Sept. 11, 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A group of student-athletes from the University of South Carolina swimming and diving team made stops at a pair of Columbia Fire Department stations on Friday to deliver baked goods to local firefighters in appreciation for their continued heroism as the nation pauses to remember the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Led by team captains Kristina Delp and Sharntelle McLean, the group of 12 swimmers included Claire Thompson, Christine Thompson, Lydia Hackert, Blair Bowers, Logan Griffith, Lauren Plowman, Claire Shannon, Haley Staubach and Meghan Brockington. They went to CFD station No. 9 (Shandon) and to department headquarters in downtown Columbia.

“The surprise we got from the swim team was great,” said Columbia Fire Department captain Mickey Folsom. “It really let us know that the younger generation appreciates what we do. Especially today, 9/11, remembering the lives that were lost on that tragic day. And it really brings us appreciation, and we do appreciate the show of love and the brownies and the cookies.”

Head coach McGee Moody:
“This is something that our girls have done for the past few years and it’s something that we really believe in. I think a lot of times the farther you get removed from an event, sometime the less impact it has and I think this is a way of our girls showing that it still means a lot what the firefighters, the police, the soldiers, paramedics and public servants do for our community, and this is something we look forward to doing for a long time.”

During this afternoon’s practice, Moody said that the team would conclude their workout with what he called “Hero 50s.” He planned to tell the team about a firefighter, police officer or soldier, tell them their story, then have the team sprint 50 meters in their honor. The Gamecocks open the 2009-10 swimming and diving season on Friday, Oct. 9, as they play host to SEC foe Kentucky at the Carolina Natatorium.