CCU proves it knows what it’s doing. Are SC officials listening?
Amazing. Thrilling. Unprecedented. Try as we might, words just don't seem to appropriately convey the grand significance of Coastal Carolina University's historic trek through the College World Series (CWS), en route to its first-ever national championship in Division I college sports. The Chanticleers captured the hearts (and wallets) of baseball fans nationwide as they excelled in "the greatest show on dirt."
Those loyal fans who regularly traveled to Springs-Brooks Stadium to watch the 2016 Chanticleers can appreciate just how far this team progressed through a season filled with adversity and challenge. While no one could have anticipated a national championship, these young men rose to the occasion with a can-do attitude and unwavering team spirit. Is it any surprise they quickly became one of the most entertaining college baseball teams in recent history?
Their pitching was spectacular, rivaled only by their potent offense and stellar defense. They found ways to win in difficult situations and outplayed some of the finest college baseball teams in America. Yet the success of the 2016 CCU men's baseball team cannot be measured solely by their accomplishments on the baseball diamond. Online searches of CCU soared, and millions of Americans who didn't know there was a Coastal Carolina University now know the story behind the Chanticleer mascot (you are welcome, Geoffrey Chaucer). Teal fever overtook Omaha; just ask the CWS vendors that struggled to keep Chanticleer merchandise on their shelves.
Beyond tournament victories, the Chanticleers attracted a record level of free publicity for the entire Grand Strand community. Social media was abuzz with talk of the Chants and national media coverage boosted awareness of the university and our local tourism industry. Post-game interviews of players and coaches revealed something local sports fans already knew: these players and coaches are classy men representing a first-rate university.
While watching our local team compete for a national championship is a unique pleasure, this is not the first time CCU sports have positively impacted our community. Playoff appearances in other sports, including football, basketball and golf, have become increasingly common. And CCU alumni like PGA star Dustin Johnson and Olympian Amber Campbell, among others, provide frequent reminders of just how talented CCU student-athletes are.
Yet, despite all of this success, one frustrating fact remains: Coastal Carolina University does not receive the respect it deserves outside of our region. This championship run occurred amidst a battle between CCU and state officials over the university's efforts to expand its football stadium, an integral part of the transition to the Sun Belt conference and FBS football. This move will enable CCU to compete at a higher level of intercollegiate athletics and benefit our community even more. It could also lead to a college football bowl game being played in our community.
Might the public officials who have stood in the way of CCU's planned progress rethink their position after this recent success? Probably not. These well-meaning bureaucrats have stubbornly refused CCU's proposals in the name of fiscal accountability. While that goal is admirable, they have consistently demonstrated a lack of appreciation for CCU's vision, funding structure and strategic plan. Recall the state official who recently questioned whether CCU leaders truly understand what is required to excel in big-time college athletics (which might lead us to soon learn just how much crow one man can eat). We can only hope for the day when State officials will be as embarrassed by the pittance of public funds annually awarded our university (as compared to other publicly-funded universities in our state) as they are frustrated by progressive efforts to guide our local university forward.
As for you and I, we've been treated to a remarkable experience that very few communities enjoy.
Thank you, Chanticleers. We will never forget this season. You entertained us, inspired us and made us a better community. Other national champions will be crowned, but few will capture the hearts of sports fans nationwide such as you have. Go Chants!
Dean is president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.
This story was originally published July 9, 2016 at 8:55 AM with the headline "CCU proves it knows what it’s doing. Are SC officials listening?."