University of South Carolina
Football Traditions

"2001"

The University of South Carolina Gamecocks feature perhaps the most unique and electrifying pregame entry in all of college football. As the minutes wind down on the game clock prior to the opening kickoff, the Gamecocks leave the locker room following final pre-game instruction from their coaching staff and assemble in the tunnel in the southwest corner of Williams-Brice Stadium. Then, as the crowd of more than 82,000 begins its roar of anticipation, the first notes of "Also Sprach Zarathustra" by Richard Strauss, better known as the theme song from "2001 - A Space Odyssey", blare over the stadium sound system. As the music continues, the enthusiasm of the crowd is feverish. Finally, at just the exact moment, in perfect coordination with the music, the Gamecocks hit the field running, and the stadium goes wild.

This magical moment has been captured by national television, including ESPN and WTBS, during those networks telecasts of games at Williams-Brice Stadium. It is indeed one of the special traditions in college football.

The theme "2001" corresponded with the University's 200th birthday theme in 2001.

The "Cockaboose Railroad"

A row of twenty two 45-foot-long, 10-foot-wide cabooses lined up on an unused rail spur about 20 yards from Williams-Brice Stadium provides a tailgate area unique to the University of South Carolina. The Cockabooses were originally bought by late Columbia developer Ed Robinson, who also developed the University Club, in 1990, moved to the site, refurbished, and sold to corporate and individual owners for $45,000 each. The owners then customized their own cabooses, creating personalized, all-weather tailgate areas perfect for before the game and after. Each Cockaboose is equipped with running water, heating and air, a deck and cable TV. A new car, which once was a Red Cross car during World War I and is about three times the size of the other twenty two cabooses, will soon join the line.

Recently, a new development near the stadium, known as The Touchdown Zone 2, has added even more cockabooses. The Touchdown Zone 2's cabooses are old Soo Line cars the lot's owners got from a private collector in the Midwest.

The Cockabooses have been featured in national magazines, including Smithsonian and Southern Living.

Retired Numbers

Four Gamecocks have had their jersey numbers retired over the years at the University of South Carolina.

Sterling Sharpe - # 2

USC's all-time leading receiver with 169 catches for 2,497 yards and 17 touchdowns. Sharpe had his jersey retired following the 1987 regular season. He became only the second Gamecock to have his jersey retired while he was still active at the school. George Rogers was the first. In fact, both Sharpe and Rogers played in the Gator Bowl in their final collegiate game. Sharpe was a number one draft pick by the Green Bay Packers in 1988.

Steve Wadiak - # 37

The first to have his jersey retired, running back Steve Wadiak, who played for Carolina from 1948-51, was kiled in a tragic automobile accident. Wadiak, who still appears throughout the South Carolina record book, was the school's all-time rushing leader for 28 years after his senior season. Wadiak's career mark of 2,878 rushing yards was passed by Rogers in 1980. Wadiak led his team in scoring and rushing all four years he played.

George Rogers - # 38

Probably the school's best known player, George Rogers is also USC's only Heisman Trophy winner to date. His jersey was retired during halftime ceremonies at Carolina's final 1980 home game. Rogers was the first USC player to have his jersey retired while still active at the school.

Mike Johnson - # 56

Center Mike Johnson became gravely ill before the start of his junior season, and the illness cut short a potentially great football career. Johnson had finished his sophomore campaign as the regular center. Head Coach Marvin Bass remembered him as the "best offensive center I ever coached .... He loved this University and he loved this game." He died in 1965 while watching his brother play football, just a few days after watching his final Carolina home game "... on that field where I ought to be." His number was retired later that year.