TheTandD.com | SCSU’s annual rivalry game may be moved to Charleston

SCSU’s annual rivalry game may be moved to Charleston

By THOMAS GRANT JR., T&D Senior Sports Writer Wednesday, April 04, 2007

The “Carolinas Classic” could become known as the “Lowcountry Classic” this fall. South Carolina State University has reportedly inquired with The Citadel about holding its Nov. 20 contest against North Carolina A&T at Johnson Hagood Stadium. The contest was initially scheduled to occur at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium after taking place the past four years in Charlotte, NC.

While Ray Whiteman, senior associate athletics director for internal affairs at The Citadel, said Monday the school had made the 23,025-seat stadium available for that November date, neither he nor SCSU officials would confirm any ongoing contract negotiations.

This would mark the second straight season and third time since 2003 that SCSU would play a home game at Johnson Hagood Stadium. Last year’s planned home-opener against Bethune-Cookman on Sept. 16 was moved from Orangeburg to Charleston in order to complete stadium enhancements, which included the replacement of the grass field with synthetic turf and the installation of a state-of-the-art electronic scoreboard with video replay capabilities.

In front of 15,825 spectators, the Wildcats handed the Bulldogs their worst loss under head coach Oli,ver “Buddy” Pough by a score of 45-14. Back on Sept. 23, 2003, SCSU routed Savannah State 53-0 before 10,200 people in the inaugural “Lowcountry Classic.”

If the game is moved to Charleston, it would also be just the second meeting since 1995 between the two long-time rivals which did not take place in Charlotte. The previous time was in 2001 when the Bulldogs rallied at home from a 14-3 deficit with two fourth-quarter touchdown passes to defeat the Aggies 15-14.

The victory in Willie Jeffries’ next-to-last game as SCSU head coach snapped a three-game losing streak to North Carolina A&T and started the Bulldogs’ current six-game winning streak in the series. SCSU leads the all-time series 25-17-2.

n Former FAMU head coach

to become Hampton OC

Looking for his third offensive coordinator in the last two months, Hampton University head football coach Joe Taylor has reportedly turned to an old rival.

Taylor told the Daily Press Tuesday he has hired former Florida A&M head football coach Billy Joe as his new offensive coordinator. Joe, who last coached in 2005, replaces Charles Bankins, who resigned this week to become the running backs coach at the University of Richmond. This came after Bankins replaced first-year offensive coordinator Chris Beatty, who left in February to become the new running backs coach at Northern Illinois.

“Coach Joe has put four or five quarterbacks in the NFL,” Taylor told the Daily Press. “We need that kind of high-level success to keep us moving in the right direction. We have two young quarterbacks, and I believe he’ll do a great job developing them.”

Among the winningest head coaches in black college football, Joe has won 237 career games in 31 seasons as a head coach. After leading Central State to NAIA national titles in 1990 and 1992, he went to FAMU where in 11 seasons, the Rattlers posted an 86-46 record, won four Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles and made seven post-season appearances.

Joe’s legacy, however, was tarnished after the school was placed on probation following an investigation into 196 rules violations in 15 men’s and women’s sports. An ensuing investigation by the MEAC resulted in FAMU forfeiting several conference titles, including the 2000 and 2001 football championships won under Joe.

FAMU fired Joe in June 2005, only to have the NCAA clear him months later of any wrongdoing. Joe promptly sued FAMU for breach of contract and reached a settlement last December in which he was paid $135,000.

Look for the Pirates to adopt the same “Gulf Coast Offense” which FAMU utilized with great success under Joe.

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64 comment(s)

The following comments are reader submitted. They do not represent the views of The T&D or Lee Enterprises.

TAS wrote on May 2, 2007 9:51 AM:

" Neutral observer, NEUTRAL did you say? Not sure I would rate you neutral here and I’m not sure you are responding to the right comments. I’ve gone back and scanned the 60+ comments here and found few if any that blame the T&D, USC, Clemson, etc. Maybe there have been other articles where this has been the case, but not here. Perhaps you can point out 5 to 10 here that did. Please keep in mind that an occasional comparison is not blaming. While some of your points are well stated and maybe valid, they are points that many of us SCSU supporters (an SCSU supporter not a move the game to the Citadel supporter) have already made here. I truly believe that many of the folks here complaining about the game being moved are some of that 4000 at the last NC A&T game and were sitting in that half-filled stadium of the Hampton game you mentioned. I was at both, have had season tickets (2-4) for the past 10+ years and have continuously supported the team at home and on the road. Additionally, I’ve attended every game played in Charleston and have plans to be there for this one as well. By virtue of these facts, I feel that I have a right to express my opinion regarding the decision to play this game at the Johnson-Haggood Stadium. While many of your points made here have some validity, few if any are different then the points and suggestions made by many of the earlier respondents. Even as they express disagreement with this decision, they mentioned the obvious lack of fan support for SCSU. I for one believe that with better community outreach and marketing efforts from SCSU, as well as improved business community support, we would definitely see better game day attendance in the future. I do wish some of you folks would stop trying to be so politically responsive to many of these articles. Sometimes, the only way to get improvement is through valid complaints and requests. Those of us who have express disagreement with the decision to move this game have written for the most part to SCSU administrators. Most were not critical of those of you who support (or maybe neutral like yourself) the decision. Remember that disagreements are not always a bad thing and we can agree to disagree. Please let us keep our right to speak freely. "

Neutral observer wrote on Apr 27, 2007 2:10 PM:

" It's amazing how in a world with so many technological advances as the internet, we humans still act like we don't have any sense. How did this go from expressing concern about SCSU moving a home game to Charleston to blaming other schools and newspapers for the problems concerning USC is about the biggest change of argument I've witnessed since the topic switched from Don Imus to banning hip hop. Considering the last time SCSU played North Carolina A&T at home only drew close to 4,000 fans in what was the next-to-last game for a coaching legend in Willie Jeffries, I don't blame Charlene Johnson and the SCSU trustees one bit. Heck, the stadium was only half-filled last year when a nationally-ranked team in Hampton visited SCSU for what was a make-or-break game. The way I see it, SCSU football fans have more excuses than solutions. They would rather fill up Oliver C. Dawson to see Jay-Z, Mims or T.I. than support their own team and then turn around and blame the media or school officials when the stadium's half-filled for a football game. USC has been criticized heavily by The State, the numerous television and radio stations who cover their games and the fans for its string of player arrests (for the record, no USC player has transferred to SCSU since 2002 Derek Watson). At the same time, Williams-Brice is still packed to capacity for every home game and the fans are more interested in the product on the field rather than superficial stuff which seem to consume SCSU fans. I don't see Florida A&M, Hampton or Delaware State fans complaining on their newspapers' websites and their circulations are 5x more than the newspaper in Orangeburg. Yet, the way you here SCSU fans talk, you'd think the only reason SCSU can only produce winning teams in tennis and football is because of 1) the man 2) the Times and Democrat 3) the man. Start taking accountability for your own success instead of letting others dictate it for you. If anything, some of the critics on this message board are doing 3x worst damage to SCSU than any newspaper with a circulation of only 17,000. "

Noonie wrote on Apr 27, 2007 12:52 PM:

" Get real you make know sense...I'm not bashing USC but its the truth. Why are you not in uproar with all the mishaps about USC football players. Its easy for you to talk negatively about scsu when you dont support the very institution that supports Oburg. I dont see a thread on here talking about how terrible USC is for keeping players on there team when breaking the law. I wonder why. Go ahead lets talk about whats going on at other colleges around the state. Bashing USC you must be kidding me. Do me a favor stop talking about a school that you could care less about. All we do is focus on things that make little sense. If you want something to talk about. Try talking about the wonderful job that scsu did for the presidential debate..My bad thats to positive. "

Bulldog 4 Life wrote on Apr 26, 2007 1:42 AM:

" The bottom line is money and it always is. I am a loyal alum of SCSU and will continue my beloved institution. But we need to start aggresively helping ourselves. I remember when I was in school (early 90's) every home game was near capacity. It can be this way again. First of all SCSU needs to promote its home games as well as game close to home. They need to start running ads on radio, television, and even in the T&D (even though there is always something negative about SCSU in it). The athletics department needs to learn how to market the athletic programs. One suggestion is ticket giveaways; you can give tickets to area elementary, middle and high school students. These students will want tocome to the game, then their parents will come also purchasing tickets. Also I always hear that there is nothing do in Orbg on the weekends; thats why so many of the college students go home on the weekend. Give them a reason to stay, donate some tickets to Claflin students. After some time going to the State game will be an event. "

Get Real!! wrote on Apr 26, 2007 1:31 AM:

" Why must so many SCSU fans repeatedly bash USC? You trash the T&D for giving all the attention to USC football, while not covering the "home team". You call the players thugs and say that they shouldn't be allowed to play football. Have you forgotten that the last few players to be dismissed by USC for being "criminals and thugs" were welcomed with open arms by the SCSU program? Seems to me you need to practice what you preach!! "

noonie wrote on Apr 25, 2007 12:03 PM:

" Why are you bulldogs allowing someone who dont gives a crap about scsu make a mockery out of you..Please let this mess die. They dont care about you. Why do you think they never have these conversations about USC. Why because thats who they support and cherish. Let them talk about the thugs on USC squad on a daily basis. "

confisus sum wrote on Apr 25, 2007 11:56 AM:

" T. Shuler: I refer to your earlier post: " can’t help but wonder why you express such anger about better support for such an important part of the Orangeburg community. Please write back and share your REAL reasons. Unfortunately, I already have an idea what’s underneath that anger." Your assumptions are clear, and no attempt at spin on your part can remove your inference. I applaud your post in that is was well thought out and contained legitimate research. However, my position remains the same. Certainly you are entitled to patronize any business you see fit. But to insinuate that businesses must display a SCSU decal is dictatorial, and does not lend itself to cooperation from the business community. Please refrain from painting my posts as anything but logical discussion based on previous posts. In regards to wake up people: I have been accused of being a city employee, a policeman, NAACP supporter, Klan member, SCSU employee, school teacher, lawyer, and now an employee of the T&D. While none of the above is true, I am curious why your post singles me out as a racist poster. Surely I do not possess the power that you suggest, to completely destroy the black community. On the contrary, I am firmly behind ANY individual that makes their own way, without the use of excuses. Your mentality is dated and should change. To infer that blacks are cast aside by the white citizenry is archaic and just wrong. That is of what I post. Throw the excuses away, get rid of self appointed leaders, and follow the example of Mr. Obama. Surely, his candidacy alone is proof that the errors of the past have been replaced with consideration. Dwelling in the past is not only counterproductive, it also serves to make your points less credible, because everyone is desensitized after hearing them 1000s of times. "

Wake up people!!!!! wrote on Apr 24, 2007 8:28 AM:

" confisus sum get a life you always comment negatively about every black article in this newspaper. Why are your comments posted regularly? I believe you work with the T&D and you are trying to start trouble between these races. (more publicity)SCSU fans and alumnis, please don't post anymore comments. This guy is making a mockery of our African American community. "

T.Shuler wrote on Apr 23, 2007 11:11 PM:

" confisus sum – Please review my comments dated April 19, 2007 11:31 AM and point out exactly where I mentioned or implied you have racial issues? I just figured you were an angry local business owner who didn’t support SCSU. However, the truth really does hurt doesn't it confisus? Let me see if I got this right? The Orangeburg business community and you have the rights to not support SCSU, but the SCSU supporters do not have those same rights when it comes to supporting (not supporting) business owners such as yourself? Isn't it interesting that you get a chance to feel as you do, but I shouldn’t? In hopes of placating some of your anger and helping you to better understand these comments, I give you this information. Blackmail [illegal]: is an act of threatening to reveal information about a person unless the threatened party fulfills certain demands. This information is usually of an embarrassing or socially damaging nature. A boycott [legal]: is the act of abstaining from using, buying, or dealing with someone or some other organization as an expression of protest or as a means of coercion. Now I’ve made this as simple as possible, and from this point on you can call it what you want. "

confisus sum wrote on Apr 23, 2007 1:49 PM:

" Reply To T. Shuler: I am disgusted to see the inference of race again as a reason for my remarks. Your assumptions are thinly veiled and allude to your own mentality. In regards to the window decals. This seems to be an identical strategy of the nazis in Germany in regards to Jewish business owners. Or the "protection" system of the mafia. We will threaten businesses that refuse to participate by highlighting their lack of support. Seems to be the quintessential definition of 'blackmail." "

TAS wrote on Apr 23, 2007 1:15 PM:

" NupeDog75-if the Charleston County & City donated dollar amounts ($10,000 - $15,000) stated here are correct, then we cannot be moving the game for revenue. Besides, our board chair spent that and more on HIS pre and post party and tailgating. With little or no effort we could sell an additional 1000 tickets to a game with NC A&T and any of the other Bulldog home opponents. I can assume the Citadel allows us to use their facilities for free and I am sure the team does not walk to Charleston. Are you sure we aren’t losing money playing this game there? I sure hope your figures are incorrect, and I certainly hope that someone involved with these efforts submit some $$ facts to the T&D for print. "

Amazed wrote on Apr 22, 2007 8:10 AM:

" The University and Orangeburg is good enough for a Presidential debate with all of the associated bragging rights that come with it. Yet it's not good enough for a football game? The University needs to get rid of the graft and corruption that has and continues to tarnish it's image. Sports at instituions of higher learning should be removed and replaced with academics. Concentrate on education and character development instead of a football game. "

SCSU alumnus started in 89' wrote on Apr 21, 2007 3:32 PM:

" I don't understand why we aren't playing football and basketball in Atlanta. This game could be played at the Georgia Dome; if we courted the 100 Black Men of Atlanta better. When we played Southern there some years ago it was a big crowd and great event. We can play Georgia State in basketball. This helps recruitment. Chris Johnson said on The Bullpin WSSB 90.3 FM that SCSU should always play a game in Greenville. Hire him he seems to care about SCSU. He said he was at the Wofford game an ATL alums were there in bunches. We need to hire Travis Williams as our basketball coach. Coach Brown's wife looks like Lisa Raye from Players Club and he still act a fool. I think we have made great strides with the USC game, which is one we wanted years ago when we had a squad that could beat them. Hopefully Buddy will play the freshman QB in that one, we don't play them again until 2011. And why not play the A&T game in Columbia where we used to play FAMU. What we need to do is let stores across the country produce SCSU clothing. When I lived in Phoenix i would see FAMU clothing for sale why not us. We are losing millions. We need to call and email Foxsports South, ESPN, and Versus Network about airing more SCSU football and basketball games. "

A Friend wrote on Apr 21, 2007 12:43 PM:

" Perhaps if SCSU put a little more dollars into advertising for games at Dawson, they would have more fans at home. I remember when Hampton played at Dawson a few years ago with Jerome Mathis. The Pirates were #1 and SCSU was #2. There was no extra promotion for that game, yet the contest had over 17,000 people at it. This wasn't a homecoming game or anything like that, just a game between two top teams. SCSU should capitalize off of the sucess of the football program and keep big time games at home. If the school continues moving the top games from campus, it will never reach the home attendance numbers that everyone wants for SCSU. "

NupeDog75 wrote on Apr 20, 2007 11:47 PM:

" There are pros and cons for moving the game to Charleston. More pros than cons because the bottom line is the dollar bill. The city and county of Charleston will donate $10,000 to 15,000 to SCSU just for coming to Charleston like they did last year. That is worth about 700 to 1,000 tickets at $15.00 per. Why can't we get the city and county of Orangeburg to do something similar? The reason is we never ask. We do not know how or we are too lazy to aggressively market SCSU sports as well as the rest of the school. If you don't ask, you will not receive. Why not give some of the bright students in the Business Dept. this project of marketing? I bet they could do a great job. Besides, anything is better than what we are doing. What happen to the person who was hired by the AD to do marketing for us. The location of the game does not matter to me because I will follow the dogs anywhere within a 5 hour drive from my house. "

SCSU 98 wrote on Apr 20, 2007 9:47 PM:

" The blame should be placed on us (SCSU Alumnus) as to why the team is going to Charleston. As Alumnus we need to be more supportive to our Alma Mater. We complain about ticket prices going up, we complain about the football team when they are losing, we complain about everything. I don’t hear the Tigers or Gamecock fans complaining about the prices of their tickets, or their football team having a losing season so therefore I’m not going to support the team. If they did then you would never know it because the attendance of those games doesn’t show it. We are always pointing the fingers at others because we think that they are making bad decisions. Unless you have sat with the AD or whomever to find out why the game is being moved then we don’t know the true logic of going to Charleston. We are just trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together based on assumptions. When we make these assumptions we then post ugly comments on the web about those in positions at our School and it makes the students, alumnus and the university looks bad. We all need to make at least one personal goal towards the betterment of this school. Whether it be donating something as little as $5.00 to the school or joining the local Alumni Chapter or buying seasons tickets, whatever you chose to do. Everyone’s pocket and situations are different, but we have to make a start somewhere. When we do this we won’t have to move our games to big cities like Atlanta and Charlotte or raise the cost of game tickets to generate revenue for the school. "

TAS wrote on Apr 19, 2007 11:39 AM:

" insider, thanks for the prayer and I certainly respect your opinion of Mr. Washington and truly hope that you are correct when you wrote "Do not hold your breath while waiting on unethical charges (as you alleged and hope for) against him...you will end up dying an unnecessary death." However, do you ever wonder why with all the loyal employees, supporters, etc. that SCSU have, you are one of a very few with supporting remarks for Mr. Washington? "

T.Shuler wrote on Apr 19, 2007 11:31 AM:

" confisus sum- A subsidy? Is this not the American way? When GM, Dodge, etc. make donations to various colleges & universities do you not think this cost is not passed on to the consumer? Additionally, some give enough to help with their taxes. This is not rocket science you know. Now, you have a right to feel as you express here and you are absolutely correct when you challenged our supporters to do a better job of supporting. However, the suggestion make here regarding better community business support is not unheard of in this great country of ours. I can’t help but wonder why you express such anger about better support for such an important part of the Orangeburg community. Please write back and share your REAL reasons. Unfortunately, I already have an idea what’s underneath that anger. Anyhow, if you own and/or operate a local business, please let us know the name of it. I am also asking SCSU to develop a "I Support SCSU" window decal for local businesses to display when they do support. That way, we will know whom we are patronizing or should I say whom we SHOULD NOT patronize. I also challenge our local Alumni Association to get involve in an effort to secure more business support from the businesses we patronize regularly. Since I’m not sure the school itself can be directly involve, why not organize an effort to contact the businesses and solicit their support. I just won’t believe that most folks in Orangeburg feel the way you do confisus sum. "

captivated wrote on Apr 19, 2007 8:24 AM:

" I am an Orangeburg native who currently lives in Charleytown, and even though it would be very convenient for me, I would rather make that drive to Orangeburg for that "home" feeling. To Ashley, try as I might, I cannot go from Charleston to Orangeburg in 1 hour. Got any points left on your license? "

Bongo3-88 wrote on Apr 18, 2007 11:55 AM:

" To move the game to Charleston is outrageous. The game should be played at SCSU, the object is to try and make some profit from the game, not pay out to other institutions that have no real concern in regards to the significant of an HBCU or its traditions. We are slowly mainstreaming our Classics and traditions. Keep it at SCSU or A&T, bring in big name sponsors so that there will be parties, pre & post game functions for all age ranges. I remember when A&T’s game was almost as big a Homecoming; we need to get back to that. Heck if your gonna move it move it to Greenville, there is a large Afro-American population here that can use the exposure to SCSU. There’s also a lot of recruitment potential here and there is post game entertainment venues here. But overall I think it should be played at SCSU! "

To Ashley wrote on Apr 18, 2007 11:43 AM:

" Then why don't you just go to the game and drive to Charleston afterwards? Duh? It's only an hour a way people. "

Ex bulldog FAN wrote on Apr 18, 2007 11:40 AM:

" Now yall no Charlene Johnson makes no real decisions around here. Stop bashing her. She just takes the brunt for all of Maurices bad decisions. To TAS and INSIDER... keep talking, I agree with you. We know the truth. "

Hmmm.... wrote on Apr 18, 2007 11:39 AM:

" Is this the type of alum the university breeds? So glad I made the choice to go to Claflin. Hopefully others will see that SCSU may not be the best fit for them either. "

Fred wrote on Apr 18, 2007 8:13 AM:

" I wish we would play all our home games at home. I have had three season tickets for my wife, daughter and me for the over ten years. I live in Georgia and Charleston is my hometown but I would rather support SCSU at home not Citadel "Bulldog"Statium. When will Orangeburg be good enough for State "

XIPSIALUM wrote on Apr 17, 2007 2:33 PM:

" I am glad the move is being made. the real of it is thgat Orangeburg does not support the college like it needs to, "like columbia does usc or clemson does clemson" instead when there is a big game all law enforcement leave is cancelled. do we not remeber when the funeral home burned down on russell street and it was blamed on people that attended the homecoming. as a former player and graduate i support my university to the fullest so i will see you in chuck-town. my money spends in the fatz there too "

confisus sum wrote on Apr 17, 2007 1:29 PM:

" So the suggestion is that the businesses in Orangeburg create a subsidy for SCSU football by buying tickets. Therefore residents of the city should accept higher prices for goods and services so that business may recover the funds that they allocate to giveaway football tickets. The City of Orangeburg is not responsible for the attendance at SCSU home games. This assumption is based on the tired philosophy of not taking responsibility. I am sure that if the alumnus of SCSU and local followers were to leave their tailgating locations, and ACTUALLY go into the stadium, it could be be full every game. But obviously they would rather sit outside the stadium behind grills and coolers and complain about the lack of support shown by the City. What a crock. "

Upset Alumni wrote on Apr 17, 2007 11:46 AM:

" The only reason the games that have been held in Atlanta, Charlotte, and Charleston been successful, is because the teams SCSU played were high quality teams(Florida A&M, Bethune Cookman, North Carolina A&T). When SC State played Savannah State in Charleston, a few years ago the game failed terribly. I bet the administration would never place a game with Howard, Norfolk State, Delaware State, or Morgan State in Charleston. The only thing SCSU fans have to do is get off there behinds, and travel to the games at home, just like the fans that travel from all over at USC, and Clemson. If you look at the past attendance at the games with Bethune Cookman , Florida A&M, Hampton, and NCA&T at home. You will see that those games drew more than 10,000 fans in Orangeburg. The only reason the game is being moved, is because some SCSU administrators are trying to please some Charleston, Alumni who will not travel to Orangeburg. SCSU must face the fact that the school is in Orangeburg, and it is imperative to build a relationship with the city, no matter how long it takes. I also can not understand why a HBCU can not obtain a relationship with a City, and County that is almost 70 percent black. It just seems to me, that nobody is trying to partner, SCSU nor Orangeburg. "

T.Shuler wrote on Apr 17, 2007 10:18 AM:

" Rob, I strongly agree with you regarding the lack of community support for SCSU. SCSU must make available to its supporters, a list of community business supporters. As for football, the business community should be purchasing a substantial amount of season tickets annually. I challenge the T&D to investigate and report on the support for SCSU from our business community. Just how many support our football, basketball, etc. with season ticket purchases? Should you discover documented proof of substantial support by this community, I apolagize now. However, since I don't believe you will, I'll make this suggestion once more ...Orangeburg businesses purchase the tickets and donate those tickets to local schools to promote/reward positive academic, behavior and/or athletic achievements. There are NO REASONS why SCSU won't sell 20,000+ football, 1500+ basketball season tickets in 2007with your support Orangeburg. Thanks in advance Orangeburg for such a positive response. "

Ladybulldog wrote on Apr 17, 2007 7:51 AM:

" STOP! STOP! We did not hear any of this when we were in Charlotte, NC losing money. It appear to be just against Charleston. We have not played this game in Orangeburg for a number of years. A few people (alumni) in Charlotte will not make a few dollars. Why, the game should not be moved to other locations such as Charleston away from Charlotte, NC, At least Charleston support the game and the tax dollars stay within our State. North Carolina doesn't provide any money to SCSU just as few Alumni. "

mr.football wrote on Apr 16, 2007 11:36 PM:

" hey scsu fans do you remember when scsu use to have more than 10000 fans in attendance,yes back when Dr.Maceo Nance was president.Well you cant just take from the institution and put nothing back.Sorry to say fans we owe it to thieving crooks of the past.Wake them up and get back some of that money. "

Cid Alum wrote on Apr 16, 2007 3:47 PM:

" TAS; where were those "large sums of money" made? What was that? Williams Brice? Are you making an arguement for Orangeburg or Columbia? You're telling me to be honest when you can't even be honest with yourself. "

Rob wrote on Apr 15, 2007 6:16 PM:

" You guys bore me! There is nothing that anyone can do to make you happy. I guess if this game was played in your backyard, it MAY make you satisfied. Believe me, I love coming to SCSU games, tailgates and "hang out" with old friends. I have no problem spending my money in a city and county that appreciate me and wants me there. I try to spend the bare minimum whenever I visit Orangeburg. (I do support the businesses located immediately around the campus). This is a business community that hardly support SCSU or Claflin. What does the businesses in O'burg provide for football fans, other than $30 motel rooms for $90-$100. These businesses should be laying out the red carpet for football fans, based on the economic boost they thrive off of. It, again, will be a pleasure to travel I-26 through Orangeburg County to Charleston. If it hasn't already happened, these businesses will speak out for this move to Charleston. All I say is, "Up your game"! S-C-S-U!! "

Bigboy wrote on Apr 15, 2007 5:07 PM:

" What has been missed in all of the discussions is the economics of the situation. The Bulldogs will normally draw 5000-6000 fans to games in Orangeburg with the exception of Homecoming when the attendance is nearly 20,000. Whenever we play in Charleston, Charlotte, or Atlanta, the attendance normally exceeds 10,000. That points to an undisputable fact that the fans just will not come in large numbers to Orangeburg. HBCUs have all gone to participating in "Classics" to boost revenue to the athletic program and SCSU is no different. If they can find a few sponsors and if the host city will provide some financial incentives, then the game will be moved. Now, Orangeburg's only response to an SCSU football game is to raise the hotel rates when they expect a crowd with no apparent benefit to SCSU, then there really is no incentive to play games in Orangeburg when there is a better financial alternative. The solution, get the city behind the Bulldogs and get the fans to support the team, no matter where the game is held. "

R. C. THOMPSON OF GREENVILLE,S.C. wrote on Apr 15, 2007 5:02 PM:

" I DON,T CARE WHERE THE GAME IS PLAYED AS LONG AS WE BEAT THOSE AGGIES AGAIN AND AGAIN. I WILL BE THERE WHEREVER WE PLAY THEM. WHY? BECAUSE I AM A DIE-HARD-FAN OF SCSU. "

dc wrote on Apr 15, 2007 7:25 AM:

" take care of home first. stop giving the money to other cities. this place will never grow if you keep this up. "

fhsmct wrote on Apr 13, 2007 6:00 PM:

" Got a simple question: how much of a financial incentive has the netropolitan Charleston area provided to make holding the game in Johnson-Hagood attractive? If playing there has been a profitable venture in the past and if it proves to be more financially attractive than playing at home, what's the fuss. Bottom Line: until the overall Orangeburg business community makes it attractive to come to town, until that same community supports the school to the levels it can and should, especially when you consider the financial impact the schools (Claflin, too) have on our overall Orangeburg community, and until a more significant number of us start actually going into the stadium versus simply showing up outside for the pre- and post game festivities, business moves like this will remain a necessity . . . "

class of 1986 wrote on Apr 13, 2007 5:41 PM:

" The issue is not who is making contribution to the school; but how we as alumnus making our institution a place where other institutions would like to use our facility for rental purposes, but if we are always using other universities facilities, then we are defeated the purpose of making our facility an attractive site for people to bid on or use. What is a 1,000 seats, if we do not have some people who will not attend? I am going to support the team regardless, but if we cannot voice our opinions, that means we are willing to settle for anything. "

Ashley wrote on Apr 12, 2007 9:07 PM:

" This is a disgrace. The whole season for me is to escape the rat race of the week. Now, the old people want to take the fun out of the last game of the season. It shouldn't be played in Charleston, nor Orangeburg. There's nothing to do after the game in either of those places. I don't go straight home after the game to get ready for the Gospel Explosion on Sunday like you old folks. I want to celebrate our win, or loss, if we ever lose, with my fellow alum and some A&T alum. And, if me, being from the low country, can't find anything to do down there, what attraction would there be for another school who's traveled all that way? I understand this is a new day, and we're making strides, but we are giving up fun and tradition for what? I've read some of the other comments, and those who are calling for either Charleston or Orangeburg has to be about 50 or 60. Forget that stadium. That's done. That stadium was built when I was there. With or without our complaints or approval Ms. Hatton proceeded with the construction. If you want to complain, complain about them taking $100-300 for a 10'x10' parking space during homecoming. Keep the game in Charlotte... or take it back to Atlanta! Petition for the Heritage Classic, so the living have something to do. I'm 34, but I'm not dead (like the rest of you seem to be). "

Blkplaya9891 wrote on Apr 12, 2007 6:33 PM:

" I don't see the need in having this game in Charleston. For one, it cuts out loyal fans who are in mere walking distance from the campus that might come to such a big game if it weren't so far away. Though a lot of hype is built around this particular game, I've attended a few of the rivalry classic games when they were held in Charlotte and the attendance was not that great. In a few instances, it seemed that you had more people congregating outside of the stadium than those in actual attendence of the game. The stadium in any of the times I attended was not filled to capacity. I can say from experience, that the game might as well have been at SCSU. Yes these other stadiums can hold slightly more patrons than State's stadium (which holds 22k -24k partrons at full capacity), but none of the games I attended reached the full capacity of State's stadium. And if you are not surpassing the attendance numbers that State's stadium can hold, then why split the bill if you don't have to? Having the classic in Charleston bodes well for Charleston, not Orangeburg despite the number of patrons attending. The city of Orangeburg will receive none of this revenue gernerated that people will spend at hotels, at shopping centers, restaurants, etc. So I agree with those who feel these dollars would be well spent in Orangeburg. "

Just Wondering Why wrote on Apr 12, 2007 8:24 AM:

" Why is it that after spending close to a million dollars in improvements to Oliver C. Dawson stadium that there is even talk about the game being played at the Citadel? Why not have the game in Orangeburg? Why take the possible revenue that could be generated for SCSU and the city of Orangeburg away? Why move the game when you will lose another home game? Why not give the students and residents something to look forward to on a Saturday afternoon here in Orangeburg; instead of having to travel for a "home" game? Please can any body anwser these questions. "

1986 Graduate wrote on Apr 11, 2007 5:16 PM:

" I do not agree with playing the game in Charleston, SC. Moreover, it does not matter if they have 1000 or 2000 more seats in their stadium, because this should motivate us to keep making improvements on our stadium. We make accommodations during homecoming, and we can make accommodations for this game as well. I totally agree with having the game played in Orangeburg, SC. As for the person who made a comment about people making contributions to the school, good for you, but people give from their heart and what they have, but this is about principal, and making our university all that it can be! "

charlene johnson must go wrote on Apr 11, 2007 3:03 PM:

" just another dumb decision by our dumb AD...... 1. hire tonya mackey 2. hire JB 3. retain the softball coach 4. move the game to charleston Charelene, you are the weakest link....plesae step down! "

Oh Boy! wrote on Apr 11, 2007 12:27 PM:

" See what I mean you totally missed the point. Dont you see that you are hurting the school even more by adding to the negative that is already going on with the corrupt people that work at the university. Please people wake up and use your negative energy to make a positive! Figure that out! "

Bigboy wrote on Apr 11, 2007 10:40 AM:

" What is lost in all of this is the fact that the average attendance at games in Orangeburg is less than 7000 per game. And the number is that high because of the 20,000 folks that show up for Homecoming. Whenever we play a game in Charlotte, Atlanta, or Charleston, the attendance is significantly higher than the attendance in Orangeburg, except for Homecoming. We will go to a game in a fun city, but we will not come to Orangeburg except for Homecoming. If we filled Bulldog Stadium every weekend when the Bulldogs are at home, the University wouldn't be moving the games around the country trying to increase the revenue for the athletic program. The "Classics" have become the lifeblood for HBCU football. If they can find a corporate sponsor or a venue that will provide guaranteed revenue for the program, they will move the game. Charleston has, in the past, provided financial incentives when a game is played there. Most cities recognize the economic impact of 10,000 fans coming to town, renting hotel rooms, and eating in restaurants. Orangeburg takes it for granted and only complains when there is a large crowd for Homecoming. So if you really want more games to be played in Orangeburg, buy a season ticket; come to games in Orangeburg in addition to Homecoming; pressure the Orangeburg Chamber of Commerce to recognize the economic impact of a large number of fans coming to Orangeburg to spend money by supporting the athletic program. "

TAS wrote on Apr 11, 2007 10:29 AM:

" Cid Alum-it's very nice of you here in attempting to simplify, rationalize, downplay, etc. the racist mindset which existed then and to a large degree, still exist today. Grow up and be honest with yourself regarding the issues of SCSU utilizing the Citadel's facilities as well as the Citadel's past refusal to play here. Do you recall large sums of money made by both schools and 82,000 fans that attended the game played at William-Brice? The T&D may not print this, but I hope they at least get it to you. "

TAS wrote on Apr 10, 2007 2:33 PM:

" Oh Boy-just how much do we have to give before we are allowed to comment? When people do things the right way, the negative comments won't matter at all. I think its obvious that folks commenting on moving this game indicates that they plan to and have in the past attended this game. By the way, I'll continue to comment here and you figure-out if I'm giving enough. "

Oh Boy Here We Go Again! wrote on Apr 10, 2007 1:08 PM:

" Please people stop giving so much negative publicity to SCSU. Keep your complaining to yourselves unless you are an alumni who gives back to the school and I don't mean paying for a homecoming football ticket once a year. Get off of your high horses and stop trashing people who work for SCSU. I am an alumni and I do give back and until you do the same and have cause to make a change then just stop giving the t&d some more negative things to feed off of. Please we as a university have enough problems to worry about. "

Cid Alum wrote on Apr 10, 2007 10:48 AM:

" TAS- why not look at attendance numbers at the time SCSU and Citadel played? Perhaps it was about revenue for BOTH schools. If it would make you feel better to have your butt kicked at home for less money, I strongly agree with you. "

TAS wrote on Apr 10, 2007 9:56 AM:

" Does anyone remember when our facilities were not good enough for the Citadel to play us here? We've played them there before their renovations, but they won't come here. I wonder why? "

TAS wrote on Apr 10, 2007 9:52 AM:

" The score at this point is 11-0 in favor of not moving this game to Charleston. A general/larger survey might show a similar outcome. Lets do a survey during this season for moving games in 2008. For the record, I do believe that many of us have more concerns with using the Citadel's facility then with moving the game to Charleston. "

ole skool wrote on Apr 10, 2007 8:39 AM:

" bring coach Jeffries back and make him AD. your are making a bad decision. "

A Cadet from Orangeburg wrote on Apr 9, 2007 6:07 PM:

" I understand where all of you are coming from. As a Political Science major at The Citadel from Orangeburg, I believe since it is a game between SCSU and NC A & T it should be a rotation between the schools. I do understand on both of the school's sake that they will hold less liability and responsibility. The stadium at the Citadel is an outstanding venue. I do believe though that name calling and jumping to conlusions as some of you have is not the answer. Please don't blame this on The Citadel or Charleston, this has to deal with both SCSU and NC A & T. So in conclusion, I must say that maybe people need to look at both sides of the equation and realize what is better. "

HC wrote on Apr 9, 2007 11:56 AM:

" Totally stupid! Is the ice for the soda colder at the Citadel? How do my friends and I get on the "Do not mail me my season tickets renewal info" list? "

03scsusalum wrote on Apr 8, 2007 10:39 PM:

" Why would we want to move the game to Charleston? What's the deal with that, and why would we with all the upgrades to the current Oliver C. Dawson stadium. What was the purpose of the upgrades if we can't enjoy them, the game should be played in Orangeburg. "

DL wrote on Apr 8, 2007 11:43 AM:

" Why did they spend all that money improving OCD? I thought it was far so the many Bulldogs fans could see a realhome game here in Orangeburg. This is a bunch of crap. "

Prophet wrote on Apr 8, 2007 10:18 AM:

" The economics of the proposal to move the game need to observed. This proposal takes much needed operational REVENUE from SCSU and ORANGEBURG and gives it to THE CITADEL and CHARLESTON. WHAT Leadership and Willie Nillie Business Decisions are we allowing to CONTROL SCSU. It TIME to WAKE-UP and take a STAND. "

Prophet wrote on Apr 8, 2007 10:17 AM:

" The economics of the proposal to move the game need to observed. This proposals takes much needed operational REVENUE from SCSU and ORANGEBURG and gives it to THE CITADEL and CHARLESTON. WHAT Leadership and Willie Nillie Business Decisions are we allowing to CONTROL SCSU. It TIME to WAKE-UP and take a STAND. "

"CLASS OF 77" wrote on Apr 7, 2007 11:23 PM:

" I AGREE, 1.WHY DID WE SPEND ALL THAT MONEY ON A STADIUM THAT WE WILL NOT USE? 2.WHY ARE WE GIVING MONEY TO THE CITADEL? YOU KNOW WE ARE NOT USING IT FREE OF CHARGE. 3.IF ONLY 10,000 AND 15,000 ATTENDED THE OTHER GAMES, WHY DO WE NEED THEIR STADIUM? "

HJ wrote on Apr 7, 2007 10:14 AM:

" Why should we continue to spend our money outside of Orangeburg? And if we are going to spend it outside of Orangeburg, why should we spend it in a stadium whose appearance is worse than Memorial Stadium in Charlotte? Play the game at SCSU! Host other classics between two different schools at SCSU! Put that new field and scoreboard to use. Not to mention the high ticket prices! And speaking of tickets... IS THE SAME PERSON (AND/OR PEOPLE) WHO AGREED TO ONLY GET 2000 TICKETS FROM USC FOR THE GAME AT WILLIAMS-BRICE MAKING THIS DECISION TO MOVE THE CAROLINA CLASSIC TO THE CITADEL? Hmmmmm???? Bad decision making...and bad coaching!!! But that's another article!!! Bottom line, play the game where it belongs. "

Insider wrote on Apr 7, 2007 9:02 AM:

" TSA, I have prayed for you. I for one do not care where the SC State vs. A&T game is held...as a loyal son and employee, I will be there cheering the Bulldogs on. As for your reckless comments on Mr. Washington, like it or not he has been and remain key to the wonderful improvements taking shape at SC State. However, do not take my word for it, attend some of the board meetings as I do from time to time and learn for yourself. He is straightforward, hold folks accountable, and generous with his time (which the chair of any board must be) while maintaining a very successful investment and consulting business practice in Charleston. Do not hold your breath while waiting on unethical charges (as you alleged and hope for) against him...you will end up dying an unnecessary death. "

mr.football wrote on Apr 6, 2007 7:16 PM:

" Dont you scsu fans get it?our basketball coach was from charleston,our board chairman is from charleston,our president has ties with beaufort,our public relations person is from charleston,our sorry congressman is from charleston(the honorable jim clyburn)more and more of our students are from charleston.its a quiet take over.We allowed maurice and the chipmunks (rest of the board members)to hire a president who never applied for the job.Fans of scsu we should be outraged if we allow the dummies to play this game in charleston.god please rescue scsu from scsu. "

TAS wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:17 AM:

" This is sickening Maurice, get a life and most of all get a job and stop fudging off of SCSU. For those patrons who invested in the fine stadium improvements should be complaining because they are being sold a "bill of goods," and will not get the advertisement time they deserve. If this will be a financial benefit to the institution, make it known to the public. Maybe then we can be more receptive to the move. I for one will be happy when your involvement with the wrong doings have been proven true so that you can be removed from the board. "

The Eagle wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:06 AM:

" Why would SCSU want to play a rivalry game in Charleston when they have a facility capable of hosting such a game? Did the athletic administration not learn anything from last year's game? Why give up concessions, parking and everything associated with making money at an event such as this? I'm sure Coach Pough cannot be happy if they decide to move this game. Are we working against him? What about our limited number of fans and season ticket holders do we care nothing about them? Will this game be included in the season ticket package? We complain about not having fans in the stands, now you want to give them an extra expense and another excuse for not attending games. Wake up SCSU administration, you just recently mishandled the Jamal Brown situation. "

Anon. wrote on Apr 4, 2007 8:18 AM:

" I've got one word to say...Why??? We have on avg. 3-4 games a year in Orangeburg. We have an opportunity to play 5 games in OCD this year and we're going to opt to play in Charleston for one OUR home games, again???? Let's be serious. SCSU please don't do this. We have a beautiful stadium, please play the game at home. "

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SCSU’s annual rivalry game may be moved to Charleston

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