Cocks of the Walk

Having grown up in the Carolinas, the Gamecocks were always the team with the passionate fans who loved to hoot and holler but never had anything substantial to back it up with. Sometimes they call themselves Carolina even though everyone else thinks first of the University of North Carolina and other times they refer to themselves as USC even though everyone else thinks first of Southern California. They're athletic history in the 3 major college sports was one that usually was associated with men's title futility. They had a national title in women's track and field in 2002 and while that is a lofty accomplishment, it is not one beholden to the common fan. Their multiple titles in women's equestrian made that their most successful sport in terms of banners. I am not sure where you hang an equestrian banner but I have never heard a South Carolina fan use them in a sports discussion.

The signature of South Carolina in major college sports became high expectations meets inevitable letdown. Whether it was believing the Old Ball Coach would lead the football team to the promise land, the basketball team getting Fang Mitchelled, or the baseball team falling just short of and in Omaha it appeared the Gamecocks could never get over the hump. That all changed last night when Whit Merrifield hit an RBI single in the bottom of the 11th to capture the national title in baseball. The final game ever at historic Rosenblatt Stadium. So hold your heads high and puff out your chests South Carolina fans, today you are known for more than selling hats and shirts that say "Cocks" on them, today you really are a school for champions. Just be prepared for the comedown when football season gets here.

South Carolina edges UCLA to win school's first baseball title [USA Today]

photo via AP