Sequoyah performance vamps up annual homecoming celebration
USC Homecoming’s annual Cockfest brought more than 100 students out to Greene Street for a mixed atmosphere of the week’s “Rockin’ the Garnet and Black” theme and some laid-back Southern rock from Sequoyah (which recently dropped “Prep School” from its name.)
Mic Man, USC cheerleaders and Cocky ushered in the evening with the usual Gamecock cheers and a round of “Sandstorm,” followed by the awards of the week for the most spirited participating organizations. Alpha Delta Pi sorority claimed this year’s service award as well as first place with teammate Beta Theta Pi fraternity in Thursday’s Spurs and Struts competition. Gamma Phi Beta sorority took the Spirit of Carolina award, and Alpha Delta Pi, Kappa Delta and Sigma Nu were all recognized for placement in the Canned Creations competition.
This year’s Cockfest also featured the finalists of the first Carolina’s No. 1 Fan YouTube video contest. Second-year public relations student CJ Lake took the title (and won a free tailgate from Buffalo Wild Wings, this year’s homecoming sponsor) with her YouTube video, filmed at the Russell House with Student Body Vice President Emily Saleeby.
The actual homecoming pep rally came to a quick conclusion to make stage room for Florence-based band Sequoyah, brought to Cockfest by Carolina Productions. CP president Lee McKagen said this is the first year since the formation of the Homecoming Committee that CP has brought a band to the event.
“They were looking to change up how they do Cockfest, so we wanted to bring out a regional band to maintain that South Carolina spirit,” said McKagen, a fourth-year hospitality management student.
Sequoyah kept the rest of the evening relaxed and light with some of its most well-known tunes, including “Holy City,” “Magnolia” and “About Rain.” First-year political science student Adam DuBard came to the event to check out his hometown band, which he described as a mix between Matchbox Twenty and Hootie & the Blowfish.
“I’ve seen them play in their own backyard. They’re really good, and a lot of students already know them,” DuBard said.
Students contentedly lingered around the stage until the end of the set. Saleeby was impressed by the ability of this year’s to bring together all types of students — Student Council members, Greeks and non-Greeks alike.
“I think this year, Cockfest was a whole new event,” said Saleeby, a third-year business student. “It’s a great way to get more students together besides those directly involved in Homecoming.”