Gamecock Cruisers 2023 Annual Meeting Minutes
Cruisers Roost
Columbia, SC 29201
Annual Meeting Minutes
September 23, 2023
Prior to the Annual Meeting, Carey Rich from the University of South Carolina Men’s Basketball Staff updated the members on the status of the team and Jeremy Smith of the Garnet Trust addressed the membership and provided an update on the formation, purpose and needs of the Garnet Trust.
Meeting was called to order by Tommy Thompson, President, at 10:27am. Absent Directors were: Travis Jackson, Janelle Beckham and Linda Griffith.
Members present were: Mike and Darlene McManus Brian and Gina Smith
Tony Brown Chip Farris
Melissa Jackson David Griffith
Patti and Archie Horne Patrick and Susan Hill
Woody and Vivian Gregory Earl Evans
Carlos Gonzalez Richard Chiariello
Rudy and Susie Gardner Bubba Farris
Macon and Debbie Albertson Tommy Thompson
A quorum was established based on the above members present.
Mike McManus reminded everyone to pay dues as they are due for the coming year.
Minutes from the 2022 Annual Meeting were approved as distributed with Woody Gregory making a Motion to Approve Minutes as presented. Patti Horne seconded the Motion. Membership approved.
Treasurers Report was provided by Mike McManus for Travis Jackson, Treasurer. Balance at the beginning of September was $1885. Current balance is $1764. Website and domain expense in September of $121.
Membership totals 58 families with 9 new families. New members Carlos Gonzales and Patrick and Susan Hill were present.
National FMCA Director, Woody Gregory, reported that the FMCA meeting held in Wyoming was not able to hold the meeting as planned due to low attendance and lack of a quorum. Temporary members were added in order meet quorum and the meeting was then held. Mr. Gregory reminded the membership of the Rally held in Perry, Georgia annually and the wealth of information available at such an event.
Mr. McManus reminded everyone of banners and decals available for purchase from Mr. Jackson.
Mr. McManus reported that social media was still active and urged everyone to visit. He stated the website “disappeared” for a while – reason unknown – but Ms Beckham has been working to restore the website and requested pictures to post on the website.
Mr. McManus stated an activity schedule has been sent out for upcoming games and reminders would be sent out closer to event date.
Mr. McManus provided information on additional motorhome/camper parking. Key Road lot is available for a fee. Information he has, is the fairgrounds parking is sold out for the season. Please contact Mr. McManus should you wish to obtain more information on parking. He reminded everyone that the Gamecock Cruisers receives funds from the fee charged.
November 4th will be the Annual Cookout and Trick or Treat. More information will be sent out.
Motion to adjourn made by Darlene McManus and seconded by Tony Brown.
Meeting adjourned at 10:40am.
Respectfully submitted,
Gina Smith
Darlene McManus
Gamecock Cruisers
These RV owners gather at University of South Carolina football and baseball games.
BY PEGGY JORDAN, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Among the FMCA chapters created to support college sports, such as the Hokie Travelers for Virginia Tech and Sooner Coaches for the University of Oklahoma, is the Gamecock Cruisers. This chapter focuses on the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. You can recognize many of its members from the 1’ x 4’ Go Cocks ladder banners attached to the back of their Motorhomes, 5th wheels and travel trailers. Chapter president Mike McManus, one of the group's founders, said members have all kinds of backgrounds and are not necessarily alumni or parents of students. Additionally, they don’t necessarily live near the school in Columbia, South Carolina, either. “We have members in Florida, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia . . . . We’re diverse.” The only focus is to cheer on those Gamecocks. The Chapter slogan is “Where Fans become Friends.”
The Gamecock Cruisers were also one of the first FMCA chapters to actively recruit Affiliate FMCA members with tow behinds into its chapter and continue to promote the benefits of FMCA membership to all RV owners. Between 35 and 40 member families belong to the chapter, and they welcome more to join in the fun. This group meets at football games and baseball games, as well as other random South Carolina sporting events. They enjoy a rare benefit during home games, too: Many members are able to take advantage of full hookups, which are offered at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds near the stadium. Most weekends the chapter activities will include a social or group breakfast before the Saturday football games. The chapter was formed in 2009, and was recently awarded its five-year certificate by FMCA Southeastern President Jim Duncan at a Chapter breakfast. 2009….only a couple of years before the football team began having great success.
South Carolina enjoyed school record 11 wins for the 2011, 2012, and 2013 seasons. As of this writing, the 2014 team was off to a shakier start, but that doesn't matter to Mike and other hard-core Gamecocks fans. “See, people forget we were supporters when we were zero and 11,” Mike said. “When South Carolina won one game in two years.” Gamecock Cruisers have traveled together to many away games. The RV’ers have acquired so much firsthand information about parking options near opponents’ fields that they provide it for a USC supporters’ publication called Spurs & Feathers. Mike said they inform others about away-game parking for RVs, cars and Handicap parking at the various venues, so people know ahead of time what to look out for. "Parking info does change from year to year,” he explained. They’ve also supported the team by passing out "rally towels" at Bowl venues for Gamecocks fans to twirl around during the game. After football season is over, the Gamecocks’ baseball season starts up, running from mid February to through the playoffs.
The Gamecocks won National championships in Baseball in 2010 and 2011, and were runners up in 2012. Gamecock Cruisers were in Omaha to support their team. In addition, each April brings a major chapter rally when members attend the annual Garnet and Black Spring Game, which heralds the end of spring football practice. Annual Chapter dues are $10. For more information, visit the chapter Web site, www.gamecockcruisers.com. You can also look them up on Facebook (Gamecock-Cruisers), or follow them on Twitter (@GCockCruisers). You can also contact Mike directly at [email protected].
For general information about FMCA chapters, contact the Chapter Services Department at (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622; [email protected]. If you would like your chapter to be featured in this column, contact FMC associate editor Peggy Jordan, (800) 543-3622, ext. 212; [email protected]. FMC
Giving at South Carolina
Direct your gift. Choose the fund(s) and program(s) that mean the most to you, and make your gift any amount. Every gift opens doors to educational excellence and student achievement, thanks to donors like you!
For general information regarding NIL with the University of South Carolina please click NIL button below:
For general information regarding Garnet Trust please click the Garnet Trust button below:
For general information on becoming a member of the Gamecock Club please click the Gamecock Club button below:
For general information on becoming a member of the Gamecock Club please click the Gamecock Club button below:
For general information on donations directly to the University of South Carolina please click the USC button below:
For general information on donations directly to the University of South Carolina please click the USC button below: