Aug. 19, 2009

The Gamecock Club hosted over 200 local Gamecock Club chapter presidents and their board members on Wednesday, August 19th as part of an effort to thank them for their efforts and hard work in their community on behalf of the Gamecock Club. The group also toured several facilities such as Williams-Brice Stadium and Carolina Stadium to see the growth and progress in the athletics program.

“It was a great opportunity to thank these people for volunteering their personal time to help advance and grow the Gamecock Club,” said Gamecock Club Director Patrick McFarland. “Without the efforts of these people, it wouldn’t be possible.”

The group arrived at Williams-Brice Stadium first and toured the football weight room, the newly renovated football lobby area as well as the new training room. Director of Football Strength and Conditioning Craig Fitzgerald and Football Athletic Trainer John Kasik spoke to members in each area. The group then traveled by shuttle to the Roost area to view construction progress of the Dodie Anderson Academic Enrichment Center. Athletics Director Eric Hyman addressed the group and spoke about upcoming changes as the department plans to revitalize the Roost area into an Athletics Village. Shuttles transported the group to Carolina Stadium for a tour of the Gamecocks new baseball facility. Lastly, the group traveled back to the stadium for a tailgate style dinner catered by Southern Way.

After the dinner, each county president was given a Gamecock Club flash drive with official Gamecock logos as well as a listing of contact information for members in their area. Before heading home, the group was allowed to attend a closed football practice at the Bluff Road Proving Grounds.

A number of members were pleased with their first Jamboree experience.

“We really had a wonderful time,” said Mike Sexton. “The food was great and I am truly excited about the future of Gamecock sports.”

“It was a lot of fun and I know it took a lot of time and hard work to put it on,” said Frank Davis. “Patrick is doing a great job and it’s nice to have someone who really cares about the local chapters and what we’re trying to do to build the Gamecock Club.”

“The whole event was first class and I’m really excited about the upcoming season,” said Stan Johnson. “The players looked really pumped up.”

The Gamecock Club plans to hold more events of this nature to not only thank the fantastic volunteers that support the Gamecock Club, but to provide an opportunity for them to see first hand the fruits of their efforts and the importance of the mission of the Gamecock Club.