2008 North-South Soccer Classic
FIRST DAY OF EVENT (6/13/08)
Spartanburg, SC - USC Upstate

Super first day at the 2008 North-South Soccer Classic hosted by the S.C. High School Soccer Coaches Association and sponsored by Columbia United FC.

*** The uniforms and materials provided by official sponsor STANNO have been well received and will be on display tomorrow at both matches -- kickoff is 12 noon for the girls and 2 o'clock for the boys. The players will keep their shorts and socks and will also be provided t-shirts.

*** After check-in this morning was completed -- 70 of 72 (97.2%) players arrived for tomorrow's matches -- the N-S staff and participants dined on turkey and ham sandwich box lunches from Jason's Deli -- my first encounter with this franchise and one that I wish had a Midlands presence -- that was accompanied by potato chips, pickle spear, and chocolate chip cookie.

*** The USC Upstate campus has been enjoyed by all as the close proximity to dorms, fields, banquet facility, and "Sparty's Den" have made it very easy on the N-S staff and participants. The teams worked out this afternoon from 2-4 p.m.

*** The USC Upstate staff have literally bent over backwards to accommodate our needs -- and then some. Tonight's banquet food of rotisserie chicken, country style green beans, red smashed potatoes, maccaroni/cheese, steamed vegetables, salad, and rolls along with sweet tea was excellent! Special kudos to Laura Price-Brochin, USC Upstate Director of Catering, who provided a tremendous banquet facility and outstanding fare!

*** The players will have an 11:30 p.m., curfew and a breakfast tomorrow morning sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

*** Captains were announced tonight at the banquet. These were selected by their teammates at today's practice session.

North Girls - Rachel Baggett (Emerald), GK & Cricket Wise (Walhalla), GK
South Girls - Lesley Sweat (Summerville), M & Olivia Urig (Wando), M
North Boys - Michael Essman (Dorman), M & Joseph Taylor (Emerald), M
South Boys - Chris Dixon (Myrtle Beach), M & Alvin Hooper (Bishop England), D

Hopefully, an online blog will be available from County University Stadium. Check in tomorrow afternoon for more updates. If you are coming to Spartanburg on Saturday, remember that Admission is $6. Programs ($5) and T-Shirts ($12) will also be on sale and a concession stand will be open courtesy of USC Upstate.