In 1993 we staged the first GAMECOCK GALA which was held in Woodhill Mall in Columbia. The aim of this event was for USC fans to have the opportunity to meet former Gamecock football greats at a pre-season spectacular. We wanted fans to come out and meet the past and then to attend the USC Spring Game to see the future. This was a two day event that featured many top names in the school's history.
 
Saturday's guests included Heisman Trophy winner GEORGE ROGERS, USC's first 1000 yard backs KEVIN LONG and CLARENCE WILLIAMS, defensive stand-out RICK SANFORD and NFL first round draft pick WILLIE SCOTT. 
 
The photo on the left features 1980 Heisman Trophy winner GEORGE ROGERS along with K.D. SAFRAN. Due to the generosity of George we were able to set up the Heisman Trophy so that fans could take their own photos posing with the legendary award. 

The guests for Sunday included Gamecock legend and 1920 team captain TATUM GRESSETTE, The Voice of the Gamecocks... BOB FULTON and former quarterback great MIKE HOLD. Mike drove all the way back from the Arena League's Championship game in Florida so that he could be in attendance. As a special "thank you", we were proud to be able to present Mike with the original painting used to create the famous artwork HOLD THAT TIGER which recreated the final moments of the 1984 Carolina vs Clemson football match-up concluding the BLACK MAGIC season.