Aug. 10, 2002

Columbia, SC –

* More than 1,200 runners and walkers participated in the first annual Lou Holtz Chick-fil-A Charity Run Saturday morning. Coach Lou Holtz started the runners at 7:45 a.m. in front of the South Carolina Educational Television Building on George Rogers Blvd. The 5K race finished inside Williams-Brice Stadium. Coach Holtz presented the winners with their awards. Proceeds from the event go to the Lou and Beth Holtz Foundation, which benefits a number of charities. Coach Holtz said the majority of the proceeds from today’s event would be earmarked for cancer and diabetes research.

* At the USC morning football practice, the Gamecocks continued to work on fundamentals and installing their offense and defense. Coach Holtz said that after watching the film from Friday’s practice, he went to bed in not so good of a mood. “I do like the way this team is working, but we have a ways to go in a lot of areas,” said Coach Holtz.

* Wide receiver Andrea Gause was not able to participate in practice due to a bruised rib he suffered in Friday’s workout. Defensive tackle Randy Jackson dislocated a finger Saturday morning, but should be okay.

* Coach Holtz said that the next three days of practice would be critical. “It’s the next three or four days that become difficult,” said Coach Holtz. “We get into pads on Tuesday and that’s when things will begin to take shape.”

* Coach Holtz said that the freshmen and newcomers continue to impress him. “When you look at the film, you can’t really tell when the new players are in there. I think that’s a positive. You do tell a difference along the offensive line, but at receiver and some of the other positions, you really don’t.”

* When asked about South Carolina being ranked in some of the preseason polls, Coach Holtz said it’s a poll, not a final vote. “Like I tell the players, I believe they are going to vote again,” said Holtz. “It’s just a poll. That’s all it is. We’ve been in there for most of the past two years and it’s a compliment. It’s not an evaluation of your program, it’s just one poll. The question is –‘are you satisfied with where you are?’ I don’t believe the team is and I know I’m not.”

* Coach Holtz said that defensive back Brian Elam is not with the team right now and his status is still undetermined for this season. “We need to evaluate several things before we can make a decision,” said Coach Holtz. “Summer school grades and some other things.”

* The Gamecocks will practice again Saturday evening under the lights. They will also work out again Sunday afternoon. Both practices are closed. The next media availability for Coach Holtz is following the Sunday practice at approximately 5:05 p.m. in the press room behind the lobby of the football building.