Since Coastal Carolina broke away from the USC system in 1993, the powers that be at USC have blocked the Gamecocks from scheduling the Chanticleers. But apparently, that barrier is about to be broken. Josh Hoke of the Myrtle Beach Sun News reports that thanks to the work of State Representative Liston Barfield of Aynor, contests in the three major sports between the two schools will soon become reality.
It has long been believed that USC board of trustee member Dr. Eddie Floyd, incensed over Coastal’s defection from the university system, has stood in the way of the Gamecocks scheduling the Chanticleers. Floyd is a major financial contributor to USC and certainly gets his way on a number of issues. But, Floyd apparently has been convinced to drop his opposition to the Gamecocks playing Coastal, and so the games will soon be scheduled.
It certainly would be entertaining to see Cliff Ellis bring his basketball team to Columbia to play the Gamecocks as he did with Clemson. A three game series between the baseball teams would feature two of the top programs in the country. And, while the football game would be just another money game for Coastal, it would be a lot of fun listening to David Bennett talk up the meeting between the two teams.
It certainly is time for this divide to be closed. I’m not one for politicians getting involved with athletics. But this time, Mr. Barfield has done well by his constituents in getting these two sides together.
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