Dec. 27, 2013
Each day this week we’ll post a journal-style entry here on GamecocksOnline.com, along with other video features and coverage of the week’s activities leading up to the game. Stay tuned for more and keep up with all the action on our Bowl Coverage page!
Under cloudy skies but comfortable temperatures the Gamecocks held their first full bowl practice in Orlando Friday. Re-locating an entire football operation for a week is no easy task. While offices and meeting rooms are recreated in the hotel, the athletic training room, weight room, equipment room, and cafeteria are re-invented for a week at our practice location, Celebration High School. Check out a photo gallery here
First practice in Orlando today! #Gamecocks pic.twitter.com/pZCH8L1B64
— Gamecock Football (@GamecockFB) December 27, 2013
After a quick “Monday” practice (Monday in our typical game-week routine), the Gamecocks got in some conditioning and lunch before getting their tickets for Walt Disney World.
Going to the “the most magical place on Earth” is a treat and one of the activities provided by the Capital One Bowl. Several players took advantage of the chance to go to the park for the first time ever, including junior defensive back Victor Hampton, who regretted not visiting the park during Carolina’s Orlando trip two years ago. He decided to venture into Magic Kingdom to get the true Disney experience, taking a turn on the Buzz Lightyear ride and conquering Space Mountain. Watch the video feature here
Let the Memories Begin! Victor Hampton enjoying his first-ever trip to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. #Gamecocks pic.twitter.com/3rkvKRgTNq
— Gamecock Football (@GamecockFB) December 27, 2013
Players took to social media to share their excitement:
Stay tuned for more from Orlando tomorrow as practice and game prep continues, as well as a trip to Universal Studios!