Dabblin' With the Cockspur: Going Young Fuels Gamecock Nation

posted by Roger Olivieri, 1/23/2009 06:30:00 AM

Isn’t it ironic that Eric Hyman’s decision to jump aboard the chic “find an up-and-comer in the coaching industry” wave was legitimized against the poster boy up-and-comer?

Thirteen years ago Florida hired a hip and energetic young man named Billy Donovan. He was brash – somewhat egotistical, sort of like their football coach at the time. He was an instant success.

Thirteen years later, Hyman buys into the theory – completely opposite his predecessor’s preference to age and experience - and finds a relative unknown in Western Kentucky front man Darrin Horn.

Without ever really admitting it, Horn immediately started fighting the same battle Dave Odom did – a fight Odom never won.

Both used every press conference and radio interview to preach the importance of filling up Colonial Life Arena. Both preached how important the fan enthusiasm is to the players. Both stood firmly in their beliefs.

However, one was booed seemingly every game toward the brutal end while the other has become the prince of the city.

So what’s the difference? Why was Odom’s plea ignored while Horn’s honored with an “Army” of a following?

The answer is simple really – and it’s something I never really believed in… until now.

There is more to the “young up-and-comer” theory than just being able to relate to an evolved form of basketball played above the rim by teenagers these days. There is more to the theory than simply hitting the recruiting trail with energy rather than tired bones.

The “more” I am referring to is relating to the student body – a key element.

Horn: The Politician

Horn was in the arena before Wednesday’s game wearing a “Garnet Army” t-shirt high-fiving every student he could get to. He must of high-fived a thousand students. I watched him.

Earlier in the day he was approaching students unannounced while they ate lunch at the Russell House and simply asking with a smile, “You are coming to the game tonight, right?”

Let's be honest, if Dave Odom popped up at your lunch table most college kids would think, "Is he one of my professors? What the hell does this guy want?"

Months ago Horn was leading those same students, even teaching them, how to chant “threeeeeeee” when a Gamecock shot from long range in a preseason practice open ONLY to the student body.

He has become one of them. The students love him.

When they show up in droves, the case against Florida Wednesday evening when the line outside the arena ran the length of the building, the team feeds off the enthusiasm. When the team begins to feed off the enthusiasm, they become more fun to watch. When they become more fun to watch (and pull off an occasional SEC upset) older fans decide to start spending their money on tickets again.

It’s a domino effect able to turn a mole hill into a mountain in only two months.

But, it’s the way you push the first domino that starts the chain reaction.

I’m a Dave Odom fan and always will be. He’s simply a hell of a good man.

I have to admit though, I was wrong. It was time for Coach Odom to move on. After all, this young coach thing seems like it’s working pretty well in Columbia so far.

See you Saturday – all of you.

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