Sept. 25, 2002
Washington, DC – Included in a whirlwind tour of the nation’s capital, the USC women’s track and field team was honored Tuesday at The White House by President George W. Bush. President Bush applauded the women for their efforts in winning the school’s first NCAA title.
With 14 Gamecock teammates, the coaching squad, USC President Andrew Sorenson, USC Athletics Director Mike McGee and his wife Ginger smiling in recognition of their accomplishments, NCAA champion Demetria Washington presented Bush with a Gamecocks warm-up jacket.
“It’s a great honor for you to have won your university’s first national championship,” Bush said.
The President told Washington she had a pretty smile – something she will remember forever. “It was so wonderful meeting him and being able to present him the team’s gift,” said Washington, who is an 18-time All-American – the school’s most ever by an individual.
USC was trailed throughout the day by the State paper’s Lauren Markoe – the paper’s Washington bureau reporter. A film crew from WIS-TV including reporter Rebecca Pepin and photographer Rich Wandover, flew up with USC and filmed the team every step of the way.
“We didn’t want to miss this,” said Pepin.
The team, coaches, staff and WIS crew began their day early – catching the team bus at the Roost at 5 am. The team flew directly to Washignton, D.C., ate a light breakfast and then went onto the offices of U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond, who shook hands with each of them before a quick photo.
“He’s a legend in this state,” said NCAA champion Tacita Bass.
After a tour of the capital by Columbia native and Thurmond staffer David Black, the women’s team went out to the steps of the Capital to meet U.S. Congressmen Jim Clyburn and Joe Wilson, R-S.C., both of whom represent parts of Columbia.
Taking a quick bus tour of Washington, D.C. And most of its monuments, the ladies headed to The White House for a reception with the other NCAA spring sports champions and White House staffers.
“I was surprised The White House wasn’t bigger, but it’s gorgeous,” said NCAA champion Lisa Barber.
“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and our women carried themselves with such grace and class,” said USC Head Coach Curtis Frye.
After a dinner in a restaurant across from The White House, the team returned to Columbia about 10 pm – all smiling about what the wonderful experience they just had together, not only as a team, but as the Gamecock family.
