Aug. 27, 2014

Thursday’s South Carolina-Texas A&M football game will also serve as Gamecock Club Appreciation Day at Williams-Brice Stadium. Pre-game and halftime recognitions are planned for the contest, featuring the 74 year-old organization that has supported Gamecock student-athletes.

Currently, Gamecock Club membership is at an all-time high of 17,800 members. In the last three years, more than $100 million has been raised for scholarships and facilities.

“Our donors are the most passionate and loyal in the country,” said Athletics Director Ray Tanner. “The support of Gamecock Club members are allowing us to compete at a high level in the SEC and nationally. Our future is brighter for Carolina athletics because of our Gamecock Club members.”

The Gamecock Club has had a tradition of outstanding support from its members. More than 800 members have had more than 45 years of consecutive membership. There are currently 47 local chapters throughout South Carolina and an additional 16 out-of-state chapters.

Thursday night, two long-time members of the Gamecock Club will be honored on the field at Williams-Brice Stadium prior to kickoff.

Bob Maxwell will serve as Carolina’s “Legendary Fan” of the game. Maxwell has been a loyal member of the Gamecock Club for 62 years. He retired from the Navy as a Commander and served as a Naval Pilot during World War II. He was shot down on May 2nd, 1943 and survived at sea for 11 days. Maxwell is credited with seven kills two probable making him a Flying Ace. Currently, Maxwell is the oldest living Flying Ace in the state of South Carolina.

Charlie Mitchell will be the “Honorary Captain” for the Gamecocks. He and his wife Gloria have been members of the Gamecock Club since 1969. The Mitchells are members of the Legends Society as valuable contributors to The Garnet Way campaign.

At halftime, contributors to “The Garnet Way” campaign will be recognized. The campaign has raised more than $200 million as part of the University’s “Carolina Promise” campaign. Those that will be recognized include Dodie Anderson, Vicki and Ed Bignon, Tami Springs Brooks and family, Sheila and Morris Cregger, Kay and Eddie Floyd, The Heyward and Reamer King families, Cyndi and Ken Long, Doyle McBride, Lisa and Joe Rice, Maxine and Victor Roof and Rebecca and Jim Schaper.

The Student Gamecock Club is a component of the Gamecock Club. In its first year after a two year hiatus, more than 1,500 students have already joined the Student Gamecock Club.

For more information on the Gamecock Club go to www.scgamecockclub.com.