HCG Plans Banquet that Features College Football Coaches Tommy Bowden and Steve Spurrier
December 6, 2004

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Hodges Consulting Group organized the first-ever Palmetto Champions Awards Banquet for the S.C. Football Coaches Association prior to the Weekend of Champions in December 2004. Clemson University's head football coach Tommy Bowden and the University of South Carolina's new head football coach Steve Spurrier were special guests at the event, which took place at the Zone at Williams-Brice stadium.

More than 300 people attended the banquet, including 20 honored players, 10 honored coaches, and two recipients of distinguished service awards. Sponsored by Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, BELLSOUTH and Founders Federal Credit Union, monies raised from the event will serve to help fund scholarships for high school football coaches' children as well as assist with the general functions and activities of the organization.

"We have never had a banquet during State Championship week to recognize our most outstanding football players and coaches," said Coach Dave Gutshall of Dorman High School who serves as President of the S.C. Football Coaches Association. "We intend for this to become an annual event where we can come together during the Week of Champions and celebrate athletic excellence."

The overall winners included:

Palmetto Champions Founders Federal Credit Union Kicker of the Year

Christopher Tommie, Emerald

Palmetto Champions BellSouth Lineman of the Year

Josh Sims, Crestwood

Palmetto Champions Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated Back of the Year

Jordan Sorrells, Greenville

Palmetto Champions Coach of the Year

Mark Clifford, Beaufort

In addition, Pete Ayoub, SC High School League, and Bruce Brumfield, Founders Federal Credit Union, were honored for their Distinguished Service.

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