Community Involvement
Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive
On campus, the Carolina Rugby Team is a regular partner with the annual Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive, wherein players assist the American Red Cross in its on-campus operations and donate blood throughout the week. The Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive is a longstanding tradition of the Carolina community. As the largest collegiate blood battle in the nation and the largest blood drive in the Southeast, it has been helping area residents since 1985, yielding more than 100,000 units of blood and potentially helping 300,000 patients in need.
This year’s event resulted in 6,896 donors presenting to give blood. Carolina supporters totaled 4,103, or 16.9 percent of the undergraduate population, while Clemson supporters totaled 2,793, or 16.5 percent of the undergraduate population, resulting in the seventh consecutive win for USC, giving them a 16-14 lead in the annual competition with Clemson. USC was awarded the coveted blood drive trophy during Saturday's football game at Clemson's Memorial Stadium.
"I'm proud of the team for their now 14 years of contribution to the annual blood drive," says Head Coach Mark Morris. "Participating in charitable events such as the Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive enables our young men to give back to the community, and with the holiday season now here, that help could not come at a better time. From setup to tear down, to encouraging their classmates to participate, and giving blood themselves, it really shows their character, and I for one am honored to coach these young men."
Carolina Rugby is proud of its contribution to the annual blood drive, though more importantly it is thankful for all those who give the "Gift of Life."
Click here for a special article in the USC Times on Carolina Rugby alumnus Jeff Smolka, recognizing him last year for his 12 years of service and leadership with the Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive Campaign.
This year’s event resulted in 6,896 donors presenting to give blood. Carolina supporters totaled 4,103, or 16.9 percent of the undergraduate population, while Clemson supporters totaled 2,793, or 16.5 percent of the undergraduate population, resulting in the seventh consecutive win for USC, giving them a 16-14 lead in the annual competition with Clemson. USC was awarded the coveted blood drive trophy during Saturday's football game at Clemson's Memorial Stadium.
"I'm proud of the team for their now 14 years of contribution to the annual blood drive," says Head Coach Mark Morris. "Participating in charitable events such as the Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive enables our young men to give back to the community, and with the holiday season now here, that help could not come at a better time. From setup to tear down, to encouraging their classmates to participate, and giving blood themselves, it really shows their character, and I for one am honored to coach these young men."
Carolina Rugby is proud of its contribution to the annual blood drive, though more importantly it is thankful for all those who give the "Gift of Life."
Click here for a special article in the USC Times on Carolina Rugby alumnus Jeff Smolka, recognizing him last year for his 12 years of service and leadership with the Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive Campaign.
Cocky's Reading Express
Cocky's
Reading Express is a collaboration between the University of South Carolina and
the School of Library and Information Science where USC students travel the
state with their friend, Cocky, visiting underserved public schools across
South Carolina. The students read to the children, and Cocky helps the children
understand the importance of life-long reading.
The program primarily serves students in 4K through second grade because research shows that if children acquire strong reading skills and a love of reading by the end of second grade they are more likely to succeed academically and graduate on time. All the children are given books to take home, reminders of their visit from Cocky and the USC students. So far, Cocky's Reading Express has donated over 78,000 books in SC!
This year, several members of the Carolina Rugby Team visited both Spann Elementary in Summerville, SC and Bethune Bowman Elementary in Orangeburg, SC to read stories to the children and pass out over 700 books for them to keep. The players had a great time and enjoyed making reading fun — one Gamecock at a time!
The program primarily serves students in 4K through second grade because research shows that if children acquire strong reading skills and a love of reading by the end of second grade they are more likely to succeed academically and graduate on time. All the children are given books to take home, reminders of their visit from Cocky and the USC students. So far, Cocky's Reading Express has donated over 78,000 books in SC!
This year, several members of the Carolina Rugby Team visited both Spann Elementary in Summerville, SC and Bethune Bowman Elementary in Orangeburg, SC to read stories to the children and pass out over 700 books for them to keep. The players had a great time and enjoyed making reading fun — one Gamecock at a time!
Relay for Life Walk at USC
Beginning in 2010, Carolina Rugby began supporting Team Jameson and the American Cancer Society, assisting former player Patrick Lawler in raising roughly $8,000 towards a cure. Last year, the team increased their effort and raised $10,000, more than double the amount raised by the team that placed second.
Patrick and the team organized USC’s first Bachelor Auction, designed wristbands with the notorious ‘Cocks against Cancer’ slogan and auctioned a football that Coach Spurrier signed, with all proceeds benefitting Team Jameson. With the conclusion of the 2012 relay, we are proud to announce that Team Jameson exceeded its goal and raised a total of $16,539, bringing the three year total to nearly $35,000 for the American Cancer Society.
Team Jameson was founded on one truth: that love and support is in abundance, and by working together to mobilize our efforts we can give and demonstrate all the love and support we have for those who need it today. The most wonderful way to honor the memory of someone special is to exhibit all they have taught us, the experiences, and the love they brought into our own lives. "I want to say thanks to all who have supported Team Jameson the last three years. I feel so fortunate to have such wonderful family and friends supporting me, and I am blessed to have you all in my life. I know that my mother is proud and all those whom we honor with our efforts and accomplishments," says Lawler.
Patrick and the team organized USC’s first Bachelor Auction, designed wristbands with the notorious ‘Cocks against Cancer’ slogan and auctioned a football that Coach Spurrier signed, with all proceeds benefitting Team Jameson. With the conclusion of the 2012 relay, we are proud to announce that Team Jameson exceeded its goal and raised a total of $16,539, bringing the three year total to nearly $35,000 for the American Cancer Society.
Team Jameson was founded on one truth: that love and support is in abundance, and by working together to mobilize our efforts we can give and demonstrate all the love and support we have for those who need it today. The most wonderful way to honor the memory of someone special is to exhibit all they have taught us, the experiences, and the love they brought into our own lives. "I want to say thanks to all who have supported Team Jameson the last three years. I feel so fortunate to have such wonderful family and friends supporting me, and I am blessed to have you all in my life. I know that my mother is proud and all those whom we honor with our efforts and accomplishments," says Lawler.
Rookie Rugby
In 2008, USA Rugby vowed its commitment to establishing a Rookie Rugby program aimed towards promoting rugby at a younger age. South Carolina has moved to the forefront in instituting the framework for this new program, led by our very own Jeff Smolka.
Carolina Rugby has pledged to donate a ball kit to the South Carolina Youth Rugby League, which will be used by Midlands elementary and middle schools to incorporate rugby fundamentals into their PE curriculum. Men’s Rugby has also supported numerous promotional events to include SHAW Youth Day, held at Sumter’s SHAW Air Force Base, in which Rookie Rugby was one of the exhibits used to promote health and wellness amongst local youth.
Our investment into Rookie Rugby exposes citizens to the game, as well as prepares future ruggers for collegiate play. Additionally, assisting in the program for elementary and middle school programs will assist us in recruiting players who may very well have 10+ years of rugby experience.
Carolina Rugby has pledged to donate a ball kit to the South Carolina Youth Rugby League, which will be used by Midlands elementary and middle schools to incorporate rugby fundamentals into their PE curriculum. Men’s Rugby has also supported numerous promotional events to include SHAW Youth Day, held at Sumter’s SHAW Air Force Base, in which Rookie Rugby was one of the exhibits used to promote health and wellness amongst local youth.
Our investment into Rookie Rugby exposes citizens to the game, as well as prepares future ruggers for collegiate play. Additionally, assisting in the program for elementary and middle school programs will assist us in recruiting players who may very well have 10+ years of rugby experience.
South Carolina High School Rugby
Carolina Rugby regularly works with the South Carolina High School Rugby league, as the league's founder and several of its coaches are among our alumni. Additionally, our team assisted at the first-ever (2007) SCHSR Jamboree and Training Camp held here in Columbia. Throughout the season, Men’s Rugby looks to host several SCHSR matches, providing fields, facilities, equipment, referees, and “Man of the Match” awards for outstanding players both on and off the pitch.
In the summer of 2009, USC began a tradition of sponsoring a local U19 Sevens squad, with the side victorious in numerous tournaments around the Southeast. This annual involvement has not only increased the awareness of the sport of rugby throughout the state of South Carolina, it has also promotes Carolina Rugby as one of the premier Rugby programs in the South today.
In the summer of 2009, USC began a tradition of sponsoring a local U19 Sevens squad, with the side victorious in numerous tournaments around the Southeast. This annual involvement has not only increased the awareness of the sport of rugby throughout the state of South Carolina, it has also promotes Carolina Rugby as one of the premier Rugby programs in the South today.
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Each November, we have an incredible opportunity when we work with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Columbia to participate in “McHappy Day”. Volunteer Carolina ruggers spend the afternoon assisting in the operations of a busy, downtown McDonalds while collecting donations for the charity.
Player James Jacobs claims, “Knowing that we were working for the greater good really made me appreciate what I have and motivated me to keep working hard.” Alexandra Nicyper, Special Events Coordinator for the Ronald McDonald House states, “It is truly through the kindness and generosity of community members like Carolina Rugby that we have, for 26 years, lightened the load for families that have needed our services.”
The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Each year more than 350 families are served by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Columbia through one or both cornerstone programs, the Ronald McDonald House and the Ronald McDonald Family Room.
Player James Jacobs claims, “Knowing that we were working for the greater good really made me appreciate what I have and motivated me to keep working hard.” Alexandra Nicyper, Special Events Coordinator for the Ronald McDonald House states, “It is truly through the kindness and generosity of community members like Carolina Rugby that we have, for 26 years, lightened the load for families that have needed our services.”
The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Each year more than 350 families are served by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Columbia through one or both cornerstone programs, the Ronald McDonald House and the Ronald McDonald Family Room.
Kappa Kickoff
Another philanthropic activity in November is Kappa Kappa Kickoff. Carolina Rugby fields two teams for the annual flag football tournament put on by USC's Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Proceeds from the tournament traditionally go to Kappa’s national philanthropy, Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the largest children’s literacy nonprofit in the United States, though this year's kickoff was more personal. On July 22nd, Amy-Hampton Knight Cadwell (former chapter President and 1991 USC graduate) passed in a Denver hospital from an unknown virus. Her husband approved many experimental treatments for Amy, whereby over $500,000 in medical bills accrued. The Epsilon Kappa women immediately decided that among other projects to raise money for the family, the 2014 Kappa Kickoff proceeds would be dedicated to the Cadwell medical fund.
Stephanie Cook Johnston (fellow Kappa and friend of Amy-Hampton) is delighted that the Carolina Rugby team participated in this fundraising venture. "Many thanks go out to the Carolina Rugby team for having two teams in this year's Kappa Kickoff. We are thankful that their participation is helping the family of a fellow Gamecock. Amy-Hampton has left behind a husband and two young boys that will know the generosity of the Gamecock and Kappa families. The rugby boys always provide a good time and great competition! We look forward to their participation in the years to come."
Stephanie Cook Johnston (fellow Kappa and friend of Amy-Hampton) is delighted that the Carolina Rugby team participated in this fundraising venture. "Many thanks go out to the Carolina Rugby team for having two teams in this year's Kappa Kickoff. We are thankful that their participation is helping the family of a fellow Gamecock. Amy-Hampton has left behind a husband and two young boys that will know the generosity of the Gamecock and Kappa families. The rugby boys always provide a good time and great competition! We look forward to their participation in the years to come."
Our team fulfills its philanthropic interests each semester and continues to add more events as our program becomes larger. Participating in charitable events enables our young men to give back to the community in which they live, and we believe that altruism leads to a better sportsmanlike attitude on the pitch. When all is said and done at the conclusion of a match, and competitive natures subside, we have the benevolence of our fellow team mates to hold us in higher esteem in the community due in part to participation in events such as the Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive, Relay for Life, and the Rookie and High School Leagues in our state. We intend to continue with these programs and look for more opportunities to expand our community involvement in the future.
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