In reading another post it gave me pause to think of where we are compared to where we were just a relatively short time ago. We have upgraded all of our athletic programs and are now reaping the benefits ( with the exception of men basketball). With hire of Frank Martin to take over that train wreck I'm confident that we will be competitive sooner rather than later.
Here are some of the factors I see that have brought Gamecock sports to unparalleled heights:
SEC - the conference of champions. For most of our tenure we have been a weak sister, especially in football, but the hiring of Lou Holtz followed up by Steve Spurrier have brought us to a new level. Not only are we competitive we are on the brink of Alabama and LSU type power. The money that comes into the athletic dept from the conference has been a huge factor and apparently has been well spent.
Recruiting- the state of SC despite its small population relative to neighboring states produces some the country's best athletes. It wasn't that long ago that we got the leftovers after more successful schools from out of state claimed the states best players. No longer does that happen. It is now the taters that get the leftovers ( not totally but certainly more than in the past). Playing in the SEC helps tremendously. As a player you can count on exposure on a national level from the SEC TV contract. Think about it. Would you rather be on Jefferson Pilot at noon for a regional audience or ESPN at in the afternoon or evening to a national audience?
Continuity - this is one the most unheralded but most important factors in achieving success on the athletic fields. Hyman and the Admin have done their best to eliminate drama in the Athletic Dept., finding the best coaches possible and setting high goals for them. New coaches feel the pressure of Spurrier, Tanner and Staley's success. Frank Martin said this very thing. I think you have to give Hyman credit, other than Darrin Horn, the guy has done a good job. He has especially helped Spurrier and Tanner fill vacancies in their respective programs with the best available.
Facilities: look around. Every venue is near or at the top in the SEC. Don't negate this factor in recruiting. Kids and parents look at the facilities.
Rivalries: Success breeds success. Pounding the taters in every sport has an effect on recruiting. If you grew up in SC you are a fan of either USC or Clempson even if it is just in passing. There is not a lot of middle ground for natives. It is now the Gamecocks that have the upper hand. (About dang time.) The taters are not a conference foe but there is a lot at stake when we play them none the less at least when it comes to recruiting. Spurrier is correct in saying that beating them will not win championships but it sure is a step along the way. We also have rivalries within the conference that are huge. TN, FL, GA are 3 teams we have had limited success against - until now.
Be honest, did you ever believe that we beat these guys in the same season ?
These are just a few things that I see that have brought us to this point and dispelled the coaches graveyard myth. It has been a long road to this point but we are on the brink of absolute greatness in all sports.
It is indeed great to be a Gamecock.
Here are some of the factors I see that have brought Gamecock sports to unparalleled heights:
SEC - the conference of champions. For most of our tenure we have been a weak sister, especially in football, but the hiring of Lou Holtz followed up by Steve Spurrier have brought us to a new level. Not only are we competitive we are on the brink of Alabama and LSU type power. The money that comes into the athletic dept from the conference has been a huge factor and apparently has been well spent.
Recruiting- the state of SC despite its small population relative to neighboring states produces some the country's best athletes. It wasn't that long ago that we got the leftovers after more successful schools from out of state claimed the states best players. No longer does that happen. It is now the taters that get the leftovers ( not totally but certainly more than in the past). Playing in the SEC helps tremendously. As a player you can count on exposure on a national level from the SEC TV contract. Think about it. Would you rather be on Jefferson Pilot at noon for a regional audience or ESPN at in the afternoon or evening to a national audience?
Continuity - this is one the most unheralded but most important factors in achieving success on the athletic fields. Hyman and the Admin have done their best to eliminate drama in the Athletic Dept., finding the best coaches possible and setting high goals for them. New coaches feel the pressure of Spurrier, Tanner and Staley's success. Frank Martin said this very thing. I think you have to give Hyman credit, other than Darrin Horn, the guy has done a good job. He has especially helped Spurrier and Tanner fill vacancies in their respective programs with the best available.
Facilities: look around. Every venue is near or at the top in the SEC. Don't negate this factor in recruiting. Kids and parents look at the facilities.
Rivalries: Success breeds success. Pounding the taters in every sport has an effect on recruiting. If you grew up in SC you are a fan of either USC or Clempson even if it is just in passing. There is not a lot of middle ground for natives. It is now the Gamecocks that have the upper hand. (About dang time.) The taters are not a conference foe but there is a lot at stake when we play them none the less at least when it comes to recruiting. Spurrier is correct in saying that beating them will not win championships but it sure is a step along the way. We also have rivalries within the conference that are huge. TN, FL, GA are 3 teams we have had limited success against - until now.
Be honest, did you ever believe that we beat these guys in the same season ?
These are just a few things that I see that have brought us to this point and dispelled the coaches graveyard myth. It has been a long road to this point but we are on the brink of absolute greatness in all sports.
It is indeed great to be a Gamecock.
