 at Auburn; 5 at Florida), Auburn quarterback Cam Newton's career rushing yardage (598) is already second highest among active SEC players.  Only Mississippi State's Chris Relf's total of 676 is ahead of Newton among active players.  Newton leads the SEC in rushing yardage this year, with 485 yards in four games (121.2 yard per game average).

* In 190 passing attempts, encompassing 20 career games, Florida quarterback John Brantley has thrown only two interceptions.  His first of the season was last weekend against Kentucky.  His only other interception (the first of his career) was in 2008 against Vanderbilt. The SEC career record (min. 200 attempts) is one in 62.2 attempts by Florida's Tim Tebow (16 in 995 attempts).  Brantley is currently one in 95 attempts (2 in 190 attempts).

* Tennessee is the only SEC team this season to score first in all of its games.  The Vols have scored on its opening possession in three games (1 TD, 2 FGs).  Only Kentucky (2 TDs, 1 FG) and Ole Miss (3 TDs) have scored three times in its first drives this season.

* Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley returns to Baton Rouge this weekend, where he coached from 2000-04 at LSU serving a variety of roles (2000-02: recruiting coordinator/tight ends coach; 2003: running backs/special teams coach; 2004: running backs/special teams/assistant head coach).

* Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green makes his 2010 debut this weekend against Colorado.  He has 109 career receptions for 1,771 yards and 14 touchdowns. Green leads all active SEC players in career touchdown receptions and is second in career receptions and career receiving yards.

* Ole Miss has scored 145 points in the first four games of this season, which is the most points the Rebels have scored in their first four games since scoring 162 points in 2003.

* Kentucky tailback Derrick Locke has surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark in all four games this season, the first Wildcat to accomplish that feat since Artose Pinner in 2002.  He is second in the SEC in rushing yards, averaging 118 yards per game.

* Five of Alabama's last seven opponents (dating back to last season) were ranked in the AP Top 20 at the time the game was played.  The Tide has played #18 Penn State, #10 Arkansas already this season and will play #7 Florida this weekend. Alabama closed out last season with games against #1 Florida (SEC Championship Game) and #2 Texas (BCS National Championship Game).  Alabama has won eight straight games against AP Top 25 teams.

* Vanderbilt enters its game this weekend against Connecticut with a 9-6 record in its last 15 non-conference games.  The Commodores have had a winning non-conference record for the last five seasons (not counting 2010).  

* Former SEC quarterbacks are 1-2 in the NFL in passer ratings.  Chicago Bears' signal caller Jay Cutler (Vanderbilt) leads the NFL with a 121.2 rating while Indianapolis Colts' Peyton Manning (Tennessee) is second at 116.9.  

* Former SEC running backs are 1-3 in the NFL in rushing this season.  Houston Texans' Arian Foster (Tennessee) leads the NFL, with 406 total yards.  Oakland Raiders' Darren McFadden (Arkansas) is third in the NFL with 345 total yards.

* Kansas City Chiefs' Dexter McCluster (Ole Miss) is second in the NFL in punt returns, averaging 23.7 yards per return.  

Gamecock fans, we have a busy weekend coming up for South Carolina Athletics with a lot of exciting match-ups! 

Friday, October 1
2 PM Equestrian takes on rival Auburn out at One Wood Farm

7 PM Volleyball vs. Arkansas
• Help the Gamecocks kick off breast cancer awareness month as they host their annual Dig Pink match against the Arkansas Razorbacks!  Wear pink to support the fight against breast cancer and before the match fans can write their message to support the cause on pink tape to be placed around the court!
• It's $1 Admission Night and Facebook Friday!  Print out the coupon from Facebook and present it to the marketing table for a prize!

7 PM Women's Soccer vs. Ole Miss
• The Gamecocks battle the Ole Miss Rebels in a Fox Soccer Channel televised game!
• It's $1 Admission Night!
• Double Student Rewards Night
• Greek Challenge Night - All Greek members can check into the marketing table for points towards winning a Gamecock pool table for their Fraternity or a $3,000 shopping spree courtesy of Jewelry Warehouse for their Sorority!
• FREE pizza for the first 75 students at the new student section next to the grave yard!

Saturday, October 2
7 PM Men's Soccer takes on UAB!
• It's $1 Dog Night
• And another Greek Challenge Game

Sunday, October 3
1:30 PM Volleyball vs. LSU
• It's Garnet, Black and Green Day - the first 100 fans receive Gamecock re-usable grocery bags courtesy of Richland County Solid Waste
• Public Service Appreciation Day - Learn about fire and safety, meet police and firemen from around the area and take a look inside some of their vehicles!
• SILLY BAND DAY!!!  The first 500 fans will receive a Gamecock Silly Band!

2 PM Women's Soccer vs. Mississippi State
• It's $1 Dog Day
• Stick around post match to get an autographed poster!

Don't miss out on a fun filled weekend of South Carolina Athletics!

Go Gamecocks!

Dear Gamecock Fans:
 
Governor Mark Sanford is hosting a "Higher Education Summit" for leaders in higher education, government and business, as well as for parents and students on September 28 in Columbia. In the last two weeks he has released two of what are expected to be several "Myths of Higher Education" in which he addresses "misconceptions about higher education, student body composition and college affordability."

As the summit approaches, we want to offer you the facts about the USC Athletics Department's finances and the part they play in the university. We do not want there to be any misconceptions about the connection between tuition and athletics construction projects.

The USC Athletics Department is a self-sufficient entity financially, drawing no support from the State of South Carolina. The USC Athletics Department raises all of its money for operational costs, salaries and construction projects and actually gives money to support the university. We do not use state money to underwrite our construction projects. There is no correlation between the construction projects in Gamecock Athletics and raising tuition.

I emphasize this because it has been suggested in the reports about these talks the governor is giving that there is a correlation between athletics costs and tuition costs. It has been suggested that a moratorium might be placed on new construction projects which could have a tremendously negative impact on University of South Carolina Athletics as we are trying to become a nationally prominent program.

 
USC Athletics does not begin a construction project until they know they can pay for it through money they raise. The current economic conditions have so lowered the cost of construction and borrowing that it is wise to build needed buildings now, if there is a revenue stream to support it

I encourage you to visit our website http://www.sc.edu/scdifference/ for more facts about capital investment and funding.
 
Go Gamecocks!
 
Eric

Be sure to check out the Gamecock ISP Sports Network's "Inside the Chart" blog with Andy Demetra each week. The "Voice of the Gamecocks" for men's basketball and baseball offers inside analysis, notes, quotes, and more on Gamecock football during the week. Click HERE to catch up on Andy's blog.

Also, be sure to visit the new home page for the Gamecock ISP Sports Network. You'll find lots of helpful links such as the Carolina Calls schedule, the Steve Spurrier TV Show schedule, and radio affiliates. You can download content from the Gamecock ISP Sports Network via iTunes as well.

College students are too young to remember the classic, 1970s TV show, "Hawaii 5-0," but members of the University of South Carolina Marching Band recently spent a week learning the show's iconic theme song in hopes of winning $25,000.

The USC band was one of 16 college marching bands to be asked by CBS to compete in the "Marching Band Mania" contest connected with the network's remake of "Hawaii 5-0."

The voting started right after the TV drama's premiere at 10 p.m. September 20. Ballots can be cast for the Mighty Sound of the Southeast at www.cbscollegesports.com. Voting ends at midnight October 4, and the winner will be announced on CBS on October 11.

USC Band Director Steve McKeithen told the 270 members of the band, who might not remember the program or its song, to go to YouTube to find it. Because of the football schedule, he said, the band only had a week and two formal rehearsals to learn the song.

The video, shot the night before the Georgia-South Carolina game, includes a surfboard-toting Cocky and lei-wearing members of the Coquettes, the band's dance team.

The South Carolina football team will wear a No. 11 decal on their helmets Saturday night when they travel to Auburn in remembrance of former Gamecock great Kenny McKinley, who died on Monday.

The No. 12/15 Gamecocks (3-0, 1-0 SEC) will face the No. 17/14 Tigers (3-0, 1-0 SEC) at 7:47 p.m. ET (6:47 p.m. at Jordan-Hare Stadium), with a national television audience watching on either ESPN or ESPN 3D.

The funeral service for Kenny McKinley will be held Monday, Sept. 27, 2010, at 11 a.m. EDT in Austell, Ga., at Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral (212 Riverside Parkway, Austell, GA 30168).

                                                                         

After receiving positive feedback from the team, staff, and Gamecock fans, the Gamecock faithful are encouraged to attend the team send-off at Williams-Brice Stadium before South Carolina heads to Auburn for Saturday's game. The send-off event will begin at 2:30 PM with the team's estimated departure at 3:15 PM Friday September 24th. In addition, the Gamecock Club will have a promotional tent with giveaways for fans in attendance while supplies last.

Now that the season is approaching, it's time to get excited for South Carolina Equestrian!  The Gamecocks kick off their 2010-2011 season with a weekend full of events.  The action begins 2 PM Friday, September 24th as they take on SMU then continues at 2 PM Saturday when the Gamecocks host South Dakota State.  All events are FREE and open to the public!

Don't miss your chance to be a part of South Carolina Equestrian!  All home events are held at One Wood Farm in Blythewood.  For directions to One Wood Farm visit http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/w-equest/scar-w-equest-body.html

Go Gamecocks!

Gamecock fans, your South Carolina volleyball team takes the court against the Ole Miss Rebels for its SEC home opener this Friday at 7 p.m. at the Volleyball Competition Facility, on the corner of Blossom and Assembly Streets! 

Friday, is "Facebook Friday." Print out the announcement from the University of South Carolina Volleyball fan page on Facebook and present it to the marketing table for a prize!  It's also Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Boys & Girls Club Night; members of both organizations are invited to the match and will receive group pricing!

Sunday, is Dollar Hot Dog Day as well as the Meet the Team promotion!  The first 100 fans in attendance can have their picture taken with the team after the match.

For tickets, call 800.4SC.FANS - Groups of 15 or more receive $1 admission! And there's still time to get season tickets, with adult season tickets costing less than $2 a match and for youth 17 and under less than a $1 a match!

Go Gamecocks!

The following is a re-print of an article written by Media Relations Student Assistant Michael Holt during Kenny McKinley's senior season at South Carolina:

Senior Kenny McKinley sees the end of his college football career just around the corner and there's a lot that he is going to miss.

"I'm going to miss game day, coming out there with all the fans, coming out for 2001, and just the whole experience of being a Gamecock," he said. "I'm going to miss all of that. I've been here for four years. It's all going to be a great memory."

McKinley is a fan favorite and that explains why the Gamecock faithful will be a significant part of his memories. But there is still much more to be remembered.

 McKinley has created a standard of excellence at South Carolina over the past four years.  One of the best receivers to put on the pads at South Carolina, McKinley is one of only five players in SEC history to record 200 catches in a career.  Heading into the Outback Bowl, he stands fourth all-time in league history in that category with a school record 201 career receptions.

In addition to the career mark that he holds, McKinley also enters his final game with a streak of 42 consecutive games with a reception.  That ranks as the longest in the SEC and among the nation's top five.

A consistent performer, McKinley has been a steady influence on the Gamecock offense from his freshman season to the present.  The responsibility of being one of South Carolina's top offensive threats is something that McKinley takes seriously.

"It feels good, and I worked hard to get here, I paid my dues," he said. "When I was younger I was behind Sydney (Rice) and Syvelle (Newton), and all those guys. So when you get older you just expect it. Since I'm the leader of the offense you kind of expect to be the go to man. It comes with maturing and getting older. But I accept it and enjoy the challenge."

 Last year as a junior, McKinley started every game of the 2007 season and led the SEC in receptions with a total of 77 for a team best 968 yards, along with a team-leading nine touchdowns. 

Although he was sidelined in the early part of the year with a hamstring injury that cost him three games, he has still had a solid senior year with 48 catches for 556 yards as well as four touchdowns setting the school record for receptions in the process.   

Setting both the single-season and career school records for receptions was significant for McKinley.

"It was a very big deal," he said. "A goal that I had set was to break the record, it has been a great accomplishment."

But the career records aren't what McKinley wants to be remembered for. He wants to be remembered as, "A passionate player, a guy who always went out there and played with heart, and just played for the love of the game."

He hopes, "That people notice when I go out and play and try and give 100 percent all the time and do everything I can do to give our team a chance to win."

McKinley always does what he can for the team, helping in any way possible, especially as a mentor to the younger receivers.

" I tell them different ways to get open, and different ways to become a better receiver," he said.

McKinley has the amazing gift to be able offer knowledge and advice to younger receivers.

 "Coach Spurrier Jr. really taught me a lot, so I try to give our younger guys a lot of the knowledge that he has given me," he said. "I try to tell them the right things to do."

McKinley gets excited when he sees his teammates perform well on the field. When McKinley went down with his hamstring injury in September, he understood the importance of his role on the sideline. 

Just because McKinley wasn't able to play, it didn't mean that he was done helping the team. While on the sidelines, he had a new set of plays to run.

 "I was trying to talk to all the younger guys, and if they make a mistake tell them what to do next time, so they don't do it again and keep everyone pumped up," he said. "Basically, I was out there being a cheerleader. It's something you go through that humbles you, and lets you know that this game can be taken from you at any time. So I was out those three weeks but I was just hoping and praying. I couldn't wait to get back on the field, and I'm back on the field now, so its time to show up."

With the season coming to a close McKinley has been thinking about his future and life after college.

"Hopefully I'll be selected in the NFL Draft and have a long career," McKinley said. "But if nothing else happens, I just hope to get a good job and be a successful man."

McKinley looks forward to a life full of football, and looks back at all the memories he's had as a Gamecock. But before he leaves his legacy, he has some advice for his teammates.

"Live your college life to the fullest, because it goes by real fast, all of my years are already almost up, I just say it comes and it goes."  He reiterates to, "Give everything 100 percent."

The Denver Broncos lost one of their own on Monday when it was learned that Kenny McKinley died at the age of 23. He is survived by his parents, Ken and Karen, and his son, Keon. Broncos Head Coach Josh McDaniels addressed the media Tuesday along with linebacker Wesley Woodyard, who is one of the Broncos' captains. Below are quotes from the session. Also included at the bottom of this e-mail are quotes from several individuals who were close to McKinley.

HEAD COACH JOSH McDANIELS

Opening Comments
"We are stunned and extremely saddened to hear about the news of Kenny McKinley's death yesterday. We'd like to offer our condolences, publicly, to his family and friends. Most of all, his parents Ken and Karen and to his son Keon. We'd ask that you join all of us in keeping them in your thoughts and prayers. (I'd) also like to thank everybody in the community and around the National Football League for all of their support during this difficult time. Our team is a close-knit group and it was good to have them here together today to try to share in the grieving process. I know it won't be easy to do this. When you spend this much time together, you're like an extended family and I think that our group has a lot of strength and they'll support each other. Most importantly, we'll all be there to support Kenny's family, Kenny's friends and his son. I know maybe not all of you got to know Kenny McKinley, but he was a special person. (He) had a great smile, a great personality, always in a good mood -- certainly very well liked by everybody who knew him. (He) had a great offseason and we were looking forward to Kenny making an impact on our football team this year. I've had an opportunity to have two draft classes here in two years and...I'm not sure that any one of those kids enjoyed the phone call as much as Kenny did -- and that was him. He was excited about (being drafted) and he was looking forward to the opportunity and that's what he brought every day. We're certainly going to miss him being around here. I know our players will, I know our coaches will, and  again, we'll get through this together and like I said, most importantly, we'll be there to support his family during this most difficult time. Out of respect for his family and Kenny, I'm not going to speak about circumstances or details surrounding the situation but I will take a few questions."
 
On the team's plans to honor McKinley for the game vs. Indianapolis on Sunday
"There will be a moment of silence. We'll certainly wear a decal with his number (11) on it and we're going to leave his locker up this year -- the team decided to do that. We're going to leave the locker in the locker room. As far as a memorial or anything like that, we're still trying to be respectful of his parents and his family and their desires in terms of what we want to go forward and do here, but certainly we're going to do something."
 
On the impact of his death on the team
"I think there has to be. This makes the game seem kind of small at times. We've provided -- there are going to be counselors here as long as we need them to be here with our players and staff and I think they've talked to us (and told us) that if you feel a certain way, you should go ahead and feel that. You shouldn't want to suppress that during that time. Hopefully our players will do what they need to do. We're certainly not going to all grieve the same way, but I think we'll support each other and the emotions that people feel -- they're OK, they're OK."
 
On whether there were any indications that this could happen
"No. We've all seen him recently and he's been the same person every time we've seen him. He liked junk food and chips and things like that. He was in the cafeteria or in the training room when we're seeing him the last so many weeks here -- nothing that would alarm us to anything like this."
 
On the team meeting today
"We met with the team this morning at 10 a.m."
 
On the decision to place McKinley on Injured Reserve
"He knew -- it was really a decision we made together because he knew the extent of his injury and it was really a choice that he was very involved in. There are situations where you can try to do something else and fight through it, or (the player) can try to have the operation and then go ahead and be ready to go for the next year and that's what we chose together. He was very much a part of that decision and he was working hard with his rehab so I don't think there were any feelings otherwise."
 
On whether or not he has spoken with McKinley's family
"We're kind of in the process of that. We're very respectful, certainly, of their time at this point in terms of (their) transitioning here or traveling here -- the organization has been in contact and we're going to continue to stay in contact with them."
 
On the last time he saw McKinley
"I saw him a couple of -- maybe not even a couple of weeks ago in the cafeteria. He was the same kid -- happy smile, you could see all his teeth. Certainly, I don't have any memories negative about Kenny because of the spirit that he had."  
 
On the team meeting
"(It was) quiet. I think there are certain groups that may have been closer to Kenny than others, but everyone was very respectful of one another and very eager to be involved in the support of his family. The captains were adamant about that and wanted to make sure that we are doing everything we can to help his son -- which we are -- and help support his family."  

On how he approaches the game on Sunday with this tragedy
"You know, it's not going to be a normal week. We are not going to try and pretend that it's a normal week. We are going to do our work and get ready to go and like I said, I think really respect everybody's ability to go through this differently. We are not going to ask everybody to be the same, and we are not all going to be the same. I think the players will understand that the week is going to go forward and we are going to have to handle that as well as get ready for the Colts and be ready to play on Sunday. It will be different, but I think our group will continue to so what they have done, which is prepare hard and get ready to play."
 
On whether he is leaning on anybody inside the organization for advice
"I was actually involved in (dealing with a player's death) in New England with (DE) Marquise Hill and I know there's a lot of people here that experienced (the) Darrent (Williams) and Damien (Nash) situations. I think everybody is kind of leaning on each other. There are some people here certainly that have professional experience in dealing with these kind of things. They spoke to the team this morning, and they'll be here as long as we need them. I think our team, like I said, it's like a family and hopefully together we'll push through."
 
On the pressures of playing in the NFL
"Each player is different, each person is different. Whether you are in the National Football League or not, there are things you are going through each day that all of us have on our minds. I think at this point to respect the fact that just because you are in the NFL in some capacity doesn't mean that there aren't other things that are concerning to you or other people. So, we all have issues that we are going to have to deal with personally that have nothing to do with our profession, and I don't think the players or coaches or anybody else for that matter are out of the question in that regard. I think just, again, asking people outside of our building to respect his family and support them and understand that there are things that -- certainly all of us aren't perfect and there are issues we all have to deal with."
 
On whether any players spoke at the meeting
"No, I mean, we prayed for his family and him, but other than that, I spoke to (the team) and tried to inform them on a lot of the details of what we're going to do going forward and some of those things and then the counselors spoke as well in the team meeting along with our security people and just tried to encourage our players to take advantage of the counselors that are here and whatever support that they may need to go ahead and access here. That was pretty much it. I know, like I said, it was a great turnout for short notice. A lot of the guys were here -- most of them, if not all of them were here and all of them (are) pretty much feeling the same thing."

LINEBACKER WESLEY WOODYARD

Opening Comments
"On behalf of the players, Kenny's friends, teammates and the Denver Broncos family, I don't think anybody in that locker room could remember anything bad about Kenny. He was a very loving, caring guy -- always had a big smile on his face and always showed everybody respect. I think of one moment where he had everybody on the team come over for a cookout and there were a couple of guys in front of his house making a lot of noise and he was like, 'Hey man, you guys come inside, I've got neighbors and you guys have got to be respectful.' It's tough anytime you lose a guy like him -- especially a young guy. We would just love for the community to support his family and support us as players and together we'll get through everything. Like I said, it's a tough moment to lose a family member, let alone a teammate like Kenny."
 
On playing against McKinley in college (Woodyard played at Kentucky, McKinley at South Carolina)
"One thing about Kenny -- he was a competitor and when he got the football in his hands, he was very hard to tackle and playing against him -- we knew he was just an unstoppable guy and just a real good competitor whenever he was on the football field."
 
On the when he saw McKinley last
"I actually saw Kenny a week and a half ago. He was over here picking up some stuff out of his locker and he was always a guy that used to love to joke with me and I would joke back and forth with him. He had a big smile on his face and he just walked out of the building and that's the last thing that we remember: That huge smile, like (Head Coach Josh McDaniels) said. He always showed every tooth in his mouth, just smiling and being happy."
 
On how the team is coping
"Well, football is a stressful job, but that's the thing -- we have to be a team. The thing that we have to do well is just be able to reach out to one another on the team and continue to just talk through our problems. It's the same thing with people in everyday life -- you've got to talk to somebody in your life just to help you work out those problems."
 
On the team meeting this morning
"We just discussed how to approach things. The biggest thing was just to make sure we continue to pray and make sure we wrapped around each other and use the help that's been offered to us. Different counselors here and that was the biggest thing -- making sure we learned how to deal with it."
 
On how the team can continue to prepare for the game on Sunday vs. Indianapolis
"We've got to have a heavy heart. We still have to come in here and get ready for a football game. I think Kenny -- he would love for us to continue to play through his spirits. We've got to play with him on our shoulders and in our hearts, so I think that's something that's going to allow us to continue to push through this week."
 
On his lasting memory of McKinley
"Like I said, every memory we have of Kenny is a joke (he told) and a big smile. That's the last thing that we're ever realizing and I think that's the last thing that as a player and as his family, that we would love everybody to remember -- that he was just a loving, caring, respectable guy and always had a huge smile on his face."
 
On how the team can help McKinley's family
"Well, whatever it takes. This is a time for them that we can help them ease their pain. It's obviously hard to lose a son and a grandson and a dad at that. We're just going to be here -- like Coach said, we may have a memorial for him and just be here for us and continue to pray for their well being."

Additional Comments from those close to Kenny McKinley

"Kenny was the life of the wide receivers' meeting room with his personality and the way he was always joking around with his teammates. He made such a positive impact on our receivers, loosening things up with his smile and laugh. Kenny worked extremely hard to get to where he was in the spring with his rehab program and was very excited about his future. I really enjoyed my time with him during the last two years and will cherish the memories we had together. He was a great kid, and everyone on our team will miss him."
-Denver Broncos Wide Receivers Coach Adam Gase
 
"My favorite memory is that Kenny really was the first player to commit to South Carolina (in Spurrier's tenure), although he committed about two days before I was hired. During recruiting I asked why he committed to South Carolina and he said, "I read in the paper that they were going to hire you. I knew the ball would be in the air and I'd have a chance to play wide receiver.' When he showed up he must have weighed 150 pounds. Skinny kid. Of course he's the all-time leading receiver (in South Carolina history). Probably the big game was the Tennessee game of `05. We snuck in there to win 16-15. He made several third down catches. The slant and fade routes, he could run them as well as any receiver I ever coached. We compare Ace (Sanders) to Kenny as far as quickness to get out of routes and so forth. Kenny was always a wonderful team player, well-liked by everyone and never complained if he didn't get passes."
-University of South Carolina Head Coach Steve Spurrier
 
"Kenny was my closest of friends. We became so close so quickly, and although it was an unlikely bond it was as tight as you could get. We spoke regularly and he was always there for me. He was the last guy I saw in Denver and was looking forward to seeing him again this week. I loved him like a brother and always will for his big heart and huge smile. I will miss him greatly."
-Indianapolis Colts Quarterback Tom Brandstater (former teammate with McKinley in 2009; fellow '09 draft class member)

"Kenny was such a good guy, such a fun guy to be around. He was a happy guy who had a great sense of humor and he's going to be missed by so many people. He was funny and always kept people around him upbeat. I'm shocked he's gone."
-Minnesota Vikings Wide Receiver Sidney Rice (college teammate of McKinley)

 

Tom Dienhart, Rivals.com College Football Senior Writer, recently caught up with the Head Ball Coach, Steve Spurrier for a Q&A. Click HERE to read it.

The Gamecocks (3-0, 1-0 SEC) will travel for the first time this season when they meet the Auburn Tigers (3-0, 1-0 SEC) at Jordan-Hare Stadium on the Auburn campus on Saturday, Sept. 25. Game time is set for 7:45 p.m. ET (6:45 p.m. CT) and will be televised nationally on ESPN and ESPN 3D. Brad Nessler and Todd Blackledge will describe the action for ESPN with Holly Rowe working the sidelines. Joe Tessitore and Tim Brown will have the call for ESPN 3D with Ray Bentley on the sidelines.

At 7 p.m., all eyes will be on the field at Williams-Brice Stadium Saturday.  But fans looking for things to do prior to kickoff should set their sights on Palmetto Health Gamecock Village and Gamecock Gameday at Bojangles.  

The two fan villages feature lots of free entertainment and are located in close proximity just across Bluff Road from the stadium so visiting both areas is easily accomplished. Live music, a deejay, games and a tent to watch the afternoon games help make up a lineup that offers something for everyone.

Palmetto Health Gamecock Village is located in the parking lot next to the Biscuit House and includes a free tailgate for all USC students.  The event is alcohol-free and students must swipe their ID card to gain entrance.  This Saturday's event will be catered by Qdoba.  Local band Modern Disruption will be playing rock tunes beginning at 2 :30 and will be joined onstage by Motor Mouth Mike, Coke's high-energy emcee.  All fans are welcome to visit the Time Warner Viewing Tent where four HD TV's will be showing the best college football games from around the country.  

Visit the vendor tents and get great prizes and coupons from SportClips, Buffalo Wild Wings, Food Lion, and Little Caesars.  Fans can test their football skills at the Coca-Cola Fridge Pack inflatable, and buy the latest Gamecock geat at Addam's mobile store.  Plus, the newest electric cars and golf carts will be on display from CT&T.

Meanwhile, just down the street at Bojangle's, Gamecock Gameday will feature the Nationwide  mobile tour, featuring a racing simulator and a NASCAR show car.  As well, fans can watch and listen to the Gamecock ISP Radio Network pregame show and register to win for the John Deere Taking it Back for a Tractor promotion, where a punt return for a touchdown by South Carolina can win someone a new lawn tractor.  GMC will have its newest 2011 models on display and Addam's mobile store has all the latest Gamecock merchandise for those who want to shop.  

Both locations open at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and close approximately 30 minutes before kickoff.  

Your South Carolina Men's Soccer team returns to action at Stone Stadium this weekend when they host the Gamecock Classic. It all begins on Friday night at 5 P.M. as #8 UConn faces off against Kentucky followed by your South Carolina Gamecocks taking on Iona at 7:30 P.M.

The Gamecock Classic continues on Sunday as Iona takes on Kentucky at 11 A.M followed by your South Carolina Gamecocks facing off against #8 UConn at 1 P.M. Remember, it's Parents Weekend so all Gamecock parents bring your Parents Weekend badge and receive $1 admission! Hope to see you all there! Go Gamecocks!

ESPN 3D will return to Auburn for the fourth college football game on the new network.  The telecast on Sept. 25 will feature an SEC showdown when nationally ranked No.13 South Carolina travels to face No. 16 Auburn. 
 
ESPN 3D will feature approximately 13 college football games this year, including the 2011 BCS National Championship game on Jan. 10. in Glendale, Ariz.   Additional dates will be announced as the season progresses; schedule subject to change.  Sony is the official sponsor of college football on ESPN 3D, and college football games televised on ESPN 3D will utilize Sony professional cameras.

Additional programming for ESPN 3D will be announced throughout the year and will include NBA, college basketball and Winter X Games 15.

About ESPN 3D
ESPN was the first to announce in the United States an exclusive 3D network in January 2010 which was the culmination of more than three years of testing 3D television.  ESPN has produced several 3D domestic telecasts, including the State Farm Home Run Derby in July 2010, the Masters in April 2010, a Harlem Globetrotters game in February 2010 and in 2009 the Southern Cal vs. Ohio State college football game. ESPN has developed best practices for utilizing the technology in live game applications which have provided the ability to streamline workflow operations, adjust 3D camera positioning, perform transmission tests and gauge fan reaction to a 3D telecast versus a traditional telecast.  In addition, ESPN utilizes cutting-edge technology located at the ESPN Innovation Lab in Orlando at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World to continue to develop innovative production enhancements.  ESPN 3D is available in the United States to approximately 45 million households and has carriage agreements with AT&T U-Verse, Comcast and DIRECTV.  It will launch soon on Time Warner Cable. Sony was named the first official sponsor of the network in January 2010.

The Southeastern Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is coordinating its fourth annual league-wide food drive during the dates of Sept. 17-26. All 12 SEC institutions will participate by collecting food and financial donations at various sporting events, community locations and on campuses.
 
Led by student-athletes, the SEC Together We CAN Drive is designed to support food banks and shelters throughout the southeast. And since the project began in 2007, more than 236,000 pounds of food and money have been donated by SEC fans to the community.
 
The SEC SAAC is comprised of two student-athletes from each institution. The SAAC was established in 1992 to serve as a medium of communication through which student-athletes, conference administrators, institutional representatives and coaches discuss and take action on issues relating to rules governance, student-athlete welfare and community service.
 
Members of the SEC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for 2010-11 are: Calli Johnson (Alabama, volleyball); Kyle Weeks (Alabama, men's swimming & diving); Terry Prentice (Arkansas, men's track & field); Gina Bargiachi (Arkansas, women's swimming & diving); Addison Ragsdale (Auburn, women's soccer); Morgan Murphy (Auburn, softball); Bobby Walsh (Florida, men's swimming & diving); Alicia Goodwin (Florida, gymnastics);  Travis Voyles (Georgia, men's cross country/track & field); Taylor Adams (Georgia, women's cross country/track & field); Kayla Sergesketter (Kentucky, women's swimming & diving); J.D. Horton (Kentucky, men's track & field); Lauren Saucier (LSU, women's track & field); Shanna Spears (LSU, women's swimming & diving); Juliana Smith (Ole Miss, women's track & field); Morgan Springer (Ole Miss, volleyball); Renee Masterson (Mississippi State, women's cross country/track & field); Caleb Reed (Mississippi State, baseball); Samantha Arbaugh (South Carolina, softball); Michael Roth (South Carolina, baseball); Julie Edwards (Tennessee, women's soccer); Derek Paul (Tennessee, men's swimming & diving); Rebecca Silinksi (Vanderbilt, women's basketball) and Caleb Welchans (Vanderbilt, football).
 
A list of Together We CAN Drive events and donation locations is available on the SEC's official website, www.secsports.com <http://www.secsports.com/> , and below.
 

University-Specific Collection Information and Food Banks to Benefit

South Carolina
* Benefiting the Harvest Hope Food Bank of Columbia
* Events with Collections: Men's Soccer at Stone Stadium on Sept. 19; Volleyball at Competition Facility on Sept. 26
* Other Places to Donate: Colonial Life Arena on Assembly Street from Sept. 17-25; and Gamecock Bi-Lo Store on Devine Street on Sept. 19 and Sept. 26

Five years, one month, 28 days.

 

That's how long it's been since former Gamecock golfer Carl Paulson has teed it up on the PGA Tour.

 

A mainstay on the PGA Tour in 1995-96 and from 2000-05 (and a member of the Nationwide Tour from 1997-99), Paulson has missed the last five years with a lingering back injury, but still holds conditional status on the Tour under the "major medical exemption" category.

 

But that streak comes to an end Thursday when Paulson will make his first start in a professional event since July 2005 when he tees off on the Nationwide Tour in the Albertson's Boise Open presented by Kraft.

 

Paulson won the Boise Open in 1999 that, along with another win that year at the Nike Utah Classic, propelled him to No. 1 on the Nike Tour (now known as the Nationwide Tour) money list and earned his PGA Tour card for the following season.

 

Paulson, the 1993 SEC Player of the Year and an All-American that year for the Gamecocks, was the medalist at the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament in 1995 and has made 202 career starts on the PGA Tour and another 109 appearances on the Nationwide Tour. With 99 cuts made on the PGA Tour, Paulson's career earnings are over $2.6 million with nine career top-10 finishes.

 

One of the great ironies about Paulson's extended absence from professional golf - in 1999, he set the Nationwide Tour record for consecutive starts when he teed it up in his 79^th straight event at that year's Omaha Classic.

 

But a new streak can begin at 3:15 p.m. ET Thursday when he steps to the No. 10 tee at Hillcrest Country Club, where he is paired with another former Gamecock, three-time All-American Kyle Thompson.

 

The Golf Channel will have coverage of all four rounds of the Boise Open, running from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday and from 7-9:30 p.m. Sunday.

Eight individuals will be inducted into the University of South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame this week.

The class includes Doug Allison (men's soccer), Aleen Bailey (track & field), the late Weems Baskin (track & field), Ashley Edlund-Heidtke (volleyball), Kristy McPherson (women's golf), Andrew Provence (football), John Saunders (football) and Fred Wadsworth (men's golf).

The Hall of Fame induction dinner will be held at the Zone (south endzone of Williams-Brice Stadium) on Thursday, Sept. 16. There will be a reception at 6 p.m. followed by the induction dinner at 7. The newest Hall of Famers will also be honored at the Carolina-Furman football game on Saturday, Sept. 18.

Tickets to the dinner cost $40 each and can be ordered by calling 803-691-8447. 

Since the University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame was created in 1967, 105 members have been selected to the elite group by the University of South Carolina Association of Lettermen.

Doug Allison - Men's Soccer (1984-87)

First-team All-American in 1987... named to the NSCAA All-South Region team in 1985, `86 and `87... is the career record holder in points (158) and goals (63) and is third in assists (32)... led the team in points and goals all four years... led the team to three NCAA Tournaments... led the 1985 squad to the best record in school history (20-3-1)... later served as an assistant coach at South Carolina.

Aleen Bailey - Track & Field (1999-2003)

Sprinter from St. Mary, Jamaica... nine-time All-American... national champion in the 100-meters and 200-meters as well as a member of the champion 4x100m relay team... helped the team to the 2002 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field team championship... won a gold medal in the 2004 Olympics in the 4x100m relay.

Weems Baskin - Track & Field (1948-69)

A head track coach for 33 years, most at the University of South Carolina, Weemie (Weems) Baskin retired from USC in 1969... compiled an overall record of 90-47 in dual meet competition... a former president of the National Collegiate Track & Field Coaches Association... is a member of the South Carolina Track & Field Hall of Fame, the Georgia Track & Field Hall of Fame, the USATF Hall of Fame and the Helms Foundation Track & Field Hall of Fame... the University of South Carolina's outdoor track is named in his honor.

Ashley Edlund-Heidtke - Volleyball (1995-98)

One of the most decorated volleyball players in school history... Four-time AVCA All-region selection... four-time All-SEC pick (1st-team 1996-98)... two-time SEC All-Tournament selection... 1999 USC Athlete of the Year... ranks among Carolina's top-10 in career assists, assists per set, aces, aces per set, digs and digs per set... totaled over 5,000 assists during her career.

Kristy McPherson - Women's Golf (1999-2003)

2001 and 2002 SEC Champion... one of only two repeat champions in SEC women's golf history... 2003 SEC Player of the Year... 2003 Honda Award winner... 2003 NCAA South Carolina Woman of the Year... helped the Gamecocks to the 2002 SEC Championship, the only women's golf title in school history... logged school records in career wins (6), top-five finishes (18) and top-10 finishes (25)... three-time NGCA first-team All-American and four-time All-SEC selection.

Andrew Provence - Football (1980-82)

Second on the career list in total tackles with 401... is one of only two players to record 400 or more tackles during his career... second on the career list in tackles for loss (35.0) and in sacks (26.0)... holds the single-season sacks record with 10.0 in 1982... led the team in tackles in both 1981 and `82... named to the Modern Era All-Time Team... named to Sporting News All-America team in 1982... named third-team Associated Press All-American in 1982... selected to play in the Senior Bowl... drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 1983 NFL Draft.

John Saunders - Football (1957-59)

Considered one of the top fullbacks in school history... earned All-ACC honors... was awarded the Jacobs Blocking Trophy for the ACC as a junior... led the ACC in rushing in 1958... selected to play in the 1959 North-South Shrine Game... hails from Churchland, Va.

Fred Wadsworth - Men's Golf (1980-84)

1984 GCAA second-team All-American... won two collegiate tournaments... 1984 All-Metro Conference selection... tied for ninth at the 1984 NCAA Championships, the best individual NCAA finish in school history... logged six top-five finishes and 11 top-10 finishes.

The 2010 national championship baseball team traveled to Washington, D.C. on Monday with a visit to the Capitol and the White House.  The squad received a tour of the Capitol and met members of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation including Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint before heading to the White House to be honored by President Obama.

Here are some photos from the team's trip including a visit with the D.C. Gamecock Club.

Special thanks to Lindy Birch-Kelly of Congressman James E. Clyburn's office, Steven Beckham and Laurie Giarratano of the D.C. Gamecock Club for providing the photos!

Tickets for the South Carolina - Alabama football game, scheduled for Saturday, October 9, at Williams-Brice Stadium, have been sold out, the South Carolina Athletics ticket office announced today.

All tickets for the game against the top-ranked Crimson Tide were sold either through season ticket sales, through the three-game mini-pack, or by single game to Gamecock Club members.

The kickoff time and television network will be announced at a later date.

Single game tickets still remain for the Gamecocks' final three home games of the 2010 season: Tennessee on October 30 ($50), Arkansas on November 6 ($45) and Troy on November 20 ($35).

Inside the Roost, the weekly radio show focusing exclusively on Gamecock Athletics, returns to the air tonight at 7 p.m.  The show can be heard on the flagship station of the Gamecock/ISP Radio Network, 107.5 The Game in Columbia.   The show will emanate from its new host site, the Hilton Columbia Center in the Vista.  Host Derek Scott will be joined by men's soccer coach Mark Berson and Associate Director of Athletics for Operations and Facilities Jeff Davis.  Director of Athletics Eric Hyman may also check in from the road after being with the baseball team at the White House on Monday.  
 
Located at 924 Senate Street, the Hilton Columbia Center features 222 guestrooms and received the 2010 Best Lodging of Columbia Award from Columbia Metropolitan Magazine. Visit www.hiltoncolumbia.com for more information on the Hilton Columbia Center

The 2010 national championship baseball team is in Washington, D.C. today to be honored by President Obama.  The baseball team's itinerary in the nation's capital includes:

• A morning tour of Nationals Park - home of the Washington Nationals
• An afternoon tour of the U.S. Capitol as well as a meeting with the S.C. Congressional Delegation 
• Afternoon trip to the White House. 

The President will welcome student athletes from dozens of schools and various sports to congratulate them on their accomplishments in the classroom as well as on and off the playing field including the University of South Carolina's 2010 national championship baseball team.  The president is scheduled to speak to several NCAA championship teams and student-athletes on the South Lawn at 5:45 p.m. ET. In association with this event, various championship teams and players will be recognized for their efforts to give back to their communities, continuing an effort begun by President Obama of sports champions being commended for service as part of a White House visit.

For those of you who may have missed it the first time or just enjoy watching the South Carolina Gamecocks defeat the Georgia Bulldogs, tune in Sunday night at 8 p.m. for the SportSouth replay of the game. Andy Demetra calls the action with Brad Muller providing the color for the contest.

And if you missed the Coach Spurrier TV show from this morning, you can see that again at 7:30 tonight on SportSouth, leading into the replay of the game.

Volleyball fans, don't miss your first opportunity to see your South Carolina volleyball team in action as the squad hosts the Gamecock Invitational tournament this weekend!  The Gamecocks need your support as they take on South Carolina State at 10 AM and Furman at 7 PM this Friday, then Saturday at 11 AM against Lipscomb.

Friday, Pom Poms will be given away to the first 250 fans and it's "Facebook Friday" -print out the announcement from the University of South Carolina Volleyball fan page on Facebook and present it to the marketing table for a prize!

For tickets, call 800.4SC.FANS - Groups of 15 or more receive $1 Admission! And there's still time to get season tickets, with adult season tickets costing less than $2 a match and for youth 17 and under less than a $1 a match!

Go Gamecocks!

As of Thursday morning, the ticket office announced that the football game this weekend against the Georgia Bulldogs is officially sold out.

The game kicks off at Noon and will be televised on ESPN2. Gamecock fans can tune into the radio broadcast on 107.5 FM in Columbia or any ISP Network affiliate throughout the region.


Game Day Timeline:

Gamecocks vs. Georgia
Parking lots open:        
7:00 AM - Farmers Market (Season pass RVs only) & Key Road
8:00 AM - Farmers Market (all vehicles), Stadium, Armory, Fairgrounds, ETV Lots 4 & 5

Parking Office opens:    8:00 AM - Call (803) 777-6446 for assistance

Box Office opens: 8:00 AM

Stadium gates open:    
10:00 AM - Gates 4, 14, 16, 22 and 25
10:30 AM - All other gates

Kickoff: 12:00 PM


Important notes concerning 2010 football parking:

The row number was added to each Fairgrounds Reserved parking space this season.  For example: in the Black area, row 2 space 65 is designated as "R 2   65."  This will hopefully alleviate some of the towing that took place last season and reduce confusion for those who borrow parking spaces from friends.

If you have trouble finding your parking space, please refer to the colored banners attached to the light poles.  The garnet banners correspond to the Garnet section, the black banners to the Black section, etc.

Game day parking will be sold in the Fairgrounds in the back of the Green section for $30.  The only entrance for game day parking will be through Gate 6 of the Fairgrounds.  No RVs or buses are allowed in this lot.

The Farmers Market will also be selling game day parking for $30.  The entrance to this lot is off of National Guard Road near the practice field - go 0.2 of a mile and turn right into the Farmers Market.

Public RV parking is available in the Farmers Market for SEC Games.  The cost is $60 per day and only 40 spaces are available.  Access to this area of the Farmers Market is between 2:00 and 8:00 PM on Fridays.  There are no hookups in the Farmers Market.

Fans may also park at Colonial Life Arena on game days and ride the shuttle to Williams-Brice Stadium for $3 roundtrip.  The shuttle begins three (3) hours before kickoff and runs until 1.5 hours after the game with limited service while the game is in progress.

For additional football parking information, please click here. (http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/ot/game-day-parking-information.html)
    
The following parking lots will close two (2) hours after the game and will be locked: Farmers Market, Fairgrounds, ETV Lot 4, and the Armory.  Please exit these lots within two hours after the game so that your vehicle is not locked in one of the facilities.

 

Gamecock Radio Network's Andy Demetra gives a few anecdotes, first-hand accounts, and insights you may have missed. In this post, Andy discusses CUSA defense, Garcia-Murray connection, and Frostproof, Florida. Click here for the full blog

Don't miss out on a jam packed weekend of Gamecock Women's Soccer!

It all starts this Friday September 10th when your Gamecock Women's Soccer team hosts the Carolina Cup at Stone Stadium!

Listed below is the schedule for this weekend's Carolina Cup, and remember tickets purchased for Friday and Sunday's games will allow you admission to both games on that day:

Friday September 10th:

Furman vs. High Point @ 5:00 P.M.  

Please Stick around for:

#21 South Carolina vs. Clemson @ 7:30 P.M.
•    Youth League Night
o    First 250 Kids Receive Free Garnet Pom-Poms
•    Post-Game Autograph Session
•    Kid's Inflatable Bounce House
•    Firehouse Trivia Question
•    Cocky
•    Goal and Corner Kick T-shirts

Sunday September 12th:

Clemson vs. High Point @ 12:00 P.M.

Please stick around for:

#21 South Carolina vs. Furman @ 2:30 P.M.
•    Football Ticket Stub Day
o    Bring your ticket stub from the 9/11 Georgia football game and receive a ticket for $1!
•    Kid's Inflatable Bounce House
•    Cocky
•    Goal and Corner Kick T-shirts

Some early nuggets on the Carolina-Georgia game set for Saturday at high noon:

* The game will be televised nationally on ESPN2. Mark Jones and Bob Davie will be in the booth with Quint Kessenich on the sidelines. ESPN Radio will also be in Columbia with Bill Rosinski and David Norrie handling the call with Joe Schad on the sidelines.

* According to ticket manager Lance Grantham, approximately 1,500 tickets remain for the contest. Tickets are priced at $55 each.

* At halftime, there will be a special recognition remembering 9/11.

* The South Carolina depth chart has been released. Click here to get the most recent depth chart.

* Did you know that if the Carolina backups did not allow that Southern Miss touchdown in the waning moments of last Thursday's game, it would have been the third straight season opening win in which the Gamecocks did not surrender a touchdown? They blanked NC State, 34-0 in the 2008 opener, then topped the Wolfpack again in 2009 by a 7-3 score.

* Congratulations to T.J. Johnson for being selected as the SEC's Offensive Lineman of the Week. T.J. made his first start at center after earning Freshman All-SEC honors as a guard last year, and helped the Gamecocks log 449 yards of total offense, 224 on the ground and 225 through the air.

With Thursday night's big win over Southern Miss, Gamecock football fans at Williams-Brice Stadium were also introduced to two new promotions that will make Mondays more fun, and save them some money.  

The Monday Morning Moneyback offer from the University Bookstore at the Russell House allows all fans to get a discount equal to the number of points the Gamecocks win by on the following Monday.  The offer is good for one clothing or giftware item and the discount is capped at 25%.  And since South Carolina won by 28 points, that means you can get 25% off of such a purchase this Monday, if you pay a visit to the Russell House and stop by the bookstore.   How's that for a reason to pick up some new Gamecock Gear?

And for those of you looking to save some money on dinner, Rush's is offering a free burger or sandwich if the Gamecocks rush the football for more than 100 yards in a game.  The promo is called Rush Back for More, and it means that this Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday after 5 p.m., you can take your ticket stub to any Rush's location in the Midlands and eat up.

Be sure to give thanks to the Gamecocks' offensive line before you chow down.  Just try not to drip anything on that new Under Armour polo you just saved 25% on at the bookstore!

Head coach Ray Tanner was honored on Wednesday by the City of Charleston at Joe Riley Park before the Charleston RiverDogs-Greenville Drive baseball game.  Coach Tanner was presented a proclamation by Mayor Joe Riley and also received a framed copy of the Charleston Post & Courier after the national championship victory over UCLA from Warren Peper.  Coach Tanner threw out a ceremonial first pitch as well to former Gamecock and current RiverDog DeAngelo Mack. In addition, the Charleston chapter of the Gamecock Club and chapter president Meredith Blackwell held a Meet and Greet with Gamecock fans and Coach Tanner.

"Baseball fans throughout America were mesmerized by the dramatic achievement of Ray Tanner's University of South Carolina Gamecocks in winning their First Men's National Championship at the College World Series in June," said Charleston mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr.   The State of South Carolina could not have a better ambassador than Ray Tanner.  He is an excellent baseball coach and an extraordinary leader."

Gamecock Cross Country team will play host to the Gamecock Invitational at Fort Jackson Friday, September 3 @ 6:00 PM.  The Gamecocks are hoping to earn a victory over Clemson and prepare for the SEC Championships which will also be held at Fort Jackson on November 1st.

Don't miss your chance to see the team in action, as this will be their only home meet of the season!  

To see the course route at Fort Jackson and for more information about the Gamecock Cross Country Team, visit http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/w-xc/scar-w-xc-body.html

The South Carolina Gamecocks begin the 2010 season Thursday night when they host the Southern Miss Golden Eagles in a 7:36 p.m. kick at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. Tickets still remain for the game. A crowd of around 70,000 is expected to be on hand.

Fans will want to check out the new Gamecock Village, located this year in the Farmer's Market near the Biscuit House and BoJangles. From there, it's an easy trek to get to the Gamecock Walk, which takes place approximately two hours and 20 minutes prior to kick each week at Gate 11 off Bluff Road (near the southwest corner of the stadium). Fans wanting to be part of the Gamecock Walk should plan to be there by 5 p.m. tonight.

The National Champion Baseball team will be recognized on the field just prior to kick. Later this season, the team will be honored at halftime of the Arkansas game.

Honorary captains for tonight's game are representatives from the Battle of the Bulge and Senator Graham.

The Legendary Fan of the Game will be Othniel H. Wienges Jr., a former member of the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees.

Senior defensive tackle Ladi Ajiboye will be featured on the cover of the official game day program.

For those who can't make the game in person, ESPN will have its regular Thursday night crew calling the game. Rece Davis will provide the play-by-play with Craig "The Pony" James and Jesse "The Bachelor" Palmer providing color commentary. Jenn Brown, a former Florida Gator softball player who earned a school record 14 varsity letters during her prep career in Orlando, takes over the sideline chores. The game can also be heard on the Gamecock Sports Network with Todd Ellis and Tommy Suggs in the booth and Terry Cousin on the sidelines. Andy Demetra and Brad Muller have the call on the SportSouth replay.

For all the game day information you need, click here

And best of all, it's all free!