Medal of Honor Bowl - South Carolina's Premier College Football Bowl Game
Charleston, South Carolina
January, 2018
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January 8, 2015
Injuries Force Two Players to Withdraw from Medal of Honor Bowl

CHARLESTON, SC – Two of the Medal of Honor Bowl’s players – Kevin Parks of Virginia and East Carolina’s Cam Worthy – have withdrawn from Saturday’s game due to injuries.

Parks, a running back, suffered a calf strain, while Worthy, a wide receiver, fractured his foot.

Their roster spots will not be replaced.

The Medal of Honor Bowl, which will be televised live nationally by the NBC Sports Network at 2:30 pm, is a premier all-star game the features the nation’s top draft-eligible college football players as projected for the NFL Draft. The game honors the Medal of Honor recipients and the game’s beneficiaries, the Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, disabled veterans and wounded warriors.

Tickets, which range from $15-$40, may be secured at the Medal of Honor Bowl Game’s dedicated website www.MOHbowl.com. They are also available at The Citadel Athletic Ticket Office at 843/953-DOGS (3647).

For more information, please refer to Twitter: @MOHbowl and Facebook.com/MOHbowl

News, Press Release Injury, MOH Bowl, Practice No Comments
January 8, 2015
Frank Wooten Columnist
Win one for the Medal of Honor Bowl

Courtesy of The Post and Courier

Charleston is a big-time player in tourism, fine dining and epic history.

It’s just not a big-time sports town.

Not that’s there anything wrong with that.

Sure, Daniel Island has the Family Circle Cup, a high-profile event on the women’s pro tennis circuit. And Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course had the 2012 PGA Championship and the 1991 Ryder Cup. (More on our local athletic-mecca victories later in this column.)

But when the eyes of the nation’s sports fans turn to our state, it’s usually to watch telecasts of college football or basketball games in Clemson or Columbia.

At 2:30 p.m. Saturday, though, NBC Sports Network will carry a football game live from Johnson Hagood Stadium.

And if you’re already mourning the season’s looming end, why not get a final in-person dose of America’s most popular sport at the Medal of Honor Bowl?

After all, that second annual all-star spectacle will feature the best array of football talent at Johnson Hagood since Sept. 2, 1967.

That’s where and when I saw Miami linebacker Wahoo McDaniel kick a 27-yard field goal to lift the Dolphins to a 20-17 NFL exhibition victory over the New Orleans Saints. McDaniel also was a widely beloved pro wrestler who long and frequently graced Charleston’s County Hall with his devastating “Tomahawk Chop,”

No, there aren’t any likely high-round draft choices (or rasslers?) on Saturday’s American (under head coach Willie Jeffries of S.C. State fame) and National (under head coach Chan Gailey of Dallas Cowboys, Georgia Tech and Buffalo Bills fame) teams.

Yet the talent level significantly exceeds last year’s Medal of Honor Bowl. And that inaugural edition included three players who were drafted four months later – and 73 more who were invited to NFL camps as undrafted free agents.

Lest you underrate undrafted free agents and/or players from non-big-time football schools, consider that “America’s Team” (aka the Dallas Cowboys, aka Chris Christie’s Team) signed Tony Romo in 2003 as an undrafted free agent from Eastern Illinois.

Lest you underrate the in-state appeal of Saturday’s game, consider that while it will spotlight pro prospects from across the land, the rosters also include players from The Citadel, Charleston Southern, S.C. State, Furman, Coastal Carolina, Clemson and South Carolina.

And as a decorated (Bronze Star, Purple Heart) combat veteran, Clemson wide receiver Daniel Rodriguez is a particularly fitting participant.

More good reasons to attend the game: It benefits the Medal of Honor Museum and the Wounded Warriors of S.C. – and 15 recipients of our nation’s highest military honor are expected to attend.

But he wasn’t small

Back to Johnson Hagood:

Among the players who have competed there in my lifetime as Citadel Bulldogs before moving up to the NFL: John Small (Atlanta picked him as the school’s only first-round draft choice ever), Stump Mitchell, Travis Jervey (ex-Wando High star and one of the American team’s assistant coaches this week), Andre Roberts (now with the hapless Washington Redskins) and Cortez Allen (now with the playoff-ousted Pittsburgh Steelers).

Among the players who have competed there against The Citadel before moving up to the NFL: Terrell Owens of Chattanooga and the Dallas Cowboys; Dexter Coakley of Wando, Appalachian State and the Dallas Cowboys; Stanford Jennings of Summerville High and Furman; and J.J. Wilcox of Georgia Southern and now the Dallas Cowboys.

Among the high school seniors in the 2010 NUC (National Underclassman Combines) All-World Gridiron Classic at Johnson Hagood: 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel (aka “Johnny Football”) and 2014 Heisman winner Marcus Mariota.

Among the coaches who have trod the Johnson Hagood sidelines …

Frank Howard (Clemson); Tom Nugent (VMI before going to Florida State and Maryland); Billy Murphy (Memphis State); Marvin Bass (South Carolina); Red Parker (The Citadel before Clemson); Thad “Pie” Vann (Southern Mississippi); Jim Carlen (West Virginia before Texas Tech and South Carolina); Lou Holtz (William & Mary before N.C. State, the New York Jets, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame and South Carolina); Bobby Ross (The Citadel before Maryland, Georgia Tech, the San Diego Chargers and Army); and Dick Sheridan (Furman before N.C. State).

A man-to-man tradition

Beyond football, John Kresse’s triumphant 1979-2002 tenure at the College of Charleston rates a special spot in local sports lore. His Cougars won nearly 80 percent of their games, the 1983 NAIA title and reached four NCAA tournaments with consistently tenacious defense.

In baseball, The Citadel won 1990 College World Series game, and the College of Charleston almost made it to the 2014 College World Series.

And the Charleston RiverDogs (pro baseball), Charleston Battery (pro soccer) and South Carolina Stingrays (pro hockey) all make this a much livelier sports town.

So show TV viewers Saturday that folks around here will show up to see future NFL players, help worthy causes and honor true heroes.

So what if it’s supposed be a bit chilly (near 50) by our spoiled standards?

That’s a lot warmer than it will be in Green Bay on Sunday when Romo leads “America’s Team” to a playoff victory over the Packers.

And you can count on S.C. State’s “Marching 101″ band to heat up Johnson Hagood on Saturday.

Frank Wooten is assistant editor of The Post and Courier. His email is wooten@postandcourier.com.

News, Press Release Bobby Ross, Lou Holtz, Medal of Honor Bowl Game, SC State Marching 101 Band, Tony Romo No Comments
January 7, 2015
MOHB National Team Practice Day 3
Tight Ends Are the Focus on Offense Wednesday for the National Team

By Will Prystowsky

CHARLESTON SC — Under direction of former NFL and college head coach Chan Gailey, the National team concluded their third day of practice on a cold and windy day at The Citadel’s Willson field on Wednesday afternoon.

However, the cold weather did not stop the National team from having a successful day of practice. The offense looked sharp, and the defense was playing as unit as they made multiple big plays in a scrimmage.

It was clear that Wednesday’s focus on offense was on the tight end position. Auburn’s C.J. Uzomah, and Bowie State’s Khari Lee were all over the field, scoring touchdowns and making blocks leading to touchdowns. Wide receivers were not the only guys who can score for the offense.

While the fundamentals and X’s and O’s were the main focus of the practice, leadership and a little fun were not hard to find.

Rutgers’ quarterback Gary Nova and Clemson offensive linemen David Beasley were having a ball on the practice field as each could be found leading chants or getting their respective positions hyped up for drills.

Only with their teams for less than a week, the National team has found its defensive leader. Navy’s Paul Quessenberry not only kept his fellow linebackers on their toes, but also the entire team. Quessenberry is a natural leader and can be heard all across the field.

The Medal of Honor Bowl, which will be televised nationally by the NBC Sports Network, is a premier all-star that features the nation’s top draft-eligible college football players as projected for the NFL Draft. The game honors the Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, disable veterans and wounded warriors.

Game tickets, which range from $15-$40, may be secured at the Medal of Honor Bowl Game’s dedicated website www.MOHbowl.com. They will also be available at The Citadel Athletic Ticket Office at 843/953-DOGS (3647). One Lucky ticket holder will drive home with a new Mercedes-Benz, thanks to Baker Motors and Mercedes-Benz.

For more information, please refer to Twitter:@MOHbowl and Facebook.com/MOHbowl

News, Press Release MOH Bowl, National Team, Practice 1 Comment
January 7, 2015
MOHB American Team 3rd Practice
Physicality and Timing Were the Focus of Wednesday’s American Team Practice

By Will Prystowsky

CHARLESTON, SC — The American team began finding team chemistry as the third day of practice concluded Wednesday afternoon at The Citadel’s Willson Field.

The American team, under supervision of Hall of Fame coach Willie Jeffries, practiced again in pads and helmets. Practice was the most physical so far this week with the thumping sounds of pads occurring on nearly every play.

Linebackers Edwin Jackson of Georgia Southern and Norkeithus Otis of the University of North Carolina were the leaders of the physical play. Both made loud, hard-hitting plays multiple times. One of the defensive coaches was heard saying, “Otis is one of the most instinctive players I ever coached.” Evidently, physicality will not be a problem for Coach Jeffries’ team when Saturday’s game kicks off at 2:30.

On top of the intensity of Wednesday’s practice, timing was another item that was addressed. The quarterback and running back exchange, along with quarterback and wide receiver timing were two big topics during the session. Coach Jeffries is trying to get these guys as sharp in one week as most teams take all summer to obtain.

Florida International wide receiver Glenn Coleman seemed to be the beneficiary of the quarterback-receiver timing drills, catching multiple passes.

The Medal of Honor Bowl, which will be televised nationally by the NBC Sports Network, is a premier all-star that features the nation’s top draft-eligible college football players as projected for the NFL Draft. The game honors the Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, disable veterans and wounded warriors.

Game tickets, which range from $15-$40, may be secured at the Medal of Honor Bowl Game’s dedicated website www.MOHbowl.com. They will also be available at The Citadel Athletic Ticket Office at 843/953-DOGS (3647). One Lucky ticket holder will drive home with a new Mercedes-Benz, thanks to Baker Motors and Mercedes-Benz.

For more information, please refer to Twitter:@MOHbowl and Facebook.com/MOHbowl.

News, Press Release American Team, MOH Bowl, Practice No Comments
January 7, 2015
Air National Guard Senior Master Sergeant Denise Phillips to Sing the National Anthem at Medal of Honor Bowl

CHARLESTON, SC — Air National Guard Senior Master Sergeant Denise Phillips from the 142nd Fighter Wing, Oregon, has been selected to sing the National Anthem at Medal of Honor Bowl.

SMSG Phillips is amidst her 29th year in the military with assignments at the Washington Air National Guard (1986-2000), Utah Air National Guard (2000-02), Georgia Air National Guard (2002-14) and is currently with the Oregon Air National Guard.

She was deployed within the U.S. in support of natural disasters, such as floods in northern Washington State and Hurricane Katrina. In addition, she has been deployed to Qatar and Kandahar, Afghanistan.

She is the mother of three sons who have all served in the US Military. One son continues to serve in the U.S. Navy on the USS George Washington in Yokosuka, Japan, and another in the U.S. Marines and is stationed in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

She has performed at numerous military functions that include change of commands, retirements, promotions, dedications and conferences.

“Representing our nation and our military by singing the National Anthem is always a great honor for me,” she said. “The words written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key have always had a special meaning to me as a United States citizen as well as a member of the United States Military.

“Every time I walk past our flag there is a reminder of our freedom,” she added. “The song speaks of how even through the fighting bombs, guns and cannons, the lighting of the night sky showed us that indeed our flag was still standing over our land. Much like our men and women in uniform who follow the sounds of the cannon, through the fighting and the battles, they still proudly stand to defend our country, they fight bravely for their freedom and for the freedom of our country.

“Throughout my career, especially while deployed, I saw many of these men and women injured or give the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives for our freedom, our future. Standing proud, singing the National Anthem, is just one way I can say thank you to those who have and those who continue to fight for our freedom.”

The Medal of Honor Bowl, which will be televised live nationally by the NBC Sports Network, is a premier all-star game the features the nation’s top draft-eligible college football players as projected for the NFL Draft. The game honors the Medal of Honor recipients and the game’s beneficiaries, the Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, disabled veterans and wounded warriors.

The game will be played on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, at The Citadel’s Johnson Hagood Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2:30 pm.

Tickets, which range from $15-$40, may be secured at the Medal of Honor Bowl Game’s dedicated website www.MOHbowl.com. They will also be available at The Citadel Athletic Ticket Office at 843/953-DOGS (3647).

For more information, please refer to Twitter: @MOHbowl and Facebook.com/MOHbowl

News, Press Release Master Sergeant Denise Phillips, MOH Bowl, National Anthem 4 Comments
January 7, 2015
Hunter Mullins (left) and kicker Ty Long will be among the last players to wear an Alabama-Birmingham football helmet at the Medal of Honor Bowl on Saturday. UAB dropped its football program on Dec. 2. (Grace Beahm/Staff)
UAB Blazers play for shuttered program in Medal of Honor Bowl

Courtesy of The Post and Courier

On the night of Nov. 1, Alabama-Birmingham kicker Ty Long made a 24-yard field goal with three seconds left in the game, lifting his Blazers to a 31-28 win over Florida Atlantic.

It was a great night for the Blazers, their fifth win of the season pushing them closer to their goals of a winning record and a bowl game after the team went just 2-10 in 2013.

But that night, Long and his teammates noticed a tweet from former UAB great Roddy White, an Atlanta Falcons receiver and James Island Charter High School graduate.

“Help me save UAB football,” White posted on his Twitter account.

It was the first serious indication for Long and his teammates that their football program was in immediate jeopardy.

“We had no idea what was going on,” Long said this week. “We were like, ‘What is he talking about?’ But Roddy knew a lot of stuff before we did.”

As it turned out, White was right; UAB shuttered its football program on Dec. 2. The Conference USA school became the first FBS school to drop football since Pacific in 1995.

That means that at the Medal of Honor Bowl on Saturday, Long and UAB teammates J.J. Nelson and Hunter Mullins will be among the last Blazers to wear a UAB helmet in a game. It’s something they don’t take lightly.

“The hard part is, we feel like (the administration) doesn’t want us there,” said Long, a senior from Roswell, Ga. “But we are going to make it clear that we are still here. I’m proud to say I’m from UAB and proud to wear that helmet this week. We want more people to know what happened and for people to support us.”

As rumors around the program grew during the season, the players began to feel they could save Blazers football if they could win enough games. The Blazers defeated Southern Miss by 45-24 on Nov. 29 to win their sixth game and become bowl eligible for the first time in 10 years.

“That was a weird feeling,” said Mullins, a senior punter from Tallassee, Ala. “Everybody was jumping and down, excited because we had won our sixth game. But I was thinking, is that enough? I didn’t know if it was enough to save our program.”

The Blazers did not receive a bowl invitation, and that Southern Miss game turned out to be their last – maybe ever.

“The season went really well,” said Nelson, a senior receiver from Midfield, Ala. “We wish we could have won a few more games, but coming from two wins, we could not have done much better than we did. I guess it wasn’t enough.”

In the weeks since the program was disbanded, many UAB players have found new schools to attend, but coach Bill Clark has yet to find a new job.

“A lot of guys have found a spot to play, but some have not and that’s what stinks,” Long said. “It’s hard to see guys you played with, guys you are friends with, and now they are struggling.”

Newspaper reports have questioned the financial numbers UAB used in dropping football, and many in Birmingham rallied to the Blazers’ support.

“The response has been awesome,” Mullins said. “It shows that people see the work we put in. I think a lot of UAB fans are thinking, this should not be happening to our team. We should have been better fans.”

Some are holding out hope that this story is not over.

“In my personal opinion, it will come back,” Long said. “A lot of the numbers they said are not true, and it’s been proven they are not true. The whole time it was going on, we wanted to keep it positive. We were not trying to riot or anything. We were just standing up for what we believe in and what we love.”

Notes

. Singers Lt. Col. Mike Corrado and John Ford Coley will join the S.C. State Marching Band during the halftime show of the Medal of Honor Bowl on Saturday at Johnson Hagood Stadium. Corrado, an active duty Marine, is known for his song “Stand.” Coley, a Lowcountry resident and half of the duo “England Dan and John Ford Coley” will sing “God Bless America.”

. Events for fans to attend this week include the Gridiron Greats panel discussion Thursday at Seacoast Church in Mount Pleasant. Ticket information is at www.mohbowl.com.

. Former Clemson standout quarterback Tajh Boyd and ex-South Carolina two-sport athlete Bruce Ellington will be at the pregame Tailgate FanFest on Saturday in the stadium’s parking lot from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The duo will meet and greet with fans, take pictures and sign some autographs. There is no admission charge to the Tailgate Fanfest.

. Medal of Honor Bowl chairman Tommy McQueeney said a solid turnout for Saturday’s game is vital for the event’s first year on TV. The game will be shown on NBC Sports Network. Fans have a chance to win a Mercedes Benz at the game, and a donation of $20 will earn fans a chance at a Super Bowl VIP package. See www.mohbowl.com for details.

News, Press Release Alabama-Birmingham football, Atlanta Falcons, James Island Charter High, Medal of Honor Bowl Game, Roddy White No Comments
January 7, 2015
American Team Coach Jeffries: “We Will Get Better with Repetition”

By Will Prystowsky

CHARLESTON, SC— The American team, led by Hall of Fame coach Willie Jeffries, finished their second day of Medal of Honor Bowl practice on Tuesday in pads and helmets at The Citadel’s Willson Field.

“We will get better with repetition,” said Coach Jeffries. “We’ve got a ways to go, but we’re seeing great progress.”

The defense was the unanimous winner of today’s practice session with multiple interceptions and backfield tackles. One of the plays of the day was a tip-drill interception that was batted by Liberty free safety Jacob Hagen that ended up in Kansas safety Cassius Sendish’s hands.

It was somewhat hard to be at practice without hearing the voice of Sendish along with Georgia Southern linebacker Edwin Jackson. They are taking vocal leadership roles for the defensive unit.

While the defense was on their game, there were also many positives on offense. Former Citadel center and current Winston Salem State halfback Mike Sellers was all over the field. Whether it was blocking or catching passes, Sellers was consistently creating havoc.

The American team’s quarterbacks also appeared to be getting into a rhythm. Kevin Rodgers of Henderson State, and Terrance Broadway of Louisiana-Lafayette completed many passes during the 1:40 session.

The Medal of Honor Bowl, which will be televised nationally by the NBC Sports Network, is a premier all-star that features the nation’s top draft-eligible college football players as projected for the NFL Draft. The game honors the Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, disable veterans, and wounded warriors.

Game tickets, which range from $15-$40, may be secured at the Medal of Honor Bowl Game’s dedicated website www.MOHbowl.com. They will also be available at The Citadel Athletic Ticket Office at 843/953-DOGS (3647). One Lucky ticket holder will drive home with a new Mercedes-Benz, thanks to Baker Motors and Mercedes-Benz.

For more information, please refer to Twitter:@MOHbowl and Facebook.com/MOHbowl

News, Press Release American Team, MOH Bowl, Practice No Comments
January 7, 2015
National Team Coach Chan Gailey: “You Guys Are Here to Make the NFL”

By Will Prystowsky

CHARLESTON, SC– The National team concluded day No. 2 of practice for the 2nd Annual Medal of Honor Bowl Game Tuesday afternoon at The Citadel’s Willson Field.

The National team, under the direction of former NFL and college head coach Chan Gailey, practiced in shoulder pads and helmets. With the gear on, Coach Gailey was able to pick up the intensity of practice.

Many Southeastern Conference players were making plays, including the University of South Carolina’s wide receiver Damiere Byrd and Texas A&M wide receiver Malcome Kennedy showcased their speed in one-on-one drills.

Buffalo University defensive tackle Kristjan Sokoli was hard to miss on the field. Not only does he have NFL size (6-5, 293), but he could also be found in the offensive backfield making plays on the running backs while harassing the quarterback. Sokoli was also the star of the one-on-one pass rushing drills against the offensive line.

In the team huddle following practice, Coach Gailey was very specific about this week’s goal. “You guys are here to make the NFL, not to party. The fun can wait.”

The approximately 150 NFL scouts circling the field surely helped emphasize the goal.

The Medal of Honor Bowl, which will be televised nationally by the NBC Sports Network, is a premier all-star that features the nation’s top draft-eligible college football players as projected for the NFL Draft. The game honors the Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, disable veterans, and wounded warriors.

Game tickets, which range from $15-$40, may be secured at the Medal of Honor Bowl Game’s dedicated website www.MOHbowl.com. They will also be available at The Citadel Athletic Ticket Office at 843/953-DOGS (3647). One Lucky ticket holder will drive home with a new Mercedes-Benz, thanks to Baker Motors and Mercedes-Benz.

For more information, please refer to Twitter:@MOHbowl and Facebook.com/MOHbowl

News, Press Release MOH Bowl, National Team, Practice No Comments
January 7, 2015
Lt. Clebe McCrary, USMC Ret.
Medal of Honor Bowl’s Heroes Luncheon Attendee Remains in Awe of Real Heroes

By SSgt Alfonso Rogers, USAF Reserves

MT. PLEASANT, SC — “In a world of give and take, there are not enough willing to give what it takes.”

So said Lt. Clebe McClary, a former Marine, to the 2015 Medal of Honor Bowl Heroes Luncheon attendees on Tuesday at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina in Mt. Pleasant.

I was one of the several hundred in the audience that had the pleasure of listening to this Silver Star and the Bronze Star hero. Needless to say, I was moved by his words and what an inspiration he is!

Lt. McClary was introduced by Fisher DeBerry, a Hall of Fame football coach who led the Air Force Falcons for 23 years. Coach DeBerry started by advocating for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, stating that more of America’s athletes should be part of this program.

Coach DeBerry, who is coaching the defensive linemen for the American Team, thanked everyone involved with the Medal of Honor Bowl, from veterans to the players and even the volunteers that help in this event.

Coach DeBerry introduced Lt. McClary, calling him “one of America’s greatest Americans.” I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Lt. McClary speak, which is something I believe everyone should have the opportunity to do because his faith, family and humility resonated throughout his speech.

Lt. McClary explained his motivation for leaving the sidelines of the football field to join the military when he witnessed the burning of the American flag. Lt. McClary’s whimsical attitude about the loss of an eye, arm and leg, lightened the mood as he pitched a fake eye across the room as if it was the one lost during his legendary tour in Vietnam.

Lt. McClary also thanked the family of Medal of Honor Recipient Ralph H. Johnson of Charleston for his bravery and courage to devote his own life to save his comrades in Vietnam, including McClary. Charleston’s Veterans Administration Hospital – the Ralph H. Johnson VA Hospital – is named in his memory.

As a veteran myself, I thought that I had sacrificed, but was in complete awe of Lt. McClary. It is not until I reunite with Medal of Honor recipients and wounded warriors that I realize my sacrifice was indeed minuscule compared to theirs.

I was thrilled to have attended. It was terrific being with the players and coaches and locals that were there, but I remain overwhelmed with what Medal of Honor Recipients and veterans like Lt. McClary have done.

Staff Sergeant Alfonso Rogers, of Warner Robins, Ga. And the US Air Force Reserves, is a veteran student at The Citadel majoring in Sports Management.

News, Press Release, Speakers Heroes Luncheon, MOH Bowl, Real Heroes No Comments
January 6, 2015
MOHBowl Halftime-Show
Mike Corrado, John Ford Coley to Perform during Medal of Honor Bowl’s Verizon Halftime Show

CHARLESTON, SC – While the South Carolina State University’s famed Marching 101 Band will take center stage and perform during the Verizon Halftime Show of the Medal of Honor Bowl Game on January 10 at The Citadel’s Johnson Hagood Stadium, two professional singers will join in the festivities.

Lt. Col. Mike Corrado, an active duty Marine, will begin the Verizon Halftime Show with the rendition of his popular song, “Stand,” while Lowcountry resident John Ford Coley will sing “God Bless America” at the halftime’s conclusion.

Corrado incorporates what he knows into his own blend of music. Some have referred to his style and genre as new country, pop, rock and singer/songwriter, but Corrado simply calls it “American Music.”

Corrado is not only a talented singer/songwriter but also an active duty Marine. In “Stand,” he pays tribute to service men and women past, present and future as well as the families that stand behind them. That song and others have received national attention and featured on Great American Country, CMT & CMT Pure, The Nashville Network, Armed Forces Network, ACM All Star Salute to the Troops & more.

His story and music have been featured nationally on CNN, ABC, CBS, Rolling Stone Magazine, Armed Forces Network and on multiple cable Music-On-Demand channels. He has shared the stage with National acts from all genres to include: Toby Keith, LL Cool J, Bon Jovi, Black Eyed Peas, John Mayer, Edwin McCain, Darryl Worley, Travis Tritt, Aaron Tippin and many more.

Coley, who hails from Dallas, Texas, is best known for his partnership with England Dan (Seals) during the 1970s. His music is pop, rock, folk, soft rock and country, and he not only sings but plays guitar and the piano. He has worked for A&M Record, Atlantic Records and HIP Records (Stax).

Known for the single, “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight,” Coley and Seals had four Top 10 and two Top 20 releases, including “Love is the Answer”, “Nights Are Forever” and “We’ll Never Have to Say Goodbye Again.” They were nominated for a Grammy Award, received triple-platinum and gold records and released eight albums; additionally, others were released abroad.

Coley went on to act in teen films in the 1980s, acquired a small ranch in the 1990s, and wrote songs for film and TV. He returned to touring in 1996 and has an active tour schedule where Coley plays the hits and other favorite songs. He plays with groups and artists including Ambrosia and Terry Sylvester (formerly of The Hollies) and rides the bill with numerous other acts including Three Dog Night, Lou Gramm (of Foreigner), Christopher Cross, Poco, Stephen Bishop, Al Stewart and Edgar Winter, among others.

The Medal of Honor Bowl, which will be televised live nationally by the NBC Sports Network, is a premier all-star game the features the nation’s top draft-eligible college football players as projected for the NFL Draft. The game honors the Medal of Honor recipients and the game’s beneficiaries, the Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, disabled veterans and wounded warriors.

Tickets, which range from $15-$40, may be secured at the Medal of Honor Bowl Game’s dedicated website www.MOHbowl.com. They will also be available at The Citadel Athletic Ticket Office at 843/953-DOGS (3647).

For more information, please refer to Twitter: @MOHbowl and Facebook.com/MOHbowl.

News, Press Release Halftime show, John Ford Coley, Mike Corrado, MOH Bowl No Comments
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Shelly Nuttall Gardner

Shelly Nuttall Gardner is the owner/director of WheelHouse Concepts Inc., a firm specializing in strategic sales and events as well as creative project management.
Shelly Nuttall Gardner
Her current projects include:

* The Medal of Honor Bowl, director of Sales and Marketing. Gardner leads the sponsorship team, oversees the production of events as well as generates community and regional awareness and excitement about The Medal of Honor Bowl through advertising and marketing campaigns.

*Taste of Atlanta, director of Restaurants. Gardner works closely with Atlanta area chefs to produce and coordinate the restaurant participation in this festival, which draws 50,000 attendees annually over the 3 day schedule of culinary events.

*The Stray Dog Society, executive director. This member based social organization is for supporters (both graduate or non-graduate) of The Citadel. Gardner runs the membership and sponsorship campaign, as well as plans and executes the Society’s many events including the tailgate parties before each home game and the Annual Homecoming Jamboree to the sell-out crowd of 1500.

Gardner is originally from Charlotte, and is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill. Before starting WheelHouse Inc , she was a surgical sales representative for Medtronic’s neurosurgery division.

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Andy Solomon

Native Charlestonian Andy Solomon, who handles the media relations for the Medal of Honor Bowl Game, is concluding his 39th year in athletic administration and his 23rd year as an associate athletics director at The Citadel.
Andy Solomon
Having served in marketing, promotions and sports information capacities since joining The Citadel, Solomon now devotes his efforts on special events and coordinating the school’s licensing program. He also produces The Blue & White, the official publication of The Citadel Brigadier Foundation, and Today’s Blue & White, a weekly electronic newsletter. 

He is also a Visiting Professor in the school’s Health, Exercise and Sport Science Department and teaches Sports Management courses. He has served as the NCAA representative and tournament director at baseball regionals every year since 2003. Solomon also served a term as president of the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame and remains active as a member of the Board of Directors.

Solomon was selected as the inaugural Marketer of the Year (1999-2000) for NCAA Division I-AA and I-AAA institutions by the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) and was named National SID of the Year in 1983 by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), becoming the youngest ever to win the award.

In March 2004, Solomon was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame and became the third native Charlestonian to be enshrined in a national sports hall of fame, joining Art Shell (NFL) and Beth Daniel (LPGA). In 2009, he was inducted into Winthrop’s Hall of Fame.

Prior to his arrival at The Citadel, Solomon served in athletic administrative positions at College of Charleston (1973-77), Charleston Southern (1977-78), Winthrop (1978-84) and Limestone (1984-88).  He was the public relations manager at Wild Dunes Resort in 1988-89, and serves as a media relations consultant for the Charleston RiverDogs, the Class A affiliate of the New York Yankees.

Solomon earned his bachelor’s degree from College of Charleston in 1977 and a master’s from Winthrop.  He and his wife, Amy, have two daughters, Anna and Addie.

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Tommy McQueeney

W. Thomas ‘Tommy’ McQueeney is the Chairman and Founder of The Medal of Honor Bowl Game, and works closely with our beneficiaries, The National Medal of Honor Museum and the Wounded Warrior Project.
Tommy McQueeny
A native Charleston area businessman with a background in sports development he chaired the Southern Conference Basketball Championships and the Charleston Area Sports Commission twice. McQueeney also chaired the $44.5 million Johnson Hagood Stadium Revitalization, has served on The Citadel’s Board of Visitors, the MUSC Children’s Hospital Board, and the Patriot’s Point Maritime Museum Foundation.

A 2009 recipient of the Order of the Palmetto, he is a local columnist and author.

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Thomas J O'Rourke

Tom O’Rourke is the Executive Director of the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission. Tom’s Agency has been nationally recognized for operating an ever-expanding park system without using tax increases to fund growth.
Tom O'Rourke

Tom has the direct oversight responsibility for over 10,000 acres of parkland consisting of a very diverse offering of parks, programs and services.

Prior to joining Charleston County PRC, Tom was the Director of the Mt. Pleasant Recreation Department in Mt. Pleasant South Carolina, and also worked as Manager of the Sports and Recreation Division for Seamon Whiteside and Associates a Landscape Architect and Engineering firm. Tom’s first job was as a high school Athletic Director and Coach.

Currently Tom spends a significant amount of time educating park and recreation professionals. In the past three years he has spoken at 13 different State Association Conferences and has presented sessions at the NRPA Congress for the past 12 years. He is on the Board of Regents at the NRPA Revenue School, The NRPA Directors School and a past member of the Supervisors Managements School Board.

Tom is the Chair of the Clemson University Parks Recreation and Tourism Management Advisory Board, and the Chair of the Charleston Area Sports Commission Board of Directors.

Recreation is his profession, but his passion has always been coaching. Tom currently is the Pole Vault Coach at Hanahan High School.

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Hoyt "Rusty" Holt, Jr.

Hoyt “Rusty” Holt, Jr. serves as the Medal of Honor Bowl’s Operations Director.

Rusty Holt

Having recently retired from a successful insurance career at New York Life, Holt is an active member of Savannah’s Sports Council, and a charter board member of the Savannah Hockey Committee. Holt was the presiding force behind Savannah’s Inaugural Rock n Roll Marathon in 2011.

Holt is a proud graduate of The Citadel’s class of 1973, earning his B.S. in Business Administration and lettering in both football and track. In 1988, Holt was inducted into The Citadel’s Athletic Hall of Fame for his excellence in both sports – football and track .

Originally from Mullins, SC , he currently shares his time between Savannah and Charleston with Mignon, his wife of 39 years. They are the proud parents of 3 children and 7 grandchildren whom they delight in spending time with.

In addition to his love of sports, and his involvement in The Medal of Honor Bowl, Holt is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys boating, fishing, hunting and riding his Harley Davidson.

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Rick Raybon

Rick Raybon Director of Finance

Senior Financial Executive with more than 35 years of achievement improving corporate financial performance through financial leadership in banking relations, operations, mergers and acquisitions, organizational development and global systems integration.

Raybon has served in senior financial leadership roles with both Northrop Grumman and Litton Industries. Additionally, he has served as an interim CFO in several smaller equity backed businesses.

A 1974 graduate of The Citadel he has also attended executive level leadership courses at both Harvard Business School and Wharton. He is a licensed CPA, a retired Commander, Supply Corps. USNR and resides in Mt. Pleasant, SC with his wife Vicki.

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Samuel Rivers

Samuel Rivers

Bio Coming Soon…

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Cal McCombs

McCombs1200mugCal McCombs enjoyed a standout career as a track and football athlete at The Citadel, graduating in 1967.
His coaching career included stints at The Citadel, the United States Air Force Academy and as Head Football Coach at VMI, where he was named both State of Virginia Coach of the Year and Southern Conference Coach of the Year.

McCombs also spent five years as a top player development scout for the Denver Broncos of the American football League. Through these experiences, he gained a solid reputation for assessing draft-level NFL talent.

His skills in the area of quantifying NCAA football talent brings an enormous asset to the Medal of Honor Bowl.
He coached on the winning American Team in the inaugural Medal of Honor Bowl in January of 2014.

McCombs is a native of Belton, SC, and lives on the Isle of Palms with wife Lynn. They have three children and six grandchildren.

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Austin B. Atkinson, J.D.

Austin B. Atkinson, J.D. Austin B. Atkinson, J.D. is an NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor and is a registered Athlete Agent in the State of South Carolina. Austin earned a B.A. in Political Science from The Citadel in 1999, and a Juris Doctor degree from the Charleston School of Law in 2011.

As an NFL agent, Austin was able to put players from the FBS, FCS, and Division II levels of college football into NFL camps in recent years. His eye for talent at all levels of football is invaluable in his personnel role for the Medal of Honor Bowl.

Active in the community, Austin has served as the Vice-Chairman of the Town of Mount Pleasant Board of Zoning Appeals, member of the Town of Mount Pleasant Historical Commission, Past-President of the Mount Pleasant Sertoma Club, assistant coach of the Wando High School boys lacrosse team, and is a member of the Theta Commission of Kappa Alpha Order. Austin lives in Mount Pleasant with his wife and children.

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Roy Hamlin Jr.

roy_hamlinMr. Hamlin’s strong success in video and television projects for the nation’s leading nonprofit and sports organizations has helped him network across a broad range of corporate, celebrity and charitable leaders to achieve important goals. He founded AdCraft Associates, which became recognized as a national leader through innovative marketing. After selling AdCraft Associates to Host Communications, Roy’s next venture, NorthStar Visions, took an innovative approach to a marriage between the sports and entertainment worlds. His Fairway Productions Group has been a leader in television concepts and production.
Mr. Hamlin has produced numerous sports publications and live television broadcast programming, while developing many of today’s accepted sports traditions, including the National Championship Trophy Program, Director’s Cut (Div. I, Div IAA, Div III), Basketball Poll, Women’s Basketball Poll, Football Coaches Poll, Baseball Coaches Poll, Baseball National Championship Trophy, Mohamed Ali Museum and the PGA of America Library.

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