Busy Saturday on Blog, be sure to scroll down and read all the new stories!!

It has been a very busy Saturday in the world of USC Salkehatchie athletics! Please be sure and scroll down the blog in order to read all the newly posted stories.

Former USC Salkehatchie Indian-Travis Howard (USC Aiken) earns 2009 Daktronics, Inc. All American (DII) status- First Team

(Photo-Eddie Sherrer)

Former USC Salkehatchie Indians baseball player Travis Howard, now with USC Aiken was recently named to the 2009 Daktronics, Inc. All-America Baseball Team as a first team member. Howard from Bonneau, SC came to USC Salkehatchie as a freshman back in the fall of 2006. Upon graduation from USC Salkehatchie, he transfered to NCAA Division II-USC Aiken in Aiken, South Carolina.

This past season, his first at USC Aiken, Howard lead the nation in RBI's (103), tying the Peach Belt record, while breaking the USC Aiken record formerly held by current Colorado Rockies (MLB) organizationally player-Chad Jacobsen (97).

Below is Howard's stats from this past season at USC Aiken, Aiken, South Carolina.



DESIGNATED HITTER: TRAVIS HOWARD, Sr., USC-Aiken (Bonneau, S.C.)
Southeast Region Player of the Year, led the nation in RBI, tying Peach Belt
record
AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SLUG BB K OBP SB FLD
.384 255 61 98 16 3 19 103 .694 15 42 .424 0 .966

To view the entire 2009 Daktronics, Inc. All-America Baseball Team, click on the LINK BELOW-

http://www.ucmo.edu/athletics/baseball/08-09news/2009%20All-American%20release.pdf

Socastee softballer Crystal Long signs to play at USC-Salkehatchie

Socastee High School has a history of sending softball players to USC-Salkehatchie. Add Crystal Long to that long list.
Wednesday Long signed with the Indians in front of family, coaches and friends. A shortstop the last three years for Steve Hodge’s team, Long is expected to play middle infield for Salk. She batted .422 this year, but Socastee failed to make the playoffs.
Former teammates of Long, Cea Knox and Daphne Hall, have attended USC-Salk and Long said that was an important factor for Long. “They’re a big deal at Socastee, so it’s cool to be following in their footsteps,“ Long said.
Indians coach Mitch Smith, attended the signing at Socastee High School.

For the complete story and VIDEO of the signing, go to the link below-

http://www.scnow.com/scp/sports/high_school_prep/high_school_softball/article/socastee_softball_signs_to_usc-salkehatchie/51603/

USC Salkehatchie Athletics Golf Tournament Deemed "Huge" Success by Athletic Director-Mrs. Jane Brewer

The annual USC Salkehatchie athletics golf tournament was deemed a huge success by USC Salkehatchie athletics director-Mrs. Jane Brewer.

The tournament which was held at Sweet Water Country Club in Barnwell, South Carolina was one of the best fundraisers to date with all those in attendance enjoying a great day for golf.

The course was beautiful and the players in attendance seemed to enjoy the playing surface, "The course looks great and it is one of the nicest ones we have around. I have played it several times and I'll be back. I wanted to support USC Salkehatchie and get in a great round of golf with friends, you can't beat that," said Marvin Williams-City of Fairfax Chief of police.

It was a great time for golf, food and friends from all over the state of South Carolina enjoying a nice day at the course.

We would also like to thank Sweet Water Country Club for being such gracious hosts for the annual USC Salkehatchie athletics golf tournament.

Be sure to check out the "Official" USC Salkehatchie athletic website for more information about this year's annual USC Salkehatchie Athletic golf tournament, next Friday at www.uscsalkathletics.com

Local High School Team Bamberg Ehrhardt Wins 2nd straight and 15th State Championship

(Photo by Brian Linder/T&D)-Bamberg-Ehrhardt third baseman and leadoff hitter Ross Nettles- (USC Salkehatchie Recruit) gets pumped up after sliding in to score a run against Chesterfield during Friday’s Game Three of the Class A state championship series. B-E star Don Sandifer (19) waits to slap hands with his teammate after the score.

Times and Democrat-

By Thomas Grant JR., T&D Senior Sports Writer

LEXINGTON -- Zack Godley has successfully played this role before for Bamberg-Ehrhardt.If fellow senior pitching ace Don Sandifer is “Mr. Clutch,” then Godley is “The Closer.” Last May at Lexington High School, he pitched seven shutout innings against Chesterfield to lead the Red Raiders to a 7-0 victory and their first state title in 13 years.Friday night at White Knoll High School, Godley gave another strong leading performance to provide the same happy ending for Red Raiders fans in the sequel to last year’s state championship run.

Though the final score was slightly different, the outcome was the same as B-E defeated Chesterfield 7-1 to repeat as Class A champions.“I’m glad we got to do it again,” said Godley, who was slightly hobbled after getting mobbed by his teammates during the postgame celebration. “It’s a great experience.”In rallying from an 0-1 series deficit against Chesterfield for the second straight year to claim its state-record 15th championship, B-E (29-5) won the final two games by a 16-2 margin. Following Don Sandifer’s 15-strikeout performance Wednesday, Godley came back after a rough appearance in Monday’s Game One loss to subdue the Golden Rams (22-9).The big right-hander, who has signed to play for Spartanburg Methodist, allowed just three hits and fanned nine, including the last seven Chesterfield batters he retired.

Meanwhile, sophomore Randon Sandifer solidified himself as the heir apparent team leader heading into next season with three RBIs on three hits.“Randon is going to be a heck of a baseball player, but he already is,” B-E head coach David Horton said. “He’s a sophomore, but he’s one of the better sophomores in the state.”Chesterfield also did not have an answer to B-E’s experience and aggressiveness. The Red Raiders stole four bases against the Golden Rams, who flustered right out the gate under the big-game pressure with three errors and seven passed balls.The confident Red Raiders jumped out to an early lead as they capitalized off a shaky start by Chesterfield’s Tim Pratt. The Golden Rams’ pitcher threw three passed balls in the first inning; setting up B-E’s first two runs on an RBI single by Randon Sandifer and a sacrifice fly by Godley.

Click Link Below to read the entire story on the Times and Democrat Website-

http://www.thetandd.com/articles/2009/05/23/sports/doc4a1785c1d1106024579986.txt

Local area high school baseball team goes for #15 South Carolina State Championship tonight! *Game to be held at White Knoll HS in Lexington, SC

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The Bamberg Ehrhardt Red Raiders from Bamberg, South Carolina will go for their record 15th state championship tonight against the Chesterfield Rams.

Bamberg Ehrhardt head coach David Horton has the most wins in the nation (high school) as he earned his 800th win earlier this season.

South Carolina boasts the winningest coaches in both high school football and baseball in the nation.

On Monday night, the Red Raiders lost 10-7 at home against the Rams. On Wednesday night, the Red Raiders traveled to Chesterfield and came away with a 9-1 win. Also in game 2, 3rd baseman Ross Nettles (signed national letter of intent to play at USC Salkehatchie next season) hit a solo home run. On the mound for the Red Raiders-Francis Marion recruit Don Sandifer had a career night striking-out 15 batters.

Tonight, the game will be held at White Knoll high school in Lexington, South Carolina with the first pitch scheduled for 7:30 pm.

For those of you unable to attend the game, it will be broadcast locally on 105.1

I know this is a USC Salkehatchie athletics blog but I am also aware that this area is a high school loving athletics area.

Good luck to both teams from the USC Salkehatchie athletic family.

USC Salkhatchie annual Golf Tournament-Friday May 22

If you haven't signed up to play at the annual USC Salkehatchie Athletic Golf Tournament, it is not too late. You can come out and sign up at the Sweet Water CC in the morning, it will be kicking off at 10:00 am.

So, if you think you haven't wait too late to play, don't fret you can sign up at the course in the morning, we are expecting a big crowd with food, drinks and prizes to all the players, come out and enjoy the fun!!!

Desiree Rosario and Lindsay Field Sign With USC Salkehatchie

"Seated from left to right are Desiree Rosario, Lindsay Field and Lindsay’s mother Laurie Field, Standing are BHS Soccer Coach Brent Cook, Desiree’s parents Carlos and Jessica Rosario, Salkehatchie Soccer Coach Bill Glass, and BHS Principal Terry Graff."

Two from Brunswick High School sign Letters of Intent with USC Salkehatchie. Desiree Rosario and Lindsay Field recently signed NJCAA National Letters of Intent committing themselves to attend USC Salkehatchie and play women’s soccer in the fall. Rosario and Field both will graduate from Brunswick High School shortly. Rosario started playing soccer at age six. She made the All Region Team in 2008 and 2009 playing defense and goalkeeper for the Lady Pirates. Rosario’s favorite position is defense. “I love making the game intense and having fun of course!!” said Rosario. Rosario wants to be a zookeeper or marine biologist after college and will pursue an Associate in Science degree at USC Salkehatchie to start off. Field played soccer on the Brunswick High School soccer team under the direction of Coach Brent Cook...

To read the complete story go to http://www.uscsalkathletics.com/ the "Official" home of USC Salkehatchie athletics, the story will be posted by Friday.

Lauderdale signs with USC Salkehatchie men's soccer program

"1st row seated: Steve Lauderdale, father; Spencer Lauderdale; Lisa Lauderdale, mother; Jessie Hardin, grandmother 2nd row: Sage Lauderdale, brother; Dale Hermann, Ola High School Head Soccer Coach; Bill Glass, USC Salkehatchie Soccer Coach; Morgan Lauderdale, brother; Ola High School soccer players Austin Parker; Harrison Churchman 3rd row: Ola High School soccer playes Matt Jenkins; Eli Price; Tommy Thomson, Assistant Principal; Chuck Dyer, Asst. Ola High School Soccer Coach"

Recently USC Salkehatchie men's head coach Bill Glass traveled to the central Georgia city of McDonough where he signed Spencer Lauderdale to play for the Salkehatchie Indians. Lauderdale played club soccer with the Concord Black South team that won the Norcross Nike Cup and the Charlotte Invitational Tournament in 2008. Prior to that, Lauderdale travelled with the Henry County Thunder club team for seven years. At Ola High School Lauderdale was recently named Defensive Player of the Year by Men’s Soccer Coach Dale Hermann.
“I am pleased to be able to sign Spencer Lauderdale to add to the Florida club players who signed earlier this spring,” said Glass, “these Georgia and Florida guys will blend in well with the home grown South Carolina talent we will have on the squad and with the internationals.”

USC Salkehatchie has 4 former players in Diamond Prospects Pre-Draft Showcase

(Pictured left to right- Gary Owens, Oliver Santos, USC Salkehatchie head coach Bubba Dorman, Branfy Arias, Travis Howard-All former USC Salkehatchie baseball players)

The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie Indians had four former players in this year's Diamond Prospects Pre-Draft showcase. Oliver Santos and Branfy Arias played for USC Salkehatchie this past season, with Santos hitting over.450 and ranked among the top players in the NJCAA this past season for his batting average.

(Oliver Santos (above) showing off his throwing and fielding skills)

(Branfy Arias swinging a big stick yesterday in front of the scouts)


Arias, stayed in the top 50 all season long in the stolen bases catagory for the entire NJCAA.

Two former Indians and current USC Aiken players, Gary Owens and Travis Howard also attended the showcase.

(Gary Owens showing off his arm for the scouts in attendance)

Howard, broke the USC Aiken all-time record and Peach Belt conference record for RBI's in a season. He also lead the NCAA division II in RBI's with a final total of 103 (2-shy of tying the national all-time record. He will be a rising senior at USC Aiken, depending on the outcome of the draft.

(Former Indian and current USC Aiken Pacer-Travis Howard)

All the players can do now is sit back and wait for this year's MLB draft to be held June 9th and 10th, it is then when they will find out their fate. All the former USC Salkehatchie players have at least one year left of college eligibility.

(Santos and Arias, waiting their turn to hit in front of the scouts at the pre-draft workout)

We will have a full story on the "Official" USC Salkehatchie athletic website, along with more pictures next Friday @ www.uscsalkathletics.com

Assistant USC Salkehatchie baseball coach, wraps up his MLB vacation watching the St. Louis Cardinals VS Chicago Cubs in St. Louis

USC Salkehatchie assistant baseball coach Jeff Wicker has made a week out of traveling accross the country watching Major League baseball.

Last night coach Wicker traveled from Chicago to St. Louis by train to catch the Cardinals in action against the Cubs at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.

To learn more about coach Wicker's annual summer MLB adventures, scroll down the blog or go to www.uscsalkathletics.com on Friday to learn more.

New USC Salkehatchie Athletics Poll question of the week

New Poll Question:

Which venue do you most enjoy watching USC Salkehatchie athletic events?

Gym in Walterboro-

Baseball Field-

Soccer Field-

All the above (I love the Indians!!)-

Last Week's Question and Results:

Would you as a fan or parent be interested in having the opportunity to purchase action photographs of your child online, during the upcoming 2009-2010 season?

Yes-42%

No-0%

Would I ever!!-58%

Sometimes-0%

I know we have many local high school baseball fans, great local game tonight. State Championship Bamberg Ehrhardt VS Chesterfield Rams

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I know that we have many local high school fans that read the blog, if you are looking for some great area baseball this afternoon; the Bamberg Ehrhardt Red Raiders will face the Chesterfield Rams at David Horton Field in Bamberg for the SC Class 1-A State Championship.

The Red Raiders defeated Johnsonville on Friday night, the Red Raiders had to win two games over Johnsonville and completed the task by winning 4-3 in game one and 7-2 in game 2. The series is the best 2 out of 3 games.

For you local fans, you may recall last season, the Red Raiders faced the Chesterfield Rams in the State Championship, winning in game 3 which was played at Lexington High School.

Below is a link to a video from the game on Friday in which newly signed USC Salkehatchie recruit 3B Ross Nettles, made a great play to help end game 1 for the Red Raiders. (Once there, Click on VIDEO)

http://www.scnow.com/scp/sports/high_school_prep/high_school_baseball/article/baseball_bamberg-ehrhardt_wins_twice_to_eliminate_johnsonville/50738/#fragment-1

Where's Jeff photo! I asked him to get in the photo with the Cubs sign but....

USC Salkehatchie assistant/pitching Coach Jeff Wicker never one to be in the limelight, took the above photo of the Chicago Cubs sign like I asked of him but he forgot the part about him being in the shot. I am happy that he went to the game and brought the Cubs good luck yesterday as they defeated the Houston Astros by a final score of 5-4.

USC Salkehatchie is super lucky to have two great baseball coaches in Coach Wicker and our head coach Bubba Dorman.

If you haven't heard, he will be coaching the Outer Banks Daredevils this summer as their head coach. To learn more about coaching Wicker's summer coaching assignment, scroll down the blog and read yesterday's post.

USC Salkehatchie Youth Summer Baseball Camp to be held June 15th-June 18th

Below is a copy of the 2009-USC Salkehatchie youth summer camp brochure. You can print this off or check www.uscsalkathletics.com on Friday for a PDF of the brochure to print. If you have any questions about the camp, you can contact USC Salkehatchie head coach Bubba Dorman at 1-800-922-5500 or email him at DORMANCH@mailbox.sc.edu

Ages:
Rookies:
6 years old – 8 years old
Big Leaguers:
9 years old – 13 years old
Dates:
Monday, June 15 – Thursday, June 18
Time:
Rookies:
9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Big Leaguers:
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location:
USC Salkehatchie
Baseball Field
Allendale, SC

Price:
$50.00 for Rookies
$75 for Big Leaguers

Make check payable to:
Salkehatchie Baseball Camp

Mail to:
USC Salkehatchie Baseball Camp
P.O. Box 617
Allendale, SC 29810

2009
USC SALKEHATCHIE
Summer - Youth
Baseball Camp

The Salkehatchie Baseball Camp will provide instruction on the fundamentals of the game of baseball.
Topics that will be covered are:
Throwing Mechanics
Catching Mechanics
Positional Play
Hitting Mechanics
Base Running
Game Scrimmage

All Big League Campers should bring their own lunch and drink. Lunch will be from 12:00 Noon to 12:45 PM each day.
Transportation must be provided to and from USC Salkehatchie each day.
Registration:

Name_________________________________

Address_______________________________

City__________________________________

State________ Zip Code_________________

Phone Number_________________________

Health Insurance Co.____________________

Policy No. ____________________________

Age________ T-Shirt Size ______________

Emergency Phone Number:
_____________________________________

USC Salkehatchie is not responsible for any injury that may occur while a camper is participating in camp on the campus of USC Salkehatchie. Any injury that requires immediate medical attention will be taken to the nearest medical facility.

Signature (Parent or Guardian):
_____________________________________

Office Use Only:
Amount: Check #:

It's getting closer to Golf time, sign up early!! Annual USC Salkehatchie Golf Tournament May 22nd

2008-09 Region X Champions men's basketball team lands BIG recruit

If you haven't been following us on twitter, you should but with that said, you missed the latest news from the 2008-09 Region X regular season basketball champions head coach Travis Garrett.

On Friday, his team became much improved when he signed Nate Drayton 6'6 240 from Groves high school in Savannah, Georgia.

In his senior campaign, he averaged 18-points and 11.5 rebounds per game.

Welcome to the Indians family Nate, we know you will fit right in with the 2008-2009 Region X regular season champions.

"Wonder Twins" headed to USC Salkehatchie

(Looking on as Ian Foster signs with USC Salkehatchie are: Standing from left to right: Coach David Quattlebaum, Statesboro Striker Coach Bryan Barfoot, SE Bulloch Boy’s Soccer Coach Coach Kent Brannen and Aimee Civalier, Assistant Athletic Director at Southeast Bulloch High School. Seated are Ian Foster and his mother Joy Jackson. )

“I am a big fan of the U.S. club soccer system,” according to Bill Glass, Head USC SalkehatchieSoccer Coach, “the United States Youth Soccer club soccer system produces technically sound playerswho have been brought up on the team first mentality that has gained U.S. soccer respect around the world.”Glass backed up his rhetoric this week by making a swing through Georgia to sign Ian Foster and Jordan Foster of Statesboro, and Sage Lauderdale of McDonough.In Statesboro on Tuesday Glass inked the Fosters who started playing soccer at the early age of 4. Soon they were playing together on the Statesboro Strikers travel team. Glass saw the Strikers play last November at the Coastal Georgia College Showcase held in Savannah. “The Strikers were loaded with talent,” said Glass, “but the twins were the stand-outs.” At Southeast Bulloch High School the Foster brothers played together and earned the nickname “wonder twins” from the team’s supporters.

(
Looking on as Jordan Foster signs with USC Salkehatchie are: Standing from left to right: Coach David Quattlebaum, Statesboro Striker Coach Bryan Barfoot, SE Bulloch Boy’s Soccer Coach Coach Kent Brannen and Aimee Civalier, Assistant Athletic Director at Southeast Bulloch High School. Seated are Jordan Foster and his mother Joy Jackson.)

It's not where's Waldo, it's where's Jeff? USC Salkehatchie assistant Coach Jeff Wicker

I know that many of you may recall last season, our very own assistant coach/pitching coach Jeff Wicker traveled to New York to watch the Yankees in their final season at the old Yankee stadium and then he ventured over to watch the New York Mets in their final season at their old ball park.

This season, coach Wicker has taken a well deserved vacation to go and watch one of my favorite MLB teams, the Chicago Cubs. Coach Wicker sent me the above photograph today with the following attached "Not too shabby for $40 huh?" I had to smile when I read the message because he knows that I love Wrigley field and I think it is one of if not the greatest ballpark of all of Major League Baseball.

Coach Wicker is enjoying his time off from USC Salkehatchie after a long season in which we all witnessed a much improved USC Salkehatchie baseball team.

Up next for our very own Coach Wicker is a trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina as he prepares for his first season as the head coach of the Outer Banks Daredevils of the Coastal Plains league.

Wicker is in his first season as head coach of the Outer Banks Daredevils. He was the assistant to then-Daredevils coach Robbie Wilson last summer and worked primarily with the pitching staff. Wicker, kept the team's pitching staff amongst the top three in Coastal Plain League en route to Outer Banks' first Petitt Cup Tournament berth since 2004. He also coordinated the Daredevils Baseball Camp for youth and garnered the most participation in team history.
With nine seasons of coaching experience, Wicker will have three in the CPL. He was an assistant at Florence in 2007.

We here at USC Salkehatchie are super proud of our very own, Coach Jeff Wicker and wish him success this summer with the Daredevils.

If you would like to learn more about Coach Jeff Wicker's summer team and to follow all the action of the Outer Banks Daredevils, go to link under the Daredevils logo below-http://www.obxdaredevils.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

Former USC Salkehatchie baseball player (USC Aiken) named Daktronics Southeast Region Player of the Year, gets closer to national RBI record

(Photo by Eddie Sherrer:)


AIKEN, S.C. – USC Aiken’s Travis Howard was chosen as the Daktronics Southeast Region Player of the Year on Wednesday.Howard (Bonneau, S.C./USC Salkehatchie), who was named to the 2009 Daktronics All-Southeast Region First Team as a designated hitter, was one of three Pacers to be recognized.Ken Raborn (Evans, Ga./Evans) was named to the first team as a first baseman, while Cody McMorris (Canton, Ga./Southern Union) was tabbed to the second team as an outfielder.

Howard, who also was named to the All-PBC first team as a designated hitter, captured one of the most prolific regular seasons on offense in 2009 not only in USC Aiken and Peach Belt Conference history, but in NCAA Division II history.Howard enters the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional at Roberto Hernandez Stadium in Aiken, S.C. with a staggering 100 RBIs. The 100 RBIs leave him just four RBIs away from surpassing Jason Jones’ (Kennesaw State) PBC record of 103 set in 1998.The 100 RBIs obtained by Howard presently only leave him five away from obtaining the all-time NCAA Division II record of 104 set by Jarred McAlvain of Central Oklahoma in 1997.Howard’s proclivity to bring in runs currently has him atop the NCAA Division II landscape in runs batted in and runs batted in per game.

He is overall in the top 100 in NCAA Division II in 11 different offensive categories. Howard is currently tops among all USC Aiken players with a .405 (94-for-232) batting average.Howard had an incredible 38 extra-base hits in the 2009 regular season, finishing the regular season with 19 home runs, 16 doubles and three triples. The power numbers helped Howard currently own a slugging percentage of .746 and an on-base percentage of .448.The only player to be named the Peach Belt Conference Player of the Week three times in 2009, Howard is currently in the top 10 in the Peach Belt Conference in ten different offensive categories, including hits, runs scored, home runs, doubles, RBIs, total bases, slugging percentage, total plate appearances, at-bats and sacrifice flies. Howard has had 30 multiple hit games in 2009, finishing the regular season with 28 multiple RBI games, including four contests with four or more RBIs.

Raborn will conclude his Pacer career as a two-time All-Peach Belt Conference selection. The Pacer first baseman was chosen All-PBC last year as a utility player. He was tabbed as a first baseman in 2009. This is his first Daktronics All-Region nod. He was a second team National College Baseball Writers Association All-South Atlantic Region team member in 2008.Named preseason All-Conference and as a “Player to Watch” in the Southeast Region by Collegiate Baseball prior to the start of the year, Raborn is still in the midst of one of the finest careers in school history.Raborn entered the year as the school’s all-time leader in walks (172), but this year he has also became the career record holder in school history in hits (282), runs scored (194), RBIs (207), total bases (469), at-bats (802) and home runs (39). In total, Raborn currently holds the school record in seven different offensive categories. Raborn hit a team second-best .385 during the regular season. He had 32 extra-base knocks during the regular season, including a team-best 19 doubles.

Raborn also has a team second-best 13 home runs to go along with 70 RBIs.Raborn is in the top ten in the PBC in 11 different offensive categories in 2009, including hits, runs, home runs, doubles, RBIs, total bases, walks, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, sacrifice flies and total plate appearances.Raborn has obtained 23 multiple hit contests and 20 multiple RBI games in 2009 thus far.Raborn enters the NCAA Division II Tournament with a .387 batting average and 20 doubles. He is now only four doubles away from claiming the school doubles record as well. Raborn, who has a team-leading 20 in 2009, currently has 55 in his career to sit three back of school record holders Robert Davis (2004-06) and Bradley Key (2002-04) at 58. McMorris is currently third-best on the nation’s top-hitting team with a .376 (88-for-234) batting average.

He is presently tops among USC Aiken and Peach Belt Conference players with 38 stolen bases. He swiped 18 of the 38 stolen bases during USC Aiken’s conference campaign.The 38 stolen bases currently have him in the top ten in NCAA Division II.McMorris was especially potent during USC Aiken’s 2009 Peach Belt Conference campaign, batting a team-best .394 in conference games with all but three of his 43 hits during the Pacers’ PBC campaign coming on singles. The Pacer leadoff hitter scored a team-best 33 runs during USC Aiken’s 27 conference games.McMorris is currently in the top ten in the PBC overall in eight different categories, including hits, runs scored, stolen bases, on-base percentage, total plate appearances, at-bats, steal attempts and hit by pitch.

McMorris scored a total of 72 runs during the regular season. Starting every game in centerfield for the Pacers, McMorris is also in the top five in NCAA Division II in runs scored. McMorris overall is in the top 15 in NCAA Division II in four categories currently (hits, runs, stolen bases and stolen bases per game).

McMorris at one point during the 2009 season hit in a Pacer season-high 24 consecutive games. He is just behind Howard among Pacers with 29 multiple hit games, which includes a team-best 22 two-hit games.The team is sponsored by Daktronics, Inc., an acknowledged world leader in scoring, timing and programmable display systems for virtually every sport at every level of competition. The team is voted on by the members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

The online nomination and voting processes are powered by ATHLETICSITE.COM. Headquartered in Charleston, S.C., ATHLETICSITE.COM is the official provider for college athletic websites for over 30 sports organizations, including 26 colleges, universities and conferences primarily at the NCAA Division II level. To receive more information on how your institution can partner with ATHLETICSITE.COM for a customized website solution, visit www.athleticsite.com.Both Howard and Raborn are now eligible for All-America honors via their selection to the first team.

The fifth-ranked Pacers were upset in the 2009 NCAA Division II Southeast Regional this weekend at Roberto Hernandez Stadium in Aiken, S.C. The Pacers going in as the No. 1 seed in the event fell to sixth-seeded Belmont Abbey by a final score of 6-5.

On Friday the Pacers rebounded by defeating Tusculum by a final score of 9-2.

Former USC Salkehatchie Indian- Travis Howard, added two RBIs to his season total, earning his 101st and 102nd RBIs of the 2009 season.

USC Salkehatchie men's team,signs three club soccer players from Georgia

“I am a big fan of the U.S. club soccer system,” according to Bill Glass, Head USC Salkehatchie
Soccer Coach, “the United States Youth Soccer club soccer system produces technically sound players
who have been brought up on the team first mentality that has gained U.S. soccer respect around the world.”
Glass backed up his rhetoric this week by making a swing through Georgia to sign Ian Foster and Jordan Foster of Statesboro, and Sage Lauderdale of McDonough.

In Statesboro on Tuesday Glass inked the Fosters who started playing soccer at the early age of 4. Soon they were playing together on the Statesboro Strikers travel team. Glass saw the Strikers play last November at the Coastal Georgia College Showcase held in Savannah. “The Strikers were loaded with talent,” said Glass, “but the twins were the stand-outs.” At Southeast Bulloch High School the Foster brothers played together and earned the nickname “wonder twins” from the team’s supporters.

After leaving Statesboro, Glass traveled to the central Georgia city of McDonough where he signed Spencer Lauderdale to play for the Salkehatchie Indians. Lauderdale played club soccer with the Concord Black South team that won the Norcross Nike Cup and the Charlotte Invitational Tournament in 2008. Prior to that, Lauderdale travelled with the Henry County Thunder club team for seven years. At Ola High School Lauderdale was recently named Defensive Player of the Year by Men’s Soccer Coach Dale Hermann.

“I am pleased to be able to round up this group of Georgia players to add to the Florida club players who signed earlier this spring,” said Glass, “these Georgia and Florida guys will blend in well with the home grown South Carolina talent we will have on the squad and with the internationals.”

USC Soccer coach Bill Glass announces major signings for men's team, more to follow

USC men's and women's soccer coach Bill Glass has been out hot on the recruiting trail the past several days, on Tuesday; he signed twins Ian and Jordan Foster of Statesboro, Georgia out of S.E. Bullock High School.

He will be announcing several other signings later this week, once we have all the information on the signings, they will be posted to the blog and on the USC Salkehatchie offical website

www.uscsalkathletics.com

Indians baseball and Lady Indians each sign recruit from Bamberg Ehrhardt high school

If you recall, last season the USC Salkehatchie mens soccer team signed the first ever soccer recruits to come from Bamberg Ehrhardt high school. This season, two more players from Bamberg Ehrhardt are headed to USC Salkehatchie, one to play softball with the Lady Indians and one to play on the USC Salkehatchie baseball team.

Tiffany Bryant a senior softball player at Bamberg Ehrhardt high school signed her national letter of intent this morning in the gym at Bamberg with her parents, siblings, Bamberg Ehrhardt head Coach Donna Hartzog and USC Salkehatchie Lady Indians head coach Mitch Smith looking on.

Tiffany said about her decision to come to USC Salkehatchie, " I wanted to stay close to home and I knew that USC Salkehatchie would offer me a great education and the opportunity to play college softball. I am excited about playing for the Lady Indians next season."

Her mother Diane Bryant was super excited about Tiffany's choice to come and play for the Lady Indians, "I was glad she wanted to go to school close to home and I hope she becomes an asset to the team."

The Indians baseball team inked Ross Nettles of Bamberg in front of a packed gym. Prior to the signing, legendary head coach of the Bamberg Ehrhardt Red Raiders David Horton spoke to the crowd, "The young men signing today have been a very special group of young men, I am looking for big things out of all three of these young men. I don't recall the exact record but since they have been on the varsity team, we have a record of 100 wins and only 10 losses, that says it all."

Bamberg Ehrhardt Head Coach David Horton is the winningest high school coach in the nation, he recently won his 800th game. South Carolina has the two winningest coaches in both baseball (Coach Horton) and football (Coach John Mckissick-Summerville, high school) in the entire nation.

Ross signed his national intent as USC Salkehatchie head coach Bubba Dorman, Bamberg Ehrhardt head coach David Horton, his grandmother and grandfather (Mr. and Mrs. Harry Blume of Bamberg) and his father Sandy Nettles of Barnwell, South Carolina; all looked on with pride.

" I wanted to get the chance to continue playing baseball and USC Salkehatchie gave me the best chance to continue my dream. Their is a lot of talent at USC Salkehatchie and it is a great campus, coach is a great coach and they other guys look like they work hard," said Nettles on his reason for selecting USC Salkehatchie.

It is a family affair with the Nettles and USC Salkehatchie, Sandy Nettles the father of Ross attended USC Salkehatchie back in 1981, "It is a great institution and it is great place for Ross to attend first and learn more about the game and maybe have the chance to move on to a larger institution after his time is done. It has been a great experience seeing Ross play for Coach Horton the past two seasons and I hope from what he has learned, he becomes a great asset for the Indians."

It is that time of the week again for a new poll question. I know that many parents have contacted me about action shots of their child from this past season. I have tried my best to send as many photographs as possible to as many parents as possible. The athletic department is looking at having a site, where parents can go next season where they will have the opportunity to purchase photographs of their child online.

New* Poll Question of the week-

Would you as a fan or parent be interested in having the opportunity to purchase action photographs of your child online, during the upcoming 2009-2010 season?

Yes-

No-

Would I ever-

Unsure-

Sometimes -

Last week's Poll results:

Question- Do you feel as though our country's current economic situation will affect athletics?

Yes- 11%

No- 0%

At larger university's because of higher ticket prices- 78%

Unsure- 0%

Somewhat- 11%

I want to take the time to say thank you for taking the time to answer the poll questions, they will help us make our athletic department the best in the entire NJCAA.

Seneca's Earle one step closer to hoops dream as he signs with USC Salkehatchie basketball program

By Eric Sprott-Upstate Today


SENECA — Dealing with a number of suspensions and inner turmoil on his squad last season, Tef Vitaris needed someone to step up and take charge of the Seneca High School boys’ basketball team.
When it was senior Michael Earle who ascended to that role, and subsequently thrived in it, Vitaris couldn’t help but find himself a bit amazed at how it all unfolded.
“I said this at the banquet, if you had told me four years ago that he’d be able to play at the level he’s been playing and be a team leader, I’d say maybe yes and maybe no, because he’s so quiet and so shy,” Vitaris said. “But he didn’t have any problem accepting his changing role and he was still able to be our leading scorer and our team leader.”
With his talents on full display, Earle earned All-Western AAA honors while averaging 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.6 steals per game at point guard, which helped him draw interest from several schools across the state.

For the complete story click on the link below:

http://www.upstatetoday.com/news/2009/may/07/senecas-earle-one-step-closer-hoops-dream/

Several players from this year's USC Salkehatchie Region X Regular Season Championship team moving on to 4-year institutions

The 2008-2009 regular season Region X Champions head coach Travis Garrett recently announced he has several players moving on to four year institutions to continue their basketball careers.

Sophomore Brandon Herring G 6-1 178 from Goldsboro, NC recently signed to play at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, he is pictured below with USC Salkehatchie Head Coach Travis Garrett:

Sophomore Jovan Woodberry G 5-7 155 Hemmingway, South Carolina has signed to play with Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina. Jovan is pictured below signing with his parents and USC Salkehatchie Head Coach Travis Garrett on hand for the signing:

Also signing to play next season at Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia but not pictured are

Sophomore Larry Cox F 6-8 243 Byron, Georgia and sophomore Charles Collins F 6-5 210 Richmond, Virginia.

According to USC Salkehatchie Head Coach Travis Garrett, "I am expecting big things from these guys. I know they will work hard for their respective schools and the school took a chance on them and I hope they will see this as a great opportunity as they move forward. I am working on several other players and I should be able to announce in the next few days were they are going."