Aug. 14, 2002

Columbia, SC – For the second straight year during South Carolina’s two-a-days, the Gamecock football team paired up with Children’s Chance at Anchor Lanes for a bit of bowling and a lot of pizza and autographs.

Children’s Chance is a non-profit organization that assists children in South Carolina affected by pediatric cancer.

The players were matched up with children and bowled a game. The team also shared pizza and drinks with the children, signing autographs throughout the visit.

Most of the players bowled with a number of them bowling strikes, including Jonathan Martin who threw two straight strikes to start off his game. Strikes were also bowled by Erik Kimrey, two by Tyeler Dean, Corey Peoples, Jared Farabee, Matthew Thomas, Dondrial Pinkins and a number of other players.

The kickers and punters entertained six-year-old Oliva Maddux. “She’s a pretty good bowler. She’s showing us a lot,” said kicker Daniel Weaver.

“I’m pretty much dominating Corey Jenkins in the lanes,” said back-up QB Erik Kimrey. “We talked about our cues and all, but I’m dominating the scoreboard at the bowling alley. But we are all out here having fun. It’s a great experience for us and the kids. It means a lot to us.”

“It’s a great thing for us to come out here and bowl with these kids. We are hot and tired from two-a-days and this makes us realize that there are people who are worse off,” said spur Rashad Faison. “This is a good bonding experience for all of us. I think we have a chance to be really good this year. WE just have to work hard and jell at the right time. This will help.”