Capital One Bowl Blog: Day 1 – Travel Day – University of South Carolina Athletics

Dec. 26, 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!

After enjoying a break for Christmas, the Gamecocks took flight for Orlando Thursday afternoon. With such a large travel party, Carolina charters a flight to bring the squad. Some players even got to sit in a well-outfitted “business elite” section of the plane.

We’re here! The #Gamecocks are on the ground in Orlando. @capitalonebowl pic.twitter.com/bWkIQl2HEe

— Gamecock Football (@GamecockFB) December 26, 2013

We were welcomed by warm weather and sunny skies. The team quickly hit the parking lot for a brief running session to get loosened up from the break. As the excited group broke to head to the showers (or straight to the pool, as was the case for Kelcy Quarles), defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward’s booming voice reminded everyone, “Have a fun week, but we’re here to win a football game!” Full practices will begin tomorrow.

#Gamecocks getting loosened up with a run in the parking lot after arriving in Orlando. https://t.co/RbEXM7bR8j

— Gamecock Athletics (@GamecocksOnline) December 26, 2013

As part of the welcome, Coach Spurrier spoke to the media who made the trek to Orlando to cover the Gamecocks and the team held a welcome meeting with bowl reps, hotel officials, the coaching staff, etc. to go over the week’s activities and guidelines. Tonight the team will enjoy some free time around Orlando.

Tickets for the Capital One Bowl are still available in the Gamecock sections. Come join us for the game!