Gamecocks pitch in to help Iowans

Because these pages are all too often filled with news about college athletes behaving badly, please take a moment to reflect on college athletes behaving bravely.

While competing in the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Des Moines, Iowa, recently, members of the University of South Carolina men's and women's track teams lent a helping hand to help save the city from rising flood waters.

According to a report filed by USC sports information director Michelle Schmitt, Gamecocks athletes, coaches and staff reported to a local United Way center where they were dispatched to a site where they joined with local residents filling sandbags to stack along the banks of the Des Moines River that was rising to historic and frightening heights.

Over the past weekend, more than a dozen USC athletes who had already finished with competition pitched in to fill and load the sandbags.

"We have a lot of strong-bodied, healthy athletes here," USC track coach Curtis Frye said. "We teach our kids to give back to the community and we wanted to help out the people of Iowa."

Unselfish actions

The following are some of the e-mail messages sent by Iowans to thank the young men and women from USC who pitched in to help:

--"Just wanted to praise your track teams and school for all the wonderful work and kinship they showed in Iowa to help out all that needed it. I'm an American, ex-service member and Hawkeye fan first and foremost; but I will always cheer for the Gamecocks when they compete. Thanks and beat Florida!" Shawn.

--"I want to give a thank you to the track and field participants who helped fill sandbags in Des Moines. I don't live in the flood zone, but I know houses were saved and people's lives positively affected by the gracious actions of your team. Thank you so much, and you've made a supporter out of me with your unselfish actions." Michael.

--"The young men and women that helped us to sandbag today have shown the character of the South Carolina athletes and coaches. We greatly appreciate the support." Joe.

--"Wow, talk about a team with character and all the right stuff! So glad that your team lent a hand. South Carolina should be as proud as Des Moines is thankful for your help." Iowa Mom.

--I just wanted to send a message to the fans of the University of South Carolina. I was moved at the USC track team's dedication and support to the citizens of the state of Iowa. The way that the track team took time out of their quest for a national championship to help a group of people in need is indeed something that I felt could not go without thanks." Aaron.

--As an Iowan, I just wanted to send my thanks to your track team and athletic department for their sandbagging efforts during the flooding in Iowa at this time. You represent your school well and we re very appreciative." Greg.

--Thank you USC student-athletes. You truly know what it is like to be champions on and off the track. Your school should be so proud!" Amy.

Game! Cocks!

The comments go on and on, a testament to what a few kids working together as a team can do when the need arises.

Iowa and many other Midwestern states have recently been ravaged by tornadoes and floods, making life quite miserable and dangerous for residents. To look up in the midst of this chaos and see a college track team, dressed in their garnet and black shirts, proudly pitching in to help is something we all can appreciate.

As South Carolinians, we should all be proud of these kids, their coaches and the staff who jumped in to help the people of Des Moines.

Indeed, the folks of Des Moines applauded the students by chanting, "Game! Cocks! Game! Cocks! Game! Cocks!"

In the end, there's only so much anybody can do to hold back a raging river. But it's the effort and the caring and the simple notion of making a difference that will serve these USC student-athletes long after their days of collegiate competition are over.

Reach Ken Burger at kburger@postandcourier.com or (843) 937-5598.