The Grand Strand area has one of the fastest rising NCAA Division I collegiate athletics programs in the country.
Coastal Carolina University student-athletes daily compete against – and often beat – the best on a national scale, despite the fact these ACC, SEC, PAC 12 and other Power 5 universities have enrollments and athletic budgets six and seven times our size.
Seriously, ponder that. Want a few more tidbits to consider? In the span of a little over a calendar year:
– We have had two Chanticleer student-athletes compete directly against World No. 1 ranked athletes in their respective sport; Andrew Dorn in the 2014 U.S. Open at Pinehurst and Jabor Al-Mutawa in the Qatar Tennis Masters against Novak Djokovic.
– On the eve of this week’s NFL Draft, consider this – our nationally ranked football team had more 2014 NFL Draft picks than Ole Miss, the University of Texas, Oklahoma State, North Carolina State, Michigan State, Mississippi State and Wake Forest, to name only a few.
– Through the 2014-15 fall and winter sports seasons, we’ve had five Chanticleer teams represented in NCAA Division I Championships (football, men’s soccer, women’s volleyball, women’s cross country, men’s basketball). Stay tuned; we’ve still got the spring season to go.
– Out of more than 340 NCAA Division I schools, Coastal Carolina is ranked 18th (through April 9th) in the Men’s Capital One Cup standings. And yes, that far outpaces many of the ACC, SEC, BIG Ten and PAC-12 schools you might be greatly familiar with.
Regarding both men’s and women’s sports at Coastal Carolina, comparisons to other schools go far beyond the borders of this state alone. Let’s not forget that success for a student-athlete and his or her university is not simply determined by the results on the field or court of competition.
Although some might indeed achieve the professional ranks of their respective sport, a majority of NCAA student-athletes will in fact go “pro” in something other than sports. Look around; our Chanticleer student-athletes are serving as leaders in this community, annually contributing more than 3,200 hours of community service, mentoring to Horry County students by participating in the United Way Community Reading Program, donating more than $3000 in school supplies and donating 25 Thanksgiving meals to needy local families.
With more than 217 student-athletes posting at least a 3.0 GPA – 53 of whom achieved the President’s List distinction with perfect 4.0 GPAs – their commitment and leadership is evident before they ever suit up for competition.
In addition to all of that, consider what approximately $452 million means. That’s the annual economic impact Coastal Carolina University has on the Grand Strand area. Every time we host a game or tournament, many are televised and we have a
unique opportunity to showcase not only the beautiful campus and athletic facilities but also the Grand Strand and surrounding areas. Supporting CCU is unquestionably in this grand community’s best interest.
Simply put, Chanticleer wins lead to greater exposure on a national scale and a greater influx of visitors lodging, dining and playing in the area establishments. There are many reasons we are the fastest-growing collegiate institution in South Carolina.
Come visit us and take a tour of not only the athletic facilities but also the entire campus. You might even run into one of our nearly 450 Chanticleer student-athletes.
In the meantime, get in, strap in and hang on – this is going to be a fun ride.
The writer is director of development for the Chanticleer Athletic Foundation.
Leave a Reply