Aug. 21, 2009

It is hard to believe we are only days away from beginning another season of Gamecock Athletics! I hope all of you have had a great summer and are gearing up to cheer on the Gamecocks.

This summer we continued our Gamecock Club Chapter Tour program. If you have not had the opportunity to attend one of these tours, I highly encourage you to do so. We began the Chapter Tour program this past January in an effort to expose as many Gamecock fans as possible to the excitement that is surrounding the University of South Carolina Athletics Department. The tour typically begins at the Roundhouse where we show attendees where we are coming from. The rusty staircases, “mold hiding” notebooks are pointed out and the former training room which is used as a copy room are all on display. From there, we then show where we are headed – the improvements to the lobby in Williams-Brice Stadium, the Training Room, the hallway which leads from the locker room to the training room, and the Champions Club. Carolina Stadium is our next stop, which is always a jaw dropper for those who have never had the opportunity to view not only the exterior, but the support facilities as well. The Dodie Academic Center is discussed as well as the plans for the new Athletic Village.

The impact these tours have had on each and every person has been invaluable. When you see where we are coming from and then compare it to where we are headed, I think it is impossible not to have a great deal of pride and enthusiasm for what is happening with Gamecock Athletics.

We have a great deal to be proud of at the University of South Carolina and you are making it all possible. The donations we have received from the YES program have allowed us to make the progression from rusty staircases to top of the line facilities. I encourage you to contact your local Chapter President and schedule a tour. Thank you to each and every Gamecock Club member and I hope to see you soon!