South Carolina Statehouse Blog

WILL RAISE USC FLAG, DECLARE GAMECOCKS BASEBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONS DAY, AWARD COACH TANNER ORDER OF THE PALMETTO

Columbia, S.C. - June 30, 2010 - Governor Mark Sanford today applauded the University of South Carolina baseball team for its inspiring national championship run, culminating in the Gamecocks’ World Series victory over UCLA last night in Omaha.

“Given last night’s classic come-from-behind victory by the South Carolina Gamecocks in Omaha, I’d congratulate Coach Tanner and the entire baseball team for their relentless spirit, superior skill, and ongoing success both on and off the field in representing South Carolina. It’s with great excitement that I’d join with multitudes across the state in celebrating the first-ever major men’s championship for USC, and it’s with great pride that I’d make the following three announcements:

First, we will be raising the USC Gamecocks Baseball flag above the Statehouse tomorrow in tribute to the team’s amazing season and dominant performance over the last few days in Omaha. In the same way the state flew the Clemson flag over the Statehouse almost 30 years ago after Clemson University’s football championship, we’re tomorrow honoring USC and specifically the baseball team for their baseball championship.

Second, we will be officially designating tomorrow, July 1, as Gamecocks Baseball National Champions Day.

Finally, it will be my distinct honor to award Coach Ray Tanner with the Order of the Palmetto, our state’s highest civilian award. For his years of success on the ball field, his work with the Ray Tanner Foundation, and his dedicated service to the university and community at large, Coach Tanner is deserving of this recognition and I’d wish him and the Gamecocks all the best as they take a well-deserved victory lap.

So here’s to South Carolina and last night’s victory in Omaha.”