July 23, 2015

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COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina men’s basketball team visited with military families Thursday afternoon, continuing it’s 8K in 8 Days initiative. A group of student-athletes traveled to Camp McCrady to spend time with the children of the servicemen and women and teach them some basketball fundamentals in partnership with USO.

“It means a lot for the military community out here to be able to see some USC athletes,” said Colonel Todd Shealy, Garrison Commander for the Camp McCrady training center for the South Carolina National Guard. “A lot of these children look up to these basketball players, and the student-athletes can serve as very positive role models. They can teach youth members that it takes hard work in life to reach your goals.”

Camp McCrady shares land with Fort Jackson, but operates as its own independent entity with a very important role. Not only does it serve as a training center for the state’s National Guard, but it is often a round-up point for those who are preparing to deploy for tours overseas.

“Our relationship with USC has always been good, however this event today has been awesome,” said Joanie Thresher, the Director of USO South Carolina. The organization has been in South Carolina for over five years, with the mission of providing a home away from home for troops and their families.

“A lot of the kids of the troops out here are not from Columbia, so this is so exciting for them to see some of the basketball players. Everyone has just been so excited about this.”

The Gamecocks ran through warm-ups and drills with the children, then broke in to groups to play games. It was a special opportunity for the players to reach out to youth who live in a unique environment.

“It’s really special to me, my grandfather was in the military as a West Point graduate and my dad grew up on base for most of his life, so I’m really familiar with bases and these kids just live a different life,” junior guard Brian Steele said. “We feel for them and we want to support them as much as we can.

“I just remember being a kid too, and it was really special any time I got to meet someone playing college basketball or someone who was living their dream,” he added. “We’re all living our dream, so we want to give back to these kids to let them know that anything is possible.”

After working up an appetite, the team also had a picnic dinner with members from the Camp McCrady leadership staff before returning to campus. The team will wrap up its 2015 campaign Friday afternoon, visiting with kids from My Brother’s Keeper.

Season ticket prices for the upcoming season remain unchanged, with full season packages starting at $90. Like last season, fans can purchase lower level season tickets for $260 (Gamecock Club membership required for sections 104-106, 113-115), the Coke Family Sections are available for $600 (four tickets) and upper level tickets are available for $200 (no Gamecock Club membership required). End zone seating in the upper level is priced at four seats for $360. University Faculty/Staff members receive a 20% discount on lower level and upper level ticket prices.

Gamecock fans who have already renewed their season tickets for the 2015-16 campaign and those fans who purchase new or renew their season tickets during the “8K in 8 Days” campaign, are eligible to win a prize each day of the initiative. Prizes include a game-worn jersey, an autographed basketball, a $100 gift card to the GamecocksOnline.com online store, a game day VIP experience, and a trip with the team for an away game.

To place a deposit for season tickets, fans are encouraged to visit Gamecocksonline.com/Tickets, or call 1-800-4SC-FANS.