Today’s Blue & White

The Citadel Brigadier Foundation’s Official Electronic Newsletter

Friday, August 17, 2012

Opening Kickoff!

Football season begins (unofficially) on Saturday with the annual Coke Zero "Meet the Bulldogs" Day beginning with a scrimmage at Willson Field followed by an autograph session inside McAlister Field House (see specifics below).  Spike is excited about the tasty treats (and the football) that include watermelon slices this year.

Also next week is the 14^th Annual Bulldog Kickoff Classic Presented by Wells Fargo and that is sure to be another tremendous event.  Of course, it concludes with The Citadel Club of Charleston’s Shrimp and Beer Night, and that, too, will be a grand night of “Bulldog Brotherhood.”

Although she graduated in May, soccer player Shanna Couch continues to reap awards, and this one comes in the form of a NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship.  She was recognized on Aug. 11 at a Carolina Panthers game for receiving the $7,500 grant.

The Citadel is participating in the inaugural Pledge Your Allegiance for College Colors Day spirit competition and is asking for fan support to help win the prestigious College Colors Day Spirit Cup and $10,000 toward the general scholarship fund (see specifics below).

And finally the Special Football Issue of The Blue & White (printed version) should be arriving in your mailbox either today or tomorrow, and we hope it helps prepare you for the season.  We hope you enjoy it, and please note the special feature on veteran Director of Sports Medicine Andy Clawson, who begins his 40^th year on the football sidelines.

As you’ve come to expect, we have another solid issue of news and notes, so enjoy and Go Bulldogs!!!

Shanna Couch Awarded NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship

Former soccer cadet-student-athlete Shanna Couch has been honored with an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship following her graduation this past spring.  Couch, who is currently pursuing her doctorate of physical therapy at the University of Kansas Medical Center, was one of just 29 female student-athletes nationally, and the first in Citadel history, to receive the prestigious award.

The NCAA awards up to 174 postgraduate scholarships annually to student-athletes who achieve in both the academic and athletic arenas.  The one-time, $7,500 grant is given to up to 29 men and 29 women in their final year of athletic eligibility for each of the fall, winter and spring seasons.

Couch, of Edwardsville, Kan., graduated with a perfect 4.0 grade point average as a health, exercise and sport science (HESS) major with a minor in biology.

She was recognized as the Class of 2012's David Shingler Spell first honor graduate among the Corps of Cadets becoming the first woman to earn the award.

Her academic distinctions include being selected this year's Outstanding Student from the School of Science and Mathematics.  Last summer, she studied in Spain as a Star of the West Summer Scholar.  She was named an Outstanding Major of the Year by the National Association of Sports and Physical Education.

Earlier this spring, Couch received the Southern Conference Presidential Scholarship, earning that selection from a pool of 37 candidates based on academic, athletic and community service achievements.  She was also selected as the recipient of the Coleman Lew Leadership Award in 2010.

On the soccer field, Couch was a four-year starter and served as a team captain as a senior last fall. She appeared in 71 games, the fifth most in school history, and was one of the top defensive players in the Southern Conference.

Others from The Citadel to receive a NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship include Tommy Leitner (1974), Hall of Famer Kenny Caldwell (1979), Bill West (1984) and Hall of Famer Derek Beres (1996).

Fans Are Encouraged to Pledge Their Allegiance to The Citadel by Registering on ESPN.com/collegecolorsday

 The Citadel is participating in the inaugural Pledge Your Allegiance for College Colors Day spirit competition and is asking for fan support to help win the prestigious College Colors Day Spirit Cup and $10,000 toward the general scholarship fund.

By visiting www.espn.com/collegecolorsday, Bulldog fans can register to pledge their allegiance to The Citadel as the school with the most college spirit and loyal fan base.

All registrants are entered to win weekly $50 gift cards from ESPN Shop and one of two grand prizes including a $500 college shopping spree at ESPN Shop.

We encourage all students, alumni, staff, and fans to show their support for the Bulldogs by registering for The Citadel as the institution with the most school spirit.  With colleges and universities across the country vying for this top award, it is important that our fans visit www.espn.com/collegecolorsday and register for The Citadel.

The website-based rivalry competition, which includes 165 participating colleges and universities and is an element of this year’s 2012 College Colors Day celebration, began going live earlier this month and will run through August leading up to College Colors Day on August 31.  Throughout the competition, standings will be tracked nationally, as well as by conference.

College Colors Day is an annual celebration dedicated to promoting the traditions and spirit that embody the college experience by encouraging fans across America to wear their favorite college or university apparel throughout the day on Friday, August 31.

The inaugural national spirit competition is presented by The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), a division of IMG College, and NCAA Football.

Individual Football Game Tickets Now on Sale

Tickets for all five Citadel home games this season are now on sale on individual basis by purchasing online at Etix.com, calling (843) 953-DOGS or stopping by the ticket office at McAlister Field House during regular business hours.

Tickets are $30 for premium reserved seats, $25 for standard reserved seats and $15 for general admission for games vs. Charleston Southern (Sept. 1), Georgia Southern (Sept. 8) and Chattanooga (Sept. 15).  Those three games kick off at 6 pm.

The prices are $35 for premium and $30 for standard for the Parents Day game vs. Western Carolina on Oct. 13 and the Homecoming game against Elon on Nov. 3.

General admission tickets for those two games are $30.  Kickoff is at 2 pm.

For children, students and Citadel faculty and staff, ticket prices are $20 for premium and $10 for standard and general admission seats for each of the five contests.

Meet the Bulldogs Is Tomorrow

The Citadel will host its annual Coke Zero "Meet the Bulldogs" Day on Saturday (tomorrow) beginning with a scrimmage at Willson Field followed by an autograph session inside McAlister Field House.

The day gets underway at 12:30 when complimentary hamburgers, hot dogs, cold drinks and watermelon slices will be served.  Seating will be available inside the field house or food may be taken out to the practice field.

The football team will conduct its first full scrimmage of preseason camp beginning at 1:15.  At the conclusion of the scrimmage around 3 pm, players will be available in the field house to sign autographs.

In addition to food and drinks, the first 200 fans in attendance will receive a free Citadel car flag, courtesy of Coke Zero.  Posters, schedule cards and other team information will also be available.

Fireworks to Conclude First Home Football Game

An expanded fireworks display will light up the night-time sky over historic Johnson Hagood Stadium after the Sept. 1 football home opener against Charleston Southern.  Provided by Kirkman Broadcasting and their family of stations and sponsors, the pyrotechnical presentation by Zambelli Fireworks will begin approximately 20 minutes after the conclusion of the game, giving fans ample time to return to their respective tailgate areas and enjoy the show.

Sweet Johnson Hagood Stadium Suite Is Available

An environmentally-controlled luxury suite at Johnson Hagood Stadium is available in time for the season.  If you have an interest, please contact Senior Associate Athletics Director John McAleer ’72 at 843/953-1354 or email him at john.mcaleer@citadel.edu.

14^th Annual Bulldog Kickoff Classic Information

The 14^th Annual Bulldog Kickoff Classic Presented by Wells Fargo sells out every year and it will again this year.

Set for Thursday, Aug. 23 at Wild Dunes Resort’s Links and Harbor courses, the event serves as another unofficial start of the football season.  And following the golf, participants are able to take part in The Citadel Club of Charleston’s annual Shrimp and Beer Night that takes place at the Beach House and begins at 6 pm.

Several hundred fans, friends and alums will be at the Beach House to hear Coach Kevin Higgins preview the season.  Also, other coaches will be there to meet and mingle. 

All proceeds from this event benefit athletic scholarships.

For more information – including sponsorship opportunities – please contact Rod Moseley ’74 at 843/708-1053 or Jimmy Bagwell ’74 at 843/270-0591.  For a registration flyer, please contact The Citadel Brigadier Foundation at 843/953-5277 or email forsbergg@citadel.edu.  Don’t be left out; sign up today!

Soccer Team Drops A Pair of Scrimmages

The soccer team dropped a pair of preseason road scrimmages to North Florida on Friday and to Jacksonville on Sunday.

The Cadets fell to North Florida, 4-2, and was shutout by Jacksonville, 5-0.

UNF led 3-0 before Mariana Garcia scored on a penalty kick, and the Bulldogs pulled to within one when Jillian Meyer scored on a corner kick.  UNF had 22 shots as compared to 12 for The Citadel.

Against Jacksonville, the Dolphins scored four first-half goals and outshot the Bulldogs, 20-11.

Track & Field Adds 16 Men and 10 Women to Roster

Coach Jody Huddleston announced the addition of 16 men and 10 women to the 2012-13 cross country and track and field roster.  This year's recruiting class covers nine states with 13 being from South Carolina and five from the Lowcountry.

MEN

Jayce Almes of Mt. Pleasant (Wando High); Neil Blake of Wilmington, N.C. (Coastal Christian High); Charles Drew Buehring of North Charleston (Fort Dorchester High); George Trae Carson of Lexington (Lexington High); William Epps of Blythewood (Blythewood High); Leo Grucella of Lancaster, N.Y. (Lancaster High); Darius Johnson of Rock Hill (Northwestern High); Miles Keohane of Mt. Pleasant (Wando High); Nicholas Prestigiacomo of Greenfield Center, N.Y.  (Christian Brother Academy); Jonathan Reed of Glenolden, Pa. (Cardinal O'Hara High); Christian Sevidal of Buford, Ga. (North Gwinnett High); William Sloane of Charleston (West Ashley High); Gustavo Vazquez-Milan of Weston, Fla. (transfer from Kansas State University); Tevin Williams of Ladson (Stratford High); and Joseph Pinto of West Islip, N.Y. (West Islip High).

WOMEN

Jennifer Burch of Myrtle Beach (Socastee High); Caillian Colquitt of Simpsonville (Southside Christian High); Jessica Dewitte of Macomb, Mich. (Eisenhower High); Marissa Hutton of Chapin (Chapin High); Kristen Kessinger of Jacksonville, N.C. (White Oak High); Madison Mayleben of Ann Arbor, Mich. (Skyline High);  Brittany McKinney of Forsyth, Ill. (Maroa-Forsyth High); Virginia Moriah Morton of Elgin, Okla. (Fletcher High); Jaqueline Thompson of Marietta, Ga. (Harrison High); and Danielle Williams of Woodbine, Ga. (Camden County High).

For additional information on each athlete, please refer to www.CitadelSports.com.

Citadel Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet Set for Sept. 28

Those wishing to attend the 35^th Annual Induction Ceremony & Banquet on Sept.28 at the Holliday Alumni Center are encouraged to secure their tickets early as this event sells out annually.  Tickets are $50 each and tables of 10 are $500.  To secure your seat(s), please contact Associate Athletics Director Andy Solomon at 843/953-6300 or email him at Andy.Solomon@Citadel.edu.

6th Annual Kevin Higgins Golf Classic Will Be Friday, Sept. 28

The Sixth Annual Kevin Higgins Golf Classic, hosted by Bufort Blanton ’54, will be held at Miler Country Club in Summerville on Friday morning, Sept. 28.  All proceeds from the tournament will be used to support the football program.  The Citadel Football Association looks forward to your participation as a player, sponsor or both.

For registration and additional information, please contact Connie Tuza ’58 at Elcid58@knology.net or 843/452-9801 or visit www.TheCitadelFootballAssociation.com and click on "events."

22^nd Annual Homecoming Golf Tournament Is Nov. 2

The 22^nd Annual Homecoming Golf Tournament is set for Friday, Nov. 2 at Patriots Point Golf Club on Mt. Pleasant.  Registration is set from 7:15-8am with the shotgun start going at 8:30.  Participants that sign up prior to Sept. 30 get a discount ($125 as compared to $135 AFTER Sept. 30).  Fee includes green fees, cart, box lunch, beverage, Citadel Titleist golf cap, Citadel Footjoy Golf shirt, sleeve of Prov1 golf balls, range balls and more.  Hole sponsorships are available as is the opportunity for Reunion Classes to battle each other for a tournament within a tournament.  Early registration is encouraged as we are sure to sell out.  For more information, please call The Citadel Brigadier Foundation at 843/953-5277.

Keep Up With Citadel Athletics

For the latest on all athletic events and giveaways, visit the official Facebook and Twitter accounts of The Citadel Athletics at www.facebook.com/citadelbulldogs and at www.twitter.com/citadelsports.  Also, the baseball and football teams now have their own Twitter accounts at www.twitter.com/citadelbaseball and www.twitter.com/citadelfootball.  Follow them today!

He Said It:

"This is an exciting time for Shanna and The Citadel.  This postgraduate scholarship award puts Shanna in very elite student-athlete company nationally and we couldn't be more proud of her and the coaches, professors and support staff that helped make this possible for her."

• Director of Athletics Larry Leckonby, on Shana Couch becoming the first female from The Citadel to receive a NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship.

"The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recognizes Shanna's outstanding academic achievements as well as The Citadel's commitment to providing a high level of education to all student-athletes.”

• Soccer coach Bob Winch, on Shana Couch.

Upcoming Birthdays

Aug. 19            Britt Reames                           Baseball

Aug. 31            Bill Mottola                              Football

Upcoming Events

Aug. 18            Meet the Bulldogs (Football) @Willson Field

Aug. 23            14^th Annual Bulldog Kickoff Classic @Wild Dunes Resort

Sept. 28           6^th Annual Kevin Higgins Golf Outing @Miler Country Club

Sept. 28           35^th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Nov. 2             22^nd Annual Homecoming Golf Tournament @Patriots Point

Have a Friend Who Might Be Interested?

Today’s Blue & White is the sister publication of the The Blue & White, the official publication of The Citadel Brigadier Foundation that is printed monthly.  In order to receive the printed version, one has to be a member of TCBF.  However, we’ve opened Today’s Blue & White to anyone and everyone who has a computer and who is interested in activities of TCBF and, of course, The Citadel’s Department of Athletics.  Today’s Blue & White is free.  All one has to do is sign up is to click on this link:  http://www.citadelsports.com/list-signup

Today’s Blue & White is the official electronic publication of The Citadel Brigadier Foundation, Inc. with its office located at The Citadel, McAlister Field House, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC  29409 (office 843/953-5277).

Publishers……………...Jerry Baker & Larry Leckonby

Editor………………….....Andy Solomon

Layout…………………...Mike Petrini