Columbia hits the 800,000 population mark, according to census
Columbia became the second-largest metropolitan area in SC after the population reached and surpassed 800,000 in 2014, according to the United States Census Bureau estimates released last Thursday.
From July 1, 2013 to July 1, 2014, an additional 8,000 people moved to Columbia, raising the population by 1 percent from 792,422 to 800,495.
Even though the Columbia metro area is second to the tri-city area of Greenville, Anderson and Mauldin, the city of Columbia is the largest in the state, with 133,358 residents.
Gamecock Football team kicks off first spring scrimmage
The Gamecocks returned to the gridiron last Saturday, where they proceeded to make their first 14 passes of the preseason, signaling a positive start to 2015.
“We wanted all the quarterbacks to get to pitch it around a bit,” head coach Steve Spurrier said. “I wanted each of them to get at least ten throws, so [this] was pretty good practice for the quarterbacks.”
“Everybody, I think, played well on offense,” junior quarterback Perry Orth said. “It was a good day.”
Orth led the passers with 80 yards while completing seven of his nine attempts.
Complementing Orth were redshirt quarterbacks Connor Mitch and Michael Scarnecchia, who completed six of eleven passes totaling 74 yards and an interception and nine of twelve passes and totaling 72 yard, respectively.
“This was, I think, some good work for all of them.” Spurrier said.
Out of the Darkness Walk surpasses donation goal of $5,000
On Sunday afternoon, walkers flocked outside Russell House in order to participate in the USC Out of the Darkness Campus Walk, where they surpassed the $5,000 donation goal.
The walk’s main goal is to raise awareness and funds to continue new research, create new educational programs, advocate for public policies and also support the survivors of suicide loss.
According to the AFSP website, the organization has been able to set the goal to reduce the national annual suicide rate by 20 percent by 2025.
“Every year suicide claims more lives than war, murder, and natural disasters combined, and yet suicide prevention doesn't get anywhere near the funding given to other leading causes of death,” according to the AFSP website. “It's up to Walkers like us to make a difference."