South Carolina does not have any professional sports teams, which may explain why high school and college teams are so crazy popular here. Last month we were driving through town which was jammed with traffic and people parking in every available area. Crowds of people were walking in one direction, and our curiosity was peaked. We followed the trail of people and cars. Was it a fair I hadn't heard about? A live performance in the park? A zombie outbreak? Nope, the trail ended at a medium sized stadium, people were cramming in for a high school football game! And they were paying $8 to get in!
This is pretty much unheard of in the Northeast. High school games up north are generally only attended by parents of players, some schoolmates, and a few diehard alums. The games are always free. Well, this Friday we had to see what all the hubbub was about and decided to go see the game.
The Summerville High School's The Green Wave team has a long a winning history, as I found out from our ticket booth lady. Coach John McKissick is a vertiable legend throughout the region, and is the nation's most winningest high school coach, a title he has held since 1986. He has been coaching Summerville since 1952, and is still at it, proving age is more than a number. The stadium is named for him, as is another one in North Carolina. Folks here are mighty proud of that and it shows. The players arrived with a police escort! The game we attended was against West Ashley. I struck up conversation with the gentleman behind us, and he filled me in on some of the history. Apparently, every school wants to play the Green Wave, because if you beat us, it's something to put in your scrapbook.
You could tell Summerville was the superior team right from the warm ups. The home team was sharper, quicker on their feet, a testimony to synchronization as one unit. A small chill of awe shivered down my arms. My instinct was true, once the game started Summerville scored on the second play! West Ashley gave up the first quarter 28-0. They only managed one touch down towards the end of the game. Summerville ran away with it. There's room for improvement of course, we fumbled quite a few balls, and there were two interceptions. Thankfully, the defense squashed out the threats.
Even when Coach McKissick fully retires his son will be there to take the reigns, as well as several of his best players from the 80's who are now assistant coaches. Perhaps the north ought to take note of the system here. With spectators paying to attend, the football team, band, cheerleaders and exchange club all are well funded without having to worry about a hand out from the state. They are able to afford a terrific stadium, and excellent coaches to help them succeed. If my high school had such a great team and facilities I'm sure I would have been a better supporter. Although I have to say it, the Green Wave as a mascot, is pretty ridiculous. There's a silly smiley face in the middle of the costume, not exactly striking fear in our challengers hearts. It's a laugh though. Sorry to say my camera is not up to action shots, so I couldn't provide some visual candy this time. I'll have to remember to bring my video camera next time.
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